A special concert will be held this month in support of a project led by the Fahan Heritage Group.
Ciaran Tourish, Dermot Byrne and Kevin Doherty, plus support, will be taking to the stage for a great night of music on Saturday 16th November at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel Buncrana.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Save St Mura’s Cross Fahan project, which is dedicated to the conservation of the site of St Mura’s early Christian monastery, particularly the 7th century cross.
Tickets are out now for the concert and priced at €20 per person.
Date: 16th November 2019
Venue: Inishowen Gateway Hotel
Doors open: 8pm
Concert starts: 8.30pm
Tickets on sale from Mac’s Newsagents, The Cottage Bar, Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Bradley’s Shop and Railway Tavern in Fahan, Belmont Pharmacy – Culmore Road Derry and Donegal News Office – High Road Letterkenny.
Fundraising concert to be held in aid of Save St Mura’s Cross Fahan was last modified: November 4th, 2019 by Rachel McLaughlin
A Donegal woman is planning a big refurbishing job on her new home after winning a cool €26,000 on Winning Streak last Saturday.
Louise Kelly from Pettigo was delighted with her haul of €26,000 in cash won on the RTE gameshow.
Her Winning Streak luck could barely have come at a better time as Louise has just bought a house in Pettigo.
Louise describes it as a fixer-upper which needs a bit of work but her winnings from the show means that she can start the work earlier and therefore move in a lot earlier than originally planned.
Marty Whelan, Winning Streak co-host; Louise Kelly the winning player; Declan Murray, National Lottery; Liz Forde, National Lottery ticket selling agent, Gallagher’s Post Office, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal and Sinead Kennedy, Winning Streak co-host. Pic. Robbie Reynolds / Mac Innes Photography.
Being selected for the National Lottery show came as a big surprise to Louise. She was busy at home two Saturday evenings ago when her phone beeped a few times. When she eventually got the chance to check her messages she was taken aback that they were all congratulations messages. It didn’t really make sense to Louise until she opened a video message where Winning Streak Presenters Marty and Sinead called her name out. Then it hit her – she had completely forgotten that she had sent her Winning Streak scratch card with three stars on it into the National Lottery a few days before.
Louise bought her lucky ticket in Gallagher’s Post Office, Pettigo.
After the news sank in and her phone stopped ringing she sat down with her parents and began planning their trip to Dublin for the following weekend!
Louise works as a caretaker in her local health centre and had been saving for her new house. The sale completed just a few weeks ago. She was planning on working on the house over the next few months but a handy Winning Streak cash injection may mean that she can start the work earlier and therefore move in a lot earlier than planned.
Louise was supported in the RTÉ audience by her parents, Willie and Bernie, and her brothers Kevin and Donal. She was also cheered on by a few close friends.
Lucky Louise wins €26,000 on Winning Streak! was last modified: November 6th, 2019 by Rachel McLaughlin
The cameras have started rolling on a new thriller series set in Donegal and written by Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee and her actor-writer husband Tobias Beer.
The four-part drama, called ‘The Deceived‘, will be set in both Donegal and in Cambridge.
It was confirmed today that New Pictures (producers of The Missing and Catherine The Great) have started filming in Belfast ahead of a 2020 air date.
The story will be far from the witty comedy episodes of Lisa McGee’s Derry Girls, which was a record-breaking hit on Channel4.
The Deceived has been described as a compelling, sinister narrative of lust, manipulation and betrayal. The central character in The Deceivedis student Ophelia (Emily Reid – Curfew), who falls in love with her timelessly attractive and charismatic, but married college lecturer, Dr Michael Callaghan played by Irish actor Emmet J Scanlan,(Krypton, Peaky Blinders, The Fall,).
When their affair results in a shocking and tragic death, Ophelia 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… #VMTVupfrontspic.twitter.com/aDIMGBSLOn
The suspenseful thriller will have some great characters in Donegal, Lisa has said.
