Donegal duo Without Willow are set to launch their self-titled debut EP ‘Without Willow’ this Friday at 8:30pm.

Karen Kelly and Simon McCafferty have been performing together since 2014, having previously performed as solo artists.

With a wide range of influences, between them they have crafted a distinctly breathtaking style unique to them.

The launch is taking place at Clubeo in Leo’s Tavern, the first place they played together as a duo three years ago, and the evening will be hosted by Moya Brennan and Donall Mhac Ruairi.

They will also be joined on stage by some incredible musicians including Seamus Devenny on drums, Rhys McBride on bass, Ted Ponsonby on dobro, Tim Jarvis on cello and Sarah Ponsonby on violin.

Their first single ‘Leave the Way You Came’ was released last month and has amassed fantastic reviews, having previously recorded a live performance of their song ‘The Heather-Field’ earlier this year with Sessions in the House.

To keep up to date with Without Willow you can find them on Facebook.

Featured image by AML Optics.

Local not-for-profit gig promotions company Disturbance, in association with host venue No.58 in Central Bar Letterkenny, are proud to present Dublin based Space Rock heroes Wild Rocket, launching their new album Dissociation Mechanics on Saturday 15th July.

Based in Dublin, Wild Rocket have been developing their combination of heavy psych and kraut-infused space punk for the past five years. Since the release of their debut LP Geomagnetic Hallucinations in 2014, the band has gone from strength to strength, performing at the Distorted Perspectives and Reverberation Festivals in Ireland and the Hostsabbat Festival in Norway.

Wild Rocket have shared stages with internationally renowned contemporaries such as Slomatics, Ufomammut, and The Cosmic Dead.

Fronted by Letterkenny man Cian ‘Moose’ Megannety, they’ve built a large following both in Ireland and abroad during this time and this home-coming show is sure to raise the roof off Letterkennys No. 58 venue, upstairs above the Central Bar on the Main Street.

Wild Rocket have gained a reputation for pummelling and immersive live shows laden with infectious energy. This energy has been captured perfectly on their second album

Dissociation Mechanics, which will be released on July 7th through Art For Blind Records.
Dissociation Mechanics explores themes of deep sea and deep space, the repetitive cycles of depression and the self-destruction of civilisations.

The subtext of the album is influenced by the inability of the human race to learn from past mistakes and break calamitous cycles, instead looking to alternate dimensions for escape rather than efforts to change the observed reality. To put it more bluntly, it’s all about getting through life with savage riffs.

In a double headline act, opening up the ‘launch special’ night are Disturbance favourite Gaeilgeoirs, Tuath, headed up by Gaobh Dobhairs Robert Mulhern.

As featured on The Thin Air’s top tracks of 2016 with the eerie and catchy ‘Existence is Futile’, Tuath describe themselves as an “experimental, electronic rock band with psychedelic characteristics”..

Based mostly in Donegal, Tuath are taking a break from their busy schedule of putting together their new EP and getting ready for festivals this summer to treat us to their blend of what top reviewer Nialler9 described as ‘heavenly white ambient noise that wears its wildness proud’.

Having represented Ireland and the Irish language at SUNS Europe in Italy in 2015 and played festivals such as Electric Picnic, Swell Festival and more recently Distorted Perspectives Tuath are one not to be missed.

This is an extra special Disturbance as both bands will be launching new material. Tuath are launching a new single entitled ‘Youth’, and as previously mentioned, Wild Rocket are launching a new LP, ‘Dissociation Mechanics’.

Doors are open at 9:30pm with Tuath on stage for 10pm. Admission into No. 58 is only €5.

Management Committee and staff paid tribute to Marrietta Herraghty on her retirement from Mevagh Family Resource Centre, Downings.

Marrietta gave 16 years’ service to the community of Mevagh as Project Co-ordinator at the Family Resource Centre.

In recognition of her services a retirement party was held in her honour recently at the Glen Bar Restaurant where the Management Committee and work colleagues turned out to wish her the best in her retirement.

Chairperson of Mevagh Family Resource Centre, Mary Grace McFadden making a presentation to Marrietta Herraghty on behalf of the Management Committee of the Centre.

