All last year, people all over the county would have told you that this wasn’t a good Bellaghy team.  That argument fell on itself when they were just seconds away from yet again claiming the biggest piece of silverware in Derry football.

 

By Cahair O’Kane                                                                                                                                                                                

sport@derrypost.com

 

In Bellaghy, being seconds away is just not enough though.  Being second is not enough.  There is a pride in the jersey and a sense of togetherness at the Wolfe Tones’ club that few other clubs in Ireland enjoy.  Add in 21 county titles, and you have a pretty successful structure.

But in reality, all that counts for not a whole lot when you step out on to the pitch.  And when Seamus Birt’s men take to the field at Dean McGlinchey Park to face Ballinderry on Friday night, they will be without a host of their top players as they seek to oust their rivals, as the Bellaghy boss explained.

“Joe Diver is suspended.  It’s obviously a big loss to us, you have a county midfielder there and you’d far rather have him on the pitch than in the dugout or outside the wire.  Ryan McNally was sent off for giving abuse to a referee a couple of weeks ago, those are two big suspensions. 

“Fergal Doherty’s a big doubt also at the minute, him, Gavin Diamond and Francis Glackin all have hamstring worries.  Michael McGoldrick’s away to England for a few days of intensive treatment but I’ll be happy if he even makes the bench.  Conan Brown’s a doubt as well, and Eoghan Brown has fallen arches in his feet.  He’s been playing with the pain this last month, playing when he shouldn’t have been but we were that stretched that I couldn’t even rest the lad.

“Of the six starting defenders from last year’s county final, we’re missing four of them.  One is away in Australia, Ciaran McNally’s retired and Manus and Michael are injured.  We’d like to be going out with our six best defenders against Ballinderry because almost their full front six are all county players.”
So there can be no case put forward that Bellaghy are whinging because they have a few boys with niggly injuries.  While Diver and McNally may only have themselves to blame, there is no denying that they have been struck by a horrible glut of injuries that threatens to wreck their hopes.

Birt admits that there will be a few unfamiliar faces in the Bellaghy championship team this weekend, but insists that there will be no lying down in front of the Shamrocks either.

“I wouldn’t say we’re going in with any fear but we certainly need to go in there with a bit of belief that we can beat Ballinderry.  If they get ahead of you they can play very good football and my worry would be what happens if we throw 3 or 4 young lads in and Ballinderry start to pull away.

“We’ll be looking the boys that are given blue jerseys on Friday night to go out, stand up and be counted, we need boys to give it their all when they pull on that jersey but the odds are stacked against us.

“No matter what team we put out on Friday night, it’s going to be a tough ask.  We’re training since January and things were going well but these injuries can happen, I know Ballinderry have a couple of boys injured as well.  I was down watching them against Banagher.  Banagher were very strong that night, they beat us in the league a couple of weeks before that but Ballinderry were missing a host of boys, Gilligan, Wilkinson, Muldoon and Harney were all out, that’s five senior players they were without.”

One of the perceived weaknesses in the Bellaghy team over the past number of years has been their lack of scoring forwards.  If Eoghan Brown fails to recover from injury, then Birt admits it’s difficult to see where the scores will come from.

“Ballinderry have 6 scoring forwards whereas we’re trying to make forwards here.  We came in at the start of the year and tried to build things around the defence, which was strong last year, but we’ve lost so many boys out of the team from last year.  Ballinderry are a bit like Kerry in that they can bring another 3 or 4 forwards off the bench who’ll kick scores from all angles, we don’t have that luxury in Bellaghy.  Eoghan Brown accounts for 75 or 80 per cent of all our scores.”

One area where Bellaghy would normally expect to thrive is midfield but with Joe Diver suspended for two weeks after twice being sent off against Castledawson, and Fergal Doherty a huge doubt with a hamstring injury, it is envisaged that they could struggle.

“Conan Brown would be one of those you’d think would come in as a replacement he’s a doubt too.  If Enda Muldoon was missing and we had Fergal and Joe in midfield, you’d say it was a boost but we’re without those two players, so it won’t be easy.”

