Arranmore Pipe Band

The Arranmore Pipe Band would like to thank everyone that organised, helped and attended the dance in Glasgow. A special thanks goes to John Gallagher, Helena Gallagher and Pete Gaughan. A total of £1500 was raised on the night. Your continued support of the pipe band is much appreciated.

ENTREPRENEUR REVEALS PLANS TO BRING SLICE OF SILICON VALLEY TO ARRANMORE ISLAND

A DOT com entrepreneur wants to turn Arranmore into a miniature Silicon Valley and have his business headquarters there.

But the trouble is there’s no proper broadband there, meaning his dream is on hold for the moment. London-based businessman Neil Gallagher has his sights set on Arranmore Island for his company HQ.

Businessman Neil Gallagher

The 43 year old dad-of-three grew up on the island and his family still runs a popular bar there. But Neil wants to run a business of a different kind on Arranmore – a creative technology company, Caped Koala Studios, that will catapult the island onto the gaming map. “If it can be done in Finland, which is right at the edge of Europe, by the likes of Rovio and Supercell, then there’s absolutely no reason why it can’t be done on Arranmore,” Neil said.

Supercell was started up in Finland in 2010 and within a year the gaming studio was worth more than $3 billion. Likewise, Rovio – the company behind the phenomenon that is Angry Birds, also had humble beginnings there. “Arranmore would be perfect for Caped Koala,” said Neil. “Donegal Airport is only 15 minutes away from the port and you can get a flight to Dublin in half an hour. If you had a decent broadband connection you would have everything you need.

The difference between Finland and a place like Arranmore, according to Neil, is just a matter of proper broadband. “Arranmore has a really educated population and in fact a number of islanders have already worked for me on Pora Ora, which is what we’re launching in November and showcasing at the Web Summit. “I’ve had talented maths graduates, coding experts and teachers from Arranmore help me make Pora Ora into what it is today and I think the young people there at the moment would definitely have a lot to offer Caped Koala or any other technology company that would be attracted to Arranmore if the proper infrastructure were in place.”

Pora Ora – a series of interconnected games and apps designed for children between five and 12 – is already being used in primary schools across the globe. Tailored to the national curriculum, it helps children learn in an entertaining and engaging way – teaching everything from times tables to spellings and geography. It’s also been translated into Irish by Foras na Gaeilge.

Neil dreamed up the idea for Pora Ora whilst visiting Arranmore after building a family home there. And last year he sold his profitable company, Sentaca UK, to fund his dream. His three children, Niamh (11) Darragh (10) and Sean (8) were already in school and Neil was amazed that the way they were learning various subjects hadn’t changed at all since when he was learning the same lessons in primary school.

“They were bored. Children these days are used to different technologies and I found it crazy that nothing had changed since God knows when. I wanted to inject a bit of fun into learning and I think Pora Ora does that.”


Tests have shown that children using Pora Ora in the classroom for an hour a week for six weeks improved their speed and accuracy in times tables by an average of over 30 per cent compared to a control class who didn’t use it at all. Some children’s scores improved by 100 per cent. “These games aren’t just educational, they’re great games, so everyone is happy – parents, teachers and kids,” said Neil.

Arranmore is currently serviced by the formal national broadband scheme operated by 3, and the island’s community services programme manager, Seamus Bonner described it as completely unsatisfactory. He revealed that three companies have indicated to him that they will open an office on Arranmore if proper broadband is put in place.

Seamus said: “We have received confirmation from Eircom that they don’t intend to upgrade our exchange because it’s not economically viable for them to do so. The 3 service is slow and unreliable and we have no wired services available.” He added: “Nearly €18 million for rural broadband was reallocated under the Rural Development Programme this year as the Department said it was not required. We need a fibre to the home solution to sort the issue out once and for all. Wireless is not sufficient.

“Pat Rabbitte announced a new scheme during the summer that promises to deliver fibre to rural areas. We need clarity on when it will be delivered as they are saying 2016. Islands need to be at the top of the queue as they have the most to gain for jobs, healthcare, government services and education.”

“Broadband is now as basic an infrastructure as water and electricity. Many other services will depend on having a proper high speed connection available. We need a minimum of 100MB. He continued: “Companies like Caped Koala will make a huge contribution to the future of the island by adding to the local economy, providing highly skilled jobs for young people and stopping the brain drain which is contributing to our huge depopulation problem.”

