Caolagh Grimes delves into the archives to bring you the news and images from yesteryear.
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APRIL 12, 1975
LETTERKENNY GIRLS’ SUCCESS AT INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS IN BELGIUM
BERNADETTE ENGLISH, a 16 year old Loreto Letterkenny fourth year student returned quietly to her home in Letterkenny on Monday night with the spoils of victory in the seventeenth F.I.S.E.C. international games with her. She returned from Louvain, Belgium and her tally, an impressive three bronze medals won in the 100m, 200m., and as a member of Ireland’s relay squad.
This now brings her international medal total to four, having won a gold as a member of Ireland’s winning team in these games held in Zaragoza, Spain last year.
This was a satisfying performance for this young dedicated athlete and her reaction was one of obvious delight, while her coach at Finn Valley, Patsy McGonagle, expressed the view that she did everything she was expected to do and while naturally not at her fitness peak, her running was on target for this time of the year.
ALL READY FOR CIRCUIT OF DONEGAL
ARRANGEMENTS are being completed for the Donegal International Rally organised and promoted by the Donegal Motor Club. The format of last year’s rally was so tremendously successful that it has been decided not to change that of competitive all daylight tarmac special stage rallying with the unique blend of Donegal social evening activities. Drivers have been pleased with their visit to Donegal and the numbers coming for the 1975 event will be greater than ever.
The toughness of the event is proven by the fact that there were only 63 finishers from a field of 146 last June. Forty per cent of last year’s entry came from overseas with participants from Sweden, Germany, U.S.A and Britain.
CLADY’S “OPEN MARKET” THE MAGNET FOR THOUSANDS
MOTORISTS angry at Customs denial of passage. There were two facets to the advent of thousands of shoppers-mostly from the republic-at the first of the open markets held in the Tyrone-Donegal border village of Clady on Sunday. First and predominant was the obvious rejoicing as the shoppers purchased their £50-worth of goods-and materials each, to which they are entitled free Customs duty under the E.E.C. said to be as high as 25%.
Many other motorists made the longer journey through Lifford and Strabane but had to return by the same way, it meant a detour of about 20 miles.
The motorists were angry at the customs men turning them back as Clady bridge has been used without any restriction.
The customs officials denied they were there because of the markets, but because it was an unapproved border crossing.
APRIL 14, 2000
CAMPAIGN GROWS FOR MORE IRISH IN LETTERKENNY
THE Letterkenny branch of An Cumann Gaelach has urged the local Urban District Council to do all things possible to promote the use of Irish language and culture in the town. #A deputation from An Cumann Gaelach led by Maire Nie Gairbhe, principal, Gaelscoil Adhamhain, attended the April meeting of the UDC on Monday night.
According to the 1996 census figures almost 407 people living in Letterkenny UDC area were able to speak Irish with 25% of those speaking irish on a daily basis.
The aims and vision of An Cumann Gaelach were outlined by Ms Nie Gairbhe who also highlighted a number of events which have been heated by the group this year. These include the recent file Leitir Ceanainn Irish weekend; set dancing classes which continue on a weekly basis in the St Eunan’s GAA Club as well as beginners and controversial Irish language classes.
WELCOME BOOST FOR WEST DONEGAL
SOFTWARE provider e-host Europe is expected to create up to 42 high-tech jobs in Dungloe within the next three years.
located at Canada House, close to the former site of Fruit of the Loom facility, e-host Europe will employ graduates and IT professionals. An initial 17 jobs are expected to come on stream from June this year.
SOFTWARE provider e-host Europe is expected to create up to 42 hi-tech jobs in Dungloe within the next three years.
Located at Canada House, close to the former site of the Fruit of the Loom facility, e-host Europe will employ IT graduates and experienced IT professionals.
The project is part funded by Údaras na Gaeltachta and recruits will be sourced from the local area including Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Magee College in Derry and professionals from the immediate Gaeltacht area.
Company CEO, Robbie O’Brien, a native of Derry city, said the company was delighted to invest in an area hit hard by job losses in recent years.
“Our decision to base our facility in Dungloe was, firstly, access to a highly skilled workforce and, secondly, the difficulty in retaining and skilling up staff in Belfast, Dublin and other big cities,” he said.
THOMAS KNOWS HIS CHICKENS FROM HIS LEMONS
A LETTERKENNY chef was awarded gold for his first-class culinary talents at a catering exhibition in the Mount Errigal Hotel last week.
Thomas Molloy, joint proprietor and head chef at the popular Lemon Tree restaurant ran off competition to take the Maxwell’s Catering-sponsored award for his succulent sautéed chicken dish in the main course competition section.
The 22-year-old Killybegs-trained chef also received two certificates of merit in the senior fish platter section.
All of the dishes had to be prepared and cooked by the chefs in the Mount Errigal while the catering exhibition was going on.
This did not deter Thomas or his assistant chef Keelan, who jointly received certificates of merit for their joint production of a starter and main course.
