On Monday 29th December 2008 James Mc Dermott and Eilish Walsh were married in The Church of the Ascension, Gort an Umera, Portumna, Co. Galway. Fr. Benedict Hegarty officiated and celebrated Nuptial Mass. Her father gave the bride away and her sisters, Anne Grimes and Marian Brennan and her sister-in-law, Rachel Walsh attended her. John Paul Spratt a friend of the groom was bestman and his two brothers, Daniel and Michael Mc Dermott were groomsmen. Marie Hunter, niece of the groom was a flowergirl and Tadhy Grimes, nephew and Godson of the bride was a pageboy. Readings were by Oisin Stallard, friend of the bride and Bridget Kelly, friend of the groom. Emma Freegrobe, Rebecca Adderly, friends of the bride, Martina Hanlon, sister of the groom and Ryan Hunter, nephew of the groom read Prayers of the Faithful. The mothers of the bride and groom Mary Walsh and Mary Mc Dermott brought the Gifts to the Altar. Music and singing was by Anna Brown. The reception was held in the Shannon Oaks Hotel, Portumna and the honeymoon was spent in New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

The death took place on Monday 12th January 2009 of Joe O ‘Donnell, Ilkeston, Derbyshire and formerly of Mullinamina, Glenties. His remains were brought to St. Connell’s Church, Glenties on Thursday 22nd January, where they were received by Fr. Pat Prendergast, who also celebrated Requiem Mass on Friday morning. Readings were by his nieces, Kathleen Bonner and Ann Finn. Ann Mc Loone, grandniece, John Campbell and Michael Bonner, grandnephews and niece, Winifred Billingsley read Prayers of the Faithful. The Gifts were brought to the Altar by his brother, Frank’s daughters, Mary and Joan. Music and singing was by nephews, Pat and John F. O ‘Donnell and grandniece, Sinead Finn. Joe was buried with his parents in the New Graveyard. He is survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. He was predeceased by five brothers, Hugh, Patrick, Foncie, John and Frank and two sisters, Mary Bonner, Ardconnell and Kathleen Gildea, Glenconwell and is the last surviving member of the family of Pat and Mary O ‘Donnell, Mullinamina, Glenties.

The Glenties Playschool / Afterschool are having a Table Quiz in Paddy’s Bar on Friday 30th January at 8.30 p.m. The money raised will be used to get new computers for the Playschool / Afterschool. This will be of great benefit to the children who use the facilities and for any parent in need of a computer. We need your help on the night and look forward to seeing you all there.

The winners at the Tuesday 13th January Community Centre Bingo were – Jackpot – Julian Molloy € 135, B. Fletcher € 135 and anon € 135. Óisin Malone, Mabel Houston, Rosaleen Whelan, Vincent Ward, Fintown, Kathleen Boyle, Kilclooney, Bella Mc Gill, Main Street, James Quinn, Clogher and Patsy Martin won € 100 each. Paula Hegarty, Anne Mc Gill, Paula Hegarty, Eileen Gallagher, Liz Buddy, Angela Martin Isabella Mc Loone, Angela Martin and Nellie Maguire, Frosses won € 50 each. Sadie Sweeney and Mary Kennedy won € 25 each.

The Glenties Centre of the Pioneer Association wish to thank all who contributed so generously to their annual collection. Thank you all.

The Gweebarra Canoe Club would like to thank all their supporters who ensured that the Doochary Gweebarra Sponsored Paddle went off so successfully. At present the club is purchasing boats, paddles and safety equipment, making ready for 2009, which it is hoped will be even more successful than 2008.

Sunday 1st February is the Feast of St. Brigid and blessing of St. Brigid Crosses will take place at 7.30 p.m. Mass on Saturday and at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses on Sunday in St. Connell’s Church, Glenties. Blessing of the Crosses will take place at 9.30 a.m. Mass in The Church of the Holy Family, Edeninfagh on Sunday 1st February.

Feast of the Presentation of The Lord – Candlemas
Blessing of Candles will take place at both Masses on Monday 2nd February 11.00 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. in Glenties and at 6.00 p.m. Mass in Edeninfagh. Candles will be on sale at the door of the Church. Packets of six will cost € 5.00.

Feast of St. Blaise
Tuesday 3rd February is the Feast of St. Blaise, who is the Patron Saint of sore throats and sick cattle. Blessing of throats will take place at both Masses in Glenties – 9.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. Blessing of throats in Edeninfagh will take place at 6.00 p.m. Mass.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Thursday in the small Chapel in St. Connell’s Church, Glenties from 10 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. followed by Rosary and Benediction. There will be a meeting this Thursday evening 29th January in the small Chapel immediately after Benediction to discuss the Adoration Timetable and Attendance. If you would like to take on the commitment of Adoration on Thursdays your attendance at this meeting would be appreciated.

