Wedding Bells
Claire Campbell, Drimbarron, and Liam McGroarty, Thower, Inver, who were married recently in St Mary’s Church, Frosses, with reception in the Blue Haven
Donegal Man sentenced to five years
A Donegal man convicted of raping a sales representative in a hotel room has been give a five year sentence by Justice Philip O’Sullivan at the Central Criminal Court.
Gary McHugh (33), of Drimnaghcullion, Inver - whose offer of €20,000 to the woman as a token of his remorse was accepted by her - had four years of his sentence suspended on conditions.
He was convicted by a jury last July of raping the woman on July 12th 2003, in a Donegal hotel. The jury of six men and six women found him guilty by a 10-2 majority on day four of his trial.
Mr Justice O’Sullivan certified McHugh as a sex offender and directed that he attend an approved psychotherapy course after his release.
He noted McHugh’s previous good character and the testimonials handed into court on his behalf but said the serious consequences for the woman of what happened had also to be taken into account.
Mr Justice O’Sullivan said the victim impact report showed she had difficulties in her work and drank to excess. She felt anger and low self-esteem and considered she lost two years of her life.
Mr Anthony Sammon SC (with Mr Peter Nolan BL) defending, pleaded for a non-custodial sentence because McHugh had no previous convictions, and had dealt with his alcohol problem. He said McHugh had ‘fallen in his character’ and his €20,000 compensation offer had been accepted by the woman.
Just before Christmas Donegal Town man, David Doherty, was travelling to Letterkenny, and gave a lift to a gentleman who told him he was in the area for an interview in Harvey’s Point. He said he had stayed in a town establishment in which he was ripped off. This gentleman, who was approx 5ft 7inch in height, mid 20s, weighing about 12st, spoke with a Midlands accent. He said had to hitch a lift to Derry to meet a friend who he was hoping would give him money to get back to Tipperary where he was a chef. Mr Doherty suggested he go to the gardai, to which he replied he had no ID and couldn’t do that.
Just last week a local business person gave a lift to a man who was hitching out of town. He told the same tale of woe. Our man fell for the story and treated him to a coffee and breakfast roll - and gave him a few bob to help him on his way.
This gentleman seems to be around quite a lot - so beware - shed some tears - but don’t reach for the wallet.
From the moment a young Leah Stuart met an equally youthful post office clerk, Paddy Meehan, at a Strabane Rugby Club dance in the Intercounty Hotel, Lifford, such was the attraction, there was going to be only one inevitable outcome. The couple were married in 1971 and the following 34 plus years witnessed a loving and happy union, much added to by the birth of son Lyndon in 1978.
The couple’s first accomodation was on Quay St, before a series of moves that eventually saw them ensconsed on the Old Golf Course Road. In 1979 Leah set up a boutique ‘The Feminine Touch’ in the Timony Arcade. When this was destroyed by fire in 1983, she moved to Quay Street and it was from there she ran her business for the next 26 years. Over this time, Leah built up a strong customer base whose loyalty and commitment to the boutique saw the business florish.
Sadly, on Thursday 12th January, following a long and ardous fight against illness, Leah passed away, to the indescribable sorrow of her husband Paddy and son Lyndon - and indeed our whole community.
At the funeral service in the Church of Ireland on Saturday 14th January, the Rev’d Fox spoke of the deep sense of loss felt by Paddy and Lyndon - and Leah’s whole extended family. “Today is a day for them to lean heavily on God’s promises” said the Minister. The Reverend went on to describe Leah as a woman with a deep capacity to care and love. He described how, in the midst of the N.I. troubles, Paddy found his way through the Gap, met Leah, and shortly after married.
Rev. Fox said that today there is a greater understanding and acceptance of mixed marriages, but not so back in 1971, especially as things stood in the overall context of the troubles. However the young couple’s love for each other overrode all these problems and this year would have been the 35th anniversary of their marriage.
Rev. Fox described how seamlessly Leah had assimilated into the local community, becoming a member of many societies and organisations and, together with her bosum buddy, Hilary Irwin, taking a hands-on role in organising the Co Donegal finals of the ‘Rose of Tralee’ and ‘Lady of the Erne’ over many years.
From a relatively early age, Leah had suffered health problems, having lost a lung in her youth and a kidney at the birth of her son, Lyndon. In August 2003, continued the Reverend, she became ill and from then there were frequent visits to Belfast for chemo, interspersed with other back-up services in the city and emergency treatments in Sligo General. All the care she received was greatly appreciated by Leah and her family, the Rev Fox affirmed.
Concluding, the minister told the congregation that today we concentrate on the loss of Leah. “Today is a day for the family to lean on the love of those around them. Leah is remembered as full of life and full of love and this service gives us a chance to celebrate those qualities. Jesus conquered death and each one of us can be assured that if we look towards the father with even the tiniest seed of faith, we can be assured of eternal redemption.”
The inspiring ceremony finished with a rendering of ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, sung with feeling by the packed church.
On Monday 16th Leah’s remains made the journey to Glasnevin in Dublin for cremation where her cortege was met by many of the Donegal Town people living in the city.
On Saturday last Leah’s ashes were interred in the Old Abbey graveyard in the presence of family and friends.
To her husband Paddy, son Lyndon, mother Freda Stuart, seven brothers, extended family and wide circle of friends, we extend our deepest sympathy.
Leah Meehan, 1951-2006
Mary, Christina, Freda, Ann, Donna and Liam get into the party mood in the Abbey Hotel for the Central Staff Night
Inver Notes
By Sean Paul McHugh
Congratulations to the Milltown Bar, Inver, who won the Smithwicks “Not the Usual” competition. Great credit to all involved in this wonderful achievement, especially Mari Ward and my brother Seamas. See Margaret’s story to learn about the whole happening!
Happy birthdays to the following: Charlene McHugh, Thomas McHugh senior, John Rose, Shauneen Campbell, Bernice Jordan, Paula Keeney, Fiona Friel, Martina Ward, Heather McDaid, Aidan Meehan and Nuala O’Donnell who have all celebrated over the past month.
A word of welcome to Grainne Helen McGinley and Ryan Connie Kennedy, who were baptised recently in Ardaghey.
There will be a soccer meeting in Inver Community Centre for kids born 1997-98. All parents should attend.
Eany Celtic beat Rathmullan 3-1 at the weekend with Seamie Cannon scoring two and Brian McMonagle scoring the other one.
St Nauls Underage presentation night takes place in the clubhouse on Monday 30th January. Tyrone All Star and Player of the Year Stephen O’Neill will be in attendance and Sam will make the journey too.
St Nauls training continues on Monday nights at the AVS gym and Fridays on Inver Beach. The under 16s will be starting to train on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Eany Celtic’s Astro Turf facility.
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