Canada wants to hear more about Island fishermen's fight for indigenous rights

This week I received a letter from Canada.  A week which sees a rather large trawler, MFV Margris off our coast, which according to Waterford Whispers has dragged Inis Mor off its moorings.   A week were the social justice organisation, Uplift has coordinated a campaign to ban supertrawlers of our coast. the campaign kicked off  on the 10th of November and has 24721 signatures to date.Sign petition.
 
The letter is below, with a link to the database.  Warren is looking for further information.  It is interesting to see that our islanders are making waves that are reaching across the Atlantic to another fishing territory.

MFV Margris

My name is Warren, I am Geography student at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in St. John's, Canada (we are the furthest east city in North America, so if you sailed across in this direction from Arranmore, you'd hit us after about 1800 miles or so!).

I am currently doing a project for my final year fisheries class on small scale fisheries and have been focusing on the island of Arranmore.
One of the assignments is to create a profile for the fishery in question, using a piece of software developed by my university that is accessible across across the world.

It is called the Information System on Small Scale Fisheries (ISSF) and can be found at this web link.

https://dory.creait.mun.ca/

https://dory.creait.mun.ca/details/profile/2419/

The first web link is for the program itself, the second is the profile for Arranmore the fishery itself which I have recently created.

I've done quite a lot of reading with regards to the fishery, and watched interviews and a documentary about the decline of the fishing industry, the associated legal battles and ongoing fight to relax the ban on certain species and catching practices.

However, there is a lot of information that would require a more personal and local knowledge for me to answer, specific to the fishery itself, the kind of equipment, boats, employment characteristics.

So I'm writing today to ask first of all if I have your blessing to continue my project on Arranmore, and secondly if you could help me, or point me in the direction of a fisherman/boat owner who would be able to help be complete this project.

At Memorial we are very proud of the ISSF software, and each year new students and research members from faculty are increasing our database through a variety of means, be that through placement of academic articles onto the map, through researchers all over the world contributing to the site and adding local contexts. The small scale fisheries profiles is an exciting student based program as well, which I hope you will be able to see the value of.

If you would be able to be of any assistance, it would be much appreciated in equal measure, I feel it would be a very positive thing for Arranmore as well.
Thank you for your time.
Yours Sincerely
Warren Moore



Dictionary from Wikipedia

Indigenous peoples are those groups especially protected in international or national legislation as having a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory, and their cultural or historical distinctiveness from other populations.


Dr Shirley Gallagher

 

Grainger Energy Solutions Limited are SEAI/NSAI/Weber approved external insulation providers

Grainger Energy Solutions Limited improve building energy performance in Ireland. External insulation services reduce U values and help enable Ireland achieve its European target by 2020 of 20:20:20.  Please feel free to get in contact if you are interested in reaching this goal by external insulation and/or other methodologies.  Saving you money and energy. Eamonn is an approved supplier of both Weber and Rockwool insulation products and is NSAI and SEAI certified.

EXTERNAL INSULATION PROJECTS

Currently we are looking for short, medium and long term projects at a national and European scale, working to provide practical solutions. 

For further information please check out

http://www.external-insulation-cork.com 

Grainger Energy Solutions Limited provide external insulation in Ireland. The quality of our workmanship ensures your property is better insulated with an outstanding external finish. By wrapping your property in external insulation
heat is retained within the building. This minimizes use of fossil fuels in heating our homes and businesses, saving money yet retaining comfort. There are a variety of finishes available and a huge selection of colours which can last for up to 20 years. When insulating your home or premises with us, there is minimal disruption as the work is being carried out externally and we ensure the job is carried out in a timely manner. Life can continue within the building uninterrupted during the upgrade of your property.

Our staff are both Weber and Rockwool trained and NSAI approved and we are SEAI registered External Insulation Installers. Grainger Energy Solutions has a strategy of teaming up with prominent construction professionals and world leading insulation manufacturers to create a superior quality insulated finish on your property.

