It’s another fabulous line-up of top class entertainment this weekend at Sister Sara’s.

In the live lounge on Friday is the supremely talented Ann Biddy Band, it’s a musical performance not to be missed, and a large crowd is expected to descend on the live lounge on Friday to enjoy her performance.

On Saturday we’ll be showing all the live sport from the English Premier league, with some blockbuster games down for decision.

You can watch them on any one of our huge HD Plasma TV’s located all over our super-pub.

After the football action is over, it’s time for the partying and DJ Marty Curran will have you toe tapping all night, as he plays all the best songs from the past and from the current chart.

It promises to be a fantastic weekend at Letterkenny’s No.1 SUPER-PUB SISTER SARA’S.

Singer Daniel O’Donnell is raking in the cash but says money means nothing to him.

The Kincasslagh star, who recently lost his beloved mum Julia, made a profit of €3M last year.

He has now declared he will take a break from the music industry in February 2015.

He has now sold an incredible 10 million records but said of his financial success “I’ve never sung to make money. I just sing because I love it and the money is just a by-product of what I do.”

An SOS has been issued to a Donegal family to take part in a unique TV experiment when a local TD moves in with them.

The show, which will be broadcast on TV3 in early 2015, will see four politicians across the country spend five days with a host family.

The family must be in receipt of social welfare payments.

A spokesman for the film-makers, Mind The Gap Films, said they are looking for a host family from the Lifford, Donegal Town, Ballyshannon, Gweedore of Killybegs area.

The identity of the Donegal TD has yet to be made known.

So will it be Joe McHugh, Thomas Pringle, Charlie McConalogue, Padraig Mac Lochlainn or Pearse Doherty?

“This series aims to allow real people to engage on a personal level with their representatives in Government in the hope of starting a conversation that could lead to real change for your community and your country. This is not Jeremy Kyle or Jerry Springer,” said a spokesman.

The families chosen to take part will receive a fee for taking part.

The TDs will stay with the families and see first-had the everyday challenges that face them.

Filming on the new realty show will take place in October.

If you are interested in getting involved or would like some more information, please contact Jennifer in the Mind the Gap Films office on 01 6624742 or at jennifer@mindthegapfilms.com

It was yet another great weekend at Voodoo Venue, the place was packed all weekend as revellers enjoyed the fantastic live music and superb drink promotions on offer throughout the weekend.

It’s why we’re the No.1 nightspot in the North-West!

Every week Voodoo Venue in conjunction with Donegal Daily selects one lucky reveller pictured enjoying themselves over the weekend to win FREE entry for four and a bottle of champagne.

In our picture special above, have you been circled?

If so, then contact Voodoo via Facebook to claim your prize.

Donegal GAA stars Michael Murphy and Neil Gallagher are hoping they can be as accurate on the Oche as they are on the pitch.

The Glenswilly men will face reigning PDC World Darts Champion Michael Van Gerwen and former two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis at the Pulse Venue tonight.

A huge crowd is expected to attend tonight’s exhibition event to see the darting superstars in action against the Donegal stars.

It’s believed Gallagher and Murphy are competent with the arrows, but they face a stiff challenge in the form of the deadly duo of Van Gerwen and Lewis.

It promises to be a great night’s entertainment.

The VIP area has already been sold out, but tickets are still available which can be purchased from The Orchard, while you can also pay at the door, doors open at 8pm.

The Cavern Bar was buzzing over the weekend as a large crowd descended on the popular outlet.

The Cavern Bar caters for all ages and it really is the best bar to kick-start your weekend.

With fantastic drink promotions on offer throughout the weekend, coupled with great music and a great crowd, it has all the recipes for a cracking night’s entertainment.

Pictured above, are a selection of revellers from the weekend who had a good time in The Cavern.

Have you spotted yourself, or your friends having a good time.

To find out more information on what’s happening this weekend at The Cavern Bar check their Facebook page. (Link below)

https://www.facebook.com/cavernletterkenny

Sister Sara’s continues to produce the goods every weekend, it’s innovative and active management have steadily provided top class entertainment that caters for all ages since taking over the popular venue a few months ago.

That has resulted in Sister Sara’s being packed every weekend over the last few months, but management won’t rest on it’s laurels and they’ve produced another great line-up of entertainment.

Ray Montana is in the live lounge on Friday night, while resident DJ will have you toe tapping to all your favourites on Saturday night.

Between those two gigs, they’ll be live Premiership action on the large screens all weekend.

Enjoy the matches and avail of the outstanding drink promotions on offer all weekend.

So make sure you start your weekend at Letterkenny super-pub Sister Sara’s.

DDTV: Little Caela Carr was heartbroken when she heard Jim McGuinness would no longer be managing Donegal.

