The Johnny Doherty Festival

The Johnny Doherty Festival takes place on the weekend of 27th to 29th September.Friday night is opening night with the Opening Concert in the Beehive at 8pm with Dermot Byrne, Yvonne Casey, Steve Cooney and special guests.There will be Sets and Ceilis in the Heritage Centre at 9.30pm.On Saturday there will be a Sets and Ceili Workshop in the Heritage centre from 11.00am to 1.00pm with Clement Gallagher.A two hand dance workshop takes place in the Heritage Centre from 2.00pm to 4.00pm with Ann Conaghan and Connie McKelvey.On Saturday night a superb Concert takes place in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel at 8pm with “Four Men and a Dog”. The band made a name for themselves with their eclectic and vivacious blend of traditional Irish music with a wide spectrum of other genres, including rap, Southern rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country swing, and even salsa.On Sunday the Cró na Cleire Hillwalk takes place, leaving the Heritage Centre at 10.30am with local guide Kevin. The walk features beautiful panoramic views of Ardara Town, with Killybegs and Benbulben in the distance, the stunning Glengesh Pass where Johnny Doherty often walked on his way to Ardara, and the mountains of Aighe and Common. Duration: About 4 hours. Moderate walk. Good hiking gear essential. Fee: €25.00. Contact Kevin 087-6734875 for more information or visit the Facebook Event Page.There will be a Sean Nós Dance Workshop in The Heritage Centre from 11am to 1pm with Brenda O’CallaghanSets & Céili will take place in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel from 3pm to 6pm with The Ceilidh Time Céili BandSunday night sees the unmissable Friel Sisters in Concert in The Beehive Bar at 8pmSee the Johnny Doherty Festival page for the full programme or pick up a brochure in local shops. 

20 years Gift of Life Celebration Dance

Teresa Keeney from Crumlin is having a 20 Years Celebration Fundraising Dance on the 11th of October in the Nesbitt Arms Hotel with music by Hard 2 Beat and local singers.The fundraiser is for the Donegal Branch of the Irish Kidney Association, the Charlie Bennett Memorial Fund and St. Luke’s Cancer Lodge in Dublin.Teresa is 20 years over her liver transplant on this date, and she will be going door to door in the coming weeks.Tickets are €10 and there will be a raffle on the night. This promises to be a great night of entertainment for worthy causes. 

Fight Plastic Pollution: A Primary School Project

Meenagowan, Leitir, Doochary.Done by inspired and creative students.Organised by Gweebarra Community Group.Come, see, be impressed!Halla Naomh Bride. 28th September at 8.00pm. 

CE Project Vacancies

Narin Portnoo Rosbeg CE Project have vacancies in Ardara, Glenties and Portnoo for Maintenance/ Caretaker Persons and Kitchen / Day Centre Assistants. CE criteria applies and participants can avail of training to upskill while on the project.To apply for the above, please email info@dolmencentre.ie or telephone 0749545010 during office hours. 

Swimming Bus to Ballyshannon

Children’s swimming lessons for ages 5+ started up again on Friday 6th September in Ballyshannon pool. Bus leaves Ardara 5.50pm and returns at 9pm.Anyone interested can call or text 087-6779933 

Art Classes

8-week Beginners’ Course in Mixed Media.Starting Friday 4th October 2019 and continuing every Friday in the Heritage Centre.Cost: €40 per person.For more information or to book a place contact Colm: 087-3222910 

Narin Beach Cleanup

The Narin Beach Plastic Pickers are organising a beach cleanup this Sunday 22nd September from 12.00pm to 2.00pm on Narin Strand.Please join in the end of season clean up of the beach. All welcome. Gloves and bags provided. Please spread the word.Visit the Facebook Event Page for further details. 

Duchas Calling

It’s the time of year to get started writing any articles for the Duchas magazine. Articles and photographs can be left in Diver’s Newsagents or West End House for collection. ARDARA WEATHER