MOVILLE SUMMER FESTIVAL - EDITORIAL 2008

MOVILLE SUMMER FESTIVAL

Ideally situated on the western shore of Lough Foyle, Moville is accessible from all areas North and South and is frequently visited by people from all over the world. Originally just one street, Moville has grown into a thriving town with a diverse mixture of businesses, industries and services that are successfully providing employment and self-sufficiency for the area.

Over the last few years Moville has successfully run some diverse festivals. Last year was the hugely popular Dylan Fest and they were also one of the first towns to host an “Oyster Festival”. The one event that everyone looks forward to every year is the popular Summer Festival. Started in the 1950’s as a Sea Angling Festival the event has grown to be one of the most popular events of the year and it also includes the Moville Regatta.


HOW IT BEGAN

The Moville Summer Festival was originally The Foyle Sea Angling Festival and was started by Father Rafferty in the 1950’s. It also holds the accolade for being the oldest festival in the peninsula.

Local men, Father Rafferty, Jim McGettigan and Tony Meehan were concerned at the plight of the families of the many fishermen lost at sea. So much so, they decided to start the Angling Festival to raise money for the families. This proved to be such a success that the Festival continued year after year. Angling Clubs from all over the North, Bangor and Co. Down used to attend and one regular visitor was Father Willy McDonald who travelled from Southampton every year, even during the years of the troubles.



QUOTES

This year we have fantastic live bands performing outdoors at the festival. It’s bigger and better than ever! Eddie Harkin – chairman of the festival

“I wouldn’t miss this wacky event for the world. I come over every year from Scotland and have a fabulous time” – Larry Lumley, sunbathing on the street in Moville


GRAND OPENING

Although events begin on Wednesday with the treasure hunt, the festival isn’t officially opened until 7:30 pm on Friday the 1st of August. Not that that will deter anyone from starting the celebrations. Ash McFadden from Greencastle’s Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium will be setting off some of his rockets to mark the start of the weekend. This, like all things that happen in the festival are subject to weather conditions and if the wind is up they might have to find something else to mark the opening as the rockets tend to get blown out into the Foyle. Ash always remains positive though and he will be studying the wind reports up until the moment of launching.


PRE FESTIVAL FUN

Even before the official opening of the festival there is still plenty to do. If you have a car and an inquisitive mind then you night like to join in the Car Treasure Hunt that starts from McGettigans bar at 6 pm tomorrow Wednesday 30th. The list of questions will tax your brain as you scour the countryside for clues. Although the finishing time is supposed to be 9 pm, we would imagine that there will still be people lost for a few hours afterwards as they try to solve the clues.

THINGS TO DO

If you have a cute baby then why not enter the Bonny Baby Competition at 3pm on Saturday. This year the organisers have opened up the event to include loads of categories, even including children up to 4-7 year old. This section is aptly named “Masters of the Universe”.

There are some old favourites to look forward to on Saturday. After the regatta Cruiser Race which starts at 2pm, the vintage tractor and building display will be on show at Quay Street near the pier. The old Massey engines are sure to rekindle a bit of nostalgia for some and show us what life used to be like when we were more open to the elements.

All aboard
Sunday may see people thrashing around in the Foyle if some of their home made rafts sink into the murky water. If you stand around the pier at 4pm then you will witness a large group of hardy men, women and children who are not afraid to risk their dignity whilst straggled across a few rusty 52 gallon drums. There has never been so much fun in the water. For anyone participating and not suffering hypothermia, there will be a presentation to the winners afterwards.

A bit of history
For those of you who like to keep on the move there will be an historic walk around the town tracing Moville back to 1754 when the property on which the town of Moville now stands was purchased by Samuel Montgomery, A Derry merchant, who was Sheriff of the City in 1754. He built “New Park” in 1776 - the family residence ever since. The walk begins at 12 noon on Saturday the 2nd.


