Movie streaming giant Netflix has asked a young Donegal lad to star in an advert for one of their Christmas blockbusters.

Little Liam Harkin captured the public’s imagination when he was filmed by dad Ian saying “wow” with an open mouth as he watched feelgood festive movie ‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.’

The film, which stars Forest Whitaker, Hugh Bonneville and Ricky Martin., will be watched by millions of people around the globe this festive season.

The musical spectacular was inspired by classic films Willy Wonka and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and is being watched by thousands of families across Ireland.

One of its stars Anika Noni Rose saw young Liam saying ‘wow’ as he watched her singing on the film and retweeted the video to her millions of fans saying it was the best review she ever received.

You all got the approval of our boys today too! Dancing the whole way through! pic.twitter.com/RttBskrwF7

— Ian Harkin (@ian_harkin) November 14, 2020

Now Netflix has decided Donegal lad Liam’s reaction is so good that they want to use it in their Christmas adverts.

The movie giant contacted Liam’s dad Ian, who owns toy company Lottie Dolls, to ask if they could use the clip.

A shocked Ian said “I had to say yes because the boys just loved the film and so did I. I think it really catches the spirit of Christmas.

“I’m not sure how they’re going to use the clip but we’re all looking forward to seeing Liam saying ‘wow’ on Netflix.

“It’s all a bit surreal to take in. I just tweeted the video of Liam’s reaction and the entire thing just snowballed from there.

“It was lovely when Anika Noni Rose retweeted it and then said she loved the reaction.

“But when Netflix contacted out of the blue asking to use the clip then that was just the icing on the cake,” he said.

He added “We had been looking forward to Christmas because it has been a tough year for everyone but this is goinhg to make it even more enjoyable this year.”

The North West Breast Cancer Charity Ball is going virtual this Friday and YOU are invited.

The virtual event is scheduled to go live on Facebook at 7.30pm on this Friday, 27th November and you can find information and/or make a donation at https://www.ifundraise.ie/NWBreastCancerCharityBall.

Now in its 11th year, the Ball provides funds for an outreach programme to survivors of breast cancer and also supports a number of patient comfort items, including the pink gowns worn by patients attending Breast Centre North West.

Máire Lynam, a member of the committee, explains the motivation behind going virtual with the ball: “Following the cancellation of the Breast Ball due to Covid 19 restrictions, we wanted people living with a diagnosis of breast cancer here in the North West to know that they have not been forgotten and that the drive to raise funds for research into the management and the treatment of the disease continues.”

Máire adds that the committee have been moved by the generosity of people to become involved with the event.

“The night will be hosted by the wonderful Noel Cunningham, with his usual style and panache. Noel will introduce a variety of guests including The Copykatz, The Cufflinks and The Bentley Boys.  Lovers of traditional music will enjoy contributions from Paul Harrigan, The McGrory family and the Breathnach family and those who enjoy a song or two will welcome performances from Martin Orr and Tanya McCole.”

The committee is particularly delighted that the final performance of the evening will be from poet and writer Denise Blake, who will recite one of her own poems. And of course, this year’s celebrity guest will be revealed on the night.

Each year the Breast Ball is addressed by a medical guest, usually a professional who has made a name for themselves in the field of breast cancer research. This year’s guest was to have been Dr Zahraa AlHilli of the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. AlHilli has published many papers on the diagnosis , treatment and management of breast cancer.

Dr Zahraa AlHilli of the Cleveland Clinic

Instead, Dr. AlHilli will be interviewed live from Cleveland on Highland Radio on Friday at 10am.

Máire Lynam commented; “We are extremely grateful to Dr. AlHilli for taking the time out of her busy schedule to facilitate this interview and we hope to see her in person at a Breast Ball sometime in the future.”

Tune in to Facebook  or the iFundraise page at 7.30pm on Friday to see how you can join in the fun.  If you would like to support the continuing effort to fund research into breast cancer being undertaken at Letterkenny University Hospital, please go to: https://www.ifundraise.ie/NWBreastCancerCharityBall.

Every contribution helps! You can also follow the event’s progress on a variety of social media platforms:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NorthWestBreastCancerCharityBall/
Instagram: nwbreastcancerball
Twitter @NWBCancerBall 

Ballyshannon singer/songwriter Lorraine McCauley is this month celebrating winning an international music award.

Lorraine scooped the Amazing Voice Traditional Cover 2020 Female Award at the Red Carpet Award Show in Holland.

The piano teacher and country music artist was nominated for no less than eight awards in the international event.

Emerging as victor, she says, was a delight, privilege and honour.

