St Johnston and Carrigans Donegal

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2019 ST JOHNSTON AND CARRIGANS COMMUNITY NOTES ARCHIVE



Rickety Wheel: The rickety wheel fundraiser for Killea Parish Church, Church of Ireland, Carrigans will take place in Killea Parish Hall (beside Carrigans Church) on Thursday 28 November. Prizes galore and it starts 7.30 pm.

Maggies: Santa will be at Maggies Tavern, Carrickmore, St Johnston on Sunday 15 December. He will arrive at 4 pm. This is a free Santa, kid’s party disco event.

Flowers: The annual Christmas Flower Arranging Demonstration at hosted by St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre is coming up. Our ever-popular Christmas Flower Arranging Demo will be held this year on Monday 2nd of December 2019. Josie and her team from Flower Craft & Design will be here this year again delighting us with her amazing skills! The demo will begin at 7.30pm and the tickets are just €7.00. A light supper will be served and this will include some delicious home bakes. Tickets are available at reception and from the usual sources.

Monreagh: Here is a message from Monreagh Ulster-Scots and Heritage Centre. Ulster-Scots Language Week will run from 25th to 30th November. The Ulster-Scots has put together a varied programme of activities to raise awareness of the Ulster-Scots language, which will be taking place around the country. These will include talks about the language and in the language, opportunities for people of all ages to get involved with the Hamely Tongue and find out more about what’s happening here and in Scotland. Please look at the facebook page for further details.

Castletown: Castletown NS held a Heritage Hunters on 5th November. Colm Grant taught us all about bees and the importance of their role as pollinators. We then planted some crocuses, acorns and snowdrops and made a nesting box and bug hotel. Colm kindly gave us an oak tree, a hazel tree and a lovely shrub to plant in our school grounds. A Ulster Scots Tenor Drum was held on 6th November. Kerry Doherty taught us about the tenor drum. Children really enjoyed learning how to use the tenor sticks! Gary Blair taught us about the Ulster Scots language on 7 November. We recognised a few of the words and even use some of them. The children enjoyed some word searches based on the vocabulary. Team Hope Shoebox Appeal was very successful. We collected a fantastic 45 shoeboxes! Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Website: The email contact for stjohnstonandcarrigans.com has been updated. Please remove stjohnstonandcarrigans@yahoo.co.uk from your email accounts for this has been deactivated and you will need to resend any emails you sent to it to the new address. The replacement email address is patrickhgormley@gmail.com. A revision of design is coming up with new photographs to be added.

Saturday Walk: The Walk and Talk Group is holding its Saturday walk this Saturday 23 November. Please note date change from 30 November. Destination is yet to be announced. Transport leaving the Centre at 9am. To book a place phone 074 91 48551 or contact Sarah Hunter at the local shop. €10 per person.

History Group: Taughboyne History Group will meet on Wednesday 27 November. Time 7.30 pm in the computer room of the Resource Centre. New members and inquirers are most welcome. If you wish to get in touch, you can email Patrick Gormley taughboynehistorygroup@gmail.com.

Whist: A Whist Drive with great prizes happens on the last Monday of every calendar month barring December in the Resource Centre. It will be on Monday 25 November at 8 pm. €5 admission with light supper served.
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Message: From Elaine Bradley. I’m wondering if you can offer any direction. I have traced my great great grandfather Alexander Lynch to his birthplace in the townland of Monreagh in 1838. I am aware that there are two town lands called Monreagh in Donegal, one close to St Johnston and Carrigans and the other near Burnfoot. If anyone could tell me which one it is. Alexander was a shoemaker and his religion was RC. His father was Thomas Lynch but we have no idea who his mother was. He later moved to Derry where he spent the rest of his days. He had a brother John who was born in the 1840s in Bogay, Co Donegal. I have come to a bit of a dead end and was hoping you might be able to help.

