WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 31

DEATH IS NOTHING AT ALL

I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you: whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name; speak to me in the easy way, which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be forever the same as it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it.
Life means more than it ever meant.
It is the same as it always was: there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner…. All is well.

Canon Scott Holland

5 MINUTES WITH - GEVEVIEVE MCGUINNESS

Genevieve McGuinness lives in Buncrana and is a full time mum to her three children, Naoise, Caolan and Tegan. Over the last few years, she finished her degree in textiles and exhibits her work with the Inishowen Artists Project. She is one of many volunteers working in the new art shop located next to Sean Fureys in Buncrana. It is showcasing a varied range of artists’ work from across the peninsula. The artists are keen to acknowledge Sarah McLaughlin, daughter of Liam (The Poet) McLaughlin from the town who is kindly letting the shop out rent free. Genevieve’s work includes printing, dying and stitching but she also loves to create beautiful wedding invitation cards. She can be contacted on 086 0637967


What music do you like?
I enjoy easy listening music, such as Snow Patrol. It fits in better with the hectic lifestyle of looking after my three children. After saying that I tend to listen to a lot of children’s story tapes. We have one about a pirate that we have listened to quite a few times.

What would you never throw away?
I am a bit of a hoarder and tend to hang on to everything; you never know when you might want something for an art project. The day I throw it out is the day I want it. Seamus reckons I ought to throw things out after three months if they are not used. I could never do that.

What book are you reading?
Dan Brown – Angels and Demons. The story is the prequel to the DaVinci code and takes place about a year before the events in his best selling novel. It’s an exciting read.

What was your favourite childhood game?
We called it 2 Ball. I am not sure if there is another name for it. We would throw a tennis ball against a wall and sing songs as we caught it. I tried to teach my girls how to do it but they weren’t interested. It probably wasn’t exciting enough for them.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
It is matinee films for me. The children and I went to see Wall-E. It’s a great film and good fun for all of the family.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I flick and read whatever catches my eye. I tend to avoid the sports pages though…

What is your idea of a good night out?
Having great craic with friends and family, and a bottle of wine or two.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I am always embarrassing myself. I can be very scatty and don’t stop talking; my brothers are always taking the hand out of me.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I enjoy Prison Break and Home and Away. There is always an over the top dramatic scene to look at. In the daytime I might catch a glimpse of Dr Phil giving advice to members of the public, I might catch the odd bit of wisdom over the noise of the kids.

How do you relax?
God- how do you relax? I am always on the go with the three children.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I always wanted to be a fashion designer. My mammy still has a report card from school. The report says that I want to be a fashion designer and live in a little house in the country…I am happy in textile design and being an artist, but would still love the house in the country…

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
I would like to go to places with beautiful imagery, so there are lots of places. Venice or India would be nice.

Your idea of heaven?
Spending time with my children. I love it when we are being silly and doing lots of giggling.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
The fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. She was largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions to the masses. Dr Phil could pop in to tell us where we are going wrong.

Favourite animal?
I love giraffes…. they are so graceful.

What couldn’t you live without?
I would be lost without two things - my art materials, paper, dyes, waxes, crayons and pencils and of course my children.

Biggest fear?
It’s quite irrational really but I am terrified of wasps. I was stung on the neck as a child and remember the lump that grew afterwards. I have been known to run away screaming when one comes near me, leaving young children to tend for themselves!

Biggest thrill?
I love roller coasters; it’s great adrenalin rush. I quite fancy bungee jumping.

The world’s most irritating invention?
The doorbell. It always rings at the most inconvenient time.

What is your idea of a good night in?
Me, Seamus and something crappy on TV.

Do you have a hobby?
Art is my hobby, I find it really relaxing.

World’s most useful invention?
Nappies. It’s not very environmentally sound, but I don’t fancy washing and hanging up terry towels, especially in winter.

What do you have for breakfast?
Yoghurt, fruit and museli washed down with some fruit juice. I do like an egg at the weekend, usually scrambled.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
The best bit of advice I had was “Give up the fags”. I am not into pessimism so I don’t bother listening to negative advice.

Personal philosophy?
Don’t look back – look forward.

