A new production at An Grianán Theatre promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The highly-anticipated Brand New Work, presented by Workhouse Theatre Company, will explore issues that will stay with you long after the final curtain, according to director Iarla McGowan.
Intriguingly, audiences are being asked to remain tight-lipped and not reveal the plot of the play. The production will remain nameless until the audience arrive on the evening of the show.
McGowan explains: “I want each audience to have the same ride as the characters in the plays. I don’t want them to know anything in advance just the way the characters in the play don’t know what’s coming next. There are issues raised that will resonate with the audience and I’d love if people were talking about them afterwards. I want each night to be an event”.
The new production opens this Wednesday June 12th with proceeds on the night going to the charity campaign High 5 for Conall.
McGowan revealed little detail about the production apart from that it is set in the present day and that it has a quality of “an Edward Hopper painting”.
He agreed that it was a “bit of a risk” keeping details of the production a mystery.
“I suppose it is a bit of a gamble but I don’t want a trailer for this. I want people to come and see something that they would never normally come and see. I love to see the avid theatre-goer coming but I’d also love to see people who think about coming to the theatre and want to but don’t. I think this is a really good introduction to contemporary theatre”.
Letterkenny-man McGowan, a professional actor who honed his craft at the National Theatre in London, praised the cast for their relentless work ethic.
He said: “The cast have been working tirelessly for three months. I wanted to get the right plays and the right structure. These plays have never been performed in Ireland. This is it. This has been in the process for four years. This production is a celebration of the great talent we have in this county. It’s a showcase of that talent and I want people to see it. This alchemy will not happen again”.
The director/actor founded Workhouse Theatre Company in 2009 and during that time spearheaded acting classes for adults and young people in partnership with An Grianán Theatre. The cast are all graduates of these Worklabs and Workshops.
Asked if it was a difficult transition from actor to director he admitted, at times, that it was.
“I would jump into a scene and then back to directing but was still doing a post-mortem so my partner was there to support me with that”.
Clearly, this has been a labour of love for McGowan who was passionate about upholding the highest standards in stagecraft throughout the production. “I did manage to delegate,” he laughed.
Go see Brand New Work and all will be revealed but remember to keep schtum!
The Brand New Work by Workhouse Theatre Company runs from Wednesday June 12th until Saturday June 15th. Wed evening performance tickets €20 – all proceeds going to ‘High 5 for Conall’ fund. Thur-Sat tickets €15
The productions is suitable for ages 16+. For further details contact www.angrianan.com Box Office: Tel: 00353 74 912 0777

The 31st year of the Earagail Arts Festival will be dedicated to the memory of a dear friend of the local arts scene – Dessie Larkin.

Dessie Larkin RIP

Dessie Larkin, a former county councillor who passed away in March, was a long-serving board member and former Chair of the Earagail Arts Festival.

The Letterkenny man was fondly remembered at the launch of the festival on Monday at Rockhill House Estate.  

“He demonstrated what was important about the festival. That was about bringing people together and celebrating what is probably one of the most fundamental human endeavours, which is art,” said Artistic Director Paul Brown.

Joan Crawford, Failte Ireland, Pauric Kelly, Inishowen Motors, and Paul Brown, Artistic Director of Earagail Arts Festival at the 2019 launch. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Dessie’s presence was greatly missed at the festival launch, as people gathered to listen to music and to hear important figures within the community talk highly of the summer to come.

The festival was officially launched by Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Niamh Kennedy. She had only good words to say about this year’s upcoming festival with its “diversity, illumination, culture and to showcase us in a way that only Donegal can.”

Méabh Conaghan and Cllr Niamh Kennedy at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Ruairí Friel & Sarah E Cullen at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

This year’s festival takes place from 10th-28th July 2019, marking the next era of the festival’s cultural evolution, continuing investment in the making of great artwork, creating an opportunity for a new generation of artists and fostering wider participation in the arts across the North West of Ireland.

This year’s programme leads with a major new music commission in partnership with India’s leading folk festival in Rajasthan.

Along with this is a series of spoken word, circus, comedy and special events celebrating diversity and freedom of movement and a visual arts programme from east to west reaching across bridges, islands and horizons.

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Paul Harrigan at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Karoline Sweeney, Jimmy Stafford and Patrick Gildea at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Meabh Uí Chonnachain, who is one of the board members for the festival, said that this year’s festival is about “diversity, equality, bringing together artists, programmes and visual art.”

She also talked about the impact Earagail Arts has on Donegal with the number of people that attend the festival. More than 38,000 people attended different events last year. Sixty per cent of them were local and the rest were mostly from Northern Ireland.

Earagail Arts Festival Board member Meabh Uí Chonnachain at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Deirdre McGrory, Ellen Corby and Lauren Hauchard at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Last year the festival promoted 309 performances in 29 venues spread across 16 towns, villages and islands over 23 days. 

