The world’s most popular way to de-stress? Mindfulness Day in Letterkenny 25th May.

Padraig O’Morain

Mindfulness is fast becoming the world’s most popular way to de-stress and find peace of mind in these difficult times – so says mindfulness teacher and counsellor Padraig O’Morain who is to present a mindfulness day in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny next Saturday, 25th May.

The big attraction is that mindfulness is easy to learn, he says. “People worried about the future or regretful about past decisions and experiences value mindfulness particularly and I think this is why we have seen a huge growth in interest in mindfulness in the past decade, in Ireland and throughout the Western world.”

O’Morain, who also writes a column in the Irish Times health supplement, says. “Similarly, people who experience time pressures in their work find mindfulness an approach they can use on the job to give themselves a sense of space in their lives – that’s why companies such as Google in the US provide mindfulness training for staff.”

“People who bring mindfulness into their daily lives find they are less likely to be swept away by anxiety, anger or unhelpful memories. They learn to be calmly aware in the middle of a busy day.

“People from Donegal come to my workshops in Dublin so I thought it was high time I came to Donegal.”

“If you come to my workshop you will be practicing mindfulness from the time you walk out the door – that’s my aim.”

He is the author of “Light Mind – Mindfulness for Daily Living,” one of the few Irish books on the topic.

“I have taught mindfulness practices to accountants, doctors, unemployed people, counsellors, community workers, managers, trade unionists and many, many others.”

The mindfulness day will be held in the Mount Errigal Hotel from 10am to 3.30pm on the 25th. The cost of attending is €50. No previous experience of mindfulness is necessary and people who already practice mindfulness will also enjoy the day. Participants will be given a CD of mindfulness practices.

Advance booking is essential and can be made through www.mindfulnessexperience.com or by phoning or texting 086 828 6908

Padraig O’Morain 0868286908

pomorain@yahoo.com

www.mindfulnessexperience.com

Learn or revisit a valuable life skill

MINDFULNESS EXPERIENCE DAY

Letterkenny, Co Donegal

Saturday 25th May 2013

Mount Errigal Hotel

10am – 3.30pm

The simple practice of mindfulness lowers anxiety and stress, brings a sense of appreciation to everyday living, interrupts harmful brooding and helps reduce the effect of distressing or unhelpful thoughts, images and mental scenes.

Padraig O’Morain has taught mindfulness in Ireland and the UK to people in all walks of life. “My aim is that you will be using mindfulness from the time you walk out the door,” he says.

Booking is essential and you can book at www.mindfulnessexperience.com or by phoning or texting Padraig at 086 828 6908

Gardai and other emergency services have attended a two car crash at Glenswilly.

The accident happened after 11am this morning.

Nobody was seriously hurt in the smash.

Messages of congratulations are flooding in for Donegal businessman Jason Black who reached the summit of Mount Everest earlier today.

The owner of the Voodoo Nightclub in Letterkenny broke the news to family and friends overnight.

The well-known entrepreneur overcame various obstacles as well as watching two fellow climbers perish on the huge mountain.

He has spent the past number of days trying to conquer the notorious North Ridge to get to the top of the world’s highest mountain.

Jason, who became the first Donegal man to conquer the mountain is expected to get a heroes welcome when he returns to Donegal.

However, his challenge is by no means over as he still has to come down the mountain.

His wife Sharon and four children had been waiting anxiously for news of Jason’s challenge.

Jason had tried to reach the summit to coincide with eldest daughter Lura’s birthday but was juts a few hours late.

The Mayor of Letterkenny and Jason’s brother-in-law, Cllr Dessie Larkin, said the family were so relieved that Jason had reached the top of Everest in one piece.

“We have been lighting candles and praying for Jason since he left and everyone is so relieved that he has got there safely.

“When we heard of the deaths of other climbers along the way, it brought home how dangerous what he was doing actually was.

“We are just so happy for him and for Sharon and the family and we pray now that he gets down safely,” said Mayor Larkin.

