Aidan has won a number of prestigious titles over the years. His talented sister, Rachael came 11th in the 18-19 ladies' section out of more than 100 entries. The Mayor, Paul Bradley was also in attendance to welcome and congratulate Aidan, while An Garda Siochana led the horn-blowing parade. Well done to Aidan and Rachael, you have done Buncrana proud.
Buncrana's own playwright, Frank McGuinness, has just published a new collection of poetry entitled 'Dulse'. This 70-page collection is the playwright's fourth book of poetry. You can buy it in Mac's Bookshop, price 11.95 euro.
Strathroy Senior Citizens' Club in Omagh is inviting people from Buncrana to a social evening on Monday, 21st April. A free bus will leave the Market Square at 6 p.m. If you wish to go please contact Jim Henderson, telephone 61666 before Friday, 18th April.
The AGM of the Buncrana Senior Citizen's Committee will take place on Tuesday, 7th April, at 8.30 p.m. in the Buncrana Nursing Unit. New members will be very welcome.
A concert will take place in the Fowler Hall, Tooban on Friday, 2nd May, at 7.30 p.m.This is the first of three from the Da Capo Concert Series for 2008 organised by an Inishowen community based group and tickets are 10 euro or 5 euro concession.
Fahan Community Council will begin their maintenance and grass-cutting at St. Mura's graveyard in Fahan on Saturday, 12th April. The council is appealing for as many people as possible to help out to maintain the historic graveyard. Volunteers with rakes, hand tools and strimmers are asked to come along between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, 12th to help out.
Buncrana Town Council is to hold a workshop at the end of the month to discuss the issue of parking off the Main Street. A nine-person deputation from all over Buncrana attended the council meeting last week. Residents' spokesperson, Jim Quigley said if the residents do not receive satisfaction after this workshop then there could be more protests outside the chamber.
The Mayor, Paul Bradley with the co-operation of the town council is organising a Mayor's Ball which will be held on Saturday, 19th April, in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel. There will be a champagne reception followed by a gala dinner. Tickets are 50 euro each or 500 euro for a table of ten. All proceeds will go to local charities. Music is by The Johnny Quigley All Stars Band. Telephone 086 8030575 to book your ticket as there are a limited number of tables.
A petition for the rebuilding of the Cockhill Bridge is circulating around Buncrana. You can sign it in any of the local shops. Your support is needed for this important cause. Contact Oliver, 087 6432419 for details. So far there have been more than 1,500 signatures, so the petition is going well - keep signing.
Tonight is the last chance to see the Swilly Players in John B. Keane's play, 'Moll' in Burt Hall at 8 p.m. The play is directed by Stan McGowanm, and admission is 9 euro.
Planning is at an advanced stage for the G.A.A. May Ball and Banquet to be held in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel on 9th May. This promises to be the social event of the summer and already there is massive interest in tickets. A number of exciting extras are planned, and there is sure to be a prize for everyone. Anyone interested in attending or seeking information about the May Ball should contact either Jane on 0879675360, Patricia on 0872123444 or Adrian on 0872054939.
Card sessions are held in the Angling Centre, beside the Castle Bridge on Thursdays at 8 p.m. All welcome.
Pre-Marriage Courses for 2008 are available in the Pastoral Centre on Friday and Saturday, 25th and 26th April, and Friday and Saturday, 30th and 31st May. Telephone 9374102 for details.
Ceili Classes are now being held in the Illies Hall on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Beginners welcome.
Line dancing classes are held on Tuesdays from 8.15 - 10.15 p.m. in the Plaza. All ages, beginners and improvers welcome. Contact 087 7538317.
Ballroom dancing classes will take place in the Plaza on Thursdays, intermediate from 8 - 9 p.m. and beginners from 9 - 10 p.m. All welcome.
Old Time and Ceili dancing is held every Wednesday from 8.30 - 10.30 p.m. in Desertegney Parish Hall
The Inishowen Athletics' Club trains on Wednesdays in the Leisure Centre at 7 p.m. for children 8 years and over.