Management Committee and Staff of the Centre pictured with Marrietta and her husband Sean.

Marrietta was a member of the founding committee who set up the centre in 1997. In 2001 she became a staff member and managed the project up until last month. Since its establishment, Marrietta has seen the centre grow substantially, and assisted in continually sourcing new programmes, supports, and resources for the local community.

Staff colleagues (from left back) Pauline Collins, Sally Gallagher, Margaret McKeague (front) Catherine NicLaifeartaigh, Marrietta, and Gráinne Sheils. Missing is Gráinne Griffin and Dessie McLaughlin.

The Committee wish her a happy and healthy retirement.

TV viewers in Donegal are more fond of streaming movies and shows than any other county in Ireland.

A recent survey shows Donegal people spend an average of 10 hours 18 minutes each week streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime and other online providers.

The county is well above the national average of 6 hours 36 minutes of online content.

This rise in consumption of online content and streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime is linked to young people becoming more reluctant to pay for TV licences.

A survey of over 1,000 Irish TV viewers in July 2017 showed 55% of Irish TV licence holders aged 30 and under are planning to, or considering, ceasing payment of their TV licence.

The research, carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom found that in total, 43% of Irish TV licence holders are planning to or considering ending their TV licence payment due to an increase in online viewing.

The current cost of a TV licence for householders with a TV set is €160.

The research found that one-tenth of adults have already stopped paying their licence after switching to online-only content. This figure rises to 17 per cent for those aged 30 and under.

Paul O’Connell, CEO of Pure Telecom said: “The quality of content produced for online platforms has been steadily rising to the point where it is now at least on par with – and in many cases it outshines – what is offered on traditional television channels.

“People also now take for granted the convenience of on-demand viewing and the ability to watch content on-the-go. Coupled with very high quality content now available online, it is natural that consumers are questioning the need to continue to pay for a TV licence,” he added.

As the Rosses prepares for the annual Mary From Dungloe festival, there is real excitement building around the reunion of one particular band.

The annual festival marks its 50th anniversary this year and the committee is delighted that Emmet Spiceland will be performing a one-off concert in celebration this Monday.

The trio were the inspiration behind the festival when they released the song Mary from Dungloe over 50 years ago.

One member was none other than Donal Lunny, who has very strong connections to the Rosses, with his mother hailing from Rann na Feirste.

Donal said when Emmet Spiceland formed it was the amalgamation of two folk groups; The Emmet Folk, a trio (Mick Maloney, Brian Bolger and Donal) which had just disbanded, and the Spiceland Folk (brothers Brian and Mick Byrne).

He said: “Initially Emmet Spiceland was a foursome, with Brian Bolger, but within a few months he decided to complete his degree in UCD, and withdrew.”

The first successes Emmet Spiceland enjoyed were winning the Wexford Folk Festival, and the Kilkenny and Tralee Ballad Festival competitions, which at the time were somewhat of a big deal, Donal revealed.

“There were a few experimental management situations before solicitor Joe Colgan took on the role, having never had anything to do with showbiz or band management before.

“What he lacked in experience, he made up for in energy and imagination. It was Joe’s idea to have us perform at half-time at the All-Ireland final – the first musical entertainment in generations in Croke Park.

“And it was his initiative that enabled Emmet Spiceland to record and release Mary From Dungloe on the Outlet label in Belfast.

“It shot to No.1 in the charts, and soon there was a big Dublin fan base, mostly female, many of whom came to Emmet Spiceland concerts dressed in outfits identical to the band’s stage gear, which was nothing if not stylish!”

The Irish language promotion agency, Gael-Linn, had an enterprising record label going, and Emmet Spiceland recorded several singles in the Irish language.

“Which was quite an accomplishment for Brian and Mick, who had grown up in Sheffield, but nobody would have guessed that they hadn’t a word of Irish between them,” Donal said.

Soon after that the band signed to the Page 1 record label, and had their only album produced by Phil Coulter, who added drawing-room string arrangements to the songs. Some time after that, the Mary From Dungloe festival came into being, and Emmet Spiceland performed at it.

