You can send news from your sport or any organisation to info@donegaldaily.com

Marlins Swim Club, Ballyshannon were delighted to enter 5 swimmers into the Ulster Youth & Age Groups Championships in Lisburn which took place on March 15th, 16th and 17th, 2013. Cian Rooney (Ballyshannon), Mona McSharry (Grange), Eanna O’Hara (Kinlough), Roisin Maguire (Ballyshannon) and Ruby Hurst (Ballyshannon) qualified into this event from reaching specific swim times from other Ulster Galas.

Unfortunately, Eanna O’Hara was quite unwell and was unable to participate.

All swimmers had tremendous swims and personal bests in such high level Ulster competition for the Club.

Marlins SC Swimmer, Mona McSharry is now Ulster Youth & Age Group 100m Breastroke Champion in an extremely nail biting race but Mona’s determination got her to finish first!! This a massive achievement to receive Gold in Ulster as the level of competition is extraordinary. Mona also finished a great third in 200m Breastroke. Mona is from Grange, County Sligo and has been training with Marlins SC for four years now and holds 3 Division 1 swim times as well as many other acheivements. Mona is fully supported by her Coaches, Club and Family to reach higher levels of competition.

The Club itself is swimming from strength to strength with swimmers competing in various competitions throughout the Country and dedicating their time to swim training plus strength conditioning classes and yoga within the Club.

The Clubs next competition to look forward to is the South West Minor League Final in April in Enniskillen, this League consists of four swim Clubs – Marlins SC, Sligo SC, Omagh Dolphins SC and East Cavan SC. Club training continues over the Easter Holidays including a Swim Camp.

For any information regarding the Club, please email the Club Secretary on marlinsswimmingclubballyshannon@yahoo.ie If your child is interested in becoming a member of Marlins SC, Club Swim Trials will be held in Ballyshannon Leisure Centre on Saturday June 15th, 2013 at 9.30am.

The Senior and Reserve Games scheduled for Gaoth Dobhair against St Eunan’s on Sunday have been cancelled due to a death in the Gaoth Dobhair club.

They will be refixed at a later date.

Jim Teague and Gary McNabb, Trory, picked up the Convoy title when they edged out Kyle Lynch and Noel Donnell, Gortnessy, in a tight final.

Semi finalists were Kathleen & Joe Duggan, Dunfanaghy and Samuel Bredin & Andrew Steele, Greenbank. Other qualifiers for Finals night were Jean & Alex Buchanan, Carnone, Caroline & Charlie Garnham, U.S.C, Limavady, Paddy Bourke & Richard Soames, Forresters, Joe Dinsmore & Valerie Witherow, Strabane CC, Michael Gallagher & Jamie Glackin, Burtonport, Stanley Browne & James McAnenly, Errigal, Willie & Vanessa McHugh, St Pats, Clonleigh, Mark Cairns & PJ Gallagher, Burtonport, Rachel McDonnell & John Quinn, Ballylennon, James Collum & Owen Gallagher, Gortahork, Mark Beattie & Terence Patton, Strabane CC and Beatrice McGuiness & Robin Gamble, 2nd Limavady.

The club appreciate the support of J Kilpatrick Motors, Convoy.

Pic; Jim Teague, Rev D Griscome, Gary McNabb.

COISTE SCAOIL SAOR Ó AILSE.

We are a cancer support group based in Gweedore. The group was established on the 18th july 2012.

Our group was established to help cancer patients and their families of the rosses, cloughaneely, and gweedore we also hold cancer information nights.

We are looking for new members from Gweedore, the Rosses, and Cloughaneely to join our committee phone me at 083 – 1217857.

Fred O’Donnell

LETTERMACAWARD NOTES

Ulster winners Congratulations to Scoile Bríde who took part in the Ulster Finals of Feile Scoile Dramiochta in Letterkenny recently. They came 1st in their section and qualified to compete in the All Ireland Finals, which will be held in Mullinger on Friday 19th April. Congratulations to Amelia Laughlin who won the Best Actress award. Well done to all.

