Scéal Dún-na-nGall ar an Idirlíon / County Donegal on the Net News News Vol.8 No.4 April, 2007    Holiday In Donegal in 2007!

Exciting Marine Archaeology Discovery off the Donegal Coast Divers from Inishfree Charters in Burtonport, Co. Donegal have reported the discovery of a large unrecorded wooden wreck off the West Donegal coast. The find was made by Mr. Liam Miller of Inishfree Charters and three local divers. Liam Miller said they were on a recreational dive when they noticed large bronze nails on the seabed. The wreck is thought to be several hundred years old yet large sections of the hull around the keel are still intact. Mr. Miller said "Some of the timbers are covered with what appears to be ballast stone and a twenty meter section of keel and hull timbers are visible. The timber is in good condition which may be as a result of it having been covered with sand until recently. The size of the timbers indicates a large vessel and the fact that they were fastened with bronze implies that the wreck may be very old indeed". The find has been reported to the Department of the Environment underwater section which has responsibility for the protection of historic wrecks and Liam Miller hopes that it can be protected under Irish Marine law. "Our main concern is that action is taken to establish the precise age of the wreck and place it under the protection of the historic monuments Acts. Without this protection it is certain that the wreck will be at the mercy of unscrupulous souvenir hunters. If it is shown that the wreck is significant and can be protected it will add to the attraction of West Donegal for shore and marine based tourism." For further information email or telephone Inishfree Charters on 0862209508. Doherty Hails Historic Agreement There has been widespread welcome for the agreement between Sinn Féin and the DUP on the establishment of the Executive under the Good Friday Agreement. Donegal Cllr Pearse Doherty said: "The agreement between the DUP and Sinn Féin on the establishment of the Executive under the Good Friday Agreement is a hugely important and welcome development. It has the potential to open up a new era in the politics of this island. There is a special obligation on the Irish and British governments to ensure that the Executive is fully supported and that it has the resources to do its job." New Census Statistics on Donegal Donegal county's population has increased by almost 10,000 in the last four years, a 7% per cent increase which brings the county's population up to 147,264 persons including 41,638 single men and 36,163 single females. The census revealed that Donegal has the second highest number of vacant houses in the country, currently standing at 27% per cent, due largely to the number of holiday homes. Out of Donegal's total population 57,159 are married and 1885 are divorced. This is in keeping with national statistics which show that divorce increased by 70% per cent between 2002 and 2006. For further census information see the Central Stastics Office. Pan Celtic and An tOireachtas festivals The Pan Celtic and An tOireachtas festivals will take place in Letterkenny from Tuesday 10th to Sunday 15th April with performers and musicians coming from the six nations, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany and Ireland. Comhcheiliúradh ar oidhreacht shaibhir chultúrtha na sé náisiún Ceilteacha atá i gceist le Féile Pan-Cheilteach. Trí mheán na féile, tarraingítear le chéile na tíortha sin - Éire, Alba, Cymru, Kernow, Breizh agus Mannin. For a full timetable of events see Pan Celtic Festival Francis Makemie Summer School A Peace and Reconciliation funded Summer School to remember Francis Makemie is being held in the Mount Errigal Hotel on the weekend of 27th -29th April 2007. The programme features a mixture of local history and genealogy with seminars lead by local historians Helen Meehan and John McCavitt; Paddy Fitzgerald from the Ulster American Folk Park and James McConnell from the University of Ulster; Colin Brooks and William Roulston, both eminent genealogists from the United States and Northern Ireland will also be in attendence. A Ulster Scots Heritage Trail of East Donegal is also garnering much interest with ticket sales outstripping everything else! For further information see Francis Makemie Summer School. Donegal News on Air News from Ireland can be heard in Pennslyvannia on 'Echoes of Erin' WEDO 810FM on Sundays from 1.00-2.00pm and online at Echoes of Erin. The show is running for 19 years and is hosted by Diane Byrnes, former Grand Marshal of the Pittsburgh St Patrick's Day Parade