But changes were happening, and Donal left to pursue a silversmithing career – although music eventually won the day, with his founder-membership of several major Irish bands.

During his time as a Silversmith, Donal created the chain that was presented to the Mary From Dungloe in 1968 and unbeknownst to him it is still being used to this very day!

Brian moved from solo stage performance, and has travelled the world performing in theatre and stage musicals.

Mick moved to Bristol, and did a B.A (Hons), gained an M.A. in Cardiff Institute and has been teaching Art for many years. He still performs traditional Irish music, but mainly paints under the name Eugene Lambert.

All three are happy to meet up again for this great occasion, and are looking forward to meeting the Marys once again.

Emmet Spiceland come together for one night only with Special Guests Clann Mhic Ruairí at The Waterfront Hotel, Dungloe on Monday, July 31.

Tickets on sale now from: Supervalu Dungloe, The Cope Dungloe, Charlie Bonner and Sons and Áislann Rann Na Feirste.

A Country Evening of jiving and music with singing star David James will be held in Falcarragh on Thursday 3rd August.

Megan, a well-known dancing instructor, has organised a country show to fundraise for the upkeep of Aras Begley Hall in Falcarragh.

Country singer David James will be playing and the Megan Ó’Rodaigh jiving kids will be performing on the night.

Megan Ruddy and David James

The evening begins at 9pm on Thursday 3rd August 2017. Admission is €5.

Megan Ruddy, aged 16, says she loves organising events for charity. In April this year she held a country night in memory of her auntie Winnie.

Winne McCauley was a much-loved Donegal woman who passed away before Christmas 2016. Through her life, she had a great impact on two communities in Ray, Falcarragh and Aranmore island, where she lived with her husband.

Country night in April – David James and Megan Ruddy

The event raised €3115.00 for Donegal Hospice, so Megan is hopeful she can host another successful night to come.

Trad folk group Emmet Spiceland will be back in concert tonight as part of the 50th Mary From Dungloe International Festival.

The legendary group are playing a special one-offf concert at The Waterfront Hotel at 8pm.

The group were the inspiration behind the festival when they released the song Mary from Dungloe over 50 years ago.

“We have a lot to remember,” Donal Lunny, who has strong connections to the Rosses, told Donegal Daily.

“We recorded a song and someone up here got an idea for a festival.”

Donal also created the golden necklace that is given to the winner of the Mary From Dungloe each year.

“I was delighted to do that and to see it through – and I’m even more delighted that it is still circulating among the Marys,” Donal said.

They have been rehearsing extensively for this very special concert where they will be joined on the night by Clann Mhic Ruairi, a West Donegal band making a big name for themselves singing as Gaelige.  This will be a feast of music and a must-see for live music fans.

Limited tickets are available from usual MFD outlets: Festival Office, Main Street, Dungloe – 087 449 1144; Charlie Bonner & Sons, Lr. Main Street, Dungloe – 074 9521163; The Cope, Main Street, Dungloe; Super Valu, Carnmore, Dungloe; Matt Bonners, Gweedore; The Aisleann, Rannafast

Donegal celebrity chef Gary O’Hanlon is among a number of well-known faces to be unveiled as part of RTE’s Celebrity Operation Transformation later this year.

The Ramelton man joins singing sensation Mary Byrne, beauty expert Triona McCarthy, social media influencer James Patrice and singer Kayleigh Cullinan on the latest series of the hit show heading for Irish screens in September.

Kathryn Thomas is back to host four one-hour episodes on RTE as the leaders are put through their paces by the experts and face the dreaded weekly weigh-in.

Chef Gary, 39, admits it’s his kids getting more active that have spurred him on to take on the challenge.

The Donegal man currently weights 15 stone.

Chef Gary O’Hanlon

O’Hanlon – who has previously blasted food served up at Irish hospitals – said: “I’m most looking forward to a change of lifestyle. Very few chefs look after themselves.

“The trigger was probably wee Ollie being born last year, Cora’s three-and-a-half, my daughter, and the wee boy’s 11 months old.

“He’ll turn one right when we start and you know what, I don’t want to be an out of shape daddy when they start getting more active.”

