5 MINUTES WITH - BETTINA LINKE

Bettina Linke is originally from East Germany but has been living locally with her three cats for the past twelve years. Her son, David is studying physics and astrophysics at Maynooth. During the day job, Bettina answers phones for Keith Prowse in Lisfannon, but her free time is spent delving into our local history. Her passion, enthusiasm and energy for the preservation of local historical monuments is inspiring and she shares her knowledge on her website, Unknown Swilly. She also writes a blog keeping readers up to date on heritage sites. A keen photographer, Bettina’s website and blog are full of her beautiful local images

What music do you like?
I enjoy listening to Bob Dylan and Kila. Kila are an Irish traditional band with Eastern European influences. I grew up with music and most of it had lyrics in English. I didn’t have a clue what they were singing about but it didn’t take away my enjoyment.

What would you never throw away?
My stubbornness and independence.

What book are you reading?
I don’t really read novels or works that include fictitious people anymore. I have piles of reference books, everything from, history, heritage, archaeology and lost civilisations. I also have books by Harry Percival Swan and Mabel R Colhoun, they are invaluable.

What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was young there was a lot of concrete jungle development work in Eastern Germany and we used to play in the large concrete pipes on the building sites. We would head out in the morning with our lunchbox full of goodies for the day.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
The last film I went to see was Lord of the Rings, Fellowship of the Rings. It was right up my street, I loved their long swords.

What is your idea of a good night out?
I had a ball during the O’Doherty clan meetings as I found myself in the massive conference room at the Lake of Shadow hotel packed to the rafters with people interested in heritage and history. Since this medieval dinner is only held every five years, I fill the gap in between listening to live music sessions and great musicians around the bars around Inishowen.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
More embarrassing than filling in this questionnaire?

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Midsomer Murders, Babylon 5 and Star Trek. There are still episodes I haven’t seen.

How do you relax?
Walking in the countryside around Inishowen. You can nearly fall over the historic sites that we have. If you find an early church ruin, you can bet that there was an older settlement there before. Take Carrowmore for example, the stones there would have probably been from a monastery and originally come from the Stone Age. The ancient builders were great recyclers…

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
I would love to travel into outer space, as long as there was a smoking room.

Your idea of heaven?
Inishowen bathed in sunshine for weeks and having time to enjoy it.

Your idea of hell?
Marriage…

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
The builders of Grianan, a representative from the Office of Public Works involved in the “Restoration”, and so they have company I would also invite Cahir Rua, Eoghan, from where Inishowen gets it’s name and the Minister for the Environment.

Favourite animal?
Cats. I have three, Setanta, Odin and Trouble, who lives up to her name.

What couldn’t you live without?
My son.

Biggest fear?
Losing him.

Biggest thrill?
The last thrill was just a few days ago, I had the opportunity to see and go into a newly discovered underground chamber (Souterrain) in the north of the peninsula.. These tunnels are rich in heritage. I am sure there are more thrills to come.

The world’s most irritating inventions?
Bureaucracy and plastic.

What is your idea of a good night in?
A “Plotting session” with my best friend Ann over a bottle of wine or two. The idea for the tourist shop on Buncrana pier came from one of them.

Biggest disappointment?
When people (myself included) give up their hopes and dreams.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
Between 5000BC and 500AD. I would like to have been at Greenan Hill every time a new structure was built. I suppose I would need a time machine…

World’s most useful invention?
The Internet. I couldn’t do research without it. I use it to get onto the Celt website and the collection of old manuscripts called The Annals of the Four Masters, an invaluable document that was published and printed in Donegal town in 1604.

What do you have for breakfast?
Coffee, coffee and more coffee and anything else that I can grab.

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
The best was from my mother. A man can eat everything but doesn’t have to know everything. The worst: Say nothing.

Personal philosophy?
Find out who and what you are and what you want then don’t let anyone tell you different.

GREENCASTLE MARITIME MUSEUM ROCKET LAUNCH

There are several videos to choose from: CHECK THEM ALL OUT HERE

5 MINUTES WITH - EDDIE IVERS

Eddie Ivers lives in Dunaff on the outskirts of Clonmany with his wife Kathleen. He has two children, Katrina and Phillip and one grandson, Lennon. Eddie has been working at the recycling centre in Carndonagh since it opened eight years ago and is part of a team that has countrywide recognition for running a highly efficient centre. Before this he was a fisherman for 15 years and remembers vividly in 1983, when he and his four crewmembers were drifting in a fishing boat for five days on the Atlantic after engine failure. A light aircraft piloted by Captain O’Sullivan found the ship floating towards America.