Catherine Walker (Shetland, Versailles) plays Dr Callaghan’s wife Roisin, a successful, award-winning fiction writer; Eleanor Methven (Little Women) plays Roisin’s devoted and sometimes overbearing mother Mary Mulvery;Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls) is Michael’s father Hugh fighting the oncoming tide of dementia; Shelley Conn (Liar) plays Roisin’s best friend Ruth, intelligent and loyal, and Dempsey Bovell (Patrick Melrose) is Michael’s confidante and biggest admirer, Matthew.
The Deceived will air onVirgin Media One and Channel 5 in 2020.
Filming begins for new Donegal-based crime series was last modified: November 18th, 2019 by Rachel McLaughlin
Legendary balladeers The Wolfe Tones are on their way back to Donegal for a highly-anticipated show in the Mount Errigal Hotel Letterkenny.
The band has announced a Christmas gig in the Mount Errigal on Monday 30th December 2019 and tickets are already in demand.
After 56 years on the road, the performance of arguably Ireland’s greatest ballad singer, Tommy Byrne, will once again be a memorable experience – Joe McDonnell, Kevin Barry, The Ballad of James Connolly, Grace, Streets of New York, as well as many other ballads, will provide a not to be missed Wolfe Tones experience.
The ticket pre-sale opens on Eventbrite this Friday 22nd November at 9am. A limited number of tickets are available in the pre-sale, with prices discounted to £22 – €25. Click here to visit the Eventbrite page.
General sale opens on Saturday 23rd November at 9am. Tickets are £26 – €29.50 and available from the Mount Errigal Hotel reception, Ticketmaster.ie and Eventbrite.
The Wolfe Tones have entered an unprecedented 56 years on the road. Starting off in Dublin in 1963, the group continue to tour and pack venues across the World.
Emerging from the ballad boom of the early 1960’s, The Wolfe Tones started out on a career which has taken them to the heights of not just Irish, but international entertainment. They’ve received numerous international honours, including the freedom of both New York and Los Angeles, as well as the City of Philadelphia’s greatest honour, The Liberty Bell.
The Wolfe Tones have in their ranks arguably Ireland’s most prolific song writer and composer of his generation, Brian Warfield. Brian has written songs that have become standards with Irish groups across the World, his ballads are sung from concerts to sports stadiums across the globe.
From Celtic Symphony to Rock On Rockall, join the Wolfe tones for a Christmas concert in the Mount Errigal Hotel Letterkenny on Monday 30th December
The Wolfe Tones are iconic, they have been the soundtrack to generations of Irish across the World for the last 56 years. Their journey continues, Brian Warfield, Noel Nagle and Tommy Byrne make up The Wolfe Tones, and they remain a ‘must see’ Irish group.
One thing is for sure, The Wolfe Tones will once again make the rafters ring in their own inimitable style. Wolfe Tones’ shows sell out, as always, early booking is advised to experience a night to remember in the company of true legends of Irish music.
Ticket Pre-sale: On Eventbrite this Friday 22nd November at 9pm. A limited number of tickets are available in the pre-sale, with prices discounted to £22 – €25. Click here to visit the Eventbrite page.
General Sale: Opens on Saturday 23rd November at 9am. Tickets are £26 – €29.50 and available from the Mount Errigal Hotel reception, Ticketmaster.ie and Eventbrite.
The legendary Wolfe Tones are back for Donegal gig was last modified: November 19th, 2019 by Staff Writer
A young Rathmullan boy has bagged the opportunity of a lifetime when he appears on RTE’s Late Late Toy Show this Friday night in front of a television audience of 1.3 million viewers.
At the tender age just 7, Finlay Sheridan plans to grab the opportunity with both hands.
Report by Dionne Meehan
Finlay made his debut playing with dad Daniel and brother Evan in their band ‘My Generation’, at Rathmullan’s Community Festival during the summer.
Just days after he amazed the crowds at the festival, the band were asked to play on BBC Radio Foyle’s Mark Patterson show.
