Medicines and Prescriptions

All medicines and prescriptions must be ordered on the day before they are required. To order medicines please phone the surgery on 0749520535.

School Enrolments

Beidh Scoil agus Scoil 2 ag glacadh ainmneacha paistí don scoilbhliain úr ó Dé Luain 13ú da Mí Aibreain. Cuir glaoch ar Scoil na Leibe ar 0749520116 agus Scoil Aphoirt ar 0749520117.

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Scoil 1 and Scoil 2 national schools will be accepting new enrolments for the new school year as of Monday 13th April. Contact Leabgarrow National School on 0749520116 and contact Aphort National School on 0749520117.

4th Annual Walk of Remembrance

The 2015 annual walk of remembrance on Arranmore Island will take place on Saturday 4th April. The walk will commence at 12 noon leaving Ionad an Chroís Bhealaigh following the usual route. The money raised this year will go towards 'Our Childrens Voice', a group set up by parents hoping to give children who have life-limiting conditions or high medical / physical needs a voice that will be heard. You can buy a heart for €1 in memory of a family member, friend or neighbour from the Post Office or Marinas shop. There will also be a balloon release after the walk returns to Ionad an Chroís Bhealaigh. Anyone wishing to donate prizes for the draw please contact Elaine on 0876227026 or Sally on 0877404586.

Comharchumann Arainnmhor Fógra - Notice

Beidh stór tradála agus oifigí an chomharchumainn druidte ar Aoine an Chnéasta, 3 Aibreán 2015.

Comharchumann office and store will be closed on Good Friday 3 April 2015.

Please place orders for fuel deliveries etc well in advance of Thurday 2 Apri

A Thank-you from Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh

Go raibh maith agaibh! The staff and committee of Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh would like to thank all who attended, helped and supported our annual Saint Patrick's Day celebration yesterday. It was a lovely day, helped by the great weather and turnout.

We would especially like to thank the following: Our brilliant local musicians; Connie, Peter, Paddy, Jamie, Joe, and Eamon. Pipe Band Arranmore with guest piper Cian Sweeney, Darren O Donnell for his dancing and coordinating the children dancing including special guest Aoibhe Sweeney, Jerry Early for sound, Chris Gaughan and John Pally for the float, Mary Rodgers & Peter Rodgers Burtonport for their music with island children, Erin & Finn O Kane for their karate demonstrations, MCHugh Rodgers, all the children who played and sang, all those who donated baked goods, sold raffle tickets, helped with tea & refreshments and all those who came to the community centre on the day.

Donations for the raffle were gratefully received from: Glen Bar, Sharkey's Mace, Mary McMillan, Arranmore Fast Ferries, Kitty Rodgers, Neily's Arranmore, Annie Bonner, Smugglers Nite Club, Arranmore Car & Passenger Ferry Service, Killeens of Arranmore, Frances Early, Coláiste Árainn Mhór and Ellen McDermid.

A total of €1,320 was raised on the day. Go raibh míle maith agaibh!

TV3’s documentary series ‘Islanders’ premieres in April features Arranmore Island

Coming soon to a TV near you on TV3, Islanders is 4 part series following the lives of native islanders. Filmed in 2014, this observational documentary is the biggest in-house production undertaken by TV3 Productions.  Exploring the hidden treasures on the wild Atlantic way the series follows the highs and lows of island life.

Arainn Mhor Lighthouse Courtesy S. Mc Greevy

From Arranmore, Co. Donegal via Inishturk in Co. Mayo to Whiddy in Co.Cork, this four part series captures a way-of-life rapidly disappearing. 