Presenter Kathryn revealed: “We have five brilliant leaders on our hands this year who are brave enough to let cameras into their homes and lives as they face this struggle head on and set about losing the weight they feel is holding them back.

“Lots of people across the country will have put on weight over the summer holidays so join us – choose a celebrity to follow and start losing the pounds together.”

And ex-Tesco worker Mary said she was thrilled she was asked to take part.

The 58-year-old revealed: “Well I was shocked when I was approached to take part because I watched the programme last year when Elaine Crowley was on and I said to myself ‘Jeez I’d love to do that – give it a chance, boost my morale up’.

“I was over excited and still in disbelief. I had to ring my manager back to find out was she messing so I was thrilled, really thrilled.”

Daniel O’Donnell is set to take part in TG4’s hit Country Music series, Opry an Iúir, by presenting the event live from the Millennium Forum and performing his top hits.

Opry an Iúir will be taking place in Derry for four nights from 30th August until 2nd September, starring the best of country music entertainers.

The Millennium Forum will house the hit series, hosted live by Daniel O’Donnell who will be performing some of his hit songs, and Lynette Fay of Radio Ulster.

Daniel O’Donnell, Susan McCann & Cllr. Maolíosa McHugh – Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council

It promises to be a fantastic week with performances on the opening night, Wednesday 30th, from Country legends such as Big Tom, Brian Coll, Susan McCann, Dickie Rock and Frankie McBride.

Thursday 31st brings many more stars to the Opry Dhoire stage, with Declan Nerney, Philomena Begley, Mike Denver & Hugo Duncan performing a tribute to the late legendary Larry Cunningham.

The night also holds performances from Derry’s very own John McNicholl and the stunning Niamh Lynn.

[Back Row, Left to right:] David McLaughlin -Chief Executive of Millennium Forum, Gráinne
Gavigan, Daniel O’Donnell, Susan McCann, Cllr. Maolíosa McHugh – Mayor of Derry City and
Strabane District Council & Niamh Lynn
[Front Row: Left to Right:]  Ben Troy, John McNicholl & Shane Owens.

Wrapping up the series on Saturday September 2nd will be a fantastic concert when Una Healy of The Saturdays will perform live from her new album “The Waiting Game” and she will be joined on the evening by special guest Moya Brennan of Clannad fame.

Daniel O’Donnell says; “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been invited back to present Opry Dhoire this year.

“For many years we’ve enjoyed the Opry from Newry and now hopefully the people from Derry and the surrounding area will be able to come out to enjoy all the shows.

“There’s a great line up of entertainment this year. Plenty of up and coming stars and plenty of familiar country stars that we’ve enjoyed through the years.”

[Back Row, Left to right:]  Niamh Lynn, David McLaughlin -Chief Executive of Millennium Forum,
Daniel O’Donnell, Cllr. Maolíosa McHugh – Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Gráinne
Gavigan.
[Front Row: Left to Right:]  Ben Troy, John McNicholl & Shane Owens.

The annual Loinneog Lúnasa Music and Cultural Festival is about to begin next week and bring a fantastic blend of music and cultural events to Gaoth Dobhair.

The artistic heritage of the area will be celebrated from August 9th  to 14th 2017 and there will be particular emphasis on the legacy of the recently refurbished and reopened Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair.

From very humble beginnings, this festival is establishing a reputation for providing quality music and cultural events in combination with an array of family friendly and fun activities, and guided walks.

The festival will be officially opened on Thursday the 10th August in the Amharclann (at 7.30) by broadcaster, radio and TV producer and former director general of RTE Cathal Goan.

As an Irish speaker, Cathal played a leading role in the establishment of TG4 and is a regular visitor to the Gaoth Dobhair and Rannafast area.

The opening will be followed by a presentation on the “History and heritage of Aisteorí Ghaoth Dobhair and Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair” by well known actor, historian and teacher Noel Ó Gallchóir. Music throughout Noel’s presentation will be provided by Cór Óg na Crannóige conducted by Brídín Ni Bhraonainn.

A very entertaining evening is promised in the Crannog in Derrybeg on the previous night, Wednesday the 9th , where there will be an event commemorating “Oireachtas na Gaeilge 1977”. This was the first year that Oireachtas na Gaeilge had been held in Gaoth Dobhair and it should prove to be a good night of entertainment and reminiscing to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of that event.