Graveyard Blessings Blessings of both graveyards will be held on Sunday afternoon 14th July. Times will be announced at a later date

Medical aid for Africa charity called Surgeon Noonan is run on a voluntary basis by the fourth year medical students in Cork.They fundraise all year and aim to take as much money over to Africa as they can. Last year €140,000 was raised and this year they hope to surpass that amount. There will be a table quiz in Mc Creadys bar Lettermacaward on April 1st (Easter Monday) to raise funds for this charity. The quiz will be starting at half 7 that evening. There will be a raffle on the night and a prize for the best Easter bonnet on the night.

Meenagowan NS wish to thank most sincerely all who bought and sold lines for our Easter hamper draw. We made €336. We are very grateful to Supervalu, Dungloe who generously sponsored the hamper. The draw was held in the school on Wednesday 20th March. Congratulations to Sinead Elliott,Tuam winner of the hamper. Second and third prizes

(Easter Eggs) went to Gracie McCahill, Boyoughter and Coastal Windows.

Drama The Inniskeel Drama Group present their hilarious play ‘ Love Thy Neighbour’ on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Sunday 7th in the Inniskeel Hall, Portnoo starting at 8.30pm. Come along for a nights laughter.

On this May bank holiday weekend (3 – 5 May 2013) a weekend of activities to celebrate the 21st walk from Gaoth Dobhair across Taobh a’Leithead to Gort a’Choirce and on to Falcarrach takes place – Siúloid Tulach a’Beaglaoich – to the historical burial graveyard & 13th century church walls at Baile an Teampall outside Falcarragh.

This is the first of 4 Gathering Events in Falcarragh this year.

Estimated distance 15 miles.

As it is the 21st walk (having started in 1992 but having had to cancel the walk in 2001 due to the Foot & Mouth outbreak) and also as this is the Gathering year it was decided to extend to a weekend event.

‘Gaoth Dobhair was, until 1834 part of the Tullaghbegley parish. As a result the graveyard in Baile an Teampall served that area also. The remains were carried by four teams of four men over Taobh a’Leithead, through Caoldroim to the Glenea river, through Caiseal gap, across the Tullaghbegley river and to the graveyard’.

As a commemoration of our heritage & history the weekend 3 – 5 May will include a talk/presentation on the historical background of Tullaghbegley graveyard as the then burial place for the Rosses, Gaoth Dobhair and Cloughaneely communities. A walk on the old Railway line and Muckish mountain on the Saturday and the now annual Tullaghbegley mountain walk on Sunday are among the events taking place.

Back in the early 90’s three young women from coiste Glór na nGael had among its heritage plans and actions the cleaning, restoration and documentation of the history of Tullaghabegley graveyard. The restoration works commenced in February 1992 as did the first commentorative walk on the 16 February. Little did the coiste Glór na nGael members Maire Nic Suibhne, Maire Nic Gairbhe, Mairín Ní Dubhchoin think that the walk would become an annual event and see this years walk come of age with the 21st siúloid.

Cumann Staire Cloich Cheann Fhaola, the organisers of the heritage weekend, extend an invitation to all past walkers & groups to join with current walkers and visitors to take part in the weekend of commemoration.

Clár don Deireadh Seachtaine / Weekend Programme

Dé hAoine / Friday 3/5/2013 – An tSeanbheairic

6.00 i.n. Turas stairiúil / Visit local Historical Sites Lainseáil Learscáil Stairiúil a dhearaigh Páistí Scoil Fhionáin Launch of Historical Map designed by Scoil Fhionáin pupils

7.30 i.n. Taispeántas de Ghriangrafanna “ Siúlóid Thulach Beaglaigh Thar na mBlianta” Exhibition of Photographs of previous walks

Píosa Físe / Video of previous walks

Oscailt Oifigiúil / Official Opening

Léacht Stairiúil / History of Tullaghobegley le Seán Ó Connacháin

Seisiún Ceoil / Music Session

Dé Sathairn / Saturday 4/5/2013 – An tSeanbheairic

12.00 Siúlóidí Treoraithe ag fágail ón tSeanbheairic Guided Walks leaving from An tSeanbheairic

Bealach an Bhóthair Iarainn / Old Railway Walk (Moderate walk)

An Mhucais / Muckish Mountain (Challenging Walk)

