Siulóid Leigheas raises over 30,000 for cancer support

There was great cause for celebration in West Kerry on Monday, April 6th, as Siulóid Leigheas committee members (pictured left) presented Julie Harris of the Irish Cancer Society with a cheque for €30,175 at Ionad Poiblí Scoil Naomh Breandán in Baile an bhFionnurach.The funds were raised through the annual Siuloid Leigheas - Walk for the Cure which is held on Mount Brandon every September which last year saw thousands converge on the mountain in aid of cancer research. The 2008 walk was dedicated to the memory of local lady Bernie O'Connor. Plans are already underway for the 2009 walk, which will take place on Saturday September 27th 2009. The following appointments were also made for the 2009 committee at the first official meeting of the year; Broadcaster Micheal O Muircheartaigh -President, Jaeici O Muircheartaigh -Chairperson / PRO, Mairin Nic Gearailt -Secretary, Dara O Cinneide and Lisa Ni Mhurchu -Treasurers, Tom Hutch, Conchubhair O Beaglaoi and Muiris O Conchuir - Social Organisers along with Tomas Mac Gearailt and Sean O Mhuircheartaigh -Logistics. "We hope that the 2009 walk will be the biggest and best to date" explained Chairperson Jaeici O Muircheartaigh, who is off to Slovenia this May to part-take in another sponsored walk in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. There was another first on the night as the newly renovated Ionad Poibli Scoil Naomh Breandan was also in use for the first time. The new community centre, funded by Roinn na Gaeltachta, is located within the old Scoil Naomh Breandan school house which was founded in 1895 and closed in 1967. It is hoped that the centre will provide a valuable asset to the local community. Over 100,000 was spent on the renovation however the integrity of the school house's bespoke stone work was preserved and maintained. For more updates on the 2009 walk visit www.cancer.ie.

Dingle has the Last Word!

A Dingle man got the better of Ireland’s best known solicitors live on the national airwaves last Friday as Sraid Eoin's Sean Granville (25) (pictured left) took on, and defeated, celebrity solicitor Dr. Gerald Kean (50) (pictured far left) in a test of wits on the The Last Word of the Week News Quiz. As part of Matt Cooper’s The Last Word Show on Today FM, the idea behind the quiz is that a member of the public takes on an Irish celebrity in a quiz based on the weeks current events and news items. Dingle's Sean Granville applied for the quiz a few weeks ago, getting the call last Friday that he would be taking part in the quiz against one of Ireland’s top solicitors, Cork native, Dr. Gerald Kean. Kean's practice, Kean & Co represents the likes of Simon le Bon, Ronan Keating, George Michael, Jerry Lee Lewis and the late Johnny Cash; clients also include more than 40 Premiership League footballers. Kean enjoys a celebrity lifestyle and he and his partner Lisa Murphy (Michael Flatley’s ex-girlfriend) can be often seen gracing the society pages of many magazines and newspapers. However, the Corkman’s knowledge was no match for the Dingle man’s keen intellect; over three rounds of questions, Matt Cooper announced Sean was the winner with double scores, beating the solicitor 14 points to seven, the double scores securing a solid victory for Kerry over Cork. Sean was delighted with the outcome and friends and well-wishers all over the county have been getting in touch all week following his triumph on the airwaves. The quiz can be heard at: http://audio.todayfm.com/audio/20090403170010.mp3.

Birds and Beasts at Greenlane Gallery

Joint Exhibition of the works of Sculptress Fidelma Massey and Artist Liam Holden; Greenlane Gallery, Holy Ground, Dingle,
11 – 30th April 2009.
FIDELMA MASSEY - The Spring exhibition at the Greenlane Gallery finds renowned sculptress Fidelma Massey in ebullient form, working with new base materials which have allowed her to introduce the colour she has been craving for into her work. Animals and birds and variations thereof are the focus of her new collection, with the main piece, a bronze, titled ‘The Queen of Beasts’ ( the guardian of all the animals), who holds a tiny embryonic animal in her hands.
“I’ve decided to take a rest from trees” says Fidelma, “and the rookery outside my studio has been a great source of inspiration. It is very busy this time of year, so I thought they might need a little rest, so one of my new pieces is called ‘Rook Lullabye’! As well as being humourous and uplifting, using new and less expensive base materials has meant that some of Masseys new work is very affordable -good news for her avid group of collectors!
LIAM HOLDEN - Artist Liam Holden returns to Dingle, the area which first inspired him to paint, for an exhibition of his new work. Holden, who describes his style as ‘abstract expression’, visited Dingle in the early 80s at the invitation of local fisherman, Danny Sheehy, to spend the summer lobster fishing. This experience was to provide the trigger for the artist to paint, which up until that point had been missing in his life. Even today Holden’s work stems from those days fishing in a small boat around the islands and water in all its incarnations continues to be his main inspiration. His new paintings differ from earlier work in that the application of the paint has a much looser and wilder feel to it but the subject matter is always constant, each new canvas representing a different search to open doors to the imagination. Holden’s Show will comprise between 20 – 30 works, mainly oils with some drawings. It will also feature a lifesize Naomhog (or Curragh) which he is in the process of making with his old fishing partner, Danny Sheehy; a bridge between the past and the present. For more information visit http://www.greenlanegallery.com/.