ASK THE EXPERTS

We can tackle most of life’s challenges when it comes to everyday issues like cooking or cleaning the house and every-one has skills and abilities whether they are in a sport or in computers. However, there are times when we need the services of skilled professionals. These are people who have undergone long training programmes to get the expertise needed for a particular field. With qualifications and practice under their belt, these experts have the experience to give a top quality service. So if you need professional help, local experts are ready to answer your questions.

POINT 2 POINT - KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER HEALTHY

Point 2 Point based on the Cockhill Road in Buncrana supply and service computer systems all over the peninsula and over the ten years they have been in business have built up a reputation for delivering a high quality service to businesses and individuals. Computers do slow down with everyday use and in a work environment, this could cause unnecessary stress to the user as well as losing valuable time and money waiting for programmes to start up. Like most machines, computers need to regularly maintained to ensure that they are working to their top

performance. We can do our bit by making sure they are switched on and off properly and that virus controls are in place when surfing on the Internet. However, there are features that it isn’t advisable to mess with, particularly the memory, and if your company relies on computers for its livelihood it makes sense to get in the experts. Phone Point 2 Point today and see what a difference their expertise will make to you, your computer, and your mood.


MacBRIDE CONAGHAN SOLICITORS – CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE AND LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Legal issues can effect ourselves or our families at some time in our lives. Whether it is simply making a will or passing on a family farm, MacBride Conagahans on the Malin Rd in Moville provide confidential advice and legal representation. This year MacBride Conaghans are celebrating over a decade in practice and in that time have seen a growth in the need for legal services locally. They have a lot of experience in a wide range of legal fields including road traffic and public order offences, family law, buying and selling properties, re-mortgaging and accident and employment claims. They can also provide help with the District Court and they are a member of the Private Legal Aid Panel. If you need professional legal advice, in full confidence, make MacBride Conaghan your first stop.


JEFF MacLAUGHLIN-LOOKING AFTER YOUR EYES

The optician Jeff McLaughlin on Chapel Street The Diamond Carndonagh knows how important good eye care is. You only have one pair of eyes. Once lost, your eyesight may never be replaced. Unlike your teeth, your eyes do not usually hurt when there is something wrong and it takes a professional to spot deterioration in the eyes. An eye test from a professional optician, such as Jeff MacLauglin, could pick up conditions such as glaucoma. The earlier a problem is detected the greater the chance of successful treatment. This is particularly true for young children and the elderly.

An examination also checks whether your eyesight needs correcting with spectacles and determines the best form of correction for your vision. For young people, good eyesight is vital for learning. An eye examination will detect any problems in sight, which may be affecting school performance. Failing eyesight is often taken for granted as people get older. However, by having an eye examination and remedying problems in eyesight, older people can improve their quality of life significantly. Poor eyesight is dangerous. An eye test ensures that you meet the legal requirement for driving. An eye examination is a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s normal health regime. So make it a priority to book an eye test.

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

The reasons people volunteer are as rich and varied as the people themselves.

Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't bottle it up. The Samaritans are there for you

Many local families have been moved by the care of the Foyle Hospice where each person is treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

Donegal Action for Cancer Care want a health system that is there when you need it, that is fair and trustworthy.

ACCORD have professionally trained counsellors available to facilitate couples and individuals to explore, reflect upon and resolve difficulties in their marriage and relationship.





CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

One of the great things about living in Inishowen, is being part of a community. It is a safe place to bring up children, and we all belong to a society where we look out for each other. Many local people also have taken that extra step and have become involved in volunteering, working with a local organisation, to make a difference or get a need met. These are ordinary people giving their time and energy to provide services and meet local needs, such as helping out with a local football team or checking in on elderly neighbours.


Donegal Volunteer Centre
The Donegal Volunteer Centre operates a “One Stop Shop” for volunteering activity in Donegal. It has loads of volunteering opportunities available from youth work to support and advocacy, to administration and working with animals, and even being part of a mountain rescue team. Volunteering is a unique expression of active citizenship and it benefits the volunteer as well as the recipient. It helps people to fulfill their potential, while contributing to positive social and environmental change. The reasons people volunteer are as rich and varied as the people themselves and can include; wanting to give something back to the community, being asked to volunteer by a friend or neighbour, wanting to get more involved in the community, to build up experience that will help in getting paid employment, to build up self esteem and confidence and having a passion or belief around a particular issue.