As is to be expected there is a lineup of quality concerts and performances featuring the best of local and visiting performers.

An Crann Óg will be doing their Thursday night summer residency in Teach Jack in Glassagh. Then on Friday 11th in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair, there will be a night of music, song and dance “Celebrating the traditional Heritage of Tory” which promises to be a great night’s entertainment.

On Saturday the 12th – again in the Amahrclann – there’s “T with the Maggies” – featuring Moya Brennan, Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh and Maighread & Tríona Ní Dhómhnaill . This is the first time in a long while for this “supergroup” of voices to do a full show in the area , and hearing their individual and collective voices in the wonderful acoustics of Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair will make it an evening not to be missed.

Earlier on Saturday the 12th in An Crannog at 6.00pm, Donegal fiddle player, piper and music scholar Caoimhín Mac Aoidh, along with uileann piper Jerry O Sullivan (from New York) will perform an acoustic show,“Music from the Gaelic Crossroads”

“Oíche Cheoil le Moya Brennan, a clann agus cairde” in Leo’s Tavern on Sunday night (13th) has become a regular and very welcome feature of Loinneog Lúnasa. Moya and her own family perform in the intimate space of Leo’s where it all started for herself and her siblings from Clannad many years ago .

On Monday night, the 14th, there’s a welcome return to Gaoth Dobhair of Zoe Conaway & John McIntyre, who were regular visitors to the much lamented Trad Trathnóna summer concerts over the years, and again their intimate performance style should fit nicely into the Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair space .

Tickets for all the Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair concerts can be purchased in advance from Siopa Mhatt, in Bun Beg, from Amahrclann Ghaoth Dobhair or from an Crannog. Tickets can be reserved by calling 074 9532208. Admission to all other events is at the door.

In addition to the concerts of course there’s a full programme of other events to grab your attention and keep young and old interested, from guided walks, family fun days and Curragh racing to music sessions, workshops and exhibitions.

Loinneog Lúnasa is a combined community effort to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Gaoth Dobhair and it’s surroundings, and the people of Gaoth Dobhair extend a warm invitation to all to come and join them in that celebration!

Loinneog Lúnasa is organised in association with Comharchumann Forbartha Ghaoth Dobhair and is supported by Fóras na Gaeilge and Ealain na Gaeltachta

See www.loinneoglunasa,com for full program details or call 074-9532208.

A music video to accompany the forthcoming new single from Mickey Joe Harte, “For The Broken Hearted” will shoot on Monday 14th Aug 2017.

The location area will be in and around the Mevagh parish area culminating in a live audience participation scene in Logues, Carrigart, from 9:30-10:30pm.

In conjunction with the regular ‘songs and stories’ event hosted by Ruairi Friel (in their thousands). ‘Songs and stories’ will continue as usual from 10:30 onwards.

The video will be used as part of the promotional campaign in support of the single from the Lifford man which goes on release in September via iTunes with a physical release also in Germany.

Mickey Joe said he would love to hear from anyone interested in being part of our video shoot.

Please email handonharte@gmail.com for more information.

The 50th Annual Mary from Dungloe Festival has come to a close but there are countless memories that will last forever from this special year.

The Crowning Cabaret was one of the biggest nights of all. On Sunday 6th August the big finale was broadcast all over the world through Donegal Daily’s live stream and this gave everyone a chance to cheer on the Marys wherever they were.

The night was full of surprises, celebrations and emotions. Here are five highlights, and don’t forget you can watch the entire show anytime online via Donegal Daily TV or below:

Part One:

Part Two:

Five stand-out scenes from the MFD50 Crowning Cabaret:

When Daniel stunned the Donegal Mary with a possible family shocker

It was like a big soap drama reveal when Daniel joked to Niamh Gavigan that he could be her father.

He told the Kilcar woman: “Did you know I went to school with your mum? And did you know that I could have been your father?

“I’ll bet she didn’t tell you that. But we’ll say no more because your dad is listening and Majella is here so we can’t go any further than that.

