LOCAL IMAGES

Photographic exhibition by Thomas “The Miller” Doherty

A unique photographic collection of Buncrana throughout the years is now on display at the Inishowen Art Gallery, Milltown Business Park, Ardaravan.

Thomas “The Miller” Doherty from Ballymagan Buncrana, has been snapping and collecting old images of Buncrana and local residents since 1944. It started when he worked for Neil Farren who was the chemist in the town. “Neil was also a professional photographer as well as a chemist and was a real inspiration to me.” Thomas explains, “He saw I was interested in taking pictures and bought me my first camera, a box brownie.”

“Neil and I would go out to the Plaza on the Main St and Neil would take photos of people dancing and enjoying themselves.”

“As the pictures were taken I would take the film to Neil’s wife and she would develop them straight away in the shop. It’s hard to believe now, but thanks to a state of the art Roll Head printer, those photos were ready by two in the morning when the Plaza closed. Neil and I would be outside the Plaza doors with the pictures ready for sale. We sold hundreds of them.” He remembers.

Thomas, who is a long time member of the Buncrana West Inishowen History and Heritage Society, explains how the exhibition came about.

“I was talking to Adam Porter who runs the Inishowen Art Gallery about this year being Heritage Year and we thought it would be a great idea to set up the exhibition to celebrate the fact. Adam is showcasing Inishowen based artists in his gallery so this exhibition complements it well.”

Thomas also hopes people will be generous and put some money in the donation box in aid of the Foyle Hospice. Copy of the prints will also be available and all of the proceeds from these will also go to the Hospice.

“There isn’t a family in Inishowen that hasn’t been affected by illnesses such as cancer so the hospice is a vital part of the community and is well worth supporting.” Neil reminds us.

The photos Thomas has in his vast collection are of people of Buncrana dating back over 100 years. There are also street scenes. “It’s amazing how many people who look at the images see someone that they know or are related to”

Thomas also takes his show on the road and has done slideshows in local schools and the Buncrana library and is keen to expand his collection “ If anyone has old photo’s of the town and people from the area I would love to see them.” He says. “I can take a copy instantly and give them straight back. Photo’s are very precious and they become more valuable over time, and I realise their value to families.”


Adam Ported is delighted to have the photographs in his new purpose designed art gallery in the HML complex at Ardaravan. “Thomas has gathered the most comprehensive collection of local photographic history and we are delighted to have it here at the Inishowen Art Gallery. I think it will be a real draw for local people to come in and is bound to awaken some old memories.

Thomas agrees “Photo’s are for sharing” he concludes.

The exhibition is on now at the Inishowen Art Gallery, Milltown Business Park, Buncrana. For more information please contact Adam on 086 3552500

THE FACE OF DUNREE

SHEEP SHEARING FESTIVAL AT BURT

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

Check out their site

The Amma stall

Burt v Naomh Columba

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

BUNCRANA TIDY TOWNS

There was a fantastic turn out on the shorefront in Buncrana this weeks as the Tidy Towns Group went out in force to do a tidy up.

STRAW BALES AT LISFANNON

The straw bales used in an effort to prevent erosion took a battering in a recent storm. Inch Island is in the background

The bales last year

See more stuff about Lisfannon

FARMING IN INISHOWEN

Is Sustainable Farming the Future for Inishowen?
Farmers in Inishowen are looking at new ways of earning income and are exploring different options. With this weeks visit by Trevor Sargant, the Minister for Food and Horticulture, who is promoting getting Ireland growing, there is an interest in whether Inishowen’s farming future could lie in sustainable growing.

Growing Food
In the recent months there has been an increase in farmers starting to put in a few vegetables, with seed potatoes flying out of the co-ops. This trend of growing food for the family and maybe keeping a few hens is partly a response to harder times when it might make sense to save a bit of money by growing your own, but there is also an interest for people in growing food as a hobby or for profit.

Organic Farming
Mary Reilly who runs an organic farm in Malin, with her husband John says that the local demand they have for their vegetables far outstrips supply. “We could sell ten times more than we grow. There is a real market for locally grown and organic vegetables.”

Trevor Sargant visited their farm - the most northerly organic farm in Ireland, last night. “A lot of people think that organic growing is really labour intensive”, Mary says “But really, it is no harder than other growing, it just requires a different outlook and approach. It is about cultivating the land, keeping it healthy.”

