WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 38

Santa’s Bad Day
Not long ago and far away, Santa was getting ready for his annual trip, but there were problems everywhere. Four of his elves got sick and the trainee elves did not produce the toys as fast as the sick elves. Santa was beginning to feel the pressure of being behind schedule.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa that her Mum was going to come and visit. This obviously stressed Santa even more.When he went to harness the reindeer, he found out that three of them were about to give birth (go on Rudolph!!!) and two had jumped the fence and were out, heaven knows where. More stress.

Then he began to load his sleigh, when one of the boards cracked and the toy bag fell to the floor and scattered the toys everywhere.Totally frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of tea and a shot of sherry.

When he went to the cupboard, he found the elves had drunk all his liquor and there was nothing left to drink. In his frustration, he dropped his tea-pot and it shattered into a million pieces and all over the kitchen floor.

He got his broom to sweep all the bits up only to find that mice had eaten the straw off the end of the broom.Just then the door-bell rang and Santa cussed on his way to the door.

He opened the door to see a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said, in a sweet little voice, "Where would you like me to put this tree, fat man?"

And that my friends, is how the little angel came to be on top of the Christmas tree....

5 MINUTES WITH – ST NICHOLAS

St Nicholas (also known as Father Christmas or Santa Claus) is well known around the peninsula and the world for his magical work in delivering toys to girls and boys at Christmas. Originally from Myra (now known as Turkey) he became a priest at the tender age of 17 and became renowned for giving poor children gifts. He eventually relocated to Lapland and set up his workshop with his elves to create all the toys for good children. December is his busy month and he is in much demand making public appearances in local communities throughout the world and it is part of his charm that he can manage to fit in so many dates. Some of you may have seen him at the Isle of Doagh or at Willowhill Lapland and of course he has made appearances throughout the peninsula; in Carrowmenagh, Muff, Buncrana, Redcastle and Greencastle to name just a few. “I can’t turn down a request for a public appearance,” he confides. “I know it means so much to all the girls and boys.”

Do you prefer being called Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas or Santa Claus?
I love all of my names. In Brazil I am called Papai Noel, in Holland, it is De Kerstman. In India, the children call me Baba, in Poland I am Swiety Mikolaj and in Lithuania it is Kaledu Senelis. The only thing I don’t like being called is late for my tea..HoHo Ho!

What is with the gear?
In the old days I used to wear Bishop’s robes but when I moved to Lapland I decided I needed a bit more warmth so I went for the fur trim. Sometimes I wore green, but I usually wear the red and white clothing now. The new robe is very easily spotted and its what’s expected of me and of course I like to fulfil people expectations –it goes with the job description.

What should you never worry about?
Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.

Favourite animal?
I love my reindeer, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and of course Rudolph. Did you know he has a red nose? They never complain and it is a long night for them too. They are great company during the year too.

Any suggestions what to give people for Christmas presents?

To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. and to yourself, respect……
Most people want Wii’s or dolls though and that is ok too-Wii’s are great fun and dolls can encourage love.

Why did you leave the North Pole?
Do you mean the bar in Drumfries, I had to leave because it was closing time…. Oh the Real North Pole…..I left there in 1925 as it was impossible to feed the reindeer. Grazing reindeer get through an awful lot of grass and there just isn’t any at the North Pole. I moved to Finnish Lapland, there’s more for them to eat there and it’s handier for me to get around the world.

What is the name of your wife and when did you marry?
Mrs. Claus…she is shy and just wants to be called Mrs Claus. You would have first heard from her back in 1889. We tied the knot and got the poet Katherine Lee Bates to write about Mary… sorry Mrs Claus in the book Goody Santa Claus On A Sleigh Ride.

What’s that book about then?
In the story, Mrs. Claus pleads with me to take her along on the annual Christmas Eve sleigh ride to deliver toys to all the good little boys and girls. She reminds me that she has worked hard all year long raising perfect sweetie trees and deserves a chance to participate in the fun. I finally agree, and Mrs. Claus’s skills come in quite handy. When I find one little boy’s stocking that is too tattered to hold presents, Mrs. Claus pops down the chimney and mends the stocking, saving the day. I am a bit of a whiz when it comes to making toys, but I am not very handy with a needle. That’s not sexist is it?