The Wire comes to Dingle

Among the thousands that thronged the streets of Dingle in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was actor Aidan Gillen, who many will know as Tommy Carcetti from HBO TV series The Wire. The Dublin-born actor took to the streets alongside Maurice Galwey, festival director of the annual Dingle Film Festival, (www.kerryiff.com). Aidan has clocked up some major performances on stage and screen during his career starring in The Wire, which has been syndicated around the world as well as movies such as Circle of Friends and Some Mother’s Son in which he starred as Gerard Quigley, alongside Oscar-winner Helen Mirren. He is also well-known for his role as Stuart Alan Jones in the ground-breaking British television series, Queer as Folk which earned him a BAFTA nomination. Kieran Murphy of Murphy’s Ice-Cream on Strand Street papped Aidan as he and Maurice soaked up the atmosphere during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Check out www.flickr.com/photos/icecreamireland.

St. Patrick blesses Dingle with glorious sunshine

Dingle awoke to the beat of the drum and the lilt of the fife on St. Patrick's morning as the Dingle Fife & Drum band took to the streets at 6.15am as dawn broke across the Corca Dhuibhne Peninsula. At 6.3oam over 500 people attended a dawn Mass at St. Mary's Church with the band marching up the aisle, raising the rafters with traditional music.

Crowds began to flock to Dingle during the morning in anticipation of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade which took to the streets at 12.45pm. The event was blessed with glorious sunshine as temperatures reached up to 18 cenigrade in what was the sunniest day of the year to date. Record numbers lined the streets to enjoy one of the largest parades in recent years. Banna Ceoil Lios Poil, the Dingle Fife and Drum Band and young musicians from Scoil an Ghleanna in Glens (pictured above left) were among those who brought the streets alive with traditional music. Local businesses created a number of humourous floats, included the staff at Benners Hotel on Main Street who created their own re-enactment of 'Father Ted', which received a great reception. St. Patrick's Day in Dingle also blessed local businesses with some much needed business as the town was packed with visitors who came in great numbers to witness the celebrations. The festivites in pubs and restuarants around town are sure to keep going into the night! Young and old enjoyed the great atmosphere, all in agreement that this was certainly one of the best St. Patrick's Day in Dingle yet!

Dingle gears up for St. Patrick's Day!

Unique traditions set Dingle apart on St. Patrick's Day
The Dingle Fife and Drum Band traditionally welcome St. Patrick's Day as they march around the town at 6am on Tuesday, March 17th. This time honoured tradition will also see them enter St. Mary's Church on Green Street, where Mass will be celebrated at 6.30am, where they will fill the church to the rafters with sound of the fife and drum. This is unique to Dingle, a practice long since lost in other parts of the country. If you want to witness the real St. Patrick's Day, this is the way to do it! This year the Dingle Business Chamber are looking forward to hosting another excellent St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dingle town (click on route plan above to enlarge image).While these smaller parade in rural parts cannot obviously match the pomp and ceremony of the larger cities, these more intimate affairs really enable participants and visitors alike to get into the real spirit of St. Patrick's Day by creating a sense of community on the day. In keeping with this, this year's parade in Dingle is devoted to efforts in the community, with many local groups and businesses working for many hours to create celebratory floats. There will also be a review stand placed outside Garvey's at the Holy Ground with live traditional music and Irish dancing. So the day will go as follows:

6am: Dingle Fife and Drum Band welcome St. Patrick's Day by taking to the streets.

6.30am: Special St. Patrick's Day Mass at St. Mary's Church on Green Street (with an appearance and performance by the Fife and Drum Band who will march through the Church).

12.45pm (aprox): Dingle's St. Patrick's Day Parade begins at the old Dingle Hospital.

The route is as follows: Parade leaves the old hospital, continuing down Green Street and Main Street. It will take a right onto the Mall and at the end take another right onto Bridge Street past O'Flaherty's Pub and the Garda Station. It will then continue on past the Review Stand outside Garvey's at the Holy Ground before continuing along Strand Street, past Paddy Bawn Brosnan's Pub. The parade then will head towards the head of the Pier, towards Dingle Marina where it will turn at the Car Park and come back along Strand Street, before taking a left up Green Street. At the top of Green Street it will again turn left up Goats Street where it will conclude, where it begun, at the hospital. The festivities will them continue on for the rest of the day with traditional Irish music, dancing and Dingle's unique brand of 'Craic' in pubs all over the town.