The Annual St. Brigid’s Night Cross Making in aid of Glenties Fun Park will be held in the Highlands Hotel next Saturday 31st January. Doors will open at 8.00 p.m. Music is by Frank Mc Ghee. This is a great night out for all the family with the Cross Making, Irish Dancing, Raffle and Supper. Admission is € 7 for Adults, € 3 for children, € 15 for a family and € 3 for OAPs. Home-Baking is very welcome on the night.

The death took place in Letterkenny Hospital on Sunday 28th December 2008 of Bried Melly, Strasallagh, Glenties. Her remains were brought to her daughter’s home in Kilmacrennan for waking and to St. Connell’s Church, Glenties on Tuesday. Her nephew, Fr. Paul Mc Geehan assisted by Fr. Pat Prendergast, Fr. John Mc Loone, Fr. Martin Timony, Fr. Gerard Cunningham and Fr. Mc Ateer concelebrated Requiem Mass. Readings and Prayers of the Faithful were by relatives of the family. Burial took place in the New Graveyard. Bried is survived by her daughter Anne and her husband Patrick Patton, Kilmacrennan, her sister Philomena Faulkner, Ballybofey, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Her husband James predeceased her, a number of years ago. Her sisters, Mary, Nancy and Una and her brother Paddy also predeceased her. Bried (nee Mc Geehan) originally from Letterkenny spent a good part of her life in Glenties.

The death took place in Letterkenny Hospital on Tuesday 6th January 2009 of Annie Mc Hugh, Narin Road, Glenties. Her remains were brought home later that day and to St. Connell’s Church, Glenties on Thursday morning. Fr. Pat Prendergast celebrated Requiem Mass. Readings were by grandsons, Jamie Mc Hugh and Mark Gough. Ciaran Mc Hugh, Mary Boyle, Patrick Gough and Janice Mc Nelis read Prayers of the Faithful and the Gifts were brought to the Altar by Jackie Curran and Lorraine Gough. Music and singing was by John F. O’ Donnell and Christine Mc Cool. Twin grandsons, Daniel and Joseph Mc Hugh along with Brona Mc Donnell and Alva O’ Donnell were Altar servers at her Mass. Annie is survived by her twin brother, Patrick Morrow, Kilraine, son Willie and his wife, Carmel, with whom Annie resided, their family, Ciaran, Jamie, Joseph, Daniel, Aaron and Darragh, son Connell, his wife, Bried, Narin Road, and their daughter, Mary Boyle, daughter Mary Gough, Dublin, her husband Pat, their family, Jackie Curran, Patrick, Lorraine, Mark and Liam Gough, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Her husband Jim predeceased her in 1986. Her brother Patrick Morrow, sisters, Gracie Melly and Mary Gallagher also predeceased her. Annie celebrated her 92nd Birthday on the 8th December 2008.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family, relatives and friends of Ownie O’ Donnell, Aughla, Glenties who died on Friday 16th January 2009.

Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife, Finola (nee Boyce, Glenties) and daughter, Helen of Maurice Mc Mahon, Donegal Town who died on Friday 16th January 2009; also to all his relatives and friends.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends of Joe O’ Donnell, Ilkeston, Derbyshire and formerly of Mulnamina, Glenties who died on Monday 12th January 2009. His remains are coming to St. Connell’s Church, Glenties this Thursday evening at approximately 9.00 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place tomorrow Friday 23rd January at 11.00a.m.

First Holy Communion for the children of St. Riaghan’s N.S. Kilkenny N.S. and Scoil Mhuire will take place at 11.00 a.m. on Saturday 2nd May in St. Connell’s Church, Glenties.

Carina Ward and Austin Mahoney were married in The Church of the Holy Family, Edeninfagh on Monday 29th December 2008. Carina is a daughter of Kathleen and the late Charlie Ward, Buncrubog, Glenties and Austin is a son of Tom and Philomena Mahoney, Loughrea, Co. Galway and grandson of the late John and Rosie Mc Devitt, Tullyard, Glenties. Fr. Pat Prendergast officiated and celebrated Nuptial Mass. Her brother Pat gave her away and her sister Lucielle Kelly was Matron of Honour. Chloe Langan, her niece was bridesmaid and another niece, Erin Kelly was flowergirl. Brian Tracy, friend of the groom was bestman and Jake Ward, son of the bride was groomsman. Readings were by Maeve Bell, sister of the bride and Janice Mc Nelis, cousin of the groom. Miriam Gallagher, Noel Tracy, Keith Skehill, Carol Gallagher, John Mc Devitt and Liam Ward read Prayers of the Faithful. The Gifts were brought to the Altar by the mothers of the bride and groom, Kathleen Ward and Philomena Mahoney. A Communion Reflection was read by Martina Mc Devitt, cousin of the groom. Music and singing was by Deirdre Doherty. Patricia Mc Devitt, Adam Langan, Rosie Mc Devitt and Ryan Ward were ushers. The reception was held in Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar and the honeymoon was spent in Austria.