What was your least well-received gift?
I always try to match the presents to the needs of the individual. There was the time I gave 30 bin liner bags to a husband. He was puzzled and more so when he discovered that his wife had also very generously hired a skip for him. He was quite relieved as he thought it was a hint for him to leave…. it was only time to clear out the attic though.

What music do you like?
I quite like Alleluia by Alexandra Burke, the winner of this year X Factor, although you can’t beat the original Leonard Cohen version, after saying that, the Jeff Buckley is excellent as well.

How do you get to be in so many places at one time?
I don’t know myself really but it is something to do with me living my life in a different time dimension to that mortals. One day for me is like a year for you and I don’t wake up until November (although it’s getting earlier every year) to check on the vertically challenged members of staff (also known as elves)….The rest, as they say, is magic……..

What would you never throw away?
I would never throw away all of the lovely letters from children around the world, especially those from Inishowen, the children here are very special to me…

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
The tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, and Nelson Mandela. Maybe Peter Kay too for a bit of Ho, Ho, Ho-ing.

What do you have for breakfast?
Mistle-“toast” and Jingle Jam.


What’s your ideal gift?
A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision, Each group of people, every religion;Every ethnicity, every hue, Everyone, everywhere...even you. So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth... May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 37

The World of Objects

What is your relationship with the world of objects, the countless things that surround you and that you handle every day? The chair you sit on, the pen, the car the cup? Are they to you only a means to an end, or do you occasionally acknowledge their existence, their being no matter how briefly, by noticing them and giving them your attention?

When you get attached to objects, when you are using them to enhance your worth in your own eyes and the eyes of others, concern about things can easily take over your whole life. When there is self-identification with things, you don’t appreciate them for what they are because you are looking for yourself in them.

When you appreciate an object for what it is, when you acknowledge its being without mental projection, you cannot not feel grateful for its existence. You may also sense that it is not really inanimate, that it only appears so to the senses. Physicists will confirm that on a molecular level it is indeed a pulsating energy field.

Through selfless appreciation of the realm of things, the world around you will come alive in ways that you cannot even begin to comprehend with the mind.

From Stillness speaks by Eckhart Tolle

5 MINUTES WITH - SHEENAGH MAHON

Sheenagh McMahon is the local candidate for the Green Party and is currently promoting allotments locally. For the last eight years Sheenagh has been working for Inishowen Women’s Outreach, which provides support for women suffering domestic violence. Inishowen Women’s Outreach can provide women with information on their rights and entitlements to all benefits, including health board services, housing, legal matters and can also refer to or provide an advocacy service for women. They also provide court accompaniment, for women who may feel intimidated at the prospect of facing court appearances alone. The organisation empowers and supports women and children to make their own choices. Their helpline is 074 93 73232. Sheenagh lives on Buncrana with her three sons, Keith, Stephen and Conor.

What music do you like?
I have a real soft spot for Irish ballads but also enjoy Queen and Guns N’ Roses. I am a bit of a rocker at heart and love November Rain sung by Axel Rose. I adored Freddie Mercury when I was growing up.

What would you never throw away?
My right to motherhood…

What book are you reading?
Futurecast 2020 by Robert J Shapiro the former U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce and advisor to Bill Clinton. He takes a look at how he sees what will life be like in the year 2020. Shapiro foresees monumental changes caused by three historic new forces—globalisation, the aging of societies, and the rise of America as a sole superpower. It’s heavy going and a little scary, but I am enjoying it.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I always loved basketball.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see Mamma Mia! It’s really good fun and a soft family film that you can take the children and your grandparents to at the same time.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I try to read the papers from beginning to end but if I am just skimming I will try and find the Letters to the Editor, they always make for an interesting read.