* Neil Gallagher will be one of the exhibitors at next week’s Web Summit in Dublin where the world’s brightest techies will gather in their thousands next week.

Story: Aine Bonner

ESB Exhibition

The ESB Exhibition illustrating the installation of electricity to the island in the 1950s will be on display in the Glen Bar Hotel during Halloween Weekend. All welcome to view exhibition.












Photo: Anne Teresa

Arranmore Utd Excel Despite Harsh Conditions

Arranmore Utd fielded possibly their youngest side ever at home last Saturday. In windy conditions the home side played against the elements and defended brilliantly and causing St. Catherine's huge problems with quick breaks. The lads took a very deserved lead on 23 minutes following a great move which involved Daniel, Marty, Elliot and finished neatly by Chris.

Arranmore defended very well and the makeshift back four of Michael McHugh, Declan, Jason and young Phil Boyle all putting in great shifts. St. Catherine's equalised on 35 minutes scoring direct from a free kick.

Half time 1 - 1

With the aid of the strong wind the lads took complete control of the second half and peppered the visitors goals. Sean Mc Caluey had a chance but headed wide. Conor Proctor also went close but his effort was well saved. Arranmore took a deserved lead when Michael fired home following a well worked corner. Declan then had a rasping effort cleared off the line. The referee then deemed the game unplayable because of the strong winds which were in fact there from the start of the game and both teams left the field with the final outcome up in the air until the disciplinary committee of the Donegal league meet and make a final decision. Arranmore Utd excelled throughout the day missing several regulars with the average age 18.

Arranmore Utd 2  Killybegs 1

Abandoned after 70 mins.

Team; Michael McHugh, Declan Proctor, Jason O'Donnell, Phil Boyle, Shane Elliott, Marty Proctor, Conor Proctor, Sean McCauley, Chris McGlanaghey and Daniel Rocky.

Subs; Dylan O'Donnell and Sean Conlon.

Next match, home to Glenree this coming weekend.

Randox Teoranta to Create 500 Jobs in Dungloe by 2020

Randox Laboratories, the leading medical diagnostics company, last week set out a new vision for the company’s future in Dungloe which is set to benefit the wider North West region. Situated on the Atlantic coastline, Randox Teoranta’s facility in Dungloe is a cutting-edge life-science and engineering research and manufacturing centre, and on Monday 20th October the company announced its plans to invest a further €25m in plant, equipment, building works and R&D over the next 5 to 6 years in Dungloe. This significant investment would increase its employment figures from 66 to 540 by 2020.

About Randox Laboratories Ltd.

Randox is a global market leader within the in vitro diagnostics industry, developing innovative diagnostic solutions for hospitals, clinical, research and molecular labs, food testing, forensic toxicology, veterinary labs and life sciences. Employing over 1,300 people, and with offices and distribution in over 145 countries, Randox offers customers improved efficiency, quality, cost-effectiveness and flexibility. Randox is committed to revolutionising healthcare on a global scale.

For further information contact John Hart on 028 9445 1016 or john.hart@randox.com 

Click on link for full story. www.randox.com

Story Randox Laboratories Ltd.
Photos Randox & Donegal Daily

Léiríu Tacaíochta - Support Language Planning

Bhí cruinniú poiblí ar siúl aréir – 22 Deireadh Fómhair 2014 - in Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, chun plé a dhéanamh ar Acht na Gaeltachta 2012 agus an phróisis pleanála teanga don oileán. Bhí dhá scór duine i láthair ag an chruinniú. Más mian le daoine nach raibh ábalta freastal ar an chruinniú, a gcuid tacaíochta a léiriú don phleanáil teanga ar an oileán, is féidir leo foirmeacha tacaíochta a shíniú sna hionaid a leanas:
Comharchumann Árainn Mhór
Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh
Oifig an Phoist
Ostán Killen’s

A public meeting was held last night - October 22, 2014 - in Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, to discuss the Gaeltacht Act 2012 and the language planning process for the island. Forty people were present at the meeting. Should anyone who was unable to attend the meeting, wish to indicate their support for the language planning process for the island, they can do so by signing support forms which are available in the following locations:
Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhór
Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh
Oifig an Phoist
Killen's Hotel

Leabgarrow National School Art Exhibition

There will be an art exhibition in Leabgarrow National School on Thursday 24th October from 1pm to 2.30pm. The children worked very hard to create some beautiful pieces of art for sale. The pictures will be sold for: 1 picture for €6 or 2 pictures for €10. Please come along and support this school event. There will be refreshments served on the day and there will be a Halloween hamper up for grabs. All monies raised on the day will go towards school funds. Everyone is welcome

Glencar 5, Arranmore Utd 1.