Lorraine always had a great interest in music, having grown up listening to her father Adrian Mc Cauley sing in his own Country Music band.

“My father played in bands since the 1960’s until up to his passing four years ago. He played drums and guitar and when I was old enough he would take me with him to gigs around Ireland to the pubs and clubs on my school holidays. I was sent to Irish dancing, tin whistle lessons and piano lessons which I really enjoyed. It was not long before I was out playing keyboards in my father’s band on my school breaks,” she said.

That was a great experience for Lorraine, and she also enjoys playing the organ and singing at Mass in St Patrick’s Church with the local choir in Ballyshannon.

Many others may know Lorraine from her days working with the Donegal Democrat. She spent ten years with the paper, but when her father passed away, she decided to pursue her first passion and teach piano fulltime.

“My music is going from strength to strength thank God and it’s all thanks to the fabulous support of my friends and followers,” she said.

Lorraine had studied music in the University of Ulster, Derry in the past, but three years ago she decided to go back to education and obtained a Group and Community Music Teaching Diploma at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

For Lorraine, it was good to be back at the academy where she had taken all her piano grades years ago.

Her first single release was I Really Think I’m Crying, originally released by Ireland’s Queen of Country Music Philomena Begley. After that came a cover of After All These Years, a beautiful song by Foster and Allen, which got good airplay.

Last November, Lorraine released a cover of Blanket on the Ground made famous by Billy Jo Spears and Philomena Begley.

“My cover of Blanket on the Ground made the No.1 spot in the Country Music charts for a while so I was absolutely delighted with that, she said.

Lorraine’s most special release so far is her current release A Tribute to Liz Gordon.

“Liz was a beautiful talented keyboard player in Philomena Begley’s band for many years. Liz sadly passed away last June. I had the honour of playing at a special concert in the Millbrook Hotel Co Down last October. Liz’s brother Paddy Gordon kindly asked would I sing a few songs and play Liz’s keyboard on the night and I was honoured. When I came home, I wrote the song and brought it out on Liz’s first anniversary.

“My highlight musically, I would have to say is meeting Ireland’s Queen of Country music. What a woman. Fifty eight years in the music business and going strong. Brilliant, and many more to come. Philomena is my biggest musical influence and a lovely kind lady too.”

A more recent highlight came when Lorraine was nominated for eight awards at the Fairplay Country Music Red Carpet Music Awards in Holland.

Some of these nominations include Best Gospel music/cover, and Amazing Voice Traditional Cover 2020 Female.

The awards took place online earlier this month, where Lorraine was crowned the winner of the award for the Amazing Voice Traditional Cover 2020 Female.

“I was delighted, privileged and honoured to receive this award on behalf of my homeland of Co Donegal.

“I would like to thank the organisers Gaby and Peter Agrikola, the judges and all the team for putting such great work into making this award happen. They truly are an amazing couple.. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of 2020. Please God I will get to meet Gaby and Peter at the 2021 awards. I know my two biggest inspirations would be smiling down at me and that is my father and Liz Gordon. Rest in peace. I know they would be proud of my achievement.”

“Thank you also to all my supporters and followers and the DJs who play my music throughout Ireland and indeed all over. They are a great motivation and I’m delighted they are enjoying my music and please God will continue to do so.”

“The enjoyable aspect of the music is learning and writing new songs and seeing the outcome but I suppose the difficult aspect of it is not being able to perform live and get out and sing and see people dancing and enjoying themselves. Please God we will in time.

“If I was to sum up my life as a female Country Artist it would be to say have fun, enjoy what you’re doing, don’t take things for granted. I have met some fine people on my musical journey who have all been so good and kind to me.”

Lorraine is this week celebrating the release of a new track, After All These Years, which was a big hit for Foster and Allen.

“If anyone would live to book me for guest spot appearances or festivals next year, you can find me on Facebook at Lorraine McCauley or my new page Lorraine Mc Cauley Country Music.”

A new Christmas single is set to be released by a group of determined musicians who refused to let restrictions limit their dreams.

‘A Christmas Wish’, out Friday 4th December, is the result of a remote collaboration between singers Joe Gibson, Elaine Boyle and talented local artists. Each person recorded their sections in isolation at Full Tilt Studios. The single, according to project leader Gibson, is proof of what people can do if they believe.

See a preview here:

The story in ‘A Christmas Wish’ is also very topical for this year – the lyrics deal with a couple a couple that just want to get home for Christmas.

Local praise for the track comes from DJ Paul Mc Devitt of Highland Radio, who said: “what a beautiful song filled with such warmth, brilliant vocals and lyrics and a song that’s going to bring us home every Christmas”

DJ Jimmy Stafford added that it’s “My song for Christmas 2020, especially for the year that’s in it”.

The story behind the creation of the song is also apt to the spirit of this year – of people working together to pursue a passion or goal, while staying apart.

Gibson explains: “Having spent over 10 years performing 3-4 nights a week, while at first, I embraced the space it was soon difficult to go without getting to play for people. So for my own sanity, I took to writing and recording new material. Without going into too much detail basically, music is getting me through a very difficult time yet again.

“In August, this melody pops in my head, I made a rough draft and before I know it it’s November and I need a bonus track for an upcoming EP. So I started jamming it for a while and the words just mould toward a Christmas theme and then the verses change to the point where this would work as a duet. Elaine Boyle agrees to come on board to sing the female lead. From that point, Elaine has a long career in the country music scene and we often would gig as a duo around local bars.”

A touch of Christmas magic came into play to bring the plan to fruition, Gibson adds:

“The thing that blew me away most is that it was very last minute lots on the spot decisions and especially my great friends. In no time at all, they made arrangements to record and send me the tracks I needed. With restrictions in place, none of the musicians on the track could meet or rehearse, so I recorded the scratch take sent it to Steven O’Carolan in Derry to lay down Accordion, Maria Doherty in Buncrana to record the Glockenspiel and Piano, myself and Elaine, Kevin Monaghan(Bass), and Marty Grieve(Drums/Percussion) all recorded in Full Tilt Studios Letterkenny isolated in a room on different days.

“To hear all of these parts come together not knowing if they would work or not was a tense moment, but it was wonderful to experience every second of it. The linchpin to the project is Tommy Conway the recording engineer without his experience and guidance I’m sure it wouldn’t have been possible.

“The Story of the Song “A Christmas Wish” is whether or not we will get home for Christmas but the Story of the making of the song is what musicians and people can do if they believe it will work.”

Stream ‘A Christmas Wish’ on Spotify now: https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ho1wYsNRgyGrWiUL92BFo?si=ZGrgUux4SXmdujia4aULpQ

Click here to stay tuned to Joe Gibson Music on Facebook for the video launch and release details this Friday 4th December. 

FOUR Donegal dancers are in Taiwan as part of the world famous Lord of the Dance troupe.

The Fleet of Flames stadium tour gets underway next week in Taichung.

Letterkenny’s world champion twins Niamh and Gavin Shevlin are joined by Convoy’s Conor Rodgers and Gerard Byrne from Donegal Town.

Niamh has been in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance for two and a half years and now plays the lead role of ‘Good Girl’.

“This will be my first time performing lead with Feet of Flames and also my first time performing it with my twin brother Gavin as part of the cast so that’s very exciting for me,” Niamh tells Donegal Daily/Donegal Woman from her Taiwan hotel room, where she completing the mandatory quarantine period.

“Gavin has recently qualified and has been working as a mental health nurse for the last few months so he is delighted to be back performing with the show.

“There are four of us from Donegal joining the cast this time. We’ve all performed with Lord of the Dance before and are delighted to be flying the flag for Donegal.”

Nine months ago, the crew were in Germany when they were flown home and told that dance shows across the world were being shut down.

The rapid spread of Covid-19 across the globe left their curtain down and the future shrouded in uncertainty.

Niamh says: “It was very emotional performing our last show in Germany when we weren’t sure what the next few months would hold. Germany went into lockdown and we were all flown home.

“We heard about this Fleet of Flame tour a few months ago and were hesitant as to whether it would go ahead or not but thankfully it did.

“It’s been difficult to keep active with no gyms or dance studios open at the minute but we managed to keep fit at home when we had something like this to motivate us.”

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The Donegal quartet, who are in Taipei as part of a 90-strong dance team – who comprises dancers from all corners of the globe – are all world champions.  This is the first dance show of its kind to return to a stage since the Covid shutdown.

Niamh says:  “It’s very exciting to have the four of us here together flying the flag for both Donegal and the arts industry.

“It’s been tough for everyone in the industry and while things don’t seem to be recovering quite as quickly in the western world we hope this is a massive step in the right direction.

“It’s certainly a wee glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark time for us all. We’ll certainly be finishing out 2020 on a high.”

They left from Belfast and made for Taipei, via Amsterdam, and the journey was a sometimes arduous one.

Niamh says: “There was a lot of extra requirements this time due to Covid-19. We were required to present a travel certificate which proved a negative Covid test and the visas were a lot more difficult to secure.

