By Claudia Kennedy
reporter

The seaside town of Bundoran fell silent on Sunday afternoon to mark the 30th anniversary of the tragic Central Hotel fire.
It was exactly 30 years to the day since ten people – five of them children including an 18 month old baby girl – lost their lives in the horrific blaze in the historic hotel.
Those who tragically died were remembered at 11am Mass on Sunday morning at the Star of the Sea church while prayers were also offered during the morning service in the Church of Ireland for the victims.
On Sunday afternoon at 2pm Rev. Noel Regan and Canon Ramon Munster delivered a prayer service. A memorial seat designed by sculptor Brendan McGloin was also dedicated to the memory of those who perished in the fire with the names of the victims inscribed on it. There was a very large attendance with the families of the victims standing alongside the local community, councillors, fire fighters and clergy. The pain and emotion of those left behind was still very raw for everyone involved.
Noel Dowdican, whose aunt Sadie perished in the fire, said he believed the inscribed bench was “a fitting memorial”.
Bundoran Cllr Eamonn Barrett said the memorial was about “bringing closure and some form of solace to those whose lives changed on that awful night”.
Five young adults and five children perished in the devastating fire on that fatal night. They included one entire family of four –the Brennan family from Naas, Co. Kildare, baby Nicola Lamont from Belfast whose body was never found among the ashes, the Kinsella family from Artane, Dublin, also Sadie Dowdican from Co Leitrim, George Lazenby from Co. Dublin and Mary Gallagher from Donegal.
Deputy Council Chair Philip McGlynn on behalf of the Town Council thanked Mr McGloin for his dedication, care and skill in constructing the memorial bench.

By Frank Craig
reporter

Joseph Hearl was only ten years old when he was hastily removed from his Scottish abode in Greenock, and ferried to the sanctuary of Ardara to escape the devastating bomb raids of Word War II.

Andy McNelis and his family opened their door to Joseph, his mother and his brother at their home in Brackey, located just outside the town.

That was in 1944 and last week, Joseph took the opportunity to return to Ardara to retrace that experience with his daughter, Joanne.

Now 76, Joseph remembers a very different town, but he insisted that the unmistakable silhouette of the Brackey hills was exactly how he left them.

“There was definitely a lot less houses, but the cottage I stayed in hasn’t changed much at all,” recalls Joseph.

“It was a very enjoyable experience, back then and this time around. It was such a happy time that I returned once previously in 1949 for a fortnight’s holiday.

“To get away from that (German blitzes) was such a relief. My mother felt that it was too dangerous for us and she took the decision to get out.”

The family spent eighteen months of blissful refuge helping out in-and-around their adopted home and on the farm itself. Joseph remembers it as a mutually beneficial experience.

He and his family were glad of the safety that the McNelis family afforded them, while Andy, the head of the McNelis household, was equally appreciative of the extra pairs of hands that two young Scottish lads offered.

The family soon settled in to life in their new quiet and remote setting; a place that was as far removed as possible from the scenes of destruction and death that they had just departed.

However, a year and a half passed and the family took the decision to return to Greenock, located along the River Clyde.

“A lot of the houses were flattened and it was a terrible sight. None of my family was killed but it was still very hard to take in,” Joseph continued. “It (returning to Ardara) was something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time and it was very emotional.

“It’s funny what you remember. They (host family) kept trying to get me to go to school but I kept juking out at playtime and running way! I’d say that hasn’t changed much since then!”

The trip was made possible after Joanne had initially contacted Ardara.ie seeking assistance. Web administrator John McConnell was then able to help the Hearls locate the McNelis household where Joseph had first visited over 66 years previously.