Caela, just 5, is from Cashelshanaghan, Letterkenny, and is in Junior Infants at Scoil Mhuire, Ramelton.

Her songs before and after the All Ireland final has made her a bit of star.

She’s wiped her away her tears now Jimmy’s gone – and finished with this wee song.

Click play to watch

Majella O’Donnell has admitted she first thought her singer husband would be boring and quiet.

Daniel and Majella

But all that changed when they met at her parent’s pub in Tenerife and Daniel asked her out!

Majella reveals all about their initial meeting in her new autobiography ‘It’s All In The Head’ which is released next weekend.

Majella said “I wasn’t into his music and had never seen him perform, so I suppose I had some misconceptions about what he would be like.

“From what I has seen and heard of him myself, I thought he would be quiet and quite boring. I thought the type of music he was into meant that we would have nothing in common.”

But she revealed that they got on like a house on fire when they first met at her parent’s bar and he immediately asked her to join him the next night at a well-known bar called Bobby’s in Tenerife.

“This surprised me, as Bobbys was a nightclub and really didn’t start until one o’clock in the morning. I thought to myself that I had to see this: Daniel O’Donnell in Bobbys.

“At this stage, I didn’t have any thought of Daniel in a romantic way. I just didn’t think it was on the cards.

“I thought he was a lovely guy and very funny, which surprised me, but I was a divorced mother of two children, I didn’t think he would be interested in me,” added Majella.

She even thought that because she drank it might put him off her.

But none of that matters to Daniel. He really does live and let live. He has always allowed me to be the person I am and has never tried to change anything about me. It also helps that he has a great sense of humour,” she said.

Robbie Gillen, Leela Voss, Margaret Murphy, Carrie Houlgreave, Margaret McMorrow & Theresa Murphy put on quite a show!

Traffic on the Diamond in Donegal Town slowed to a trickle on Monday morning as cast members in full costume filled one of the windows of Magees shop to promote a major entertainment event this weekend.

by Paul O’Sullivan

Two worthy charities; National Breast Cancer Research and the local Solace Cancer Care Support group will benefit from a major Cabaret Show fundraiser in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town this Sat. night.

“Putting On The Ritz” will showcase the magic of 20′s entertainment featuring a riot of colour costumes and a pulsating torrent of cabaret style dance.

The show features an all local amateur cast who’ve given countless of hours of their own time to present this full on live night of fun and dance.

The organisers have decided to pitch the admission price at an affordable €10. That includes a pre show Drinks Reception at 8pm followed by the show at 9pm and ending with dancing to the talented Andrew Monk band.

Gifted musician Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh is to travel the length and breadth of Irish traditional music at the Regional Cultural Centre this Saturday night.

Dublin-born Ó Raghallaigh is to explore the beauty and humour of the music in ‘In My Mind – A Solo Fiddle & Film Show’ aided and abetted by his 10-string fiddle, a film projector and a host of virtual guests.

He describes the fiddle as “a stunning 10-string instrument made by Norwegian luthier Salve Håkedal. The top five bowed gut strings plus the five sympathetic strings below give the fiddle a wonderful resonant sound.

“It is somewhere between a hardanger fiddle and a viola d’amore. While Salve calls this instrument a 5+5, and Dan Trueman (for whom the first one was made) calls his a 5×5, I’ve decided mine likes being called a Hardanger d’Amore.”

Ó Raghallaigh is both an established solo artist and a member of several acclaimed ensembles, including The Gloaming and This is How We Fly.

He says his distinctive sound can be traced back to an early interest in uileann pipes and a love for the traditional music of Kerry and Clare.

Ó Raghallaigh and Dán Trueman’s new album, Laghdú, recently went straight in at No.1 in the iTunes Ireland Charts for Traditional Folk.

The virtual guests, whom he has filmed, include a musician, dancer, singer, poet and landscape, each of whom make the other half of a duet with a live Caoimhín.

This is his journey showing the depth and beauty of traditional Irish music.

In My Mind – A Solo Fiddle & Film Show at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, Saturday, 8pm.

It was yet another fantastic weekend at Voodoo Venue as revellers flocked to the No.1 night-club in the North-West.

Every weekend, Donegal Daily in conjunction with Voodoo Venue team-up to give one lucky reveller pictured enjoying themselves at the weekend the opportunity to win FREE entry for FOUR and a FREE bottle of champagne on arrival.

If you’re circled in the pictures above , then contact Voodoo Venue via Facebook ASAP to claim your wonderful prize.

Tonight it’s HIJACKED TUESDAY’S in Voodoo and it promises to be another cracking night’s entertainment.