“Oh Lord, memories, memories, memories. That’s it,” laughed Daniel.

Daniel and Niamh Gavigan

We had a first interview in Sign Language

Dublin Mary Caroline McGrotty was a wonderful advocate for the Deaf Community when she spoke to Daniel through sign language.

She had a big effect on this year’s festival by having an interpreter signing side-stage for the whole show, which was greatly praised by the Deaf community. Caroline told Daniel about her work in organisations for equality for the Deaf and wider Disability Communities. Caroline also gave a unique performance of Adele’s ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ in Sign Language.

Caroline McGrotty

Alisha’s tales from the heart

The winning Mary, Alisha Medford from Glasgow, told Daniel about her volunteer work and life as a legal student. Being in Dungloe was an extra honour for her as her mother was a Glasgow Mary in 1984.

Alisha told Daniel how close Donegal is to her heart, and how she is part of a committee and charity group set up in honour of her father, who was from Tuberkeen and suddenly passed away last year.

Alisha read a poem that recalled wistful Medford memories of Dungloe and celebrated the golden year of the festival. She went on to take the crown for the 50th anniversary and it was an incredibly emotional night for her and her family.

Alisha Medford wins Mary from Dungloe 2017

When the Escort almost became a Mary

Letterkenny man and singer Callum Keaveny unwittingly became a star of the show when his Mary – Dungloe’s Rachel Doherty – went off stage for a costume change. Daniel took a chance to quiz Callum about life as an escort before asking him to perform a song too.

“God this is great altogether,” Daniel exclaimed when he got two interviews and party pieces for the price of one.

He assisted Callum by holding his mic to the guitar and said: “I’ll tell you – you’re some boy that has Daniel O’Donnell as your roadie.”

Callum snapped up the trophy for Escort of the Year – he surely earned it!

Callum Keaveny

When Dungloe thanked Daniel

Mary from Dungloe Committee members Mary Ward and Martina Diver gave a special word of thanks to Ambassadors Daniel and Majella O’Donnell for their work in the festival.

They presented a poster and Gay O’Toole painting to the much-loved host, which prompted a sing-song of ‘Our House is a Home’.

Daniel returned the appreciation to the tireless work of the committee and expressed the hope of everyone that the festival will continue long beyond its 50 years. We’re sure many will agree after this incredible anniversary year.

Presentation to Daniel O’Donnell

What was your favourite moment from the show? Tell us in the comments below!

Donegal man Daniel McLaughlin was an unexpected star of the Rose of Tralee selection show last night in Co. Kerry when he was made a finalist for Escort of the Year.

Daniel, who is a carpenter from Buncrana, was representing the South Australia and Cavan Roses in the 58th annual festival.

He certainly impressed in his duties as he was picked out as one of the top three escorts of 2017.

Appearing on stage last night in the dome, Daniel was quick to point out all the work he had been putting into fulfilling his role.

Daithi said: “You are treating them very well, I believe.”

Daniel admits: “Yeah I am. Jees I’m kilt hi!… it hasn’t been easy.”

“Look at the big happy head on that fella,” Daithi remarks. Daniel did look very pleased with himself we have to say!

Daniel McLaughlin

Daniel missed out on the €1,000 cash prize and title, which went to Thomas Lynch, but he’s sure to be a home hero to many after this appearance.

In his escort profile, Daniel said he is currently working on high rise apartments in Manchester.

As well as being a carpenter, he has a passion for health and hopes to pursue a career in natural medicine. Culture and travel are among his interests, but he keeps his home county close to his heart.

“Above all I love my roots and enjoy trips to the hills of Donegal where the kettle is always on the boil,” Daniel said.

Daniel was sponsored by McLaughlin Taylor Drylining.

After weeks of waiting Party in The Park is just one more sleep away. The annual one day festival extravaganza organised by Donegal Youth Service for the young people of Donegal takes place tomorrow and Letterkenny Town Park will be party central from 1-6pm this Wednesday… whatever the weather!

All young people are invited to come along and end the summer with a bang. There will be live music and performances all day with bands and musicians of all genres taking to the main stage. There will also be a wide range of other entertainment, with something to suit all ages, including: Bouncy Castles, Facepainting, Human Fuzzball, The Cube Challenge Games, Art tent, Retro style games, Rodeo Bull, and more.