DOUBLE-CLICK ON IMAGE ABOVE TO ENLARGE, PRINT OR VIEW PARADE ROUTE

Dingle divas reveal their inner artists

The art of female expression
Sisters were doing it for themselves in Dingle last Sunday as female artists from the Dingle Art Group unveiled an exhibition of new works at the Monastery Hall on John Street in celebration of International Women's Day.
The budding artists, who have been attending art classes at the Dingle Art Group under the guidance of teacher and mentor Claire O’Halloran, presented a wonderful range of paintings and photographs of local landscapes, scenes and still lives, as well as some very attractive abstract pieces. "We really enjoy art" explained local artist Stella Doyle who contributed an atmospheric portrait entitled The Wooden Bridge, Bull Island to the exhibit. The DIngle Art Group get together every week, working in an informal atmosphere with the goal of developing their personal creativity. Men are also free to join the group; one local man attending the exhibit, John Moriarty, was keen to celebrate his wife Ann's artistic achievements. Ex-army officer John set up his own art gallery in recent times in what was once his father's butcher shop 'Patty Attys' on Green Street. According to John, women have always had a hand in the arts in Dingle. "Dingle may now have a lively cluster of galleries but it wasn’t always so," John explained, "the first to display artworks was Kathleen Griffin, who used put pictures in her shop window in Holy Ground." "Perhaps the first gallery proper was set up by Pat Moore in Green St, she used to display Maria Simmonds-Gooding’s work" he added. “At that time you could have bought one of her painting for £50 that’d be worth maybe €5,000 now.” This very special art exhibition, hosted by Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta will run in the Monastery Hall until the end of the month. Pictured above left, Stella Doyle and John Moriarty at the new local art exhibit which is currently being showcased in the Monastery on John Street.

Major media seminar to take place in Dún Chaoin

Ealaín na Gaeltachta - Publicity Seminar for the Arts Sector

Ionad an Bhlascaoid, Dún Chaoin, Saturday April 25th (9am-1pm)

What is the best way to attract publicity for your Art event or Arts group? How do you go about organising an effective publicity campaign? The answers to these questions will be found in Ionad an Bhlascaoid, Dún Chaoin on Saturday 25th April as part of a Publicity Seminar, which is being organised by Ealaín na Gaeltachta. The speakers on the day will be Natasha Fennell (Stillwater Communications), Harry McGee (Irish Times) agus Tomás Hardiman (Parzival Productions). Ways to approach and network with journalists and the media, in order to ensure press coverage for your event, will be outlined. Also discussed will be the steps to be considered in putting together an attractive press package. Emphasis will also be placed on opportunities for audience development and ways to attract more participants to your event. Emphasis will be placed on the requirements of those arts groups and artists who will be participating in the seminar. There will be a feedback session at the end of the speeches. Participants will also get an opportunity to discuss their projects with the guest speakers, who will advise them on particular challenges facing them. “I am delighted to have such an expert panel of speakers who will be available to share their experiences with artists and groups that are working in the cultural sphere”, commented Eibhlín de Paor, Arts Facilitator, “there is wonderful work going on in the Gaeltacht and participants will have an opportunity to learn from one another.” All arts groups, cultural administrators or managers, along with individual artists would all benefit hugely from attending. A fee of €15 is applicable to individuals attending with €30 for groups. It is necessary to book your place in advance. Contact Eibhlín de Paor on (066) 9150100 or e.depaor@udaras.ie or visit www.ealain.ie.

Dingle de-stresses at stress clinic

Local hypnotherapist and nutritional therapist to host 'stress' workshops in Dingle

Given the pessimistic economic outlook facing the country at the moment, stress is very real and prevalent factor in many of our daily lives - something which two Dingle based therapists are keen to tackle with a series of unique stress work-shops. Nutritional therapist Irene Ní Fhlannúra and clinical hypnotherapist Julí Ní Mhaoileaoin, have come together to offer these workshops at their joint practice, Slí na Sláinte, on Dingle's John Street. "These workshops will be ideal for anyone who is suffering from stress or stress related conditions" said nutritional therapist Irene Ní Fhlannúra, "we will show people how to identify the stress in their lives, give them solutions to manage the stress and prevent the damage stress can cause." Irene can identify foods that cause stress and contribute to stress related illnesses - such as fatigue, digestive problems, blood pressure, hormone disorders and mood disorders with the aim of looking at foods that prevent and minimise its effect. Julí will then use her skills as a clinical hypnotherapist by imparting relaxation techniques which will also enable those participating to reduce stress in their own lives. "Using a combination of both nutritional therapy and relaxation techniques we are giving people comprehensive solutions to successful stress management" Julí added. The next Stress Workshop takes place on Wednesday, March 11th from 6pm-10pm. Irene and Julí also have also launched a private therapy room service which available for other practitioners or local groups to host meeting and workshops. Contact Irene at 086-1662562 or Julí at 086-1660035 for more information. Pictured, l-r, nutritional therapist Irene Ní Fhlannúra and clinical hypnotherapist Julí Ní Mhaoileaoin.