For more information on tonight, check out their Facebook page for more details.

https://www.facebook.com/VOOD00venueletterkenny

Proud Derek shows off his award to his children

THE chef of a top Co Donegal restaurant has been named Chef of the Year in the prestigious annual Georgina Campbell Awards 2015

Chef of the Year went to Derek Creagh of Harry’s Restaurant in Bridgend who only arrived there this year, having previously worked with Hestor Blumenthal and other luminaries in Britain.

Mr Creagh is now overseeing both this restaurant and the newer Harry’s Shack at Portstewart in Co Derry.

Georgina Campbell said he was “the complete opposite of the stereotypical ambition-crazed chef and enjoys dropping in to his Mum for a cuppa on the way home from making a few hundred more customers very happy”.

Dublin singer Declan O’Rourke is set to enthral music fans with his distinctive, soulful, songs in his show at An Grianán Theatre this Friday.

A decade on from the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, Since Kyrabam, the platinum-selling singer/songwriter comes to Letterkenny on the eve of its official 10th Anniversary shindig in Dublin’s Vicar St.

The album’s launch took place over three sold-out nights in Whelan’s and was broadcast live on national radio.

Great songs, a unique voice and a personable stage presence have made O’Rourke one of Ireland’s most sought after live performers.

He will be performing with his full band on Friday night as he warms up for his big night in Dublin the next day.

When he was ten years old his family upped sticks to Australia for a few years before returning to Dublin where O’Rourke spent the majority of his adolescence.

Originally from Ballyfermot, O’Rourke traces his musical career back to the little Australian town of Kyabram.

Declan O’Rourke & Full Band with Karen Kelly & Simon McCafferty, An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Friday October 10th, 8pm.

Promoted Post – Christmas 2014, Sounds Cracker @ The Mount Errigal!

If You’ve been with us before, so you’ll understand that the Mount Errigal Hotel is renowned for the best party atmosphere in the North West of Ireland, attracting corporate groups from all across Ireland and the UK, bringing you the best possible bands! Every year, our party nights sell out within weeks of sale release, which is why we want to give you first refusal, while most dates are still available.

Enjoy a warm welcome by our party hosts, a Bellini Cocktail by the lobby fire, a 4 course Josper Steak Gourmet Meal, Live Big Band & Disco by Donegal’s best DJ, John Bosco.

Ticket B&B €80pps, or ticket only €40pp.

12th & 13th Dec, Direct from London’s West End, Abba Reunion, celebrating Abba’s 40 years of flares, fame and fabulousness!

19th & 20th Dec, Award winning 6 Piece big band, The Bentley Boys! They’ve played with Amy Winehouse, Pj Harvey, Imelda May, Van Morrison and Mariah Carey to name but a few – They will blow off the roof, with their full brass section!

Give us a bell today, pencil in your date and have confidence, that you’ve booked the best!

The Mount Errigal Hotel – The Place you’d rather be!

More Details here

http://www.mounterrigal.com/files/hotel/downloads/Mount_Errigal_Xmas_2014.pdf

Sister Sara’s have launched ‘student night specials’ as the new academic year swings back into action.

The Letterkenny super-pub has been going from strength to strength since re-opening under an innovative and driven new management team.

It’s the now go to venue at the weekend, and provides an extensive and diverse range of entertainment which caters for all ages.

It’s why its re-established itself as one of the most popular watering holes in Letterkenny.

This weekend DJ TUBSY will be rocking the bar on FRIDAY night, while resident house DJ MARTY CURRAN will have the place hopping on Saturday.

LIVE sport will be provided on many of their stunning HD Plasma TV’s all weekend, and with great drink promotions available all weekend, it really is the best place to watch the football!

For more information on the students nights, and this weekend, check out their Facebook page now.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sister-Saras/154934577880211?fref=ts

Prepare for a night of fiery passion and seduction when North West Opera present Bizet’s Carmen at An Grianán Theatre later this month. 

With members of the Cairo Opera Orchestra and international soloists from Britain, America and Germany, under the expert baton of conductor Nader Abbassi, this is the North West Opera’s follow up to their highly successful La Boheme.

Under the expert Baton of world-renowned Maestro, Nader Abbassi, the chorus of North West Opera and soloists will be accompanied by the professional musicians of Cairo’s Opera House. Featuring 22 musicians, this will be the largest live orchestra to accompany an opera here at An Grianán.

Carmen is one of the most popular operas of all time and tells the story of young, army corporal Don Josè who is bewitched by the exotic Gypsy Carmen and so the tale of jealousy and murder begins.

With its instantly recognisable score, including the seductive Habanera’ and ‘Toreador Song’, this North West Opera production will feature Flamenco dancing, fortune-telling gypsies, smugglers and murder.