One thing you remember about being rescued?
We eagerly opened the food aid parcels, looking for cigarettes. All of us smoked and we had spent four days puffing away on rolled up newspapers and dried tea leaves. We were relieved to be found but still had to wait until we hit dry land for a smoke…

What music do you like?
Most Country and Western music. I enjoy bands you can dance to, Big Tom and the Mainliners, Joe Dolan, the Drifters and bands like Dickie Rock. Most of them have played at the Plaza in Buncrana at some time

What would you never throw away?
Money, it’s a very precious commodity.

One memory from the 1970’s
In July and August there was a marquee that set up in towns around the peninsula and used to have big bands playing. They were really good fun and great nights dancing

What are you reading?
I keep in touch with events through the local papers.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I always enjoyed playing football. When I was young the emphasis at the Urris School I went to was more on Hurling and Gaelic though.

Have you been to the cinema recently?
I used to go to the pictures when I was courting. I have been married for 35 years now so you can do the maths. I prefer to dance than sit watching a screen.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The back pages. I love all sport, especially football.

What is your idea of a good night out?
A few friends, go out for a meal, drinks and a meal. The Rusty Nail is not too far away and they do great food.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I have the Discovery channel and being an old fisherman I enjoy the Deadliest Catch. It’s filmed over three weeks in the Bearing Sea near Russia and it’s the challenge of getting the crab catch in.

How do you relax?
Watching the telly, usually sport, and a wee brandy after dinner.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be a professional football player. I did play a bit when I was younger and lived in Luton, England. I played the Monarch Airways team on Saturdays and on Sunday I played for a Catholic team called Sacred Hearts.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Probably America again. I have a lot of friends in Boston and it’s always great to catch up.

Your idea of heaven?
When I am at work, my idea of heaven is for everyone to put their recycling items in the correct containers and to keep the depot tidy. I don’t like to see litter anywhere, especially on the streets.

Your idea of hell?
Working underground. When I worked in England I worked in the London underground building the tunnels and in those days it was all done by hand. I worked on Oxford Circus and Victoria station. I had a big shovel and dug muck all day.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
George Best. I saw a lot of him when he played in the first division. There is still no one like him.

Favourite animal?
A dog. I have a Collie that we call Collie and he comes shooting with me, he’s a good gun dog.

What couldn’t you live without?
My car. It gets me to work every day.

Biggest fear?
I don’t really have any fears now. I did when I was young though. I remember being told by my mother that I shouldn’t go up to a particular house because there were men with coffins. It kept me indoors for a while….

Biggest thrill?
Being found after 5 days being lost at sea in the fishing boat.

What is your idea of a good night in?
Good company, a bottle of wine and a brandy nightcap

Do you have a hobby?
I am refereeing for the Inishowen League. At the moment I am taking part in the Youth Tournament in Clonmany.

Biggest disappointment?
I am pretty happy go lucky and tend to brush aside any disappointment.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
It seems a bit strange but the 1940’s. There wasn’t a lot to go around and everyone pulled together in an unselfish way. Maybe with the downturn in the economy, we might see it again.

World’s most useful invention?
The electric kettle. We would be lost without it for making the tea at break time.

What do you have for breakfast?
Cereal, usually Weetabix and then nothing until 10 am, than it’s time to break out the sandwiches.

Personal philosophy?
Be cautious when making big decisions.

NEWTOWNCUNNINGHAM AND MANORCUNNINGHAM EDITORIAL

The Cunningham Connection

Both Newton and Manorcunningham take their name from the Cunningham families, who were originally from Kilbirnie, Ayrshire in Scotland. In 1610 King James the first gave the orders for the plantation of Ulster and issued land rights for huge areas of land that had been confiscated from Irish owners. Ludovic Lennox, the Duke of Lennox, who was a Scottish nobleman and a relative of King James, was given 20,000 acres on condition that the land was settled by British farmers. He needed ambitious and hard working individuals and the predominant clan in his area were the Cunninghams. John Cunningham was given 1,000 acres close by and a little to the north in the lands known as Burt. He established New Town Cunningham naming it in keeping with a fashion of the time, which saw the establishment of the modern towns of Newtown Stewart and NewtownButler. The old settlement is at the lower end of the village.