Hanafin confirmed as Labour candidate in Dingle local elections

Patrick Hanafin (50) a native of Beenbawn, Dingle will officially launch his candidacy in the Dingle local area elections this Sunday at 3pm in the Dingle Skellig Hotel, as a candidate for the Labour Party. Patrick, a second generation Emergency Medical Technician, was the President of the national Ambulance Association of Ireland with nearly a decade and is still involved as their PRO. He also runs a local plant hire business and has been associated with many local community initiatives over the years. Mr. Hanafin had been a Fianna Fail party member for over 33 years and was overlooked in their party selection process recently. Patrick Hanafin and his wife Debbie have three children; their family were recently bereaved with the passing of Patrick's father Tom, who was also an EMT with the local Ambulance services, which saw an outpouring of grief from the local community. Patrick told Dingle News this week that he felt the Fianna Fail party had changed and he was disappointed in recent times with, what he described as their 'lack of focus' on local and rural issues in Kerry. Following the decision to allow Breandan Fitzgerald run as the local Fianna Fail candidate, Patrick entered into discussions with local Labour Party officials. He will formally announce his Labour Party candidacy at a press conference in the Dingle Skellig Hotel this Sunday at 3pm. Rural planning issues, unemployment, tourism and road signage and agriculture, were some of the issues that Mr. Hanafin cited as "extremely important". "I will be sitting down in the coming weeks with local people to discuss issues which are of importance to them, I will fight tooth and nail to protect the people and interests of Dingle and West Kerry" he added. He joins sitting councillors Micheal O'Shea (Fianna Fáil) Seamus Cosaí Fitzgerald (Fine Gael) and new candidates Breandán Fitzgerald (Fianna Fáil), Brendan Griffin (Fine Gael), Bridget O'Connor (Independent) and a Sinn Féin candidate as they battle it out for three seats in the Dingle Local Council Elections this June. The Dingle News will be following this in the coming weeks and months and watch out for interviews comparing the candidates policies and plans for the future regarding key issues. Pictured above left, Kerry members of the Association of Ambulance Personnel attending their annual conference at the Dingle Skellig Hotel, l-r, James Lynch, Seán Griffin, Patrick Hanafin, Joseph Lynch (Dingle Paramedic) and John Kelliher.

Volunteers needed for Inch Beach Clean-Up

6th Annual Inch Beach Clean-Up
Saturday, February 28th , 12pm-3pm
The annual Inch Beach Clean Up will take place this Saturday,February 28th, beginning at 12 noon and finishing at 3pm. (Weather-permitting) Over the years, the annual clean up has proven an enormous success,with huge heaps of rubbish being collected by volunteers. This year, as always, Kerry County Council will remove the rubbish heap as soon as it is collected. Local support would be very much appreciated and volunteers are urgently needed to get Inch ship-shape and protect its birds, wildlife and natural beauty. Contact organiser Brendan Griffin (pictured above right) on 087-652 8841 for more information. Gloves and bags will be provided at the entrance to the beach on the day.

Sudden passing of beloved local GP

Farewell Dr. Finbarr...
A sense of shock emanated through Dingle and West Kerry on Wednesday, February 18th as it emerged that prominent local figure and beloved General Practitioner, Dr. Finbarr O'Shea of Upper Main Street, Dingle had passed away.
Dr. O'Shea had been a GP in Dingle for over 30 years, caring for patients at his own surgery in Upper Main Street and then in more recent times with his colleagues at Dingle's Medical Centre on the Mall. Dr. O'Shea worked in close concert with his devoted wife Dr. Margo O'Shea who is also a GP.
Dr. O'Shea made a profound impact on the lives of many during his lifetime; the kindness and effort he exerted on his patients' behalf was always exemplary.
His efforts no doubt saved the lives of many, both in his practice and in his work on call with the Dingle's emergency services. Dr. O'Shea was an active and prominent figure in the local community; as one of the founding members of the Dingle Sailing Club he helped establish one of the best sailing clubs in the country which now boasts one of Ireland's most beautiful Marinas.
He was an active member with the Dingle Historical Society who strived to both promote and preserve Corca Dhuibhne's unique history, culture and heritage.
Dr. O'Shea was also closely involved with the development of West Kerry's first Rugby team, Cumann Rugbai Corca Dhuibhne and over the years lent his time and effort to many local initiatives. He was also recognised as an important figure in local politics as a loyal member of the Fianna Fáil party.
Above all, Dr. O'Shea, or Finbarr as he was also known, was loved and respected for his kindness, joviality and generosity of spirit. His keen intellect, wit and engaging personality endeared him to many and his loss has caused a great deal of heartache and grief for those who knew and loved him.
Dr. Finbarr O'Shea will always be remembered, not only as a talented physician, but as one of Dingle's most beloved and respected characters. He was always regarded as part of the lifeblood of Corca Dhuibhne and the sense of grief and sadness currently emanating through the local area is immeasurable.
There is no doubt that Dr. Finbarr's legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him, Dr. Finbarr O'Shea is survived by his devoted wife Dr. Margo O'Shea, his sons Tomas, Steven and Colm, his family and friends in Corca Dhuibhne and beyond.

Dr. O'Shea was interned at St. Brendan's Cemetery, Milltown-Dingle on Saturday morning, February 21st, following Requiem Mass at St,. Mary's Church, Dingle.

Ní bheidh a leitheidí ann arís.