Sharing the stage with Irish Soprano Ann Jennings are Soprano Diana Bryan-Mc Laughlin who performs the role of Michaela and a chorus of 60 local adults and children.

Gaoth Dobhair actor Eoghan McBride will play the role of Lillas Pastia and Mezzo Soprano Ruth McPhillips plays the role of Frasquita.

Critics branded Carmen too immoral for public performance when it had its world premiere in Paris in 1875.

Bizet did not live long enough to see become a success. He died three months after the premier.

Carmen, An Grianan, Friday October 17 and Saturday October 18th 8pm. Sung in English with English dialogue.

It was another fantastic weekend at The Cavern Bar in Letterkenny, and we’ve another great line-up for this weekend.

Above is a selection of snaps of a number of revellers enjoying themselves in The Cavern this weekend.

Tonight, it’s the Karoke Championships and you could be in with a chance of winning FREE flights to STOCKHOLM and the chance of landing €10,000.

We’ve got top class entertainment lined up on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, and we’ll be showing all the LIVE football action on our HD Plasma TV’s.

The Sunday drinks menu has proved popular, and they’ve got more great drink promotions on offer this Sunday.

Check out their Facebook page now!

https://www.facebook.com/cavernletterkenny

The big drum is set to bang once more in Drumkeen!

The county has a strong tradition of music and marching and none more so than the St. Patrick’s Accordion Band (Drumkeen Marching Band).

This small village produced one of the finest marching bands in the country. They were DMBA League Champions, All Ireland Slogagh Champions and World Manx Champions to name but a few.

Not bad for a village the size of Drumkeen? Like many of the bands than marched before them, a slow decline in numbers meant they disbanded in the early 90′s.

These ladies enjoyed their tea at the fundraising tea dance.

More often than not, old friends who marched along side each other, each and every Sunday of the Summer months have more recently met on more somber occasions.

The passing of band stalwarts & most devoted supporters reminded these dear friends of their shared days. These bands were the backbone of a community. Each Summer Sunday was spent at a competition. The children learned music and marching, with a health dose of competitive spirit too. Friends and skills were forged for life.

A few moths ago, a small group of enthusiastic people met to see if a reunion of the St. Patrick’s Marching Band, Drumkeen could be arranged.

Plenty to smile about for the fundraising tea for the Drumkeen Marching Band.

A strong team of people have been busy fundraising for the bands reunion. The first big fundraiser was on Sat 27th September. It was extremely well attended. The Guest tea had all the appeal of a vintage afternoon tea with friends. There was a few games of bingo too for extra fun.

The highlight of the day was the a special performance by local legend Raymond Sweeney creative director & lead dancer of Titanic Dance along with Realta Dance. It was an fantastic spectacle. The total raised at the fundraiser was €1162.00. Community Spirit is alive & kicking in Drumkeen.

The next meeting is Saturday 8th November in the Drumkeen Parish Hall. The organising committee plan to have the reunion event next year on Saturday 6th June. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for more details.

Some of the musicians and writers for Sunday Miscellany, Alan Mc Monagle , Marie Hannigan, Brian O’Sullivan, Martin McGinley, Moya Cannon, Pat Boran, Traolach O’Fionnain Arts Officer, Siobhan McNamara, Winifred McNulty ,
Denise Blake, Cliodhna Ní Anluain producer, Geralyn Aspil broadcast co-ordinator

Sunday Miscellany, the hugely popular RTE Radio 1 program, recently held another very successful recording during the Donegal Bay and Bluestacks festival. This recording was will be broadcast now as two programs on Sunday Oct 12th and Oct.19th.

This Donegal themed show created a wonderful weave of writers and musicians under the guidance of producer, Cliodhna Ni Anluain.

The writers for the event were; Moya Cannon, Pat Boran, Anthony Glavin, Marie Hannigan, Denise Blake, Winifred McNulty, Alan McMonagle, Siobhan McNamara, Kieran Kelly and Guy Le Jeune.

The Donegal team for the RTE show.

The wonderful music was performed by; Donegal Camerata String Ensemble, Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh, Martin McGinley, Brian O’Sullivan and Marie Askin.

Sound engineer for the show was well-known local man Jimmy Breslin.

Recent figures for Sunday Miscellany were 230,000 listeners which shows the unique opportunity it is for the broadcast to be made in County Donegal.

For over four decades RTÉ Radio’s Sunday Miscellany has been at the heart of Sunday morning. This wonderful radio experience captures our ever-shifting moods, our obsessions and distractions, our dreams and fears and the intimate details of our lives.

Its distinctive mix of brand new short essays and poetry presented on air by their authors and interspersed with music. Tune into RTE Radio one to hear the terrific selection of writers and musicians hosted by the programmes’s producer and editor, Clíodhna Ní Anluain. With thanks to The Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh.