Ar Ais Arís

The eagerly awaited Ar Ais Arís festival takes place this week starting Thursday, March 27 and finishing with a grand finale on Sunday, March 30. For tickets or any information contact info@buncranatradfest.com or ring Louise 086 8829019. The programme for the week includes Friday, March 28, 2008 World Premiere of Franceso Walks in the The Inishowen Gateway Hotel at 8pm, doors open 7.30pm. This is followed by The Pyros’ late-night gig (Over 18s). On Saturday, March 29 The Next Generation, the Plaza, doors open 2.30pm Commencing 3pm. On Saturday, March 29,  Sharon Shannon and the Renegade in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel at 8pm followed by The Pyros at midnight – over 18s. On Sunday, March 30, céilí mór in the Plaza, doors open 3.30pm commencing 4.30pm. Also on Sunday, The AAA Festival Finale in The Inishowen Gateway Hotel, doors open 7.30pm commencing 8pm.

 

Bypass to Foyle Bridge

People from Buncrana and indeed the whole of Inishowen who want to travel to Coleraine or Belfast can now use the newly opened £4m Skeoge Link Road which will shorten their journey time considerably. This seems to be the fastest piece of engineering ever accomplished because it seems no time ago that work on this started. In comparison the inner relief road in Buncrana has been going on for over 30 years. Journey times to Derry could be improved further because the Northern Ireland Roads Service is investigating the feasibility of improving the A2 Buncrana Road in Derry between Pennyburn roundabout and the border with Donegal.

 

Garda charity walk

Gardaí are asking members of the Inishowen community to join them  on their 10-k charity sponsored walk. The Talk to Me walk is held every year in the five Donegal Garda Divisions to raise funds and awareness about suicide. Proceeds from the Buncrana walk will go this year to Living Links which helps families bereaved by suicide. The walk will take place on Sunday, March 30 at 3pm. Walkers will start from the Lake of Shadows Hotel car park and will proceed in a 10-K loop via the Shore Front, Stragill and back towards town. If you would like to make a donation you can do so at any local Garda station. Sponsor cards can be picked up at Buncrana Garda station at Lisfannon. For more information, call 07493 20540.

 

Maginn Cresent

Residents of Maginn Cresent have shown what community spirit is all about when they collectively organised the cleaning and landscaping of an open area in the cresent. According to Margaret McGinley, the residents have been planning this over a number of months. She said they have an assurance from the town council that a soak pit will be installed and she also said that a large boulder with Maginn Cresent engraved on it will be placed at the entrance to the avenue soon.

 

Sympathy notice

Your prayers are asked for Daniel O’Connor, Kathleen Davis, Castle Park, Buncrana, Bridget Lynch Aughaweil, Buncrana and Daniel Lynch, 71 Cockhill Cottages, Buncrana who were buried recently and for their families and friends saddened by their loss.

 

Spanish students

Interested in keeping a Spanish student in July or August? Come to a meeting in Scoil Iosagain library on Monday, March 31 at 8pm.

 

Cinema

Monday, March 24 for four nights at 8.15pm Rambo (18s) Coming Saturday, March 29 for five nights Juno (15A) matinee Sunday March 30 and Sunday, April 6 at 3pm Alvin and the Chipmonks (gen)

 

Fás jobs

Buncrana Sporting Association has the following vacancies – three general operatives, one part-time administrator for Cashel na Cor and one part-time playschool assistant for the Naiscoil, Buncrana. Please contact Tony Morrison, Angling Centre (9363733) or Aisling Sheehy, Inishowen Partenrship Co. (9361376) for further information. Closing dates for applications is the Friday, March 28.

 

Céilí Mór

This will take place in the Illies School on Friday,  March 28 from 10pm to 1am. Admission 5 euro, music by The Cottage Ceili Band. All very welcome.

 

Aware Depression Support Group

Feeling sad, anxious or low, not sleeping? You could be depressed and there is help available. Phone helpline on 1890303302 or www.aware.ie. There is also a support group for people who experience depression who meet on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 7.30pm in the nursing unit. Come along or phone 9735030 for more detail.

 

Lotto results

Sinn Feín lotto draw results for March 19. Winning Nos 3, 11, 15, 22. One match three numbers 100-euro winner C/O Paddy Grant, Buncrana. Next week’s jackpot is 2,675 euro.