All the fun of the fair
All through the weekend there will be a fairground to excite the children and turn the stomachs of the parents, as they are reluctantly forced to sit in with their offspring. A bouncy castle will give a bit of welcome relief to adults, as generally they are not allowed to bounce as it ruins it for the toddlers, as they tend to fly uncontrollably in the air.


Live music
Live music will be playing all around the centre of the town over the weekend. There will be stages on James Street, Market Square and the Malin Road. The committee have booked come choice acts this year, which include a Bon Jovi tribute band, a Robbie Williams tribute and Flash Harry, a tribute to Queen.


In the bars
For people not wanting to stand outside, most bars around the town will be will be hosting live sounds. Check out the Waterfront, Caisal Mara, The Town Clock, Rawdons, The Trawlermans, Rosatos Bar, and the Corner Bar to see what’s on over the course of the festival. If it’s boogying the night away then McGuire’s and the Bar -a -Cuda will be venues for DJ action.

Late Licences – but please be sensible
Late licences have been obtained for the duration of the Festival and the committee wishes to emphasise that the Moville Summer Festival promotes sensible drinking and requests that stewards and gardai are co-operated with at all times.


DID YOU KNOW?

Last year one band controversially pulled out of the event because the Strippendales were performing. However a recent survey showed that 10 out of 13 Movillians were relaxed about male strippers.

The first steamboat service Derry to Moville started in 1832, this has nothing to do with the festival but wouldn’t it be great to see it back in action. What an attraction it would be for the festival….

The Gaelic name for Moville was originally Bun an Phobail (pronounced bunafobble) ("the foot, or end, of the parish). What a great name.

The Moville Festival is the oldest in the peninsula, dating back over 50 years.

5 MINUTES WITH - MIKE BARNETT

The RNLI in Buncrana are celebrating 20 years of active service in the peninsula. Mark Burnett from Buncrana is also celebrating as he has been with the RNLI in the town since the beginning. He is married to Pauline and has three daughters. By day he is a mild mannered lorry driver with the oil company A and N Fuels, the home delivery heating oil specialists. But by night he is on standby to face whatever perils there are on the Swilly. His involvement with the lifeboats gives Mark and his team tremendous satisfaction knowing that they are part of a charity that saves lives at sea.


What music do you like?
Country music. In particular, Garth Brooks, Randy Travis and the celebrated Broadway star, Colm Wilkinson. I really enjoy “Bring him Home” from his part in Les Miserables.

What would you never throw away?
Anything that I might need tomorrow.

What book are you reading?
I am not reading a book at the moment, I am distracted too much with one thing and another. I do read the quarterly magazine “The Lifeboat” when I get the chance. It is an RNLI publication and a fascinating read.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I used to spend a lot of time at the diving boards on the shorefront in Buncrana. Unfortunately, they have gone now.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
It has been a while but Perfect Storm was the last film I saw. It stars George Clooney and it is about a group of commercial fishermen who get caught up in an intense storm, which puts them in mortal danger.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The front page. Occasionally I will go to the sports pages, as I am a bandwagon supporter for Donegal.

What is your idea of a good night out?
A nice meal with Pauline (my wife) and friends.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I was watching Who Wants to be a Millionaire on the telly and didn’t know one of the answers. I decided to phone up my sister Patricia to see if she knew. As soon as the phone was picked up at the other end I asked her the question and she gave me the answer straight away. I thanked her and then was surprised when the voice asked me who I was. I had phoned the wrong number and had been talking to a complete stranger.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Top Gear and Only Fools and Horses.

How do you relax?
I enjoy a walk by the sea, especially around Ned’s Point and the shore path.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
When I was very young I wanted to be a priest…

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Barbados would be good. The weather is fabulous and the people are friendly.

Your idea of heaven?
Being on the lifeboat on a beautiful day, floating on the Swilly.

Your idea of hell?
I am not tolerant of bad manners. I like to hear a please and thank-you.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Billy Connolly for his wit and Nelson Mandela for his wisdom. He’s not doing badly for 90.

Favourite animal?
I like dogs, especially Alsatians, they make loyal pets.

What couldn’t you live without?
Friends and family.