There are so many different events that range from music to drama to open mic, comedy and spoken word and many more. With a festival this big, there is sure to be something for everyone.  

The festival kicks off on Wednesday the 10th of July in The Cottage Bar in Letterkenny with Mouthpiece Open Mic which promises laughter, tears, surprises and a warm, supportive atmosphere.

Earagail Arts Festival brochures are now available in usual outlets, or on eaf.ie.

See the gallery below for more photos from the launch:

Margaret McGlynn, Siobhan Grant and Frances Spears at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Eunan Kelly and John Curran at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Amanda Boyle, Leonard Watson, Jimmy Stafford and Joan Crawford at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Eoghan Mac Giolla Bhrighde and Aodh Mac Ruairí checking out the programme booklet at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Paul Harrigan and Jeremy Howard at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Leas-Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Niamh Kennedy officially launches Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Karoline Sweeney, Castle Grove County House, Sue Glackin, Donegal Food Tours and Carol Harkin, McGrory’s Hotel, at the launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

The launch of Earagail Arts Festival 2019 in Rockhill House Estate. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin

Two members of the prestigious Donegal Youth Musical Theatre have won top titles at the Association of Irish Musical Societies Awards 2019. 

Séimi Campbell and Eavan Gribbin celebrated major successes at the awards ceremony on Saturday night. 

Artistic Director of DYMT Séimí Campbell won Best Director award in the Sullivan Section for Jesus Christ Superstar in An Grianan Theatre Letterkenny last summer. 

Séimi Campbell- Jesus Christ Superstar- Donegal Youth Musical Theatre, Letterkenny, winner of the Best Director award Sullivan Section at the annual AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) in the INEC Killarney at the weekend receiving the trophy from Seamus Power, President, AIMS left and Rob Donnelly, Vice-President.
Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com

Eavan Gribbin won of the Best Stage Management Sullivan Section for her work on the production.

Donegal Youth Musical Theatre- Jesus Christ Superstar- Eavan Gribban winner of the Best Stage Management Sullivan Section award at the annual AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) in the INEC Killarney at the weekend receiving the trophy from Seamus Power, President, AIMS left and Rob Donnelly, Vice-President.
Photo: Don MacMonagle – macmonagle.com

Over 1,500 people attended the glamorous AIMS awards ceremony in the INEC Killarney, where winners were announced by MC Fergal D’Arcy.

Celebrations continued long into the night and early into the morning as the sun set on another AIMS Awards Weekend.

Letterkenny style blogger J’Style is hosting a fashion night out in Letterkenny this August in aid of Donegal Down Syndrome.

This fun and fabulous event will be held in the Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday 17th August from 6.20pm.

Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, a fashion show from local boutiques, style tips, music and lots of prizes, all in aid of Donegal families.

Jae Sook Lee of J’Style is leading the event, which was inspired by her beautiful daughter Chloe, aged 7, who has Down Syndrome. Jae and her husband received such great support from the Donegal Down Syndrome group that they want to raise money as a thank you.

“When Chloe was born we got so much support and help from them so we just want to give back to them,” Jae said.

J’Style

Jae is well-known from her J’style Facebook page, where she shares her styling skills and daily outfits.

And she has been busy organising a very stylish night out for all the women of Donegal. Tickets are €25 and they are available at Pure Boutique, Clare Clothing, Donegal Down Syndrome Office in Letterkenny and also on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fashion-night-out-with-jstyle-…

The M.C on the night is Marty Friel from Highland Radio. There will be live entertainment and a styling demo by J’Style herself and also a fashion show from local boutiques and shops.  Local comedian Andy McGranaghan will be providing the laughs!

The fashion show will be a mix of pre-autumn occasion wear for the upcoming wedding season for a wedding guest look and any special occasion to the latest trendy look. 

Through the styling session, you will get plenty of styling tips on how to create your own style that makes you feel comfortable, confident and of course stylish and fabulous. 

J’Style is also so delighted to announce that Mary’s Classic Style will be a judge of the best-dressed lady prize!

All proceeds from this event go to Donegal Down Syndrome so make sure to get your ticket to this fabulous event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fashion-night-out-with-jstyle-…or in Pure Boutique, Clare Clothing and the Donegal Down Syndrome Office.

If anyone is interested in getting involved in the event send on a message to J’Style.

It’s a big day for John Doherty of Donegal band Little Hours.

The Killybegs musician is back with a new single, a debut album announcement and new tour dates. 

The news is just as upbeat as Dream, Girl – Little Hours’ first release of the year – which is a feel-good soulful record that will be a big hit on the airwaves.

Dream, Girl is out now on Spotify, iTunes and other streaming sites. Fans will have another few months to wait for the full album, Now The Lights Have Changed, which will be released on 20th September 2019.

