JULY 26, 1975
Surprise Garda action closed pubs during festival
“I DON’T seem to be able to get any clear explanation for it” said a baffled and bewildered John McAteer, director of the Festival of Fanad, when he explained that the Gardai, claiming they were acting, on the instructions from their Superintendent, closed pubs in the Fanad area hours earlier than expected during festival time.
This despite the fact that the Festival Committee, as in former years, had applied formally for and got, through the courts, an extension of opening hours for the entire Fanad Peninsula and Kerrykeel.
All the legal formalities had been followed and there had been no difficulty in securing the court permission. It was expected that pubs would be permitted to remain open all over the festival district until 1 am.
But when the Gardai swooped on a pub in Rossnakill on the second night long before the expected closing time and ordered the proprietor to close despite his protests, there was confusion.
Next night one of the major Cabaret Shows of the festival was due at Portsalon Hotel, but the manager was uneasy about it with a warning from the Gardaí hours prior to the expected 1 o’clock. Expensive artists had been booked and were there. The Festival Committee discussed the position with the hotel manager, but even after discussion with the Gardaí and his solicitor, he was still extremely uneasy and unwilling to open and allow the Cabaret to go on.
News of the mix-up quickly spread round the district and eventually, when it was decided that the Cabaret Show would go on, there was no crowd present. Patrons had stayed away from what would normally have been a “Full House” affair. It was a hard blow to the earnest and hardworking organisers.
RTE producer stands by Letterkenny programme
“THE producer stands by the film and what it had to say: that this was Letterkenny as he saw it in October, 1974.”
This is stated by Mr. Jack White, Controller of Programmes on RTE, in a letter to the President of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, Mr S.D. MacLochlainn, who had complained about the “documentary” on Letterkenny shown over RTE recently and produced by Carndonagh-born Mr Brian MacLochlainn.
Mr. White pointed out that the reactions and comments that the producer experienced criticism of some aspects of the programme on his visit to Letterkenny but these were, “on the whole, more restrained than what appeared in the Press.” He added: “Some people agreed that the programme was, on the whole, a fair comment on the town.”
But Mr White goes on, “However, the majority of those who have spoken have been openly critical of the programme and RTE acknowledges this. I am discussing with my colleagues some proposals for putting forward this view on the screen; but I feel bound to consult with the producer before reaching any final decision. He is absent at the moment on another project, but I shall have a discussion with him as soon as he returns. I hope you will appreciate that the delay results from our concern that any further present action on the matter should be well thought out and effective.”
The question arises from RTE’s attitude is whether they intend sending a TV crew to Letterkenny to do another programme on the town. Would there be any welcome for them? Could they expect any co-operation now? Would they possibly think of having Mr. MacLochlainn do another Letterkenny programme?
Few would disagree with the producer’s contention that this was Letterkenny as he saw it. Some who talked with him, beforehand were not at all surprised by the style and attitude of his eventual film they, agreed that Mr. MacLochlainn made his mind made up and his attitude decided on the type of programme he wanted before he came to Letterkenny, as any good drama producer would.
Vandalism and street fighting disturb Gweedore
GWEEDORE saw something like a gang war on Sunday evening when groups of youths faced each other and battled it out with sticks, flying stones and bottles.
The battle took place on the Bunbeg-Derrybeg road, where traffic came to a halt for a short time as the dangers became a threat to their vehicles.
Trouble had been bubbling under the surface for some days, but eventually culminated in the pitched row. Local people are seriously perturbed by it all, and it is believed that there will be internal local discussion as to the cause for the rowdyism and efforts made to stamp out any repetitions.
But Gweedore has been troubled by rowdy elements that have been moving into the district at some holiday spells.
Some point to campers and caravanners, who were frowned on last year after there had been some trouble in the district.
Donegal Co. Council took note of the situation and damage being done to the beaches with refuse and broken bottles scattered around.
It was decided to erect notices warning off intending campers. But they are back again, and this week, locals complained they were blocking access to the sea with cars and caravans parked across rights of way to the beaches.
There have been some break ins to the area. Goods and cash were taken from Breslin’s Stores in Bunbeg. The walls of private homes and business premises were daubed with paint and had offensive slogans painted on them.
At Bloody Foreland some large stones were placed on the road to inconvenience road users. At Dore, the other end of the parish, damage was done to building materials on a site.
Locals frown on these destroyers who have nothing but a malicious intent towards other people’s property and in its destruction receive no personal benefit but a sadistic satisfaction.
Many want the vandals kicked out of the district, never to return. But can they find them and identify them?
JULY 28, 2000
Absolut-ly fabulous opportunity for lucky Donegal arts student
Young Carrigans artist James Doherty, a 21 year old art student is set to make an impression on the world of art and design, as his work is exhibited at the world famous Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast.
James Doherty from Carrigans, a final year student at the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education Art College (BIFHE), has been selected to have his work featured in a ground breaking exhibition at the world famous Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast.
James specialises in graphic design, illustration and video art and is thrilled that some of his art work has been selected to be exhibited.
“It’s a very prestigious competition and one of the biggest competitions in Northern Ireland. It’s a great experience to get your teeth into a project that is realistic and may be used in advertising”, added John.
Describing his art work based in communications John explained, “Much of my work is computer generated which uses elements of sound objects and some of the pieces I have submitted are based on Japanese art prints.”
Entente Florale judges arrive in Letterkenny
TEN Entente Florale judges left Letterkenny yesterday after spending two days judging the town which is representing Ireland in the Large Town category of Entente Florale 2000.
With the second judgment of the National Tidy Towns Competition taking place within the next four weeks and judgment for the Green Town 2000 to take place in September and October, it signals the start of a busy time for the local Tidy Towns Committee.
Speaking at a dinner on Wednesday night to mark Letterkenny’s representation in this year’s Entente Florale competition, the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr James McDaid said that the people of Letterkenny had every right to be proud of their town.
“I have never seen this beautiful town of ours look better. They say that in competition it is not the winning that matters, it is the taking part.
“That is certainly true. But let me say that Ireland’s Olympians are not the only ones who will be going for gold for Ireland this autumn,” he enthused.
Describing it as being a very special occasion for Letterkenny and its people, Minister McDaid paid tribute to everyone involved for their hard work and efforts.
“Those people can now sit back and congratulate themselves and each other on a job that is not merely well, but simply superbly, done,” the Minister said.