James Cunningham was given 2000 acres of prime farmland in the lands of Machrimore (meaning large plain), and he was charged with tenanting his lands with loyal settlers, organising the defence of the land and establishing a manor. He took over a long abandoned castle, rebuilt it and added a wall in case of attack. A manor house was built close to the castle and local services established such as a blacksmith. This central settlement lives on as Manorcunningham, although there seems to be no trace of the original buildings. Just down the hill of Manorcunningham is the shore of the Swilly and a small tidal river where boats would have put in to land and load cargoes. Settlers had the right to fish and there were great numbers of fish in those days. The land is good farming land and produces cereals, spuds and both beef and dairy cattle.


Burt Castle Ghost Story
Burt Castle, 2.5 km from Newtoncunningham has a commanding view of the surrounding countryside, standing as it does two hundred feet above Lough Swilly. It was built in the time of Henry VIII and documents exist granting the castle and its lands to Hugh Boy O’Doherty. With Sir Cahir O’Doherty’s rebellion in 1608 the castle was captured by the English and was held as a garrison point for several years. Its air of menace may have something to do with the several bloody battles fought during its history.

There is a story told of a young girl from the neighbouring area who became pregnant. The man responsible, a kinsman of the O’Doherty, refused to marry her. That night, while the full moon shone, she paced, distraught, along the water’s edge. Several swans swam towards her, calling to her in a plaintive way. When they swam away she waded into the cold waters of Loch Swilly and drowned.

Intent on avenging his daughter’s death, her father tricked his way into the castle and crept up the turnpike staircase in the southwest tower. The man lay asleep in the vaulted mural chamber on the first floor and while he slept the girl’s father stabbed him with his long knife and threw his body from the window.

On several occasions, when the moon is full, the swans congregate at the point closest to Burt Castle and set up a cacophony of wailing. The ghostly figure of a young girl is seen drifting into the water until she gradually fades beneath the waves.
At the base of the castle walls there is a certain patch of grass that withers when the swans weep. It is said that this is the exact spot where the body of the man who wronged the innocent girl fell.

BLANKET NOOK-Wildfowl Sanctuary

Next to Newton there is a small pier for fishermen and the sea wall at Blanket Nook protects the flat drained lands and provides many acres of high quality farm land. The lake is a wildfowl sanctuary and a popular local place to walk, fish and relax. For many years this area suffered from the use of shotguns but since has been declared a wildfowl sanctuary with both numbers and varieties of species increasing. Large numbers of birds commute to and from the Nook, Greylag and White fronted geese are regular, and other species such as Shoveler, and Gadwall are frequently seen.Other species such as Scaup, Goldeneye, Great Crested grebe, Pintail and Red breasted Merganser are recorded in good numbers. Other rare birds recorded here include Slavonian Grebe, Goosander, Smew, Surf Scoter and Lesser Scaup.

St Peter’s Bark
Drivers on the N13 to Letterkenny may notice the beautiful ship shaped church as they bypass Newton. St Peter’s Bark was opened in 1999, with much of the thanks going to Father O’Doherty, who oversaw the demolition of the existing church and the construction of this original building. The ship is an ancient Christian symbol of the Church being tossed on the sea of disbelief, worldliness, and persecution but finally reaching safe harbour with its cargo of human souls. The significance for the Newton church was for the Roman Catholic faith sailing into the third millennium.

Lifestart
Newton has an active community sector including a parent and toddler group and a community playgroup. There has also been a Lifestart programme based in Newton since 1999. Lifestart is a great service open to all parents of young children (under 5), which aims empower parents to help their children reach their full potential. A family visitor will call once a month with relevant play materials for the parent and child to use and keep. The family visitor will also discuss child development issues and may provide opportunities for parents to meet up. It gives your child a great start in their education and parents find it supportive too. Lifestart visits families in Carrigans, Killea, Manorcunningham, Burt and Bridgend, as well as Newton and has recently expanded to the Buncrana area. If you would like to take part, contact Mary Walker-Callaghan on 9156644.

Did You Know?