Direct Selling
People are more interested in where their food is coming from and are happy to support local businesses when they can. Fresh vegetables also taste a lot better. There is a lot of emphasis on quality as well. With supermarkets and processors setting prices for cattle and milk, local food sold from the farm means the farmer gets the profit directly rather than having to pay processors, packaging, transport and supermarkets.

National Organic Training Skillnet
The National Organic Training Skillnet (NOTS) provides high quality, low cost training for the expanding organic sector throughout the Republic of Ireland to farmers, growers, processors, food businesses, and consultants. They have courses in converting to organic and commercial organic horticulture as well as networking events and conferences. They can be contacted on 071 9640688 or through their website http://www.nots.ie/

Cereal and other Options
Another possibility is to grow more cereal locally. Local varieties of corn (oats) were grown in Inishowen for years and sustained the population up until the sixties. It is necessary to see what crops and animals are the most suitable for growing locally.

Some farmers have been exploring energy crops such as biomass, but the reality is that the climate and land here in Inishowen is not suited to these crops. There is a good potential here for wind farming though. There are possibilities for forestry as well, and though it is slow growing will be beneficial for future generations.

Increasing Numbers at Agricultural Colleges
Agricultural Colleges are seeing an increase in the numbers of students applying for courses. During the boom years many young people from farming backgrounds found it more profitable to work off farm in the construction industry, however with the recession hitting jobs hard, many young people are returning to the farm and exploring what possibilities it might have to offer.

The latest Cao figures show that a 50% increase in students choosing farming related courses. Damien Dempsey, the Marketing Manager of Agricultural Science at UCD says, “There is a realisation that agriculture and food make up our largest and most important indigenous industries.” Damien has noticed shifts in emphasis in the study of agriculture over the recent years, including more women going to college. “There is more of an emphasis on protection of the environment, how we can feed a growing population and the importance of biofuels.”

Mairead McGuiness Fine Gael MEP who studied agricultural science and economics at UCD said, “More people are realising that farming is a business on our doorstep that needs to be developed. There are difficulties in farming at the moment, but in the long term there will be a growing demand for food.”


SFP Applications On-Line
The Department of Agriculture is hoping to double the amount of farmers who apply for their Single Farm Payment online this year. Last year around 20,000 applications (about 15% of farmers in Ireland) were completed on line. These were submitted by Teagasc advisors, private planners and by farmers themselves. Overall Donegal’s on-line applications were above average, and were the highest in the country for the most applications being submitted by private agents. The number of farmers filling the form in on-line was lower than average.

The biggest advantage of the on-line system is there are less mistakes made due to checks that are built in which means the form cannot be submitted. The on-line service started on Monday (a full week ahead of getting the papers in the post). The department has made the form simpler and the farmer can just tick a box if nothing has changed in their farming system from last year. This applies to a lot of farmers who make no change in the SFP form from one year to the next. If you haven’t registered on-line you can go to http://www.agfood.ie/ or talk to your advisor.



Decline in Sheep Numbers Spark Fire Fears
Inishowen has seen a steep decline in sheep numbers over the last few years. The weather and land here in the peninsula have meant that we have one of the best climates in Europe for grass growing and hill and sheep farming. However, with the price of lamb dropping there is very little profit in sheep these days. With the introduction of the Single Farm Payment in 2005, the amount of animals that farmers kept made no difference to the subsidy, so there was no incentive to keep the livestock. Another factor, was when the economy was booming, it was more profitable to work off farm.

With the numbers falling, especially on the hills where there are fewer farmers working, there is a worry that the hillsides will become overgrown. Farmers have expressed concerns that in dry weather, this may lead to more hill fires like the ones that we saw in Buncrana a couple of years ago. This could have a devastating impact on the local flora and fauna.

Inishowen Sees Large Increase in Wild Deer
Farmers have noticed a large increase in wild deer throughout the county in the last year. Deer have been spotted in West Inishowen around the Linsfort area and can be a nuisance to farmers. These deer have expanded out from places like Glenveagh National Park and are taking advantage of the increase in forestry for which there have been grants available.

Inishowen’s hills are suitable for planting trees and it is a good long term investment for our future. The wild deer are using the forestry as cover and are causing damage to fences and worrying cattle. They are also a threat to crops and trees.