Friends and family were able to keep in touch with Jason’s exploits after he kept a blog outlining his journey.

Meanwhile Mayor Larkin also promised to buy Jason his favourite drink when he arrives back in Letterkenny – a Morgan Spice but without ice!

“I don’t think he’ll want to see ice or snow for a long time,” he laughed.

Jason is due back in Ireland this Saturday.

A gutsy performance by Finn Harps ended in the cruelest of ways when they were beaten by Derry City in the League Cup in a penalty shoot-out at Finn Park.

Over the years Derry have had a stranglehold over Harps in competitive games.

And once again it was the Candystripes who opened the scoring after 17 minutes.

Harps failed to clear the ball and Rory Patterson hit the back of the net from the edge of the area with a snap shot.

Patterson went close again for Derry in the 38th minute while Matthew Harkin’s shot whizzed past the Derry post a couple of minutes later.

The game was heading for half-time when a teasing cross from Johnny Bonner saw Aaron O’Hagan rise highest to head into the Derry net to make it 1-1.

Both side continued to trade chances in the second half.

Shane McEleney hit the Harps post while Mark Forker’s effort was blocked by Derry ‘keeper Doherty.

Stewart Gracean also went close for Harps.

Derry were reduced to ten minutes with fifteen minutes to go when goalscorer Patterson got his marching orders for a second bookable offence.

Derry battened down the hatches and the game ended in stalemate after 90 minutes.

Extra time could separate the sides and it went down to the cruelest of decisions – penalties.

Lady Luck just wasn’t on Harps’ side and they were eventually beaten by the narrowest of margins 6-5.

But it was a superb performance by Harps; Hutton bringing in eight new faces from the side which beat Mervue.

Mark Forker and James Bonner were superb in midfield against the Premier League outfit.

Peil na mBan / Ladies

➢ Pride of the club this week must go to our girls who were part of the successful Donegal minor ladies team who are now the Ulster Minor Champions for 2013. Comhghairdeas le Jade, Erica, Caroline a bhí mar pháirt den fhoireann agus do Robbie fosta a bhí páirteach i bhfoireann an chóitseáil.

➢ Last Monday evening was week 5 of Gaelic4Girls. We held our parents night and it was well attended with 39 parents turning up for the hour. We invited the parents onto the pitch and got 15 of them involved in one of our station games. To add to the event we had all the girls at the station to cheer them on and I think everyone enjoyed it.

➢ All parents where then invited inside the clubhouse where senior members of both the ladies and men’s boards’ made a presentation outlining where the club envisages ladies football going within the club.

➢ The procedure for club registration was explained and forms handed with a great uptake.

➢ A lot of interest was expressed in the ‘Ready Steady Coach’ programme and the club hope to get this setup shortly.

➢ This Monday 20th we will have a break from our 12 week Programme of G4G as our Under 16 Girls are playing Moville in the County championship Semi-final in Milford @7pm. We would encourage as many parents, club members to come along and support the girls.

➢ Training for U-14s is on Tuesday from 6-7pm and training for U-14/16 and Minors is Thursday from 6-7pm in the Banks.

Cluichí / Fixtures

Beidh an foireann sinsear ag imirt in éadán Cloich Cheann Fhaola ar na Méillte an Sathairn seo ag 5:00i.n. Beidh an foireann tacaíocht i nGleann Fhinne an mhaidin ina dhiaidh sin ag 11:30r.n. ag imirt a gcluiche sraithe.

Bord na nÓg

➢ All underage teams are now in training.

➢ The U-14 and Minor league have now concluded.

➢ The U-12s have played a number of challenge games with their season starting next Monday.

➢ The U-16s have a few challenge games coming up with their league beginning on 28th June.

➢ The U-10s had two challenge games as well.

➢ Training tops and hats given out to all under-age players and coaches. A small number left which will be sold to anyone who wants them.

➢ U-10/12 teams have been invited to blitz in Carryduff on June 8th.