Little Hours – Dream, Girl

The new track may be fun, but John has warned that his popular emotional and atmospheric songs will still be a big feature of the album. 

“It’s not going to be a nice happy album,” John told Donegal Daily.

“There will be more tracks like what I’ve put out before and some a bit more sad. I’m really happy with the mix of different tracks. I think every song has a place.”

Donegal elements will be strong in Now The Lights Have Changed. Recorded and produced by Tommy McLaughlin of Attica Audio in Termon, there will be some familiar voices with guest vocialists such as Chanele McGuinness from Ballyshannon and Malin trio The Henry Girls.

Recording in his favourite studio, John took the opportunity to add new sounds with a string quartet from Belfast, more gospel backing vocals and more soul.

“I’m delighted with how everything has turned out. I just can’t wait to get it out,” he said.

Little Hours will be celebrating the new album release with fans across Ireland with a tour in September and October. 

Their home show will be in An Grianan Theatre on 21st September. Tickets are out this Monday. 

The Letterkenny show will be something special for John, he said: “An Grianan is probably my favourite venue to play by far. I’ve done the big venues like the 3Arena and Olympia Theatre as a support act, but there’s something about An Grianan. It’s the atmosphere, it’s the way everyone listens.”

For those who can’t wait until September, Little Hours will play The Sugar Club in Dublin on 24th July. The gig will be a chance to catch a sneak preview of some of the new album tracks and there are just a few tickets remaining.

John is also looking forward to getting the Dream, Girl video out soon. “We are working on it at the moment. I’m really happy with the idea we have. It will be a topic that’s a bit controversial at the moment but I think it will do really well,” he said.

The video won’t be the only creative output from the new album. Fans who pre-order Now The Lights Have Changed will be gifted an art print by John.

“I paint a bit on the side. I did the artwork for the singles and you’ll see some of my paintings on the inside of the album cover too,” he said.

“I know that if I liked an artist myself, I would love to get something from them, it’s a personal touch.”

Listen to Dream, Girl or Pre-Order Now The Lights Have Change from this link now : https://orcd.co/dreamgirl

Tickets for Little Hours’ Irish tour are out on Monday 15th July: 

20th September / Galway / Róisín Dubh
21st September / Letterkenny / An Grianan Theatre
26th September / Limerick / Dolans Pub
27th September / Cork / Cyprus Avenue
28th September / Dundalk / Spirit Store
4th October / Listowel / Mike The Pies

The stage is set for the 2019 Monaghan Town Country Music Festival, which is set to draw large crowds for a wonderful weekend from July 18-21.

Jivers and music lovers will be flocking to the famous competitions and gigs, which had some great Donegal victories in 2018. 

A preview of the entertainment in store took place with a concert in the town’s Diamond on Sunday evening.

It was a family affair as perennial festival headliner Jimmy Buckley was joined by his daughter Claudia to launch the festival, which will be four days packed with “fun for all the family”.

  Jimmy’s voice was in as a fine a tune as his polished backing band, while Ms Buckley – now a burgeoning country star in her own right – partnered with Dad in the formalities with the same talents she brings to the duets which promise to be a highlight of Jimmy’s Saturday night Monaghan Festival performance – and his ensuing nationwide tour which commences in September.

  And it was clear that the open-air country celebration that draws fans of the music from near and afar could not come around quickly enough for the pair.

  “I can’t wait to be part of the Monaghan Country Festival buzz again this year,” Jimmy stated.  “This has become one of the best events of the year on the country calendar and we always enjoy being on the bill.  The welcome and hospitality afforded us in Monaghan are second to none.”

  While Jimmy and the band are making their sixth festival appearance, 2019 will be Claudia’s debut but it was evident that she had already caught the bug.

  “Singing at the Festival for the first time is a really exciting experience for me and I am so looking forward to meeting everyone in Monaghan and being part of some great music,” she enthused.

  The Monaghan Town Country Music Festival is still a new festival, but with a popularity and following that similar events of greater vintage can only envy.  

Perhaps the secret of its success lies in the simplicity of its formula, encapsulated as “A weekend of country music and fun for all the family.”

  But a significant part of the success story is assuredly also the community nature of the occasion, which is founded on a voluntary effort coordinated by the local organising committee and contributed to by many civic-minded local citizens, businesses and public administrators. 

 And the fact that the proceeds of each Festival since its inception have gone to charities and good causes in the Monaghan area surely also helps to explain the enthusiasm and loyalty it has engendered in its annual panoply of patrons.

  So, what lies in store this year?

  The 2019 Festival edition opens on Thursday, July 18 with Gary Fitzpatrick getting proceedings underway at 7.30, followed at 9.30 by headliner Patrick Feeney. 

Gary Fitzpatrick became the toast of his native Donegal when he brought home the TG4 Glor Tire talent show title in 2018; the highly popular Patrick Feeney has one of the broadest repertoire of contemporary Irish country performers, with songs from Bruce Springsteen and Ed Sheeran and recastings of traditional folk favourites interspersed with more mainstream material.

