INVER ‘FRUITS DE MER’

Great weather, fantastic seafood and stimulating banter - what more could you wish for?
Asks our Hospitality Corrospondent, Barbara McGroary

Saturday night, 15th July, saw the gathering of seafood lovers from all over the area, for the annual Inver Seafood night, hosted in a marquee beside the Rising Tide pub. Hundreds of people from all around the county, and as far away as France, gathered to indulge of the ‘fruits de mer’, which was available in abundance - and all locally caught. On offer were fresh lobster, scallops, tuna steak, crab, squid and many other delicacies - heaven to all seafood lovers.
The marquee had a dining area set up for those who preferred to dine inside, and the space was decorated in a nautical theme, enhanced by candlelight. Seating was also available outside with great views of Inver Bay. Though the queue for the sumptuous buffet was slow to move, people did not mind as the reward at the end was worth the wait.
Included for your €15 ticket was all the seafood you could fit on your plate, gourmet salads and sauces, freshly made brown bread and your choice of red or white wine. Help was on hand from the hard working staff to advise on the choices available and help with the speedy replenishment of the dishes.
People were mingling inside and out, and the fantastic weather made everyone feel like they were abroad, by the sea, in some exotic location. Inver!
Entertainment was provided by ‘Frank McGee’ inside the pub and the dancing helped work off some of the delights people had enjoyed earlier - the craic was mighty. A raffle also took place with prizes ranging from fresh salmon to a variation of tipples.
The night was organised by Willy Ward and team, with a host of hard-working local ladies, and the effort that went into the set-up was reflected in the food layout and the imagination that went into creating a nautical ambience. Over twenty companies generously sponsored the foods available on the night. Proceeds were in aid of Eany Celtic and, judging by the turnout, it was a very successful effort.
So mark this day in your diary for next year and make sure you get there early - otherwise you will miss out on the seafood and social extravaganza of the year.

Mountcharles Festival Ends on a High Note…..

It was fitting that the Festival in Mountcharles opened and ended with music…..the Ardaghey Pipe Band marched the Streets led by the elected Mayor, Frankie Conahan, on Friday and Sunday night the Mountcharles Band paraded with Ms. Kathleen Carr, its founder and retired teacher, who then was the subject of a THIS IS YOUR LIFE to an overflowing audience covering several generations in the Village Tavern.
The rain on Saturday proved a bit of a damp squib while the young Dublin Band, Spare Change?, were playing and the absence of the Street Traders who pulled out at the last minute also cast a cloud on the early Saturday events. The rain and wet ground did not deter the Samsons and Delilahs who participated in the Tug of War on Saturday evening – hundreds watched and cheered their chosen teams as the strong men and women pulled with all their might, slipping and sliding in the muck……some may have thought the pullers had a mud bath but they cleaned up well to be presented with medals later in the Lazy Bush. The Seamount team were the winners and already there is talk of practising for next year. The Seafood Banquet was enjoyed by all in the Village Tavern and the Sea Angling Competitors put their rods away to enjoy the after-competition barbecue in the Seamount. Saturday night the Mayor of Mountcharles welcomed the ex Mayor of Fermanagh District Council, Mr. Steven Hoggett, to the Festival Dance and our Mayor, Frankie Conaghan, did the honours presenting medals while the crowd cheered our new Mayor.
Vintage cars were in evidence on the Main Street on Sunday while the sun thankfully put in an appearance for the day…..enjoyed by the Lake Anglers. The Exhibition at the Community Centre was opened by Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA, and many international visitors were welcomed as well as the throngs of locals. We were delighted to hear from Michelle Gildernew that the writer and Revolutionary Ethna Carbery (wife of local writer Seamus McManus) was Bobby Sands favourite poet – he often recited Ethna’s lines to other prisoners during those last dark months. The Exhibition evoked a lot of interest and many people took hours to read and examine the H Block exhibits as well as memorabilia, letters, photos of our own Mountcharles War of Independence contribution.
Seamount had a busy Sunday afternoon with the Kids Disco, face painting and Bonny Baby……as well as bread making demonstration. All kinds of weird and wonderful faces were worn by the young who had no plans to wash for at least a week! The Bellies, with the support of Spare Change and a young Killybegs Band, entertained the crowds for hours on Sunday evening – inspiring quite a few men to dance on the streets to the admiration of the onlookers – it was a miracle they didn’t keel over! The celebration of the life of one of Mountcharles most popular residents, Ms. Kathleen Carr, was a fitting end to an enjoyable Festival…….and the Committee Chairman, Noel Jordan, wishes to express his appreciation to the traders, townspeople, participants for their support and encouragement – and a particular mention to those who loaned their treasures for the exhibition. Thanks to the community who made it so enjoyable.

Drimarone Notes
The winners of the Drimarone Development draw for the past two weeks were Kathleen Sweeney and John Stack.
Drimarone Sports Day is on Sunday 6th August at Tymeen Community Sports field, starting at 3pm – bouncy castle and trampoline, plus usual novelty events; races for all ages, soccer tournament and B.B.Q.
Graveyard Sunday is on 6th August at 2pm
There will be a Fundraising Dance on Wednesday 26th July in Bluestack Centre. Music by Country Traditions - all proceeds in aid of St. Agenes Day Centtre in Donegal Town. Please support.
Donegal Cancer Support Group Cake Sale is on Saturday 5th August 10am–2pm in Church of Ireland Hall, opposite castle. Please support this worthy cause.
A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who supported the Race Night in aid of Letterbarrow Celtic. Your generosity was gratefully appreciated.
Deepest sympathy to the daughters, sister, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family of the late Margaret McKelvey. Ar Dheis De go raibh a h-anam dhilis.
Belated birthday greetings to Mary Dunlevy who celebrated on July 19th. Hope you had a good one Mary!
Congratulations and a very happy birthday to John McAloon who will be celebrating his 21st on Wednesday 26th July. Enjoy the celebrations John.
Brid Curristin.