What is your idea of a good night out?
A night in the Drift Inn with good company good food and good craic. My uncle owned the pub some years ago before the Gills took it over so it’s been part of my life for a long time.

Proudest moment of your life?
Last week I met the Lord Mayor of Derry Gerard Diver who gave me the mayoral chain to wear. This was a proud moment for me as my grandfather wore the same chain when he was made the first Nationalist Mayor of Derry back in 1920-1923.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Would You Believe? It features true to life people who have courage and are inspirational. Last week Mary Robinson was on.

How do you relax?
Horse riding is my therapy. At the weekends I saddle up my horse Co-Co and head off into the countryside.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I loved animals and wanted to be a vet.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Just somewhere sunny with sandy beaches.

Your idea of heaven?
To be in a position to support and empower the local community…. That doesn’t sound too smarmy does it?

Your idea of hell?
To suffer any injustices that would interfere with my inner peace.

What would you spend a lottery win on?
I would divide it between family friends and some choice charities then with the rest I would buy a farm and breed horses.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Mary McAleese because she values community groups and the people who are involved in them. I like her bottom-up approach, which gives people a voice.

Favourite animal?
I just love horses…

What couldn’t you live without?
I wouldn’t like to be without the Internet. It gives you the world at your fingertips.

Biggest fear?
Anything happening to the family.

Biggest thrill?
When my children were born.

The world’s most irritating invention?
My mothers Kenwood mixer. I love eating what comes out of it but it’s always on and sounds like a cement mixer.

What is your idea of a good night in?
Wearing furry pyjamas and slippers and having a nice warm fire watching a movie on a wide screen TV.

Do you have a hobby?
Horses are my hobby, let’s not forget to mention Freddie my little Shetland pony.

Biggest disappointment?
Being let down by people I trusted.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
Today’s a good day……

World’s most useful invention?
Genuine alternative energy sources, solar, wind and wave power.

What do you have for breakfast?
A cup of strong tea, nutty wholemeal bread and butter with marmalade. I am quite partial to porridge sometimes as well.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
From my wise father, he said, “At all costs keep your dignity and tell the truth.” It was the best advice I ever had.

Personal philosophy?
Do the right thing….

FANTASTICO

Fantastico Italian Restaurant

Fantastico Italian Restaurant has just opened in Churchtown, Carndonagh and is offering authentic Italian food in comfortable surroundings. The proprietor, Elnai, originally from Romania, has experience working in Italian restaurants, both locally and in Rome where she lived for three years.

Great Choice
Fantastico has a great choice of delicious pasta, pizza’s, salads and fish dishes and of course you can choose to eat in for an enjoyable evening with good company and good food or order a take-away for a relaxing and intimate family evening in. Fantastico is open every day from 4pm –11pm and on Sunday from noon for an appetising Sunday lunchtime treat.

Christmas Party Menu
If you are planning a Christmas Party, Fantastico are now taking bookings and Elnai has prepared a fabulous menu which includes traditional turkey breast, sirloin steak or King scallops, monkfish and clams. Traditional Italian cuisine includes lasagne, fettucine Alfredo and penne al salmone all of which are made from the highest quality ingredients. To book for Christmas or for any occasion phone 074 9374137

NEAL DOHERTYS JEWELLERS CARNDONAGH

Jewellery is a traditional Christmas gift for the loved ones in your life so why not call in to Neal Doherty Jewellers in Carndonagh to pick up the perfect present. Long lasting, precious and beautiful, nothing says ‘I love and value you’ more than a well-chosen necklace, earrings or ring. Neal Doherty Jewellers has stunning designer collections from Zinzi, Yo, Precious Red and Elle and caters for all age ranges and pockets. Choose between classic, romantic, stylish and funky pieces from the well laid out displays.

Diamonds are Forever
A diamond ring is an enduring gift that will be treasured forever. Neal Doherty Jewellers have the most beautiful 18 carat white gold and platinum diamond rings starting from only €400. Engagement rings can also be made to order for those romantic Christmas proposals and of course you can choose your own favourite precious stone such as sapphires, emeralds, garnets and rubies.