  White Lightning get the Festival Friday off to a rousing start at 7.30 pm, and the popular band will be followed on stage at 9.30 pm by Mike Denver, past Entertainer of the Year award-winner.

  There is a free afternoon of entertainment at the open-air Diamond stage on Saturday afternoon, with Alex Roe inaugurating proceedings at 3 pm – the crowd will surely be clamouring for the Offaly man to perform his big hit from last year “Summer Time” – and hoping that the weekend weather will be equally in tune!  

Gary Fitzpatrick returns to the Festival stage on Saturday at 4 pm to supply the soundtrack for the junior jiving competition in which contestants will vie to take home the Liam Stirrat Memorial Cup, named in memory of one of the Festival’s founding fathers.  

Gates open for the Saturday evening festival programme at 7.30 pm, an encore from Alex Roe being followed at 9.30 by the aforementioned Jimmy Buckley and his band, with Claudia Buckley’s duets with her father set to be one of the weekend’s highlights.

  Sunday sees another free afternoon of country heaven, performances from Friends (4 pm) and Jim Devine (5 pm) preluding what for many is the Festival centrepiece – the senior jiving competition. The event has a performance standard that never fails to enthral the crowds, who cannot help emulating what they witness on the bespoke dance floor as couples from across the land seek to win the Willie McKenna Memorial Cup, a trophy paying tribute to the late great Monaghan community man who was also one of the Festival’s formative visionaries.

Monaghan Town Country Music Festival.

The curtain will be brought down on Festival 2019 with the 8.30 pm performance of Michael English, a seasoned festival favourite and someone who has occupied a special place in the hearts of fans of the genre since he wowed the nation with a performance on the Late Late Show at the tender age of 11.  Michael’s vibrant live set invariably encourages his audiences to enact the imperative in the title of his 2015 album “Dance All Night”.

Oliver Ferris and Niamh Doyle dancing in the Willie McKenna Senior Jiving competition.

  Tickets for the Festival are on offer at €10 per person per night, while €35 gets you a weekend ticket for all four nights.  There are concessions for under 12s accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased at the Westenra Arms Hotel, The Diamond, Monaghan or through the Festival website, but patrons can also pay at the gates on the night.

  To enhance the family-friendly atmosphere, Cullen’s Fun Fair will be in town all over the weekend.

  Entry forms for both the junior and senior jiving competitions can be downloaded from the Festival website, and entries will also be taken on the day an hour before the events.  The senior jiving competition is being sponsored by Seamus McKenna Car Sales, Emyvale.

  A very well attended training session for festival stewards was held in the Westenra Hotel on Wednesday evening.  But more additions to the ranks of voluntary stewards would be welcomed by the organisers – anyone available and interested should contact the organising committee secretary on 087 – 1479189.

  “Get your dancing shoes ready!” was the message from Festival Secretary Julie Brannigan in the aftermath of Sunday’s launch event

  “The Festival is many things to many people,” she reflected, “but for a sizeable number of the thousands who flock to Monaghan from throughout the country and abroad for the four days of entertainment, the jiving competitions seem to supply the heart and soul of the event.  This year’s music programme is particularly conducive to dancing, and I am sure we will see some great examples of jiving not just on the competition stage but in the crowd as well.”

  Julie pointed out that the Festival had become such an established part of the summer calendar that many Monaghan people in the USA and other parts of the world now planned their annual holiday at home to coincide with it.

  “It brings friends together who might not have seen each other for years,” she said.  “It is the people who come who create the convivial atmosphere that everyone always talks about long after the memories of the musical highlights might have faded.  It is always a special weekend, and the organisers have worked extremely hard over the past 12 months to try to ensure that the 2019 event is the most successful and memorable yet.  What distinguishes the Monaghan Festival is that it is both a community and a charity event, and I think these facets are largely responsible for the popularity and loyalty which these four days of family-oriented fun inspire among their many patrons.”

  The Secretary voiced the organisers’ gratitude for the co-operation and patience of town centre business premises during the setting up of the now iconic Festival stage and dancing area and over the four days of the event itself.

  And so the stage is now metaphorically – and will soon be literally – set for one of the biggest summer weekends of entertainment that Co Monaghan has to offer.  Julie’s right – it’s time to get out those dancing shoes!

If music and craic is your thing then the Muckish Music Fest is the place for you to be.

The festival takes place in McCarry’s Bar in Drumaneany, Kildarragh on August 9th to 11th and it promises to be a weekend to remember this summer.

Each day will be packed with something for everyone including the kids.

While parents can kick back and enjoy the best of music, there’ll be a kids’ disco and even a bouncy castle over the weekend.

From Cliona Hagan to Kewltic Kaos and the David Craig Band, the list of music goes on and on.

