Directory Enquiries

There have been a few enquiries about updating the Directory pages of this blog so let's give it a whirl and see what interest is out there.
If you are running a business, or are involved with a group or organisation, in Dromahair and wish to be included in the Business or Social Directories, please email your details to dromahairdiary@gmail.com

Dromahair Anglers

Dromahair Anglers will be taking memberships next Monday, 4th March, in The Depot at 8 p.m.

Season Memberships:

Family €60;  Adult €40;  O.A.P. €25;  Under-16 €15

Zumba in the Depot

Walk of Light for DARC

The DARC project had great news yesterday, with the approval of grant funding from Leader of more than €178,000 for Phase 1. That's a fabulous reason to come out and join the Walk of Light for DARC on Friday next, 1st March. Bring a torch, light sabre or something luminous and meet up at the Primary Care Centre at 6.30pm to walk through the village to the Park. Tea and coffee will be provided in the pavilion, and you can bring cakes or goodies to share. Come and celebrate the good news!

Big Wave Bootcamp

Makes a change from Bundoran...

How many of you have been watching Big Wave Bootcamp on RTE 2 on Tuesday evenings? The series follows eight Irish teenagers as they pick up their surfboards and head for Hawaii, where they  undergo a gruelling three week training course in the world's most extreme surf school, under the watchful eye of surfing legend Ken Bradshaw.  Those who qualify will get the opportunity to tackle some of the planet's biggest waves. Local teenager Daniel McGlynn is among the surfers representing Ireland at this event. You can watch his progess on RTE2 at 5pm this evening, and for the next 6 weeks. Good Luck Daniel, our own Big Kahuna.

Parade Meeting

Just a reminder that the St. Patrick's Day Parade organising committee is meeting tonight, Tuesday 26th, at 9pm in The Blue Devon function room.

This is your chance to have a say and share your ideas, so why not come along?

All are welcome!

Well done Maggie & Declan

Congratulations to Maggie McLoughlin and Declan Fowley who took silver for DARC last Friday evening in the Sligo Lions Club Celebrity Jigs 'n' Reels event.

Well done Maggie and Declan. You did Dromahair proud!

Will The Riverbank be in the running?

Nominations for the Irish Restaurant Awards 2013 will open on Sunday 24th February at a gala ceremony in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin. After that, it's over to the public to get their votes in. Full details of how to vote will be published on the Diary next week. This is our chance to make sure our wonderful local restaurant, The Riverbank, and head chef John Kelly and his team get the recognition they so richly deserve. Let's get behind them!

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Jigs & Reels for DARC

Black Ice at Jameson Dublin International Film Festival

Local film-maker Johnny Gogan's first feature since Mapmaker (2001) describes a shady black market world where everyone, it seems, is on the take.

Jane McGrath gives a mesmerising performance as Alice, a young girl traumatised by the death of her brother, while Love/Hate's Killian Scott has the requisite charisma for Jimmy, the loner who lures Alice in. The white-knuckle night races are convincingly staged while the pulsing soundtrack captures the adrenaline rush of the chase on these haunting, blacked-out back roads.

Black Ice is showing at the Light House Cinema, Market Square, Smithfield at 8.50 pm on 

Wednesday 20th February.   Tickets are available at jdiff.ticketsolve.com

The Parade is ON!

Following a meeting of interested parties last night, it has been confirmed that the first annual revived Dromahair St. Patrick's Day parade will take place on Sunday 17th March. This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that's best about our wonderful village. Local businesses are encouraged to get involved, as are local clubs and organisations, to put on a display showing what a community can do when it pulls together. So get those thinking caps on and plan your floats and entries now!

The Dromahair Parade has its own Facebook page at www.facebook.com/patricksparadedromahair where you can keep up to date with all the plans and put forward your own ideas. You can also contact the organisers at patricksparadedromahair@hotmail.com or come along to the next meeting in the Blue Devon on Tuesday 19th February at 9.00pm.

If you're further afield and planning a visit to Dromahair in this year of The Gathering, why not come for the Parade and join in the fun!

Is Féidir Linn!

New GAA website

St. Patrick's GAA, Dromahair have recently launched their new look website. With news and reports, history and some great old photographs, the site is well worth a visit and should be top of the bookmarks list for local GAA fans. You can find it here stpatricksdromahair.gaa.ie

As part of a new initiative for 2013, St. Patrick's is introducing a Members Loyalty Card scheme to run in conjunction with its monthly Members Club Draw. Local businesses will offer discounts to card holders, so members benefit on the double, with chances to win prizes in the monthly draws as well. Full details of the scheme can be found here.

St. Patrick's Parade Meeting

A meeting will be held next Tuesday, 12th February at 9 p.m. in the Blue Devon function room to discuss the holding of a St. Patrick's parade here in Dromahair in this, the year of The Gathering. Ideas, helpers and support are needed. All are welcome!

Library Opening Hours

Georgina Oates, our local librarian, has informed the Diary that the Library's opening hours are changing with effect from next Tuesday, 12th February. 

The Library will be open from 12.30pm to 6.00pm on Tuesdays in order to allow the school and the playschool time to visit. 

Friday opening hours will remain the same, 2.30pm to 8.00pm, closed 4.00pm to 4.30pm.

Restaurant Mystery?

Spotted this ad on Gumtree a couple of days ago...

Italian chef
Dromahair Co Leitrim, County Fermanagh
Italian chef required for new restaurant in lovely village in Ireland. On fabulous grounds with rental cottages and a hunting lodge that is currently undergoing a big renovation.

This ad was posted on 27th January - Is there something we should know?

Garda Station Closure

Well Done Leitrim!

After yesterday's fine win, it's only fitting that we congratulate the Leitrim Team. Well done lads. Here's to a great year ahead.

Closure of our Garda Station - Public Meeting

Public Meeting in Dromahair 

to discuss the way forward and plans for future policing in the area following the closure of our local Garda Station on the 31st of January.

A meeting is to take place in

The Blue Devon on Tuesday the 29th of January 2013 at 7.30p.m.

A good attendance is essential.

The Gathering: Then and Now

All the Library authorities in Ireland have produced Then and Now postcards for The Gathering.

There are some available for Dromahair in our local library. They are priced at 20c each. All monies raised will go towards events in the library.

North Leitrim A.C. AGM

North Leitrim Athletics Club A.G.M.

A reminder for all members, parents and those interested in North Leitrim A.C.: the club's AGM takes place next Wednesday, 30th January at St. Clare's Comprehensive School, Manorhamilton at 8pm.

We would request that as many members and parents of juvenile members as possible attend the AGM. This is your chance to have a say in the running of the club. Your support is appreciated.

The passing of Eugene McDermott

It was with great sadness that the Diary learned of the untimely passing of Eugene McDermott of Drumlease.

Our thoughts and sympathies at this difficult time are with Eugene's partner Kathryn and their daughter Rebeccalee, his parents Helen and Eugene Snr., his brothers and sister, extended family and his many friends and neighbours.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

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