Merry Christmas!

Here are some more of Kelvin Gillmor's amazing shots of a snowy Dromahair to take us into the festive season.

The Diary wishes a very merry Christmas to all Dromahairians, their families and friends, at home and further afield.
Be kind to each other. Have a good one!

Christmas Refuse Collection

The Diary has been informed that Joe McLoughlin Waste will be collecting household refuse (black bin) tomorrow, Saturday 22nd December. There will be no collection on Tuesday 25th, as the binmen will be busy opening their presents.

Drumlease N.S. Race Night

The staff of Drumlease National School have asked the Diary to pass on their thanks to all who contributed to making their recent Race Night such a success. More than €5,000 was raised for the school. Special thanks to the sponsors, who are listed below, and to all who attended on the night.

Sponsors;

Linnane Accountancy Services, Drumlease Rd

John Gillmor, Dromahair

Louise Carroll Designs, Dromahair

Cedar Lodge Health Centre c/o Doreen Connolly

Kerrigans Quarry, Killargue

Brian Kearns, Chartered Accountant, Forest Park, Dromahair

Sprint Education, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Alpha Omega Consultants c/o Oonagh Monaghan, Dromahair

Sean O’Reilly & Co. Accountant & Registered Auditor, Carrowcrin, Dromahair

C.J. Fallon Educational Publishers, Liffey Valley, Dublin.

Seamus & Patti Reynolds, Killargue

Michéal Flanagan, Electrician

TME Services c/o Derrick Healy, Drumlease Rd.

Tommy Siggins, Dromahair

Tommy Hannon Cleaning, Killargue

McTernan Carpets, Ballast Quay, Sligo

Joe Carthy, Taxi, Dromahair

D.M.Auctions, Dowra & Manorhamilton

Dromahair Pharmacy

Fowley’s Garage, Dromahair

Riverbank Restaurant & Club House Bar, Dromahair

City Tech, Sligo

Bizzprint Leitrim c/o Simon Twigg, Dromahair

Cllr. Frank Dolan

Hong Ying Chinese Martial Arts c/o Liam Akkermans, Edergole, Dromahair

Wesley Rowlette, Boihy, Droamahair

Beauty on Your Doorstep c/o Niamh McGowan

Gerry McGovern, Solicitor

The Velvet Rooms, Sligo

Cllr. John McTernan, Dromahair

Paul Gavin, Satellite Systems, Droamahair

The Green Dragon Karate Club c/o Michael Sweeney, Sligo

D & P Packaging c/o Dalton Power, Castlecourt, Dromahair

Ard Nahoo, Mullagh, Dromahair

Seamus Harkin Building Contractor, Killargue

Supervalu, Manorhamilton

Ciaran Clinton Taxi, Dromahair

Ivan Hamilton, Building Contractor, Dromahair

Leslie Hamilton, Building Contractor,

McPadden Construction, Dromahair

Gerard McGourty, Builder

Londis, Dromahair

Benny McTernan Haulage, Dromahair

Ann’s Cutting Corner

Connacht Gold

Dr. Gerry Ballantine, Dromahair Primary Care Centre

Sen. Michael Comiskey

A Cut Above ~ Siobhan’s

Fr. John McTiernan, P.P. Dromahair

St. Patrick’s Church Parish Area, Dromahair

Terry & Siobhan Smith c/o Eadaoin O’Brien

Eamonn Devaney Butchers, Dromahair

Ann & Domhnall McLoughlin, Dromahair

Drumlease N.S. Parents’ Association

Pauric Speers, Plumber

In Tandem Web Design

Eugene O’Neill Architect

North Leitrim Driving School

St. Bridget’s Church Killargue Parish Area

Harmac Mechanical, Killargue c/o Michael Harkin

Parkes Fuel, Ballisodare

Anonymous Donation

Hamilton Young Architects c/o Trevor McDaid

Doodles Childcare, Dromahair

Texoil, Aughamore, Sligo

Wedding Day Silver, c/o Jean Whitfield

Drama in Dromahair

Drama for DARC recently presented three one-act plays in aid of the DARC project. The plays were presented on two nights in the Blue Devon. All present were in agreement that the productions were of the highest order, from the cast and directors to the sets and supporting crew.