But, as all the clubs will admit, the championship is wide open.  Friday night’s game will test Bellaghy to breaking point but if they can come through it, it’d be a brave man to bet against them.

This dramatic picture captures the moment a tornado hit County Derry.

By Connla Young

connla@derrypost.com

Miraculously, no one was injured and no property was damaged when the tornado struck near Maghera last week.

Amateur astronomer Martin McKenna managed to take these pictures of the tornado streaking across the sky close to the town on August 2.

Less than 24-hours earlier, the Maghera man captured a rare mesocyclone as it hovered over the town.

And the detailed images Martin managed to grab have sparked major interest in weather watching circles across Ireland and Britain.

Martin says he was alerted to the mesocyclone by his neighbour’s reactions.

A rare sight in Ireland, a metsocyclone can cause severe weather including powerful winds, torrential rain, baseball-sized hail, severe thunderstorms and violent tornadoes.

“I had a feeling something was happening and that feeling was confirmed when I noticed several neighbours across the road with their children looking up at the sky,” said Martin.

 

 

 

Heartbroken friends of tragic Draperstown teenager Padraig Donnelly have launched a Bebo page in his honour.

By Connla Young

connla@derrypost.com

And already dozens of messages have been posted on the page by friends of the young hurling fanatic who died last month several days after the quad he was riding on was in collision with a car at Doon Road, near Draperstown.

The deep grief felt by young people in Draperstown flooded onto Bebo this week as the 14-year-old’s pals paid their own special tributes to their friend.

One of Padraig’s pals wrote: “Well Padraig. How’s it going up there? Hope you are  keepin’  up the hurling and football.

“Missing you so much lad. We’re never gonna forget you.  Meet you again up there someday. keep an eye out on your family. Talk soon lad. Xox”

Another distraught friend said: “Hey ya Padraig lad, I miss you so much already lad. Everyday just gets harder and harder for me and everyone else who loved you very much and still do.

“R.I.P up there in heaven with all of the angels Padraig.  Be safe and enjoy your time up in heaven with God and the angels.

 “You will never be forgotten, you will always remain in our hearts lad, and we all miss you dearly.

“Love you loads Padraig and always will. You were the best neighbour any person could ever wish for lad, one in a million and I will share all of the memories that we shared together in those wonderful and worthwhile 14 years together lad. R.I.P lad.”

And one heartbroken friend added: “RIP Padraig- I never will forget you lad.

“All the memories we had especially when we went to Derry and we ran about TK Maxx - the big flippers falling everywhere. I’ll talk to you soon. Don’t forget to give us some sunshine.”

 

‘A Hurling Legend’

Padráig Donnelly - 1994-2008

 

 

A Hurling Legend

Our all-star

Always focused

On putting the ball over the bar

 

A corner forward

Always quick on his feet

Ducking and weaving

Any rival he meets

 

In Cathal, Padráig, Patsy

Sparky and HP

He found great determination

To be the best hurler that he could be

 

Ballinascreen jersey

He was number thirteen

Worn with great pride

He was part of the team

 

His heartsome laugh

His cheeky smile

It’s hard to believe

That he’s gone for a while

 

A loyal friend

Energetic and cool

Popular both,

On the field and in school

 

A loving brother

So gentle and kind

A comical character

With a beautiful mind

 

A gorgeous son

The youngest of three

Sadly so young

From this land was set free

 

So now little Padráig

Friend, brother and son

Hurl above with the angels

And watch over everyone.

 

Written by Padráig’s cousin, Louise McIvor

 

A Limavady man performed in the spectacular opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics last week which was watched by billions of people all over the world.

 

By Orla McNicholl

orla@derrypost.com

 

Stuart Martin, who now lives in Dundee, where he attends university, performed four songs with the Main of Fintry Pipe Band at the opening ceremony in The Bird’s Nest Stadium on Friday.

Stuart, a snare drummer, who has been a member of the band for six months, was overwhelmed by the whole experience.

“I couldn’t possibly put into words how fantastic it was,” said Stuart.

“The opening night was just amazing and it was just unbelievable to be a part of that.”

Sixteen members of the small Scottish pipe band played Scotland the Brave as European Athletes entered the National Stadium.

