SHEEP SHEARING FESTIVAL AT BURT

A small typo on the clothing meant that there were a LOT of Stewarts in the crowd.....

Check out their site

The Amma stall

BUNCRANA 5KM ROAD RACE

Sean Furey from Furey Insurances Ltd, the sponsors of the event with the President of the Athletics Association Northern Ireland Brian Downing and his wife Pat at the finishing line of the road run.

NEW COUNCIL GARDENING FACILITY OPENS IN BUNCRANA

The new trophy in memeory of Phillip Diggin who did so much in getting the facility and working to create the Tidy Towns Group

Councilor Paul Bradley had a laugh with George, the town gardener

Council workers and local councilors officially opening the gardening growing facility in Buncrana. Mayor Dermott McLaughlin cuts the ribbon,

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 59

Moving Rocks

A little boy was spending his Saturday morning playing in his sandbox with his box of cars and trucks, and his bucket and spade. In the process of creating roads and tunnels in the soft sand, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox.

The boy dug around the rock, managing to dislodge it from the dirt. With a little bit of struggle, he pushed and nudged the rock across the sandbox by using his feet. (He was a very small boy, and the rock was very large.) When he got it to the edge he couldn't roll it up and over the little wall.

Determined, the little boy shoved, pushed, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. he grunted, struggled, pushed, & shoved; but his only reward was to have the rock roll back, smashing his fingers.
Finally he burst into tears of frustration. All this time the boy's father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded. He walked over to the sand pit and said, "Son, why didn't you use all the strength that you had available?"

"But I did, Daddy, I did! I used all the strength that I had!"

"No, son," corrected the father kindly. "You didn't use all the strength you had. You didn't ask me." With that the father reached down, picked up the rock and removed it from the sandbox.
Do you have "rocks" in your life that need to be removed?

Are you discovering that you don't have what it takes to lift them? There is One who is always available to us and willing to give us the strength we need. Isn't it funny how we try so hard to do things ourselves.

5 MINUTES WITH - RAY DOHERTY

Ray Doherty lives in Greencastle with his wife Fiona and two children Charlie and Alfie. Ray was number 13 out of a family of 19 children (11 sisters and 8 brothers). His parents, Mary Francis and father Harry (the greaser) had all of the boys sleeping in a mobile home in the garden whilst the sisters got the house, before they moved into a larger home in Moville. Ray’s father was the manager of Fingal Clothing in Moville and in 1999 he (Harry) set up Moville Clothing, following in a long family tradition of tailoring. Ray and his brother Hillary now look after the business that produces clothing that is sought after all over the world. They have a website www.movilleclothing.com where you can check out their fabulous range of clothing. They also have a shop on the premises, which is just up from the Co-op in Moville. Open 5 days a week. You can contact him on (074) 9385882


What music are you listening to at the moment?
I like U2, they have been around a long time and made some great music. My brother Colm put me onto Johnny Cash a couple of years ago; his CD’s get played a lot. My wife likes him too.

What are you reading at the moment?
I look through newspapers when I get the time. If I am away on holiday I will read a good autobiography. Roy Keane’s, just called Keane, Sir Alex Ferguson who called his “This is the One. There are a lot of U2 books out but I enjoyed the one written by Lola Cashman titled “Inside the zoo with U2” It’s a real fly on the wall documentation of life on the road with the band.

What was your favourite childhood game?
Playing army with my mates, especially Damien McLaughlin (Ballyfaddy) We would build dens and camped out in the summer for weeks.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see I am Legend starring Will Smith who is the only survivor after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters. He struggles valiantly to find a cure….. It was scary and good at the same time

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I’ll turn to the sports pages. I am a big Manchester United fan and like to keep up to date how they are doing.
What would you never throw away?
I have a pair of scissors that have been used in the family for generations, my father, his father and his father They were all tailors.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
Mickey Pat McLaughlin, a good friend of mine started crying one night and telling me I was his best ever friend. This was only about four years ago….he had had a few at the time….