Finlay was the first-ever drummer to play in their brand-new studio.
After Finlay’s performance went viral, mum Rachel decided to send a video of him practising the drums at their home into the Toy Show.
Finlay with his dad Daniel and little brother, also named Daniel.
His delighted mum Rachel told Donegal Daily “On October 23, we travelled to Donnybrook to the RTE Studios, where he auditioned for the Toy Show.”
“RTE contacted us a week and a half later to tell us he got through.”
Over 5,000 acts apply each year so Finlay was up against thousands of other talented children from all over Ireland.
Only 2% of those that apply, get through to the auditions.
For Finlay to make it to the live show is an outstanding achievement.
However, Finlay’s mum Rachel said you couldn’t excite him.
“Finlay’s not nervous at all, he’s as cool as a cucumber and taking it all in his stride,” she said.
Finlay grew up with music all around him as he is part of a talented family of musicians.
His big brother Evan has been playing the bass guitar since he was 8 years old and started playing in the band with his dad Daniel when he was 13.
Finlay and his family will travel to Dublin on Wednesday as there are rehearsals on Thursday ahead of the main event on Friday night.
The Late Late Toy Show airs on RTE 1 on Friday November 29 at 9:35pm.
Finlay to drum up lots of fans on Late Late Toy Show! was last modified: November 26th, 2019 by Staff Writer
Superstar singer Lewis Capaldi has revealed that he has close family ties to Donegal.
The 23-year-old chart topper may be a proud Scotsman, but his Irish links are also strong.
And he puts his pale skin down to his Donegal heritage.
Capaldi told Today FM’s Ian Dempsey that his mother’s side of the family is from Donegal.
The ‘Someone You Loved’ singer said his mother’s grandmother, or great grandmother, moved over to Scotland years ago, while his dad’s great-great-grandfather came from Italy and started an ice-cream business.
A regular joker, Capaldi had some funny ideas of how his parents’ romance began.
“I haven’t heard the story of how my mum and dad met but I’m sure it goes something like: Irish people love ice-cream,” he said.
After learning the Irish word for ice-cream, he quipped: “My mum loved my dad’s uachtar reoite.”
Capaldi’s stardom has grown as quickly as his social media following this year, with millions of fans loving both his music and hilarious Instagram posts.
His new single ‘Before You Go’ went to number one last week to make Lewis the artist with the most number 1 singles of 2019 in Ireland. He will be returning to Ireland for two Dublin shows in March 2020.
Lewis Capaldi reveals his Donegal roots was last modified: December 10th, 2019 by Rachel McLaughlin
A young Donegal woman is about to let cameras film her blind date in the new series of First Dates Ireland this week.
Ashley Pye (25) from Killygordan is one of the first singletons to appear on the RTE dating show in 2020.
She will be bravely allowing the nation to eavesdrop on her dinner date with Eric (24), who is an animation student from Limerick.
The programme, which airs on Thursday, will see Eric worrying that his stammer might ruin his date. But, according to a preview from RTE, it seems romance knows no such impediment.
The First Date diners will be back in the restaurant under the watchful eye of Maitre’D Mateo, master-mixologist Ethan – ably assisted by Alice, Pete and Libby.
This week will also have a first for the restaurant, with twin double daters Mary and Martina (45) from Limerick.
With everyone in the restaurant on a blind date, nerves are always running high, but Ashley will have Donegal cheering her on as she takes the risk for romance.
Watch First Dates Ireland on RTE Two, Thursday 9th January, 9.30pm.
Will Cupid’s arrow strike for Ashley on First Dates Ireland? was last modified: January 7th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
Buncrana beauty queen Grainne Gallanagh came out with a ‘bang bang’ as she performed her first dance on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars.
The former Miss Universe Ireland took on the tango last night, impressing with her sizzling moves to Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj.
Grainne and her partner Kai Widdrington earned a lot of praise from the judges and scored a total of 18 points to earn third place on girls night.