One third of the population of Newtowncunnigham is under 14.

Newton’s population grew by over 50% between 2002 and 2006, mostly due to new commuter estates being built.

Susan Sarandon, Cyndi Lauper and Bette Middler have roots in Manorcunningham.

Newton’s railway station opened on 30th June 1883, closed for passenger traffic on 3 June 1940 and closed altogether on 10th August 1953.

During the siege of Derry, two of the apprentice boys who shut the city gates in the face of the advancing Jacobite soldiers were Cunninghams.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 28

Heaven and Hell

A big tough Samurai warrior once went to see a little monk. “Monk,” he said, in a voice accustomed to instant obedience, “Teach me about heaven and hell.”

“The monk looked up at this mighty warrior and replied with utter disdain, “Teach you about heaven and hell? I couldn’t teach you about anything. You’re dirty. You smell. Your blade is rusty. You are a disgrace, an embarrassment to the great tradition of the Samurai. Get out of my sight. I can’t stand you.”

The Samurai was furious. He shook, got all red in the face and was speechless with rage. He pulled out his sword and raised it above him, preparing to slay the monk.

“That’s hell,” said the monk softly.

The Samurai was overwhelmed. The compassion and surrender of this little man who had offered his life to give this teaching to show him hell! He slowly put down his sword, filled with gratitude and suddenly filled with peace.

“And that’s heaven,” said the little monk, softly.

ENTRIES FOR THE MOVILLE TIDY TOWNS GARDENING COMPETITION

Taoibh na Cille

Moville town

Hillary Donnelly

Sue Farren

Michael Davern

Francis Harkin

Mary Groaty

Michael Davern

Brian Gormley

Cathleen Doherty

Sarah Anne McLaughlin

Ard Foyle estate
Keith Craig
Brian Gormley


FOR TEXT GO TO GARDENING MATTERS

5 MINUTES WITH - PATRICK KEARNEY

Patrick Kearney is a published writer. His late father was from Urris, Clonmany, his mother, from Belfast, where Patrick was born and reared. He now lives in Donegal with his wife, Justine. He has been writing creatively for 25 years and runs creative writing workshops for emerging and advanced writers, and provides an additional range of support services to writers including new opportunities for publication with The Stoners’ Press. Patrick holds a Master of Arts (MA) in the Written & Verbal Arts. For more information about the writer and his work, visit: http://www.patrickkearneywriting.com/

What music do you like?
Traditional, Soul, and Blues. Particularly music and lyrics by Luke Kelly,Van Morrison, and more recently, Declan O'Rourke, who I think is the best male vocalist and singer-songwriter in Ireland today.

What would you never throw away?
Old black and white photographs of my late parents and grandparents. Black and white photos capture a mood and presence that colour ones never will, no matter how hi-tech they are produced.

What book are you reading?
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, by Ken Kesey. I watched the film the other night, almost thirty years after first seeing it, and it reinforced my thinking that the lunatics are still running the asylum.

What was your favourite childhood game?
'Knock the door', repeatedly, with a long piece of string!

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Yes, and I'm not ashamed to say, Mama Mia. Apart from the feelgood music and songs, the vibrant colours of the Greek islands were a very pleasant and much-needed contrast to a very wet Donegal ... and it's still raining!

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I don't read newspapers anymore. It's always the same grey, miserable heads that you see in them, spinning the same old bullshit! When I used to read the papers, it was usually the Death Notices I read first, to find out what wakes were on, where you were always guaranteed a good laugh. But all the old characters I knew are now dead. There's no one of interest out there anymore.

What is your idea of a good night out?
A good meal and a bottle of wine shared with my beautiful wife, Justine.

A real fun moment in your life?
My trousers falling down around my ankles on a street corner in Belfast when being roughly searched by a British soldier and accidently farting in his face when bending over to pull them up!

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Fawlty Towers.

How do you relax?
Reading a good book.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
To be a farmer like my granddad.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Cuba again ... but downtown Havana next time.

Your idea of heaven?
Sitting around a good turf fire with my parents and grandparents telling stories, singing songs, drinking tea and toasting 'Shop' bread on a long handled fork. (It would be important though, that's there would be no down draft in the chimney).

Your idea of hell?
Seeing George Bush standing inside the Pearly Gates.