“They are not a major problem as it would not be difficult to cull them,” says a spokesperson from Teagasc.


Agricultural Gas Emissions Falling
New research from Teagasc shows that Greenhouse Gas emissions from agriculture are falling but further reductions are necessary. The Irish government have signed up to an EU commitment to reduce Ireland’s total emissions by between 20 and 30% by 2020.

The agricultural Greenhouse Gases in Ireland are much higher than in other countries as we are highly export focussed here which means they are larger than if we were simply supplying the domestic market.

Teagasc has warned that if significant reductions are demanded it may only be possible if the Irish cattle population were to go into steep decline over the next ten years.

Scientific research is exploring changes to farming methods but it will take time for this process to happen. Because of this, it is certain that there will have to be adjustments in agriculture as well as all other sectors of the economy.

Nitrates top SFP penalties
Over €300,000 in penalties will be taken off the 2008 Single Farm Payment to Irish farmers, during inspections.
The issue of Nitrates tops the penalties, with nearly one in five farmers in Ireland not being compliant in some way.
This increas was partly due to a tightening in the level of tolerances before getting a penalty. The biggest jump in penalties was during sheep inspections.
There was also a slight increase in the number of farmers penalised under most categories such as GAEC, Welfare, Food Hygiene and Feed. The majority of penalties imposed on farmers in breach were 1%.
The Department is due to meet farm organisations in the coming weeks to discuss how penalties under Nitrates Regulations are imposed.

Plant and Machinery, Ramelton
Plant & Machinery Moorefield Ramelton are the only Zetor tractor dealers in Donegal. Plant and Machinery is a family owned business run by Peter McConigley and is situated on the main Letterkenny to Ramelton Road.

They exclusively stock the brand new 2008 and 2009 Zetor range, the Proxima, Proxima plus and the Forterra. They also stock a large range of second hand tractors and farm machinery as well as new and used plant machinery. In stock they have Zetor drum mowers, Malone Toppers, Malone standard and tilt post Drivers and new Link Boxes. They also have second hand dumpers and diggers. Why not check out their website http://www.plantandmachineryramelton.com/ or call on 074 9151775 0r 086 8724621

Here's another article

TRANSITION

Transition Inishowen

Transition Inishowen have been raising awareness of what life will be like for us here in Inishowen when the demand for oil exceeds the supply. The group have been showing films in Carndonagh, Moville and Buncrana, which have been introducing the concept of peak oil. This shows that the supply of oil is running out and will be much more expensive to extract in the future. The twin issues of peak oil and climate change are now being realised as a reality and the transition town movement aims to explore how we might reduce our energy needs yet still maintain a rewarding life style. Climate change makes reducing our carbon footprint essential, peak oil makes it inevitable and Transition initiatives gives us practical ways to go about it.

Sustainability
So how will Inishowen feed itself beyond peak oil? Transition Inishowen member Claire Gilmour says, “Inishowen needs to be able to meet its own needs. This movement is about people working together, re-localising everything, supporting local cottage industries and growing our own food.”

The Transition Town movement started in Kinsale, Co Cork in 2005 (where the Town Council took the historic step of adopting the plan to work toward energy independence), and has since spread like wildfire across the world with participating towns in many countries including the UK, Australia, Chile, Japan and the USA. It plans to be a positive and hopeful movement where people use the same creativity, ingenuity and adaptability that was used when oil became more plentiful now that energy resources are depleting.

Local Community
Here in Inishowen, with the recession biting, we are already seeing local people and businesses becoming more aware of keeping as much of their spending power in the community as possible and Claire sees this as a positive step.

“Every-one can make a difference,” she explains with passion. “We need to work together. If we wait for the government, it will be too little, too late. If we act as individuals, it will be too little, but if we act as communities, it might be just enough, just in time.”

Transition Inishowen sees connecting with local groups as a vital step in the process. “There are some great community groups out there, ” she explains but Transition Inishowen is not just another group. “It is not something you join, but will involve every-one. It is about increasing resilience in the community, strengthening existing groups and working together.”
The new group are following the transition town process of raising awareness (through the film screenings), creating forums for discussion on all relevant topics such as economics, energy uses and food production. Transition Towns also put on all sorts of events such as tree planting, how to forage for food, growing vegetables etc in order to increase skills and networks within the community.