Sunrise at Leab Garbh, Arainn Mhor Courtesy S. Mc Greevy

Set within breath-taking landscapes, the islanders’ stories are emotive, uplifting and told with honesty and frankness. Narrated by Irish actor Andrew Bennett (‘Angela’s Ashes’, ‘Garage’, ‘The Stag’), this is a landmark series for TV3 Productions and the BAI.  It is apt that Andrew is the narrator as he has recently starred as Davin in 'The Stag' aka 'The Bachelor Weekend' as Arranmore is famous for the craic and entertaining Stags and Hen Nights in the various pubs before arriving at Smuggler's Niteclub with lively music and spectacular views.

Islanders features stories including two brothers’ solemn promise to revive their island; a tug of loyalty between a mother’s children and her island; a long-distance love story set 14 kilometres out to sea;  A lone fisherman fighting bureaucracy to save his islands future and an embattled activist trying to galvanise her community.

Episode 1 begins 14 kilometres out from the Mayo coast, where the beautiful island of Inishturk reveals itself.  The series premiere also brings us down the coast to County Cork where we meet two contrasting brothers on Whiddy Island:Danny and Tim.  In Donegal, we meet Dr Shirley Gallagher (40s) – a typical Arranmore Islander, born off the island in London whilst her island parents were working there, the family were reared on Arranmore. Shirley is well-travelled, well-educated and well able to speak her mind.

Neilie, Muireann and Donna Courtesy Web

Also a resident of Arranmore is mild-mannered fisherman Neilie Kavanagh (40s). Although preparing for the busy season ahead, Neilie is heartbroken over the decline of the inshore fishing industry in Arranmore. He is the custodian of his father’s boat – the St. Anthony, built by his father on Arranmore over 40 years ago. Neilie has worked or lived all his life off the shores of Arranmore as an inshore fisherman.

A day at Donnelly's bog, Arainn Mhor Courtesy S. Mc Greevy

With many twists and turns along the way, Islanders will follow the lives and stories of these characters to learn what threatens their survival, to discover a different way of life, and to share in what it means to be an islander.

 

Cruinniú Cinn Bliana (CCB) - Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Cruinniú Cinn Bliana (CCB), Comharchumann Forbartha & Fostaíochta 
Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, Dé Sathairn 11 Aibreán 2014, 8.00
Fáilte

Clár:
• Miontuairiscí CCB 2014.
• Tuairisc bliana agus plé ar na mór cheisteanna a bheidh muid ag 
cur suim iontu sa bhliain amach romhainn. 
• Aon ghnó eile.

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Annual General Meeting, Arranmore Development & Employment Co-op 
Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, Saturday 11 April 2015, 8.00 pm
All welcome

Agenda:
• Minutes of the 2014 AGM.
• Annual report and discussion of the priorities for the year ahead.
• Any other business.

Glenea 3 - 0 Arranmore Utd

Arranmore Utd came away disappointed at the weekend after losing 3-0 (in reality an unfair scoreline). Glenea took the lead after 2 minutes with a brilliant left footed strike beating Greene. Arranmore contained the home side for the rest of the half and came close once or twice themselves. The second half was to and fro from each team with Chris, Conor, Michael and Jason almost getting in. Glenea scored their second goal following a controversial offside decision. Arranmore went for it then and were caught again. A very young Arranmore team again but each man put their heart into it for the entire match.

Team: Greene, Rua, Wan Dan, Phil Boyle, Chim, Conor, Marty, Jason, Sean McCauley, Michael McHugh, Chris McGlanaghey.

Sub's: Paul Early and Dion Byrne for Phil and Sean.

Story: Arranmore Utd

CFFAM - St Patricks Day Parade

The weather forecast for Saint Patricks day is looking good! If you would like to take part in our wee parade please gather at the old tennis court near Chapel Strand from 10.30am. We will be marching along with the band to the chapel. This will be followed after mass by a community celebration in Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh with music, refreshments and fun for all the family. All welcome!

Cian Sweeney to represent Donegal Town in NFTE Regional Final

Cian Sweeney

Cian is the winner in the junior competition of Foróige NFTE, Donegal town, and will attend the regional finals at LYIT, Letterkenny on Thursday 19^th March 2015.  The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a cutting edge, world recognised, youth entrepreneurship education and development programme.  It is managed and provided by Foróige in Ireland.

