Aoife Doherty delves into the archives to bring you the news and images from yesteryear.
July 17, 1976
Community radio comes to Donegal
FOR the next two weeks the people of Carrick, Downings, Fintown and Dungloe will have a unique opportunity to compile and present their own radio shows when RTÉ’s Mobile Radio Unit visits the county.
The idea of community radio, began as an experiment by RTÉ to try to find out what is considered typical in a rural community, has already proved very successful.
Iin the past year, 18 centres in the country have had a chance to broadcast.
The idea is that RTÉ provides the technical services and advice, but the running of the programmes is done entirely in the hands of the local people.
The first port of call for the mobile unit is Downings, and there will be transmitters from there on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 20 and 21.
It will be an all-local programme with the exception that the technical crew will be as professional, supplied by RTÉ.
The next stopping point will be Carrick July 23 and 24 and from there it’s on to Fintown on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 27 and 28, and from there to Dungloe for the finale of the Mary from Dungloe Festival celebrations.
Glamour, excitement and huge crowds in Ramelton
THE seventh Lennon Festival came to a successful conclusion on Wednesday night after five hectic days and nights of entertainment that were fully enjoyed by people of all ages.
Locals and visitors took a great delight in the very varied festival events that transformed the quiet Lennonside town of Ramelton into a real hive of carnival activity.
This year the festival was generally voted the best ever with organisation at a higher pitch and every aspect well cared for.
For Ramelton it was another remarkable triumph and once more showed the great sense of community co-operation that exists here.
The town was garlanded along every street, flags flew and many premises were newly redecorated. Visitors took note and remarked on how Bord Fáilte’s Tidy Town judges had previously failed to properly rate this neat and picturesque town.
Sabrina, Gillian and Fiona Barnett at the Raphoe Mart Christmas Cracker Show and Sale. Photo Clive Wasson
Letterkenny controversy grows over one-armed bandits
THERE is growing controversy in Letterkenny over the increasing number of one-armed bandits that have been finding their way into the town and luring people into feeding money into their slots.
As it is learned that the Gardaí are clamping down strictly on their operation, it is understood that a number of machines will be given until today (Friday) to be removed from their premises.
Only those with a pin stake have been given permission to remain. And it seems probable that the machines will only be permitted to remain open at any funfair or amusement centre.
July 13, 2001
Old friendship lands Letterkenny couple at Corr wedding
COUNCILLORS can find themselves in some unusual places but last Friday, Fine Gael’s Sean Maloney and his wife Sally beat them all.
The couple were among the chosen 200 to attend the wedding of Sharon Corr of the famous musical group and her boyfriend of six years, Gavin Bonner.
The wedding location in Cratloe, Co. Clare was a closely guarded secret, even to the guests, until the last moment.
Sisters Andrea and Caroline were bridesmaids along with best friends from Dundalk, Gillian Callan and Caroline McDonald.
Sharon was escorted up the aisle by her 68-year-old dad Gerry to the sound of traditional fiddler Martin Hayes.
Sharon is the first of the family to wed.
The Maloneys arrived at the wedding via a long standing friendship with the groom’s father, Bob who arrived on their doorstep in the Oldtown in 1974.
“Bob stayed with us for four years while he worked as a steel welder in the Unifi factory, though it was Courtalds back then,” Sean explained.
“ We became good friends and he would visit Donegal often with his wife Betty and with their children Grainne and Gavin. We first met Sharon Corr when she flew in from Tokyo on a two day stopover to attend her mother-in-law, Betty’s 60th birthday.
“It was a wonderful occasion and we were delighted for the couple,” he said.
Students from Loreto Convent, Letterkenny, who were prizewinners in the short story and poetry competitions at the Allingham Awards in Ballyshannon. Pictured from left are; Noirin McFadden, Aisling Neary, Helen McGrath, Breda Duggan and Noreen Kelly. The year was 2008
First eye operations carried out at General Hospital
THE first eye surgical procedures to be performed in Donegal took place in the Day Services Unit at Letterkenny General Hospital on Thursday last.
Five elderly patients received cataract surgery carried out by Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon Mr Paul Mullaney.
According to Day Services Manager, Ms Pauline McManus, the new service is a significant development for the hospital.
“The minimally invasive surgical techniques used in the cataract surgery meant that all five patients received treatment on a one day basis, under local anaesthetic.
“The procedure also significantly reduces the recovery time for patients.
“The appointment of Mr Mullaney as Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with a regional brief has been a major addition to the service”, NWHB CEO Mr Pat Harvey said.
Demolition of famous Port Bridge landmark generates anger
NUMEROUS residents of the Letterkenny area have expressed outrage at the demolition of Kelly’s coal depot building at the Port Quay.
The building was tumbled overnight last Thursday and Friday. The building that was the hub of the town’s once thriving port was viewed by many as one of the few remaining structures of historical importance.
The attention drawn to the new roundabout site has also attracted varying opinions about the railway abutments close by and their heritage value. Charles Kelly Ltd, the owners, have expressed regret at the old building coming down but pointed out that it was found to be in a dangerous state following recent expert examination.
An Taisce representative Mrs May McClintock issued a statement on behalf of the organisation saying she shared the local outrage expressed after the “sudden razing” of the building.
“The buildings were the last tangible link with the past, when Letterkenny had a busy port and the river was the main artery,” Mrs McClintock said.
If you have a photograph you would like published, send it to [email protected]
Gearóid Ó Leannáin agus Alan de Búrca (AIB) ag bronnadh geansaithe peile ar Pháistí na Gealscoile, Leitir Ceannain. Sa phictiúrchomh maith tá príomhoide na scoil Máire Nic Gairbhe agua an múinteoir Rónán Mac Gairbheith. The year was 1998.