Favourite TV programme?
I enjoy Born Survivor on the Discovery channel with Edward Michael 'Bear' Grylls. Grylls is a British adventurer, writer and television presenter. He is one of the youngest people to climb Mount Everest, doing so at age 23.
Favourite meal?
Lamb chops, potatoes and baked beans. My mother made it when we were young and it was delicious….my wife now does it well too…..

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
To be in the army. I joined the F.C.A reserve army when I was old enough and stayed for five years until I was seventeen. I got involved with other things like working in the factory so gave it up. I still think it’s a great thing to do when you are young.

Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
Four years ago I went to Kenya with Fiona for our honeymoon. We were there for three fabulous weeks on safari. We have a reminder of the time as most of it is on DVD.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Bear Grylls, although dinner would be a bit dodgy, seeing what he eats. Anthony Hopkins would be another guest. He is a great actor. I was really taken by Aidan Quinn when he came to the factory to buy clothes. He would make a very amiable dinner guest.
What do you do for a special treat?
Fiona and I go out for a meal. I particularly enjoy The Exchange in Derry.
Favourite animal?
The German Shepherd dog. We used to have one called Ben. I find them obedient, intelligent and affectionate
Biggest thrill?
My name was pulled out to go on Winning Streak in 1998. I won ten and a half thousand, not bad for one day’s work….
What was the best present you ever got?
My baby boy Charlie three and a half years ago and Alfie, my other boy just over a year ago….

What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
I was on holiday in Majorca three years ago and treated myself to a G-Shock watch.
What charities do you support?
I support the Foyle Hospice, it’s a really beneficial cause and I also donate clothes to a Romanian charity that go to a children’s orphanage.

The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
Light bulbs are the most useful, they have lengthened our days considerably. Like most people the mobile phone is up there on top of the most irritating list. Everyone knows where you are, there’s no escape.
Favourite past-time?
Playing football and gardening. I play with a group of friends and have a kick about, nothing serious. I am thinking about growing some vegetables this year, I’ll have to start soon though to catch the season. My father has a great greenhouse where he grows his tomatoes.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I am very happy with now……
What do you have for breakfast?
A bowl of porridge, a cup of tea and a slice of Daniel Doherty’s wholemeal bread with knob of Kerrygold butter on top and raspberry jam.
Do you have a favourite cartoon character?
It has to be Popeye. He has a unique way of opening cans of spinach.
What was your first paid job?
I worked at the Welcome Inn bar on the Malin Road under Audrey and Joe Bredan. I was there part time and was paid 35 punts.
Best/worst household task?
The best is cleaning the toilets and the worst is taking the ashes out. I came from a big family and we were all well trained with every aspect of domesticity.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
When paying for something, always use someone else’s money. I was told that ages ago, it works for some people but not for others. You have to shop wisely and know what you are buying… and be able to repay the loan of course….
Personal philosophy?
My mother and father are great role models for all of us and they told me to always be good to people and look after people who can’t look after themselves. Live life to be a good example to others.

Nyreen Porter gets married

The chief bridesmaids and the grooms mother outside the church on Sy Mary's Road in Buncrana.

Nyreen Porter walks to the church from her house. Billy ,her father gives her one last peck on the cheek before entering the church

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 58

The Donkey in the Well

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.

Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a spade and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realised what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quietened down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, the donkey got closer to the top

Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up. Shake it off and take a step up.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred – Forgive.

Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.

Give more.

Expect less.

ARTLINK EXHIBITION BY PAUL KERR

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Artist Paul Kerr held an exhibition at Fort Dunree in Inishowen this week. Called Somewhere Else , the images reflect the isolation and nature of the area.There was a good turn out at the opening with local and national artists attending.