Gareth Gibson, DYS Youth Information Manager said “The young people and staff involved have planned a fantastic day for the young people and families of the area with music, sports and refreshments, we have a lot of new up and coming talent on show and even more side show activity, making the day a perfect family day out. We are extremely grateful to all our staff and volunteers whose help and support will make the day all the more special.”

The Party in the Park will be a totally non-alcoholic event and is supported by the Northwest Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force. Admission is free!

If you would like to find out more about the Party in the Park please contact Donegal Youth Service on (074) 91 29630, or stay up to date with everything that is happening on the big day on their Instagram or Facebook. Donegal Youth Service are a registered charity. Charity No. CHY 15027

The popular Full Tilt Studios in Letterkenny is now enrolling for their Autumn / Winter Sound Engineering and Music Production Courses.

The recording studio at Mountain Top is well known as a leader for developing local talent, from singers, songwriters, vocalists, bands and music producers.

Full Tilt Studios

The Sound Engineering course is aimed at giving learners a better understanding in sound, how it works and the process of recording and live sound.

Over the past number of years this has helped with musicians looking to improve their live sound when out on the road and also for artists looking to learn how to record demos at the highest standard possible whether it is at home in their home studio or in a more professional set up.

The Music Production course helps develop learners music writing capabilities, looking at areas of Rhythm, Music Theory, Sampling, Synthesis and Song Arrangements. Learners will be taken step by step

Learners will be taken step by step through the process of writing their own song or tune from start to finish with the goal of having their very on track mixed and mastered by course completion.

Full Tilt Studios

Both courses are QQI accredited and funding is available to eligible learners.

For start dates and availability check out the Full Tilt Studios website

www.fulltiltstudios.ie
Tel – 0749177673
Email: info@fulltiltstudios.ie

Donegal superstar Daniel O’Donnell is set to be economical about his upcoming house revamp in RTE’s Room to Improve.

Celebrity Architect Dermot Bannon won famous clients Daniel and Majella O’Donnell for the upcoming season of the show and will be giving their Donegal home a shake-up this year.

However, Dermot has been met with an unexpected challenge as Daniel isn’t willing to part with much of his hard-earned money. When asked what sort of budget he’d be working with, Dermot revealed Daniel wasn’t very ‘flaithiúlach’ – meaning flash with the cash!

“They had a decent budget, I wouldn’t say whopper. He’s not exactly what you’d call flaithiúlach. Daniel put enough of a budget on it,” Dermot told Independent.ie at the RTE new season launch yesterday.

“It’s not an ostentatious project, it’s not a blingy project. It’s different,” Dermot said.

Daniel and Majella’s home takes in impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way. Dermot has said he plans to adapt the home to make the most of the landscape.

Dermot has also hinted that he hopes to make the home into a rural hideaway for the couple. He created his design with an awareness of the couple’s showbiz life.

He said he would “create a house that was more of a refuge for them. Somewhere that they can chill out and relax, like a big duvet on a Friday night.”

Dermot Bannon

Daniel admitted he had more reservations about the renovations than Majella, but after seeing the ‘beautiful’ plans he is happy. He said it was all down to Majella’s eagerness for a renovation that they signed up.

“We had been talking about doing something to a couple of rooms in the house that we felt could function better.”

“She (Majella) rang me and said ‘Will we do the show?’ and I said ‘Oh God, don’t know’. But she said it will be great, we’ll get great attention and he’ll do a great job. We love the show,” Daniel said.

This episode of Room to Improve is expected to air in the New Year, and much drama is expected, as is typical in the property programme.

Dermot said that the work is only beginning as he has presented his design, but Daniel is already eager to disagree it seems.

“He hasn’t even seen my other side yet, and it’s going against what I want,” Daniel said.

Dermot is determined to read into Daniel’s many layers and find out what he’s really looking for in his house project.

“If he opens too many layers he will cry,” Daniel warned.

A St Johnston actor features in a BBC spoof ahead of Saturday night’s ‘Money Fight’ between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather.