➢ Jack Boyle is part of Buncrana cup team that played in Ulster blitz last month. Daniel Devlin, Aidan Gillespie and Séimí Grant are attending u15 southern development squads training. Jack o Brien, Patrick Gillespie and Hugh Boyle are part of the Minor panel that will play Tyrone on May 26th.

Relay for Life

Relay for Life starts next Saturday evening at 6pm in Letterkenny and runs for 24 hours. Mullaghduff Dynamoes, representing an area from Cionn Caslach to Croithlí, are organising a Relay which starts in Mullach Dubh next Saturday morning at 10am and goes all the way to Letterkenny eventually joining up with the main event.

Anyone who wants to take part, even if walking a short distance starting in Mullach Dubh at 10am or to make a contribution, come along and buckets for donations will be available.

Development Work

The club would like to thank all the people who have kindly given of their time to help with the development work at the Banks to date. The work is progressing well with all bases for the floodlights now in place. The new changing rooms extension is now up to the square as well. Have a look at Facebook or the website for updates and photos of the progress. If anyone can give a day or a few please contact Michael on 087-2925544.

100 Club

Bhí an chéad tharraingt do chlub an chéid ann ar an 29 Bealtaine. Could club sellers please have your subs in on time for the co-ordinator. There are still places available in the 100 club. Please email naomhmuire@gmail.com if you would like to be with a chance of winning €500 each month.

Lotto

➢ Ba iad 7, 15, 19, 21 na huimhreacha lotto a tarraingeadh an tseachtain seo agus níor baineadh an pota óir.

➢ Bhí trí uimhir ag Ciarán McCafferty as Rann na Feirste, Trica McFadden agus Margaret McGee as Cál Chéim, Colm Gallagher as Loch an Iúir agus Anne McGinley as Anagaire.

➢ Beidh €2,300 sa phota óir an tseachtain seo chugainn.

Useful Links

o Club Training Times for all age groups

o Club Fixtures for all age groups

o Latest Club News

o Nuacht Bord na nÓg

o Latest Club Results

o 2013 Senior and Reserve League Tables

Contact Details

Email:

naomhmuire@gmail.com

Website & Facebook

www.naomhmuire.ie

Lower Rosses Facebook Page (Requires Login)

Bord na nÓg Facebook Page (Requires Login)

Ladies Facebook Page (Requires Login)

Seoladh:

Cumann Lúth Chleas Gael Naomh Muire, Íochtar na Rosann, Mullach Dearg, Cionn Caslach, Co. Dhún na nGall.

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Cappry Rovers

Cappry Rovers come out on top in a narrow win over Dungloe Town in the U14 Champions League.

It was a story of 2 halves in Cappry Park on Sunday. The 1st half was dominated by Cappry Rovers and could have easily have been 2 or 3 goals up at half time with Sean McBride hitting the crossbar, post and had a header cleared of the line.

A battle of wits between the managers at half time set up a completely different 2nd half. Pat Ward (Dungloe Manager) moved Sean McCauley in off the right to do a man marking job on Sean McBride. This seemed to change the game in favour of the Rosses side. Dungloe had a few good chances of their own but Jamie Bell made a couple of good saves in the Cappry goal.

In the last 10 minutes Cappry got back into the game and forced a couple of corners to put Dungloe on the back foot. 5 minutes from the end Kyle O’Meara passed to Sean McBride who struck a stunning half volley from 25 yards which looped over Conor O’Donnell in the Dungloe nets and went into the top corner.

Best for Cappry were Shaun Rodgers, Neil Patrick McDaid and Sean McBride.

Best for Dungloe were Sean McCauley and Michael McFadden.

Cappry Rovers team: Jamie Bell, Rory Mulligan, Joe Boyle, Oisin Gallen, Shaun Rodgers, Luke Gavigan, Dylan McNamee, Neil Patrick McDaid, Odhran Doherty, Sean McBride, Darren Lee Jones, Subs: Adam Burke, Kyle O’Meara, Danny Browne.