What famous person would you invite around for dinner and why?
Van Morrison to sing Cyprus Avenue, Hymns To The Silence, and Country Fair in that order.

Favourite animal?
Chocolate Labrador. That's why we have six of them and at least another four to come.

What couldn't you live without?
Chilled water ... and air!

Biggest fear?
I've looked death in the face more than once. So I don't have any.

Biggest thrill?
Sex.

The world's most irritating invention?
Plastic.

What is your idea of a good night in?
An early night.

Do you have a hobby?
Weight training and punching a heavy punch bag very hard.

Biggest disappointment?
The signing of the Treaty by Michael Collins. To agree to the partition of any country and it's people is a recipe for perpetual conflict and suffering until such time that the wrong can be righted, and this seldom happens.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I'm happy to live in the times I do, though I wish that the Ireland of yesteryear would soon come back, when people had less but were more happy. The pursuit of all things material will be the end to what was once good about life in Ireland, and its people.

World's most useful invention?
Word in print.

What do you have for breakfast?
Porridge, but without the salt, and a pint of chilled water.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Whatever you say, say nothing.

A philosophy that holds merit for you?
Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 27

This beautiful poem is an invocation of the day and is thought to have been inscribed on St Patrick’s Breastplate. It is from the 8th century.

The Deer’s Cry

I arise today through the strength of Heaven,
Light of sun, radiance of moon,
Splendour of fire, speed of lightening
Swiftness of wind, depth of the sea,
Stability of earth, firmness of rock.

I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me
God’s eye to look before me.
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
From all who shall wish me ill,
Afar and a-near, alone and in a multitude,
Against every cruel, merciless power,
That may oppose my body and soul.

Christ with me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ in me
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ on my right, Christ on my left
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down
Christ when I arise, Christ to shield me
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
Christ on the tongue of everyone who speaks of me.I arise today.

5 MINUTES WITH - EDDIE

Eddie runs his company, Lough Swilly Sea Safari, from the pier at Buncrana. When I approached him for an interview, I got invited to join him on the boat for a trip around the Swilly with a group of visiting tourists. The sun was shining, so I wasted no time and jumped straight on board for what turned out to be an exhilarating and entertaining round trip of the coastline.

Eddie has been running the business for four years now and has had a lifelong interest in all things aquatic, owning his first boat in 1990. His new purpose built Rib boat is called “Dancing Wave” and seats 14 people in comfort. We visited, Fanad Head, Port Salon and Rathmullan where the visitors hit pubs and funfairs and I was able to have a wee interview with Eddie. The evening was great fun, he really is a fantastic host and his enthusiasm and party spirit are infectious. Eddie runs this exciting venture most evenings and weekends (subject to weather conditions) from April to the end of September so there is still plenty of time to get out onto the water and have some fun. If you would like more information there is a web site http://www.loughswillyseasafari.com/ or you can contact him directly on 087 2747553

What music do you like?
I enjoy listening to traditional Irish and chart music. Anything that is going really. When I am out on the boat I gear the music to the passengers. Anything from the Dubliners to Sharon Shannon, Riverdance to Club Anthems

What would you never throw away?
Rope. You never know when it will come on handy. I also hang on to photographs of the family.

What book are you reading?
Troubled waters by Dublin man Patrick Ferguson. He recounts the days before sea-faring technology along the Irish coastline. It is a great book and it is very interesting to read about when ruthless ship owners sacrificed their men in the pursuit of profit

What was your favourite childhood game?
Going out onto the Swilly on one of my fathers tractor tubes. I also made a raft near Ned’s Point and would sail out on that too.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Perfect Storm starring George Clooney. It was based on a true story, and dedicated to the ten thousand Gloucester fishermen men lost at sea since 1623.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Everyone in the group being happy, with no fall outs during the evening.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
It was a long time ago but I managed to fall over a hedge and chat up the wrong girl in a bar (I was a bit drunk and she looked like my date). You don’t like to be reminded of these things…

Have you a favourite TV programme?
There are a few good programmes on Sky. I particularly enjoyed the one about crabbing in Alaska.

How do you relax?
I relax as soon as I get on the Dancing Wave.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I have always been interested in fishing and when I was young I wanted to be a fisherman.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Inishtrahull or Tory Island are perfect destinations for a peaceful holiday.