The Donegal Volunteer Centre provides information and advice to people who are interested in volunteering as well as to organisations looking for volunteers. Donegal Volunteer Centre advertises volunteering vacancies, advises people on their volunteering options and helps organisations support their volunteers.

The service is free and confidential and is funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. For further information, please contact Sandra or Colleen on 074 91226740 or visit the website: http://www.volunteerdonegal.ie/

THE FOYLE HOSPICE
Many local families have been moved by the care of the Foyle Hospice where each person is treated with dignity, respect and compassion irrespective of their cultural or religious background. Their services include inpatient care, homecare, daycare, bereavement support and 24 hour telephone advice. The philosophy of the hospice means they are committed to providing the best quality of life for their patients with special emphasis on expert pain relief and symptom control. They combine excellent nursing and medical care with holistic support that recognises practical, emotional, social and spiritual needs and they respect the patient’s autonomy and support the family throughout the illness and bereavement.
Because all of the hospice services are free of charge to patients and their families, the hospice is always looking for ways to raise funds to continue their much needed and appreciated work. These include running marathons, weekly draws, and various fundraising events. The latest challenge is a three day West Highland Trek including climbing Ben Nevis next May. For further details contact Ciaran McGinley on 048 71359888

SAMARITANS
The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those, which could lead to suicide.
Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't bottle it up. The Samaritans are there for you if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to someone. You can contact the Samaritans by phone, email, letter and, in some centres, face to face. Common reasons to call Samaritans include; Relationship and family problems, loss, including the loss of a job, a friend or a family member through bereavement, financial worries, job-related stress or overwork, college or study related stress and body image issues. You can contact the Samaritans on 074 9120999 or 04871 265511

DONEGAL ACTION FOR CANCER CARE
The Donegal Action for Cancer Care (D.A.C.C.) campaigns for health services for the people of Donegal. They want to see a health system that supports and empowers you, your family and community to achieve your full health potential. They want a health system that is there when you need it, that is fair and trustworthy and that encourages you to have your say, listens to you, and ensures that your views are taken into account. They have recently launched a major campaign to retain a vital pre-cancer service at Letterkenny General Hospital. The colposcopy service prevents cervical cancer by detecting pre-cancerous lesions early and treating them. Approximately 700 women avail of this service annually. According to D.A.C.C., this service actually generates income for the budget of Letterkenny General Hospital and they are campaigning for this vital cancer service to be restored. For more details, see their web site – http://www.dacc.ie/

ACCORD
ACCORD has two local branches of the Catholic Marriage Care Service, located in Carndonagh and Derry. ACCORD provides different services to help marriages grow and thrive.

Marriage Preparation Courses
Before the big day comes, why not take time out to honour each other and your commitment and attend an ACCORD Marriage Preparation Programme. This course emphasizes the needs of the couple, allowing time to explore the relationship, the unique partnership and gives time to celebrate this commitment to each other. Courses are run locally and can help the couple understand each other better.

Fertility and Wellbeing
Planning a family carries much responsibility along with joy and, sometimes, great disappointment for a couple. The process of the couple gathering information and knowledge about their fertility can be very enlightening and satisfying. ACCORD provides an educational service, offering instruction / counselling in Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning (NFP) for women and couples.

Relationship Counselling
ACCORD have professionally trained counsellors available to facilitate couples and individuals to explore, reflect upon and resolve difficulties in their marriage and relationship. The service is totally confidential the service facilitates you to clarify your particular situation, to express your thoughts and feelings and explore new options and agree a course of action.

WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 30

A farmer and his three sons were working hard in the fields, when he realised he needed a message from the town. He sent his eldest son into the village, where the Buddha happened to be talking to the local people. The eldest son got caught up with the message of the Buddha and stayed to listen. The farmer got fed up when the boy didn’t return, so he sent another son to see what was happening. He too became interested in the Buddha’s message and didn’t return home. The farmer was getting most irritated as there was so much work to be done. “Go and see what is keeping your brothers and get them home straight away, he ordered the lad. Off went the youngest son, but coming across the Buddha, he too couldn’t tear himself away from the teachings.