Stuart said: “It was just brilliant for the band to represent the whole of Europe at the ceremony and for me personally it was such an honour.”

The 22-year-old said the band initially thought a practical joke was being played on them when they received an invite to perform at the prestigious event.

“When we received the email, we thought it had to be a joke but it was only when more emails started coming through that we realised it was real.  We were all so overwhelmed that our band was chosen over so many other bands.”

The architecture student said he is indebted to his uncle, Colm Martin, from Limavady, who introduced him to drumming.

“My uncle Colm got me into drumming before I left Limavady and I’d really like to thank him for that.

“I would also like to thank Drum Sergeant Richard Stewart for dedicating his time to teach me the drum scores and Pipe Major Richard Smith for giving me the opportunity to play such a memorable event with an amazing group of people,” Stuart added.

 

 

 

A big-hearted trucker has gone that extra mile in the drive to raise cash for little Katie Maguire.

By Connla Young

connla@derrypost.com

Tobermore man Glen Finlay has painted a picture of the seriously sick child on the side of his lorry.

The trucker hopes that people who see the child’s face will dig deep to help raise the £250,000 needed to get her life saving treatment in America.

Katie, who suffers from a rare form of epilepsy travelled there with her dad Gary McCann and mum Mekila earlier this year and has already been seen by medical experts at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago.

In recent weeks Glen has travelled to Dublin and Scotland to try and raise awareness of Katie’s campaign.

Meanwhile, the organisers of a fundraising truck convoy to be held later this month are urging people to sign up to take part.

Brigid Donnelly says 70 drivers have already agreed to take part in the event on August 31.

“The response has been fantastic but we are still taking registration forms from people. In fact will be taking them right up until the day of the convoy. We hope to raise a significant amount of cash for Katie’s fund and would urge people to get involved.

“Ware also holding a fun day at Mid Ulster Auctions that day and we hope people will come along and get involved in the festivities. All proceeds from that will also go to Katie’s fund.”

For more information about the truck convoy call Brigid on 07894866682.

To donate to the Keep Baby Katie Awake Fund contact 24 Sandy Braes, Magherafelt, BT456PN or give to the Keep Baby Katie Awake Fund at any Bank of Ireland branch.

For more details visit www.keepbabykatieawake.com. Bank details: sort code 904982 - account number 90516309.

 

 

The Keep Baby Katie Awake campaign has raised over £100,000 in just nine weeks, the County Derry Post can reveal.

By Connla Young

connla@derrypost.com

And last night Katie Maguire’s doting dad Gary thanked the thousands of people across County Derry who have dug deep to raise cash for the baby’s life saving treatment.

Katie suffers from a rare form of epilepsy and is unable to see, smile or swallow.

Katie’s family need £250,000 to pay for her treatment at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She travelled to America with her Mum Mekila and dad last month.

Last night it emerged that the cost of essential medical treatment is already starting to soar.

A recent four day stay at the hospital cost the Katie fund a staggering $15,000.

With the cost of travel, accommodation and basic living added in the family’s trip to America has already topped $30,000, according to Gary.

“Because we have no social security number we had to pay seven months rent in advance as well as a deposit,” explained Gary.

“That all cost nearly $15,000. We have also paid almost $15,000 for medical treatment. Anyone who has been in America knows you don’t get nothing for nothing. There’s $30,000 gone from the fund already and treatment hasn’t even started yet.

“If it turns out she will need genetic tests that will cost anything from $5,000 and $35,000. We got a bill from the hospital recently and you can see you pay for everything in America.

“We are grateful to everyone who has helped us and we ask for people’s continued support.”

 

 

 

An Upperlands woman is set to carry the torch for County Derry at the Beijing Olympics.

By Connla Young

connla@derrypost.com

Cyclist Wendy Houvenaghel is being tipped for gold when she competes in the Individual Pursuit for Britain next week.

Originally Wendy McLean, the 33-year-old attended Rainey Endowed Grammar School in Magherafelt before leaving for Dundee University to study.

The former dentist’s rise to the top of her sport is made all the more remarkable considering she only took up cycling seriously six years ago.