And a massibe marquee means that there’ll be plenty of room for everyone to relax in comfort and dance the nights away.

In fact, there’s so much on it’s difficult to decide when you can have a rest!

The following is the full list of what’s happening so you can pick and choose.

See you in Kildarragh for the Muckish Music Fest!

Friday 9th of August

7:30pm to 9:00pm – Ailish McBride

9:30pm to 11:00pm – Cliona Hagan

11:30pm – Live DJ til late

Saturday 10th of August

2:00pm – Kids Bouncy Castles

5:00pm to 6:30pm – Kids Disco in the Marquee

7:30 to 9:00pm – Last Orders

9:30pm to 11:00pm – Keltic Kaos

11:30pm – Live DJ til late

Sunday 11th of August – Sunday is our charity day in aid of Little Angels School Letterkenny

2:00pm – Charity Vintage Vehicle Run – Use any vintage vehicle and come and join us to raise money for a good cause Just €5 entry

5:00pm – Charity Auction Event – Something for everyone at this auction. Enjoy the fun

7:30pm to 9:00pm – Martin Cuffe & the off the Kuff Band

9:30pm to 11:00pm – The David Craig Band

Donegal had many proud moments in the popular Rose of Tralee competition this year.

Chloe Kennedy was an inspiration to many as the beautiful Donegal Rose, while Ardara’s Theresa Stanley, the mother of Boston Rose Tanya Stanley, gained great recognition for her fundraising work.

Many cries of ‘Up Donegal’ filled the Dome during Tuesday’s live selection night.

But one photo emerged on the televised final that had a bit more Donegal ‘craic’ than anyone expected.

Viewers were encouraged to send in their photos as they watched programme and cheered on their Roses on social media. Some photos were selected and shown on the screen.

A lot was shown from the home of these Donegal lads, Conor, Ciaran and David:

They simply said that they were watching the show with an Irish dancing trophy, which was won by their friend Gerard. However, eagle-eyed viewers spotted a ‘badass’ making a surprise appearance in the reflection behind.

Presenter Will Leahy, who was looking after the social media features, saw the fun of the unexpected mooner and tweeted:

Well done to these lads

After their picture was on telly eagle eyed viewers spotted the mooner – Top left corner #RoseofTralee pic.twitter.com/pwN7ZiBhM7

— Will Leahy (@willleahy) August 27, 2019

Hector Ó hEochagáin also thought the ‘hole’ thing was very funny:

Well done lads … a piece of art … https://t.co/odU1pnoJtw

— Hector (@hectorirl) August 27, 2019

A new thriller series set in Donegal and written by Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee was unveiled today ahead of the new season on Virgin Media TV.

The Deceived is going to be a dark departure from McGee’s comedy writing in the hit Channel4 series Derry Girls. She developed the show along with her husband, Tobias Beer.

The drama centres on a young Cambridge student whose affair with her Irish lecturer, a married man, leads to a shocking death.

In a compelling, sinister narrative of lust, manipulation and betrayal, the student finds herself trapped in a world where she can no longer trust her own mind.

Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee pens her first television thriller in The Decieved. A story of lies, jealousy, murder and betrayal… #VMTVupfronts pic.twitter.com/aDIMGBSLOn

— Virgin Media One (@VirginMedia_One) August 28, 2019

The suspenseful thriller will have some great characters in Donegal, where the death takes place, teased Lisa.

But no release date has been announced just yet for The Deceived. Viewers will have to wait until autumn and stay tuned to Virgin Media TV for more.

DJ Ois Bosh from Muff has a massive weekend ahead as he makes his debut at Ireland’s biggest music festival – Electric Picnic.

Oisin McLaughlin, who turned 18 last week, is performing alongside Junk Kouture students on both the Little Picnic & Trailer Park stages this Sunday in Stradbally.

‘The Bosh’ will be on music duties when past Junk Kouture students from Laois take to the stage and wow the crowds with a mini catwalk show.

DJ Ois Bosh has already played a number of music festivals across the country this year including Kaleidoscope Festival in Co. Wicklow and OTB in Buncrana.

This weekend is set to be another amazing experience for the young, talented deck spinner. 

Ois said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be playing at the Junk Kouture showcase, adding: “We are ripping up a storm at the sold-out Electric Picnic 2019 in Stradbally this Sunday so it will be great fun for myself and the talented students!!” 

Fans can catch Ois for an epic DJ set on the Little Picnic stage on Sunday afternoon from 2pm followed by a performance at the Trailer Park stage that evening. 

“So if you’re out and about at EP this Sunday, make sure to stop by for a great mix of recycled fashion, colour and music.”

Another familiar Inishowen man will feature on the EP line-up this weekend – but the only singing he’ll be doing is singing the praise of the Donegal food scene!