Your idea of heaven?
The sun shining and lying in anchor near Port Ban, next to Dunree. I would be sat at the back of the boat with an icebox.

Your idea of hell?
Running out of fuel on a confused sea (that’s when you don’t know what the tide is doing), and throwing the anchor out without a rope tied to the end…

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Sarah Jessica Parker the American actor and producer and a few cast members from A Perfect Storm.

Favourite animal?
A dog. We have a 5 year old Alsatian /Collie cross called Prince. He is a lovely dog and spends a lot of his time trying to eat stones.

What couldn’t you live without?
My bed.

Biggest fear?
Having intoxicated passengers falling overboard.

Biggest thrill?
Riding over a really big wave on the boat. It’s a sea faring Rib so it could handle practically anything.

The world’s most irritating invention?
The mobile phone.

What is your idea of a good night in?
I am not in much in the summer but in winter I enjoy a good bottle of fruit wine and a warm fire.

Do you have a hobby?
My boat.

Biggest disappointment?
Boats corroding. They can break your heart sometimes. Lots of things can deteriorate because of the salt in the water.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
1500-1600 the era of the Armadas and tall ships. It would have been great to be a captain of such fine vessels.

World’s most useful invention?
The Global Positioning System (GPS) for boats. You always know exactly where you are in any weather.

What do you have for breakfast?
Porridge with half a punnet of either strawberries or blueberries. I usually throw on a banana too.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Make sure you wear a lifejacket and have plenty of fuel on board a boat. Take a mobile phone, a knife and a bottle of whiskey…

Personal philosophy
Keep it simple… Don’t fly too high.

MALIN HEAD FESTIVAL EDITORIAL 08

TOP OF THE WORLD

August 2nd saw the kick off of the Malin Head 5th Annual Festival. The Festival at the Top,as it is known, takes place not only at the most northerly part of our peninsula, but also the northernmost extremity of our island of Ireland. Visitors to Malin Head come for the experience of the wild beauty where it feels like they are standing at the edge of the world. There is a rugged, isolated beauty and Malin head is excellent for windy and winding coastal walks. Beware when walking of the large chasm in the cliffs known as Hell's Hole and there are views of the now deserted Inishtrahull Island.

FESTIVAL

The festival began back in 2004 and is a community led and community based initiative. Each year has seen more and more events and visitors as the craic is mighty. So what is happening for the rest of the week?

QUOTE

"We hope to see you back in "The Head" for the Festival at the Top 2008!"

RIGHT ON CUE

Tomorrow sees the children chalking their cues as they prepare for the Pool competition at the Seaview Tavern. Maybe there is a new Ronnie O'Sullivan in the midst?

MALIN'S GOT TALENT

On Thursday the Seaview Tavern hosts a Talent Competition. With the popularity of karaoke and the chance to show off your spoon balancing skills or your fire jugglig act we should see some budding stars emerge from the audience.

Everyone stands a chance of winning so if you are a bin man, a shy girl from next door, a young break dancer or even a small choir; get those vocal chords loosened up. I'll bet there are a few magicians there too. If you are the shy, retiring type, why not come alng for a good evening of fun.

The talent spotting doesn't end there either as you will get another chance to polish your act on Thursday the 14th when Farrens Bar pulls back their stage curtains. The star struck finalists will then head back to the Seaview Tavern on Saturday for the grand final. It promises to be a great nights entertainment and let's hope they do the same as the X Factor and bring out a few of the gallant losers too for a final medley.

FANCY A FLUTTER?

If gambling is your thing then there will be a Saturday Night at the Races, again in the Seaview Tavern. It's all in a good cause as well as the proceeds will be going to Muscular Dystrophy.

EGGHEADS UNITE

Are you a bit of an egghead? Why not exercise the grey matter and take part in the Fun Quiz on Wednesday the 13th of August. The proceeds from this fun event will be going to the Malin Head Community Association.

SPORTS

The Sports Day on Friday the 15th promises to be a challenging and enjoyable event. All age groups will be taking part and the participants have been working hard to be in top form for the event.

HAVING FUN IN THE SUDS

On the pier at 12 noon on the 16th there will be a Fun Car Wash. How exactly they will find fun washing cars, we are not sure. Maybe they will be dressed up as giant sponges and throw themselves at the cars. I'll be taking my car down there anyway as it hasn't been washed for over a year. The whole fun soaked event is in aid of the Malmar Foundation.