Biggest fear?
A crew member going overboard when we are out on a shout.

Biggest thrill?
The birth of my three daughters.

The world’s most irritating invention?
Lilos and small inflatable boats that shouldn’t be on the water. It wasn’t long ago we picked up a man stranded on the Swilly when he drifted off and got caught in the tide.

What is your idea of a good night in?
A meal from the Chinese takeaway, a bottle of wine and the Late Late Show… Am I getting old?

Do you have a hobby?
I did play golf for a short while.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
Now is a good time. We have a great country and great people living in it.

World’s most useful invention?
The lifejacket. They save more lives every year.

What do you have for breakfast?
Something light. Cornflakes and fruit is usually enough.

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
The worst: Turn right when it should have been left.

The best: Have faith.

Personal philosophy?
Failure is not in falling, but it’s the inability to pick yourself up and keep going.

20 YEARS OF THE SWILLY LIFEBOAT STATION

On a cold winter's night, with storm at its height, the lifeboat answered the call.

They pitched and they tossed till we thought they were lost, as we watched from the harbour wall

Though the night was pitch black, there was no turning back, for someone was waiting out there

But each volunteer had to live with his fear as they joined in a silent prayer.

Phil Coulter from his song Home from the Sea


Quote
“When the pager rings at 2am after being at work the previous day. I jump out of bed and head down to the lifeboat station. There is no time to feel tired”. Mark Barnett - Coxwain



20 YEARS OF THE SWILLY LIFEBOAT STATION

The Lough Swilly Lifeboat Station has been in existence since 1988, and is celebrating 20 years of service. In that time, the voluntary lifeboat crew have saved 34 people from certain death and rescuing many others from the perils of the ocean.

How it began
On a cold December day in the early 1980’s, Brian Coulter went windsurfing out of Fahan and got into difficulty. When the alarm was raised that he had disappeard there were no facilities in place to set up a search. His body was found the following morning. It was felt that if a search could have been made, he would have been rescued. Several of Brians friends contacted the RNLI and asked for a lifeboat to be stationed along the Swilly. In 1988 a D class boat was commisioned at Neds point. Brians brother Phil held a concert at the Plaza in Buncrana to help fund the boat and Phil has been the Patron ever since he cut the tape at the opening ceremony.

The lifeboat was now operational and it needed a person with strong leadership skills to develop it further. Pat Keaney was made Honoury Secretary and worked until 1992 when he handed over the reigns to Liam McGee, who is the present Lifeboat Operations Manager.

Contacting the lifeboat station
If there is an emergency the Lifeboat Station have a team of volunteers always on hand to take the calls. Barry Stephenson, John McCarter and Kate Heaney are Deputy Launching Authority Personnel and are ready to act on a call out. There is also a new addition as Eunan McConnell has just joined up as the latest member of the team.

The boats
When the station first opened, the crew had a 16 foot inflatable (D class) to battle the storms and waves. The second boat was the Atlantic 21 (rib). The station now operates two boats. The new B class lifeboat Atlantic 85 was officially named on the 5th of April of this year. Named Minnie and Ernest George Barry. Since its arrival at the station it has been called out 15 times and rescued at least 3 people. The larger boat, the Mariners Friend, is away for some work to be done on the engine and will be back in a couple of weeks. Until then the station will be using the Lord Salton, which can cope with all weather conditions, just like the Mariner’s Friend.


Recognition of service awards
Coxswain Mark Barnett from Buncrana received an award on Vellum for recognition of leadership and seamanship when he helped to rescue the vessel Mary –Ellen and her crew of six. On the 12th of November 2006. George O’Hagan was presented with a framed letter signed by the chairman and certificete vellums were presented to Dan Gallanagh,Alan O’Hagan, Gregory McDaid and Stephen McGavin, who were all part of the crew that night.


