Ardara news Jan. 4th

Happy New Year: We wish all our readers both near and far a very happy and prosperous New Year, and we look forward to bringing you all of the happenings locally over the coming year.Improve life in Chernobyl: Siobhan Mc Nelis in conjuction with Chernobyl Kilkenny Outreach Group would appreciate if you could help out with much needed items to improve life in Chernobyl. Items required are good quality clothes from newborn to adults and shoes for adults and children, socks and underwear, towels, bed linen duvets, blankets, nappies, medicated nappy creams, calpol and nurofen medicines, baby equipment i.e. buggies, prams, high chairs, and toiletries. Toys that are not battery operated welcome also. All items are need by early February 2016. Contact Siobhan on 074 9545339, on Facebook or email siobhanmcnelis@eircom.net. Your help would be greatly appreciated.Exiles home for Christmas: Ardara has so many of our young people home for Christmas and it was great to see them all but on Saturday and Sunday of this week, there was a mass exodus from the Parish to different parts of the world. We wish them all good luck and safe travelling. Remember to keep an eye on what’s happening at home, and any news/opportunities will be advertised on www.ardara.ieArdara GAA Awards Night: The GAA Club held their end of year awards night for the first time in the Clubhouse on Tuesday 29th December. This was also a night of acknowledgement to all those who helped with the new building, the All Ireland Gaeltacht as well as Adult Teams and in general all workers in the Club. Thanks to Gerry Friel and Damian Diver of Divers Centra who prepared the meats, to the GAA Ladies who helped prepare and serve the Buffet on the night: Siobhan Breslin, Breda Boyle, Caroline Breslin, Peggy Gallagher, Mary Gallagher and Mary Sweeney. To all those who sponsored food on the night: Gallaghers Bakery, Conal A Gildea, Rosemary Whelan, Shiela Sweeney, Breda Boyle and Philomena Whyte. To Larry, Martin and all the staff who worked the Bar. Thanks also to Larry Snacks, McWhinnies Supermarket, Divers Centra, McLoone Butchers and Whytes Cafe who sponsored Prizes for the Raffle. MC for the night was the very capable Patrick McGill who did an excellent job. The Patsy Boyle Memorial Club Person of the Year was presented by Breda Boyle to Hugh G Gavigan while the Chairman Stephen McCahill presented Hughs wife Eileen with a basket of Flowers. The Charlie Bennett Hall of Fame Award was presented by Marian Bennett to Cathal McGill which was read on the night by Bart Whelan and was accepted on his behalf by his brother Padraig. An Appreciation Award sponsored by Packie and Josephine Maguire was presented to George Doherty. On the night also a special Award was made to the Club Chairman for his long standing years with the club both as Treasurer and Chairman. This award was presented by Vice Chairman James McHugh. The Senior Ladies received their County Gaeltacht medals from both Hugh G Gavigan and George Doherty. Carol Breslin was presented with an Award to mark her achievements with the Donegal Senior Ladies. The Reserve Team were presented with their Co League Medals by Special Guest Pat Conaghan. The individual Player of the Year Awards went to the following: Ladies Player of the Year – sponsored by Divers Centra went to Maria Diver and was presented by Damian Diver, Minor Player of the Year – sponsored by McWhinneys Supermarket went to Jack Brennan and was presented by Tomas McWhinnie, Third Team Player of the Year – sponsored by Ardara Launderette went to Tony Harkin and Presented by Brendan Boyle, Reserve Team Player of the Year – sponsored by Early Transport went to Peter McHugh and was presented by Don Early, Tommy Boyle Memorial Senior Player of the Year – sponsored by the Boyle Family went to Brendan Boyle and was presented by Ann Conaghan and Eileen Hegarty. After the Buffet and Awards there was music to end the night. Further photos from the night can be viewed here http://www.jmac.ie/prints.asp?gallery=Ardara GAA Dinner Dance – 29-12-15