“There are no cases of Covid’19 here in Taiwan so there are strict government requirements. We are now half way through our two-week self-isolation period in a quarantine hotel in Taipei.

“We are not permitted to leave our rooms and our meals are left to our door three times a day. We have scheduled rehearsals and workout sessions over zoom every day to keep us occupied.”

The group, swelled to 90 from the usual 35, will have five days of rehearsals before they start in eight outdoor shows at arenas in Taichung, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Changhua and Hualien. They are due to return home on December 18.

Niamh says: “It’s going to be very exciting for everyone to get back on stage after such a long time off.”

Donegal man Darren Ó Dubhgáin has landed a new role as weather presenter for TG4.

The Gort an Choirce native will front Aimsir TG4 alongside Donncha Ó Murchú from Dublin, who was also unveiled as a new host today.

Ó Dubhgáin had been working behind the scenes at TG4 as a Social Media Co-ordinator for Cúla4 before getting this fresh opportunity.

He is a former pupil of Scoil Chnoc Na Naomh national school followed by Pobalscoil Chloich Cheann Fhaola. He studied in National University of Ireland, Galway during which he achieved a BA (Gaeilge and German) and MA (Professional Media Practice).

On working with TG4, Ó Dubhgáin says, “It’s unbelievable and I’m really enjoying it! I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work in my native language as a weather presenter on TG4.”

Dubliner Donncha Ó Murchú and Darren Ó Dubhgain from Donegal. Pic: Seán Ó Mainnín

More than anything else, Darren loves spending time with his family on Tory Island. There’s nothing he enjoys more than going to Tory when he has the chance and to enjoy the music, the craic, the company and the beauty of the island.

Aimsir TG4 provides the Irish weather service through Irish. Three linear bulletins are broadcast each day and there are more on the station’s website TG4.ie/aimsir as well as its own social media on Twitter @AimsirTG4.

The weather service is provided by New Zealand based Metraweather, using the Weatherscape XT graphics system and supported by their Meteorology team. Every dialect can be heard on Aimsir TG4. The presenters also do the continuity for the station as well as the social media.

TG4 presenters are the faces and voices of the station. Previous TG4 Weather Presenters such as Dáithí Ó Sé, Síle Seoige, Páidí Ó Lionáird, Aoife Ní Thuairisg and Ailbhe Ó Monacháin continue to be familiar faces on our TV screens.

A group of talented creatives from Letterkenny is behind a new, uplifting children’s film about grief which premieres across seven TV platforms on the darkest day of the year, the Winter Solstice – Monday 21st December.

The 28-minute, animated film Sol is about a little boy’s journey through grief and stars twelve year old Zana Akkoç – a first-year student at Coláiste Ailigh – in the lead role.

Watch the trailer here:

Sol is the brainchild of director, Grainne McGuinness and has been produced by Gavin Halpin – both of whom hail from Letterkenny whilst running their award-winning children’s TV production company Paper Owl Films in Belfast. 

Sadbh Breathnach – who plays the role of Sol’s young mother – is also from Letterkenny as is Charlotte Kieran, the film’s Animation Director.

The Donegal connections extend to the main song, which was recorded by Gaoth Dobhair singer Moya Brennan of Clannad. 

Sol aims to be a vital and relevant resource to help children and families cope with grief and is especially poignant after such a difficult year.

Sol, by Paper Owl Films, airs on TV on Monday 21 December.

Sol, by Paper Owl Films, stars Letterkenny actor Zana Akkoç

Being part of such an important storyline was something that lead actor Zana was proud to do, according to his mother Rachel Akkoç. “Zana’s journey of acting and singing in this project led him to realise how poignant it was, in the year where so many people have lost loved ones. He was really proud of that and he’s also very proud of the Donegal connections,” she said.

“At just 12 years of age, Zana already has a wealth of experience in music and theatre. He is a student of Encore Performing Arts Academy for the past five years, during which time he has picked up a number of awards and accolades in the areas of acting, musical theatre, song and oral communications. An all-rounder, he has appeared on the local stage numerous times. Sol is Zana’s most notable project to date and his family and friends are really excited to watch it on the 21st December.”

Sol was commissioned by the Celtic-language broadcasters – TG4, S4C and BBC ALBA – and distributed by Aardman. It received funding from the Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Screen Fund, and by the government-funded Young Audiences Content Fund which is managed by the BFI. 

Monday 21 December – schedule for the premier of Sol

18:30 LIVE: S4C (in Welsh), TG4 (in Irish), BBC ALBA (in Scottish Gaelic)

19:30 LIVE: CiTV (with English sub-titles) 

19:30 On DEMAND: iTV Hub, All 4, My5 (with English sub-titles)

Letterkenny shines bright in a brand new music video launched for Christmas 2020.

