South Sudan communication centre to be built in Georgia's memory

Scores of people have flocked to each heat of the event as they were held in various bars across Inishowen and the 16 finalists will now battle it out in the grand final at the Point Inn.

The fundraiser has raised money to construct the communication centre in memory of Redcastle teenager Georgia Doherty, who passed away following a road traffic collision in February, 2015. She was just 13-years-old and was described at the time by her family as their ‘happy go-lucky superstar.’

Georgia’s father, George, told the ‘Journal’ the fundraising initiative was inspired by a conversation he had with Fr John Skinnader, who is based in South Sudan and is a brother of Cormac Skinndaer in Carndonagh.

He said: “They don’t have internet in South Sudan - they don’t have much at all, including electricity. Children who are Georgia’s age are sold off for 100 cattle and it made me think that if they could get better educated then it would give them a better chance. Those who are educated often return to teach the younger ones. Some of the children go to the hospitals at night to study, as this is where they can find electricity. The communication centre is for them. We’re going to build the entire thing and put solar panels on it. We’ll then put computers in it for them.”

George thanked the local community for the “brilliant” support they have shown so far, already raising around 6,000 of the 10,000 euro total.

He said they hoped to bring the Inishowen Bar Olympics back next year “even bigger and better.” The Bar Olympics see couples undertake a number of games with a difference, including pool, darts, pea in a bottle and a quiz. It’s always “the best of craic” and all are welcome to go along. The final begins at 8pm in The Point Inn and there will be music afterwards. The annual four charities golf is also scheduled for September, with more details at a later date.