Ulster Scots: Monreagh Ulster Scots and Heritage Centre, Carrigans, wishes to encourage locals to attend the yarns gathering event in Raphoe. It will take place on Monday 25 November at 7,30 pm. All are welcome and admission is free. It will be held in the Ulster Scots Centre in Raphoe. It is intended to mark Ulster Scots Language week. It is hoped that many will come who can recite yarns, tories and poems in Ulster Scots. A very successful book launch took place in Monreagh Heritage Centre on Thursday 24th by October Keith Corcoran. A well-attended event with stories from his book ‘Mysteries and Legends of Donegal’ told by Keith himself and Charlie Gallagher.

Maggies: A Santa Tractor run will take place on Saturday 7 December starting at 10.30 am sharp. Irish stew and refreshments afterwards at Maggies Tavern. The event is in aid of Children’s Cancer Ward, St John’s Ward, Crumlin Hospital. Entry is only €10. There will be a half way break weather permitting.

Pilgrimage: There will be a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 2020. It will take place September 8 for seven days. €735 per person which is inclusive of Group Travel Insurance. €100 off if you pay in full by 13 December 2019. For further information call Kathleen 074 91 21641.

Fundraiser: There will be a Table Quiz in the Carrig-Inn, Carrigans. It will be this Friday 15th November. Tables 4-6. €5 per person. Funds go in aid of Killea Parish Church.

Lunch Club: The next Resource Centre Lunch Club date will be Wednesday 20 November from 11 am to 1 pm. New members are always welcome. The Lunch Club is open to all over 50s and young at heart. For more information please call the Resource Centre office at (074) 91 48551.

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 Scheme: St Johnston and Carrigans Community Employment Project has the following vacancies on its Community Employment Project (funded by DEASP). In St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre the listings are, I Daytime Cleaner/Caretaker, 1 After-Schools and Holiday Programme Assistant. 1 Receptionist. Newtowncunningham Tidy Towns – Environmental Worker. Naomh Colmcille GAA Club, Newtowncunningham – Caretaker. All Saints Parish/Columban Hall – 2 Caretakers. Ulster Scots Heritage Centre, Monreagh, Carrigans – Caretaker. Alone Project, Burt area – Befriending Worker. This is a good opportunity to return to work in a supportive environment. Training available within budgets. Contact the Resource Centre on 074-9148551 for job descriptions and application forms.

Monreagh: The Board of Management, Parents, staff and pupils of Monreagh NS we are delighted to accept the contribution of €2000 from the Carrigans Cycle on 19th September 2019. We have put the money to very good use in the purchase of a large range of school library books for our school. The money donated helped make this possible. These books will be read and enjoyed by our pupils for many years to come. We really appreciate this support of the local schools.

Message: A message has come in from Susan Roundtree. I’m currently putting together a gazetteer of brickmaking locations in Ireland which will include some commentary on its use in buildings. In connection with Donegal, I have some references to the early use of brick in star-shaped brick chimneys at St Mary’s Carmelite Friary in Rathmullen, and brick-lined bread ovens in Mongavlin Castle, St Johnston. Just south of St Johnston, in past times, there was extensive brickmaking in the Carrickmore and Porthall areas. I was wondering if there are any brick history experts in your community who would be able to give me more information or if you would have other contacts who might be able to help me, or any photographs that would show the surviving brick in these buildings. Any assistance would be much appreciated. Please email stjohnstonandcarrigans@yahoo.co.uk if you can help Susan.

Stumpies Brae: The Ulster-Scots Agency has a youtube video that you can see from the Monreagh Ulster Scots facebook page that they want people to share. It is a good scary story for this time of year. The Legend of Stumpie's Brae by Cecil Frances Alexander (yes, it is the same person who wrote All Things Bright and Beautiful and There is a Green Hill Far Away!) is brilliantly read in the video by Matt Warwick of the Ulster-Scots Community Network. Stumpie's Brae is a real place in East Donegal, so there may be more than a grain of truth in the 'Legend'.

Saturday Walk: The Walk and Talk Group is holding its Saturday walk on the last Saturday in November (29) . Destination is yet to be announced. Transport leaving the Centre at 9am. To book a place phone 074 91 48551 or contact Sarah Hunter at the local shop. €10 per person.