Volunteering with the RNLI.
There are opportunities for crewmembers and land-based volunteers in the Lifeboat Institute, The Swilly team number 25 but are always looking for new recruits. . If you are interested in volunteering at the local station contact Liam on 074 93 61700 for further reading go to the main website rnli.org.uk of check out the Lough Swilly website on http://www.loughswillyrnli.com/

Fundraising
There are volunteer fundraisers all over the country. Locally there was a very successful Night at the Dogs in Lifford, which raised €32,000 and the most recent was the fashion show at the Mt Errigal hotel which raised €15,000


STRANGE SHOUTS
Over the last 20 years, since the lifeboats have been in operation, there have been some interesting shouts. Here are just a few:

Last year the crew were called out to the cliffs at Dunree Head and rescued a black and white collie dog. They gave it the nickname of Rocky and one of the crew looked after him before finding a suitable foster home.

The crew were called out to help dolphins in trouble near the White Strand in Malin. Emmett Johnston and the lifeboat team tried to coax the dolphins back to sea but they kept coming back. It was then decided the mammals had come in to the shore because of either the warm water or to mate. (Should you find any dolphins, dead or alive, in the area please contact Emmett Johnston, NPWS on 087-2867055)

A cow got cut off by the tide near Linsfort and was stuck in a cave. Stephen McGavigan,one of the crew members told me that it was the “Strangest shouts I have ever been on. The cow was eventually ledback onto dry land by two of the team”

The boat “Horizon” was recently shipwrecked near Saldana Head. The crew were rescued but the boat remains there on the rocks.


DID YOU KNOW?

Between 2001 and 2008, the all weather boat has been launched 80 times and directly saved 8 lives.

Between 1988 and 2000 the inshore boat stationed at Ned’ Point has been launched 418 times and directly saved 26 lives.

In total the RNLI has saved over 136,000 people since it started it 1824

Earlier this year the station held a lifejacket awareness campaign. Statistics show only 52% of boat passengers would wear them. Lifejackets save lives. Boating is very unpredictable, so a well-fitted jacket is vital.



Home, home, home from the sea.
Angels of mercy, answer our plea.
And carry us home, home, home from the sea.
Carry us safely home from the sea


Phil Coulter from his song Home from the Sea

5 MINUTES WITH - RYAN BRADLEY

Ryan Bradley lives in Buncrana and in the day he is a mild mannered block layer, working hard around the peninsula. The rest of his time is spent training hard and playing for the Buncrana GAA and the Donegal Senior team GAA. Ryan has been involved in the Buncrana GAA since he was 10 years old and has played for Donegal since 2005, so he knows the business and the extensive training that is required to be on top form.


What music do you like?
I have an ipod with a mixture of everything on it. I especially enjoy listening to new pop music. I like it all

What would you never throw away?
It’s not very likely that I would get a chance to throw anything away; my mother usually gets there before me. I do have match tops from Donegal and jerseys that I will keep a hold of.

What book are you reading?
I have just finished The Boss: the Many Sides of Alex Ferguson, written by Michael Crick. It’s a fascinating story of a man who was arguably the most successful, and controversial club manager in British football history.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I don’t think you need to ask that… football, it’s all I ever played..

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see Wanted with James McAvoy, Morgan Freedman and Angelina Jolie. It was a fascinating film about a pathetic nobody's transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. Great escapism, if a little far fetched.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I start at the sports pages and work my way in.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Meeting my mates and going out to the bars in town, and going out with my girlfriend Claire…….. Maybe I should have said going out with Claire first… We enjoy Flaherty’s and the An Tua Nua.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I was at an award ceremony at Tullyarvan mill last year. The nominations were being read out for best player from the stage and I heard my name. I automatically thought that I had won the award and got up on stage to receive it. To add insult to injury it wasn’t me that won when it was announced….

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Any football on Sky Sports.

How do you relax?
Watching football on Sky Sports…

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I was always active and playing sport. I was much too busy to be thinking about such things.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Anywhere in the sun.

Your idea of heaven?
Winning an All Ireland medal.

Your idea of hell?
Playing GAA in a Burt jersey……

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
The RTE sports commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Peter Canavan the ex Tyrone Galic footballer and Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time.