“Before I stumbled into cycling I hadn’t been on a bike since school,” she explained.

“While at university I didn’t do any sport. I spent five years studying to be a dentist and I was carving out a career in that.

“I married an Englishman and was settled and it was after I had done the London Marathon in 2002 that I decided I wanted to do something different and my husband Ian, who was a keen cyclist, suggested I do that.

“He thought I looked quiet strong on the bike and after a while I thought I would go and do a time trial and then after a few months I finished fourth at a national championship. It was after that that I decided to apply myself and see how far I would go.”

The local woman says her sights are set on claiming gold at the Olympics.

“The good thing is that I go into the event knowing that I have beaten every one of the 12 and I know that I can beat them again and hopefully get gold – that would be the ultimate dream.”

Wendy will compete in her first Individual Pursuit qualifier next Friday at 6pm.

 

A Ballinderry man will be piping to a different tune when he takes part in a prestigious international festival next week.

By Connla Young

connla@derrypost.com

Emmett Conway recently received a shock invitation to the Piping Live Festival to be held in Glasgow next week.

The 17-year-old will go head to head with pipers from New Zealand, Canada, Auustralia and Scotland at Glasgow’s Piping Centre.

The teenager, who works as an apprentice electrician with CMM electrics in Toome, said he was shocked and delighted to get the call.

“The competition is confined to 16 players from around the globe and as Northern Ireland’s only representative it is indeed an honour to get the invite,” he said.

Emmett is currently a member of Ballinderry Bridge Pipe Band, who are currently Ulster champions and have enjoyed success this year in London, Glasgow, Inverary and Limerick.

And with the World Pipe Championships being played out next week in Glasgow, the local piping fraternity will be there in force to give Emmett plenty of support.

Emmett will take centre stage at the Piping Centre next Thursday, August 14, at 3pm.

 

Clady

Clady & District Angling Club

River levels have risen recently with a small flood around the end of June. Congratulations to G. Ferris on catching two large bann trout.

These trout grow in the river bann but enter the Clady river to spawn later in the season, catching one of these fish provides great sport. Our club competitions have been continuing.  The J. Graham Memeorial cup was a closely fought battle with a 1oz winning margin.  Winner  J. Nelson - 2 trout for 1lb 2oz , runner up N. Catherwood - 1 trout for 1lb 1oz.  The Greenough Bar Cup was won by J. Brownlow with a great catch of  5 trout for 4lb 11oz and runner up N. Catherwood with 3 trout for 1lb 15oz.  Our next competition the G.A. Hogg Cup on Sat 26th is fly fishing only.  Club members please notethis is an evening competition with fishing from 6pm - 10pm.

Finally for any non club member or visting anglers wishing to fish the river, day tickets are available from Maura’s shop, Main Street Portglenone - a DCAL game permit must also be carried while fishing.

 

Limavady

 

North West Regional College

Derry, Limavady and Strabane is now offering an exciting range of new part time courses, which commence this September.  For your copy of its new part-time prospectus, call 20871276022 or email info@nwrc.ac.uk

 

 ‘Stronger Together Project’ 

Do you live in any of the following areas?

Anderson Park

Anderson Crescent

Edenmore Park

Drumachose Park

Greystone Park

Greystone Road 

If you are aged between 11-25 yrs and are interested in participating in Youth programmes/projects including; activities and residential experiences then why not come along to a youth meeting to meet with the Youth Co-ordinator, Catherine Loughery and give your ideas. 

“Stronger Together Project” is funded by Department for Social Development under the Areas at Risk Programme.                                           

 

Calling all singers and musicians aged 15-18

The Derry Diocesan Youth Choir would love to hear from you.  Are you interested in developing, exploring and using your talents within a faith based context.  The Youth choir is in the formation stages and all interested are welcome to attend rehearsals in your local area.  The commitment to the choir won’t be demanding as it will work towards a few one off events during the year. 

If you are interested in the choir please contact the youth coordinator at ddcc@derrydiocese.org or ring 028 71 264087.  This will be a fun experience and an opportunity to meet other young people interested in music.

