Local Notes: Minister of State Dara Calleary at opening of the Gtec facility in Cornboy.
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Dara Calleary with Public and Údarás representatives and members of Seirbhisí Curam Chill Chomain Teo and staff of Teach Greannai and others at the recent opening of their Gtec facility in Cornboy.
Ballyglass RNLI launched both its all-weather and inshore lifeboats on Sunday, September 15, to assist the crew of a 26m cutter vessel that got into difficulty west of the Mullet Peninsula.
Malin Head Coast Guard requested the volunteer crew to launch their all-weather lifeboat shortly after 4pm following a report that a boat had lost navigation. As the lifeboat made its way to the scene, a further update came to say the vessel had lost all power and as it was close to shore; there was a request for the inshore lifeboat to also launch which it did at 4.20pm. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118 from Sligo and Ballyglass Coast Guard were also tasked.
The all-weather Severn class lifeboat was launched under Coxswain Francie Gibbons and with mechanic Stephen Togher, crew Hughie Carlin, Patrick Coyne and Sean Reilly on-board, while the inshore D class lifeboat was helmed by Alan Murray with Francis Dixon and Matthew Togher on-board.
Weather conditions at the time were moderate to fair with good visibility. There was a force 2-3 wind blowing and a 1.5 - 2m swell.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew observed a local vessel standing by and offering assistance. The crew proceeded to assess the situation and in consultation with the vessel’s crew, found that the boat did have power and steering. A decision was made to escort the boat to the nearest port at Blacksod, at the southern tip of the peninsula. The local vessel assisted by going in front while the lifeboats shadowed the vessel until it was safely anchored.
Speaking following the call out, Ballyglass RNLI Coxswain Francie Gibbons said: ‘Thankfully once on scene we noted that the situation wasn’t as serious as first thought as we were happy with the crew on the local vessel to assist the boat safely back into Blacksod Bay.
‘We would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea, to go prepared checking the forecast and tides times in advance, carrying a means of communication to call for help if needed, wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and ensuring your engine is well maintained. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’ Kilcommon Community Development lotto.
The draw was held on September 15, and the numbers drawn were; 9, 13, 24, 25 for a jackpot €7,300 with no winner. The House Prize of €100 was won by Tom Healy, Belderrig and the €30 offline winners were StormForce, c/o Belderrig and Aoibhinn Tuohill, Ballycastle. The €30 online winners were Sinead Healy, Stonefield and Claire Naughton, Barhauve. The latest jackpot was €7,500 in the draw which was held in Healy’s Glenamoy.
Glencastle Parish Enhancement Group is holding a meeting this Thursday, September 26, at 8pm in The Castle Inn. The agenda is to elect officers, anti-litter project, historical graveyard and parish signage.
Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo organised two week-long summer camps through the medium of Irish with the assistance of funding it received from Muintearas Teo under the scheme Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh sa Ghaeltacht. Two age groups were catered for – children from 3 to 6 years of age and children from 7 to 12 years old. The aim of the camps was to encourage children to speak Irish in an enjoyable and child-friendly environment. The programme of activity included various team sports, arts, crafts, traditional dancing, singing and board games. The committee extend thanks to the camp leaders Máire Ní Fhalliún, Laura Ní Dhomhnaill and Caitlín Ní Chonólaigh, for implementing the language and play programmes in the camps, as well as Gaelcholáiste Chomáin, Ros Dumhach. Muintearas Teo manages and monitors Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh on behalf of Údarás na Gaeltachta and the scheme is funded by The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
83 look-out posts were built around the coast of Ireland during World War II for the Coast watching Service by the Office of Public Works. Nearby, in most cases, the word EIRE and the number of the station were outlined on the ground in quartz stone. This was visible to pilots flying overhead, a symbol of Ireland’s neutrality. Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, has worked closely with photographer Amelia Stein to tell the story of one of these look-out posts, known locally as Teachaín a’ Watch – LOP 63. It was situated in isolation on the edge of a precipitous headland overlooking Portacloy Bay. During a severe storm in October 2014 the entire Teachaín a’ Watch was damaged. Thanks to the efforts of the local community, particularly the Cill Chomáin Rural Social Scheme, and various agencies including the Irish Air Corps, which airlifted the building materials to the site, this important link to World War 2 has now been fully restored Supported by Ealaín na Gaeltechta Teo, a dedicated website has been developed which highlights the role played by LOP 63 during World War 2.