5 MINUTES WITH - NOEL BRADLEY

Noel Bradley lives in Buncrana with his wife Rosanna and their two children Ruth and Peter. Noel was born in Buncrana but moved away for a while and worked in Nigeria as a missionary priest for The Society of African Missions. Noel has trained as a spiritual guide and pastoral counsellor in Loyola University, Chicago. He works as a community facilitator and counsellor. He is currently sending out invitations for a new workshop called the Transformation Game starting in Loreto House in Linsfort. Spiritual missionary and author Donal Dorr will co-facilitate the course which starts on Monday 1st June and runs for five days. The game was created in the International Spiritual and Holistic Centre in Findhorn, Scotland. If you are interested in participating in workshop you can contact Noel on 074 9362390
What music are you listening to at the moment?
My wife Rosanna sings with the Gateway singers here in Buncrana and tends to practice around the house a lot. That’s all the music I need to hear! The choir has just returned from a trip to Wales on an invite by the Welsh Treharris male choir, who came to Inishowen recently.
What book are you reading?
'The Recession and God' by Gerry O’Hanlon SJ. In the book he proposes a vision for a common good inspired by the values of equality, justice and solidarity. Gerry is suggesting that this is a marvellous time to question the whole economic model that has put us in this mess rather than try to patch it up and get back to 'business as usual'. He wants a more sustainable future with a place for ethics in economics.
What was your favourite childhood game?
Rounders, the Irish kids form of baseball. We used an old hurley stick instead of a bat.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
We went to see Gran Torino directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. It was about a disgruntled Korean War veteran who sets out to reform his young neighbour and ends up redeeming himself. It’s a very good film.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The letters page. I like to see what topical issues people are writing in about. Literature, the church, society…It’s all interesting.
What would you never throw away?
My books…I still have all of my books from when I started reading and I still go back to them to read chapters and use them for reference.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
The one that comes to mind was when I got caught with a ¼ stone bag of apples. I went to the chapel to pray and to ask what to do and was moved to go to his house and promise that I would never steal apples again….He took no notice and went to my parent's house to show them the spoils. My mother wanted to hit him over the head with the bag… out of embarrassment of course.

Favourite TV programme?
Questions and Answers with John Bowman, it has a good mix of celebrities and politicians.
Favourite meal?
I love salmon and a good plate of fluffy, dry potatoes.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be a fire fighter. I wanted to save the world and rescue people with my big ladder.
Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
My wife and I went to Florida on our honeymoon ten years ago. I remember we met Martina Hingis in a restaurant, the Swiss tennis player who was at the top of her game at the time….
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson and Seamus Heaney. All three of them have made wonderful contributions to humanity.

What do you do for a special treat?
I treat myself to a milky coffee. I try to stay clear of the chocolate digestives now though.

Favourite animal?
I like dogs and cats but an animal that I particularly like is the owl. It stands and waits patiently, taking everything in.
Biggest thrill?
When Donegal won the All Ireland final against Dublin in 1992. I was in Chicago watching it on a big screen TV and cried tears of joy. I played and loved Gaelic as a young fellow.
Biggest Challenge?
In my professional work that would probably be combining spirituality with social justice. As a parent to be a good husband and father.
What was the best present you ever got?
My wife and two children….
What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
I bought a café latte and a big wedge of chocolate cake in a café in Letterkenny last week. It was a wet day and I couldn’t find who I was looking for so I thought “Why not?” I couldn’t get through all of the cake though….
What charities do you support?
Concern and Trocaire, both very worthy causes.
The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
The best is the electric rice cooker we have. The worst are the election posters we are seeing everywhere. Why don’t the councillors just get together and say 'no' to putting them up. They are a pain to look at and spoil the town. It’s a waste of resources. If they can't co-operate on a little thing like that, what hope is for a new kind of politics?.

Favourite past-time?
Reading and watching television.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
Ancient Greece in the times of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. There could be loads of discussions about politics, ethics and logic.Not the time of Jesus, who knows I might have ended up on the wrong side?

What do you have for breakfast?
Porridge with raisins and toast.
Do you have a favourite comedian?
The Two Ronnies were very clever and I also enjoyed watching Harry Worth….remember him?