Dungloe Town team: Conor O’Donnell, Calum Boyle, Daniel Ward, Danny McGlynn, Phil Boyle, Aaron McCafferty, Daniel Ward, Paul Early, Jack Greene, Sean McCauley, Michael McFadden. Also in the picture but not togged Sean Conlon.

Ref: Brian O’Kane.

Na Cealla Beaga Club Notes 20/05/2013

The Kilotto had one winner this week, Congratulations to Jonathan Molloy, Stragar on winning the Jackpot of €6,600, The numbers were 7, 11, 14, 17. Next week’s Kilotto jackpot is €700.

There was no winner of the Bingo Jackpot. Next week’s Jackpot will be €1,950.

Good Luck to the Donegal Senior & Minor team’s on Sunday V Tyrone.

The under 14 boys team are away to Naomh Ultan in the championship at 7.30 on Wednesday and playing Naomh Mhuire in the divisional league semi in Ardara at 12.30 on Saturday.

The under 10′s play their first official blitz of the season this Saturday in Donegal Town commencing at 12 noon. Good luck to all the players. Please come along and give them your support.

The Club are holding a 5k Run / Walk at the end of June, more details to follow shortly.

The Annual Golf Scramble takes place this Saturday, May 25th in Letterkenny Golf Club. Teams of 4 for €100. Contact James Friel 086-8255474 or John Coleman 087-2318601 to book your tee time.

The winning team will get a fantastic VIP Day to the Donegal v Tyrone game including Breakfast, transport to and from the match (4 tickets to the match) and an evening dinner upon their return to Letterkenny in The Station House Hotel.

Thanks to everyone that came out to support the Féile Fundraising Dance on Saturday night in the Clubhouse. Special mention to Mary Maguire for her superb organisation. The food that was served on the night was absolutely fantastic so thanks to everyone, especially Gerard for his treacle bread!!

The Seniors and Reserves both continued their winning way on Sunday at home to Ardara, they have no games this week due to the Donegal match. Best of luck to Rory, Ross and Eamonn as the All-Ireland champions begin the defence of their crown in the toughest fashion possible v Tyrone.

The Junior game v N. Conaill on Saturday night was postponed after the deluge of rain all day! They travel to neighbours Glenswilly this Friday evening with a 7:30pm throw-in.

The Senior Hurlers defeated Setanta last week in the league and they take on MacCumhaills at home this Wednesday, May 22nd at 7:15pm.

The U14 Div. 1 team were drawn away to the Gaels in the Championship and that game will take place this Friday (May 24th at 7pm. The U14 Div. 2 team lost a good game to the Gaels last Wednesday. The Div. 2 team will travel to Carndonagh in the Championship. The Div 3 team lost their final game against Moville, nevertheless it was great to get these up and coming players good game time.

U12 Go Games commences this Monday (May 20th). The U12 team were at home to Fanad Gaels with the U11 team travelling to Robert Emmett’s. Next week the U12’s travel to Cloughaneely with the U11’s hosting N. Padraig, Lifford.

The James Gallagher Cup is due to take place this Saturday with times tbc; keep an eye on e-mail and Facebook for confirmation.

The U14 hurlers had a fine win over Burt in O’Donnell Park last Thursday they have a crucial home game in the league this Thursday again at home to Aodh Ruadh. The Minor hurlers came from behind in their playoff against a fancied MacCumhaills side on Sunday in Convoy to reach the County B league final. The lads showed great skill and determination to win with the final score 4-15 to 2-08. They will now play Burt in the final with venue and date still tbc.

We extend our sympathies to Frankie Campbell and family on their recent bereavement and to the McDermott family, Glencar on the passing of Gerry.

Senator Jimmy Harte pictured presenting a cheque to Jim Clarke for sponsorship of St. Eunan’s GAA Club Minor Board.

INTERFIRMS 5K TUESDAY NIGHT

Letterkenny AC will stage the annual 5K road race takes place tomorrow night at 7.30 pm. The race, which is part of the grand prix series, has been held every year since 1978. The race has a 7.30 start at the Old Dunnes Stores, with registration at the Aura from 6.30 pm.