Documents, maps, photographs and details from the logbooks from Military Archives, Cathal Brugha Barracks, combined with oral histories tell the story of Teachaín a’ Watch LOP 63 A Scéal. The visual art response consists of works from Pat Harris, Selma Makela, Mick O’Dea, Noah Rose, Linda Ruttelynck and Amelia Stein, all of whom have interpreted this story with poignancy, consideration and great visual impact to celebrate the completion of the project. A 2-day programme of events was organised including a group exhibition at Custom House Studios, Westport, back in August of this year consisting of the artists’ works and exhibits from Military Archives, Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, Pádraig Ó Dochartaigh, Helen Keogh and Treasa Ní Ghearraigh with opening remarks from Dr. Michael Kennedy. Back in August two information signs were launched near Portacloy Pier by Dr Michael Kennedy, followed by a visit to the newly-restored Teachaín a’ Watch building. The group then returned to An tSeanscoil Community Centre for a viewing of the website www.lop63.com.
Movement and mobility fitness classes will be starting on Wednesday, September 25, from 1.30-2.30pm in Ballycroy Community Centre. This type of fitness class is suitable for older people who want to improve their mobility, movement, and fitness levels. Some of the benefits of becoming more active helps you maintain independence, helps manage weight, reduces health risks, promotes mood and energy, enhances sleep health, and strengthens mobility and flexibility. It is a 4-week programme, with one class per week so if you would like to join call Rina on 0871840214 to book your place.
CV and Interview skills workshop will take place on October 3, from 10am – 12.30pm. This free workshop is designed to help develop an appealing CV and enhance your job search skills. It will be interactive, allowing time for you to ask questions and work on your CV with the available templates. The second part of the workshop will cover interview preparation techniques and tips. Places are limited and booking is essential. For more information and course content contact: Rina Garrett: 087 184 0214, email: rinagarrett@mayonortheast.com.
The U14 and U16 girls enjoyed a fantastic day at Coláiste UISCE at the beginning of the month. A big thank you to Mardec Utilities for sponsoring the trip and for their continued support to the team and club Thanks to the UISCE staff for making it such an enjoyable and memorable experience. Thanks as well for the wonderful lunch. Special thanks to coaches Margaret and Siobhan for accompanying the girls.
Well done to the U10s who took part in the Jackie McLaughlin Memorial Blitz in Knockmore recently. It was a great day of football and the players really enjoyed it. The club extend thanks to Knockmore GAA for inviting them and for organising a brilliant event. Thank you to all the parents and coaches who travelled with the team.
Well done to all the U8s who took part in the county blitz in Bekan recently. They played very well in tough conditions. The club are so proud of the way they represented the club and they thank all the parents for making the long trip and for helping out on the day. Thank you to Mayo GAA for organising a great day of football.
Indoor training is back. The Autumn Training Schedule at Geesala Community Centre began recently on Tuesdays from 6-7 pm for juniors (NS and 1st Year from age 11); 7-8 pm youths; and 8-9 pm adults. Thursdays from 5.15-6pm juniors (NS and 1st year from age 11); 6-7 pm youths and 7-8pm adults. Membership is required and places are limited. Membership covers indoor and on water training. Registration is open and forms are available at training. Places are limited with €2 nightly contribution.
Teach Greannai in Cornboy are holding a 4 week chair yoga workshop, for the over 60’s, which has began on September 23, at 12 noon. They look forward to welcoming new members to this event.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club weekly lotto jackpot of €14,500 with the two €50 winners being; Bridget Ginty, Sandy Row, Doohoma and Mary Ginty (Jnr), Doohoma, while Bernie Barrett, Sea Rod Inn and Martin McManamon, Glenturk Mor both won €25. The two online winners were Patrick Corrigan, Hemel Hempstead €50 and Patrick McHale, Carlow €25.
Bingo will continue in the complex Bangor this Tuesday, September 24, at 8pm with a €700 jackpot in 49 calls or less.
Further club winners in the Club Development Draw are Thomas Coyle, Tallaghaun, Reene May Allen, Nottingham, John Reilly, Belmullet and Poppy & Casey Nagle, Templeogue, Dublin, all of whom won €200.