Favourite animal?
I like big dogs and would say the German shepherd was my favourite.

What couldn’t you live without?
I would be lost without my mobile phone. I am so used to having it now.

Biggest thrill?
Playing for Donegal since 2005.

The world’s most irritating invention?
This sounds a bit daft, but ticking clocks drive me around the bend, especially when I am trying to get to sleep.

What is your idea of a good night in?
A night in with my girlfriend Claire, a DVD and a takeaway. (I mentioned Claire first this time).

Do you have a hobby?
Erm , let me think about this… oh yes, football….I do enjoy swimming 2-3 times a week.

Biggest disappointment?
Losing the County Minor final in 2004 to Glenties.

World’s most useful invention?
My work van comes in very handy. It gets me to jobs and I can store all of my building tools in the back. I would be lost without it.

What do you have for breakfast?
I usually have cereal, tea and toast. I would treat myself to a big fry on Saturdays.

Personal philosophy?
Take each day as it comes...

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 24

The Great Wish Fulfilling tree



There was a man who wandered throughout the world seeking his deepest desire. He wandered from one city to another looking for fulfilment and happiness, but in all his wanderings never found it. Finally one day, tired from his search, he sat down underneath a great tree at the foot of a mountain. What he did not know is that this was The Great Wish Fulfilling tree. Whatever one wishes for it when seated underneath it immediately comes true.

As he rested in his weariness he thought to himself, “What a beautiful spot this is. I wish I had a home here,” and instantly before his eyes a lovely home appeared. Surprised and delighted he thought further, “Ah if only I had a partner to be here with me my happiness would be complete,” and in a moment a beautiful woman appeared calling him husband and beckoning to him. After a while the man thought, Gosh I’m really hungry, I wish there were food to eat. Immediately a banquet appeared covered with every kind of beautiful food. The man sat down to eat and began to feast on all the goodies. When he had finished he looked around at the mess and thought to himself, I wish I had a servant to clean up after me, and sure enough a manservant appeared.

The man sat back down to lean against this wonderful tree and began to reflect. “How amazing it is that everything I wish for has come true. There is some mysterious force about this tree. I wonder if there is a demon who lives in it? Sure enough a great demon appeared. “Oh my, this demon will probably eat me up and that is just what it did.

5 MINUTES WITH - CATHAOIR RUA Ó DOCHARTAIGH

Imaging if a well known, charismatic figure from Inishowen history could come back and answer the 5 Minutes with Questions…. Well imagine no more. This week Cahir Rua is (sort of) with us.

Cahir was elected taoiseach in May 1601 when he was only 14 years old. He was made the Lord of Inishowen between 1601 – 08. All was well until George Paulet, the governor of Derry, accused him of planning a rising when in fact he was only cutting down trees to repair his castle in Buncrana. When Cahir appealed to the Lord Deputy Arthur Chichester in Dublin they locked him up until he produced a surety of several thousand pounds. When he retuned to Inishowen he was so infuriated that he decided to rebel and, with his men, burnt down Derry. Cahir was killed for a reward and the gallant hero’s head was placed on a spike above the main entrance to Dublin Castle where it remained for many years. Meanwhile, his quartered body was put on display in Derry as an example to any would-be insurgent. All of his lands and properties were confiscated by Chichester who then became the new “lord” of Inishowen.

What music do you like?
Oh, my all-time favourite has to be The March of the Kings of Laoise. It’s such a rousing tune! Our pipers used to play it as we were marching into battle. Yes, what a piece!

What would you never throw away?
My trust. I trusted the English and they conspired against me. They goaded me into warfare when all I wanted was peace and stability for the people of Inishowen.

What book are you reading?
“The Last of the Name” by Charles McGlinchey. It’s all about my people and what became of them when I had to leave them. It’s a wonderful book! This is my third time reading it. I am also reading the new book out by Seoirse Ó Dochartaigh named Seven Races of Inishowen O’Doherty. It’s a great read. Check it out on www.seoirse.com.