By Lauren Harte
reporter

Forget Daniel O’Donnell and Shay Given, Donegal is not just famous for the producing musical and sporting talent – it seems we can now also claim to have the biggest ‘cock’ in Ireland.
This 27-inch cockerel – named Foghorn Leghorn after the famous cartoon character – is proving to be a major talking point in the bars around Bundoran and is also heading straight for the record books.
Despite being only two years old, the white rooster is nearly three times the size of his male counterparts and still growing.
Currently the world record for the largest cockerel is 32 inches while the biggest recorded in Ireland is 30 inches but owner John Mahon from Drumacrin believes he could be onto a winner:
“The average height of a rooster is about 12 inches – not much bigger than a hen but this one is trebling in size. He will stop growing when he hits three. He has another few months to go and gain a few more inches so he should certainly hit the 30 mark or more.”
John thought he was the owner of nothing more than an average white hen, given to him by his friend Gerry Hourihane, who also owns one of the smallest ponies in the world –a 14 inch Shetland.
“I got him from Gerry when he was two months old. He was meant to be a white hen but he started to crow one day and this is what he has turned into. He eats the same as the rest of the hens so it’s something in his genes for sure. He’s now well known around Bundoran and everybody is talking about him.”
And it seems the larger than life ‘cock’ has both a voice and temper to match.
“He’s nipped me a few times in the leg especially when I get too close to the hens just to let me know who is boss,” says John. “He starts crowing at 5.30am every morning like clockwork and keeps going for a good half hour.”

By Frank Craig
sports editor

Donegal soccer legend Packie Bonner believes that the England national team’s desperation for a goalkeeping savour is the real reason Shay Given’s position as Manchester City’s number one is under threat.
Given’s understudy at Eastlands, Joe Hart, is being pushed heavily in some quarters of the media cross channel; but Bonner insists that Given is still the top stopper at the club.
He said: “The media in England are desperate for a goalkeeper, and Joe Hart fits the bill for a young, potential goalkeeper for them. So they will blow that up of course. But we need Shay playing.”
Given broke his silence on Monday afternoon stating that he would seek sit down talks with City boss Roberto Mancini in relation to his future, if he doesn’t start between the posts against Tottenham on
Sunday. Having worked tirelessly over the summer on his fitness following surgery on a shoulder injury picked up at the tail end of last season; Bonner insisted that Given is well within his rights to demand clarity on the situation from his manager.
“I think that’s the make-up of Shay,” added the former Celtic netminder. “Shay wants to be out there, he wants to play and he’s done that all throughout his career. He’s single-minded, he’ll say that now but let’s see what happens.”
Meanwhile, Given will be hoping to do his cause no harm when he lines out this evening for Ireland, as they take on the mighty Argentina to mark the official opening of the national side’s new home – the impressive Aviva Stadium.

By Lauren Harte
reporter

Bundoran will come to a standstill this Sunday to mark the 30th anniversary of one of the worst events in the town’s history.
It will be exactly 30 years to the day since ten people – five of them children – lost their lives in a horrific blaze at the Central Hotel.
On August 8 1980, a fire broke out in the historic hotel with local firefighters, residents and tourists among those who tried to rescue those trapped in the building. Five adults, four children and an 18 month old baby died in the blaze which has remained imprinted on the minds of both those living in the seaside town and those who work for Bundoran Fire Service.
To mark the anniversary a specially commissioned memorial seat featuring the names of those killed in the fire will be unveiled. Last summer, a commemorative stained glass window was unveiled in Bundoran’s Our Lady Star of the Sea Church.
There has been criticism in recent years that not enough was done by Bundoran Town Council to commemorate the disaster. However, speaking to the Donegal Post this week, Noel Dowdican, a nephew of one of the victims, said he hopes this gesture will finally bring some closure for the families who were affected by the tragedy three decades ago.
“This is going to be a fitting tribute and I think all the families are in agreement about that. All we ever wanted was for this tragedy to be remembered and that is now being done. I believe this memorial will bring some comfort to those left behind and I’m
grateful to the local councillors who have worked hard to make this happen.”
Sunday’s event will include a memorial service before the unveiling of the monument at Central Lane at 2pm.
Those being remembered this weekend are: Sadie Dowdican, Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim; Mary Gallagher, Carrick; James Brennan, Anne Brennan, Deirdre Brennan and John Brennan all from Naas Co. Kildare; Adreinne Kinsella and James Kinsella of Artane, Co. Dublin; George Lazenby, Malahide, Co. Dublin and Baby Nicola Lamount, Belfast.