and the doyen of everything Irish in Pittsburgh. If you want your Irish Goods or Services to reach the Pittsburgh Irish then advertise on 'Echoes of Erin' by emailing . If you are in Sydney you can listen to Sydney Irish Radio 107.3FM on Sundays from 7.30 to 9.00am local time (see Sydney Irish Radio) while Brisbane listeners can catch the Irish show on 4EB 98.1 FM with Patricia Sharkey's 'View from the Hills' on Saturdays between 12.30 and 1.30pm. Inishowen’s Lost village The hunt is on to locate an ancient ring fort near Tullydish bridge outside Buncrana which was marked on the 1905 Ordnance Survey maps but which has since disappeared. The Buncrana Environmental Alliance recently found an old well in the area and they now hope to find the ancient ring fort. Donegal County Council Archaeologist Paula Harvey is helping Buncrana Environmental Alliance to locate the fort. Holiday Houses and Cottages available for Rent in Donegal Aonach Ceardaíochta na Cásca Beid Aonach Ceardaíochta na Cásca ar siúl in Ionad Naomh Pádraig Dobhar ar an Satharn an 7ú lá de Aibreán ona 11 i.n go dtí 6.00 i.n. Tá fáilte roimh dhuine ar bith ar mhaith leo stalla a ghlacadh ar cíos ar an lá chus carraí a dhíol leis an phobal. Tá ruilleadh colais ar fail ó Mháire 074-9532949 no cuir ríomh phist ar . Oideachais do Thiomanaí óga Beidh cúrsa oideachais do thiomanaí óga, ar thiomaist agus sabhaltacht bóithre a reachtáil in Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhart, ar toiseacht ar 7ú Aibreán, 11.00 go 1.00pm. Beidh púirt den chúrsa seo dirithe ar a 'Theory Test' agus beidh ceacht tiomana ar fáil ag deireadh an chúrsa do na ranupháirtithe uilig. Ma tá suim agat a bheith páirteach sa chúrsa seo, cur glaoch ar Mháire ag 074-9532949 no cuir ríomh phost ar . 'Amongst Friends' John McGahern Library Film Online On November 9th 2006, almost seven months after the death of John McGahern, a large crowd of friends and neighbours gathered to celebrate the opening of a library named after him in The Lough Rynn Castle Hotel near his beloved Mohill, Co. Leitrim. Filmmaker and screenwriter Ronan Gallagher captured the day's events on camera and the resulting short film 'Amongst Friends' beautifully captures the mood and sentiment of the day with a wonderful soundtrack from traditional Irish band Kila, To mark the first anniversary of John's passing, Gallagher's film 'Amongst Friends' is now available to watch for free over the Internet at Lough Rynn.ie. Madeline McGahern, presented the library with signed first editions of John's books which are kept on permanent display. Country Markets Country Market will open again in the Ozanam Centre, Dunfanghy every Saturday from 11 to 12 noon, beginning Saturday April 7th. There you will find homemade breads, cakes and buns, jams and chutneys, delicious soups, quiches and pastries, vegetables, flowers and beddings plants, free range eggs and much more. High quality crafts such as knitwear, cards and jewellery will also be on offer. Index of the Best Websites on Irish Stuff - Online Ten Years! Easter Commemorations Sinn Féin's Chief Negotiator and Deputy First Minister designate, Martin McGuinness MP, MLA, will deliver the keynote address at the Easter Sunday's annual Drumboe Commemoration. 84 years on, Drumboe remains one of the seminal events in the county's role during the struggle for national freedom. In November 1922 four Republican soldiers, Charlie Daly (26), Daniel Enright (23), Timothy O'Sullivan (23) and Sean Larkin (26) were captured at Dun Luiche, were subject to Court Martial and sentenced to death, before being executed by a Free State firing squad on March 14th, 1923 at Drumboe Castle, Stranorlar. The legacy of Drumboe still resonates in the tragic history of Ireland's struggle. For specific information about the Drumboe Commemoration, contact Chief Steward, Councillor Gerry McMonagle on 086 0637990. The Inishowen Commemoration will take place at 12.00 noon on Easter Sunday, gathering at Cockhill Park, to be addressed by Sinn Féin's Donegal North East representative, Councillor Padraig Mac Lochlainn. The Letterkenny Commemoration will take place at 11.00 am on Easter Sunday in Aughnashinan, Abbey Cemetry, to be addressed by Letterkenny Town Councillor Gerry McMonagle. The Gaoth Dobhair Commemoration will take place at 12.15 pm on Easter Sunday, gathering at Derrybeg chapel, to be addressed by Sinn Fein's Donegal South West representative, Councillor Pearse Doherty. Irish Classes Irish Classes continue in the Pollan Beach Hotel, Ballyliffen every Tuesday at 7pm. All levels of Irish are catered for so come along and enjoy the craic.