By this time, the farmer was really angry. He stormed into the village and saw what was happening. He strode up to the Buddha and angrily, began to confront him. “What kind of teacher are you, that keeps honest boys away from their work. I have crops in the fields and they won’t bring themselves in.” The farmer ranted angrily for about ten minutes, while the Buddha just sat peacefully. At last, the farmer ran out of steam. “What do you have to say for yourself?” he challenged the Buddha.

“Well,” replied the Buddha. “If you gave somebody a present and they didn’t want it, who would the gift belong too?”

The farmer was nonplussed by the question. “What? It would still be mine” began the farmer, “but I don’t know what you are talking about”

The Buddha smiled at the man, with compassion. “I don’t accept the gift of your anger,” he replied.

Traditional Buddhist

45TH PLATOON TRAINING AT DUNREE

"We are at war and I am the war photographer. All of a sudden it doesn’t feel like a game anymore."

“Any ideas where I could find Lieutenant Martin Crumlish?”

I am at Dunree Fort just north of Buncrana to take photographs of the 27th Infantry Battalion, 45th 2 Star Platoon who are here for a training exercise. They arrived last Monday and have come from Monaghan (It took them 6 hours to travel up - they had to avoid the North).

“He’s out to get some provisions,” said a young lad in full camouflage gear walking out of the hospital building. It has been converted into the mess for the week. “Well, he’s popped down to the chip shop, he’ll be back in a bit. Try the information building. Sgt. Cannon will fill you in on what’s happening today.” I dutifully oblige…. It must be the uniform.

Sgt Vaughan Cannon gets up from his camping bed, one of about twenty that have been put in the conference room to accommodate some of the group. His face is covered in camo cream and it looks as though I have disturbed his much needed rest. I apologise.

“Nice bed.” I say looking at the green fabric stretched between two metal poles.” “This is luxury compared to where the Privates have to sleep.” He tells me happily. “They are in one of the old buildings with no floors, tin sheeting over the windows and gaping holes in the roof. That’s luxury to them though as they have been used to sleeping under tarpaulin sheeting in woodland and living for 72 hours in dig in’s (holes in the ground, more commonly known as trenches). They are not complaining” he smiles. “What can I do for you?”

“Who are the 45th 2 Star Privates?” I ask, getting down to business.

“Well, there are 54 of us, all based in Monaghan,” he begins. “There are young recruits from the ages of 18-25 and we are all part of the 6,500 people in the Irish army. The team here is split into; 6 people on security, 27 lads, 1 girl, (the recruits), 26 support staff and 8 people who are here as ‘The Enemy’. The group are in training; they do 5 months in Dundalk, 10 weeks in Monaghan and also do on site training here and another base down in Cork. They finish their training on the 16th of October so this exercise here is the result of a lot of hard work.”

I am intrigued by his earlier comment. “What do you mean by ‘The Enemy?’” I ask.

“We are House Clearing this evening.” Sgt Cannon explains. “It’s all about combat fighting in built up areas. We are starting at the entrance to Dunree and will systematically work our way through all of the buildings, searching for The Enemy. The Enemy make the exercise more effective as they put up resistance.”

“Shall I just take some posed photo’s of the soldiers before they start?” I ask feeling a bit nervous that I too will go under the banner of “The Enemy.”

The Sergeant thinks for a minute. “It might be a better idea if you do.” He suggests, “The group can get pretty psyched up when they are on a mission, see what Lt. Crumlish has to say. He’s just turned up.”

“Thanks,” I say taking my leave. Lt Martin Crumlish is carrying a delicious smelling brown paper bag full of provisions.

“Hi Martin,” I say informally. “I’m here to take some photos for the Inishowen Independent.” I am mumbling, not knowing if its appropriate to salute. “That’s great, you’ll need these.” Martin passes me a pair of khaki muffler earphones. “It gets a bit noisy when the guns and grenades go off.”

Guns and grenades? “I was thinking of taking a few posed shots before you start.” I said, getting a bit worried. “Not at all.” Says Marin casually, “You’ll get better shots if it’s a real situation.”