Chef Brian McDermott of the Foyle Hotel in Moville is hosting a ‘Taste Donegal’ showcase in the Theatre of Food on Saturday 31st. He’ll be cooking up a storm and championing delicious Donegal food during the tasty demonstration.

Foyle Hotel, Moville Chef Brian McDermott

A team of actors – and characters – from Donegal will play a central part in the dramatic return of the Ros na Rún soap opera on TG4.

Season 23 ended with many questions about the future of the Daly family from Donegal as they were caught up in a distressing story about gaslighting and coercive control.

Season 24, which begins on Tuesday 3rd of September, will hopefully ease viewers’ worries as they eagerly await the fate of the Daly sisters and Mack.

Donegal’s Daly family consists of Rann na Feirste, Gaoth Dobhair and Gort an Choirce actors Niall Mac Eamharcaigh (John Joe), Brídín Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh (Katy), Máirín De Buitléir (Dee) and Máire Uí Rabhartaigh (Noreen).

Ros na Rún’s Donegal Daly family

There has been much anguish between sisters Dee and Katy and their poor father John Joe.

After a revenge plot led by Dee, Katy will have to convince her distraught father she’s not insane and it is her sister Dee who is coercively controlling her.

The Daly family are ultimately being torn apart, as a forlorn John Joe becomes more distraught at his daughters’ situation.

Viewers will eagerly watch for Dee’s husband Mack’s reaction and moves this season too.

This season of the show will continue to delve into the reality of life in rural Ireland and never shying from the challenges of society. Love, romance, anger, dirty deals, revenge will all form a key role this season with laughter, comedy and much irony at the essence of the storylines.

Season 24 at Ros na Rún welcomes new series producer Marion Ní Loingsigh to the helm of the successful Irish language and rural based soap opera.

“I’m delighted to be back on set at Ros na Rún after a departure with other Irish TV Productions,” says Ní Loingsigh, “Ros na Rún is the biggest Independent TV Production outside of Dublin with an excellent cast and crew, all of the latest technology in TV production and robust and honest storylines so I’m thrilled to have this opportunity.”

Looking forward to a strong season ahead, she said: “we’ll welcome many new characters this season and engage in highly emotive and challenging storylines which will certainly excite our core audience both at home and abroad”.

Ros na Rún returns to TG4 on Tuesday 3rd of September at 8.30 PM and Thursday 5th for the Autumn and Winter season with an omnibus on Sundays at 7.30 PM except on Sunday Ist September when it’s broadcast at 6.10pm

Some familiar faces will be on our TV screens tonight as Turas Bóthair returns for a new series on TG4.

The fly-on-the-dashboard driving programme follows people as they talk in their cars.

And five Donegal characters have shared their journeys with the cameras.

In the programme, we’ll see country music fans Michael Mulhern and John Cannain from Falcarragh, taxi driver Grace Bonner, and passengers Danny Rua Ó Dhomhnaill and Kathleen Sweeney, both from Gweedore.

Michael Mulhern and John Cannain from Falcarragh.

Grace Bonner and Danny Rua Ó Dhomhnaill from Gweedore.

Turas Bóthair airs tonight (Thursday 5th September) at 8pm on TG4.

The reality show allows viewers to eavesdrop on real conversations as they happen in cars.

Expect moments of joy and sadness, comedy and tragedy, love and loss, friendship and romance, despair and hope as drivers and passengers share their personal stories and views. 

In the first episode, people will be sharing their differing views on the benefits of cannabis oil, chat about hipsters, dementia, transgender rights and conspiracy theories.

Two telly-loving sisters from Donegal will be introduced as the newest characters of Gogglebox Ireland when the series returns to Virgin Media One this Wednesday.

B&B owner Barbara Frost and retired social worker Janet Given have allowed cameras into their living room in Ardara to film their reactions to the week’s top TV shows.

The chatty duo will be Donegal’s first-ever family on the entertaining reality programme.

When Barbara isn’t busy running her own B&B at Auntie B’s, she’s around in her sister Janet’s house for a cuppa and a few hours of watching whatever’s on the box.

Janet is driven demented by Barbara’s compulsive cleaning, but Barbara insists that she needs to keep things spick and span for her own guests, so Janet should do the same. Although it’s all quickly forgotten when there’s a bit of music on in their local, where the ladies aren’t shy about getting involved in a good session.

Barbara is an avid rugby fan, admittedly, she says it’s to get a good look at the player’s legs. Meanwhile, Janet loves all things Irish on the telly and can’t resist a bit of Nationwide. Their ultimate night in is in front of a classic Hollywood flick!

Viewers can tune into Virgin Media One this Wednesday 11th September at 9pm to see Barbara and Janet’s debut.

THIS SATURDAY, September 14, from 12 noon, Full Tilt Studios is celebrating 10 years in Business with an Open Day – and all are welcome. 