James Byrne who will be performing at Feile Ealaion Traidisiunta Ghleann Cholm Cille 8-13th April  ©2007 Feile Ealaion Traidisiunta Ghleann Cholm Cille Ceol sa Ghleann is a traditional arts project based in Glencolmcille. Established in the early 90's it aims to secure the survival of the great musical traditions of South West Donegal and, in particular, Glencolmcille's longstanding fiddle tradition, through a programme of classes, workshops and events throughout the year. Central to the initiative is local fiddler James Byrne, a native of Glencolmcille, and considered one of Ireland's leading fiddlers. Carrying on the tradition Ceol sa Ghleann especially promotes the involvement of young people in traditional arts to ensure the continuation of traditional music song and dance as elements of contemporary Irish culture. Féile Ealaíon Traidisiúnta Ghleann Cholm Cille, a week-long festival held annually at Easter in Glencolmcille which brings together a wealth of local talent and visiting artists for a celebration of Donegal music, song and dance. For this year's festival, Sunday the 8th through Friday the 13th April, the organisers are proud to bring three old friends together: Tommy Peoples and Danny Meehan will join James Byrne for a series of workshops and recitals, culminating in a special Donegal Fiddle Concert in Halla Mhuire, Glencolmcille, on Wednesday, April 11th at 8pm. This is a great opportunity to hear three legendary exponents of the Donegal style of fiddle playing. Other festival events include daily fiddle classes for all levels Monday through-Friday. Fiddle Master Classes by Tommy Peoples and James Byrne on Mon, Wed and Fri are suitable for advanced players only and prior booking is essential. All Ireland champion Maire ni Choilm, a sean-nos singer from Gweedore and Patricia Flynn from Armagh, will give traditional song workshops Mon through Wed. Maire Ni Choilm will also perform at the festival Opening Concert “Ceol sa Ghleann” on Sunday 8th at 8pm in Halla Mhuire. Dance workshops held on Thursday and Friday include Donegal Two Hand dances, Ceili Dancing as well as Sean-nos step-dancing with Brian Cunningham, a young Oireachtas champion from Connemara. Brian who only recently performed at the St Patrick’s Day Concert in the National Concert Hall will be the special guest at the final concert of the week, “Carrying on the Tradition” on Friday 13th at 8pm which showcases young musicians from Donegal. Participants can be assured of both instruction of the highest quality, as well as the opportunity to hear first-hand some of the great players in the Donegal tradition. Final Registration for classes and workshops will be Sunday 8th April between 6-7 pm in Cashel N.S. followed by the Festival Opening Concert “Ceol sa Ghleann” at 8pm in Halla Mhuire with local artists and special guest Mairie Ni Choilm. For more information about Feile Ealaíon Traidisiúnta Ghleann Cholm Cille please email or phone 087 287 3576. Click Here for Vintage Style Gaelic Football & Hurling T-Shirts Delivered World Wide Wise Woman Weekend A weekend of learning, discovery, celebration and fun for women of all ages will take place on May 25th to 27th, 2007 in Dromahair, Co Leitrim. This is a time for you...a time to share your story and be validated. A time to mother yourself and be mothered. This is a gathering of women on the journey to becoming a wise woman. A gathering of Goddesses, defined as women coming together to share their knowledge. For full details including what past participates have to say, log onto Wise Woman Ireland or call Alex at 071 964 3963 for a brochure. Clonmany Tug-o-War Clonmany Tug-o-war Club will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday April 3rd at 8pm in the Clubhouse. The Club is holding a 5-a-side Indoor Tug-o-war in The Strand Hotel on Friday April 6th. Weigh in is at 7pm with the first pull set for 8:30pm. Weights categories are as follows: 375kgs. Div. 1 & Div. 2. 