History Group: Taughboyne History Group will meet on Wednesday 13 November. Time 7.30 pm in the computer room of the Resource Centre. New members and inquirers are most welcome. If you wish to get in touch, you can email Patrick Gormley taughboynehistorygroup@gmail.com.

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Charity: The charity shop is in aid of Medical Rehab Unit Stroke Unit in Letterkenny University Hospital is currently in operation on certain days for a limited time. The shop is open in the former Toland’s Bar premises opposite the Applegreen filling station in St Johnston. Opening days for the shop are as follows: Friday 1 November. Saturday 2 November. Wednesday 6 November. Friday 8 November. Last day of opening will be Saturday 9 November. Opening times 10 am to 4 pm on all those dates.

Thanks: A message from Donegal Down Syndrome. A massive thank you to John Doherty who raised a huge €6850 for Parkview House Day Hospital and ourselves. We received a cheque in Maggies Tavern for €3425. John you did amazing.

Maggies: Jiving Lessons are taking place at Maggies Tavern on Thursdays from 8 to 9 pm. Only €5 per person. Very well done to all who took part in Maggies local Talent Competition all in aid of MS Donegal branch. To celebrate what would have been Maggies 100th birthday on 19 October a competition is up and running. Maggies kind friends in the Shandon Hotel and Spa have given a fantastic prize to give away! Like Maggies facebook page, to win one night B&B for two adults with a sea view room, in the stunning Shandon Hotel. Winner will be announced soon.

SVP: The Society of St Vincent de Paul St Baithin’s Conference for the St Johnston and Carrigans is seeking new members to join them. Training will be provided for all new members. An information evening was held in the Resource Centre but it is not too late if you missed it. Please telephone Raphoe Office 074 91 73933 if you are interested. The conference has been largely inactive for a while and it is hoped to get things up and running so that vital support can be provided to the needy.

Lunch Club: The next Resource Centre Lunch Club date will be Wednesday 6 November from 11 am to 1 pm. New members have joined so if you are new then come along! You are always welcome. For more information please call the Resource Centre office at (074) 91 48551.

Halloween: The recent Halloween evening at Monreagh Ulster Scots Heritage Centre was interesting and a success. People who came heard stories on the Phantom Hitchhiker and Enchanted Island on Donegal Bay. There was the chilling tale of the Cursed Manor Farm. Author, storyteller and paranormal investigator, Keith Corcoran, took his new book and stand up storytelling show to the Monreagh Heritage Centre. He covered his investigative quest undertaken throughout County Donegal over a recent winter, seeking out the last untold mysteries and legends. Here in Donegal, on the Atlantic’s wild edge, Keith interviewed over 50 seanchaí, guides, lore keepers and local characters to discover a whole new realm of mysteries and legends, which are sure to have you mystified, puzzled or spooked! There are stories of ship-sinking witches, strange lights in the mountains, phantom hitchhikers, haunted houses, a cursed public phone box, ghostly omens, a night watchman’s encounter, terrifying lake creatures, as well as some fascinating new research on local interest stories such as Stumpy’s Brae, Lifford Gaol and the enigma of Beltany Stone Circle. Keith was supported by popular storyteller and lore keeper, Charlie Gallagher, on the night. Monreagh Heritage Centre wishes to say thanks to Tracey and Shauna from Inishowen Development Partnership for the invitation to be part of the recent launch of the Shared History Programme.

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Maggies: The presentation of money raised by the TR BBQ Pig on the Spit event took place in Maggie’s Tavern, Carrickmore, St Johnston recently. A cheque for an amazing sum of €5,053 was presented to Beth Mc Crory and her parents Pauric and Dympna Mc Crory who received it on behalf of St John’s WardCrumlin Hospital, Dublin. The committee wishes to thank all who supported the BBQ in any way by attendance at the BBQ event, sponsored prizes or helped out on the night.