 

 

Roe Valley Leisure centre classes for the 50 plus

Ladies improvers swimming Mondays at 11.30am, ladies beginners Wednesdays at 10.30am.  Ladies aqua- aerobics Tuesdays at 10.30am.  Men’s classes Fridays at 10am.  New members are required for all classes.  Also beginners line-dancing on Thursdays at 12.30pm in United Services club.  Details from Marie on 028 777 65656 or the Leisure centre on 028 777 64009.

 

Limavady Volunteer Centre

Why not give an hour or two every week to help an older person in your area? You could simply call for a chat and a bit of company, help with shopping, take someone to the doctor or a hospital appointment or carry out small jobs around the house.  My name is Jenna and I am working in L.V.C. as Volunteer co-ordinator for the elderly.  I will give you details of an older person in your area, pay your expenses and give you all the support you need.  If you would like to help, or if you know an older person who needs help please telephone 028 777 65438.

 

Claudy

 

Current classes taking place in The Diamond Centre, Claudy:

Mondays – Aerobics.

Tuesdays– Power yoga.

Wednesdays – Weightwatchers.

Thursdays – Kickboxing, Irish dancing, pilates and Tai Chi.

 

Lettershandoney


LifeStart Programme has been a great success and there is a significant interest in starting a Mother and Toddler Group.  
 
Eamonn O’Donnell is the new L & DDG Youth Development Worker for the area and is based in the Mullabuoy Centre.  His role will be to engage with young people and help develop programmes.  Young people or parents should feel free to contact Eamonn on - Tel:  71301584 or Mobile 07749967811. 
 
Flood-lit Multi User Games Area open for bookings 
  
Lettershandoney and District Development Group will be conducting a community audit in the near future to determine the needs of the area and lobby for further investment.  This will be done in conjunction with Supporting Communities NI and a high return rate of the survey will impact positively on the people in the area.  Tel 71301584 for details. 

 

Park

ST  MARY’S  PRIMARY  SCHOOL  ALTINURE

Gala Dinner

40^th Anniversary Celebration plans are now at an advanced stage for the Gala Dinner in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny on Saturday, October 25^th 2008.  To-date 48 tables have been sold and there are still a few remaining to be sold. 

Funds raised from the event will go directly to the school.  Tickets may be purchased for either £60 per person or £600 per table of 10, which includes a four course meal and live music.  Dress code will be proper dress (no denims).   

To purchase tickets for further information contact any committee member – names below:

Chairperson:  Mr Pat McMenamin  02871337133; Vice Chairperson: Mrs Connie O’Kane  02877781772; Secretary:  Mrs Maeve McLaughlin 02877781589; Asst. Secretary: Mr Eddie Kerlin  02877781456; Treasurer:  Mr Clement Lynch  02877781692; Asst. Treasurer: Mr Gerard Lynch  02877781557; PRO:   Julie Hickey   02877780007; Bernie Kerlin   02871337933.

 

Anniversary Mass

On Thursday October 9^th Mass will be celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Altinure by

Fr W Carolan and three former curates, Fr Michael Collins, Fr Patsy Mullan and

Fr Kieran Devlin. 

Refreshments will be served in the school afterwards and a photographic display can be viewed.  Everyone is welcome. 

Photographs

If anyone with old photographs, from Moneyhaughan or Altinure Primary Schools up to 1990, who would be willing to lend them to be photocopied for a photographic display, please bring them to the school or to Jane Dunton, Connie O’Kane or Grace McKenna.

They will be photocopied and given back to you right away.

We thank you in anticipation of your response. 
 

Clothing Bin

There is now a bin for recycling clothes located just inside the school gate on the right hand side.  The bin will be emptied monthly.  It’s there for everyone’s use and it benefits the school.

 

 

Greysteel

 

Greysteel Community Association

The community centre is a vital meeting place for the people of Greysteel and surrounding areas.

On a weekly basis the following classes take place;

Monday- Irish dancing and Pilates.

Tuesday – Drama.

Wednesday – Parents & Toddlers and Pilates.

Thursday – Irish Dancing and Salsa.

Friday – Over 50s Lunch Club.