‘A Christmas Wish’ has been released today by singers Joe Gibson, Elaine Boyle and a team talented local artists.

The single was the result of a unique collaboration project where artists all recorded sections in isolation.

The single, according to project leader Gibson, is proof of what people can do if they believe.

Watch the new music video here:

The story in ‘A Christmas Wish’ is also very topical for this year – the lyrics deal with a couple a couple that just want to get home for Christmas.

Local praise for the track comes from DJ Paul Mc Devitt of Highland Radio, who said: “what a beautiful song filled with such warmth, brilliant vocals and lyrics and a song that’s going to bring us home every Christmas.”

DJ Jimmy Stafford added that it’s “My song for Christmas 2020, especially for the year that’s in it”.

The story behind the creation of the song is also apt to the spirit of this year – of people working together to pursue a passion or goal, while staying apart.

Gibson explains: “Having spent over 10 years performing 3-4 nights a week, while at first, I embraced the space it was soon difficult to go without getting to play for people. So for my own sanity, I took to writing and recording new material. Without going into too much detail basically, music is getting me through a very difficult time yet again.

“In August, this melody pops in my head, I made a rough draft and before I know it it’s November and I need a bonus track for an upcoming EP. So I started jamming it for a while and the words just mould toward a Christmas theme and then the verses change to the point where this would work as a duet. Elaine Boyle agrees to come on board to sing the female lead. From that point, Elaine has a long career in the country music scene and we often would gig as a duo around local bars.”

A touch of Christmas magic came into play to bring the plan to fruition, Gibson adds:

“The thing that blew me away most is that it was very last minute lots on the spot decisions and especially my great friends. In no time at all, they made arrangements to record and send me the tracks I needed. With restrictions in place, none of the musicians on the track could meet or rehearse, so I recorded the scratch take sent it to Steven O’Carolan in Derry to lay down Accordion, Maria Doherty in Buncrana to record the Glockenspiel and Piano, myself and Elaine, Kevin Monaghan(Bass), and Marty Grieve(Drums/Percussion) all recorded in Full Tilt Studios Letterkenny isolated in a room on different days.

“To hear all of these parts come together not knowing if they would work or not was a tense moment, but it was wonderful to experience every second of it. The linchpin to the project is Tommy Conway the recording engineer without his experience and guidance I’m sure it wouldn’t have been possible.

“The Story of the Song “A Christmas Wish” is whether or not we will get home for Christmas but the Story of the making of the song is what musicians and people can do if they believe it will work.”

Stream ‘A Christmas Wish’ on Spotify now: https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ho1wYsNRgyGrWiUL92BFo?si=ZGrgUux4SXmdujia4aULpQ

RATHMULLAN’S Little Drummer Boy, Finlay Sheridan, is back on the beat.

Last year, Finlay rocked the Late Late Toy Show having starred with the family band, My Generation.

Eight-year-old Finlay and the band got together for a special post-lockdown rendition of Fairytale of New York.

The video was filmed by Cian Flannigan at the Silver Tassie Hotel.

Little Finlay captivated the audience at the Rathmullan Community Festival last summer. He took to the stage and wowed the crowd with his talents.

He played live on BBC Radio Foyle before starring on the Toy Show, watched by 1.5million people.

Finlay is a pupil at Drumhalla National School.

He joins dad Daniel, brothers Evan and John and sister Jaymie in My Generation.

Daniel and Margo O’Donnell will star on The Late Late Show this week for the series’ country music special.

The talented brother and sister will be in good company too, as American country superstar Dolly Parton joins the line-up this Friday.

Presenter Ryan Tubridy revealed that an ‘absolutely gorgeous’ show is in store.

In a year marked by the absence of live music, the Late Late Country Special will celebrate the best of country music for fans to enjoy a fun show in their sitting rooms.

Other big names on the line-up include Nathan Carter, the Three Amigos, Una Healy, Philomena Begley and Sandy Kelly.

Tubridy is already looking forward to the friendly showcase, he said: “They’re such a good bunch of people and so much fun. I think you’ll really enjoy it, so stayed tuned.”

DANIEL O’Donnell has paid tribute to a man he called his ‘idol’ – country music legend Charley Pride.

The African-American icon died aged 86 in Dallas, Texas from Covid-19 complications.

Pride was a three-time Grammy Award winner and in 2000 was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

He had 29 Number One hits and last month was awarded the Country Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of my good friend Charley Pride,” Daniel said.