Special credit must be given to David Kilgannon, author of two of the pieces, A Holy Show and Remember December. David, at 20, is surely a talent to watch for the future. He has a grasp of dialogue well beyond his tender years, and a gift for comedy which had us rolling in the aisles at times.

A Holy Show starred the comedic talents of Fiona O'Loughlin-Keuhl, Stephanie Kelly, Martina Devaney, Vivian O'Loughlin and Mick Kilgannon (father of the author), and was directed by Caoimhe Gleeson. Remember December was brought to us by Martina Devaney, Stephanie Kelly, Vivian O'Loughlin and Mick Kilgannon, again directed by Caoimhe Gleeson. The third play was The Tinker's Wedding by the inimitable J.M. Synge, which was superbly  interpreted by Dolores Hannon, Mairead McMorrow, Gavin Sharkey and Martin Dolan, under the watchful eye of director Gerard McKenna.

The backstage crew comprised Gerry Fowley and Jim Meehan, who constructed the stage which was very kindly loaned by the Glens Centre, Manorhamilton for the shows; Anna Farrelly, Paul Gavin, Niall Farrelly and Caoimhe Gleeson who were responsible for stage props; Mick Kilgannon and Caoimhe Gleeson who took charge of lighting; and Anna Farrelly who designed and produced the promotional posters for the production.

The Drama for DARC event raised more than €2,000 for this most worthwhile cause, but also showcased the talent which is here in Dromahair. Whether writing, acting, directing or helping out backstage, this was community drama at its very best. 

The only question remaining is; when will we see our Drama Group up and running again, for the entertainment and benefit of our entire community?

DARC Mobile Cinema

Development Association Website

Dromahair Development Association has launched its new website.

Residents and other interested parties will now be able to keep up-to-date with all the activities of the Association at

dromahairdevelopment.com

The site looks fabulous - well done to all concerned!

Library Opening Hours

Our Librarian, Georgina Oates, has been in touch to let us know that Dromahair Library will be closed on Tuesday 25th and Friday 28th December along with Tuesday 1st January.

The library will re-open on Friday 4th January 2013

Dromahair Christmas Celebrations 1586

When Brian O'Rourke came to his castle in Dromahair to celebrate Christmas 1586, he was in a state of seething resentment. Tudor rule had made considerable inroads into his territory of Breifne. All around him other chieftains, such as the O'Connors of Sligo and McWilliam Burkes of Mayo, had made their submissions to Queen Elizabeth. His campaign of resistance had petered out, but he held on to his gallowglass soldiers. The English tried to sweeten him by granting him a title. He was now Sir Bryan O'Rourke. He could retain his castles at Dromahair, Newtown and Leitrim by agreeing to pay rent to the Queen. It was extremely galling for a man described by Sir Nicholas Malby "as the proudest man living on earth"

During the festivities at Christmas O'Rourke and his soldiers staged a pageant. An image of a woman, carved of wood, and believed to have been stolen from a church, was tied to a horse's tail and dragged though the mud. Excited onlookers asked who it was, and were told it was "an old Cailigh(hag) from across the water" Later, a witness said the name Elizabeth was written upon it. The soldiers hacked it with their axes in a ritual execution while reviling it with insults.

The insult to the Queen was reported to Lord Deputy Perrott who decided to ignore it and took no action. The incident was to have grave repercussions for both men at their subsequent trials for treason. Perrott was replaced and sent to the Tower.

In 1591 Brian O'Rourke, on trial for sheltering survivors from the Spanish Armada, also faced a charge of "lese-majeste" which stated that he "caused her Majesty's name to be set on the image of a woman, tied to a horse's tail and dragged through the mire"

Five days later on 3rd November 1591 "Bren O'Royrke was drawn to Tyborne and there hanged, his members and bowels burned in the fire, his heart taken out and holden up by the hangman, naming it to be the archtraytor's heart, his head stricken off and his body quartered'

The wretched death reserved for traitors.