Gift Ideas
Pearls are very fashionable at the moment and at Neal Doherty, the cultured pearl necklaces, bracelets and earrings are very popular. There are also beautiful lockets, crosses, medallions and silver curb chains. There is no present like the time and Neal Doherty Jewellers have a wide range of striking watches from top names such as Calvin Klein, Ben Sherman, Accurist and Seiko. Why not pop next door and check out the beautiful bogwood candleholders, the Waterford Crystal and the Newbridge Silverware. There is also attractive Celtic art bronze plaques, handcrafted cards and lovely crib figures and decorations. Although Neal Doherty offers plenty of stylish gift ideas there are also cheap and cheerful stocking fillers such as Christmas mugs at €1.50.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 36

The Last Supper

When Leonardo da Vinci was painting his famous work, The Last Supper, he wanted to paint Jesus first. So he sent people far and wide with the hope of finding a person whose overall countenance would be representative of Jesus. His representatives brought back the perfect fit – a handsome, upright young man with good manners. Da Vinci was very happy with the young man modelling as Jesus.

Over the next few years Leonardo found models to portray eleven of the disciples and at last there was only Judas left to paint. Finally a man was brought to the artist, whose appearance was testimony to many years of anger, hatred and selfishness. Leonardo was satisfied and started to paint. The model began to cry.

“What is the matter?” Leonardo asked him.

“Don’t you know me?” the man wailed.

“I’m sorry…” Leonardo said in confusion looking at the man more closely.

“Look at your own painting,” he pleaded to the painter, “I’m the same man you choose to portray Jesus so many years ago.”

Da Vinci looked closely and saw that it was true. Due to years of spending time in bad company, becoming selfish, angry and hurtful, the same man that had so well represented Jesus was now a perfect match for the man who betrayed him.

We become like those we associate with.

5 MINUTES WITH - MARK CAREY

Mark Carey is just back managing Flanagans Furniture shop in Buncrana. Mark, originally from Malin Head, started working for Flanagans in 1994 and is happy to be back to see long-standing customers and meet new ones. He had taken time out to work in Franklins but feels furniture is a more interesting business because customers can create an item to their own taste. Mark feels that the challenge of the economic climate is to make sure that Flanagans offer the best service and the best product while not being beaten on price. Mark is married to Susan Porter from Dumfries and they have two sons, Jordan (9) and Lee (7).

What music do you like?
I like most stuff. Heavy rock like Rainbow and Lynyrd Skynyrd. I remember going into Derry up to HMV to buy Rainbow’s Greatest Hits. The shop-keeper asked who sang it. Grrr.

What would you never throw away?
I would throw anything away!

What book are you reading?
Funnily I’m reading 2 Ku Buk, which is the Scouting Handbook for Ireland. I am a leader with the 11th Donegal Buncrana Scouts, which started this year.

What was your favourite childhood game?
It had to be football.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
The last film I went to was Igor and the next will be Madagascar 2. It tends to be kid flicks with the boys and it’s a good excuse to go and see them because they are usually enjoyable.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I’m not much of a newspaper reader – It tends to be a glance at the front page and then I turn to the back.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Decent food, decent wine, decent company.
.
Have you a favourite TV programme?
Match of the Day and I enjoy the CSI’s too.

How do you relax?
With work and family I don’t have much time for relaxing.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be a fireman.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
I’d love to take the family to Disneyland –I’m still a kid at heart…

Your idea of heaven?
That would be myself, Susan and the boys all curled up on the couch watching a good DVD.

Your idea of hell?
Driving in Dublin. Everything is so badly signposted.

What would you spend a lottery win on?
I would get the usual things, a new car and a classic car. We’d have our trip to Disneyland, I’d get all the jobs done around the house and get an Astroturf pitch for the boys.

What couldn’t you live without?
Susan and the boys. Family comes first.

Biggest fear?
Anything happening to the family.

Biggest thrill?
I’m usually pretty even in my moods I’m easily contented, but I guess it would have to be getting married to Susan and the boys being born.