By Lauren Harte
reporter

Fans of Donegal’s most famous son got more than they bargained for at his recent Castlebar gig.
Daniel O’Donnell shocked audience goers by performing a series of duets with Britain’s Got Talent winner Susan Boyle, who made a surprise guest appearance as part of his concert at The Royal Theatre in Castlebar last weekend.
SuBo gained international recognition last year when she appeared on the hit TV talent show, surprising audiences with her amazing voice and powerful rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, from Les Miserables. The Scottish singing sensation was on a private visit to Knock Shrine and made her date with Daniel her first live gig in Ireland.
As a result, she received four standing ovations during performances of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ and a duet of ‘Our Lady Of Knock’ with Daniel. It’s understood SuBo has been a fan of Daniel’s for years and has attended many of his concerts in recent times.
Writing on his website this week, Daniel said his performance with the star was “a night to remember”.
“I had a great surprise last Saturday night at our concert in Castlebar. I had the pleasure of having Susan Boyle of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ fame join me on stage. She was on a visit to Ireland and wanted to attend our show. I had never met her before although she had been to a number of our concerts prior to her rise to fame. I was really delighted to meet her and she is a lovely person. She sang the song she has made her own ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ and she took the house down. We then sang a duet of ‘Lady Of Knock’. It was a night to remember!”
Daniel will be jetting off down under on August 22 to do some promotional work prior to his tour of Australia and New Zealand next month. His wife Majella is due to release an album in the early autumn, which will feature duets with Daniel and Sir Cliff Richard.

By Claudia Kennedy
reporter

SuperValu in Donegal Town is under new management with the appointment of Gareth Ferry from Letterkenny.
The 24-year-old is very enthusiastic and ambitious about his new appointment. Gareth was educated in Saint Eunan’s College, Letterkenny following directly into a new and exciting career in the retail industry. Gareth began his retail career in SuperValu in 2004 in Donegal Town. After a year there, a position arose in Buncrana and Gareth was the successful applicant.
Speaking with the Donegal Post, Gareth says his time in Buncrana was a great learning curve in many ways.
“I was there for two years and I learned quite a lot. I was appointed Fresh Food Manager and it was a demanding role with great responsibility. Following on I then moved to Claremorris and Westport in Mayo. As a staff member of the group, we were very much aware of the pressure we were under in relation to Tesco. However, we learned to streamline the product and meet the needs of the customer in a cost effective manner. It was a challenging but very rewarding time.”
As a result, Gareth has gained invaluable experience within the retail business in relation to crossborder shopping and initiatives. During his time in Buncrana, he and SuperValu learned how to cope with a competitive sterling price and ASDA on their doorstep. “In Buncrana we became extremely competitive matching euro for sterling prices. We really worked hard to give the best to our customers. Also, we instated fantastic offers to keep our shopper at home. One of SuperValu’s great strengths is that it is a local grocery store with local staff who are deeply committed to their work and take pride in their customer service.”
Furthermore, Gareth wishs to dispel the notion that SuperValu is more expensive than other retail outlets.
“SuperValu has a number of recession busting offers, which makes the store extremely competitive. Each week the store has half priced items named “Weekly Wows”, these really are fantastically well priced products in these difficult economic times. Each week the list is advertised both nationally and locally. SuperValu is all about value for money. As the slogan says “Real People, Real Value”.”