Nuclear incidents in Atlantic

• Russian War-Ships leaking oil 50 miles off coast
• British and French Nuclear Submarines collide in Atlantic

Living on the Dingle Peninsula, the Atlantic Ocean is an all encompassing force in our lives and is, quite literally, all around us. No matter where you are in Corca Dhuibhne, the sea is never too far away. However lately it seems that the South-West Coast has become something of a war zone. Do any of us look out to sea and expect a Russian warship to be lurking nearby? Or perhaps a British nuclear sub with 40 nuclear weapons on board? Or indeed a French submarine colliding underwater with an "object" their defense ministry refuses to identify? This isn't the plot of some Tom Clancy novel, no, this is what is happening on our doorstep as we speak.Up to 300 tonnes of oil was spilled into the Atlantic 50 miles off the South West coast on Saturday as two Russian War-Ships were refuelling. The Irish Coast Guard are in contact with the Russian authorities and are monitoring the spill after being alerted to the incident through a satellite surveillance program run by the European Maritime Safety Agency.How about that. Now, how about this...It has also been confirmed that British and French nuclear submarines collided in the Atlantic Ocean earlier this month. Britain's HMS Vanguard and France's Le Triomphant (pictured above left) were both damaged in the crash in the early hours of February 4th, but there were no reports of damage to the nuclear parts.
France's defence ministry said that on the 6th of February Le Triomphant, a ballistic nuclear submarine, was damaged when it hit an object under water. It did not identify the object.
The British sub has now been towed to the Faslane base in western Scotland for repair.The two submarines are equipped with sonar to detect other vessels. Both vessels, between them carrying about 250 sailors, were reportedly submerged and on separate missions when they crashed.
Britain's ministry of defence refuses to comment on submarine operations but a spokesman said: 'The UK's deterrent capability has remained unaffected at all times and there has been no compromise to nuclear safety.'
Le Triomphant, one of France's four nuclear-armed submarines, hit the object, said at the time to be probably a container, while submerging, and immediately returned to base at Ile-Longue, near Brest in northwest France.
Each vessel is 150 metres long and 13 metres in diameter, and can carry up to 48 nuclear warheads on a maximum of 16 missiles.France and Britain are two of the world's five declared nuclear powers, along with the US, China and Russia.

Hillgrove launch new late night bar

Dingle has always been among the top destinations in the country when it comes to pubbing and clubbing and now the Hillgrove, Dingle's only nightclub which has been often cited as one of the top clubs in the county is preparing to launch its new late night bar.

What does this mean? Well for one it means on Friday and Saturday nights the cover charge will be scrapped for those hoping to head over for a few drinks. An indoor smoking area, a pool table along with music and a DJ are some of the things revellers can expect to find as well as a courtesy bus running from the Mall Bridge to the club.

With the recession and late opening hours until 2am in in operation by An Droichead Beag, the Hillgrove will now be able to offer punters a real choice when it comes to late night drinking and clubbing. The Hillgrove Nightclub has been providing West Kerry's only clubbing experience for three decades. Split over two floors and having recently undergone a one million euro refurbishment, it now features state of the art lighting and sound systems, three bars and the largest dance floor in Kerry.

"A lot of people have been staying late in the Droichead recently, however the Hillgrove is an important aspect to Dingle, without a nightclub the town would suffer greatly" one reveller recently commented to The Dingle News."We're all really looking forward to this!"

More information is available at www.hillgrovedingle.com.

West Kerry family publish book in honour of her late son

Celebrating the life of the late Páidí Gruiméal (16) and his triumph over Cystic Fibrosis
'Lig dom a Mham' (let me go Mom), were the last words whispered by 16-year old Páidí Gruiméal to his devoted mother Geraldine (pictured left) as he slipped away into unconsciousness for the last time on February 7th 2007 after waging a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. The loss of this vivacious young character from Carraig in Ballydavid was devastating for his mother Geraldine, father Pádraig, sisters Rachel and Ciara and his many friends. However within the dark confines of their immeasurable grief they have rallied together to release a book celebrating Páidí's life and the profound impact he made on those around him in the short, but meaningful time he spent on this Earth. The book, entitled Lig Dom, is the result of the combined efforts of his mother Geraldine and her cousin Peig Baker, who have penned the bilingual book in an effort to raise funds for Kerry General Hospital, Crumlin Hospital and Tallaght Hospital where Páidí was treated for the illness which eventually robbed him of his life. "He made the best of every minute of his life" explained Páidí mother Geraldine, "he went everywhere and did everything, even though, at times, he was very ill."
"We loved him so much and life is so different without him but we decided to come together and celebrate his life with this book, which will also help others battling cystic fibrosis."

Written in Páidí's native Irish and also in English, Lig dom offers an insight into the life of a desperately ill young man and his subsequent triumph over a life-threatening illness by living life to the full and making every second count.

THE BOOK LIG DOM IS NOW ON SALE IN O'FLAHERTY'S LONDIS IN BAILE AN MHUILINN, DINGLE (+353 (0) 66 9150628) AND IN OTHER LOCAL OUTLETS. IT COSTS 15 EURO AND ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO CYSTIC FIBROSIS CARE IN KERRY GENERAL, CRUMLIN AND TALLAGHT HOSPITAL. ANYONE WHO WISHES TO ORDER THE BOOK MAY DO SO BY CONTACTING RACHEL GROMMEL AT rachelgrommel@hotmail.com.

Dingle's first Live Mike at Blue Zone on Green Street

Think your stand-up is hilarious? Think your acting and stage performance abilities are second to none? Are you a budding poet bursting with material that you feel deserves an audience? Want to dazzle the world with your vocal abilities? Well now's your chance as the Blue Zone (above the Dingle Record Shop) on Green Street is now hosting an Live Mike every Thursday night with Mike Smurfwaite as resident MC. All are invited to participate!

Súil Aitiúl le Rachel Ní Fhionnáin

LITRÍOCHT!

Anuraidh, bhuaidh Oisín Ó hEartáin (sa phictiúir ar dheis) duais liteartha an Oireachtais dá saothair dar teideal Ionsaí, a chríochnaigh sé i dteannta a sheanathair le dearcadh difriúil suimiúil ag an ndá ghlúin. Dé Céadaoin, an 18 Feabhra, ar an mBuiltín, beidh Ó hÉartáin atá trí bliana déag, chun a leabhar a sheoladh. Is é Dónal Bric a bhí i mbun na léaráidí agus is é Coiscéim a thapaidh an deis chun an leabhar a chur i gcló.

DRÁMA!

Cuirfear dráma ar stáitse ar son na carthanachta ‘MS’, i sáipéal Naomh Séamus sa Daingean ar an Aoine bheag seo. Glaonn an grúpa na ITT Players orthu féin, léachtóirí iltréitheacha ón Institúid i dTrá Lí atá ar chamchuairt timpeall Chiarraí i láthair na huaire.Is drama domhain é ‘Doll’s House’ le Ibsen bunaithe ar bheirt shaibhir; Torvald agus Nóra atá pósta ach an bhfuil siad ar a shuaimhneas? An bhfuil an saol chomh álainn ‘is a fhéachann sé do na lánúin óga álaine? De réir a chéile faigheann an lucht féachanna léargas níos soiléire faoina saol. Is annamh a bhíonn an saghas dráma seo sa Daingean mar sin beidh sé suimiúil an dráma a fheiscint sa sáipéal, an amharclann ildánach a sholáthraíonn gach saghas cur i láthair i gcroílár an bhaile.Beidh ticéadaí ar fáil ag an ndoras agus cuirfear tús leis ar an 20 Dé hAoine ach taispeántas amháin a bheidh i gceist.

BIA!

Is dúslán é beile trí chúrsa álainn folláin a ullmhú, go háirithe do bheirt le buiséad faoi euro is fiche. D’éirigh le cailín ó Chorca Dhuibhne áit a fháil sa chraobh Náisiúnta, comórtas cócaireachta do dhéagóirí. Is ionadaí í Liadáin Nic an tSíthigh don chumann rothlach sa Daingean. Roghnaíodh í chun dul chomh fada leis an bpríomhchathair ar an 28 Feabhra nuair a bheidh ceathrar eile ina tenanta ag iarriadh na moltóirí a shásamh.

Ceol i gCorca Dhuibhne

Mo Cheol Thú!
le Rachel Ní Fhionnáin
Seo mí l’Amour le lá Fhéile Vailintín ag teannadh linn, ach roimhe sin agus ina dhiaidh cuirfear ceolchoirmeacha agus imeachtaí ar siúl sa cheantar a bheidh mar chéiliúradh don amour a bhíonn againn sa cheol, daoine ar nós John Spillane, Jim Murray, Séamus Begley, Amhránaithe óga an cheantair agus Mick Flannery. Bhuaidh John Spillane Top Solo Performer in Concert- 2009 san Irish Music Awards agus ainmníodh é do Ghradam Meteor i mbliana agus beidh deis freastal ar a cheolchoirm anseo. Muna bhfuil albam dó: The Gaelic Hit Factory, le Louis De Paor ina theannta, cloiste agat cheana, dean iarracht éisteacht leis. Ritheann focail an fhile De Paor agus ceol Spillane le chéile agus is albam iontach réchúiseach, úr é. Tá an dlúthcheirnín Irish Songs we learned at school díreach eisithe agus má’s rud é gur fhoghlaimís na hamhráin scoile ar nós Poc ar Buille, Báidín Fheilmí, Trasna na dTonnta, rithfidh smaointí scoile ar ais chugat gan mhoill. Dóibh siúd gur spéis leo an Corcaíoch a fheiscint beo, beidh an t-ádh leat ar an 6 Feabhra. Beidh Spillane ag seinmt i dtigh tábhairne Mhac Cárthaigh ar a naoi a chlog. Toisc go bhfuilimíd lotaithe ó thaobh an cheoil anseo timpeall, dhá oíche ina dhiaidh sin, beidh seoladh dlúthcheirnín nua Séamus Begley agus Jim Murray in Ard an Bhóthair i gCeann Trá , an 8 Feabhra, ar a 5.30pm. Éirí go Lá dar teideal an t-albam nua agus tá suíomh nua gur fiú féachaint air… http://www.seamusbegleyandjimmurray.ie/. Beidh Raidió Na Gaeltachta ag taifeadadh agus gealltar an-lá Dé Domhnaigh. Beidh daoine ag teacht ó chian ‘is ó chóngair, mar sin téir go dti Ceann Trá chun ceol den scoth a chlos ó cheoltóirí traidisiúnta is fearr sa tír. Beidh an ceoldráma Mamma Mia, á léiriú ag idirbhliain Chorca Dhuibhne ar stáitse sara fada i Halla na Feothanaí ar a 8pm ar an 10, 11 agus 12 Feabhra. Faoi láthair tá an cleachtadh faoi lánseoil, na daltaí ag amhrán ó mhaidin go tráthnóna le haistriúcháin na n-amhrán ABBA curtha i gcrích: Airgead Airgead Airgead, Waterloo, Bean Rí an Rince, Gimme Gimme Gimme! Deir na daltaí go mbeidh an léiriú i bhfad níos fearr ná an scannán Hollywood (faoi stiúir ag Phyllida Lloyd)… Gan amhras, beidh, mar sin, go dtí Halla na Feothanaí sibh! Bhí Mick Flannery linn sa Daingean i sáipéal Naomh Séamus in Other Voices roimis na Nollag agus tá sé ag filleadh anseo arís i dtigh tábhairne Mhac Cárthaigh ar an 27 Feabhra ar a 9pm. Bhí Flannery gnóthach i mbliana ar chamchuairt timpeall na tíre leis an amhránaí álainn Lisa Hannigan, é mar thacaíocht di le hamhráin óna albam domhain, macánta White Lies. Seineann an bheirt Christmas past le chéile, beirt cheoltóirí uamhala agus cúthaileacha lán le talann. N’fheadair an dtiocfaidh Ms Hannigan ar chuairt ach go deimhin, beidh Mick sa Daingean lena bhanna ceoil agus is fiú na ticéidí a chur in áirithint…anois! http://www.maccarthyspub.com/.