Clubs: All clubs at the Resource Centre will resume in the first week of October. Home club 1 – Tuesdays. That is for 3rd and 4th Class and times are 3pm-4pm. Homework club is on Thursdays. That’s for 5th and 6th Class and times are 3pm-4pm. Stretch and Grow 1 is on Wednesdays. It is for junior and senior infants ad times are from 2pm-2.45pm. Stretch and Grow 2 – is on Wednesdays for 1st and 2nd Classes. Times are from 3pm-3.45pm. Registration for all clubs will take place on Tuesday 24th September from 9.30am to 11am and 2pm to 3.30pm. It will be €10 per child and covers from October to 13th December. No registrations will be taken prior to Tuesday 24th October 2019.

Trip: A visit to Dail Eireann (the Irish Parliament) in Dublin will take place on Thursday 26th September. This outing will include lunch in the Dail Restaurant followed by a historical tour of Leinster House where you can view the workings of Irish Democracy in the Dail and the Senate. There will also be a little time for a short browse around the city or maybe a bit of shopping in Grafton Street afterward. Limited places available so early booking advised. For more information or to book a place contact Mary Crossan at the Resource Centre 91 48551. This project is supported by the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014-20.

History Group: Taughboyne History Group will meet on Wednesday 25 September. Time 7.30 pm in the computer room of the Resource Centre. New members and inquirers are most welcome. There is an opportunity for sharing old photographs and information about days gone by and frequently we will look at a DVD of historic interest. If you wish to get in touch, you can email Patrick Gormley taughboynehistorygroup@gmail.com. Meetings are on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each calendar month.

Dancing: Aisling McGill Academy of Irish Dance caters for girls and boys aged three and over. Weekly classes are provided under the tuition of Aisling who is six times all Ireland and international champion and four times Ulster champion. It is ideal if you wish to get fitter and make friends or simply learn a new skill. The class takes place on Tuesdays in the Resource Centre 5 to 6 pm. And Thursdays also at 5 to 6 pm. You may call Aisling on 07568 133 609 if you would like further information. Or you can take a look at her facebook page Aisling McGill Academy of Irish Dance.

Website: The community website needs further adjusting to display properly in mobile phones. Please bear with stjohnstonandcarrigans.com and it will be fully functional again soon.

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Baby Massage: A five week baby massage programme, starting Tuesday 17 September is coming up in the Resource Centre. Times 10am to 11.15 am every week on Tuesdays. 8 places maximum so booking strongly advised. To register call the Resource Centre 074 91 48551. The programme costs €20.

Ulster-Scots: Monreagh Ulster Scots Heritage and Education Centre, Carrigans would love to hear from you in regard to compiling information about the characters and hobbies of days gone by. Here is a sample of recent work which was put on the facebook page. William Millar was born in 1896 at Milltown, St. Johnston, son of Thomas Millar, also a millar. Born into a large family, William had two elder brothers, James and Thomas junior. In the years following the first World War and around the time of the partition of Ireland his two elder brothers emigrated to Ontario, Canada. William took over the family mill, buying oats, making oatmeal and trading in maize, also known as Indian corn. There had also been a flax or 'scutch' mill at the site. The building where flake oatmeal was produced had been there since before 1718 and had its own waterwheel. William built a new two-storey dwelling house at Milltown; he married twice, first to Rebecca, who passed away, then Elizabeth, and reared five children. He started the production of flake oatmeal in 1955 and this continued until 1970. Flake oatmeal was an advance on the tradition oatmeal used in porridge for centuries. Flake oatmeal was produced from ordinary oatmeal. The 'fines' were sifted out to leave pinhead oatmeal. This was steamed and rolled to make flake oatmeal. William retired in the early 1970s as barley became the dominant cereal crop in the district, passing the business to his two sons, Tommy and Billy. Please visit MonreaghCentre to find the Centre’s channel on YouTube. Diary Date: Monreagh Ulster Scots Heritage and Education Centre will be hosting a Family History Festival on Thursday 3 October 2019 at An Grianan Hotel, Burt, County Donegal. Anyone with interest in local family history or genealogy is invited to attend. Published authors with specialist perspectives in history and immigration will share their knowledge and expertise with attendees.

Walks: Please join us for a walk on Tuesday evenings 7 15 pm. Beginners and newcomers welcome. Please meet us at the Resource Centre and bring €2 as a contribution to supper.

Saturday Walk: The Walk and Talk Group is having the monthly Saturday walk on the Saturday 27 July. Destination will be Ards. A shorter walk is available if desired. Transport will leave St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre at 9am. New and first-time participants welcome. All persons under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Walkers please bring and wear appropriate clothes, pack a snack and bring money for a bite to eat on the way home. Please call Deborah 074 91 48551 or contact Sarah at the local shop Macs if you need any information.

Holidays: The Resource Centre will close for a week in August. The week of Monday 5 August. The centre will reopen on Monday 12 August.

Hosted: The Resource Centre recently hosted a very successful Men’s Information Morning and Breakfast. Guest speaker on the day for Cathal Gallagher, a participant on the latest seris of well-known RTE show Operation Transformation. A follow up trip to Glenveagh took place recently.

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Maggies: Congratulations to Catriona Gallagher on winning the beautiful hamper and tickets connected to the Fundraising Dance for Oncology in Memory of Kathleen Lynch in Maggies Tavern, St Johnston. Joe Lynch, Kathleen’s husband, presented the hamper in her honour.

Cemetery Mass: The annual graveyard mass at St Baithin’s this year will take place on Sunday 23 June at 4 pm.

Scheme: There is a new job vacancy in St Johnston and Carrigans CE Project for a Centre Receptionist. Also available - 2 Assistant Youth Worker positions. Positions will be located in St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. For more information or to apply, please contact on 074-9148551.

Carrigans NS: Scoil an Linbh Íosa was awarded its 5th Green Schools Flag on Thursday 9 May at a ceremony in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny. The Green Schools Committee in the school has worked extremely hard over the past 2 years in conjunction with school staff on the theme of Biodiversity and after a visit to the school last month by adjudicators, the school was nominated to receive its 5th Green Flag for its efforts. Pupils from Scoil an Linbh Íosa and Monreagh N.S. have been working together for the past year in a Shared Education initiative which has proved to be a hugely worthwhile project from both an educational and social viewpoint. Pupils have made new friends and have worked together on various lessons in both Literacy and Physical Education. The culmination of the project will take place on Thursday 13 June when both schools will come together for a Celebration Day to which parents and guardians will also be invited. The pupils in both schools have contributed to a joint book publication with some of the work they have been doing in class and which will be launched at the Celebration Day on 13 June.

Monreagh NS: On Tuesday 21st May, Jill Aherne, from Food Dudes came to Monreagh NS and presented us with a framed Food Dudes Certificate of Achievement. We really enjoyed trying new fruit and vegetables during 2018-2019, and lots of children still bring fruit and vegetables in to school every day. Next year we will take part in a week of fruit and vegetable tasting. We look forward to our continued involvement in the Food Dudes programme.

Recycle: Did you know we have a clothing recycling bin at the rear of the Resource Centre? Please feel free to drop in your unwanted items.

Ulster-Scots: Monreagh Ulster Scots Heritage and Education Centre, Carrigans would love to hear from you in regard to compiling information about the characters and hobbies of days gone by. Here is a sample of recent work which was put on the facebook page. What sort of games did children play before television and video games? What childhood games did you play? Cat’s Cradle was one. The game of Cat’s Cradle is only one of many string games. It's thought that this particular game travelled to Europe in the early seventeenth century with the tea trade from Asia. Some sources say that children played Cat’s Cradle in England as early as 1782. You need 2 people (or 4 hands!) and 6 feet of cord, yarn or string tied into a loop. It seems that skipping rope and rhymes have gone together for centuries. The rhymes have been passed down generations. While the girls liked to skip to rhymes, the boys at first just had contests to see how many jumps they could make. Marbles is one of the oldest of all known games, marbles have been played for centuries. A ring is drawn on the ground or pavement and marbles are placed inside, the players try to shoot the marbles out of the ring with a shooter marble. Hopscotch is a children's game that can be played with several players or alone. Hopscotch is a popular playground game in which players toss a small object into numbered triangles or a pattern of rectangles outlined on the ground and then hop or jump through the spaces to retrieve the object. Please visit MonreaghCentre to find the Centre’s channel on YouTube.