For anyone that knows Cian, his first love is machines with motors.  They come in all shapes and sizes but mostly if there is a boat attached, you will have his attention.  But he will settle for cars and interestingly now sewing machines.  Cian attends Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí with his siblings, Cormac and Aoibhe.  His other interests include playing the bagpipes and is planning to join the Arranmore Pipe band at the earliest opportunity.

When he saw his Mother, Arranmore woman, Annette (Mary Eddie) Gallagher making the most intricate patchwork for gifts for her friends and family he had an idea.  He wanted to enter the Foróige NFTE competition to make money making Christmas decorations. 

Annette supported his venture by helping him with costings; materials, labour and she also supplied the material from her various sources garnered from around the world.    The fabric used was sourced from New York City, Glasgow, Dublin, Limerick and Buncrana.  The patterned fabric from the different sources provided a unique look to the craftwork made by Donegal Town's Enterprising youngster.  Cian also sourced local tweed from Hanna Hats.

In Donegal Town, at the Foróige NFTE final, Cian was interviewed by a 2 judge panel, Susan O'Reilly - Bank Manager of Bank of Ireland and Nathalie Cannon - Administrator for Foróige in Donegal Town.  He came armed with his dossier which included photographs and a set of accounts.  He was unable to show his craftwork as he had sold out of produce at the Christmas market and had borrow ones to show the judges.  When asked 'Would you change anything about your business? Cian responded 'No, but I would expand my product line to make crafts for all occasions and not just for Christmas'. 

Donegal Town's youth officer, Kerry Gallagher remarked "Cian gave a fantastic presentation at the local business plan competition and completely wowed the judges with his enthusiasm and skills. His products are amazing and they could tell how much time and effort he puts into his business. Cian is an exceptional young person and we are very proud of him in the DECK Youth Project. We wish him all the best in Letterkenny where we have no doubt he will impress the judges with his products"

Cian is preparing for his next launch which is coming soon.  We wish Cian the luck of the Irish as he attends the regional final on Thursday 19th in LYIT in Letterkenny.

Story: Shirley Gallagher

Photos: Annette Gallagher

Information Evening with C.L.G. An Clochán Liath

C.L.G. An Clochán Liath are holding an information evening for parents & children

on Friday March 20th in the Burtonport Community Centre at 7.30pm. 

All children who are interested in playing for the Club for 2015 from ages 5-18 are asked to attend. 

We look forward to seeing you all.

Minor Board Secretary

Bridgeen Doherty 

T: 0868179374 after 5pm

E:CLGAnClochanLiath@gmail.com 

About CLG An Clochan Liath is a Gaelige Athletic Assocciation club located in Dungloe in County Donegal. The club have underage teams from under 6 right up to senior men and ladies team. They also promote Irish culture in the form of music, dance storytelling and poetry.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CLGAnClochanLiath/info?tab=page_info



Minor Board Chairman: Peter Ward
Delegates to South.Board: P. Martin, E. McGarvey & J. O’Donnell Secretary: Bridgeen Doherty PRO: Eamon McGee
Boys Football Teams Hurling Team Ladies Football Team
U-18 Manager:Raymond Sweeney Senior Ladies:M.Sweeney
U-16 Manager: Eugene McGarvey
U-15 Og Sport: Eugene McGarvey
U-14 Manager: Marty Boyle & Peter Ward U-14 Manager: ? U-14 Manager: ?
U-13 Manager: Eamon McGee
U-12 Manager: John & Anthony Ward, S. McGonagle & Gerry Ferry. U-12 Manager ? U-12 Manager: ?
U-10 Manager: Sean O'Donnell & Paddy McGowan U-10 Manager: ?
U-8 Manager: Raymond Sweeney U-8 Manager: Cormac Harnett

Public Meeting Expected to Draw Large Crowd

A public meeting is due to be held this coming Friday, 13^th March, at 6.30pm in Ionad Teampall Chroine as part of the campaign which is calling for the reinstatement of the Gynaecology and Antenatal Clinic in Dungloe Community Hospital. The clinic which serves a large catchment area of west Donegal, from Fintown to Dunfanaghy and the wider Rosses area, including offshore islands such as Arranmore, has been closed since November 2014 due to the consultant being on sick leave. This now means patients have to travel to Letterkenny to avail of the service there.