Sunday – Bingo.

The centre also caters for community meetings, birthday parties, etc. The community office is open Mon-Fri 9.30am -1pm.

 

 

Maghera

 

Féile Charn Tóchair – August 11-23

Make plans now to share in the spirit of the rich cultural, musical, linguistic and environmental heritage of the Carntogher area by joining in some of the many activities of this year’s Féile Charn Tóchair.  This locally renowned festival provides fun and enjoyment for all ages and interests.  Féile Charn Tóchair has proven to be a huge success over the past twelve years and this year’s programme is equally exciting.  Whether its outdoor activities or more relaxing social evenings you’re looking for, this year’s féile has got it all.

Coláiste Charn Tóchair summer scheme will run throughout the two weeks of Feile Charn Tóchair.  Week one will be fun-packed with arts and crafts, a variety of sports and also be solely through the medium of Irish.  Week two of Feile Charn Tóchair will also have as much fun and adventures, and will be open to the whole community, and again with an emphasis on the Irish language and culture.

Throughout the two weeks of Féile Charn Tóchair, there will be a variety of activities to suit all ages and appetites including, an intensive Irish course for adults.  Register your interest at An Carn as places are limited.

Why not test your wits against your friends in the Table Quiz or unwind with the traditional music session at Granny Kane’s?  For those who like the outdoors there will be a bi-lingual guided heritage walk in the Carntogher area, as well as Treasure Hunt for the enthusiastic and energetic.

Get in training and hoke out your dancing shoes for the family fun day and the family céilí, details of which will be released soon!

The last day of the festival will see an extra special country market full of local produce and home baked breads and desserts.  Remember new suppliers are always welcome.  To round off the festivities Féile Charn Tóchair will host their annual BBQ and live band.

For more information on any of the events contact Joanne Webb on 028 7954 9978/ info@ancarn.org / www.ancarn.org

 

Third world shop

Spring cleaning? Please donate your unwanted good saleable clothes, curtains, bedding, shoes and bric-a-brac to the third world shop.  Out of date clothing will also be welcome but please put in a separate bag and mark RECYCLE.  We get paid for these by the recycling company.  Thanks to all who give so much support to the shop.  Opening hours – Tuesday 11am/4.30pm, Wednesday 1pm/ 4.30pm and Friday 10.15am. 4.30pm.

 

Fallagloon Hall

Bingo every Sunday night.

 

Riding for the disabled, Maghera
The centre needs volunteer helpers, if you are over 16 and would like to help, telephone 028796 44280

 

Weight watchers, Maghera

St. Lurach’s Parish Hall, Church Street, Maghera is the venue for Weight Watchers every Wednesday night. The first class starts at 5.30pm-6pm; the second class starts at 6.45-7.15pm.  Both classes are followed by a talk with the leader Ann Fox.  For further information contact Ann on 028 71 261397.

 

Swatragh

 

The Swatragh Wednesday club

 The Wednesday Club, which meets every Wednesday morning from 10.15 to 12noon in Granaghan Resource Centre, Main St. Swatragh, has a very entertaining, informative and different programme ongoing.

For information, contact Rita on 02879401373. The Swatragh Wednesday Club is indebted to the Turkinton Fund for their support.

 

Help needed

Praxis care group (promoting mental health) urgently need male and female volunteers in the local and surrounding areas.  If you could help, please telephone 028 79 634488.  Your friendship could make all the difference.

 

Gran Quilters

If you are interested in getting on the waiting list call Mary on 028 79 401530 or Bernie on 028 79 401242.

 

Crochet/ soft furnishing class have also started on Tuesdays from 1-3pm.  If you would like further information call Mary on 028 79 401530 or Bernie on 028 79 401242.

 

 

Granaghan & District women’s group

 The open doors club

Meet every Wednesday evening from 7.30- 9pm with tutor Mary McNicholl from Aghadowey who is teaching them how to make their own jewellery.

 

Set dancing classes - please book your place with Rita on 028 79 401373 or Ann on 028 79 644370. 

 

Swatragh Bridge club

Swatragh bridge club continue to play each Friday night in Granaghan Resource Centre at 7.30pm sharp. 