Dingle covered in Snow for the first time in years

FUNGI FUAR!

The people of Dingle were astonished to see the town covered in a blanket of snow yesterday morning. It seems even Fungi had a mouthful! The town, with its largely temperate climate, has not seen snow like this in decades and for many children and teenagers, it was their first time seeing a real snow fall in their home-town.

Late last Monday night, snow flakes began to fall, much to the amusement of locals who, irregardless of age, gazed out their windows like children in awe of the white blanket which was fast covering the town. On Tuesday, it seemed to thaw however by nightfall heavy snow began to fall once again. An army of snowmen and snow fights are believed to have broken out across the town! On a more serious note, Kerry County Council is warning motorists to continue avoiding the Connor Pass.Snow has turned to slush on the road but will freeze when temperatures drop at night.

The three day outlook issued by Met Éireann for Kerry is as follows;

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Another very cold night, with a mix of clear spells and scattered wintry showers of rain, hail, sleet and snow; mainly affecting the northern half of the country. A sharp frost will also develop, along with some icy stretches on untreated roads. However strengthening northerly winds should see ice and frost clear most places before morning. THURSDAY AND FRIDAY will bring good sunny spells, as winds become northerly. However there'll be still be some scattered wintry showers about, but plenty of prolonged dry periods too. Breezy, with fresh northerly winds, making it feel significantly colder on account of the wind chill effect.

SATURDAY will be extremely cold to start with frost lingering into the afternoon across sheltered areas. However it will be largely if not completely dry, with good sunshine, and just light northerly breezes.

Cumann Rugbaí Corca Dhuibhne Squad 2009

Cumann Rubgaí Chorca Dhuibhne who beat Dunmanaway RFC in the first round of the Mick Barry Cup J2 League in Baile Loisce in West Kerry on Sunday, January 25th. Corca Dhuibhne beat the visiting Cork team 27-12 with trys from Sean Collins, Johnny Curran, Micheal MacGearailt and Eoin Firtear along with two conversions and a penalty from Captain Johnny Curran. Pictured back row, l-r, Justin McCarthy, Kevin Moriarty, Eoin Connor, Seán Páidí Ó Gruiméal, Connor Reen, Eoin Firteár, Conall Ó Ciobháin, Gary O'Connor, Travis Slattery, Bernard Galvin, Aódh Ó Tuama, Alan Moriarty and Adam Daly.Pictured front, l-r, Mícheál MacGearailt, Colm O'Shea, Cathal Misteál, Johnny Curran (Captain), Mícheál Houlihan, Chris Ferriter, Seán Collins and Paddy Fenton. Missing from the picture are Peyo Slattery, Daragh O'Shea and Eanna Flaherty.

New collaborative effort from Dún Chaoin singer making headlines

West Kerry and Scotland's 'Dual' purpose!

