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.

CULDAFF AND GLENEELY EDITORIAL 08

Culdaff beach

QUOTES

“Letting the jackdaws loose in the class was a real giggle, although Ms O’kane, the teacher, didn’t think so at the time” Patsie McLaughlin from Gleneely reminiscing about his school days


“Everyone in Culdaff is delighted to see the Blue Flag return to the beach” Sean Beattie- author and historian

IN A NUTSHELL

Gleneely and Culdaff are both attractions in Inishowen but for different reasons. The picturesque and lively village of Culdaff is a place where tourists and locals flock to on a sunny day. There is nothing like soaking up the rays on the fabulous Blue Flag beach and making good use of the local shops, restaurants and bars. Gleneely is more inland so people who visit go for the hill walking and the fascinating array of old standing stones and areas of national historical importance. The beautiful areas surrounding Culdaff and Gleneely are also perfect for fishing, both in the rivers and sea.


FAMOUS FOLK

Charles Macklin was a man who left his troubled native land of Inishowen to make his name abroad. He found fame as actor, author and theatre manager. Through his long and turbulent career he retained a great love for his homeland. Some of his works include: King Henry VII (1746) (also called The Popish Imposter), The True Born Irishman and The Man of the World.

Brian Bonner. Author who’s books include: Our Inis Eoghain Heritage, Where Aileach Guards and That Audacious Traitor.

Sean Beattie. Writer, historian and in charge of the Donegal annual There are over 500 articles on Donegal history in Donegal Annual a superb source for Donegal Research. journal first published in 1947. His excellent books include: Book of Inistrahull Ancient Monuments of Inishowen Thomas d'Arcy McGee Commemoratio

Bernard McGuinness- The Fine Gael Councellor was recently elected chairperson of Inishowen Electoral Area Committee. He was the first local councillor to speak out against the proposed reduction of services at Malin Head Coast Guard station.



ST BUADAN
The area around Gleneely and Culdaff is steeped in ancient history, from Stone Age tombs to standing stone circles and early Christian Crosses. It is indeed, a place apart which captivates the imagination.
St. Buadan, a native of Inis Eoghain, came up the river from Gleneely to Culdaff to seek a place of solitude and peace. Here he founded a monastery, which became a centre of culture and missionary activity between Inishowen and Scotland.

When Buadan came to Culdaff it was completely wooded and the river was at certain places much wider. On the top of the height now known as Ardmore he cleared the trees and shrubs, and a crude form of shelter was built. Later a church and other buildings appeared. A distinctive feature was the two fords located so closely together. The people who lived around had noted this and gave the place the name, which it still bears, Cuil da Ath-the corner of the two fords.

A holy well (turas) dedicated to St. Buadan existed until recently, and carved steps still remain at the river bank. On the other side of the bridge on the Bunagee Road a curious curragh shaped rock lies in the river. This freestanding rock, called St. Buadan's Boat, was the means of conveyance used by Buadan after being expelled from Iona (in Scotland). The rock upon which he stood, so the legend goes, fell into the water and miraculously floated transporting him safely back to Culdaff.

WHATS ON IN CULDAFF AND GLENEELY

Charles Macklin festival - On the 10th –12th of October the Charles Macklin School in Culdaff are holding workshops, plays, poetry, readings and exhibitions. The actor John Nee and renound musician Cara Dill will also be giving a concert. The event has been running for 18 years and to mark its success a book has just been published, called Mac Poems. One Sunday there will be lectures on the importance of the Doherty clan in Inishowen and commemorating the 400 years since Cahir O’Doherty rebelled against Derry in 1608

Scoil Mhuire school reunion in Gleneely - The school held its first ever school reunion dinner dance last Friday. Past pupils from all over Ireland and as far afield as England, Scotland and the United States turned up for the exciting event. They are also gathering photographs and memories from past pupils and members of staff for publication in a commemorative magazine. Anyone with school photos from before 1990 is encouraged to contact the committee



Climbfest is held every spring in Culdaff. There are several hundred single pitch climbing routes, mainly in the middle grades all local to Culdaff and Gleneely, at Dunmore Head, Dunowen, Kinnego Bay, Galavoir, Warm Bay Point, Malin Head and Port a Doris. Walking is also very popular around the area. Free camping is available at Bunagee for the Climbfest.