• Bring rainproof clothing, water and lunch

• Proper footwear must be worn

7.30 Toraíocht Taisce Stairiúil / Historical Treasure Hunt leaving from Shamrock Lodge

10.00 Ceol sna Tithe Tabhairne / Music

Dé Dómhnaigh / Sunday 5/5/2013 – Loistín na Seanróige

12.00 nóin Bus ag fágail ón Fhálcarrach

12.30 i.n. An 21ú Siúlóid – Turas an tSleibhe / Mountain Walk

6.00 p.m Suipéar sa tSeamrock do na siúloirí / Walkers stew

10.00i.n. Céilí / Ceol sna Tithe Tabhairne

Eolas: www.anfalcarrachlecheile.com

www.thedonegalgathering.com

suibhnem@eircom.net

087 9238132 nó 074 9135300 nó 074 9162787

Oifig Eolais: An tSeanbheairic 074 9180655.

A Donegal father and son have become poster boys to highlight the need for kidney donors across Ireland.

Five year old Christian McCullagh from Raphoe, Donegal received a kidney transplant in October 2012.

And amazingly it was his father Gary who was the living kidney donor.

Christian was born 5 weeks prematurely with very poor kidney function. He was on life support for the first two weeks of his life.

A patient of Temple Street Hospital he had been receiving a form of home dialysis for three and a half years for 10 and a half hours at a time, 5 nights a week.

Now Christian is fighting fit and back leading a normal life thanks to dad Gary and the organ donor transplant team.

Organ Donor Awareness Week starts tomorrow (SAT) and lasts all week.

The swings of Irish donation figures from year to year, was highlighted by the Irish Kidney Association at its launch by the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly, T.D. at the Mansion House.

2010 was almost a record low for organ donation, 2011 was a record high and 2012, at 17% less than the previous year, was below average.

The Irish Kidney Association Chief Executive, Mr. Mark Murphy said, “I don’t know of another European country, even of a similar size population, with such wide swings in deceased donor activity”.

“Unless the required infrastructure and funding is implemented in the Republic, the Organ Donor Consent issue is irrelevant at this time as there is much more to do here before such deliberations take place.”

Attending the launch was RTE Liveline presenter Joe Duffy who, for the third year in a row, is fronting campaign, which aims to increase the number of organ donors. The annual organ donor awareness campaign is organised by the Irish Kidney Association and supported by the Irish Donor Network and will take place from 30th March until 6th April, 2013.

At the campaign’s national launch, Mr. Murphy said “the willingness of the Irish public to donate is not the problem when it comes to organ donation. It is the lack of the required infrastructure, an organ donor registry and the employment of fully trained organ donor coordinators in all our hospitals. This is proven by the top 10 European donating countries that have identified and invested in infrastructure to achieve 30 donors per million of population (pmp) successfully and affordably.”

“The Irish public should not be misled that the proposed change in the name of the consent system from ‘Informed Consent’ (opt in) to ‘Presumed consent’ (opt out) would increase our current rate in organ donation from its current 20 per million of population (pmp).” Nowhere in Europe does ‘presumed consent’ actually take place in practice. Regardless of legislation, they all have come to realise it is not a practical system. The relatives are always consulted and can veto any organ donation process.”

The Irish Kidney Association welcomes the calling by the National Organ Procurement Service for an audit of activity on potential organ donors in hospitals which would identify where improvements might be made and address the ‘unpredictability’ from year to year.

2012 was almost an average year for deceased organ donors at 78, down from the record set the previous year at 93, but only 2 donors off the 5 year average of 80 per year.

Thanks to the generosity of 78 deceased donors and their families, 206 transplant operations took place in Ireland in 2012. 3 of the deceased donors were non heart-beating donors/cardiac death donors, following from the first one the year before.

The 131 deceased donor kidney transplants, were complimented by a further 32 living donor kidney transplants and a further 3 Irish patients received specialist living donor transplants in the UK. The total of 166 kidney transplants, in the year, is above the 5 year average and is due to the increase in living donors. Mr. Mark Murphy commented that, “Replacing deceased donation by living donation is a concern. Living donation needs to remain complimentary to deceased donation – not its replacement”.

At 50, the livers transplanted were slightly less than the 5 year average of 54.2.

Heart transplantation was well above average with 10 transplants being performed in 2012, up from 6 in 2011.