Now the only shots I am comfortable with are photos and I am starting to feel a little nervous.

Lt. Martin Crumlish is from Moville and knows the area well. “We’ll be up at the gates at 1800 hours, see you there.”

It feels like the calm before the storm. But it does give me a chance to take in the atmosphere. The fort is no stranger to the military having accomadated both the British and the Irish armies in the past. Dunree, or Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, “Fort of the Heather,” has been an important defensive site throughout history.

HISTORY
The area surrounding me along the Swilly has also been of immense historical significance. The Norsemen and later the Anglo-Normans and the mercenary soldiers, the Gallowglasses, used the Swilly when coming to Ireland. Wolfe Tone was taken under naval arrest into Buncrana in 1798 and in recent times during World War I, it stood guard whilst Admiral Lord Jellicoe’s fleet anchored in Lough Swilly prior to engaging the German Navy at the Battle of Jutland. During World War II Irish forces were stationed here to prevent the warring nations violating the country’s neutrality. I am always fascinated by the fact that although it is a military camp there are signs of quieter times with careful tender planting of aromatic daffodils and seaside shrubs, obviously planted with care by the soldiers who wanted to make the place a bit more like home.

My daydreaming in the sun is interrupted. “We’re starting” Martin calls out, “Follow me.” I do. Without question. It’s the uniform.

“Just before we go to war” I begin, “are you using live ammunition?” It’s probably the most ridiculous question I have ever come out with, but it needs to be asked.

“F*** no!” came the reply which made me feel a little better. Worryingly enough though it made me realise that I was still going ahead with the photos even if the ammunition was real….I’d like to think it was anything for a photo, but it is probably that I am used to doing what I’m told.

Like the 45th 2 Star Privates, I have no time to ponder. We are at war and I am the war photographer. All of a sudden it doesn’t feel like a game anymore.

The squad are wearing all of the gear, heavy packpacks, helmets, painted faces, hand grenades, smoke bombs, battering rams and machine guns. With military precision they are hiding in the hedgerows and undergrowth, making their way to the first building. Two smoke bombs are thrown. I am standing down wind so there’s not much chance of a picture, so I run up the hill. “Go, Go, Go!” A voices shouts as three soldiers break the door down under the cover of white smoke.

“Grenade!” Another shout. Followed by a massive bang in the building. That’s why Martin gave me the earphones… I put them on.

“What do you see?” shouts a voice to the three inside the building “Door to the left, three to the right!”

ADRENALIN
My adrenalin is pumping now and I decide to get closer. I carefully go inside the tumbledown building with the rotting floorboards and I can immediately feel the tension. As I walk past the doorways through the clearing mist from the grenades, I see the wide eyes of the team look at me through the darkness, all the more striking with the war paint. Some turn quickly and raise their guns…. I could be the enemy after all. It feels like I am in an American film where the cops have to identify innocent members of the public from the bad guys in a split second - and I am not pushing a pram.

The silence is broken “Grenade!” Another blast, this time the mufflers were on. “Clear. One enemy dead!” shouts a Private. The team assemble outside and make their way to the next building.

“There are a lot of buildings around the fort and every one of them has to be cleared,” Martin is telling me as the lads push ahead. “This will be going on until midnight.” The light is going fast and this type of work will be even scarier in the dark. “When we have finished here, the recruits will be heading to the top of the hill, where the guns are, for some night time surveillance with night vision cameras.” The Lieutenant is explaining. “The enemy will be flushed out again. You can join us if you like. We will ne starting at 0300 hours” I stammer out some excuse about finding it difficult to take photos in the dark and we move on.

The Irish army are the 6th highest contributing force in the U.N. and in a real situation I would have probably been shot in the first minute of combat. I am standing between the soldiers and the Enemy far too often. The recruits are getting into ‘the zone’ and I realise now what Sgt. Cannon meant by the privates getting psyched up in combat.

As buildings continue to be cleared, more grenades are thrown and shots are fired, the atmosphere becomes more and more charged. It’s getting really serious now… it has to. They are being trained in the event of real combat situations. And if that time comes I am sure they don’t want a civilian with a camera standing between them and the Enemy.