WIND TURBINES - MDC

Our Mission
The MDC Group based in Malin Head offer a complete package from planning to installing and maintaining wind turbines throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland for residential and commercial customers. Here in Ireland we have one of the best wind resources in Europe and wind power is a clean, environmentally friendly and a never-ending FREE energy resource. With the cost of energy starting to rise again and people looking to reduce their carbon footprint, installing a turbine is becoming a more economically viable option.

Co-owner Garvan Meehan commented that, “We all like the thought of "being green", but it still has to make economic sense. It is our aim to show clients how a system can pay for itself in the shortest time possible (as low as 2 years depending on use and type of system installed.)”
Introduction of ‘Feed-in’ Tariff The MDC Group are an authorised agent of the WES wind turbines in Ireland and their expertise and experience will make the whole process of choosing the best turbine for your needs very easy.

You can now sell any electricity you generate back to the ESB. The introduction of a ‘feed-in’ tariff means that for every kilowatt hour of electricity that you generate, you can now export this to the grid. ESB will pay 19c for the first 3000 kWh’s exported and 9c for every kilowatt hour over the 3000 limit. This, together with savings you make by using your own electricity too, means there has never been a better time to start generating your own electricity on your farm; or indeed in individual homes, small businesses, and communities.

With the assistance of the MDC Group, you can begin harnessing the wind to meet your own needs while also getting paid for any surplus electricity that you generate on your site. The use of Dutch-built Wind Energy Solutions (WES) wind turbines which are very reliable and affordable means years of trouble free operation. When you think about it wind turbines are installed in fairly inaccessible locations so the reliability has to be paramount. In any event, the MDC group carries a stock of spares for every turbine we install. We also service and maintain the units giving the customer peace of mind with the knowledge that a local company is always there. The medium sized turbine supplied by the MDC Group, the WES18 starts producing electricity at wind speed of 3 m/s and is already economically feasible with an average wind speed of 5 m/s. At an average wind speed of 7 m/s (moderate breeze), a WES18 wind turbine can produce up to 200,000 kWh per year. (The average four bedroom home uses about 5,000 kWh of electricity per year).

The MDC Group is now providing a full service from planning to commissioning, including wind feasibility studies and grant applications.

Business Owners
For as little as 10% down, we can show you how a system can save you money and give you years of free energy. In times when energy costs are hurting business's profits it just makes good business sense to talk to us and like the wind it's free !

Dragon Boiler Systems We have also secured the agency for Dragonheat Boilers Systems. The sheer simplicity of the Dragon is what makes this boiler attractive and payback of these systems can be as low as 2 years. These boilers are fully automatic and are easily retro-fitted to an existing installation. Grant assistance is also available and the boilers are carbon neutral.Contact the MDC Group on 086- 824-7271 or check out their new web page http://www.mdcgroup.biz/

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.

A SHINE OF RAINBOWS FILMING AT MALIN

Some of the seal and bird shots for the film were taken on the Island of Inishtrahull. Here are the photo's from one of their visits
Film screening in Belfast 2nd Dec 09
Film review

A bit of information from the Irish Film Board

More photo's from Inishowennews.com

More from the set by inishowennews.com

MALIN HEAD FESTIVAL EDITORIAL 08

TOP OF THE WORLD

August 2nd saw the kick off of the Malin Head 5th Annual Festival. The Festival at the Top,as it is known, takes place not only at the most northerly part of our peninsula, but also the northernmost extremity of our island of Ireland. Visitors to Malin Head come for the experience of the wild beauty where it feels like they are standing at the edge of the world. There is a rugged, isolated beauty and Malin head is excellent for windy and winding coastal walks. Beware when walking of the large chasm in the cliffs known as Hell's Hole and there are views of the now deserted Inishtrahull Island.

FESTIVAL

The festival began back in 2004 and is a community led and community based initiative. Each year has seen more and more events and visitors as the craic is mighty. So what is happening for the rest of the week?

QUOTE

"We hope to see you back in "The Head" for the Festival at the Top 2008!"

RIGHT ON CUE

Tomorrow sees the children chalking their cues as they prepare for the Pool competition at the Seaview Tavern. Maybe there is a new Ronnie O'Sullivan in the midst?

MALIN'S GOT TALENT

On Thursday the Seaview Tavern hosts a Talent Competition. With the popularity of karaoke and the chance to show off your spoon balancing skills or your fire jugglig act we should see some budding stars emerge from the audience.

Everyone stands a chance of winning so if you are a bin man, a shy girl from next door, a young break dancer or even a small choir; get those vocal chords loosened up. I'll bet there are a few magicians there too. If you are the shy, retiring type, why not come alng for a good evening of fun.

The talent spotting doesn't end there either as you will get another chance to polish your act on Thursday the 14th when Farrens Bar pulls back their stage curtains. The star struck finalists will then head back to the Seaview Tavern on Saturday for the grand final. It promises to be a great nights entertainment and let's hope they do the same as the X Factor and bring out a few of the gallant losers too for a final medley.