“I feel blessed that I got to share the stage and sing with him on many occasions but more than that we became good friends over the years.

“They say you should never meet your idol but I’m sure glad I met mine. Rest in peace Charley and my sympathies to Rozene and all his family.”

Pride was on the Late Late Show Country Music Special in 2017 when Daniel described him as ‘country music royalty’.

A Donegal school has refused to let the pandemic get in the way of their annual Christmas Concert.

Staff and students of Finn Valley College have decided to tread the virtual boards to take their show online this year with the usual mix of song, dance and comic mayhem. 

This year’s theme is 12 Acts of Christmas  with a new performance released on the school’s Facebook and Instagram page every day from December 10th to 21st. If the quality of the early numbers is anything to go by it should prove a popular show. 

Act number one really got the show on the road, with local lad, second year student John Gregg, impressing with a cover of the old Elvis hit ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love with You”. Watch here:

This was followed up the next day with a zoom skit involving a very Donegal sounding Donald Trump looking for some work at the North Pole as all the reindeer were down with the virus.

A couple of old favourites are back this year with the Soggy Bottom Boys reforming after their pre- Covid acrimonious split following their disastrous tour of Ederny, Killiter and Frosses.

The creative caps were certainly on to ensure a fabulous glow stick number choreographed by Ms McCafferty while a haunting Christmas tune sung by Caitlin McNulty will surely melt even the scroogiest of grinchy hearts.

Fifth Year students in rehearsals at Jackson’s Hotel

Caitlin McNulty sings a classic Christmas number one from the 70s

The Soggy Bottom boys aka Teachers Paddy McDaid, Rory White and Shaun Byrne.

The concert series includes a rich mix of filmed and recorded songs, dances and sketches.

Last week, with lockdown eased, students were transported individually to Valley Recording Studios just outside Ballybofey where local man Terry McGinty captured their performances. With teachers Shaun Byrne, Lisa Traenor, Nicole McCafferty and Freddie Godliman helping out with rehearsals things quickly took shape. Next up videos were filmed and edited by Holly Murray and multitasker Paddy Mcdaid with the idea being to try and place the acts firmly in the locality. 

Lisa Treanor, Shaun Byrne and Nicole McCafferty

The cast of Reindeers with dirty faces, Jack Marley, Gerri Murphy, Oran Patterson and Corey Moss

“Normally we would have upwards of 100 students on stage in the Balor with maybe a dozen or so staff thrown in as well” said Shaun Byrne. “Of course this year that wasn’t possible, numbers wise, but we still felt that we had to mark the occasion. It’s been a different and indeed difficult first term for both staff and students getting used to the new normal of masks, social distancing and sanitising.”

As Freddie Godliman noted, “The leaving certs especially missed out with no prom or Christmas Party so we felt the mood of the place needed lifting and what better way than with a show. Of course rehearsals were tricky especially with the dance acts and the sketches too so we had to get a bit more inventive.”

Nicole McCafferty realised the need to allow the students to continue with their yearly concert: “The popularity of our annual show, that always enjoys sold out performances at the Balor, and the wish to keep the tradition going and not bow down to the current restrictions was also a factor in our decision.”

Lisa Treanor added, “Themes in the past have included “Magic of the “Movies”, “Soultime” and “The Grand Ole Opry” but this year we felt that a Christmas theme was more fitting. When Shaun came to us with the idea we didn’t need much convincing.”

With dances, poems and songs to entertain all ages, the school and performers certainly live up to the old theatrical adage “The Show Must Go On.”

Special thanks goes out from the team to all who helped in bringing this idea from page to virtual stage. So why not log on to Facebook or Instagram and join in with the festive fun.

The final Late Late Show before Christmas will be placing a special focus on preventing homelessness this Christmas. 

This Friday night, the Dublin Simon Christmas Eve Busk which normally takes place on Grafton Street will be recreated on The Late Late Show Busk for Simon.  

Some of Ireland’s top artists will be performing to raise money for Ireland’s homeless.

The North West Simon helps  individuals and families avoid homelessness, solve housing issues and access emergency accommodation in Sligo, Donegal and Leitrim.

Ten years ago, Glen Hansard first took to Grafton Street with an ensemble of well-known musician friends to raise money for Dublin Simon and it’s a tradition that Glen has kept going since. This year, the traditional Christmas Eve busk cannot take place in Dublin city centre but The Late Late Show will be bringing the magic of that Grafton Street evening directly into viewer’s homes in aid of the Simon Community.