Many thanks to Mary Weir for the above piece.

Winter in Dromahair

A couple more of Kelvin Gillmor's brilliant pictures of snowy Dromahair...

Winter in Dromahair

Another of Kelvin Gillmor's wonderful pictures of snowy Dromahair...

Talk for Life

Following recent tragic events, local teenager Alannah Davis decided that she'd had enough: it was time to do something. With the help of some friends and the wonderful people at STOP Suicide, she has organised an event called Talk for Life, which will be held at the Bee Park Resource Centre, Manorhamilton on Saturday and Sunday next, 15th & 16th December at 6.00pm.

In Alannah's own words: 

The aim of the event is to get through to teenagers, from other teenagers. Teens listen to other teens more than they do adults. So maybe we can get through to some people. Another aim is to help teenagers realise that asking for help and talking to people is OK. This is becoming too familiar and something needs to be done. We cannot let this happen again.

Admission: Under 18s - €5, Adults - €10. Family rates available

All proceeds from the event will go to STOP Suicide.

This is such a worthwhile cause: it deserves your support.

Christmas Storytelling

Dromahair Library will be hosting a Christmas-themed storytelling show for pre-school children on Tuesday next, December 11th from 4.00pm to 5.00pm. 

The show is for children aged 6 and under, and admission is free!

Cakes for DARC

Dromahair Ladies GAA are holding a Cake Sale in The Depot on Sunday next, 8th December in aid of DARC. The sale begins at 12 noon with doors opening at 9am for dropping off goodies. There will also be a bric-a-brac stall with books, toys, CDs etc. and a raffle with some great prizes.

Come along and sample some fabulous home baking in aid of a great cause!

50,000 Views!

The Dromahair Diary has now exceeded the princely total of 50,000 views since its inception in June 2012. 

Things have been a little hectic lately, so posting has been slow, but The Diary should be back up to full capacity within the next couple of weeks.

Thanks to all who contributed with news and views.

Most of all, thanks to you, the readers, both home and abroad!

Winter in Dromahair

Kelvin Gillmor has sent the Diary some wonderful pictures of snow in Dromahair.

Here's one to start us off - more to follow between now and Christmas.

Thanks Kelvin!

Race Night

Drumlease National School is holding a Race Night on Friday next, December 7th at 9pm in The Blue Devon. You can help by sponsoring a horse or a jockey on the race cards which are available from parents or the school. Alternatively, if you wish to sponsor a race, you can do so by contacting the school directly on 071-9164586. A great night out is guaranteed, with lots of fun and prizes. All proceeds will go to the school. 

Come Dance With Us

Killenummery Social Dance Class invites you to their Pre-Christmas Social Hooley on Sunday night next, December 2nd in Killenummery Community Centre, 9.00pm till 11.00pm, Admission €8.

We would love to see the hall at least half-full, so get those dancing shoes dusted off and come along! Refreshments will be served and there will also be spot prizes.

Proceeds to Killenummery Community Centre.

STOP Suicide

The next STOP Suicide Bereavement Group meeting will take place in the Beepark Resource Centre in Manorhamilton on Thursday 6th December at 7.00pm.

Clothes Collection

A reminder that Drumlease National School Parents Association is holding a used clothing collection in the Blue Devon function room tomorrow (Saturday 24th) from 12 noon to 5pm. Any re-wearable clothing is acceptable, including shoes (in pairs only).

So go on, have a root around in the wardrobe, bag it up and drop it down to the Devon.

Drama in the Devon for DARC

~~~~~~ DRAMA FOR ~~~~~~

PRESENTS

Three Comedy Pieces for your Entertainment:

Remember December by David Kilgannon

Directed by Caoimhe Gleeson

A Holy Show by David Kilgannon

Directed by Caoimhe Gleeson

The Tinker's Wedding by J.M. Synge

Directed by Gerard McKenna

Blue Devon Function Room

Thursday 29th & Friday 30th November

8.30pm sharp. Admission €10

Leitrim Guardian Launch

The 2013 edition of the Leitrim Guardian will be officially launched on 30th November in the Kilbracken Arms Hotel, Carrigallen at 8.30pm. Presentation of Awards will also take place on the night.

The Leitrim Guardian magazine has been published annually since 1968. It is Ireland's only county magazine.

Held within the pages of each edition of this unique magazine is a sense of the wealth of the diverse talent, entrepreneurship, and honest to goodness neighbourliness, that exists within the county. You will find stories, musings, photographs and poems, from professionals and amateurs alike, depicting our rich and colourful history, and mirroring the sorrows and joys felt during past and present times. These articles illustrate the trojan work being carried out by various individuals and groups working tirelessly throughout the county for the betterment of others. They portray the results of a community consisting of a great mixture of long settled, and newly arrived people, who now carry the flag of Leitrim forward to the future with great pride. - Dr Bláithín Gallagher, Editor - from Leitrim Guardian website


The 2013 edition will be the 45th, and will contain a feature on Dromahair and The Dromahair Diary.

The Leitrim Guardian (including past issues) is available to purchase online at www.leitrimguardian.ie   The new issue will be available after the launch.

DDA/Tidy Towns Christmas Draw

DARC AGM

Community Alert AGM

The Dromahair Killargue Community Alert AGM took place on Thursday 25th October 2012 in The Depot, Back Line, Dromahair. 

Vanessa Clarke gave a presentation on The Text Alert System which is running successfully in many areas. It has proven to be of great support to the most vulnerable in society and is something well worth considering. However with a very poor turn out on the night it is difficult to know if the community would be interested or not. 

Retired Garda Peter Feely from Ballinamore gave a very good presentation on a security camera for external door monitoring. Peter had the camera with him and those present saw how effectively it works. It costs €300 euro approximately so if anyone is interested in getting more information please contact any of the officers. The committee may run another meeting and bring Peter back if enough interest is shown. 

Outgoing Chair Kevin McGoldrick said he was standing down this year as he had been holding the reins for 16 years and wanted new members to take on running of the programme in Dromahair and Killargue.  Vanessa Clarke chaired the election of officers and the result is as follows; Tommy Dolan, Chairperson, Derrick Healy, Secretary and Margaret Sharkey, Treasurer. 

It is hoped to hold up to 4 meetings annually and volunteers from different estates and townlands are asked to contact officers if they feel they have some free time to help out.  New Chair Tommy Dolan thanked Kevin McGoldrick on behalf of the committee and the community for the tremendous amount of work he has put in over the years. Kevin is willing to act as advisor to committee until we find our feet and Vanessa Clarke is to provide training for the group.

Don't forget the Fun Run/Walk!

Drama for DARC

The Blue Devon function room will be presenting three one-act plays in aid of DARC on Thursday November 29th and Friday November 30th in aid of DARC, the Dromahair Arts & Recreation Centre.

The shows start at 8.30pm. 

We want your clothes!

Drumlease National School Parents Association are holding a used clothing collection to raise much needed funds for the school. The collection will take place on Saturday 24th November in the Blue Devon function room. Bags can be dropped in from 12 noon until 5pm. 

All types of clothing will be accepted as long as they are re-wearable and in good condition. Shoes (in pairs), handbags and accessories will also be accepted. Please do not bring bed linen, duvets, curtains etc. as these cannot be taken.

So have a rummage through those wardrobes and create some space for the Christmas presents!

Shh!

Next Sunday, 11th November, will see five Dromahair ladies endeavouring to stay silent for two hours to raise funds for DARC, the Dromahair Arts & Recreation Centre. Shirley Gallagher, Roisin Campbell, Marie McGourty, Ger Kelly and Pat Dolan will be keeping it zipped, if all goes according to plan, in the foyer of the Clubhouse Bar from 12.30 to 2.30 pm. Of course there are those who say it can't be done - Father McTiernan says "it'll be a miracle" - and he should know! 