 

Draperstown

 

Story Session at Draperstown Library

A free story session aimed at 3 to 7 year olds will take place in Draperstown Library every Thursday in July from 11am.

Everyone is welcome to attend- children must be accompanied by their parents.

If there is enough interest, the sessions will run throughout August also.

For more information contact the library on 028 79 628249 (The library is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday only).

 

 Magherafelt

 

St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance Magherafelt Division is offering you the opportunity to come and join us and achieve experience in Ambulance Voluntary work.  This also includes helping out with local events with all aspects of first aid training available.

You do not need any experience in first aid to join this organisation, our age limit to join is 16+. All training is free as we are a voluntary organisation.

You can further your experience in St John Ambulance by becoming an Officer or Trainer. Doctors, student Doctors, Nurses, student Nurses or full Paramedics and Technicians are also welcome to join the organization.

Our meetings take place on Tuesday nights from 8pm to 9:30pm, in the day care centre beside the Mid-Ulster Hospital.

To find out more Contact Donna on 07522 059243.

 


Aware Defeat Depression

Are you affected by depression or manic depression (bipolar disorder) and would like to talk to others who understand how you feel?

Aware Defeat Depression’s support groups bring you together with people with similar problems so you can support each other. The groups also enable you to find out more about your illness and the treatments available and help you to learn coping skills.

Aware Defeat Depression’s self help support groups meet on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 8pm at Maghera Day Centre, 26 Coleraine Road.

Aware Defeat Depression’s self help support groups meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at the Beacon Centre, 2a Market Street, Magherafelt.

 

First Aid at work

E.M.S would like to invite companies to send delegates on our next First Aid at Work Course 2008.  A three year certificate will be awarded to participants upon successful completion of this course.    We are also taking bookings for Emergency First Aid courses, both day and evening course are available.  This course is certified for two years upon successful completion.  E.M.S is an accredited  First Aid Training Provider registered with the HSENI and the Construction Industry Training Board.   For more information or to book places, please contact E.M.S. on 028 79301333 - FREEPHONE 0800 0612 994 - email emsfirstaid@gmail.com

 

 

Gortnaghey

 

Gortnaghey Community Association

The centre is your local recycling depot for glass and clothes.  Please avail of this facility to help sustain your centre.   
 The centre also caters for community meetings, birthday parties, classes, etc.  If you would like something run in your centre contact 028 777 42958.  

 

Kilrea

 

Tea morning

The Aileen McCann Foundation tea morning now takes place on a Friday, weekly at 10.30am  in our office
 For more information contact 02829541892, 07999304445 or Unit 7, Enterprise Centre Kilrea.

 

Learning Centre Courses

Kilrea Rural Service Learning Centre has many courses starting soon, including Irish language, Digital Photography, Flower Arranging and Calligraphy. Contact 07882040075/02829540536, fax 02829540227 or e-mail hdarragh823@c2kni.net for more information.

 

 

Tobermore

 

Kilcronaghan Recipe book

Kilcronaghan Community Association’s new publication – Country Cookin’ – which contains 115 different recipes within its 124 pages is selling well locally.  The sections of the book are made up of soups and starters; vegetable and salad; meat and poultry; fish dishes; egg and cheese dishes; hot puddings; cold sweets; bread and scones; small cakes and biscuits; large cakes and miscellaneous.   Copies of the book, which costs £5, are available from the Association Chairman, Wesley Tomb, or may also be obtained from the Activity Centre by prior arrangement (028 79627826).   Other enquiries about sales can be directed to 028 79 628514.

 

 

Ballyronan

 

Marina centre events

There are lots of activities to join in at the Marina Centre at the Shore Road,

Ballyronan.

Thursday - Youth club from 6.30-8pm.

Art class – 8-10pm.

Friday– Luncheon club from 1pm. Needlecraft/crochet class 11am-1pm.

Saturday– Modern and old tyme dance, 9.30pm to late, light refreshments.

Monday– Line dancing from 9-11pm, aerobics 7-8pm.

Marina Carers and Kids meet in Ballyronan Marina Hall every Friday from 9.15-11am. Everyone is welcome, especially new members.