The world’s most irritating invention?
Mobile phones are pretty annoying, but I think Bluetooth must be the worst. People walking about, talking away on the phone. Sometimes I go up to talk to them and they are just chatting away to some-one else.

Do you have a hobby?
I coach under-10 football and I am a scout leader. I also enjoy gardening.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I’m quite happy in this period –I think I lived through the best times in the 80’s and 90’s. I don’t want to live in history –just enjoy the present.

World’s most useful invention?
All inventions have their uses but I think health inventions like kidney dialysis machines are useful- anything that eases the suffering of people.

What did you have for breakfast?
Coffee and a nutrigrain bar

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Two pieces of advice really. 1) Keep trying and 2) Do your best.

LINK 2 IN LETTERKENNY

Link2 in the Courtyard Shopping Centre in Letterkenny opened its doors this October and has a great selection of gift ideas this Christmas. Paul and Keith Harvey had been working in music retail in Letterkenny for seventeen years and really know and appreciate their customer base. They saw a gap in the market and decided to branch out on their own, selling gadgets and novelties as well as music and DVD’s.

Link2 has a superb selection of all the top Irish CD’s including the new albums from Ronnie Drew, Enya and Snow Patrol. Don’t forget the comedy gem Nob Nation 2 –The Recession Album and DVD’s from Conal Gallen, Tommy Tiernan and Brendan Grace. There are loads of others to choose from and include all the chart stuff as well.

Novelties
At office Christmas parties it is customary to have a Chris Cringle and it can be difficult to think of a gift for a colleague who you may see every day, but not know that well. There are all sorts of fun ideas at Link2 such as the tight-git wallet (only €7.99) or the swearing punch ball (for €9.99). Guaranteed to break the ice and get a laugh before your first glass of wine takes effect.

Gadgets Galore
What is it about boys and their toys? How does a remote control helicopter make a seemingly well-adjusted man go weak at the knees? How many fathers buy a remote control car for their son and end up only giving them a turn very reluctantly? Link2 has a wide range of gadgets including the latest remote control helicopters, which they demonstrate in the store every Saturday and Sunday.

Ideas for Kids
Of course kids love gadgets too. What about a popcorn-maker at €34.99 for a healthy and fun treat or there is a rocket lava lamp (at €19.99) to create the right atmosphere for your moody teenager. They also have all the Sesame Street Puppets as seen on the Late Late Toy Show including Bert and Ernie and Oscar for €20.

On-Line
Paul and Keith have recently launched Link2 on-line too and you can purchase items at http://www.link2.ie/. This website only shows a few of their in store items but more are being added.

So when you are in Letterkenny, why not pop into Link2 in the Courtyard Centre and grab a few innovative and different gifts.

MAKING A WILL

An old proverb says that there is nothing certain in this life except death and taxes. We may not know the hour or place but our days are certainly numbered. It is not something we like to think about, and we all hope it will come later rather than sooner, but it is important to be realistic and to prepare for death by making a Will. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive to have a Will drawn up, and it gives you the opportunity to direct where you would like your assets to go. Some people have land, property or shares to leave as specific legacies and we all have personal items that we might like to leave to a friend or relation for sentimental reasons. As well as bequests to spouses and children, you may wish to remember a particular charity.

Your Local Solicitor
It is advisable for every-one over the age of 18 to make a will that will enable your property and assets to be distributed according to your wishes. A properly drafted Will allows you to provide for your wishes and the needs of your spouse, children, partners and/or family members. Your local solicitor will be happy to explain the benefits of drawing up a will on your behalf and you’ll find it doesn’t take up too much time and it is not that expensive. Drawing up your Will provides that all-important peace of mind that your affairs are in order and that your loved ones are taken care of. Wills may need to be reviewed over the years

Appointment of Guardians
A Will also deals with the appointment of guardians for children under 18. In the event of an unexpected or premature death, children under 18 or those with special needs need to be looked after and taken care of. A guardian will take on the parental role and responsibilities. In order to ensure that your children have a guardian that you choose, it is important to have this specific information written into your Will, and of course talk it over with potential guardians to make sure that they are willing.