What was your first paid job?
I was a message boy on a bike. I worked for my dad at the Bradley’s grocery supermarket that was in Main Street, Buncrana. I got the princely sum of 2 shillings and sixpence for my work.

Best/worst household task?
The worst is taking out the ashes… very messy. The best is getting into bed.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
My mother once told me “This too will pass.”

Personal philosophy?
Try to be honest and fair. It is only with the heart that one sees properly, what is essential is invisible to the eye and that 'all shall be well, all shall well, and all manner of things shall be well..."

Burt v Naomh Columba

Intermediate Football Championship match between Burt and Naomh Columba. Burt lost and now have to win away to get the third decider.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 55

The Working Genie

There once was a poor man who longed to be rich. He heard tell that a man in another village had a genie and decided to go and see how he could get one. When he got to the village and found the right person, he asked after his genie.

“I don’t mind letting you have him,” said the villager. “However if you take him it is on these conditions. The genie likes to be kept busy at all times and if he has nothing to do he gets very agitated. Also if you take him you have to keep him, I can’t take him back.”

The man was overjoyed. “Don’t worry, I won’t run out of jobs for him, I have great plans,” he said, “And why would I ever want to give him back?”

He couldn’t believe his luck. “Get me a gold carriage and four beautiful white horses to take me home” The genie snapped his fingers and there they were. “When I get home I want a huge palace full of beautiful furniture and a feast for all the village.” The genie snapped his fingers.

For a few weeks the man had everything his heart desired. He made his wish and with a snap of the genie’s fingers it came true.

After a while he ran out of desires, nothing pleased him anymore and he just wanted a bit of peace. But the genie kept asking “More Work! More Work!”

“I have nothing for you to do.” The genie got angrier and angrier. “Give me more work or I will kill you,” he shouted. The poor man got more and more stressed and eventually decided to go back to the village and ask for help.

“Well, I can’t take him back, but I’ll tell you what to do,” the wise man said. “Get a pole and put it in the garden. Tell the genie to go to the top and then when he reaches the top he has to go down to the bottom, when he reaches the bottom he has to go back to the top.”

This is what the man did and had no more trouble.

Our minds can be like the genie. It can help us get what we desire but its restlessness can drive us crazy. Keep a peaceful thought or mantra in the mind to control the mind.

5 MINUTES WITH - EMMA PORTER

Emma Porter lives in Desertagney with her parents Joe and Betty. Emma has run her company, Vivid Performances School of Speech and Drama for nine years and runs very popular classes all over Inishowen including Buncrana, Muff, Burnfoot and Letterkenny. Her classes cater for both adults and children building communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. Emma has just finished a very busy time where she was performing in the hugely successful Sound of the Musicals stage musical in Buncrana, directed by Donall Henderson of Greasepaint Productions.

You can still join Emma’s classes that are running at the moment and enrolment has also started for the new courses in September. Contact her on 086 360 1537

What music are you listening to at the moment?
BelX1. They released a new album in February of this year called Blue Lights on a Runway, which is very good. Damien Rice used to be the lead singer before he went solo. I am still listening to music from Joseph, Mama Mia, Les Miserables, Chicago, The Sound of Music and Wicked, all of the songs that were in The Sound of the Musicals.

What book are you reading?
I spend time reading scripts. We are putting on the Wizard of Oz soon so I will be rehearsing for that after a couple of weeks off. The last book I read was by Banana Yoshimoto called Kitchen. I really like her work; it’s real and touches people’s lives.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I was a bit of a tomboy and loved climbing trees and going really fast on my BMX bike, it didn’t have any brakes but that didn’t seem to matter.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I have been at the cinema at St Mary’s hall for the last month….It’s a great place and also does bingo, is a community centre and a playschool.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I read the front-page headlines first to see what’s going on.

What would you never throw away?
Things of sentimental value from my childhood and from family and friends. I have a few things belonging to my grandma that I got after her death that I wouldn’t part with. A scarf and some ornaments

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I am constantly putting my foot in it. I ask questions like “When is it due?” to people who are not pregnant.

Favourite TV programme?
Shameless. It has new writers and is still very fresh. It covers real, gritty issues.


Favourite meal?
Anything with seafood in it, especially when I am on holiday. I like the Surf and Turf at the Laurentic in the parish too… fillet steak and sea bass….yummy.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be an actress. I idolised some of the great screen stars, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Vivienne Leigh. I had my first chance of acting when Patricia Tinney asked me if I wanted to take part in a play called That’s all for now by the Clann le Cheile group, which was about the big band era in the 1950’s that played in the Plaza. We went on to do a short play about the famine, which was so popular that we toured New York and Boston. It was very exciting for a young girl.

Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
Seven of us girls, and one fella (Matthew, my cousin) went to Gran Canaria. We all loved it…Sun, sea and clubbing….

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Steven Speilberg, he’s a fantastic director. I could grill him for directing tips. Brad Pitt could come to wear the marigolds and the apron.

What do you do for a special treat?
I go to Michelle’s Beauty and Injury Clinic in Buncrana for a facial and back massage every six weeks. I am always on the go so it’s lovely to relax and chill out for an hour or two.

Favourite animal?
I love dogs. We have always had one. We have a border collie crossed with a lab at the moment…. He’s huge, up to my waist…. and spoiled.

Biggest thrill?
Doing a bungee jump six years ago in Cyprus. We went into the sea after dropping 400 feet. We bobbed in and out of the water for ages until we were pulled ashore…once was enough.

Biggest Challenge?
Playing Nancy in Oliver last year. I hadn’t sung for ten years so I had lessons for four months to build up to the character.

What was the best present you ever got?
My accordion. When I was eight my parents took me to Henderson’s in Derry and bought me it. I played in the Buncrana marching band for 8 years with it.

What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
A bottle of perfume called Ghost.

What charity would you support?
Bridgeen Harkin is a local woman who raises money for Africa by putting on trips. The last one was to the bowling alley.

The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
The mobile phone for both….

Favourite past-time?
Taking part in plays and musicals. My full time job of teaching drama is also my favourite past time.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The swinging 60’s. It looked like mad fun and anything goes. You probably had to be in a big city to get the clothes and music.

What do you have for breakfast?
A cup of coffee, toast and butter and a vitamin C tablet to keep the immune system up.

Do you have a favourite cartoon character?
Danger Mouse. Every week was a new adventure and I loved his sidekick Penfold.

What was your first paid job?
Babysitting for my cousin Elizabeth. She was busy starting out the Ubiquitous Chip restaurant in Buncrana.

Best/worst household task?
Doing the dishes. Thankfully we have a dishwasher. I love clearing out wardrobes and drawers though to get them organised. Some might say it’s a bit obsessive but if your drawers are organised, so is your life.

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
Someone once said that my hair would suit me short. I was 11 years old and looked like a boy. I was devastated and cried for a month.

Personal philosophy?
Do whatever makes you happy in life…..

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 54

Friends in the Desert

Two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey, they had an argument and one friend slapped the other one in the face. The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, he bent down and wrote in the sand:

"Today my best friend slapped me in the face."

They kept on walking, until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but his friend grabbed hold, pulling him out and saving him. After he recovered from the near drowning, the friend wrote on a stone:

"Today my best friend saved my life."

The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?"

The friend replied, when someone hurts us we should write it down in sand, where the winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."

Old tractor rally

The Irish Kidney Association held a tractor rally in Buncrana to raise funds and awareness

5 MINUTES WITH - KEENAN BARRETT

Keenan Barrett lives in Buncrana and is passionate about music. Originally from the Bogside in Derry, he now lives in Buncrana and teaches music through his own company Schoolyard Promotions. He also does work in Tullyarvan Mill in the town with the highly acclaimed music project, Simply Music. Keenan’s main instruments are the guitar, mandolin and tin whistle.