Arranmore made 4 changes from last weeks side due to pull outs, hardly ideal as they were playing away to current champions and league leaders Glencar who have a squad of top quality players with many having senior league experience. Arranmore got off to the worst possible start inside the first minute when Glencar took the lead after a mistake in the back line. This however did not effect Arranmore and they really took the game to Glencar and created some very good chances with Daniel Rocky and Martin Proctor pulling the strings.

To compound matters Ruan then picked a back injury which resulted in a more positional changes and a first team debut for Sean McCauley who joined Phil Boyle making his first start. Chris McGlanaghey had a great effort well saved on the 30 minute mark and 2 minutes later Arranmore were punished when another mix up lead to Glencar going two up. Five minutes before the break however the lads got what they deserved when Sean MaCauley tapped home a rebound after the Glencar keeper could only parry Daniels rasping free kick.

Half time 2 - 1

With the aid of the strong breeze Arranmore could not find a way past a very well organised Glencar defence. On the hour mark the home side punished another mistake to go 3 - 1 up and it forced the boys to throw caution to the wind and in turn saw them caught on the break on more than one occasion and seen them caught out a further two times to put a very false scoreline on the board.

This as Jerry stated afterwards was probably the youngest side the club ever fielded (six of the team played for the Gairmscoil midweek) and the experience will certainly help. The most pleasing fact was how this young and inexperienced side battled to the very end. Tempers were getting frayed towards the end on the sidelines as Jerry was clearly unhappy at some of the tackles and comments made about him and his team. Should be a tasty return match on the Rock after Christmas. Arranmore Utd thank Glencar for facilitation the reversal of fixture.

Team: Rua, Phil Boyle, Danny, Chim, Michael, Rocky, Marty, Chisholm, Elliot, Przmek.
Subs: Sean McCauley for Chim 5 mins, Sean Conlon for Elliot 60mins.

 Next fixture at home to St. Catherine's, next Saturday October 25th.

Public Meeting on Language Plan for Árainn Mhór

We are reliably informed that Árainn Mhór will be announced as a language planning area before Christmas. This means that an invitation is being extended to us as an island community to submit a language plan (the aim of which will be to increase the numbers of speakers of Irish in the community) to Údarás, which will be subject to the approval of the Gaeltacht Minister. It is intended to have a further information session in the community centre like the one held in March 2014 to let people know about these developments. For the most part, it was mná tí and community workers who were present at the meeting in March. It is hoped that transport providers, accommodation providers, shop/bar owners etc. will attend the next information meeting and hopefully participate in language planning for the island in the future. This meeting will take place in Ionad Chroís Bhealaigh on Wednesday 22nd October at 7:00pm and as the outcome of the appraisal of the plan either way will have huge implications for the island as a whole, all islanders, young or old are welcome to attend if interested. Please inform anyone you feel might also be interested in attending that this meeting is taking place. Thank you.

Pub Quiz in Aid of Football Club

There will be a quiz in aid of the football club this coming Saturday the 18th of October. Quiz starts at 10pm in Early's Bar. This will be the first quiz of the season and will go to every pub on the island week about. Money raised will go towards buying a new ride on lawn mower for the football field and your support would be greatly appreciated.

Arranmore Win Against Castlefin

Arranmore Utd kicked off in their third league game of the season with a draw and a loss to their name as they travelled to play Castlefin Celtic. Arranmore started the brighter with Daniel Rocky and Conor McGlynn controlling midfield and Rocky helped create the first notable chance when his diagonal cross field ball found Declan Proctor at the far post who drilled back across goal first time to Chris McGlanaghey who found his shot expertly saved by the home keeper. Daniel went close himself after this with a strike from distance and Castlefin tested Rua in the away nets once or twice but the score remained 0-0. Daniel Rocky opened the scoring with a free kick from 30 yards which flew into the net over the despairing keeper. In fairness to Castlefin they reacted immediately as their centre half rose highest to equalize from a free kick.