History: No Taughboyne History Meeting in the Resource Centre until Wednesday 12 June. Further details to come.

Walks: Please join us for a walk on Tuesday evenings 7 15 pm. Beginners and newcomers welcome. Please meet us at the Resource Centre and bring €2 as a contribution to supper.

Lunch Club: The next Resource Centre Lunch Club date will be Wednesday 5 June from 11 am to 1 pm in the Resource Centre. New members are always welcome. The Lunch Club is open to all over 50s and young at heart. For more information please call the Resource Centre office at (074) 91 48551.
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 Clean Up: An Taisce Big Community Clean Up 2019 is up and coming. Here is the information for the St Johnston and surrounding areas. Monday 8th April – Saturday 13th April. That week will be spent on a clean up your own area. On Saturday 13th April – residents, businesses and community join the big village clean up in St Johnston, Ard Baithin, Railway Park, Cois Abhainn, Church View, Brandon Park, Ard na Meala etc. The Family Resource Centre will be open from 9am – 1pm with tea and coffee for all volunteers. Pick up your litter pickers, High Viz jackets, black bags which will be available from Monday April 8th April in the centre. A skip will be in place from Wednesday 10th April supplied by Donegal County Council. Please join in the effort to keep our community tidy. For your suggestions feedback or to get more information please contact the centre at 074 91 48551.

History Group: Taughboyne History Group is delighted with the response to their first publication, ‘Vanishing Memories’. Members of the group were present at the Lunch Club in the St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre on Wednesday 27th March and donated the proceeds from sales of their book to the Resource Centre. History Group treasurer, Bernie Gamble, presented the cheque for €1720.00 to Angela Mitchell Doherty Chairperson of the Resource Centre. The history group wish to thank all those who sold the books and of course those who bought them. Their support is very much appreciated. History Group meetings continue in the computer room of the Resource centre on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday night of the month and new members are always welcome. Next meeting 10 April at 7.30 pm.

Silver Circle: Here are the results for Silver Circle Fundraiser for the Centre Week. First prize: Gary Coll. Second prize: Lia Kennett. Third prize: Padraig McElroy. Promoters Prize: Sarah Hunter. Well done to all this weeks winners. Lines for a wonderful Easter hamper can be bought at the Resource Centre reception as well.

Pharmacy: Are you a chocolate fan? Easter eggs maybe? A tempting hamper around those themes is on display in Wards Life Pharmacy, Wards, St Johnston that is being raffled in aid of Cystic Fibrosis. To participate just call into the chemist and who knows you might become the winner! Just €2 per line.

Walk and Talk: The April Saturday walk and talk outing is being planned. The March walk was the Old Railway Line from Creeslough to Falcarragh. A good day was had by all ending with a meal in Dunfanaghy. Information about the next walk will be published as it becomes available.