What music are you listening to at the moment?
The CD in the player in the car at the moment is Le Chéile by Anne Nelson, a local singer/songwriter. She is not long back from working in New Orleans.

What book are you reading?
I am reading Music Therapy for the Autistic Child written by Juliette Alvin and Auriel Warwick. It’s about teaching music to autistic children and is very interesting. This book was first published in 1978 and was the first of its kind to analyse the effect of music therapy on the development of the autistic child

What was your favourite childhood game?
Cowboys and Indians, Derry style. The good guys were the Indians and the baddies had the uniforms and guns.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I haven’t been to the cinema in a long time, as I prefer to go and see live performances. The last two performances I went to see were both Greasepaint Productions, Oliver and the Sound of the Musicals, they were top class.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I skim through the paper to check out all of the headlines first.

What would you never throw away?
My pink fluorescent golfing trousers with matching shirt and hat….Class!

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
It was both embarrassing and scary. I was at a fancy dress party at the Gateway and the person I was with was rushed into hospital. My partner, who became ill, was dressed as Dracula, and instead of drinking blood, had to give blood away for samples. I was left standing for hours in the waiting room, dressed as a tart, wearing fishnet stockings, short skirt and high heels.

Favourite TV programme?
M.A.S.H. I still play golf with Hawkeye, a character from the programme. Though he tells everyone he is a plumber……

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I really wanted to be a bus driver or conductor. It was either the uniforms or the fact that my father was a driver for Ulsterbus in Derry.

Where was your best holiday and what made it special?
Waterford in the early 1970’s with the whole family. My late father, Bertie, and I went fishing for sea bass and caught a few if I recall.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Stephen Fry. He’s clever, charming and funny. Maggie Thatcher. There are a few questions I would like to ask her. Mozart, just so I could absorb some of his creative genius and Johnny Cash. He was my childhood hero and broke all of the boundaries

Favourite animal?
My dog. “He’s getting on a bit, going a bit deaf, getting crabbit and he has a touch on halitosis.” I heard Helena saying that on the phone yesterday. I hope she was talking about the dog…

What do you do for a special treat?
That comes under the later question about Biggest Thrill….

Biggest thrill?
I already told you – But it’s only for a special treat.

Biggest Challenge?
Trying to teach the guitar to Gerry O’Neill, who played Fagin in the local Oliver production at St Mary’s hall recently. He’s still trying.

What was the best present you ever got?
My first guitar from my mother, Olive Barrett. It’s the one I learned to play on.

What was the last thing you bought just for yourself?
I recently bought myself a double bass. I practice on it every day.

What charity would you support?
iCare –Inishowen Children’s Autism Related Education. They are a remarkable bunch of parents who got together and set up the organisation without funding from the Government.

The world’s most irritating/most useful invention?
The most useful- Venetian blinds – without them it’s curtains for everyone. (The old ones are the best). Most irritating – the mobile phone.

Favourite past-time?
Golf. Tee to green. I am brilliant but the putting and the swinging of the clubs let me down a bit.

Which period in history would you like to live through?
The next forty years or so. If you go back much before my time then life always seemed to have been short and harsh here in Ireland.

What do you have for breakfast?
I am very health conscious so I eat only the best of Irish bacon; local free range eggs, Doherty’s sausages and fresh bread with a big slap of butter.

Do you have a favourite cartoon character?
Yosemite Sam from Looney Tunes. He’s the short-tempered Western American outlaw with a great big red moustache and an intense hatred of rabbits, especially Bugs Bunny.

What was your first paid job?
I had a paper round from the age of about seven or eight. I remember getting paid a shilling a week.

Best/worst household task?
I really enjoy cooking but detest cutting the grass. I have a useless Flymo to contend with.

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
The best- Don’t be afraid to show your emotions… It’s good to talk.
The worst- Children should be seen and not heard.

Personal philosophy?
If you stop trying to learn, then you are already dead……

RECYCLING IN CARNDONAGH

Like it or not the council have decided to charge for waste disposal on certain items brought into their centres. Let em know what you think. Is this good for the hedgerows?