Optimistic
Claire feels very optimistic about the Transition in Inishowen. “We are in a good spot for alternative energies such as wind and waves,” she begins “ and we have people within the community who can still remember the old ways so that their memories and skills are still with us.” She pauses for a moment, thinking. “We have cottage industries such as tweed-making, basket weaving and carpentry and there is a wealth of art and music here, so we will never be short of craic,” she smiles.

Films
The next two events run by Transition Inishowen will be The End of Suburbia, which will be screened on Sat 21st March in the IDP offices in Pound Street from 2pm –4pm. Then on Saturday 4th April (2pm –4pm), there will be a showing of the film Peak Oil –Imposed by Nature, followed by a talk by charismatic speaker Dr John Barry who is a Professor of Environmental Politics and Sustainability at Queens University, Belfast as well as a member of the Transition Town in Holywood Co. Down.

If you are interested in the Transition Town movement you can check out the website http://www.transitiontowns.org/ or phone Claire 074 9378577 or Bev and Mike Doherty on 074 9374581.

20 year anniversary at Malin Hotel

The staff 20 years ago

Postcard from the early 1960's

Check out their website for up to date information

IT’S SHOW TIME - MALIN HOTEL IS CELEBRATING


The Malin Hotel is holding a party to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the opening of its Ballroom with a party… and there’s an open day too…..


First on the agenda is an Open Day on the 15th of March followed by a Charity Dance on the 16th. “We have two very special celebrations,” Madeleine McLaughlin, duty manager tells the Inishowen Independent. “The open day to showcase all of the impressive improvements and facilities of the hotel and the charity dance is to celebrate the anniversary of the Function room which has been opened for twenty years. We are also very proud of the total refurbishment of the function room as well.”



OPEN DAY ON SUNDAY MARCH 15TH

The open day, which will take place on Sunday 15th March, is an ideal opportunity for both the community and members of the public to come along and view the most recent refurbishments and check out what the hotel has to offer.


“The ballroom or Green room as it is known, will be fully dressed for a wedding day,” explains Madeline, “You will have the exclusive opportunity to view the extensive range of facilities the hotel has to offer including its superior bedrooms. Management will be on hand to talk about any requirements you may have if you are thinking of planning a wedding or special occasion. The Malin Hotel is very popular for weddings as we have different packages available to assist in the planning of your big day. Furthermore the Malin Hotel possesses an excellent reputation in hosting dinner dances, birthday parties and family functions. Therefore the open day is a superb opportunity to see exactly what’s on offer at the Malin Hotel and allow you to feel the atmosphere.” The function room will be all set up with wedding tables on the day to help create an insight into how the Malin Hotel can create a memorable day. The open day will be between 1pm and 6 pm.



CHARITY DANCE ON 16TH OF MARCH

The much-anticipated Charity Dance will take place on the following day, the 16th March, and what better time that the St Patrick’s day.

As I sit in front of an open fire in the bar of the hotel chatting to members of the management committee about the up and coming celebrations. One committee member, Gertrude Houton, highlights the fact that “The event is open to everyone and anyone, after all you can’t hold an event without people.” With me are: Anne Lafferty, Gertrude Houton, Madeline McLaughlin, Angela McDaid, Trevor McCallion, Bridie McLaughlin, Helen McDermott, Jacqueline Byrne and Hugh McColgan.

“I am sure lots of former patrons as well as staff both past and present will be there. No doubt there will be lots of stories and craic. It will be a trip down memory lane.” Helen McDermott adds.

It’s all happening in the function room

The large and inviting function room is called the Green’s Boutique Banqueting Suite. Older members of staff will call this room the Ballroom, newer members call it the Function room and more recently is affectionately known as ‘Greens’. Whatever you call the room, you will be highly impressed with the décor, as it has just been totally refurbished to a very high standard. It’s warm and inviting yet you can still feel the history and great memories that people will have of their special days and events. This inviting room will be hosting the charity dance and it is an ideal size, large enough for a grand do, with seating for up to 300 people, but still small enough to be intimate.

Angela McDaid, another committee member, highlights the three things that go into making a great party - “music craic and drink… and all of these will be here in abundance on the night” she enthuses.

And it’s all for charity
The money raised at the door from the €5 admission charge at the charity dance will be divided up between 4 charities.