A DONEGAL company has defended plans for a waste plant in one of Ulster’s most historic buildings despite protests from residents.

Connective Energy Holdings Limited, from Cloghan, wants to build an anaerobic digester to process waste and generate electricity at the Herdman buildings in Sion Mills, Co Tyrone.

CEHL has said the energy park will benefit the community and bring jobs to the area.

The process produces a biogas, consisting of methane and carbon dioxide and this can be used directly as fuel to generate electricity. It is widely used in mainland Europe, particularly in Germany.

Up to 100 people gathered at a meeting in the village to voice concern at a planning proposal.

CEHL spokesperson Brendan McSorley said the issues raised by residents had been addressed in the planning application.

“We can’t allay the fears of every single person in Sion Mills, but we want to get the message out there that we are open and anyone who wants to can come and chat to us,” he told BBC Radio Foyle.

“The main thing for us is that it will mean jobs for the village. The construction of this will bring between 60 and 70 jobs and in the long term it will create around 20 jobs.”

But Andy Patton, chairman of the Sion Mills Community Forum said 98% of people at a meeting this week opposed the plans.

Sion Mills resident Karen McGillian said she was objecting on several grounds.

“First of all the noise that comes with a site of this size, the odour and the amount of traffic with slurry tanks, the tractors and diggers and all the other traffic associated that’s going to be coming up and down the road,” she said.

“As a resident of the village, what I had hoped would happen here would be that something would be created that would continue on the legacy that Herdman’s brought to the village. You can see the beauty of it and you can still see the potential it has.

“I would seriously question the contribution in terms of the Herdman’s legacy that this particular plant would bring to the village.”

Celia Ferguson said: ”My family actually built Sion Mills, I was a Herdman before I married a Ferguson.

“This is the most important industrial heritage site, certainly in Ireland and one of the most important in the British isles.

“I think it’s probably not the right place to have such a large anaerobic digestor.

“It would be a very, very large structure and it’s in the curtilage of the mill buildings which would detract from the view of the mill which is sacrosanct really in heritage terms.”

Karl Lacey – caught on camera with his new boots in All Sports

DONEGAL GAA star Karl Lacey has dumped his white boots – for a pair in green and gold.

But fans of the Four Masters player needn’t worry too much.

It’s only his wellies which will be changing colour.

We’ve been assured that Karl will NOT be wearing wellies against Tyrone in Ballybofey this Sunday!

Sources close to the man who took this picture in All Sports in Donegal Town insisted: “Karl tried on the big size fours; but they were too big!”

Anna Rafferty (Senior Lifeguard Waterworld), Daimon Fergus (Helm Bundoran RNLI with soapbox perpetual cup) and Colleen Granaghan (reigning Belle of Bundoran).

June bank holiday weekend in Bundoran is shaping up to be a fun filled family occasion with three major events happening in the seaside resort.

Friday 31st May sees the return of the Belle of Bundoran fundraiser in aid of Bundoran GAA Club. The glittering event will once again happen at the Great Northern Hotel as 14 girls battle it out to become the 2nd Belle of Bundoran and follow in the footsteps of Colleen Granaghan.

Paul Clark from UTV returns to host the proceedings while a star studded judging panel will make their deliberations on the night. Donegal GAA Allstar Karl Lacey will make a return to the judging panel and will be joined by iRadio’s Oonagh O’Carroll, Love/Hate actor Chris Newman, TV3’s Noel Cunningham and Shane McLaughlin from The Voice Of Ireland. More details are available on www.belleofbundoran.com

On Saturday 1st of June Waterworld hosts its annual charity day whereby the admission paid by everyone into the popular water complex is given to over to the nominated charity.

General Manager of Waterworld, Anderson Keys said ‘the annual charity day is something we look forward to each year and we’re thrilled as Ireland’s Premier Indoor Aqua Adventure Playground to be able to give something back to the community. As well as experiencing the 5 new features we would encourage families to come down and join in the fun on the day while supporting a great charity!’

Bundoran’s Big Weekend wraps up on Sunday 2nd June with the second annual Bundoran Lifeboat Soapbox Race staged by the volunteer crew of the local RNLI. A crowd of up to 2,000 people watched the event last year with the fun filled family day providing a thrilling spectacle of soapbox racing right in the centre of town on Astoria Road.

This year promises to be bigger and better than ever as the competition will be fierce to win the title! The race will culminate with the ball race where 3000 balls will be dropped down the hill with the first one home winning €1000 cash. More details on www.bundoranlifeboatsoapboxrace.com .

Bundoran Tourism Officer Shane Smyth said ‘it’s going to be a busy, exciting fun filled bank holiday weekend in Bundoran! These three events have something for everyone and we look forward to welcoming both regular and new visitors to town to experience all the facilities and atmosphere that Bundoran has to offer’. Check out all the details in full at www.discoverbundoran.com.

GARDAI have spent a sixth day hunting the maniac who stabbed a Polish national to death at his Co Donegal home.

Bogdan Michalkiawicz was last seen alive on Monday last, eight days ago.

Last Wednesday he was found dead by his brother at his apartment in Westside in Letterkenny.

The killing has left people living in the Riverside apartments area terrified.

It’s understood Gardai have made considerable progress in their hunt for the killer who subjected 41-year-old Bogdan to a sustained and horrific attack.

We also understand that Gardai are still working in and around the scene of the crime in a bid to gather clues on the killer.

Officers were still there last night.

Detectives have interviewed a number of people as part of the murder inquiry.

But so far no arrests have been made and that is worrying for residents.

“It’s almost a week since this poor man was killed and there is a very real fear around here,” said one resident.

“The Garda presence has been very reassuring though; people just want whoever did this caught.”

Anyone with information can make contact with the Gardai at Letterkenny 074 9167100 or alternatively on the Garda Confidential number by calling 1800 666 111 or they can simply call in person to Letterkenny Garda Station.

The timeless landscapes of Donegal and the ancient art of storytelling is to feature in a forthcoming documentary by a 21 years old Basque filmmaker, Iker Esteibarlanda.

Iker Esteibarlanda

Iker spent 6 weeks in Ireland last summer filming storytellers and capturing enchanting Irish landscapes on camera, while travelling along the western seaboard, from Clare to Donegal.

While in Donegal, Iker visited Donegal Town, Kilcar, Slieve League, Glencolmcille, Ardara and Glenties and was taken aback by the timeless Atlantic coastline. He met and recorded Seosamh Mac Suibhne and Keith Corcoran in a traditional style cottage near Donegal Town, while renowned Ardara storyteller, Eddie O’Donnell, also features in his forthcoming documentary.

Beneath the Trees

Iker was born in a small coastal town called Algorta, in the Basque Country, and studied film at the University of Navarra, Pamplona. He has been fascinated by the ancient art of storytelling for many years and sees Ireland as one of its last precarious refuges.

Iker speaks fondly of his visit, “I got a very good feeling when I arrived in Donegal. The local people were very kind to me and made me feel very welcome. I feel a cultural affinity and special connection between my people (The Basques) and Irish people, especially in more rural areas.”

His documentary entitled ‘Beneath the Trees’, is an exploration of the important cultural position storytelling once held in Ireland; how storytelling still survives today; and what the future holds for this ancient art form.

Iker explains, “The storyteller’s gift once transported the audience to different worlds by the power of the spoken word. Nevertheless, as a form of entertainment, education and moral instruction, the folk art of storytelling is struggling to hold its own in today’s modern world.”

‘Beneath the Trees’ may be perceived as a critique of modern times but the young Basque filmmaker prefers to describe it as a a tribute to the ancient art of Irish storytelling.

Iker has just launched an online Crowdfunding campaign to garner financial support to finish his documentary, which is currently in post-production. In the coming weeks, media groups and organisation such as Film Ireland will be asked to spread news of the documentary through Facebook, Twitter and their online newspapers. People can make a donation to support the post-production costs of the film by clicking http://www.verkami.com/locale/en/projects/5039-beneath-the-trees and receive free gifts in exchange.

To watch the trailer, find out more about this unique documentary, and help Iker promote it, you can follow “Beneath the Trees” on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beneath-the-Trees/424478290973917

The trailer to ‘Beneath the Trees’ can also be viewed in Vimeo, through the link: http://vimeo.com/65636552

There are already provisional plans to show a special screening of Iker’s documentary in Donegal at a future date.

Seosamh and Keith interviewed for new documentary

You can send your club match reports to info@donegaldaily.com

FANAD and Moville will contest this year’s U-16 Ladies County Final after last night’s results.

Moville saw off Naomh Muire Ladies in Milford, whilst Fanad beat Aodh Rua.

In the County B Final Milford will play Four Masters after wins over St Michael’s and Carndonagh respectively.

Gaoth Dobhair has just missed out on being short-listed for the Irish Times top five places to holiday in Ireland.

Sunset in Brinaleck, Gaoth Dobhair by Tony Ward

The area had made it to the top 25 in the nationwide competition.

But the West Donegal region just missed out on the final of the competition, the winner of which will be announced on May 27th.

The area was short-listed down to one of 25 from an initial entry of more than 1,400 after an amazing pitch by Gaoth Dobhair man Sean Mullin who now lives in New Zealand.

The good news is that our neighbours Derry are in the top five alongside Glenarlow, Co Tipperary, Killarney in Kerry, Loop Head peninusla, Co Clare and Inisboffin island.

The corncrake is alive and well on Tory Island.

The extremely rare and secretive bird has long made its summer home on the Donegal island.

Birdwatch Ireland has now confirmed that “at least” five calling males have been documented on the island.

At least three of these birds are located within the Birdwatch Ireland management area on the island (an increase for this area on last year).

However, Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland says it is too early to get an idea of breeding birds on the island as it does not take place until the beginning of June at least.

Because the birds fly in from Africa to spend the summer in Ireland other parts of Europe, some corncrakes may not have even arrive in Donegal yet.

CERAMICIST Maria Connolly has forged a new path in her work with her first solo exhibition which opens this Saturday.

Inspired by her rural industrialised surroundings, the Manorcunningham-based designer has spent the last nine months crafting her striking pieces which will be shown at the Geraldine Harrigan Gallery, Port Road, Letterkenny for two weeks. 

Maria’s handmade work has previously been available for sale at the Kilkenny Design Centre but after taking time out to raise her two sons, she has now re-emerged, re-energised and inspired.

Speaking about her exhibition “Pathways”, she said: “I’ve sourced my ideas from the natural environment. I wanted to incorporate the forms and attachments of everyday clearly identifiable functional items like kettles, bottles, vessels and tea-pots but not be constrained by them.

“It’s been a joy for me and I’ve spent the last nine months rediscovering my path.”

Living in the flight path of geese, the path of the Swilly, the landscape has played a huge part in Maria’s work.

She told how she tried different techniques to create her pieces using mono-printing and sgraffito and is now really excited to see her new work on show.

It is a new direction for the designer who used to be based at her ceramics shop at Church Lane in Letterkenny.

“Some people might remember it. It was called Hidden Earth but it closed in 2001 after five years.”

Maria also hopes to take her work to Potfest – a huge UK ceramics festival for potters to market their work.

She said: “I want to take the exhibition to Potfest. I am also really excited about seeing the pieces in environment of the gallery. I hope people come along and enjoy it.”

Pathways opens this Saturday, May 25th and runs until June 8 – gallery 4, 4 Port Road, Lettekenny Tel 074 9125312.

Details of this weekend’s much-anticipated Relay For Life event at the Letterkenny Institute of Technology have been released.

The 24 hours event, which aims to raise funding to fight cancer and raise awareness of the disease, is even bigger and better than last year’s inaugural event.

As well as the featured 24 hour relay, there will be lots of entertainment, a mass and even a morning exercise class!

Daniel O’Donnell -with Helena McDaid and Her Mother Margaret Callaghan after launching his single ” I’ll See This Journey Through” which was launched for the Relay for Life last year. Photo:- Clive Wasson

So all we need now is for everyone to get along to the LYIT at some stage and show their support for a wonderful cause.

SAT 25TH MAY AT LYIT

3.30pm – 5.30pm SURVIVOR AND CARER REGISTRATION

5.30pm WELCOMING AND OPENING CEREMONY

6pm SURVIVORS LAP FOLLOWED BY CARERS LAP & TEAM PARADE

7 – 10.30 pm LIVE ENTERTAINMENT including Jimmy Buckley, Lisa McHugh,

Robert Mizzell, Johnny Brady,Grainne Gavigan,Sailor Bill,Arcanadh

Kim Dickinson, Lee Mulhern, Donegal Tenors, Maire Brennan,

Mairead Ni Maonaigh

10.30pm – 11pm LUMINARIA CEREMONY

11 – 12 pm LIVE ENTERTAINMENT by Sontas

SUN 26TH MAY AT LYIT

Midnight – 7.30am NIGHT TIME FUN including Celtic Tiger, Anne Biddie, Paul McCahill,

Richie Remo, DJ Scoop

6.45am-7.20am DAWN CHORUS MASS with Scoil Mhuire Gan Small Choir

7.30am – 9am MORNING EXERCISE AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT with Mr Motivator, Alec Black and Stack of Barley

9am –10am GOSPEL HOUR BROADCAST LIVE ON HIGHLAND including Survivor Choir, Colmcille Choir, Relay Choir, Charlie McGettigan

10am -11am ECUMENICAL SERVICE BROADCAST LIVE HIGHLAND

11am –5.15pm LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE STAGE including Jackie Sharkey,

Ian Smith, Paul Kelly, Simon Peters, David Craig, Brian Kerrigan,

Seamus McGee, Sneak Preview, Trevor Loughrey, Ryan Turner Band,

Shane McLoughlin

1 pm – 4pm HEALTH FAIR OPENS

5.20pm – 6 pm FINALE AND CLOSING CEREMONY

Highland Radio is broadcasting live from the event throughout 24 hours and the event is also being live streamed around the world, link available on www.relayforlifedonegal.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY: If you don’t want to go down the route of fake tan but want to enjoy wearing dresses and skirts, there are other options to help with blemishes or corn beef leg syndrome.

Given that so many actors are embracing a natural look, it might encourage Irish women to steer away from the Oompa Loompa look and embrace their gorgeous Celtic skin tone.

Even Victoria Beckham has ditched the fake tan describing it as “a bit footballer’s wife”.

Just look at Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Kirsten Dunst and Amy Adams who are leading the way in embracing this look.

But if you still need a boost, these products might help.

M&S stock the bare leg look tights which have been receiving positive reviews. The Autograph Bare Cooling Slimming Fit Ladder Resist Tights come in a number of shades and at €7.00 won’t break the budget.

If you want to go bare-legged but want to help disguise bruising, veins or other marks, then Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Liquid Make-up is another option. It is a little heavy and might do a better job if you mix it with some moisturiser.

It is widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies.€16.95

Another idea is to mix some tinted foundation with a moisturiser. It helps to even out skin tone rather than add colour. Use a body oil on the front of the legs to finish to give a slimming and glowing appearance.

I have used an old Nivea tinted foundation that was too dark for my skin along with some moisturiser and I was very happy with the result.

Tess Daly Body Legs Invisible Stockings – Fair to Medium 200ml. It also comes in a darker shade. I found this shade to be quite orangey for my fair skin but then I mixed it with some moisturiser and was pleased with the subtle result. Priced at €13.00

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs – Light Glow 75ml €13.95

This is another popular option which is water and transfer resistant. It is described as a leg make up containing moisturiser that enhances skin tone. A spray that washes off and is said to cover freckles and other imperfections.