Grainger Energy Solutions has been involved in a number of high profile jobs including a conversion for the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) featured on Duncan Stewart’s ‘About the House’ in Episode 6. Recently the 2015 winner of Ireland’s Home of the Year, retired couple Ita Molloy and Andrew Harvey’s home in West Cork featured Grainger Energy Solutions work. The outstanding blue rendered finish to Ireland’s best home was set in a perfect backdrop with stunning views. 

This environmentally friendly design was designed, project managed and built by Ita’s son Donn Ponnighaus who practises architecture in Malawi. Quoting Donn

Teach Maoildia is an environmental PassiveHaus that requires zero
heating-energy and is simultaneously as close to a work of art as the
constraints and my current architectural ability allow

Expert Judges

Declan O’Donnell, Hugh Wallace and Helen James picked the Cork house out of a short list of 21.

Why Insulate with Grainger Energy Solutions Limited?

Grainger Energy Solutions Limited provide external insulation to upgrade your property and save money in heating, maintenance yet maintaining comfort.

Does your property cost a fortune to run?

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Soilse Sráide – Street Lighting

Má thabharfar faoi deara soilse sráide nach bhfuil ag obair, tabhair suíomh agus uimhir an tsolais le fios don chomharchumann. Beidh an BSL ag teacht chun an oileáin gan mhoill chun obair chothabhála a dhéanamh ar na soilse sráide.

Street lighting in need of repairs can be reported to An Comharchumann by providing location and light number. The ESB is due to visit in the near future to undertake repair works.

Football Pub Quiz

An ALL FOOTBALL pub quiz will be heard in Early's Bar, Friday, 29th May starting 10pm sharp. The ideal way to kick off the great weekend that is the Arranmore Challenge!

Teams will be maximum 5 a side which provides an opportunity for the football teams to split up and battle it out. Entry will be €3 per person with a small raffle being held on the night. All proceeds will be donated to Arranmore Utd football club.

Bragging rights are up for grabs!! All welcome!

Summer Activities on Arranmore Island 2015

Tá an Samhradh ag teacht le Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh!

Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme

Do you have an idea that could benefit your local community?

Are you planning a community development activity?

Or Are you aiming to provide a learning or developmental programme for children, youth or adults in your local community?

Donegal Local Development Company Ltd (DLDC) has been contracted to deliver the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) by the Donegal Local Community Development Committee over the years 2015 – 2017. SICAP is funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Social Fund and includes a special allocation under the Youth Employment Initiative.

Under this new programme, DLDC aims to work with individuals and community groups within Donegal to support their needs, activities and life-long learning facilitated by the SICAP programme funds.

DLDCs aims to support activities that have a focus on reducing poverty, promoting social inclusion, equality and improving the life chances and opportunities to those who are most disadvantaged and excluded in our society.

You can get in touch to register your interest and see how DLDC can help by contacting their Letterkenny Office on 07491 27056 or the Gweedore Office on 07495 32712.

Aphort School Centenary Meeting

There will be an Aphort School Centenary meeting for committee members, board of management and parents next Tuesday the 26th of May at 3.30pm to discuss and plan events for the centenary weekend.

Arranmore Lifeboat Car Wash

The amount raised at the Arranmore Lifeboat car wash fundraiser on Easter Monday was €534.73. Thank you for your generosity and continued support of the lifeboat.

Thank You

Denis O'Donnell would like to thank everyone who sponsored him in the recent London marathon and anyone who helped in any way. €3600 was raised for the Aphort National School Centenary. Well done Denis!!

Referendum

Voting on the up-coming referendum will take place on Arranmore Island in both national schools from 10.30am to 7.30pm on Thursday 21st May.

Information Night - Supporting Communities

Weekly Market

Beidh Comharchumann Forbartha & Fostaíochta Árainn Mhór ag reachtail margadh gach Aoine ó mí Meitheamh. Ma tá earraí aitiúil agat agus tá tú ag iarradh pairt a glacadh sa margadh cur scairt ar Séamus ins an Ionad Pobail ag 07495 20024.

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CFFAM will be organising a weekly market every Friday at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh from June. If you have any local produce that you would like to have sold please contact Séamus at 07495 20024.