Judge Julian Benson commented: “Who would have thought – from Buncrana to the dancefloor. For week one, you gave it your all. Great co-ordination. You need to dig deep and bring your inner actress. You work as a very good partnership with Kai.”
Grainne Gallanagh
Loraine Barry said Grainne’s tango was ‘on point’, while Brian Redmond commented that Grainne’s dance wasn’t a bad start but it needed a little hint of spice: “That was soft, it was elegant, it was pretty – it’s everything I don’t want from a tango! I thought the frame was really, really good.”
Things will be really heating up for Grainne next Sunday in week three, when eliminations begin on Dancing with the Stars. Voting lines open during the programme every Sunday and you can vote by texting Grainne to 53125.
Grainne Gallanagh’s fiery tango earns praise on Dancing with the Stars was last modified: January 13th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
Donegal’s own dancing queen Grainne Gallanagh dreams of representing her county for as long as possible on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars.As the first elimination show looms, Buncrana native Grainne (25) is counting on her supporters at home to help her stay on the dancefloor and keep the feelgood buzz going at home.
Being Donegal’s first celebrity dancer gives her a unique advantage, Grainne says.
“Everyone at home is so supportive. It’s almost better being from a small town because everyone is so excited for you,” the former Miss Universe Ireland told Donegal Woman.
Grainne’s fanbase is so passionate in Buncrana that she even has a life-sized cutout outside O’Flaherty’s bar on Main Street.
O Flaherty’s Bar showing their support for Grainne in Buncrana
“I nearly died when I saw that,” Grainne laughs, but she is clearly enjoying the craic and the entertainment that the light-hearted show brings to viewers.
“I’m so delighted to be able to represent Donegal. The show is something that people can look forward to, it’s not like negative news we see all the time, it’s lovely and it’s a nice lift for everyone.”
The glitz, glamour and fun come alongside a lot of hard work on Grainne’s part. She faces back to back rehearsals in preparation for each Sunday show. This week, she’s taking on a fast-paced jive and will be aiming to put her best foot forward as the competition heats up. Grainne Gallanagh and her dance partner Kai Widdrington on Dancing With the Stars Ireland. Photo: RTE
It will be a weekend of mixed feelings on Dancing with the Stars as one couple is sent home on Sunday.
“I don’t want to go home and I don’t want anyone else to go either,” Grainne said. “I’ll be sad about whoever goes home because we are quite a tight knit group.”
The celebrity line-up has already turned into a friend squad and Grainne says she is loving the “hype and buzz” of the group rehearsals.
Her professional dance partner Kai Widdrington is also keeping the craic going during the long rehearsal days, she says.
“Kai has been amazing. That’s a big part of it. It’s mad to see what you can do with the right training and the right partnership,” she said.
Grainne Gallanagh and her dance partner Kai Widdrington on Dancing With the Stars Ireland. Photo: RTE
Grainne earned high marks from the judges last week to take third place on girls night. As a novice dancer, she admits she was shocked to see how far she had come in just a few weeks.
“Watching the show back I was like – ‘is that me?’”, she said.
Dancing with the Stars is just one of the major achievements Grainne has had in recent years.
After winning being crowned Miss Universe Ireland in 2018, she went on to place in the Top 20 in the world finals and built up a modelling career that has taken her to walk in the world’s largest swimwear show in Miami.
Building confidence and chasing her modelling dreams has brought her a long way.
“You have to take every opportunity you’re given. You have to do it because if you don’t, you will look back and regret it,” she said.
Miss Universe Ireland Grainne Gallanagh
All the while, Grainne has been working as a women’s health nurse in London. Amidst all the glamour of TV and modelling, the LYIT graduate says she will never give up on her first career.
“I’ve been very lucky with the opportunities I’ve been given and I don’t take that for granted,” she says.
“People ask me all the time what’s next, but I’m never going to fully give up nursing. I worked too hard for that. To become a nurse and to know everything you do – it would be sad to give all that up.