If you'd like to help with the fundraising, you can print off the sponsorship card below, or else just come along to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event and to support the girls.

Another old one...

Here's another one from the vault............again I have no idea what year this was taken.

Abbey Manor Hotel

Here's a more recent aerial photograph of the Hotel, taken by Kelvin Gillmor in 2006. See the changes?

When was this taken?

Here's an old postcard of the Hotel which recently came into my possession. Does anyone have any idea when this picture was taken?

Focus on our Past

Keeping it Local this Christmas

How about a few ideas for keeping our spending local as Christmas approaches?

This is an excellent opportunity to support and promote local businesses in the season when we often spend just a little too much.

Here in Dromahair we have;

Haidressers and Beauticians, all of which can supply vouchers for a treat for that special someone.

Jewellery makers who can create something really beautiful for your nearest and dearest.

A top notch restaurant, which can supply vouchers for that fine dining experiece.

A DJ to help your Christmas party go with a swing.

A Cake designer for your seasonal confections.

Guesthouses to accommodate your extra visitors, or to encourage next year's summer tourists.

Driving Instructors who can supply vouchers for that young learner.

A Gift Designer who can provide something memorable for any special occasion.

A Health Spa which can supply vouchers for that pampering day or weekend.

Holistic Treatment providers for someone who wants something a little different.

A Pharmacy with all manner of toiletries and gift sets.

Limousine Hire so you can arrive at the party in style.

A Tourboat on Lough Gill for a really special Christmas or New Year event.

Of course the above is only a small sample of what we have here in town. Consult the Diary's Business Directory at the top of the page for more ideas. Do you know somebody who would appreciate having their windows cleaned before Christmas? Could your car do with a valet before the visitors arrive? Has your chimney been cleaned this year?

It's not just gifts which are available in Dromahair. We have an excellent butcher and friendly local grocery stores. How about doing just a fraction of your Christmas shopping with them, instead of giving your hard-earned cash to the multiples? With the price of petrol and diesel, and the cost and hassle of parking, you may find that there is little to save by heading out of town. Buy your Christmas cards and your stamps here, from people who know your name. That way you support local jobs and your own community. All of us locally will feel the benefits.

Keep it local this Christmas!

Bereavement Support Group

A reminder that the Bereavement Support Group of STOP Suicide North West meets this evening in the Bee Park Resource Centre, Manorhamilton from 8pm to 9.30pm.

Another Party!

After the tremendous success of the Demons Festival Children's Hallowe'en Party in the Blue Devon last Monday, where a fabulous time was enjoyed by all manner of witches, ghouls, ghosts, skeletons and pumpkins, it's time for the grown-ups to don their costumes and turn out for the Demon's Ball......

See you there!

Party!

Flower Arranging Demonstration

The Diary recently received this notice from the parishioners of Drumlease;

We the parishioners of Drumlease parish church have tickets on sale at the moment for a flower arranging demonstration by the renowned Timothy Elliott to be held in the Bee Park Centre on Tuesday 6th November at 8pm. The tickets are available from Gillmor's shop and from all parishioners.  We would deeply appreciate if you could buy a ticket at €10 please.  We are trying to defray some of the cost of a recent refurbishment job done on our church.  We apologise for the timing but arranged this a long time ago .  There will be raffles and refreshments on the night also.  Thank you in anticipation - Drumlease Select Vestry.

G.R.A.S.P. Life

Local woman Mary McTernan this week launched a new website for her G.R.A.S.P. Life Foundation, which offers support and counselling to those affected by suicide, or having suicidal thoughts. Mary lost her son, Garry, to suicide in 2004 and has worked tirelessly in the intervening years to try to reduce the incidence of suicide in the North West. Unfortunately, as recent events show, the need for a service such as this is greater than ever.

www.grasplife.ie   

Tel: 087-4188053 or 086-6824760

Active Flag Raising

Some pictures from the recent Active Flag raising ceremony at Drumlease National School. One of only three schools in Leitrim to qualify, Drumlease NS was delighted to have Olympian Colin Griffin to assist in the raising of the flag.