Materials Accepted

Material How to Present Where to Place Free / Charge

Glass Wash Out Bottle Banks Free
Food Tins Wash & Squash Mixed Can Bank Free
Drink Cans Wash & Squash Mixed Can Bank Free
Aerosol Cans Remove Plastic Lid Mixed Can Bank Free
Textiles Textile Bank Free
Paper Not Shredded Paper Bank Charge
Plastic Containers Wash & Squash Plastic Bank Charge
Tetrapak (Juice Carton & Milk Cartons) Wash & Squash Tetra Pak Bank Charge
Cardboard Clean Card Only Compactor Charge
Batteries (Household) Battery Bin Free
Batteries (Car) Battery Containers Free
Fluorescent Light Bulbs Bulb Containers Free
Waste Engine Oil Engine Oil Tank Charge
Waste Catering Oil Cooking Oil Tank Charge
Print Cartridges Cartridge Bin Free
Mobile Phones Mobile Phone Bin Free
Scrap Metal Scrap Metal Skip Charge
Small Electrical Goods (Computers, Radios Etc) Cages Free
Large Electrical Goods (Fridges, Cookers Etc) Free Standing Area Free
Gas Bottles Designated Area Free





New Charges For All Civic Amenity Sites 2009
The following scale of charges is being introduced at ALL Civic Amenity Sites with effect from 16th April 2009

You should note that the following list may not cover all waste items accepted at the facility.
Items not otherwise specified will be charged on the basis of the nearest comparable item.
The decision of site staff will be final.



Recycling

•Free Recycling
The following recyclable items will be accepted Free of Charge:
◦Glass bottles/jars
◦Food and drink cans, aerosol cans
◦Textiles
◦Fluorescent Tubes
◦Household Batteries
◦Car Batteries
◦Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
◦Print Cartridges/Mobile Phones

•€10 & €20 Recycling
€10 will allow access for private vehicles (without trailers) and €20 for private vehicles with small car trailers (e.g. 6” by 4”) depositing a combination of the following waste items and materials:
◦Paper
◦Cardboard
◦Plastic
◦Milk & Drinks Cartons
◦Waste Engine Oil
◦Waste Cooking Oil
◦Mixed metals (e.g. steel sink, beer barrel, bicycle, bin, barbecue, radiator, water tank)
Bulky Items Charges

•€10 Charge:
A charge of €10 per item will apply for the deposit of the following bulky items:
◦Mattress (Single), Single Bed – excl. mattress, Crate
◦Kitchen/Dining Chair, Buggy, Bedside Locker
◦Garden Chair, Rocking Horse, Pram
◦High Chair, Slide, Large Toys
◦Ironing Board, Stepladder, Curtain/Blind
◦Toilet, Cistern, Bathroom Sink

•€20 Charge:
A charge of €20 per item will apply for the deposit of the following bulky items:
◦Double Bed – excl. mattress, Chest of Drawers, Table
◦Mattress (Double), Bath, Sofa
◦Armchair, Shower Tray, Door
◦Wardrobe, Cot, Linoleum (per room/roll)
◦Carpet (per room/roll)

Note
Vehicles with large, agricultural, silage or livestock trailers will not be allowed access to the Council’s Civic Amenity Sites.

Construction and demolition wastes, such as windows, fireplaces, ceramic tiles, slates, roof tiles and timber, will not be accepted at the Council’s Civic Amenity Sites.

Items not otherwise specified will be charged on the basis of the nearest comparable item. The decision of site staff will be final. It you are unsure whether an item will be accepted, you should contact,

ICR - Inishowen Community Radio fundraiser

ICR held a fundraising evening at the Gateway Hotel in Buncrana last week

The Sound of the Musicals

Greasepaint Productions put on a sell out show at the St. Mary's Hall in Buncrana this week. The director Donal Henderson managed to bring together a very large cast to critical acclaim.

See them all here