A campaign group was formed in January made up of concerned individuals, expectant mothers and community representatives and since its formation the group has been active making people in the locality aware of the issue, holding a protest outside the hospital and meeting with politicians and HSE representatives in an effort to have the clinic reopened.

Speaking of the up-coming public meeting on Friday, spokesperson for the group Bridie Nic Giolla Easpuic said the time had come for all local politicians to lend their full weight to the campaign as the implications for the continued closure of the clinic could become a matter of life and death.

“The HSE clearly haven’t taken into consideration what is involved for the women of all ages who now have to make the round trip to Letterkenny to use a service which was once here in a much more accessible location” Bridie Nic Giolla Easpuic said.

“Public transport is exceptionally poor in this region and a journey to Letterkenny from Dungloe can be up to three hours for a round trip, which is particularly arduous for pregnant and elderly women alike. This is added to even more for women from Arranmore Island for example given the distance they have to travel and the fact they are constrained by the hours the ferries operate.

“There is also the factor of cost of travel, both financially and time wise for all women who have to travel to Letterkenny. Indeed some or all of these factors are now causing some women to take the decision not to make the journey to Letterkenny which is putting their health at serious risk.”

Calling for wide support for Fridays meeting Bridie Nic Giolla Easpuic continued saying “This public meeting is very important to all the women of this region and we need everyone to come along and show their support. This affects us all including the men as the women whose health is being put at risk with this closure are our mothers and grandmothers, sisters, wives and daughters.

“We have contacted all our local TD’s and local councillors and have asked them to attend the public meeting in Dungloe on Friday and show their support for the campaign. We can see no reason why any politician would not support the reinstatement of the clinic and do everything they can to support us in our efforts, and we thank those who have stood by us and helped us so far. We look forward to more politicians agreeing to attend the public meeting on Friday and coming on board and working together with our community to ensure this vital service remains in Dungloe in the long term for the health and wellbeing of all the women of our region.”

Important Game this Weekend For Arranmore Utd

Arranmore Utd travel to Pairc Joe this coming weekend to play Glenea reserves in the league. It will be an important game where the islanders can leapfrog Glenea into 4th in the league if they claim maximum points! Kick-off 1pm in Glenea.

PUBLIC MEETING!

Lá Phádraig / Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day, 17th March, 2015! If you can take part in our island parade, fly a flag, play a tune, dance, help with refreshments, paint some faces, decorate or anything else please get in touch by calling 07495 20024. Please spread the word.

Community Workshop Reminder

click on image to enlarge

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER!!!!

A new date will be fixed and made public in coming weeks.

Arranmore Utd Lose Out to Erne Wanderers

Arranmore Utd lost 3-0 last Saturday to second placed Erne Wanderers as the Ballyshannon men got revenge on the islanders after they suffered a 3-2 defeat on home soil when Arranmore Utd went there in November.

 To be fair Erne deservedly won on Saturday with one or two stand-out performances from their players, no more so than Mulligan and Ward. Arranmore were 1 down at the break and had a couple of chances to level after half time but the keeper denied Conor Proctor and Chris McGlanaghey each time.

Erne scored goals 2 and 3 as Arran went searching for an equaliser. Marty Proctor played well and worked tirelessly throughout as did the whole team to be fair.

Arranmore will next play Donegal Town at home next weekend.

Story: Arranmore Utd