Water- Up until the 1950’s, the whole of the Gleneely residents had to collect their water out of one well At a place called Greens Field.

Surfing. The Blue Flag beach at Culdaff is one of the best places in Ireland to catch the waves and there is professional tuition for the novice.

McGrorys for live music. Irelands most northerly live music venue in the Back Room Bar. You don’t have to travel far for a holiday…

Blue flag beach at Culdaff. It’s back again…

School facts- The current Scoil Mhuire building in Gleneely dates from 1961 and it amalgamated with the old Ballyharry School in 1968. However, the old school in Gleneely dates back to the 1840s when, according to Brian Bonner’s history of Inishowen, there were 335 students on the rolls. Today, it’s a smaller school with some 69 pupils,


MY GLENEELY



Patsie McLaughlin

I was born and reared in Gleneely and went to the Old School just before Scoil Mhuire was built, in fact I remember carrying our desks and chairs over to the new building. We lived in the farm in the village and Eamon McLaughlin and myself would nip home every lunchtime with a tin to get some fresh milk – for the teachers, the pupils never got any… Miss Okane (we called her Pepper duster) liked to take some home with her and we would leave a tin next to her car. We would intentionally leave it under the wheel and she usually ran over it forgetting it was there. We looked on behind the wall laughing.

Local man, John Duffy was cleaning his chimney one day and two jackdaws came down, so Eamon and I tied string to their legs and walked to the school with them. As we got to the classroom we let them go. There was a real commotion as Pepper Duster got covered in soot as she tried in vain to catch them.

There have been a lot of changes in the village since the 1940’s. It used to be a thriving place with loads of facilities. There was the bottle store, 3 shops, three pubs and a general merchant called Dennis Faulkner. Then there was the blacksmith and John the butcher, who used to slaughter animals for the farmers. I also remember Frank Griffin the barber, he would work with the bowl on the top of your head. There was also an oil store next to the Orchard Bar, a bakers, Garda barracks and an undertaker, so as you see we were short of nothing. There are still good thing happening in the village. Just recently the new sports centre opened. Loads of money was raised locally to make it happen.


VISIT THESE…

Cloncha Cross – Culdaff. This stone cross stands three metres tall. There are four main panels. The lowest panel consists of two animal figures both of which have their heads at the end of the looped ribbon design. Tails are also shown. The animals appear to have broad snouts and pointed ears. The two centre panels have a fretwork pattern and uneven double-ribbon design. The top panel has a scene from the New Testament, the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes.

Decorated Grave Slab, Cloncha Church – Culdaff. This decorated grave slab has very attractive and elaborate carvings - is situated at the old church within the graveyard. A number of decorations are clearly visible; sword, foliage, cross, hurley and ball. The stone is of local origin and the Scots-Gaelic inscription reads: Fergus Mac Allan made this stone.

Bocan Stone Circle- Culdaff. Bocan Stone Circle, when seen from afar appears insignificant, lost almost, behind trees and dwarfed by more modern structures, but it is only when viewed up close that its full glory comes to life. Situated on good pastureland on the hill of Bocan, Sliabh Snaght to Trawbrega Bay right to Glengad is visible.

This magnificent view with Culdaff and Bocan chapel just below is impressive especially if seen at sunrise or sunset. . The stone circle also had an astronomical function and was used to decide when one season began and another ended. When the sun shone directly on certain stones, early farmers knew that one season had ended and another was about to begin.

Temple of Deen: Culdaff. Just across the main road from Bocan Stone Circle is the “Temple of Deen.” A wedge-tomb, it appears to have been covered with a cairn of small boulders, which means that the structure remaining would have been only the centre chamber of a huge monument.

Cloncha – Culdaff. Situated just below the Hill of Deen, Cloncha is the site of one of the most important foundations in the development of Christianity in Inishowen. It was a significant centre from the sixth century onwards, favoured by bishops as a final resting place. The glory of Cloncha is surely the striking high cross in the field just beside the church standing four metres tall. Only one cross now stands upright, another lies fallen, in the same field.