Half time: 1-1

Castlefin came out of the blocks the quicker in the second half and went ahead following a goalmouth scramble but Arranmore pushed on from here determined not to leave empty handed. Daniel Rocky went close again as did Chris McGlanaghey before a brilliant ball over the top sent Declan racing down the left wing and he hammered the ball across goal which resulted in an own goal from the home centre back making the score 2-2.

Both teams went for the winner in the final stages with Chim, Wan Dan and Michael stopping everything at the back and then it came with only two minutes injury time to play as the ball made its way to Daniel Rocky on the right side off the area following a cleared corner, Daniel rifled the ball into the far corner with the keeper helpless to stop it.

There was a good battling performance throughout up against a strong physical Castlefin side but Arranmore came away the winners.

Team: Rua, Wan Dan, Chim, Michael McHugh, Declan, Conor, Marty, Rocky, Conor McGlynn, Christopher McGlanaghy, Przemeck Turski.

Subs: Mickael Dalewski and Shane Elliott for Conor McGlynn and Przemeck. Jason O' Donnell (unused). Next match is Glencar Celtic away next weekend 18th October.

Arainn Mhor's Children's Christmas Party 2014 at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh on Sunday 21st December at 2pm

Colour in the picture of Santa Claus by printing and using pencils or using Paint on the Computer

It is now 20 years ago since the Children's Christmas party was formed by Margaret Baoille, Mary, Anne and Bernadette Boyle and Shirley Gallagher.  We raised enough money in the first year to have another party the following year. That tradition has continued as various children have grown and different Mothers have managed the party down through the years.  Bernadette Boyle has been the longest serving member having only stepped down when Brendan went to secondary school.

It is managed so much more professionally now.  Last year, John Greene was the DJ and Santa Claus had a beautiful grotto created by the Begleys.  Margaret Mary made our first one with wallpaper lining which was very artistically decorated.   Santa came by fire brigade and young and old gathered at the Ionad to see Santa, and catch up with each other.  Many islanders return for the festive season and ensure their children meet with their cousins and friends living on the island.  The list of children is printed so they know when their turn is to see the Santa Claus and there are gifts for the children that are hand picked!  

The party will run from 2-4pm on Sunday 21st December, the shortest day of the year, just days away from Christmas Day.  

Cost per child €10 includes present, photo, selection pack and a drink. 

Family Concessions will be announced nearer the date.  

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL so to avoid disappointment please book your child's place by contacting the Committee

The Committee now includes Siobhan Bonner Moose, Bernadette Mc Mahon, TC Boyle Gallagher and Mairead Murphy Gallagher.  An event has been created in Facebook but payment is essential to ensure your child's place.  Click to goto Facebook Event

 

Once Hallowe'en is over it will be time to sing

You better watch out
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town  

from http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics

 

See you soon!

Childrens Halloween Party 2014

Come along to our annual children's Halloween celebrations at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh. Scaredy Cupcake Cookery and Fancy Dress Competition, pumpkin carving, Disco, fun and games. If you plan on attending can you contact us on 0870983749 with names and ages.

Community Employment/FAS

There are a number of CE/FAS vacancies available. Eligibility for the island has been lowered to people 18 years and over and on social welfare for a year. If interested please call 0876651518.

Irish Language Course

Beidh tús a cur le cúrsa Gaeilge TEG gan mhoill - más mian leat freastal a dhéanamh ar an chúrsa, déan teagmháil leis an chomharchumann chun suim a léiriú sa chúrsa roimh 7 Deireadh Fómhair. 0749520533

A TEG Irish language course is due to commence on the island in the near future. If you would like to attend the course, contact an comharchumann before 7th October to express your interest in it. 0749520533

Patchwork and Quilting

The Patchwork and Quilting group will resume in the craft shop on Monday 6th October at 7pm.

Aphort National School, Arranmore Island - Centenary 2015

The first Aphort National School Centenary meeting was held last Thursday, where a committee was elected to look at ways to celebrate 100 years of Aphort National School. We are looking to gather pictures, stories, songs, poems, old school books, prayers etc, to compile a book commemorating the centenary. The book launch and celebrations will be 8th and 9th August 2015. If you would like to contribute to this book or help in anyway, please contact committee members, Hugh Rodgers, Marion Quinn or Sally Brady.