Clean Coasts 2015

The next Arranmore Island clean coasts beach clean-up will be held on Saturday 23rd May. Everyone who would like to help are asked to meet beforehand at 1pm at Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh. It would be great to see a good turnout to help clean our beaches as a lot of plastics and other debris has been washed up over the winter months. All welcome and please spread the word!

Reminder - Fish Handling Course

A 3 day Fish Handling and Filleting course with Hal Dawson, in association with Taste4Success Skillsnet, will be held on Arranmore Island beginning Monday 11th May.

3rd Annual Wee Neily Boyle fundraiser - Thank You

A big thank you to all who attended the 3rd annual Wee Neily Boyle fundraiser in aid of Donegal Hospice. Once again the event was a huge success raising a total of €3,770.

A special thank you to all those that donated and those that gave spot prizes: Mooney boats, DjPat Cook, Áine Boyle, Teac Phil Ban, Margaret Boyle, John Pally, Club Beag, Colm Harold, Charlie Mace, Crona O'Donnell, Manus Early, DiveArranmore Charters, McElwees, Comharchumann Arainnmhor, Alice Mcgowan, Gordan Ryan, Lurgy Brack and McDevitts Auto Factors.

To all who helped on the day, a big thank you for your support: Maggie Boyle, Grace Boyle, Margaret Boyle, Annette Mary Eddie, Helena Gallagher, Rachael Early, Aine Boyle, Thomas Costello, Mary Rodgers and Peter.

Finally to all the great entertainment: Trad na nOg, Maghery band, Crickmore band, Annagry band, Pipe Band Arranmore, The resident musicians (Green Island), Darren O'Donnell and his dancers, Off the Kuff and Denis O'Donnell.

If we left anyone out would like to apologise in advance.

The money raised will be used for palliative care in the local community.

~ Philip Stack Boyle

Photos: Mary Rodgers

Arranmore Utd 1 - Orchard 3.

In the final game of the season Arranmore Utd travelled to Letterkenny in what was a dead rubber as neither side could go further up or down the table, as Arranmore in 4th played Orchard in 3rd.


The game started well for Arranmore and had one or two chances through Chris and Sean Conlon. Conor Proctor also had an effort come back of the crossbar from 40 yards out. In the 27th minute Chris put Arranmore in the lead following a failed clearance from a Benny McGarvey free kick. Orchard upped the tempo straight away and the very impressive ex Finn Harps player Niall Bonner was to the fore at the heart of everything good Orchard did and he played a role in the equaliser as his cross was headed home at the back post.

Half time: 1-1

Both teams came out looking to win the second half but good defending from Jason, Wan and Chim kept it at 1-1 before Michael McHugh broke down the left wing and left his man for pace before crossing to find Sean Conlon in space where he did brilliantly to control and fire on target only to see the keeper turn his shot onto the post. Minutes later Orchard took the lead following a corner cleared to the edge of the box and it fell to the impressive Bonner to volley home to the roof of the net.

Arranmore pushed thereafter leaving gaps at the back with Orchard hitting the post and Arranmore relying on last ditch tackles. Arranmore almost equalised as Przemeck came off the bench and found his effort superbly turned onto the post by the home keeper. With five minutes to go Bonner was involved again as his shot from the edge of the box was too good for Rua to hold and No.9 tapped home the rebound.

Team performance from Arranmore Utd with Niall Bonner the stand-out player on show.

AND THAT'S A WRAP...

This brings the season to a close with June Bank Holiday Arranmore Challenge only a few weeks away. Thanks for the support all year from the fans at games to the messages online. 

Story: Arranmore Utd

Housing Project Update

Cumann Tithíochta - Housing Association,

Comharchumann Árainn Mhór.