It’s the perfect opportunity to call to the studio say hello and have a look at the newly renovated facilities. There will be music and Live acts performing throughout the day which will be streamed Live through the Full Tilt Studios Facebook page.

This will include performances from Deirdre McLaughlin, Joseph Gibson (Sailor Bill) and also one of the most talked about Artists in Donegal at the moment Michael Maloney, who will be doing a live performance of his single ‘What Do You Want To Know’.

Later in the evening there will be a Live stream featuring some of the DJs and Producers from Full Tilt and Full Tec recordings including Darren McMenamin Whoriskey, CMCK, Belmar & MAC-D.

If it’s freebies your after, there is a competition running all week on the Full Tilt Studios Facebook page with the top prize of a place on one of the courses run at the facility.

Second prize is a day’s recording and production with in house engineer & producer Tommy Conway and third prize a voucher for a vocal booth package.

Comment on the video on the page to enter its that easy.

Check out Full Tilt Studios Facebook page for more information. http://www.facebook.com/fulltiltstudios

Light refreshments served throughout the day.

Call, say hello and check out the facilities!

Chef Ciaran Sweeney will be going back to his roots to celebrate Donegal food in his appearance on RTE’s popular new food series, Beyond the Menu, this Monday.

Sweeney, from Downings, is an award-winning chef and keen promoter and developer of Irish cuisine.

As Head Chef of Forest & Marcy in Dublin, he is one of Ireland’s exciting food champions.

And he will be bringing his enthusiasm for food and Donegal produce to our TV screens on Monday 30th September for his feature on Beyond the Menu on RTE One at 7.30pm.

Chef Ciaran Sweeney from Downings

The food series is hosted by Chef Mark Moriarty, who steps into some of Ireland’s most exciting kitchens to meet the young chefs at the helm.

This week Mark will travel to North Donegal with his former mentor and colleague Ciaran Sweeney to visit Breac House, a stunning modern retreat outside Dunfanaghy. There, they will celebrate some of the best local producers around during their special pop-up evening.

Breac.House in Dunfanaghy

The programme will also explore the positives and negatives of Ciaran’s life in Dublin and the great changes that have happened since he became a father two years ago.

Having worked in some of the best restaurants in Ireland and the UK, Ciaran is looking to the future and the next step. The episode will find out how Ciaran wants to head home to Donegal to live the simple life and set up his own restaurant.

The programme is set to provide a unique insight into Ciaran’s life as a young chef, and there will be plenty of Donegal interest as cameras go inside the amazing Breac House kitchen.

Watch Beyond the Menu at 7.30pm on RTE One, Monday 30th September.

Letterkenny singer Sinead Black has been announced as one of this year’s hopefuls in TG4’s hit county music contest – Glór Tíre.

Sinead (27) is well-known in the local country and wedding scene, but now the national stage awaits as she enters an exciting singing battle.

Glór Tíre is a popular country music talent show which puts six up and coming talents head-to-head to sing in televised concerts. Contestants perform under the mentorship of some of Ireland’s biggest country music stars and Sinead has been paired up with Monaghan’s Ciarán Rosney for her competition journey.

Speaking to DonegalWoman.ie, Sinead said she can’t wait to get on the stage.

“I’m just delighted to be a finalist and to get this opportunity to reach new audiences and get into a different performance side of music,” Sinead said.

The first concerts will be recorded next week at The Quays in Galway, but Sinead’s supporters will have to wait until the New Year before they can see her on television and start the voting process.

This is Sinead’s first time singing on television, but the nerves are not a problem, as she has been singing since she was three years old and is an experienced performer – often appearing alongside her dad Alex Black over the years.

“I’m not one bit nervous. I’m just excited to get stuck in, get dressed up and get performing with the band,” Sinead said.

Sinead, who recently graduated in Business and IT, will be spending the next few weeks recording the series, being in the TG4 studios and travelling around Ireland with Ciaran Rosney.

Glór Tíre is set to bring a great boost to Sinead’s career, while she continues to be in demand for wedding singing.

“It’s always been my goal to get on Glór Tíre for the experience, to meet new people and get into the country music network.”

More weddings, concerts and guest appearances are all in Sinead’s sights, while the campaign for Glór Tíre glory will begin in earnest in 2020.

Mary’s Meals Donegal Support Group are hosting two special events this weekend to begin their 10th anniversary celebrations.

To start, a thanksgiving mass will be held tonight (Friday) in St Eunan’s Cathedral at 8.15pm and there will be a cup of tea afterwards in the conference room.

On Sunday night there will be a Variety Concert in the Mount Errigal Hotel and there is a fantastic lineup who have volunteered their time to raise funds for this great cause.

Those taking part are Sinead Black, Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Orchestra, Letterkenny Gaels Scor Youth Group, Alison Quigley School of Dancing, Letterkenny Musical Society and members of Arcannadh Band and Marie O’Donnell. All fantastic acts.