FANCY A FLUTTER?

If gambling is your thing then there will be a Saturday Night at the Races, again in the Seaview Tavern. It's all in a good cause as well as the proceeds will be going to Muscular Dystrophy.

EGGHEADS UNITE

Are you a bit of an egghead? Why not exercise the grey matter and take part in the Fun Quiz on Wednesday the 13th of August. The proceeds from this fun event will be going to the Malin Head Community Association.

SPORTS

The Sports Day on Friday the 15th promises to be a challenging and enjoyable event. All age groups will be taking part and the participants have been working hard to be in top form for the event.

HAVING FUN IN THE SUDS

On the pier at 12 noon on the 16th there will be a Fun Car Wash. How exactly they will find fun washing cars, we are not sure. Maybe they will be dressed up as giant sponges and throw themselves at the cars. I'll be taking my car down there anyway as it hasn't been washed for over a year. The whole fun soaked event is in aid of the Malmar Foundation.

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR

If you like a good mystery then the Treasure Hunt on Saturday 17th of August will help to end the Festival at the Top in style as you drive around Malin looking for clues. Cars will be leaving Farrens Bar at 4 pm and I you want more information you can contact Ali Farren for more information.

DID YOU KNOW...

The weather station at Mali Head (built in 1955) is an important element of the Irish meteorological service, providing weather reports for Met Eireann and official forecasts.Banba's Crown on Malin Head is Ireland's most northerly point. Banba was one of the mythical queen's of Ireland. She was the wife of king MacCuill, and the Goddess who represents the Irish spirit. She is considered to be the first settler in Ireland.

A tall derelict building known locally as The Tower was built at Malin Head in 1802 by the British Admiralty. During the second world war the small huts were built and used by the Irish Defence Forces to protect Irish neutrality.

Marconi Wireless built a radio station beside the tower in 1910. This was relocated later, to a few miles away and is now operated by the Irish Coast Guard

Inishtrahull Island (the name aptly translates to Island of the Yonder Strand) to the North East, used to have a community of over hundred men, woman and children and they were first to get pickings on local shipwrecks. There was a herd of deer living until very recently on the island, which is now home to seals and prolific bird life. ]

Below Banba's Crown to the east lies Ballyhillion beach, a unique raised beach system of international scientific importance. The very distinct shorelines show the changing relationship between the sea and the land from the time the glaciers began to melt, some 15,000 years ago.The largest sand dunes in Europe are at Lagg, along the north of Trawbrega Bay.

Malin Head is one of the few places in Europe where you may hear the elusive Corn Crake.

20 YEARS OF THE SWILLY LIFEBOAT STATION

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

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

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

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

Phil Coulter from his song Home from the Sea


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



20 YEARS OF THE SWILLY LIFEBOAT STATION

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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


DID YOU KNOW?

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

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

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

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



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


Phil Coulter from his song Home from the Sea

INSHTRAHULL ISLAND

Dawn in Inishtrahull

.

The moon shines on the Isle of Inishtrahull,

Bejewelling nuptial tinted herring-gull,

May-fly dancing in the balmy air,

And moth returning to its daylight lair.

.

A shoal of herring breaking out at sea

Sparkle like hoar-frost on an aspen tree,

Spindrift in the shaded rocky cleft,

And raised-beach quartz that the ice-ages left.

.

The droning beetles seek the crevassed walls

To dive into when hungry lapwing calls; Earwigs,

likewise, into earthed homes,

And red-ants under scarred lichened stones.

.

An otter seeking rest on rock remote

Glistens with phosphorescence on his coat,

The snail Arborum, with his watery glue,

And bunch of pearlwort in a crystal dew.

.

The flaming sun ascends o'er Cantyre's Mull, Flings out his arms, day breaks on Inishtrahull!

D. J. O'Sullivan.

More pics

We went to Inishtrahull island off of the coast of Malin Head . The film A shine of Rainbows directed by Vic Sarin has been filming in Inishowen and they wanted some footage of seals.

Check out more about the lighthouses on the island

Wikipedia History

See images from a more recent trip to the island

5 MINUTES WITH DOMINIC MCDERMOTT

Dominic McDermott lives near Malin Head. He moved here 6 months ago from England with his wife Andrea Carr and their two children. The couple were married in Lagg back in 2000 and always knew they would eventually live in Ireland as they have a lot of connections here. Andrea, (who used to be a restaurant manager) and Dominic have set up a new business called Café Banba selling fresh coffee, hot chocolate and snacks from a three-wheeled Piaggio van. The van is Italian and has a tiny 200cc engine, which is just enough to get it up the hill to Banba’s crown to serve delicious drinks to the tourists who head to the landmark every day. Because the business is mobile, Dominic has also been able to cater for the large film crew on location in the area making the film A Shine of Rainbows.