EVERYONE WELCOME
Jacqueline stresses that the night of the charity event is for everyone and adds, “All of the committee and members of staff would like to thank everyone for being so supportive over the years and stress that the evening is open to all. It will be an evening of music, stories and craic and is set to be a great evening.

ENTERTAINMENT ON THE NIGHT

Live Entertainment on the night

On the night of the16th of March and for one night only some of the most popular and well-known acts have reformed and it is bound to be a memorable evening.
Martin McLaughlin “Hatter” and his band will delight the audience, Shane Byrne, Hugh McGettighan and Conal Haughey are all there to complete the line up. “They use to play a lot at the hotel and always played to a packed bar,” says Helen
Another reunion will see Shunie Crampsey and Liam McDermott who will all be performing live for one night only. Also joining them will be Leonard Houghton, Raymond Paul, Finbar and Anne Byrne on stage.
Local man Andy McGonagle will be giving a recital.
Later in the evening there will be a disco with Paul Callaghan.
Also on the night will be a special prize draw for anyone who used the hotel for their reception venue in the past for their wedding. But remember…….you have to turn up on the night to enter….


A BIT OF HISTORY

About the Malin Hotel
The Hotel opened in the late 1950’s with the McLaughlin family as the original owners. John F. McLaughlin ran the premises as a guesthouse with a shop at the front. As the hotel grew in popularity and size it was then taken over by Jim and Jean Grant. Martin and Bridie McLaughlin then took over the running of the hotel in 1978. Over the years the building has been extended without losing any of its charm. Patrick and Fiona Loughrey took over the hotel in 2002 and work closely with the General Manager John Keyes. Madeline McLaughlin, Angela McDaid and Colm Kelly are the duty managers taking care of the day to day running of the hotel.
The pleasingly traditional bar is a popular meeting place, and the accommodation is neat and attractively decorated. The bedrooms have phones, tea - coffee facilities and TV.
The hotel’s Jack Yeats Restaurant is earning a good reputation, both for the food and an informative and well selected wine menu.

HERE TO STAY

Loyal workforce
A happy workforce makes for happy customers and the staff at Malin Hotel are certainly happy. “When people come to work here they stay.” Madeline tells us. “ Even families come to work here. An example of one such family include Angela McDaid and her daughter Chrissy.
Helen is also in reminiscing mood when she tells us “Bridie and Martin were like parents to all of us over the years. It’s a very family orientated place”
The two longest working staff that are still here are Angela McDaid, who has been working at the hotel for 21 years and Hugh McColgan who has been here for 20 years. “We really love coming to work, everyone is so friendly to each other.” Angela enthuses.
When I leave them in the bar at nearly midnight I asked them if they were making a night of it… They said that they were stopping until the 16th…


MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THESE

Memories and humour from the past

Gertrude Houton recalls a comical yet near disaster at her wedding, which involved a dog, a coldroom and black forest gateaux! Kathleen and Susan can fill in the blanks.

Bridie McLaughlin, who was the previous landlady remembers a time when local farmers and workers would come in to the hotel to eat. “They would walk straight through the bar and into the kitchen and eat their meal around the family kitchen table. It was a home from home. There was a strong community base and it was like one big family all eating at the table together.” She recalls

Local garda lived in the hotel when they were working and would go home at the weekends when they were off duty.

The group also remember a big Labrador that used to sit in front of the fire in the bar. “ We can’t allow that now with hygiene regulations, but is was nice to see at the time.” Says Anne.

The Golden Oldie discos were always good for a laugh and ran for many years.

“It’s 20 years since the ballroom/function room was officially opened. Before this they had a room upstairs, in the main building,” says Angela McDaid, one of the original committee members.

The extension started in September 1988 and opened on March the 16th 1989.

“The first band to play in the ballroom twenty years ago was Mick Flavin and his band. The festivities carried on throughout the weekend with Ray Lynam playing on the Sunday night.” Says Angela. “It was a night to remember.”


HAVEN’T I SEEN YOU SOMEWHERE BEFORE?

Famous visitors from the past 20 years

Jacqueline Byrne the bridal wear designer stayed at the hotel.

“Jack Charlton was at the hotel a few years ago. Bridie McLaughlin remembers “It was a fabulous time, he was here to open the St Patrick’s Park in Carndonagh.”

George Best was at the hotel making a film for an American Country and Western programme.