Tickets are €10 and can be bought in a number of outlets including Veritas Bookshop, Clarks Newsagents and McFaddens upper main Street and a number of other outlets. You can also pay at the door on the night. There will also be great prizes to be raffled on the night.

Mary’s Meals are now feeding 1,504, 471 children every school day in a place of education. It only costs €15.60 to feed a child for a full school year. Marys Meals guarantees that 93 cent in every euro raised goes directly to the feeding programme and that only 7 cent per euro is spent on goverance.

A new TV series is about to be filmed in Donegal to help local men who are unlucky in love.

The BBC show stars three former Mary from Dungloe contestants who are on the hunt for single men in the hope of helping them find a partner.

Courtney Boyle from Dungloe, Rosie Mc Nally from Belfast and Caoimhe Breathnach from Gaoth Dobhair are the Gael Marys who will star in the series.

The Irish-language programme will follow the trio as they meet bachelors who want to get back on the dating scene. The young women will offer their advice to ensure the men are ready to woo a love interest.

DoubleBand Films, who are behind the show, are calling out for men who want to avail of the service of Na Gael Marys to help them overcome personal obstacles like shyness or baggage from previous relationships.

Do you need advice on how to craft an effective dating profile that will get responses, how to talk to a potential love interest over text or in person, what to wear on a date or how to sustain a relationship? Na Gael Marys want to help you.

Assessing personality, style, habits and grooming, the Gael Marys will get to work to come up with personalised practical advice and style or hair makeovers to increase confidence and help would-be Casanovas attract their soulmates. 

The series doesn’t yet have an air date, but it promises to be a fun and warm show that will help men, young and old, to solve the issues they feel might be holding them back from finding love.

If you are interested in appearing on the series, or would like more information, contact Órfhlaith at DoubleBand Films on info@doublebandfilms.com, or call 0044 2890 243331.

Donegal’s Margo O’Donnell has been honoured by the people of Tipperary for her 55 years of contributions to Irish Country Music.

The Queen of Country Music enjoyed many proud moments on Wednesday as she was invited to a mayoral reception with Tipperary County Council.

Mayor of Clonmel Garret Ahearn bestowed the honour on Margo in the presence of her friends, fans and other Irish Country stars Trudi Lalor and Brendan Shine.

After 55 years in show businesses, the singer knows how to enthral a room and she sang the Ballad of James Connolly in the Clonmel Town Hall – the same building where Connolly founded the Labour Party in 1912.

The reception was held before the final concert of Margo’s tour, which took place at Clonmel Park Hotel.

The long-awaited 2019 series of Opry le Daniel, hosted by Donegal and international singing star Daniel O’Donnell, will begin for a tenth series this week with a very special first-time guest.

The popular country music concerts are back on TG4 on Tuesday 5th November at 9:30pm.

The show, which is recorded at the Millennium Forum, Derry comprises the best of Irish and American artists.

For the opening episode, Daniel will be tuning in with one of the most popular and best-loved entertainer ever to grace the dance halls and cabaret venues of Ireland, the Voice of Romance, the one and only Roly Daniels.

Roly Daniels – Opry le Daniel

Making his first ever appearance on Opry le Daniel, Roly is the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from Irish World newspapers, has recorded such hits as “Hello Darling”, the “Fighting Side Of Me”, “Sunny Tennessee”, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and “Mr. Jones”.

Having initially performed with the Memphis and Nevada Showbands in Ireland, Daniels remains one of the top international country and western music performers in Nashville, Tennessee and, on returning to Derry, the ‘City of Music’, looked forward to this night of nostalgia and hoped to see all those who followed him during the dancehall days from The Lilac, Carndonagh, The Fiesta, Letterkenny, The Stardust, Derry, The Golden Slipper, Magilligan, Borderland, Muff and many other venues in the North-West and Donegal, and also to welcome his new-found generation of country music followers.

Regular followers of Opry le Daniel will have much to look forward to in this series with the appearances of Jimmy & Claudia Buckley, Louise Morrissey, Paddy O Brien, Frank Mc Caffrey, Mary Duff, Cliona Hagan, Patrick Feeney, Michael English and Chloë Agnew.

Special edition concerts include Nashville Country with a special guest appearance of Ashley Campbell, daughter of the late, great Glen Campbell accompanied by stars of the Nashville stage and recording studios Max T Barnes, Catherine Mc Grath and ’I Draw Slow’.

One of the most popular concerts on ‘Opry’ is the ‘Showband Show’ and this year is no exception with the biggest and best performers of that era including Dickie Rock, Red Hurley, Gina, the irrepressible Paddy Cole and not forgetting this year’s Christmas Eve special with the Queen of Irish Country Music, MARGO, celebrating her 55yrs in entertainment.

The programmes are also available to view on the TG4 player worldwide.