21st birthday girl, Ava McGettigan, with parents Mary & Ernan and brother Aaron at her party in Dom’s Pier 1 Photo: Michael Devaney

Dunne Stores Application?

The following planning application by Bennett Construction, Milltownpass, Mullingar, was received by the planners on 22nd March.
Development description: Development located on a 3.13 Ha site adjoining the N56 Donegal Town bypass to the west, the N56/R925 Killybegs road to the south and the junction of Killymard road and the R925 Killybegs road to the Mullans and Drumcliff, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal. The proposed development will consist of the following: (a) A part single storey/part two storey local centre of gross floor area 2,887 sqm positioned on site to address the alignment of the Killybegs roundabout as a gateway building. The local centre comprises of twelve individual retail units trading in comparison goods of total gross floor area 1,858 sqm (1,486.4 sqm nett) at ground floor level, office space of gross floor area 564 sqm at first floor level, a wine bar/restaurant of gross floor area 465 sqm at ground and first floor level and an atm facility. (b) a standalone department store/supermarket (trading as a shop as defined in article 5 of the 2001 planning and development regulations) of single storey plus mezzanine.

Keeney objects to Drimlonagher Development

Just hours before the deadline expired, an objection to the development of a retail park at Drimlonagher was lodged with an Bord Pleanana. Bennett Construction had been granted planning for the development, which was to have Atlantic Homecare as its anchor tenant, by Donegal Co. Council.
But at 3pm on Wednesday 23rd March, Keeney Construction lodged a lengthy objection and sought an oral hearing. If granted, this will be the second time such a hearing has been held into the development of the site.

St Patrick’s Fianna Fail Cumann Notes
Withdrawal of objections to development in Donegal Town requested

The Donegal Town Fianna Fail Cumann recently held a meeting in the Central Hotel which included a discussion on the problems faced by some developers proposing to build new retail outlets, and provide much needed employment for Donegal Town.
Concern was expressed by many members regarding recent objections against planned shopping units, including Atlantic Homecare at Drumlonagher. It was suggested by Cllr Peter Kennedy that these objections were hopefully not too significant a hurdle and will not stymie or slow down the future development of the town. Other Cumann members argued that these objections should be withdrawn for the benefit of the town, as many other neighbouring towns would gladly welcome these jobs and shops into their area.
Serious concern was also voiced about the possibility of further objections against other significant planned developments in the area, and it was suggested that most people of the town would disagree with these objectors, as they may delay, or deny us, the employment and retail facilities this town badly needs if we are to keep progressing.

Drimarone Notes

•The winners of the Drimarone Development Association weekly draw for the past three weeks were James and Majella McGroary, Ray Arnold and Mary Griffin. •Our deepest sympathy to the Thomas family on the death of their father Patrick Thomas - Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anm dhílis. •Confirmation takes place in the Church of the Holy Redeemer on Thursday next at 6pm. •An ‘Open Day’ will be held in the Bluestack Centre on Wednesday 13th April from 9am - 5pm. Tea and Coffee served all day. Everyone is welcome to some along and visit the centre. •Congratulations to Danny McNaughton who celebrated a very special birthday recently.
Brid Curristin

Mary reaches centernary year

Mary Cassidy, Teelin with cousins Nora Cassidy (left) and Anne Cassidy (right) celebrating her 100th Birthday in the Harbour Lights Nursing Home, Killybegs.

Frosses notes by Colm Kelly

There were a lot of visitors around for the Easter celebrations. It’s great when you are talking to visitors to hear them say how well the village is looking in the Springtime.
The Frosses Golf Society is in action in Cruit Island this Wednesday (13th) at 2pm. New members are always welcome.
The Frosses Hill walkers organisation had a very successful and refreshing excursion up to the plane crash site in the Bluestack mountains. The group, which were led by Tommy Brogan and Paul Gallagher, started out in the Croaghs near Glenties and visited the Silver Stones, the plane crash site and came down by the Srueil Gap. Their next outing is to Knock na Ri in Co Sligo.
Members from another local group, the Frosses Dog Breeders, were at the race track in Lifford on Friday night for what proved to be a very financially rewarding experience for a number of the punters.
While the business of the dog racing was of the upmost importance, there were also auditions held for a ‘Stars in your eyes’ special. The results will be published in the next issue.
That great Tir Chonaill Gaels stalwart in London, Tom Mohan, originally from Lettermore is about to turn 40. We wish you a happy birthday Tom.

NUI Galway Scholarship for Dunkineely girl

Cathy McMullin, Dunkineely, was presented with an entrance scholarship to NUI Galway by college President, Iognáid O’Muircheartaigh. Three Co Donegal students were awarded scholarships, based on achievements in the leaving Certificate 2004. Cathy, who attended Dunkineely NS and St Catherines VS, Killybegs, is a daughter of George and Eileen and granddaughter of Jack and Kathleen McMullin, Drumlonagher, Donegal Town.

Donegal horse wins at Aintree

The victory of Cregg House in the John Smith and Spar Topham Handicap Chase at Aintree last Friday had the punters of Co Donegal doing a jig - and its bookmakers doing their nut. The 50/1 outsider is now owned by Liam Kennedy of Bundoran but was bred and reared at Danby, Ballyshannon, by local hotel owner, Jim White. Kennedy bought the horse, as a three year old from White for a figure believed to be in the region of £2,000.

Anthony Callaghan, Orchard Park, who celebrated his 21st in Dom’s Pier 1 last weekend pictured with his parents Conal and Joan. Photo: Jason McGarrigle

Ballyshannon land attains record price

Congrats to well known town solicitor, Kathleen Dolan and family, whose land at Ballyshannon fetched a price of €3.9 million at an auction last week. Bought by a developer from Northern Ireland, auctioneer Keith Anderson said he expected it to be primarly used for residential purposes. He added that the price was the highest ever paid in the locality.

Local hotelier on migrant workers charge

A swoop on businesses in Lisdoonvarna during the town’s month-long match-making festival resulted in two well known hotels being charged in court last week with employing migrant workers without government permits.
The Hydro Hotel is facing eight summonses, while the Imperial is facing six.
Hotelier and former Donegal Southwest Fine Gael TD, Jim White, appeared on behalf of the Imperial Hotel. His son Marcus appeared on behalf of the Hydro.
The defendents are expected to contest the summons. The case is expected to last up to three days, with as many as 20 witnesses giving evidence on behalf of the State.
The case was adjorned to Milltown Malbay District court on May 11th to fix a date for the trail and for judge Mangan to decide whether the case should be heard in the district or Circuit Court.

Doolittles sign major contract

Doolittles, a Donegal Town based sandwich distribution company, has just signed a contract with a Dublin cafe chain Bon Espresso. The contract is worth an estimated €500,000 to supply the chain with pre-packed fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps and baquettes daily.

Biker clocked at 166kph in Gap

Speaking after a biker was arrested and charged after being clocked doing 166kph in Barnesmor Gap, Sgt Ignatius Larkin said Gardai would now be targeting groups of bikers in order to curb speeding in the Donegal Town area. The 166kph offender, a man in his 30s from Northern Ireland, was taken to the Garda Station and charged with speeding.

Killybegs fisherman drowns in Holland

Richard McLean Sim (39) from Parkhead in Killybegs was drowned last week after losing his footing while boarding the trawler he worked on off the Dutch coast. The body of the dad of one was recovered under the vessel by divers.