For information purposes only: Cumann Tithíochta Arainn Mhór was set up to progress the provision of semi-sheltered accommodation for the elderly at the site of Day Centre, Árainn Mhór. Although planning permission for the project was obtained a number of years ago, the project has not progressed for a number of years due to the economic climate. Funding for any project of any description is extremely difficult and this project is no different, the future of this particular project is in doubt. Provision of social housing is dependent on whether there is a recognized need for it, in other words, is there a waiting list for accommodation such as this on the island? At present it would appear that there isn't. Home owners- people who own the property in which they reside - do not qualify for social housing. Comharchumann Árainn Mhór has been maintaining the cost of annual accounts of Cumann Tithíochta. In the forthcoming weeks, a decision must be made regarding the continuance of Cumann Tithíochta and the Comharchumann's funding of it's accounts. An absence of individuals on a waiting list for accommodation in a housing project of this nature indicates that there may be no apparent need for accommodation of this nature. This factor must be considered when considering the continuance of the housing project, it's associated expenses and the ability of an Comharchumann to cover them.

Arranmore Utd Draw 2-2 With Fintown Harps

Arranmore Utd deservedly gained a share of the points on Saturday coming back from a 2 0 deficit. The home team started the brighter and had chances but Conlon and McGlanaghey fired wide. Fintown took the lead against the run of play on 25 minutes when McDermott finished well. They doubled their advantage on 35 minutes following poor defending from Arranmore.

The second half saw the very youthful Arranmore team apply huge pressure but could not find an opening. Just when it seemed that no breakthrough was coming the home side were awarded a penalty kick which Mike McHugh duly dispatched on 65 minutes. The equaliser came on 75 minutes when following a great block from Phil Boyle, Marty Proctor set up Chris McGlanaghey and he finished brilliantly. Arranmore kept going for the winner but were denied by some good defending and goal keeping.

Best for Arranmore, Phil Boyle and Sean O'Hara. Team effort from Fintown.

Arranmore team: Peader Rodgers, Phil Boyle, Jason o Donnell, Danny, Marty Proctor, Mike McHugh, Sean McCauley, Sean Conlon, Dion Byrne, Daniel Gallagher, Chris McGlanaghey, Sean O'Hara

Ref: Seamus McGroary.

Story: Arranmore Utd

Job Vacancy

Job vacancy ~ part time felxi hours must be available to work weekend and bank holidays food handling and experience an advantage. Please call Kittie on 0871004794 for more information.

Third Annual 'Wee Neilly' Donegal Hospice Fundraiser

Scoil Aphoirt

There will be a meeting for the centenary committee in the school, Thursday 23rd April at 3.30pm. Anyone who wishes to place an advertisement in the centenary book,please contact Elaine  Gallagher or Ann Marie Rodgers as the deadline is Friday 24th April. Go raibh maith agaibh uillig as an tacaíocht a thugann sibh duinn.

Arranmore Challenge Fixtures now available for June Bank Holiday weekend 2015

Courtesy Mat.Loughnane

Arranmore Pipe Band at Rannagh Park

The Arranmore Challenge is an annual 7-a-side football tournament held every June Bank Holiday weekend. 16 teams compete over the 2 days for the cup and bragging rights.

The current reigning champions are Finn Harps.

For further details http://arranmorechallenge.com

 

2013 Champions Real Lypis Courtesy Hugh Early

Groups

groupA	groupB	groupC	groupD
Finn Harps Youths	The Rebels	Midland Warriors	St. Annes
Tory Celtic	F.C. Palatico	FC Internazionale	Damo's Dream
Stonecutters	Riverside F.C.	Real Lypis	Northern Tunnelling
Barhale	Arranmore Utd.	Gallagher Tunnelling	Clannad Celtic