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

If you like a good mystery then the Treasure Hunt on Saturday 17th of August will help to end the Festival at the Top in style as you drive around Malin looking for clues. Cars will be leaving Farrens Bar at 4 pm and I you want more information you can contact Ali Farren for more information.

DID YOU KNOW...

The weather station at Mali Head (built in 1955) is an important element of the Irish meteorological service, providing weather reports for Met Eireann and official forecasts.Banba's Crown on Malin Head is Ireland's most northerly point. Banba was one of the mythical queen's of Ireland. She was the wife of king MacCuill, and the Goddess who represents the Irish spirit. She is considered to be the first settler in Ireland.

A tall derelict building known locally as The Tower was built at Malin Head in 1802 by the British Admiralty. During the second world war the small huts were built and used by the Irish Defence Forces to protect Irish neutrality.

Marconi Wireless built a radio station beside the tower in 1910. This was relocated later, to a few miles away and is now operated by the Irish Coast Guard

Inishtrahull Island (the name aptly translates to Island of the Yonder Strand) to the North East, used to have a community of over hundred men, woman and children and they were first to get pickings on local shipwrecks. There was a herd of deer living until very recently on the island, which is now home to seals and prolific bird life. ]

Below Banba's Crown to the east lies Ballyhillion beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific importance. The very distinct shorelines show the changing relationship between the sea and the land from the time the glaciers began to melt, some 15,000 years ago.The largest sand dunes in Europe are at Lagg, along the north of Trawbrega Bay.

Malin Head is one of the few places in Europe where you may hear the elusive Corn Crake.

THE ORCHARD BAR - GLENEELY

EDITORIAL FOR THE ORCHARD BAR IN GLENEELY

The Orchard bar in Gleneely is a bright and cheerful family run pub, owned for three generations by the McLaughlin’s. First Grandfather Hugh then Patsie and now Darren. The building is steeped in history and had been sympathetically modernised recently, reflecting the original character of the building in the 1930’s with a long sweeping bar leading through the three spacious, open plan rooms.

A warm welcome
It is very much home from home and as soon as you walk past the sweet smelling roses and hanging baskets at the door you are made welcome by the staff. High standards of cleanliness are needed in a place that serves food and Darren’s eye for detail in the rest rooms and bars means that all you have to do is relax and take in the old charm atmosphere. The smoking area has a pool table and even a map of Inishowen painted on to an outside wall to show visiting tourists places of interest when they decide to leave the comfort of their surroundings.

Bar Menu
A picture on the wall shows an aerial view of the village taken this year, showing that the Gleneely community has grown considerably in the recent past and the Orchard Bar has seen the number of locals increase. The choice of good quality food on the menu is a step above the usual too because on offer are wraps, baguettes, paninis and their special mouth watering 12” inch stone baked pizzas. It was also refreshing to see that the menu also caters for vegetarians.

Food is served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 5 and 10 pm. If you fancy a great breakfast The Orchard Bar does a great fry on Saturday and Sunday too.

Live music
Live music comes from bands around Donegal and Derry. Phil McCafferty from Letterkenny is playing soon and other regular are Sean Rae, The Cavanagh Brothers and Inspiration. If you don’t want to wait for the bands to come on then on the wall next to the giant bottle tops and picture of the Guinness Toucan, is a guitar. Feel free to pick it up and start singing.

Check out their bebo page

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 26

The Weed

A gardener was preparing to remove a weed that was growing right beside one of the most special plants in the garden, when he seemed to hear something similar to a voice inside the weed that said:

“No, please don’t pull me out! Let me carry on living!” The gardener was confused.

“Perhaps my imagination is playing tricks on me.” He thought, while watching the weed with astonishment. “Or perhaps this plant has something to show me. If I talk to my trees and plants, why should they not talk to me?” he asked himself.

He decided not to remove the weed even though in time it would grow until its leaves completely covered the prized plant.

One afternoon in May, a violent storm unleashed itself, and a strong hailstorm ruined a large part of the garden. After the storm, the gardener walked amongst the deformed flowers and torn leaves, grumbling with resignation about what had happened. He nearly did not dare look when he arrived at the place where the prized plant was to be found.