What music do you like?
I like anything with a 70’s influence and used to run a disco that specialised in that era. I also enjoyed promoting a couple of bands. Melting Moments were an easy listening band and Sisters of Satisfaction who were a group of men dressed up as nuns…

What would you never throw away?
Photographs. I have taken thousands of them over the years and wouldn’t like to lose any of them. I have most of them backed up by at least 5 different methods, just to be sure.

What book are you reading?
Most of my reading at the moment is connected with the business. I am interested in the art of making coffee though and love the subculture that coffee making has - it even has its own name – A Barista, someone who is a cappuccino coffee expert.

What was your favourite childhood game?
I was in the scouts when I was younger and enjoyed a game called Bulldog. It was a very physical game, requiring a lot of running and throwing people to the floor. I am not sure if it is still allowed now though for health and safety reasons.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I am very methodical when it comes to the paper. It’s usually front to back I do have in interest in the GAA. My plumber Danny Lafferty plays for Malin town so I would look at the sports pages if they were playing to see how they got on.

What is your idea of a good night out?
Going to Farrens, the most northerly bar. I was coming to Malin for 14 years before we moved here and the first time I walked in the bar, everyone knew me. You can’t get better than that!

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
A friend of mine took me around the Mars confectionary factory to relax before I went for an interview with Cable and Wireless for a job. The buildings were very close to one another. You had to wear a hair net to go around the chocolate factory and it wasn’t until I finished the interview with the panel of executives that I realised I had a red band across my forehead where the tight elastic had been on the hairnet. I looked like I had a lobotomy. I got the job though…

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I watch Lost, I blame my wife, she put me on to it!

How do you relax?
I used to take flying lessons, which included paragliders and small aircraft. I found that very relaxing.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I wanted to be an astronaut as I was obsessed with space.

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
My ideal holiday is Tuscany and went there a lot when I was younger. There are 25 of us going over for my mum’s 60th birthday.

Your idea of heaven?
It would have to be Malin. We moved here from Worthing on the south coast of England and the only thing I miss are local curry houses. Its 40-mile round trip to get a takeaway!

Your idea of hell?
Commuting to work. I had to commute to London from Worthing 3-4 times a week, which could put nearly three hours onto your working day.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
Kylie - both to sing and talk to. I played a lot of her music in the discos. Barry White and Sister Sledge could come along too.

Favourite animal?
Our fluffy ginger cat Bosley, named after a character from the Charlie’s Angels series.

Biggest thrill?
People coming over from England to visit the beautiful part of the world we live in.

The world’s most irritating invention?
Although I need it, I would say it is the mobile phone.

What is your idea of a good night in?
A night in with my family, a DVD and a can of Guinness.

Biggest disappointment?
Not moving here sooner… We have been here 6 months and have enjoyed every second. I am just pleased we did it now though..

Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?
The 1970’s. I wasn’t quite old enough to experience the big discos.

World’s most useful invention?
The espresso machine and coffee grinder. Coffee loses its taste quickly when it has been ground so it needs to be made into a drink straight away.




`

ST PATRICKS CHURCH AUGHACLAY

St Patricks church Aughaclay between Malin and Culdaff in Inishowen.

ME AND MY MOTOR-TRUDY MCLAUGHLIN

This week we are in Carndonagh talking to Trudy McLaughlin from the Inishowen Community Radio Station. Trudy loves her job and has worked for the station for six years, which is only a year less then the station has been on the air. Her show is on between 9 and 11 am on Monday and Wednesday’s. At the weekend Trudy is extremely busy preparing Christmas trees for sale to the public from her fathers home in Church Brae in Greencastle. Her 2002 Peugeot 307 is just the car for getting the trees to customers before the big day.

How long have you had the car?
Two years last November. I had a green Daewoo Lanos before this one. I chose a gold car this time because I am a Donegal supporter!

Any plans to change?
Yes, I might go for another gold car next, but it will have two green stripes down it to go all the way with my support for the team.

What is the story about the broken wing mirrors?
I parked overnight in Moville recently as I had a drink in the pub. When I collected it in the morning on the Malin road the wing mirrors had been smashed. New ones are on my list from Santa!

Is the car reliable?
It is really reliable. It even works without antifreeze, water and even oil! I took it into the garage recently and the mechanic couldn’t believe that it was still running without any lubrication in the engine.

Best thing about the car?
I love the automatic lights, they are light sensitive and go on and off without human intervention. The Lanos had a beeper to warn me of the lights but I still managed to leave them on. The car tends to switch the indicators on automatically too, but I think that might be a bit of a fault.

How often does it get a wash?
When I do an interview for the Inish Times.

What would you do to help motorists given the chance?
I would pay learner drivers to have a professional driving instructor for lessons before they were allowed onto the roads.

What would you really like to be driving around in?
A self-cleaning car, preferably that does the driving too.