 

Bellaghy

 

Dancing Class

Dancing classes take place each Tuesday at 7pm in the GAA clubhouse. All new members welcome 

 

St John’s Youth

Dancing classes will take place at St John’s Youth on Mondays at 7pm, and Tuesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm for under-12s.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, classes for over 12s will be held from 7pm to 9pm. 

 

Mothers group

A mother and toddler group meets at St John Bosco Primary School each Thursday at 10.30am. Everyone is welcome to come along to the group.

   
Alzheimer’s Society

The Local Carer Support Group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7.30pm. Please telephone Louise Reilly on 02886765888 for further details. 

  


Loup

75^th Jubilee Celebrations 

The year 2008 represents an historical landmark in the history of St. Patrick’s GAC, Loup.

It will be 75 years since the club was formed to provide a successful social and sporting organisation for the small community on the shore of Lough Neagh. 

The club will be running a number of events throughout the year, which will cater for all ages, such as fun days, barbecues, dances, underage tournaments and poker nights. 

To mark the 75^th Jubilee the main event will be a corporate dinner to be held in the Tullyglass House Hotel on Saturday, November 1, 2008. 

For entertainment on the night, current GAA president Mr Nicky Brennan will be our guest speaker, while former All-Ireland winner and RTE pundit Mr Joe Brolly will provide the ‘lighter’ entertainment.  

As this is such an historic occasion in the club’s history the organising committee is running a savings scheme to help spread the cost of booking a seat. 

More information on this and other events will be posted on the clubs website  - www.loup.derry.gaa.ie

 

Moneymore

 

Dance classes

Ceili dancing classes are held every Thursday in Moneymore.

The classes take place at St Trea’s hall at Circular Road, beginning at 8.30pm and continuing until 10.30pm.

Admission is £2 and refreshments are served.

Everyone is welcome to come along and join in with the classes.

 

 

Eglinton

 

Car boot sale

An indoor car boot sale will be held every Saturday between 10am and 2pm at Eglinton Community Hall.

The event will cost £5 per car. To register telephone 71812303.

 

Dungiven

 

The Winding Roe

THE Winding Roe editorial committee are currently compiling the 2008 edition of the magazine.

Anyone who has an article, feature or old photograph, that they would like to submit for publication should contact 028 777 42494 or email glenshane@btclick.com.

Articles, etc should deal with the general Dungiven, Benedy, Banagher, Drumsurn, Feeny, Burnfoot, Bovevagh, Foreglen and Drum districts. All original photographs will be returned.

 

Glenshane Care Centre- Legavallon Road

Garden Centre open Monday- Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-3pm.

 

Parish bingo

Every Tuesday in St. Canice’s Hall at 8.30pm.

 

 

Saint Vincent de Paul Shop

Saint Vincent De Paul is looking for any unwanted young men’s clothing.  Aged 18 – 30 (Jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts).  Also recycling clothes are required including shoes, bags and belts.  If you have any of the above, please drop it on at the centre.

 

Dungiven outdoor bowling club

Bowling green open.  New members welcome.

 

 Choir practice

Choir practice continues on Tuesday night at 7.30pm.

 

 Ageing Well

Ageing Well, which runs a range of classes for senior citizens in the Dungiven area, is offering residents a variety of opportunities to improve fitness.

Physical activity classes for the over 50s age group, are tailored to suit all levels of ability with support given by professional coaches. Men and women’s classes are provided separately and refreshments are available afterwards.

Ladies’ Improvers - Mondays at 11.30am in the Main Pool.

Ladies’ Aqua-aerobics - Tuesdays at 10.30am in the Minor Pool.

Ladies’ Beginners - Wednesdays at 10.30am in the Minor Pool.

Men’s Swimming - all levels - Fridays at 10am in the Main Pool.

Beginners’ line dancing classes at United Services Hall on Thursdays at 12.30pm

For information about the swimming classes, contact the Leisure Centre at 028 777 764009. For information about Aqua-aerobics, please ring Marie at Ageing Well Roe Valley on 028 777 65656. For line dancing ring Jackie at 07746 224 192