What was your favourite childhood game?
Blind Man’s Buff with my little sisters in the castle at Elaghmore. You could hide in hundreds of places there!

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I see the odd DVD. I’m not a cinema person. Too tall. I’m 6ft 8”. Everybody behind me screams to lie down or something! I saw “The Fighting Prince of Donegal” recently. You know, Hollywood hasn’t a clue about historical accuracy. Red Hugh O’Donnell was a giant…like myself.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
The political features, usually. But I despair at the quality of leadership in Inishowen sometimes. No teeth!

What is your idea of a good night out?
Oh, much the same as it always was: a good roast on a spit and a barrel of claret for me and my friends...and some nice harp music, of course.
.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
When Paulet, the Governor of Derry, struck me on the face in front of all those people. But he got his just deserts in the end. He actually gave my beloved Inch, which was legally mine, to some military upstart. That was the beginning of it.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Don’t watch TV much, but I really enjoyed a series a few years ago on TG4 (Irish is my first language). It was about two Donegal undertakers – “C.U. Burn” I think it was called. I laughed till I cried.

How do you relax?
Now? Well, I just kind of float around up here. It’s heaven, you know! I don’t think I was too relaxed in my earth days. Do you know any 21-year olds who relax?

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I was fortunate. We had lots of servants and maids in the castle. But when my father and I were taken hostage by the O’Donnell in 1593, they made me sweep the dungeon.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Scotland! I have relations in the Western Isles and haven’t seen them for ages. It’s a home from home over there!

Your idea of heaven?
Where I am right now! But I suppose I’d love to be riding on my horse over the hills of Inishowen and taking it all in. That’s heaven too.

Your idea of hell?
I suppose, it would be to see Inishowen - which used to be teaming with poets and storytellers and musicians – become an urban concrete jungle where people imitated the worst aspects of foreign ways and turned there backs on all things Irish.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Pádraig Pearse: for his poetry and romantic outlook. Gráinne Mhaol, the female sea pirate: for a bit of craic. Paganini: to enliven us all with his magic fiddle!

Favourite animal?
The horse! I was reared in the saddle. I love horses!

What couldn’t you live without?
The company of my darling wife Mary and our beautiful daughter Onóra.

Biggest fear?
Dark, mysterious figures in the woods.

Biggest thrill?
Burning Derry to the ground! But we only killed a couple of soldiers who resisted us. We let the rest go. You should have seen them run in their long nightshirts!

The world’s most irritating invention?
I think it’s that little squarish thing you see people with all the time, stuck to their ears – mobile phones, I think they’re called. Hate them!

What is your idea of a good night in?
Me, Mary and Onóra, sitting around a big log fire in our castle with one of our best story-tellers telling us about the legends of Aileach!

Do you have a hobby?
I used to be a great letter-writer – in Irish. I loved the sound of the quill pen on dry parchment. They told me I was a great letter-writer.

Biggest disappointment?
That we didn’t save Inishowen as an independent country. We could have gone alone, trading with Spain and France. They were crazy about out fish and our poteen. A salmon washed down with a drop of old “Inishowen” was something hard to beat.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
I think the Irish War of Independence in the 1920s. Despite all, we did it! It’s not all that we dreamed of, but, hey, we are fairly independent now!

World’s most useful invention?
It must be the wheel. But the man who invented tar for the roads deserves to be knighted!

What do you have for breakfast?
In my youth we had hot, wheaten farls with butter. We usually drank buttermilk with it. Hmmm…scrumptious!!!

What is the best/worst piece of advice you have been given?
The worst was, undoubtedly, when one of my men in the swamp near the Rock of Doon, told me that it was safe to go forth. But it wasn’t. That’s when the assassin’s bullet pieced my skull and left my people without their chieftain.
The best was the day, my friend Feidhlimí Riabhach Mac Dáibhid introduced me to my future wife, Mary Preston. “Marry her, Cahir, or I’ll marry her myself!” he said.

Personal philosophy?
My philosophy is simple: despite my military experience it would always say “live and let live!”