“At the same time, being a nurse is flexible and allows me to do these things.”
Grainne will have an extra special supporter in the audience this weekend as her sister Jennifer comes home from Australia to cheer her on.
And the Buncrana girl is hoping that all of Donegal will get behind her and cast their votes when the lines open on Sunday evening.
She said: “Thanks so much to everyone for the support so far. I really appreciate anybody who has been voting and following my journey.
“I would love to stay in as long as I can and keep representing Donegal.
“Everyone has been so nice and hopefully they will keep rallying for me now.”
Why Grainne hopes to keep dancing for Donegal was last modified: January 20th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
Celebrity Chef Neven Maguire will reveal how Donegal is making waves in the seafood sector when he features the county on his RTE series this month.
The dining delights of Inishowen will be the focus of an episode of ‘Neven’s Irish Seafood Trails’ on RTE One on Wednesday 12th February.
The programme will see Neven travelling to Ballyliffin, Moville and Greencastle to meet well-known food ambassadors and producers. He’ll also make time for a little adventuring on scenic Lough Foyle.
World Chowder Champion Chef Kieran Duey Doherty of Nancy’s Barn in Ballyliffin will feature on the show to share his winning recipe with Neven.
Chef Neven Maguire with Chef Kieran Doherty – Nancy’s Barn
Neven’s next stop will be Greencastle, where he meets Hal Dawson, Ireland’s Master Fishmonger. Hal will give Neven some expert tips on fish filleting using locally caught fresh hake; from finding the right type of knife, to some simple and useful cuts.
Neven with Hal Dawson in Greencastle
At Moville, chef Brian McDermott, who runs the Foyle Hotel, will show Neven his recipe for locally sourced pan-fried John Dory with a green vegetable broth and bacon.
Chef Neven Maguire with Chef Brian McDermott – Foyle Hotel Moville
Staying in Moville, Neven will then head to Inish Adventures for a sea kayaking trip with instructor Adrian Harkin. This is his first attempt at sea kayaking, and after a slightly hair-raising capsize, Neven will paddle out into the beautiful waters of Lough Foyle.
There are sure to be a few familiar faces on this episode of Neven’s Irish Seafood Trails and viewers are set to learn some fascinating facts about Donegal seafood. Tune in to see the show on RTE One, Wednesday 12th February at 8.30pm
Donegal will be catch of the day on Neven Maguire’s seafood series was last modified: January 29th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
The producers of a new dating programme are hoping to cast Donegal singletons in their country-themed series.
The series, called ‘Love in the Countryside’, is being created by the makers of Gogglebox Ireland, Ireland’s Got Talent and Ireland’s Fittest Family. The broadcasting station is set to be announced at a later date.
For those living and working in the countryside, finding true love is often a difficult task due to their isolation from the urban dating pool.
The show producers are busy looking for singletons for all ages to take part in this brand new TV series that helps those married to small-town rural life find love, romance and companionship.
“We want to match some rural romantics up with potential dates, dates that are willing to swap their urban life for a more rural way,” said Leah Wallace, casting producer at Kite Entertainment.
“We’d love to hear from anyone who is committed to living in rural Ireland and finds looking for love extra tricky because they live in a remote part of the country and love options are thin on the ground.
“And, likewise, if you fancy the idea of some country air (and love) into your urban soul we’d love to hear from you too.
“We are looking for all ages to apply and whether you are looking to date men or woman we want to hear from you. Love is love!”
Interested in taking part? email: countrylove@kiteentertainment.com
Countryside dating show seeking singletons from rural Donegal was last modified: February 6th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
DANCING With The Stars contestant Grainne Gallanagh has spoken of her troll hell after getting sick messages off people telling her she’s too fat — and too skinny.
The model’s online abuse revelation comes after Love Island host Caroline Flack took her own life last week.
Speaking to the Irish Sun on Sunday, Grainne has told how she too has suffered sick taunts — in her case focusing on how she looks.
