Balor Reps present The Patsy Cline Story


BY SEÁN P. FEENY
Following on from the phenomenal success of their production of The Tammy Wynette Story, the Balor Reps are bringing the story of another legendary American Country singer to life at the Balor Arts Centre next month.

Painting is a labour of love for Creeslough artist


BY SEÁN P. FEENY
A year after we first met artist Ailsa Friel in People Like You, we caught up with the Creeslough native at her home in North Down ahead of her upcoming second solo exhibition.

Ailsa is opening her new exhibition, entitled, Bridge Of Tears, at Dunfanaghy’s Workhouse on July 8.
This time last year, Ailsa had just finished a whole winter season painting in a little bungalow owned by her late grandparents, John and Grace Friel, beside her family home.

‘Donegal News’ inspires writer to pen greatest ever song – honest!


BY SEÁN P. FEENY
A Glasgow man was recently inspired to write a song about The Donegal News to raise funds for cancer research charities.

Four months ago a tumour was discovered on Gerry Kirke’s right kidney and it was while recovering from the operation at his home in King’s Park, on the south-side of the city, that the singer was inspired to write a song about this paper.

Na Casaidigh return home after 15 years


Na Casaidigh, the well-known Irish traditional group from Gaoth Dobhair and Dublin, return to play in Donegal, for the first time in 15 years, at this Saturdays monthly Irish language Cabaret Craiceailte, Tigh Hiudai, An Bun Beag, Gaoth Dobhair.

Cara and Sam have faith in 'Winter'


BY SEÁN P. FEENY
Three years after setting up their own record label, Cara Dillon and husband Sam Lakeman have signed a young duo only too familiar to music fans in Donegal.

The launch of their Independent label Charcoal Records coincided with the release of Cara’s last album Hill Of Thieves in 2008 which went on to receive rave reviews.

NW and SE battle for final Irish Surf Team place


As the crowds gather in Bundoran and the Battle of the Bands takes place at the annual Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival this coming weekend, a different type of battle will be taking place less than 500 metres away – a battle in the water!

Donegal’s John “JB” Britton will go head to head or “fin to fin” with Waterford’s Keith O’Brien in an encounter that will decide the remaining position on the Irish surf team to compete in the seniors division at the European Surfing Championships “Eurosurf” in the town in September.

Search for a boy star in Donegal schools


THE search is on for a talented boy to play the leading role in an exciting new radio drama series which will be broadcast later this year on local radio.

There are eight episodes in this children’s radio drama set in Donegal. The series follows the adventures of Casey McGonigle and his pet mouse, Madge. It also highlights the dangers of genetically modified food and the importance of grannies.

A family holiday with a difference for Moya Brennan


BY SEÁN P. FEENY
TOMORROW (Tuesday) legendary Donegal singer Moya Brennan will take her family on a ‘camping holiday’ with a difference. They’re off to one of the biggest music festivals in the world, where they will also perform together.

The Clannad frontwoman is heading for the annual Glastonbury Festival Of Contemporary Performing Arts, with her husband Tim Jarvis with daughter Aisling (19) and son Paul (18).

Swim across Mulroy Bay


Organisers of the second annual Mulroy Bay Swim in aid of the RNLI are inviting you to sign up for a fun day out and a challenge in aid of a very worthy cause.

2010 saw the first instalment of the swim taking place, culminating in 78 swimmers taking to the picturesque waters of Mulroy Bay to raise funds for the RNLI lifeboats.