Group Games

Day 1, 11:30	Finn Harps Youths	-	-	Tory Celtic
Day 1, 11:55	Stonecutters	-	-	Barhale
Day 1, 12:20	The Rebels	-	-	FC Palatico
Day 1, 12:45	Riverside FC	-	-	Arranmore Utd
Day 1, 13:10	Midland Warriors	-	-	FC Internazionale
Day 1, 13:35	Real Lypis	-	-	Gallagher Tunnelling
Day 1, 14:00	St. Annes	-	-	Damo's Dream
Day 1, 14:25	Northern Tunnelling	-	-	Clannad Celtic
Day 1, 14:50	Finn Harps Youths	-	-	Stonecutters
Day 1, 15:15	The Rebels	-	-	Riverside F.C.
Day 1, 15:40	Tory Celtic	-	-	Barhale
Day 1, 16:05	F.C. Palatico	-	-	Arranmore Utd
Day 1, 16:30	Midland Warriors	-	-	Real Lypis
Day 1, 16:55	FC Internazionale	-	-	Gallagher Tunnelling
Day 1, 17:20	St. Annes	-	-	Northern Tunnelling
Day 1, 17:45	Damo's Dream	-	-	Clannad Celtic
Day 2, 11:30	Finn Harps Youths	-	-	Barhale
Day 2, 11:55	Tory Celtic	-	-	Stonecutters
Day 2, 12:20	The Rebels	-	-	Arranmore Utd
Day 2, 12:45	F.C. Palatico	-	-	Riverside F.C.
Day 2, 13:10	Midland Warriors	-	-	Gallagher Tunnelling
Day 2, 13:35	FC Internazionale	-	-	Real Lypis
Day 2, 14:00	St. Annes	-	-	Clannad Celtic
Day 2, 14:25	Damo's Dream	-	-	Northern Tunnelling

Kittys Pantry, Arranmore Island

From next Monday to Friday Kittys Pantry on Arranmore Island will operate a text or phone lunch and for delivery Saturdays and Sundays. Kittys Pantry is open 10am to 5pm in An Culturlann, so come and enjoy a fresh ground coffee and cake or a wide range of wraps, paninis, sandwichs and much more. Holiday season opening times 10am to 5pm seven days a week.

We are now taking bookings for childrens parties any day of the week.

Chicken tenders and chips
Sausage and chips
Scampi and chips 
Tomato pasta and garlic bread
Or pizza and chips

€ 6.50 including a fruit shoot each

We will decorate the room with balloons and banners and the tables also.

 
Coffee mornings, meetings, parties service also available. For more information please phone Kitty on 0871004794.

Fish Handling Course

A 3 day Fish Handling and Filleting course with Hal Dawson, in association with Taste4Success Skillsnet, will be held on Arranmore Island beginning Monday 11th May. Please call 07495 20024 to book.


Introduction to Fish Handling Skills 3 Day Course

Monday
10.00–12.00 PowerPoint presentation covering the six units that makes up the course.
12.00-12.15 Coffee break.
12.15 - 1.00 Trainer demonstrates filleting techniques for different varieties of fish.
1.00 – 1.30 Lunch
1.30 – 4.00 Individual filleting instruction and practice. (Mackerel or other suitable species)
4.00 – 4.30 Remove all filleted product and waste, Scrub down and sanitise equipment

Tuesday
10.00–12.00 Individual filleting instruction and practice. (Plaice or other suitable species)
12.00-12.15 Coffee break.
12.15 - 1.00 Individual filleting instruction and practice. (Sole or other suitable species)
1.00 – 1.30 Lunch
1.30 – 4.00 Individual filleting instruction and practice. (Plaice and sole or other suitable species)
4.00 – 4.30 Remove all filleted product and waste, Scrub down and sanitise equipment

Wednesday
10.00–12.00 Individual filleting instruction and practice. (Codling or other suitable species)
12.00-12.15 Coffee break.
12.15 - 1.00 Individual filleting instruction and practice. (Haddock or other suitable species)
1.00 – 1.30 Lunch
1.30 – 4.00 Individual filleting instruction and practice. (Codling and Haddock or other species)
4.00 – 4.30 Remove all filleted product and waste, Scrub down and sanitise equipment

(Species and training days will vary according to season and coastal location)

Chiropody Services

An appointment system will now operate for this service. Please call Siobhan Joyce for appointment.