The 25-year-old said she has lost pounds while competing in the RTE show but stresses that her body mass index remains healthy.
She said: “I can’t help if people think I’m too overweight or underweight, it’s not anything to do with me, it’s someone else’s opinion.
“People have said I have lost weight doing Dancing With The Stars but I don’t see it, and I don’t monitor it.
“I just try eating as healthily because you need the energy for all the dancing.
“I am a normal weight. My BMI is always healthy so I’m happy.”
Grainne said she avoids Twitter due to the negativity, preferring to post pictures on her Instagram account instead.
However, Grainne still has to deal with the same negativity.
She explained: “When I post on Instagram, I sometimes get private messages commenting on my weight with people saying I’m too thin or too heavy. It’s never consistent.
“I get that if you are in the public eye you are going to get these sort of messages but I don’t understand why people feel the need to say this sort of stuff.
“These messages are never from anyone I know because if I go back and look, it’s always from a fake account you can’t trace.
The talented troupe behind Fergus Cleary’s hilarious comedy play the Island Wake is returning to the stage this week in aid of the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) charity and centre at Woodlands, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny.
Convoy native Fergus Cleary wrote The Island Wake in 2016 and has staged over 50 performances throughout the North West over the last three years. Fergus and the cast have now raised over €50,000 for charities and local community groups staging the play in almost 50 different venues across a number of counties in the Northwest.
This week’s show takes place in An Grianan Theatre on Thursday 27th February. Tickets are €15 and on sale at the box office in An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny. Tickets can be purchased online at www.angrianan.com or call (074) 912 0777 to book over the phone.
Fergus said: “The cast and I are delighted to put to be back in an Grianán for this very worthy charity.
“We staged a very successful performance in April last year and we hope that people will come out to help raise funds to support the great work being done by Acquired Brain Injury Donegal.”
The Island Wake
The Island Wake
The Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Centre is a residential rehabilitation centre that provides a community outreach service. The centre is based across from the Woodland NS just off the main Ramelton Road, Letterkenny Co. Donegal. A brain injury affects not only the person injured but the whole family.
Fergus continued: “We have been staging the play for over three years now we have thought about winding it up on a few occasions but if we can help raise money for a good cause, why not keep it going.”
It’s been the longest wake Fergus has ever been at!
“The cast have been a real pleasure to work and I appreciate the hard work and commitment they have shown over the last few years,” Fergus adds.
The Island Wake
Hilarious ‘Island Wake’ play returns for charity show was last modified: February 24th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
Donegal woman, Collette O’Donnell from O’Donnell School of Motoring, is making her big debut on RTE1 this Monday as she appears on the new tv show ‘The Test’.
The new series follows the highs and lows of driving test stories from all over Ireland.
Collette was contacted because of her success after being named Approved Driving Instructor of the Year in 2014.
The RSA asked her to take part in the show and without hesitation, she accepted the offer.
RTE then got in contact with Collette to do a short interview and to arrange dates to come and install cameras in her car.
The pressure was on for Collette’s student, Chloe Neely, when she was recorded during her lessons, the last lesson before her test and during her test!
“I was so nervous at the start because I didn’t know what to expect but after a lesson or two with the cameras in, it was grand!
“I never thought about the cameras after that or during my test.
“I was too busy concentrating on the road and passing my test that I just forgot about them.
“Overall, my experience was good and I’m glad I did it, being on tv is crazy! I never thought I’d get the opportunity to do it,” she said.
Collette said being on the show was a very good experience.
“I really enjoyed doing it.
“I tried to highlight stuff that would stick in young driver’s minds, to make them think when they’re out driving.
“I tried to get across the importance of sticking to the rules of the road,” she said.
By watching the show, we see what the driving test is like through the eyes of the learner, the instructor and the tester.
The Test is an entertaining and intriguing look at Ireland’s learner drivers and the people tasked with putting them through their paces before taking the big test and making sure they are competent enough to join the rest of our nation’s drivers.
