Local arrests
A number of locals have been arrested in relation to the serious assault at Kilderry, Muff on December 30. The two males and one female were interviewed at Burnfoot and Letterekenny Garda stations. It is understood that charges will be brought against those involved.

Dancing classes
J & J Modern and Old Time dancing classes are being held on Sunday and Monday nights in Aileach Community Centre, Burnfoot at 9pm. Beginners welcome – bring a partner. Those classes also take place every Wednesday night in the Malin Hotel at 8.30pm.

Sympathy
Deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs Annie Gallagher, Grove Cottages, Muff on the death of her sister Mrs Elizabeth Harrigan, Drung who died recently. Sympathy is also extended to her husband Francis, sisters Mary, Bridie and Margaret, to her sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces and nephews and to all her friends in the area

Parish raw
Winners in this week’s parish draw were: Thomas Doherty, Strathfoyle, 300 euro, Kathleen Doherty Sappagh, 200 euro and Calvin Bradshaw, Derry 75 euro.

Robberies
Farmers and contractors in the Muff and surrounding areas are advised to keep their tractors well protected after a number of robberies were reported to the local Garda station. These thieves are highly sophisticated and seem to have no trouble in getting access to these trailers, so in your own interest be vigilant at all times and help to stop the criminals in their tracts, and do report anyone particularly in a van acting suspiciously in your area.

Blood needed
The mobile unit will be in Carndonagh Community School on Wednesday from 3–4.45pm and 7–9.30pm and on Thursday from 2–4.45pm and 7–9.30pm.

Samaritans
The Derry Branch of the Samaritans is holding information evenings to recruit new members on Tuesday and Thursday of this week.

Naomh Padraig GAA
The Naomh Padraig AGM took place at the Clubhouse on Sunday week past. The following offices were elected for 2008.

Chairman- Michael McMenamin
Vice Chairman - Dermot McColgan
Secretary- Kevin Diver
Assistant Secretary- Catriona McColgan
Treasurer- Joe McLaughlin
Assistant Treasurer- Brendan McColgan
Development Officer- Michael McMenamin
Assistant Development Officer- Neal Toye
Pro- Eunan Keaveney
Assistant Pro- James Gerard McColgan
Registrar- Sean Lynch
County Board Delegate- Pat Keaveney
Inishowen Board Delegate- Neal Toye
Northern Board Delegate- Seamus McColgan
Ladies Board Delegate- Seamus McColgan

The numbers drawn in last week’s lotto draw were 6-3-4-5-2-1 and 7. There was no jackpot winner, however, 100-euro runner up prize went to Lisa McColgan, The Bridge, Iskaheen. This week’s jackpot will be 5,450.

Death
Fr Eddie McColgan
The local community was shocked and saddened by the death of Fr Eddie, after a short illness, on Tuesday, January 15 in Letterkenny Hospital. His wake was held in St Patrick’s Church, Iskaheen with a mass of farewell concelebrated there by Fr Farren, Fr Morris and Fr Martin and with the bishop’s final blessing before his body was taken to Dalgan Park for a funeral mass and burial in the St Columba Missionary Order Cemetery. Fr Eddie, who was in his eightieth year, was born in Drumanail, Iskaheen. He was ordained in 1952 in Dalgan and spent time in America, Australia and the Philippines but spent over 40 years in Fiji as a teacher, a college principal and a parish priest. It was this role that he told family and friends he loved most of all. His life in Fiji was spent in some of the most difficult missionary parishes. He spent nine years as a priest in the Yasawa Islands that are separated from the mainland by 50 miles of sea that can be rough and difficult. Many solo journeys were made in his small boat the “Brigid”, funded by those at home and named after a beloved sister who had died young. He built many churches and schools in Fiji, funded again by those at home and for which Fr Eddie remained eternally grateful. Fr Eddie was a stubborn man, a trait his fellow missionaries felt helped him to overcome many difficulties in his ministry, but he tempered his stubbornness with a robust sense of humour. He lived a modest life in his retirement in Iskaheen surrounded by family and friends who looked after him until his passing.

On the day of his ordinations, Fr Eddie came home to be greeted by bonfires all over the hillsides, front streets and farmyards of Iskaheen, a proud day in his family’s life. On his last journey from Iskaheen, his coffin was carried aloft to the foot of the Drumanail lane and as he started the long journey to Dalgan by hearse, the only sounds that could be heard were birdsong and a thunderous round of applause from that same community, again a proud day in his family’s life. May he rest in peace.

Information Evening
Scoil Mhuire will hold an information evening in Naomh Padraig GAA Club, Ture, Muff tonight (Wednesday, January 23) at 7.30pm followed by light refreshments. If your child is of transfer age to secondary school, please come along and meet with Management and a selection of staff. For further information please contact 074 9361065.