Personal Executor
A personal executor ensures that your last wishes and the instructions in your will are carried out. When you draw up your will, you can choose your personal executor. Again, check out with this person that they are prepared to do this for you.

What happens if I die without making a Will?
If you die without a Will this is called in testate. This means that your worldly assets and property will be divided according to the Succession Act of 1965. In effect, this means that your spouse inherits your entire estate if you have no children. If you have children, two-thirds goes to your spouse and a third to the children. If you have no spouse, all your possessions go to your children. If you have no spouse or children, your assets go to your parents and if both are deceased to your brothers and sisters. When you die in testate, delays and probate expenses can mean that your loved ones have to wait when they might need financial support. It also means that your finances become public record.


Make an Appointment
It is easy to delay making the appointment for drawing up your Will, but it is something that shouldn’t really be put off. It is one of the most important documents that you have to prepare, so why not phone up for an appointment today.

LAURENTIC BAR IN LINSFORT

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY THE LAURENTIC BAR

It doesn’t seem like a year ago that the Laurentic Bar in Linsfort first opened its doors to the public. How has the past year been for this exciting new business venture on the road to Dunree?

“It’s been a fantastic year,” says manager Jim Porter. “One year on and we have gone from strength to strength, building up a loyal customer base from all over the peninsula and further a field.” The Laurentic staff pride themselves on custom service and Declan and Danny, the two in-house chefs who have been with them from the start, are always adding to the mouth watering choices of food that are available every day. “We have some real delights on the menu.” Begins Declan. “The black and white stir fry with chicken and beef, stir fried in a wok is proving to be very popular. We also offer a sea bass infused with lemon and parsley to keep with the sea faring theme of the pub.”

STEEPED IN HISTORY
The name of the bar has strong links with the sea. The SS Laurentic, which inspired the name, was chosen to carry forty-three tons of gold bullion from Great Britain to Canada. On 25th January 1917. The ship struck a mine and sank within an hour in 40 metres of water. An incredible salvage feat between 1917 and 1924 recovered 3186 gold bars of the missing 3211 with a further 5 being recovered in 1932 by another salvage operation, leaving 20 gold bars still unaccounted for at the bottom of Lough Swilly worth some €15 million at current prices. So if you have a spare afternoon you could have a look around the coast of any that have washed up before going to the pub for a bit of refreshment.

POPULAR SPORT
If you are in the need of some relaxing sporting activities, how about a game of darts? The Laurentic is proving to be so popular for the game that they have had to install a second board in the taproom.

LIVE ACTS
Over the coming week s the Laurentic bar has an impressive line up of live acts to get the feet tapping. Hugh McGonagle, Damian Harkin, Sharon Nixon, Brian Mulland, Robbie Cunningham, Danny McCarron, Kevin McLaughlin and the band Tullagh will all be appearing between now and the New Year. And if you fancy a bit of a flutter, the Dunree Rovers are having a night at the races on the 30th of December.


HERE’S TO THE NEXT YEAR!
Jim puts customer service on the top of his most important list and realises it is the support of his customers that has made this year so successful “The Laurentic has had a wonderful year and I would like to thank all of the customers from here and around the world that have graced our doorway in that time. Here’s to the next year!”


WHAT’S ON LIST

5TH OF DECEMBER- Hugh McGonagle – ANNIVERSARY NIGHT

6th of December – Damian Harkin.

12th of December – Sharon Nixon.

13th December – Tullagh

19th December- Brian Mullan.

20th December- Robbie Cunningham.

21st of December – Hugh McMonagle.

26th of December – Danny McCarron.

27th of December. Brian Mullan

28th of December- Sharon Nixon.

29th of December- Tullagh

30th of December - Hugh McMonagle.
And the Dunree Rovers Night at the races.