425kgs. Ladies. All proceeds in aid of Donegal Diabetic Association. Campaign to Save Tara The Campaign to Save Tara has warmly welcomed the High Court action taken by An Taisce against the Minister for Transport and the National Roads Authority. The Campaign claims that much needed improvements and upgrades to National routes, as well as the promised by-passes, are stalled by the M3 proposal because of the contractual restrictions placed on Meath County Council by the PPP funding mechanism. The Campaign expressed dismay that Justice Kelly, who heard the application, cited the danger of jeopardizing commercial negotiations between the NRA and private consortiums, as a reason for refusing to grant permission for An Taisce's challenge. In a statement Michael Canney from the Campaign to Save Tara said; 'We would have hoped that the historical and cultural importance of the Tara complex and the urgency in preventing any further destruction, would take precedence over any commercial concerns.' Recently in the Tara Valley, an ancient burial ground, comprising of stone-built underground chambers, has been dismantled and removed from Rowestown. The National Monument at Rath Lugh has been damaged. The archaeological digs have expanded to such an extent that the whole proposed route south of the existing N3 has become one huge site. The Discovery Programme, a state funded research effort undertaken in 1995, described the Tara landscape as 'a mosaic of monuments'. This was rejected by the NRA before archaeology began. Archeological works are now concentrated at Lismullen, and there is speculation that a major new discovery has been made at this location. For further information see Save Tara. Eco-Friendly Beauty Products direct from Ireland Sult Beidh an chéad Sult eile ar siúl Déardaoin na seachtaine seo, 5 Aibreán. Beidh an club ar siúl mar is gnách sa Bull and Castle, in aice le Jurys Inn, Teampall Chríost. Osclóidh na doirse ar 9.00 p.m. agus tosóidh an ceol beo gan mhoill ina dhiaidh sin. Seo iad aíonna na seachtaine seo: Grúpa tí Sult; An t-amhránaí Andrew Murray, iarbhall den ghrúpa De Danann (www.whitecowmusic.com); An giotáraí Angel (ceol flamenco agus stíleanna eile Spáinneacha); An rapper Gaeilge MC Muipéid agus a leathbhádóir Jimmy an DJ. Eolas breise faoi na haíonna le fáil ag: Club Sult. The next Sult will take placeon the 5th of April. The event will be held in the usual venue: upstairs in the Bull and Castle, beside Jurys Inn, Christ Church. The doors will open at 9.00 p.m. and the live music will start shortly after that time. This week’s guests: The Sult house band; Andrew Murray, former member of De Danann; Guitarist Angel; Irish language rapper MC Muipéid and his partner Jimmy the DJ. More information about guests at Club Sult. Clonmany Agricultural Show Clonmany Agriculture Show 25 card drive continues every Monday night in The Ballyliffin Hotel at 8:30pm. The Clonmany Show committee will hold their Annual Card Drive on Friday April 6 in The Ballyliffin Hotel at 8:30pm. There will be €1,000 in prize money. €10 per round. Refreshments will be served on the night.

News Index         This Newsletter is free from © Donegal County.com & Dún na nGall.com 1997-2007 If you have news to contribute email About this Site    Arts and Crafts    Books    Contact Us    News    Education        Environment History    Genealogy    Guestbook    General Information    Gaeilge    Holidays    Media    Music Places to Visit    Property    Projects    Services    Shopping    Sport    Towns & Islands    Writers