Tune in to the show on RTE 1, Monday, March 9 at 7:30pm to see if Chloe passed her test!
Donegal woman makes her big debut on RTE 1’s ‘The Test’ was last modified: March 10th, 2020 by Dionne Meehan
Donegal’s Grainne Gallanagh is stepping ever closer to the Glitterball Trophy after surviving another round on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars Ireland.
The Buncrana beauty queen and nurse was a ‘Wonder Woman’ on the dance floor last night as she marked International Women’s Day with a superb samba.
Grainne and her dance partner Kai Widdrington secured their semi-final place with 22 points.
Nerves were at an all-time high after the duo finished in the bottom two last week. But the Miss Universe Ireland 2018 winner was back on form on Sunday to get into character for a fierce performance.
Writing on Instagram today, Grainne said: “I honestly have no words to thank everyone for the support this week. I think you could tell how nervous I was last night but I just can’t express how much I appreciate everyone rallying behind us. Also a huge thank you to Kai for being so patient even though I was an emotional wreck this week.
“Now back to rehearsals for us for SEMI FINAL WEEK.”
With the semi-final and grand final in sight, the importance of home support has never been higher.
Grainne’s fans have ramped up their campaign to get the public to vote for their ‘dancing queen’ every Sunday, and their motivation continues to grow as she progresses through the competition.
‘Wonder Woman’ Grainne through to semi-finals of Dancing with the Stars was last modified: March 9th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
Strange things may be happening in Letterkenny this week as the extraordinary Addams Family arrives for one week only.
The Letterkenny Musical Society presents the hit comedy play at An Grianan Theatre from Tuesday 10th – Saturday 14th March 2020.
Drawing influence from the iconic characters of TV, movies, and comics, the story centres around a family who are happy living a dark and macabre existence. But when they are forced to ‘act normal’ for one dinner party, nothing goes according to plan.
The Addams Family main cast . Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Whatever happens, audiences are in for a frighteningly good time. See the full review on DonegalWoman.ie and first-look picture special below.
The Addams Family is directed by Maria Rushe and produced by Noel O’Donnell, with Mark Bradley as Musical Director, choreography by Andrea Emmet and staging by Joan Gallagher.
Starring: Giles Murray, Sarah Terry-Sweeney, Mia Bradley, Eoin Callaghan, Donal Kavanagh, Eoin O’Donnell, Sean Bonner and Nicola Shields, Catriona Doherty and Chris Duddy.
Morticia and Gomez Addams, played by Sarah Terry-Sweeney and Giles Murray. Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
Wednesday Addams (Mia Bradley) and Lucas Beineke (Eoin Callaghan). Photo: Rachel McLaughlin
A Donegal theatre company has quickly adapted to the times to launch virtual casting for a new play.
The Letterkenny based Workhouse Theatre Company has announced a new production of Brian Friel’s multi-award-winning play ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come’.
But with social distancing guidelines and self-isolation, auditions and rehearsals have migrated to social media.
Actors who are looking for a new venture during the Covid-19 emergency are invited to apply for the open auditions this month.
The theatre company, established in 2009, have invited everyone, experienced and inexperienced, who is interested to get in touch.
“We think it is very important that people are kept busy, focused and motivated at the minute. Especially now as people find themselves unemployed, socially distancing or self-isolating. This is a once in a generational thing. New waters for us all. We are just trying to navigate things in a different way but in the same direction” said a spokesperson for Workhouse.
“We really hope that it will help a lot of people who are looking to be creative or who need a purpose. We will certainly be keeping those who are cast busy. We are inviting anyone who would like to have the chance to be a part of our production to send us a video of their audition. All rehearsals will be initially virtual. With one-to-one online tutorials with the director and each of the cast members. Then we will have collective cast video conversations and virtual rehearsals as the show starts to take form”.