Patrick McBrearty plays the news anchor in a sketch on the ‘outbreak of Boxing Expert Syndrome’, made by the Tight Shorts team, BBC NI’s social media comedy strand, which has gone viral on the internet.

The fight is on everyone’s lips ahead of the bout at the MGM Grand – and the BBC have put together this cracking spoof about BES – a ‘virus’ that affects only males and can be recognised by symptoms that include ‘exaggerated knowledge of boxing’ or ‘a compulsion to give your opinion on social media!’

Patrick, from Dundee in St Johnston, is a former student at St Baithin’s NS and St Eunan’s College. A graduate of the famous Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London with a BA in Acting for Stage and Screen, he has performed a number of lead roles.

Watch the sketch below …

Ahead of Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather clash tonight, Imelda May is set to belt out Amhrán na bhFiann.

It has been confirmed for some time that Demi Lovato will sing The Star-Spangled Banner but uncertainty remained over who would sing the Irish National Anthem until last night.

Imelda May tweeted the good news last night and seems absolutely over the moon at being given the opportunity.

Here’s the news! I’ve been asked to perform the National Anthem ahead of the #mayweathermcgregor fight in VEGAS!Let’s go McGregor!!

— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) August 26, 2017

Dana White, President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, originally tried to get Bono on board, but he couldn’t make it as he is attending a wedding this weekend.

Despite Imelda’s good news, some fans have been left disappointed as she had to cancel performing at a small music festival, Down on the Close, in Warwickshire. A spokesperson for the festival says that they understand why Imelda canceled, but have been left stuck due to the short notice of her cancellation.

Speaking last night, Imelda says; “I am very sorry to announce that I’m unable to perform at the Down On The Close Festival in Rugby tomorrow. I was really looking forward to it, and hate to cancel on you all so last minute but I have just been offered a once in a lifetime opportunity that I can’t turn down.”

Following the weigh in, McGregor said he will raise the tri-colour with pride.

“Tomorrow we go to war.”

A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on Aug 25, 2017 at 5:18pm PDT

Daniel O’Donnell has packed his last bag for the bed and breakfasts of Ireland.

The singing star and wife Majella enjoyed a huge ratings hit with their show Daniel and Majella’s B&B Roadtrip in the past two years.

But the couple have now decided to move on.

Now the pair will instead hits the highways and byways of America for a road trip which is set to delight fans and perhaps even open up America to the star.

Daniel confirmed they have left their bed and breakfast days behind them as RTE announced their new television schedule.

He said “It’s not a B&B road trip. I don’t know the workings yet. But we hope to record in March.”

Daniel O Donnell, Nathan Carter and a host of other country stars are to come together to help the victims of the Donegal flood disaster.

Letterkenny businesswoman Deirdre Grant came up with the plan having watched hundreds of people affected by the torrential rain.

A few phonecalls later and a major concert ‘Flood Aid For Inishowen’ was born.

Superstar Daniel will be joined on stage by Declan Nearney, Johnny Brady, Dominic and Barry Kirwan, and Nathan Carter with the Conquerers.

The event, which takes place next Sunday at the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny, hopes to raise funds for all those displaced by the floods.

The concert will be hosted by TV3 personality Noel Cunningham and he will be assisted Phil Mack from the Keep it Country Music Channel.

Deirdre Grant said the response from everyone has been remarkable.

“The torrential rain of last week and the floods that followed has had a devastating effect on the lives of many people on the Inishowen peninsula with many displaced from their homes, businesses and livelihood.

“A few phone calls and the true spirit of country music was revealed as a line up of stars emerged.”

The doors will open at 1.30pm at the Aura Centre in Letterkenny on Sunday, September 3rd.

Deirdre added “The organisers have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the many people who have contacted them offering help, and wish to thank those who have offered their services free of charge and all who are taking part next Sunday at such short notice.”

Tickets go on Sale on Monday through local outlets and at the Aura Centre. Tickets purchased at these local outlets will cost €30.

Tickets will also be available through Ticketmaster website midweek and will be subject to an added service charge.

All proceeds, after costs, going to the Red Cross. All artists have offered their services free of charge.