Lung transplantation showed the greatest increase in the year with a record of 14 transplants for 2012. (10 single and 4 double lungs transplanted). This was 75% more than the 8 transplanted in 2011 and double the 5 year average of 7. A further 6 lung transplants were conducted in the UK on behalf of Irish patients. In total, 20 Irish patients received transplanted lungs last year.

There are currently 1828 people in Ireland receiving dialysis treatment. In 2012 the number of patients with End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) grew by 45 or just over 1% in the year.

Also presenting at the campaign launch event was Mr. Martin Doody, Chairman of the Irish Kidney Association. The patients’ organisation is celebrating 35 years since its foundation. Mr. Doody welcomed the option for applicants for the new format driving licences to tick a box indicating their willingness to be an organ donor for organ donor. He said that so far the Road Safety Authority data has revealed that 35% of applicants have ticked the box which is represented by the code, 115, on their driving licence. Mr. Doody expressed his optimism that such data collection might pave the way for the beginning of an organ donor registry.

Organ Donor Awareness Week also serves as a fundraising exercise for the Irish Kidney Association. Throughout the Week (30th March- 6th April, 2013), the Association’s volunteers will be out on the streets, and in shopping centres throughout the country, selling ‘forget me not flower’ emblems (the symbol of transplantation), brooches, pens and shopping trolley discs. All proceeds will go towards the Irish Kidney Association’s aid for patients on dialysis and those patients fortunate enough to have received a kidney transplant. 75% of the IKA’s funding is from non-statutory fundraising and donations.

The programme includes the management of a 10 double room free accommodation facility for patients and their families in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital and holiday centres located in Tramore and Kerry, together with patient advocacy, advice, financial aid and rehabilitative work placement, health promotion and the provision of kidney patient information and education.

Organ Donor Cards can also be obtained by phoning the Irish Kidney Association LoCall 1890 543639 or Freetext the word DONOR to 50050. Visit website www.ika.ie It is now possible to store an organ donor card, the ‘ecard’ on Smart mobile phones. Simply search for ‘Donor ECard’ at the IPhone Store or Android Market Place.

Almost 3000 people in Ireland are enjoying extended life away from hospital as a result of receiving organ transplants. There are currently over 600 people in Ireland waiting for life-saving organ transplants including heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas.

The first successful dialysis treatment in the world took place in the Netherlands on the 17th of March, St. Patrick’s Day in 1943. Now, 70 years later 2.7 million people worldwide are being treated for kidney failure. 2.1 million of them are treated by dialysis and 600,000 of them have a kidney transplant.

The Donegal Junior League are delighted to announce that Letterkenny businessman Brian Mc Cormick has once again shown his commitment to sponsoring Junior soccer.

Already the Donegal Junior League’s main sponsor, the Letterkenny business has just agreed to extend that deal to include a Player of the Month Award.

This award is aimed at recognising the Player of the Month across the five divisions of the League and public input will play a vital role in the selection process for the award.

Internal observations, discussions and statistics have been utilised to select the initial three Monthly winners however starting with the April Award it will be the public who will vote for the winner.

Brian Mc Cormick Sports have formatted an APP which can be accessed through their website (www.bmcsports.ie). All the details that you will need to vote for your favourite player will be available there. A link through the Donegal Junior League website will also be available in early April (www.donegaljuniorleague.ie).

What about the award winners? Each monthly winner will be presented with a pair of Adidas Predator Incurza football boots. These boots incorporate the latest in boot design and technology helping the player to swerve and control the ball better than ever before.

On behalf of the Donegal Junior League, Secretary Christina O’ Donnell thanked Brian for his continued support and also thanked Evelyn Cullen of Brian Mc Cormick Sports for her enthusiasm in getting this project off the ground. She also congratulated the players who won the January, February and March awards and wished all players throughout the League good luck in the months ahead.

Pictures by Gary Foy PRO Donegal Junior League

Advert

Looking good in denim this Easter is all the rage.  

And it just so happens that the Evolve Menswear Easter Denim sale is now on.

Donegal’s leading menswear stockist has more than 100 styles in stock.

Top Brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, G-Star, Eto, Mustang, Crosshatch, Gas, Jack and Jones, Levis & Wrangler

Buy 2 Sale Jeans for €49.95 with many more reduced to clear and also 10% off all footwear.

And don’t forget with any purchase made, you will have the chance to win a EUR100 voucher. Draw takes place Easter Saturday evening.

The Radisson Easter Bunny had so much fun giving Easter Eggs to all of the children in the Pediatrics Ward in Letterkenny General Hospital.

Here he is with the amazing Pediatrics team who also got Easter Eggs to say thank you for the fantastic work that they do.

With thanks to the Radisson Hotel Letterkenny for the picture. (and the eggs!)

THE family of hit-and-run victim Eunan McDevitt has made an emotional appeal for information on his death – six months to the day after the killing.

The 47-year-old former soldier was killed on the N15 road, at Parkhill Ballyshannon, (1Km north of ballyshannon, just before the Coolcholly roundabout), between the hours of 12 midnight and 12.35am on 29th Sept 2012.

“We want to hear from anyone travelling on that road who might have seen or knows anything,” said wife Gabrielle McDevitt.

“If they would please contact the Gardai at Ballyshannon on 071985830 or the Gardai Confidential line on 1800 666111, with any information they might have on either the incident or of any car that they may know of that was damaged around that time.

“As a family we’d be ever so grateful.”

She went on: “Can I please ask Donegal Daily readers to take that one step further, and share it also on Facebook and Twitter, as the reason for the appeal is to get word out there to as many people as possible.

“And who knows, but maybe with your help and God’s help, we might just get someone to come forward and get closure.”

Please RT on Twitter and Share on Facebook.

Finn Harps came from two goals down to wrestle a share of the points against an impressive Mervue Utd side at Fahy’s Field in Galway.

The top of the table clash started off quiet but exploded into life and saw the home side go 2-0 ahead after just 32 minutes.

A poor and uncharacteristic backpass by Shaun McGowan allowed Ryan Manning to steal in and ‘round Ciaran Gallagher to put Mervue ahead after 23 minutes.

When Brendan Lavelle added a second less than ten minutes later, you felt like Harps were heading for their first defeat of the campaign.

It remained that way until the break with Harps being limited to few if any openings by a mean Galway defence.

Thomas McGonagle gave Harps some glimmer of hope when he netted from close range when Mervue failed to clear a corner after 56 minutes.

Harps were back on level terms after 61 minutes when Kevin McHugh netted from the penalty spot after Paul Sinnott was adjudged to have handled inside the area.

All Harps hard work looked to be wasted in the 71st minute when Mervue were awarded a penalty.

Brendan Lavelle was put through and the outrushing Ciaran Gallagher took him down and received a yellow card.

Gallagher more than redeemed himself however when he saved the resulting effort from Jason Molloy.

Peter Hutton will be delighted that his team managed to hang out to share the spoils.

It was undoubtedly Harps toughest test to date and it wouldn’t be surprising if these sides were still battling it out at the end of the season.

Have you got old photos that the people of Donegal haven’t seen yet?

The Ballybofey, Stranorlar and District Historical Society is looking for copies of any old photographs of people, places or events in the area for an upcoming photo exhibition.

The society will hold the event in the exhibition area of the Balor Theatre on Saturday, May 11, to link in with other planned events as part of the Isaac Butt weekend.

If you, or anyone you know, have old photographs that would be of interest, then contact Gerard McHugh as soon as possible at his studio on Donegal Street, Ballybofey, on 074 91 32750.

Alternatively, you can email old photos, preferably high resolution, to enquiries@gerardmchughphotography.com.

The society held meetings in February and March. Niamh Brennan from the Donegal County Council Archive Service was guest speaker at the February meeting.

Niamh gave a very informative talk on sources of information for anyone interested in local history in Donegal, and brought along examples of historical artefacts, including Electoral Registers and Valuation Books.

At the March meeting, members discussed a number of forthcoming events, including the historical photographic exhibition.

Society members are also working on a History Trail leaflet of the Twin Towns area, and it is hoped to have the leaflet completed to launch at the exhibition.

Pearl Hutchinson will be the guest speaker at the Society’s meeting on May 27. Pearl’s mother was employed by the Hayes family formerly of Drumboe Castle, and has recently acquired copies of material from their estate.

The Society is also planning a number of summer field trips, the first trip will be to the caves at Gortletterlagh and the date has yet to be confirmed.

The next meeting of the society will take place in the Henderson Hall, Stranorlar on Monday April 22, at 8.00pm.