Traditionally auditions and rehearsals would have meant cast members meeting up in a group setting but with current restrictions that look likely to be in place for a while, that isn’t going to be possible.
“We would hope that then closer to the time of production that there will be more flexibility in restrictions, that would allow some cast members meeting up, then eventually to allow the full cast to perform the play together. We have chosen a play that will allow for rehearsals to be divided up so that all cast members will not be needed initially at the same time. We currently don’t know how we will fund this production. We really don’t know. But we think it so important that we have work for people to focus on and an audience to look forward to seeing when all this passes. The theatre community has been totally blitzed by this – but we will find a way”.
“If we find that there are still strict rules in place preventing large gatherings when it comes to putting the play on, we will of course strictly adhere to them and look at other options, such as videoing the production or streaming it live for the public to watch. Obviously, things still might be in a state of flux, but we are going to stay flexible when it comes to how this show will be staged. We may have the think outside the box. However, the most important thing first is finding the right cast. We will then work hard, and, through whatever means possible, put on the best show we possibly can. Through invention and, most importantly, application.
“’Philadelphia, Here I Come’ is an obvious choice. There were no others seriously considered. It has a large cast which will allow us to give as many parts out as possible. It also shows the brilliance of the Donegal’s Brian Friel (arguably his best work) and we hope that through focus, hard-work and commitment it will showcase some of the fantastic actors (and creatives) we have here in Donegal. Great art can be born from times of hardship and we will aim to put on something special. That is our goal. It has to be”
Workhouse are looking for passionate and committed people who would have some fluidity when it comes to being part of this show and who will be living in Donegal in the Autumn, when the production is hoping to be staged. Each audition should be a selected monologue form and filmed.
For the monologue/speech you will need to prepare: please email info@workhouse.ie or message via the ‘Workhouse Theatre Company’ Facebook page. There will be one specific to each gender.
Cast members applying are asked to be over 15 year of age and have access to a web-cam or a mobile device (that has the same capabilities e.g. able to record and watch videos on). There is no age limit for auditionees, there are parts for all age groups and genders and the audition is open for everyone across Donegal and the North-West.
“We think now more than ever that people should try their best to keep active and, if they can, creative. We hope that this will provide a channel to allow those with an appetite for theatre or those who have always had the ambition to act, to do just that”
The production will be directed by Workhouse’s Iarla McGowan. All roles in the production will be voluntary, and profits will be donated to Covid 19 associated charity funds – the name of which will be decided on nearer the time of the show.
All entries are asked to be in by 5pm on Tuesday 31st March, 2020.
New Donegal play opens online casting for blitzed theatre sector was last modified: March 20th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar found himself highly entertained by a new Covid-19 themed comedy video by Killea-native Alice Diver.
The parody short, featuring an impersonation of the Taoiseach as he enforces the Covid-19 lockdown, has gone viral on social media and has been a huge hit on TikTok.
Watch: When you try leave the house during lockdown…
Amid the seriousness of the pandemic, Mr Varadkar took some time to share some lighter content on his Facebook and praised Alice’s work.
“This made me laugh,” An Taoiseach wrote.
While the video shows ‘Varadkar’ trying to prevent Alice from leaving her house, the Taoiseach thought he should clarify the social distancing guidelines for anyone who might take it too literally.
He also felt he should confirm the CGI.
“I can confirm that is not me in this video. Leaving the house for exercise is ok, as long as it is within 2km,” he wrote.
Alice, who is well known for her comedy sketches on Facebook, has been propelled to TikTok stardom with this topical short.
The video has already been watched over 138,000 times on the app and over 10,000 times on Facebook.
Watch: Donegal comic’s Covid TikTok is a hit with An Taoiseach was last modified: April 5th, 2020 by Rachel McLaughlin
Grainne Gallanagh and her dance partner Kai Widdrington on Dancing With the Stars Ireland. Photo: RTE
The pressure was on for Collette’s student, Chloe Neely, when she was recorded during her lessons, the last lesson before her test and during her test!