But to his surprise, it was still intact, while the weed that covered it lay ruined at his feet. The gardener looked with tenderness at the weed that he had tried to pull out, and thinking it over said to himself in a low voice.

“Sometimes what appears to be ugly, inharmonious and perverse performs wonderful tasks that the most beautiful of creatures would never be capable of.

From ‘The Gardener’ by Grian

5 MINUTES WITH - ADRIAN HARKIN

Adrian Harkin is an inspirational figure; up at first light every morning to greet whatever the day has in store for him and his family. Living in Moville with his wife and two daughters Kayleigh and Jessica, he has just started up a new exciting business called Just Kayak. He is fully qualified to train coaches and beginners on rivers, at sea and on surf. He does a lot of cross border work with young groups who are on holiday camps. His latest team were from Shantallow and Caw in Derry. Beginners can progress to local clubs such as the Foyle Paddlers in Prehen. He also has accommodation right on the shore at Moville for up to eight people for adventure holiday fans. For more information phone Adrian on 087 2202577 or 074 9382331 (outside of R.O.I add 003535)


What music do you like?
80’s music can be good fun. I listen to the radio a lot as well. Straight to the point Gerry Ryan is a laugh on RTE, especially when he gets two people sparring against one another. He won’t interrupt until its time for the news.

What would you never throw away?
I tend to hang on to boats – even ones that people throw out. Each one tells a story and it’s amazing how the designs have changed over the years. I have an old pair of paddles made by Alistair Wilson from Scotland.

What are you reading?
I get Canoe Focus and Playak, two very good magazines. I have also been enjoying a couple of local books on the islands of Inishtahull and Inish Murry

What was your favourite childhood sport?
Swimming. I used to practice four times a day, starting at 6:30 in the morning. I swam competitively until I was 16 and took part in the Ireland, Ulster Championships and swam in Holland and America.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
Balls of Fury with Dan Fogler and Christopher Walken. It was funny enough and the children enjoyed it.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Plenty of conversation and slagging sessions in a place without loud music. Good company and good Guinness.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I was playing a game in the swimming baths with my daughter Jessica. We call it playing sharks. It consists of me diving under the water, holding her ankles and tickling her. Unfortunately there was a young girl in the pool who was not only the same size, but had an identical swimsuit on. I grabbed hold of her from under the water and you could hear the screams and cries all the way up the Foyle. Thankfully her father understood.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I enjoy cookery programmes, especially ones with Marco Pierre White in them. He is known for shooting his dinner.

How do you relax?
A nice glass of wine and a pint of Guinness. If I were on my own then it would be kayaking, skiing or snowboarding.

What ambition did you have as a child?
I always wanted to swim in the Olympics.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Anywhere there are mountains. I love the openness of the landscape. I could spend my time walking, skiing, snowboarding and kayaking.

Your idea of heaven?
Standing on the top of a mountain, so high up that it makes people faint and change colour.

Your idea of hell?
Working in an office all day.

What famous person would you invite around for dinner?
The boat manufacturer Eric Jackson

Favourite animal?
The dog. We have just got a new puppy called Brandy. He is going to be a big one as he is half collie and half labrador. I have always had dogs in the family

What couldn’t you live without?
My big white van. I use it for work and play. It is so handy, you can just throw everything in the back.

Biggest thrill?
Canoeing down a fast white water rapid, full of French alpine water.

Do you have a hobby?
Not surprisingly it is kayaking.

Biggest disappointment?
I have dodgy ears that came about from an infection when I was young. It restricts me from some diving activities and I have to be very careful in the water so I wear earplugs.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I was born in 1969 amongst the “troubles” in the Bogside in Derry before moving to Moville when I was 15. They were challenging times with strange emotions and I learnt a lot about feelings. Although this was a big learning curve for me and I am glad I experienced it I wouldn’t want my own children to go through the same.

World’s most useful invention?
The telephone. You can keep conversations short and you don’t have to see people face to face…

What do you have for breakfast?
Something simple like porridge, Weetabix, toast and marmalade, all washed down with a nice cup of tea

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
I was taking a team down the rapids on the river in Swan Park some years ago. A team member refused to do it and said, “I have someone to go home to” I realised that you can’t take risks with other people and when you have a family you look at life differently.

Personal philosophy?
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.