U2’s Bono and The Edge will perform on the night, pledging their support for Glen and the Simon Community, as will a cast of Ireland’s top musical talent including Imelda May, Hozier, John Sheahan, Finbar Furey, Shane MacGowan, Danny O’Reilly, Roisin O, Declan O’Rourke, Lisa O’Neill, and Kodaline’s Steve Garrigan.

“This will be, we hope, hands down, the best gig of the year…maybe even the decade,” Ryan Tubridy said ahead of Friday.

“In return, our friends are asking viewers to dig deep to donate to the Simon Community and to help our brothers and our sisters who are currently homeless to get off the streets, to be safe, to be warm, to be treated with dignity and decency and ultimately to get the type of secure housing that everyone deserves.”

A group of talented creatives from Letterkenny is behind a new, uplifting children’s film about grief which premieres on Monday.

Sol – an inspiring film about a little boy’s journey through grief premieres in Ireland and the UK on the darkest night of the year, the Winter Solstice – Monday 21 December at 6:30pm.  The animated, 28-minute film aims to bring light and comfort to families with young children as the darkest year in modern times draws to a close.

Twelve year old Zana Akkoç – a first-year student at Coláiste Ailigh – takes the lead role as Sol, a boy whose world is plunged into darkness when his beloved grandmother dies. The film explores the different aspects of grief (shock, yearning, disorientation, and resolution) through the eyes of a child. But Sol’s message is uplifting.

Sol, by Paper Owl Films, stars Letterkenny actor Zana

Sol is the brainchild of director, Grainne McGuinness and has been produced by Gavin Halpin – both of whom hail from Letterkenny whilst running their award-winning children’s TV production company Paper Owl Films in Belfast. 

“Now, more than ever, children need strong visual stories to help them deal with unfamiliar emotions and to inspire a way forward full of optimism,” McGuinness said.

Sadbh Breathnach – who plays the role of Sol’s young mother – is also from Letterkenny as is Charlotte Kieran, the film’s Animation Director.

The Donegal connections extend to the main song, which was recorded by Gaoth Dobhair singer Moya Brennan of Clannad. 

Sol, by Paper Owl Films, airs on TV on Monday 21 December.

The film has been created as a vital and relevant resource to help children and families cope with grief and is especially poignant after such a difficult year nationwide.  It is hoped the storyline and characters will help spark conversations amongst teachers, parents and young children about how to manage your feelings after the death of a loved one.

Sol was funded by the British Film Institute’s Young Audiences Content Fund, and from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Screen Fund.
Sol was co-commissioned by Celtic broadcasters TG4, S4C and BBC ALBA and distributed by Aardman.

Sol will broadcast simultaneously in Irish on TG4, in Welsh on S4C, and in Scots Gaelic BBC ALBA at 6:30pm on December 21st.  It will also be available to view in the UK on CiTV with English subtitles at 19:30.

2020 marks 50 years in the music business for the first lady of Celtic music, Moya Brennan.

This Tuesday will see a deeply personal documentary Moya airing on TG4 to tell the story of the Gaoth Dobhair singer and her spell-binding talents.

The scope of Moya Brennan’s success as a performer is staggering. As a solo artist, she has won an Emmy, been nominated for two Grammys, performed for Presidents and Popes and has featured on the soundtrack of one of the biggest movies of all time, Titanic. As a member of Clannad, she recorded 17 albums, won a Grammy, a BAFTA and an Ivor Novello Award.

Clannad in National Song Contest publicity shot (1973)

She has collaborated with everyone from Bono to Bruce Hornsby and the Theme from Harry’s Game remains the only Irish language single to make the UK top ten. Bono once said of her “I think Máire has one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced”.

The scope of her international success is incredible and yet she has remained committed to her Donegal roots and Gaeltacht heritage.

Moya Brennan (1986)

In the upcoming documentary, Moya looks back on a fascinating 50 years of song.

Featuring exclusive interviews and performances with Moya and her family as well as contributions from the cream of Irish musical talent, including Paul Brady, Imelda May, Damien Dempsey, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and many others, this is set to be a landmark musical adventure.

Moya, produced by Dearg Films for TG4, airs on 29th December at 9.20pm.

FORMER Donegal star Kevin Cassidy will be the feature of the first episode in the new series of Laochra Gael.

The definitive GAA sports series returns to TG4 next month for a 19th series.

The acclaimed series is back on January 7 with the story of Donegal footballer, Kevin Cassidy.

Born in Glasgow, the family moved to his mother’s homeplace of Donegal in his youth.

With a new language and sport to learn, Kevin embraced both eagerly. He was a star for Gaoth Dobhair and soon became a cornerstone of the county team. Under Jim McGuinness, they were on the brink of glory, with Cassidy at the heart.