31th December – Kevin McLaughlin

5 MINUTES WITH - HARRY KERR

Harry Kerr is originally from Scotland and has been living in Inishowen for 8 years with Martha, his wife and business partner. Before moving to Buncrana Harry, worked as a graphic designer and photographer for Scotland’s largest Museum, the Summer Lee Heritage Trust before moving on to become a Technical Instructor for fine art at the Glasgow School of Art. He and Martha now run the highly respected Memory Factory Photographic Workshop in the centre of Buncrana.


What music do you like?
I have a varied range. I enjoy the likes of John Martyn and just missed him playing at McGrorys in Culdaff last time he was here. I also enjoy classical music and I pretend to know a bit about it.

What would you never throw away?
Photographs, good, bad or otherwise. Photographs are important when they are first taken, then generally get forgotten. It’s good when a photo re-appears years later and their true value is recognised.

What book are you reading?
I have just finished All the King’s Men by Robert Penn. It’s been made into a film starring Sean Penn and Jude Law. The story is about the life of populist American Southerner Willie Stark and loosely based on Governor Huey Long of Louisiana

What was your favourite childhood game?
When I was a wee boy I would get up to the usual physical stuff that the pre- daytime television or computer game generation would do. I was the youngest in the house of three brothers and one sister so spent years coming last at games, especially ones that included a ball.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I don’t read the printed news…. I am on the computer a lot and have a ticker tape style news headline list running on the corner of the screen. It gives me up to date world news and if something catches my attention, I’ll click on it.

What is your idea of a good night out?
I enjoy a good meal out. I was spoilt for choice when I lived in Glasgow and London and like to think I know a good restaurant when I see one. My favourite at the moment is the Sunrise Indian restaurant in Buncrana.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
It varies from day to day…..The one that springs to mind was at the Sanctuary rail in Letterkenny Cathedral recently. I was taking photographs at a wedding with at least four hundred guests attending. The mass was just over and the bride and groom were about to sign the register when my phone went off. The ringtone was “I will walk 500 miles” by the Proclaimers. I ran to the door and threw the phone outside.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I really enjoyed a series called Westwing. The program was made between 1999 and 2006 (I have the DVD’s). It was years ahead if its time. Lost is quite good fun but they have lost the plot a bit this series.

How do you relax?
When I am left to my own devices I like silence or a bit of opera, something like Tosca.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be an astronaut or a train driver, most children of my age group aspired to these professions. I used to sit on my coal shed at night with a telescope looking up at the moon. I treasured my Fisher Space Pen, remember those?

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
I enjoy cities so regular holidays would be going to European cities like Florence, Milan or Barcelona. It would be fantastic to visit the world’s emblematic man-made structures too, such as the Pyramids and the ancient Inca site of Machu Picchu in Peru.

Your idea of heaven?
It would be the very earthly experience of walking the dogs in the woods on a nice spring or autumn day.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
The theoretical physicist Robert Oppenheimer who is remebered for being the father of the atomic bomb. He headed the team that first tested the bomb in the Trinity test in New Mexico. Oppenheimer famously quoted the Bhagavad Gita: “If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the mighty one. Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” He did loads of other work that isn’t as well known such as research into black holes and quantum field theories.

Favourite animal?
I have two of them. Two Dalmatians, twin sisters Flash and Leica.

Biggest fear?
Trading my clogs in… It puts everything else into perspective…

The world’s most irritating invention?
Badly spelt text messages, Txt spk.

What is your idea of a good night in?
A big fire, a good film and a half decent bottle of red wine.

Do you have a hobby?
I have never understood the idea of hobbies. What my wife and I do now is part of our lives and who we are. I don’t have the need for anything to fill my time.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
This one. It would be tempting to say in the past to meet people like Leonardo da Vinci but then again when you think of the open sewers, pestilence, plague and famine. No thanks…

World’s most useful invention?
Moveable type and the printing press. These gave us mass produced books and the dissemination of information.

What do you have for breakfast?
Toast if there’s time…

What couldn’t you live without?
If it’s things you are talking about, they are very over rated. I think it’s more important to have an understanding of people. That is where inspiration comes from.