Aquafit classes are also held in the Leisure Centre every Wednedsay at 8 p.m. ages 16+. No swimming ability is required and all welcome.
Boxercise Classes are held in the Leisure Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30 p.m. for both male and female. Telephone 087 7773323 or 086 0534476 for details.
A Pilates Course for Beginners will start in the Leisure Centre on Wednesday 2nd April at 8 p.m. Telephone Claire, 9362723 for details and to book your place.
The McConomy School of Irish Dancing classes will now take place in the Leisure Centre, on Thursdays from 5-6.30 p.m. Children from three years and over welcome.
Yoga classes will be held on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in the Sea-Grass Centre, Inishowen Gateway Hotel. Telephone 9363469 for details.
The GI Diet is available in the Leisure Centre on Tuesdays from 6 - 7 p.m. New members are welcome. For details text 086 2333909.
The Elliott School of Irish Dancing is held in the Buncrana Youth Club every Monday and Thursday from 3.45 - 5.15 p.m. for 3 years and up. All welcome.
Cockhill Community Hall - Below the Belt - weigh-in and work-out class on Mondays at 8.30 p.m.
The Cockhill Celtic Youth Club activities: Mondays 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. Arts & Crafts; Tuesday, 5.30 - 6.30 Under 8 Football; 6.30 - 8.30 p.m. Drama; 6.30 - 8.30 Under 10 Football, Wednesday 6.30 - 8 p.m. Under 12 Football; 8 - 9.30 p.m. Under 14 Football; Thursday, Hip Hop Dance, all ages; Friday, Club to be arranged.
A Below the Belt Weigh-in-'n Work-out for males and females will be held every Monday in Cockhill School at 8.30 p.m. all welcome.
Buncrana Youth Club Programme: Mondays and Thursdays - soccer youths 4 - 5.30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday - Boxing 6.45 - 8.15 p.m. youths 7.30 - 9 p.m. Senior. Wednesday - Girls' club 4 - 5.30 p.m. Basketball: Tuesday 4.30 - 6 p.m. Junior Friday 6.30 - 7.30 p.m. Junior 7.30 - 8.30 pm. Senior. Thursday: Arts & Crafts (limited number) minimum age 8 years 6.30 - 8.30 p.m.
The Aware Depression Support Group meets on the second and fourth Monday every month at 7.30 p.m. in the Buncrana Nursing Unit. If you are feeling sad, anxious or not sleeping you could be depressed. There is help available so telephone the helpline 1890 303302 or www.aware.ie
A Free Counselling Service is now available through your doctor at the Buncrana Medical Centre with a B.A.C.P. Trained Counsellor. If you suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, depression, bereavement, stress, phobias, low self esteem or lack direction in life or have relationship problems, then this is the service for you. Contact the Medical Centre, Maginn Avenue.
If you are caring for an older person the Carers Development Officer Service is the service for you. Information on entitlements, support groups, respite and training will be covered. Contact Diane Donnelly, Carers Development Officer, telephone 087 2770103.
A general knowledge quiz is held every Thursday at 9 p.m. in O'Flaherty's Bar with quizmaster Paddy Corr. The quiz is in support of Buncrana Hearts FC and underage development. Please support.
Coaching for the U-8 has started in Crana Collage. Anyone interested in helping should contact the U-8 head coaches Chris Walsh on 0860515438 or Finn Hegarty on 0862058949. All help is welcome.
Indoor hurling training for 6 - 10 year olds will be held in the gym at Crana College on Sundays at 11 a.m.
In the Buncrana GAA Club 10,000 euro lotto draw for 25th March, the numbers were 12, 18, 24, 31 - no winner. The lotto plus numbers were: 1, 17, 18, 29 - no winner so the lotto plus jackpot is now 4,870 euro.
20 euro winners: Ann McLaughlin (Egg); Ethan Doherty (Weaver), Shandrum; Philip and Paul McLaughlin, Dunree; Anne Ruddy, Ture and Janice Doherty, 16, Pairc Mór.