But he was suddenly dropped from the panel because of his contribution to a book, and when the All-Ireland win came, Kevin Cassidy was nowhere to be seen.

The hour-long format has proved a huge success, bringing each player’s personal stories to screen.

The new series features twelve Laochra with genuine star quality and reveals deeper, fresh and sometimes unexpected insights into the lives of these icons.

While their sporting careers continue to provide the backdrop to the story, the series travels well beyond the four white lines. Gripping personal storylines will compel viewers to travel towards territory unique to the GAA television landscape.

TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said:  “TG4 is very proud to be broadcasting another great series of Laochra Gael which marks the great achievements and stories that our Gaelic Games legends have to tell.

“This is the beginning of the nineteenth series of Laochra Gael which aired on TG4 for the first time in 2001 and it has continued as a long standing and popular part of our schedule bringing these amazing stories to viewers in Ireland and all over the world.”

Programme 1:   Kevin Cassidy, 9.30pm, Thursday 7th January

Programme 2:  Ryan O’Dwyer, 9.30pm, Thursday 14th January

Programme 3:  Thérèse Maher, 9.30pm, Thursday 21st January

Programme 4:  Shane Curran,  9.30pm, Thursday 28th January

Programme 5:  Johnny Pilkington, 9.30pm, Thursday 4th February

Programme 6: Dermot Earley, 9.30pm, Thursday 11th February

 

DANIEL O’Donnell has paid tribute to his friend and ‘great talent’ Liam Reilly.

The lead singer of Bagatelle, who was a native of Dundalk, passed away last night aged 65.

The band had hits such as Summer In Dublin, Second Violin and Leeson Street Lady.

In 1990, Reilly represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest, coming joint second with Somewhere In Europe.

He passed away at home yesterday evening, his family confirmed.

“Shocked to hear of the passing of Liam Reilly,” Daniel said.

“Summer in Dublin always takes me back to 1980 when I spent the summer in the capital.

“What a great talent he had. He will live on in the great music he created. My deepest Sympathy to his family. May he Rest In Peace.”

TV viewers had to do a double take last night when an RTE image erroneously placed Donegal in the UK.

The map, which seemed to locate Donegal within Northern Ireland, featured on a segment on the consequences of Brexit on the Nine O’Clock News.

The image set social media alight with comments from people who were left scratching their heads.

The county mapping office wanted to set things right and offered some guidance to the broadcaster:

@rte check out our #Donegal map portal to see where the border is! https://t.co/IKPxecRrv8 Geography matters! Let’s get it right. pic.twitter.com/SFxIJPvteg

— DonegalMaps (@DonegalMaps) January 7, 2021

We lost Donegal in the Brexit deal! pic.twitter.com/W3ZUKUDsxL

— Shane Hegarty (@shanehegarty) January 7, 2021

Sinn Féin Councillor Jack Murray was one of the many who were stunned by the image.

Cllr Murray wrote on social media: “Hang on, what? Donegal is most definitely the forgotten county as far as RTE is concerned. The partitionist ethos of our ‘national’ station is bad enough but look at the shape of this map! They’ve literally forgotten where Donegal even is.”

Independent Councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig was also bemused by the error, writing: “This is why RTE and the Dublin government keep ignoring and neglecting us….. “

Ummm rte everything okay with Donegal there pic.twitter.com/yZ1HBPYBBv

— róisín (@rosenrosey) January 7, 2021

Word of a new film production in South Donegal has sparked huge interest among local movie fans.

A crew call has gone out for trainees to join an upcoming project in Teelin, which is scheduled to take place in April and May 2021 under strict Covid-19 protocols.

The film is set to be a welcome boost for sound/camera/costuming creatives in Donegal, many of whom have been out of work since the pandemic halted the entertainment industry.

Producers are inviting people who live within a 45km distance from Killybegs to apply for the paid positions.

While the name and plot of the movie is being kept under wraps, Donegal Daily has learned that leading names in the Irish and US film industry are attached to the project.

The crew call for trainees is appealing to trainees with some experience in film and television production, as well as new entrants into the industry. 

There are positions for trainees in Production, Locations, Accounts, Camera, Art department/Props. Costume, Assistant Directors and Sound. Producer are also considering applications from new entrants into the film and television industry in the following departments: Production, Accounts, Locations, Art department/Props and Assistant Directors.

And if you’re keen to be an extra, details on this will be released soon!

More details are available on:  http://donegalfilmshoot.com

The deadline for applications is Sunday 24th January 2021