John Gildea and Sharon Rouse were married in The Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny on New Years Day 1st January 2009. John is a son of Gerry and the late Sarah Gildea, Straboy, Glenties and Sharon is a daughter of John and Mary Joe Rouse, Hawthorn Heights, Letterkenny. Her father gave the bride away and her friend Ciara Henry and the groom’s sister Ann Gildea were her bridesmaids. Friend of the groom, Stephen Maguire was bestman and the bride’s brother J.D. Rouse was groomsman. Orlaith and Daire Maguire were Flowergirl and Pageboy. Readings were by Joseph Gildea, brother of the groom and Noelle Sweeney, friend of the couple. Mark Rouse, Sinead Sweeney, Patrick Gildea, Michelle Brennan, Declan Mc Bride and Rachel Henry read Prayers of the Faithful. Mary Rouse, mother of the bride and Gerry Gildea, father of the groom brought the Gifts to the Altar. Music and singing was by Gavin Mc Bride and Carol Harvey. The reception was held in An Grianan Hotel, Burt and the honeymoon was spent in South Africa.

The Care of the Aged Committee A.G.M. will take place on Monday 26th January at 8.00 p.m.

Message from Glenties Garda
“A reminder for people to be aware of securing their premises and property. Make sure that cars are locked when parked and that no valuables are left visible on the seats or inside of the car.”

The annual St. Bridget’s Night Cross Making will take place on Saturday 31st January at 8.00 p.m. in the Highlands Hotel, Glenties.

A fundraising quiz will be held in Paddy’s Bar, Glenties on Friday night 23rd January in aid of the Lifeboats. Prizes Galore! Come along and support this very worthy cause.

A Table Quiz will be held in the Fintown Day Centre on Thursday 22nd January at 9.00 p.m. Teams of 4. € 20 per team. All proceeds are in aid of the Fintown Day Centre. Everyone is welcome.

Glenties Playschool / Afterschool would like to thank all the parents and anyone who supported or helped out in any way with the fundraising for the Christmas Draw. The amount raised was € 1,497.74. The winners were – First Prize – Large Hamper – Zita mc Closkey. Second Prize: Mini Hamper – Gracie Trimble. Third prize: Small Hamper – Anthony Molloy. Fourth Prize: Bottle of Wine – Niamh Boyle. Fifth Prize: Box of Chocolates- Ryan Connaughton and Hugh Melly won the Mystery Prize.

Congratulations to our U / 21 team who have won the County Championship for the third year in a row. Well done lads!

Sincere sympathy is extended to John Doherty and family, Ard Mc Gill, Glenties on the death recently of John’s sister, Kitty Mc Hugh, Derrylaconnell, Doochary; also to all the relatives and friends.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Peggy Slevin, Ballyshannon, (nee Mc Hugh, Glenties) on the death recently of her husband Sean; also to her family and all the relatives and friends.

The Care of the aged Christmas Collection at Edeninfagh amounted to €150.46 and at Glenties amounted to €1,233.00. Sincere thanks to everyone who gave a donation.

The Parish Social committee also wish to thank all those who helped in any way in making our Parish Social such a success, those who gave spot prizes and cash donations, Fr. Pat, Fr. Shane and Fr. Paul who celebrated Mass, Frank Mc Ghee who provided the music and the Highlands Hotel who provided the meal, which all added so much to the enjoyment of our Senior Citizens.

Congratulations and best wishes to Carina Ward, Buncrubog, Glenties and Austin Mahony from Co. Galway who were married in The Church of the Holy Family, Edeninfagh on 29th December 2008.

Congratulations and best wishes to John Gildea, Straboy, Glenties and Sharon Rouse, Letterkenny, who were married in The Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny on New Years Day 1st January 2009.

Mass next Sunday 11th January at 11.00a.m. in St. Connell’s Church, Glenties will be a Family Mass.

The Lifford Players are coming! We are delighted to announce that on Saturday 17th January the Lifford Players will present the first performance of their new play “Black Stranger” written by Gerard Healy at 8.30 p.m. It will be the first time for this very successful group to play in the Dolmen Centre and we are looking forward to welcoming you to a great night’s entertainment with the usual refreshments.