The football presenter from RTE Packie Bonner stayed for while at the hotel.

Aidan Quinn and Connie Nielson both visited recently when they were filming the Shine of Rainbows.

Joe Pasquali (I’m a celebrity winner) visited recently.

Gerry Adams has stayed.

All of the committee members agree that a favourite visitor is Daniel O’Donnell “He is such a lovely bloke.” Is the general consensus “He even managed to spent some of his time sunbathing out the back of the hotel.”

Anna Friel, (that kiss on Brookside.) has stayed. Anne Lafferty tells us that her uncle and dad would have played their instruments in the bar quite regularly.

The Fureys have played at the hotel.

The very popular Irish singer Brian Kennedy sang to a packed audience in the ballroom.



LOVE IS IN THE AIR


Romance
There have been a couple of instances where romance has blossomed. Trevor McCallion met his future wife Sharon Houton behind the bar. Seamus McLaughlin and Kathryn Murphy also got together in the Hotel. – “We probably should have spent more time working,” Trevor jokes.



UNUSUAL EVENTS OVER THE 20 YEARS

There have been a lot of unusual events on over the 20 years in the ballroom.

The Ballroom was used as a nightclub between ‘91 and ‘98 and it was the most popular venue in Inishowen. “People came from all over the North West.” Helen tells us.

There have been a few ‘Fake weddings’, to raise money for the parish.

The Donegal GAA held their annual conference here.

Mud wrestling was a laugh. Trevor remembers the night. “It depends who you talk to about it being a good night. The men loved it but the women were not sure.” He ponders, remembering a few more details. “The company brought their own pools to put the mud in and supplied the women. There were plenty of men volunteering when they were asked if they wanted to join in…very messy”

Boxing and wrestling matches were often held.

Jacqueline tells us of the nights that the Hypnotist Barry Sinclair gave memorable shows. “He was an unusual act, but very popular.” She recalls.

INISHOWEN MEN'S HELPLINE

Don’t Suffer Alone
Inishowen Men’s Helpline
Free and Confidential Service
Offering support, understanding and information
Available Monday-Friday 9am-10pm
Tel 074 9329300


Inishowen Men’s Helpline celebrates its second birthday
“Big boys don’t cry!” “Take your oil!” “Get on with it!” These stereotypes still exist all over Ireland.

“Real men” don’t whine about their physical, mental or emotional problems. They work it out, suck it up and walk it off. As children, boys play a lot of physical games and traditionally didn’t talk about their thoughts and emotions, so they never got much practice in using words to describe their feelings. This inability to name emotions means that men often dismiss problems and hide depression and loneliness through overwork, drinking, anger or withdrawal. Sometimes men don’t even realise they are depressed.

Two years ago a group of local men, some with their own history of mental health problems who had had positive experiences of seeking help, decided to do set up the Inishowen Men’s Helpline. They saw the success of the Inishowen Women’s Outreach Project and felt there was a need for the men of Inishowen to also have support and guidance on personal matters. A spokesman from the helpline explains.

“Society has changed a lot over the past thirty years and men don’t have the same support structures in place that past generations have had. At one time men would meet up in their houses for an evening of chat. These social evenings (a ceilidh) provided a bit of company and an opportunity to meet others and have a bit of craic, but it was also a place where men could talk problems through. There was also far less competitiveness in every day life. If work on the farm became stressful, then the community would get together and help out. It is different now. Television has led to people staying at home and people are busier and more self-sufficient. This leads to greater isolation.”

Isolation is a big problem for many men particularly in rural areas, but there are lots of other difficulties that local men have where they could use a listening ear. Financial difficulties are a major problem for a lot of people at the moment, drinking too much can cause a lot of harm in many areas of your life and often men are worried about health and sexuality issues. Sometimes men, not realising they have a problem, avoid them until they become so big they seem insurmountable.

Inishowen Men’s Helpline (Tel 074 9329300) offers a totally private and confidential listening ear service. With funding from the HSE and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltact Affairs, the Helpline has trained up ten volunteers (including two women as not all the callers feel comfortable talking to another man), for their listening ear service. There is also a trained professional counsellor available. The Helpline also has connections with a network of support services and agencies and if a caller needs specific help, they can refer them on to the best service to meet their specific needs. A spokesman says,

“ Often just putting problems into words can reduce their impact on your life…problems can be put into perspective and resolved.”

