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

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!