Castletown: The Irish author Olive Mooney recently visited Castlown National school. The senior room had the chance to listen to Olive read from her book, ask her questions and she gave us some great creative writing tips. Olive has always enjoyed writing and telling ghost stories. She recited them as well to her fellow-inmates at boarding school. The Chronicles of Cadaver College series is her first publication. As part of the Finn Harps Schools Programme, the Seniors enjoyed a great day at Bonagee FC. The girls and boys played 6 a side football matches against Illistrin NS, St Marys NS Castlefinn and St. Eunans NS Raphoe.
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Mary Gormley: Mary Gormley St Johnston passed away on 3 February 2019. She was born Mary Coll the third of five children to Paddy and Jennie Coll 84 years ago in the Newtowncunningham environs. She was a hard working woman and her work life included potato gathering and housekeeping in very difficult times. The Coll family moved to Ard Baithin in the 1950s. In the 1960’s Mary worked in Derry. During all this time she helped Jennie look after the family, Joseph, Brendan, Kathleen, Colm, Patsy and Andy and of course Paddy Coll until he died. Mary married Hugh Gormley in 1969 and they set up home in Craighadoes. They had two children Patrick (St Johnston and Carrigans local notes contact) and Ann. Ann was a baby in Mary’s arms and died of an aggressive chest infection in Letterkenny hospital. This proved to be something that gave Mary an agony that never left her and which she never talked about. Mary seemed to deal with it by looking after all the neighbours. She visited the sick and was willing to help out where possible. During all this time she kept going to Ard Baithin to look after the family. Hugh Gormley died in 1981 after being attended fulltime by Mary at home. As Jennie Coll got increasingly frail, Mary then made the decision to move to St Johnston with her son Patrick so she could be closer to the Coll family and help out more. Jennie’s death in 1985 devastated her but she kept looking after the house and the family in Ard Baithin. Mary was also devoted to her grandchildren, Laura, Allison, Jacinta and Gillian Coll. Mary did enjoy good health. She recovered well from surgery twenty years ago. Sadly in April 2011 Mary took pneumonia and was diagnosed with COPD and there had been many hospitalisations in that time. The last hospitalisation was in this year and complication came after complication and Mary had to leave us peacefully at Letterkenny University Hospital. After an almighty effort to help this special and totally selfless woman stay with us we had to let her go. She was ready to go and wanted release. She will live in our hearts forever. Mary’s funeral mass at St Baithin’s Church St Johnston was well attended and was a fitting tribute to her.

Stress Control: A six week stress management course will be starting in the Resource Centre on Tuesday 5 March running from 7 to 8.30 pm each week. Please phone the centre 91 48551 for further information.

SVP: Due to circumstances not under our control, St Baithin’s Conference St Vincent de Paul has suspended services indefinitely. Please telephone Raphoe 91 73933 should you need any assistance.

Bowling: Are you interested in meeting new people and having some fun in the process? Then why not come along and join the bowling team! It plays every Monday evening from 8 to 11 pm in the Main Hall of the Centre. All men and women are welcome. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Harkin of Harkin’s Gala who generously sponsored a new team kit for the Resource Centre Bowling Club.

Carrigans NS: A new Paired Reading Programme will begin in Scoil an Linbh Íosa on Monday 25 February for pupils and their parents or guardians in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Classes. Beautiful new books have been purchased especially for the programme which will run for 7 weeks until Friday 12 April. An information session for parents and guardians of pupils in these classes will be held in the school beginning at 7.00pm on Tuesday 19 February. Enrolment Day for pupils starting school at Scoil an Linbh Íosa in Carrigans in September 2019 will take place at the school at 1.00pm on Wednesday 27 February. There will be a short powerpoint presentation and parents and guardians will get an opportunity to meet the class teacher and principal. Parents or guardians are asked to bring a copies of their child's birth certificate, baptismal certificate and PPS Number.

 CE Scheme: There are opportunities available on St Johnston and Carrigans Community Employment Project, funded by DEASP. One Receptionist to be based in St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Two Caretakers - All Saints Parish , Newtowncunningham. This is a good opportunity to return to work in a supportive environment. Free training available within budgets. To apply, contact St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre on 074-9148551.

Carrigans: The Carrigans community says a huge thank you to Carrigans Tidy Town Committee for organising such a great evening on 7 December when the lights were switched on in the village. And they say a thank you Santa for coming to see the children and their gifts. Thanks to the Threes A Crowd who played in the Carrig Inn. The pub had its our customer appreciation night on Friday 13. Entertainment was by Murphys Law all the way from west Donegal.

History Group: Taughboyne History Group will meet again in January 2020 in the computer room of the Resource Centre. New members and inquirers are most welcome. If you wish to get in touch, you can email taughboynehistorygroup@gmail.com.

Walks: The Tuesday Evening Walk and Talk is taking the festive season break. It will return in the New Year so if your new years resolution is to walk more then please think about coming along! Tuesday evenings 7 15 pm. Beginners and newcomers welcome. Please meet us at the Resource Centre and bring €2 as a contribution to supper. The group had its final Saturday walk of the year on Saturday 14 at Inch Level with lunch after in Kernans.

Carols: Ballylennon Presbyterian Church holds its Carol Service on Christmas Eve in Ballylennon Church at 7.30 pm.