The service was officially opened two years ago this month by Daniel O’Donnell and has grown significantly in this time. When they started the phone line was only available on a Wednesday evening and Saturday morning, now the volunteers can offer their impartial and sympathetic support Monday to Friday from 9am to 10pm. Volunteers are always needed to provide the best service available to callers and full training is provided.. So if you are interested in volunteering or you need a sympathetic listening ear, you can call the confidential Helpline on 074 9329300.

NEDS POINT FORT AND THE DONEGAL SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM

5 MINUTES WITH - SHEENAGH MAHON

Sheenagh McMahon is the local candidate for the Green Party and is currently promoting allotments locally. For the last eight years Sheenagh has been working for Inishowen Women’s Outreach, which provides support for women suffering domestic violence. Inishowen Women’s Outreach can provide women with information on their rights and entitlements to all benefits, including health board services, housing, legal matters and can also refer to or provide an advocacy service for women. They also provide court accompaniment, for women who may feel intimidated at the prospect of facing court appearances alone. The organisation empowers and supports women and children to make their own choices. Their helpline is 074 93 73232. Sheenagh lives on Buncrana with her three sons, Keith, Stephen and Conor.

What music do you like?
I have a real soft spot for Irish ballads but also enjoy Queen and Guns N’ Roses. I am a bit of a rocker at heart and love November Rain sung by Axel Rose. I adored Freddie Mercury when I was growing up.

What would you never throw away?
My right to motherhood…

What book are you reading?
Futurecast 2020 by Robert J Shapiro the former U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce and advisor to Bill Clinton. He takes a look at how he sees what will life be like in the year 2020. Shapiro foresees monumental changes caused by three historic new forces—globalisation, the aging of societies, and the rise of America as a sole superpower. It’s heavy going and a little scary, but I am enjoying it.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I always loved basketball.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
I went to see Mamma Mia! It’s really good fun and a soft family film that you can take the children and your grandparents to at the same time.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I try to read the papers from beginning to end but if I am just skimming I will try and find the Letters to the Editor, they always make for an interesting read.

What is your idea of a good night out?
A night in the Drift Inn with good company good food and good craic. My uncle owned the pub some years ago before the Gills took it over so it’s been part of my life for a long time.

Proudest moment of your life?
Last week I met the Lord Mayor of Derry Gerard Diver who gave me the mayoral chain to wear. This was a proud moment for me as my grandfather wore the same chain when he was made the first Nationalist Mayor of Derry back in 1920-1923.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
Would You Believe? It features true to life people who have courage and are inspirational. Last week Mary Robinson was on.

How do you relax?
Horse riding is my therapy. At the weekends I saddle up my horse Co-Co and head off into the countryside.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I loved animals and wanted to be a vet.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
Just somewhere sunny with sandy beaches.

Your idea of heaven?
To be in a position to support and empower the local community…. That doesn’t sound too smarmy does it?

Your idea of hell?
To suffer any injustices that would interfere with my inner peace.

What would you spend a lottery win on?
I would divide it between family friends and some choice charities then with the rest I would buy a farm and breed horses.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Mary McAleese because she values community groups and the people who are involved in them. I like her bottom-up approach, which gives people a voice.

Favourite animal?
I just love horses…

What couldn’t you live without?
I wouldn’t like to be without the Internet. It gives you the world at your fingertips.

Biggest fear?
Anything happening to the family.

Biggest thrill?
When my children were born.

The world’s most irritating invention?
My mothers Kenwood mixer. I love eating what comes out of it but it’s always on and sounds like a cement mixer.

What is your idea of a good night in?
Wearing furry pyjamas and slippers and having a nice warm fire watching a movie on a wide screen TV.

Do you have a hobby?
Horses are my hobby, let’s not forget to mention Freddie my little Shetland pony.

Biggest disappointment?
Being let down by people I trusted.

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
Today’s a good day……

World’s most useful invention?
Genuine alternative energy sources, solar, wind and wave power.

What do you have for breakfast?
A cup of strong tea, nutty wholemeal bread and butter with marmalade. I am quite partial to porridge sometimes as well.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
From my wise father, he said, “At all costs keep your dignity and tell the truth.” It was the best advice I ever had.

Personal philosophy?
Do the right thing….