New members are always welcome, for more information please come along to the next meeting or contact the Society Chairperson, Aubrey Oliver.

Calling all motorbikes - Bloodbike Northwest are having a charity run this Easter Monday leaving the Frier’s Rest, Letterkenny at noon heading to the West of Donegal via Dungloe, Glenties , Killybegs finishing up in Donegal Town .

Bloodbike Northwest is a voluntary bike service recency set up in Donegal by a group of bikers to provide a bike courier out of hour service to transport small packages ie blood , cat scan discs , breast milk between hospitals in the northwest this will save the HSE many thousands of euros . We hope to have over a hundred bikes so please come along and support.

Two young Donegal lads Conor O’Donnell a 6th year pupil at Rosses Community School, Dungloe and Kieran McDyre from Maas near Glenties will be competing in the World Surf Kayaking Championships in Brisbane, Australia in July.

The two boys have been competing since they were 15 years old in the Irish and Northern Irish League and last year competed in the British Championships at Pembrokeshire in Wales as well as the European Surf Kayaking Championships at Mundaka in northern Spain.

Conor picked up 2nd place in the junior high performance class and Kieran finished in 8th place in the men’s European final.

If you would like to support the boys and have some fun at the same time come along to their Come & Try Kayaking days at Lough Gartan Churchill and Mountcharles pier over the next few weeks to raise funds for their trip which is supported by Rapid Kayaking, Annagry, Co.Donegal and the Gweebarra Canoe Club in which the two lads are members.

More details on the come and try kayaking days at http://www.rapidkayaking.com/

IT’S just the latest in a long line of dumping scandals across Donegal.

Someone thinks it’s OK to do this – tossing their waste into our countryside.

A reader out for a walk came across this site at Drumacrin, Bundoran.

“It’s just sickening,” said the reader.

“There were nappies, plastic milk cartons, clothes, slippers, toothbrushes & general household waste. This dumping took place at a bridge and there was more on the other side too.

“I just don’t understand anyone who would do this.”

Bronagh and Oisin Sheridan from Letterkenny with their gold medals from the community games swimming finals in Ballyshannon.

Bronagh will represent Donegal in the U-13 4×25 freestyle relay and Oisin the u10 backstroke.

Both swim with the Swilly Seals Letterkenny.

DD Exclusive: GARDAI are investigating a sickening arson attack on a family in Co Donegal.

Arsonists set fire to outbuildings at a farm before setting a van alight in the early hours of this morning.

The incident happened at Ballyheerin, 2kms from Kilmacrennan.

The family – well-known local farmers – are said to be ‘distraught’ after losing a large amount of horse equipment including bridles and carts.

The farmer and his daughter discovered the fire this morning.

“They’ve lost all their equipment for their horses, some of it of sentimental value,” said one family friend today.

“It was definitely arson. The van was set on fire as well.

“They’re just lucky that whoever set this fire didn’t burn the house down too, otherwise we could be looking at a murder inquiry today.”

People in the area are shocked at the incident, the second high-profile crime in the townland in recent times.

Several months ago an elderly woman was robbed in her home in the area.

It’s understood Gardai are investigating a definite line of enquiry in relation to today’s incident.

NEWSLETTER Sunday 31st March 2013 Easter Sunday

Lord, the Resurrection of Your Son has given us new life and renewed hope. Help us to live as new people in pursuit of the Christian ideal. Grant us wisdom to know what we must do, the will to want to do it, the courage to undertake it, the perseverance to continue to do it, and the strength to complete it. Amen.

We wish all Parishioners and visitors to our Parish, every Blessing at Easter and we pray that we may all come to know the Risen Christ.

THANKS to everyone who participated so willingly in our Holy Week Ceremonies. Thanks to all who prepared the Cathedral, Altar Society Members, Cathedral Cleaners and Sacristans. A word of gratitude to all Ministers of the Eucharist, Ministers of the Word, Cathedral Ushers, Cathedral Collectors, Knights of Columbanus, those who had their feet washed and to those who brought up the gifts. Finally, thanks to the Cathedral Choir, Children’s Choir, Irish Choir, Folk Choir, Singers and Musicians who add to our celebration of Mass in the Cathedral regularly.