Scoil Aphoirt Centenary

Local DJ Denis O'Donnell is running in the London Marathon for charity on April 26th in aid of Aphort centenary. All money raised will entirely go to school funds. Sponsorship sheets are available in the Post Office, Teac Phil Ban and shop, Neilys, The Glen, Earlys Bar, Smugglers Nite Club, Killeens, An Comharchumann and the Red Ferry. Alternatively you can donate on line at http://www.gofundme.com/n14ru0

Arranmore Utd 3 - Glenree Utd 2

After a scoreless first half where it was the home side creating all the chances Declan almost made it 1 - 0 thirty seconds into the second half as he produced a very good save from the Glenree keeper. Martin proctor did brilliantly minutes later as his precise ball sent Chris Mc Glanaghey clear who fired over the advancing keeper from the edge of the box to make it 1-0. Minutes later young Sean Conlon not long off the bench found space in behind the defence and found himself one on one with the away keeper. He coolly took the ball past the keeper and side footed it home.

Glenree upped the tempo after this setback and pulled a goal back with 20 minutes to go. The game was level after 77 minutes as Glenree scored following a scramble from a corner. Arranmore pushed for the winner and went close through Declan Proctor. Before in the final minute Declan found the ball in space out wide after a pass from Sean Conlon, Declan crossed into Sean Mc Cauley who's header went up in the air towards the back post where Benny Mc Garvey was charging in and he made no mistake getting up in front off his marker and powering a header beyond the away keeper.

Team: Rua, Wan Dan, Chim, Jason O Donnell, Sean O Hara, Michael Mc Hugh, Marty Proctor, Conor Proctor, Declan Proctor, Paul Early, Christopher Mc Glanaghey.

Subs: Sean Conlon, Sean Mc Cauley and Benny Mc Garvey for Conor Proctor, Paul Early and Sean O Hara.

Unused: Phil boyle and John Greene

Next game at home to St Catherine's next weekend, 11th April.

Story: Arranmore Utd

'Connecting Colmcille' Cultural Tour

mng.ie Connecting Colmcille tour is a 7 day cultural tour dedicated to the life and times of Saint Colmcille. It's a specialist tour for an intimate group of only 15. As well as following in the footsteps of Colmcille and uncovering hidden gems and rarely visited archaeological sites, it is also an experience of the Gaeltacht region of Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way. Day tours to archaeological sites and enchanted evenings of music, song, story telling, ceilí dancing and so much more.

Dr. Brian Lacey, renowned historian and archaeologist who has been studying the saint for the last 40 years literally jumped at the idea of being the expert guide. We are honoured that he will be leading the group throughout this tour, which has never been done before.

We wish to spread the word among those who have a special interest in early Christian history and heritage before promoting the event to the masses. Please find attached tour the fliers and below a link to the day by day itinerary. We've had interest from all over the world, including the vatican which is amazing that we can reach that far.

Here's a link and I welcome any requests for further information. http://mng.ie/connectingcolmcillecoverpage/

Launch of the Documentary "A Turning Tide in the Life of Men"

The documentary "A Turning Tide in the Life of Men" filmed by Loic Jourdain of Lugh Films will be launched on Arranmore Island on Friday 10th April at 3pm. The story follows Donegal islander and fisherman John O' Brien as he leads the fight for Small Island Fishermens right to fish their seas to Europe and back.

Pub Quiz Fundraiser

There will be a pub quiz in Neilys bar, 6th April at 10pm, to raise some money to help our great niece Grace Dunlop who needs an operation to help her walk. The total cost of the operation and aftercare needed comes to £40,000. She is the most inspirational little girl I have met and with all that she has had to face in her young life still has a smile on her face. For more information go to my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bernie.green.908 . Music afterwards with Paddy Dhomhnaill and Connie McCauley. All musicians welcome on the night and there will be plenty of prizes to be won on the night.


~ Bernie Green

Scoil Aphoirt Centenary

There will be a meeting for the centenary committee in the school on Thursday 16th April at 3.30pm. Local DJ, Denis O'Donnell is running the London Marathon at the end of April in aid of Scoil Aphoirt school centenary. Sponsorship sheets are now available throughout the businesses on the island. We would really appreciate your support. Go raibh maith agaibh.

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.