A young University graduate from Edinburgh was crowned the 43rd Mary from Dungloe at the world famous annual festival on Sunday night.
Jemma Ferry (22) beat 14 other contestants from around the world to take the title from last year’s winner Kate Ferguson at a packed crowning cabaret in Ionaid Spoirt na Rossan.
A recent graduate of the University of Edinburgh with a MA (Hons) degree in History and Classics, a visibly shocked Jemma was greeted and hugged by the other contestants after being announced as this year’s winner.
Speaking afterwards, Jemma said she has been coming to the festival since she was a little girl and always wanted to be Mary from Dungloe.
“To wear the Edinburgh sash and be crowned the winner is just fab. When I heard my name I asked myself was this really happening to me,” she said.
On hand to congratulate her were her parents Paddy and Fiona, grandmother Agnes Brown, sister Orla, brother Patrick and boyfriend Paul McKay. Singer Daniel O’Donnell was also in the audience cheering on his niece Mags O’Donnell who was representing Dublin. Jemma’s escort for the weekend was Dublin based Garda Tommy Byrne.
On stage to interview the girls this year was i102-104 DJ Dave O’Connor. Among the prizes presented to Jemma were the 43 year old winner’s medallion, €1000, Newbridge jewellery and Galway Crystal.
This is the third time an Edinburgh girl has taken the title and Jemma follows in the footsteps of Heather Stewart in 1997 and Kerry Sweeney in 2007.
This year’s Little Miss Mary from Dungloe was eight-year-old Lara O’Donnell from Burtonport, who is the second member of her family to take the title – her big sister Aoife won it in 2000. Her escort was Joey Donald (11) from Kincasslagh.

The High Court is to hear a case seeking the government to hold the Donegal South West By-election on October 18. The President of the High Court Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns heard the date had been agreed by both parties and said the case could go ahead on that day, subject to the availability of a judge.
Sinn Fein’s Senator Pearse Doherty took the action as the seat has been vacant for over a year since Pat the Cope Gallagher was elected to the European Parliament. Senator Pearse Doherty mounted his legal challenge and was in the High Court on Thursday last. Speaking with the Donegal Post Senator Pearse Doherty explained “I welcome the fact that the case will be for mention on the 18th of October and will be heard that week. I think it would have been honest and decent for the government to announce the by-election date today as opposed to challenging it in court”. “This is a double blow for the people of Donegal not only are they not getting a by-election but now they will have to use tax payers money to pay for the challenge. The government is scared of the by-election. The electorate will vent their anger on voting day whether it is a by-election or a national general election.”
Senator Doherty continued to say “this is an arrogant excuse for a government which is more interested in its own fate than it is in the democratic rights of the citizens of this state.” The SF Senator explained “it has continually failed the people of my constituency and has arrogantly left them under represented for more than a year at a time when a third of the work place is unemployed, when our general hospital is facing ward closures and when some of our community hospitals are facing full closure”. He finished with “this whole episode highlights the urgent need for reform of the system of dealing with Dail vacancies as they arise”.

By Frank Craig
sports editor

New Donegal boss Jim McGuinness is determined to restore the damaged image of Donegal football – an image that he confesses he has found very hard to stomach.
Speaking at the weekend the Glenties man pulled no punches as he outlined exactly how far the side has slipped, and in how little regard the efforts of the county football team are held on a national level.
He said: “The truth is we’ve become the laughing stock of Gaelic football. All around the country, people are making a joke of us. But I take great pride in the county and always tried to play like I felt that way.
“I’m asking my group of players to commit to nothing else but this county for the next few years. Nothing less than 100 per cent will do me. Let everyone else talk, and there’s plenty of flak coming from home and around Ireland, but let us get on with the football side and see where it takes us.”
The manager insists that the slate has now been wiped clean and that everyone that merits consideration will be. Prior misdemeanours will be left to one side and no one will be discounted on reputation or hearsay.
And he intends to leave the sniping that has dogged the side’s attitude and commitment in the past firmly behind them.
He added: “I have to get on with some hard work and that starts now, so others can make up their minds about that. I just find it very hard as a Donegal person to see what’s being written and said and how critical people are of us.
“But my door is wide open; players not in this year’s squad have a chance and every single player in the county will be looked at over the next two months. I have a concept for the development of younger players and they are the future core of my squad, but I’ll not kill anyone’s inter-county career. A few lads there still have a lot to offer.
“But I’ll be asking our players to put everything else in their lives on hold. That’s the way it will be.”