The Relic of St. Peregrine will be in St. Eunan’s Cathedral this afternoon, Easter Sunday. We will have a Holy Hour and Blessing with the Relic from 3.30 pm to 5 pm. Saint Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients.

If you forgot to take your TROCAIRE BOX to the Cathedral on Good Friday, please bring to the Parochial House as soon as possible. Do NOT leave Trocaire boxes sitting around the Cathedral.

Confessions available after 7.30 pm Mass every Monday

SUNDAY 31st March

Masses ~ 8 am, 10 am, 12 noon and 6.30 pm

Baptisms in the Cathedral – 1.30 pm

St Pius X Adoration Chapel is open at 7 pm

Holy Hour and Blessing with St. Peregrine’s Relic ~ 3.30 pm – 5 pm

Al-Anon Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 8 pm

AA Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 8.30 pm

MONDAY 1st April

No 8 am Mass

10 am Mass ~ Willie Ponsonby

7.30 pm Mass ~ Jim Hunter

St Pius X Adoration Chapel is open

CONFESSIONS: 10.30 am to 12 noon and after the 7.30 pm Mass

Grow Meeting in Loreto Convent – 8 pm

AA Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 8.30 pm John Mullen

TUESDAY 2nd April

8 am Mass ~ See Mass Intentions on the next page

10 am Mass ~ ®

7.30 pm Mass ~ John Mullen

St Pius X Adoration Chapel is open

Legion of Mary Meeting: Conference Room – After 10 am Mass

Legion of Mary Meeting: Room 112, Loreto Secondary School – 7 pm

Baptism Preparation in the Parochial House tonight at 8 pm

Divine Mercy Prayer Group in the Conference Room – 8 pm

Al-Anon Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 8.30 pm

Gamblers’ Anonymous Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 8.30 pm

AA Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 8.30 pm

WEDNESDAY 3rd April

8 am Mass ~ Tommy McLaughlin

10 am Mass ~ Bernard and Annie Crerand

7.30 pm Mass ~ John and Susie McLaughlin

St Pius X Adoration Chapel is open

Mother’s Prayer Group Meeting in Loreto Convent – 8 pm

Narcotics Anonymous Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 8 pm

THURSDAY 4th April

8 am Mass: Michael John Gallagher

10 am Mass: ®

7.30 pm Mass: Michael and Ellen McGroarty

St Pius X Adoration Chapel is open

Confessions: 12 noon – 1 pm and after 7.30 pm Mass

AA Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 5.30 pm

Charismatic Prayer Meeting in the Conference Room – 8 pm

FRIDAY 5th April (First Friday)

8 am Mass:

10 am Mass: Patrick and Mary Farren

7.30 pm Mass: See Mass Intentions below

8.30 pm Mass: Fr. Leo Curran (Month’s Mind Mass)

St Pius X Adoration Chapel is open

Fr. Kelly and Fr. McLaughlin will do their First Friday Calls today

Fr. McGroarty will do his First Friday Calls on Thursday 11th and Friday 12th April

GP’s Rosary and Benediction in the Cathedral 8 pm

Al-Anon Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 10.30 am

AA Meeting for Women in the Cathedral Conference Room – 1 pm

AA Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 5.30 pm

Gamblers’ Anonymous Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 8 pm

SATURDAY 6th April

10am Mass: Liz James (Month’s Mind)

7.30 pm – Vigil Mass

Confessions: 12 noon -1 pm and after the 7.30 pm Mass

AA Meeting in the Pastoral Centre – 11 am

Mass Intentions for 8 am Tuesday and 7.30 pm Friday

Nora Gleeson (Month’s Mind Mass) ~ Matt Gleeson ~ Teddy Gleeson

Rosaleen Gleeson ~ Charlie Kelly ~ Connie Callaghan ~ Alice Kelly

RECENT BAPTISMS ~ We welcome into God’s Community

Joshua Zack Coyle

PRIEST ON DUTY: Fr. Eamonn Kelly

Phone: 074 – 9121021

Fax: 074 – 9121021

Email: steunanscathedral@eircom.net

St. Vincent de Paul ~ Parish of Conwal and Leck ~ 9129503

St. Vincent de Paul ~ Parish of Aughaninshin ~ 9122366

Pastoral Council on conwalandleckpc@gmail.com

The Divine Mercy Novena began on Good Friday and will end with a EUCHARISTIC LITURGY in the Cathedral next Sunday, 7th April (Divine Mercy Sunday) from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

A Bus to Knock will leave the Clanree Hotel on Saturday 6th April returning Sunday 7th April (Divine Mercy Sunday). Full cost €110 includes meals and accommodation. Payment in advance. Please phone: 9320734 or 086-3222874 or 087-7485523.

LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINARS ~ Will take place in the Cathedral Conference Room on the following Thursdays: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th April and on 2nd, 9th and 16th May at 8 pm. You are invited! Come Holy Spirit!

COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION ~ This 6 week course offers participants better ways of dealing with anger/conflict at home, in relationships or at work. It offers the opportunity to understand/explore how to manage anger, recognise what triggers anger and learn a range of techniques to release anger. The course will be held in the Pastoral Centre, Letterkenny beginning Thursday 11th April at 7.30 pm. Facilitator: Kathy O’Connor. Cost: €60. To book a place please call the Pastoral Centre on 9121853. Sponsored by the VEC Education Programme.

The Irish Maths Teachers’ Association have organised the following REVISION COURSES in Letterkenny in Leaving Certificate Higher Level Maths (Sat 27th April & Sat 4th May); Ordinary Level Maths (Sat 11th May) and Junior Cert Higher Level Maths (Sat 11th May). Limited places available. Further details 086-2440777.

DIVINE WILL CENTRE ~ Theme of Retreat: ‘Charity, the Life of the Divine Will’. This is not a basic introductory weekend (12th to 14th April). It presupposes that attendees are practicing Catholics and have a basic knowledge of the Spirituality of the Divine Will as lived by Luisa Piccarreta and St. Hannibal Di Francia. ‘The most beautiful act and the one that pleases Me the most is Abandonment in My Will … A single instant in My Will is worth an entire lifetime doing good works’ – Jesus to Luisa. This Retreat will be held in Ards Friary, Creeslough. For cost and further details please contact: 087-7777081 or email: divinewillcentre@gmail.com

A RETREAT directed by Bishop Brendan Comiskey with the Theme: “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ” (St. Jerome) will take place from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April in Ards Friary, Creeslough. For cost and further information please contact Ards Friary on 9138909 or email: info@ardsfriary.ie

The monthly meeting of LETTERKENNY PIONEER ASSOCIATION will take place on Friday 5th April at 8.10 pm in the Pastoral Centre, Letterkenny. There will be a member of the Association outside the Sacristy after Mass on Saturday 6th April and all the Masses on Sunday 7th April to take the names of anyone interested in joining or finding out more about the Pioneers. The annual Presentation Mass for Young Pioneers and those wishing to receive gold and silver pins will be held in May. Anyone who has been a member of the Association for 70 years is also entitled to a special emblem. If you are eligible for a silver (25 years) or gold (50 years) please contact Joe on 085-1269238, Michael on 087-6774618 or Geraldine on 087-7962045.

The scene of today’s fire

FIRE officers are tackling a huge gorse fire in the county today.

The blaze broke out on ground at Ardsbeg, Gortahork earlier.

It’s one of a number of reported fires around Donegal today, with another fire reported near Ramelton.

The blazes come just hours after Donegal County Council and fire brigade staff warned that the recent dry weather had created dangerous gorse fire conditions.

Our picture shows the Gortahork fire with the snow-topped ‘Taobh a’Leithead’ mountain behind.

A council spokeswoman said conditions exist for further fires.

“Our appeal follows information received from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine which advised forest owners, managers and the public that high forest fire risk conditions now exist over parts of Ireland and that these conditions are expected to continue over the coming Easter holiday weekend.

“Despite the severe weather being experienced in many parts of the country, the Fire Weather Index forecast produced by Met Eireann for the period 27th to 31st March predicts high fire risk conditions for fire in many parts of Ireland.

“Low rainfall and moderate South-East or East breezes are forecast to continue for the coming days and will contribute to high fire risk conditions particularly in the South West, West and North-West of the country.

“Forest owners, farmers, rural dwellers and holiday makers are asked to be vigilant, to report any suspicious activity to the Gardai and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire and Emergency Services.

“The Department also recommends that forest owners, managers and investors should consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire.”