One of West Kerry's brightest talents is currently making headlines on the world music scene with the release of a new album which sees West Kerry and Scotland's shared Gaelic heritages unite through music and song. Singer and musician Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh (30) (pictured on the right) from Dún Chaoin, has recently released her new album Dual, a collaboration with multi-award winning Scottish folk singer Julie Fowlis (pictured far left). Far from indicating rivalry of any sort, the word 'Dual' as Gaeilge and in Scots Gaelic means to twine, braid or interlace; it can also mean, 'one's inheritance.'This is a fitting title as Muireann and Julie's album unites Scottish and Irish traditions in an engaging exploration of the musical and linguistic cultures of the two countries."There had been Scottish coastguards stationed in West Kerry because they were Gaelic speaking, and so they brought their Scottish marches with them, which Kerry people changed into polkas. All kinds of connections cropped up once we began to delve into them for Dual," Muireann explained. Muireann and Julie have a lot in common - both singers and multi-instrumentalists, they grew up in Gaelic-speaking island communities, Muireann on Inis Oirr and Dún Chaoin in West Kerry and Julie on the island of Uist in the Outer Hebrides. All the songs on the album are in Gaelic, and include An Eala Bhan, a love song from North Uist, and the stirring Pé in Eirinn Í, from Kerry, which allow Muireann and Julie to display their powerful ballad singing. The album has already been critically acclaimed, drawing rave reviews from a variety of high profile publications across the UK and Ireland. The multi-award winning singer and musician has toured the world extensively with her group Danú and as a solo artist and her last solo album Daybreak: Fáinne an Lae received great acclaim when it was released in 2006. Muireann is also a TV Presenter with TG4 and teaches part of the University of Limerick's Traditional Music Programme, where she herself completed her MA. Muireann is the daughter of Feargal Mac Amhlaoibh, a well known West Kerry Irish language activist and musician and Áine Moynihan, the director of West Kerry Irish language theatre Lab na Mainstreach. The former Meánscoil na Toirbhirte student has one younger brother named Malachai and is married to Billy Mag Fhlionn. More information is available at www.muireann.ie.

Tommy Tiernan announces Dingle gig

Controversial comic sets Dingle date

Tommy Tiernan to perform at Malawi charity ball in Dingle this March

Internationally acclaimed comedian Tommy Tiernan is Dingle bound again this Spring as he returns to West Kerry on March 7th in an effort to raise funds for a medical clinic in Malawi. Tiernan is set to entertain the guests attending the Annual Charity Fundraising Ball hosted in the Dingle Skellig Hotel in aid of the Billy Riordan Memorial Trust, which was founded by local woman Mags Riordan (pictured above far left). Mags founded the trust following the untimely death of her son Billy at the age of 25 in Cape Maclear, Malawi in 1999.His death was the third family tragedy Mags and her family endured; while she was pregnant with Billy she lost her first child, a four month old baby girl, when the family car plunged off Dingle pier. Another infant death occurred within two years when a second son, Luke, was a victim of sudden cot death.Mags had rebuilt her family life in Dingle with her two daughters Emma and Jennifer when Billy died. She travelled to Malawi to erect a memorial in Billy's honour but was struck by the desolate poverty in the area and the warmth of its people. She decided to commemorate her son's life by establishing an aid programme in his name.Through the Billy Riordan Memorial Trust, more than € 100,000 was raised to build a health clinic which opened in August 2004. Providing medical care for a local population of 14,000, "the Billy Clinic" has treated thousands.It has also provided a primary health care clinic include a feeding programme to tackle severe malnutrition among children under the age of five, an emergency feeding programme for primary school children, a vegetable growing scheme to expand the health properties of the local diet and a treatment centre for those with AIDS/HIV. Tommy Tiernan, who encountered Mags at an awards ceremony in Dublin, offered to come on board to help raise funds and performed at last years charity event in Dingle, which sold out almost immediately.

Tickets for this year's ball are now available at the Old Forge Internet Café in Dingle, contact 087-1214151 for more information.

Court hearing held for €850,000 Dingle drugs seizure

Two people have been sentenced following a drugs seizure of €850,000 (72 kilos) worth of cannabis in Dingle last July.
Spanish national Ignacio Goyeneche and Lisa Basire, with an address in Ballyhea near Dingle pleaded guilty to ‘possession for sale or supply’ at the hearing in Tralee District Court last Monday - Judge Carroll Moran sentencing Goyeneche to seven years in prison and Basire to three years.
Following an anonymous tip-off, the cannabis was discovered in early morning raids in several locations around Dingle last summer and it has emerged that the drugs were smuggled into the town by a Spanish crime gang using an Irish trawler. The drugs travelled aboard the trawler from Northern Spain to Bantry in Cork to Dingle.
According to Goyeneche’s testimony,the majority, 65 kilos worth €785,000, was stashed in hidden compartments under a bed in the home of Lisa Basire in Ballyhea. The rest, 50 bales worth €76,000, was hidden behind panels in the boot of Goyeneche’s Volvo car.

Dingle connection to Bride Wars blockbuster

Dingle has always had stars in its eyes so to speak when it comes to Hollywood; as the location of David Lean’s Ryan Daughter screen legends such as Robert Mitchum made the area their home during filming.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman also lived locally while filming Far and Away while the likes of Julia Roberts escaped the world media when she broke off her engagement to Kierfer Sutherland by fleeing to Greenmount House overlooking the town. Cillian Murphy owns a house locally while Gabriel Byrne was the special guest at this years Dingle Film Festival.
Over the years, Hollywood has always made its way to Dingle, but this time, Dingle is making its way to Hollywood as one of our own recently secured a part in a major Hollywood movie.
Bride Wars opened in cinemas this week; the romantic comedy tells the story of best friends Emma (played by Anne Hathaway) and Liv (played by Kate Hudson) who become rivals after their weddings are scheduled in the same venue on the same day.
Shannon Ferber (10), (pictured, above, on the far right) who plays the role of the young Anne Hathaway (pictured above left) in the movie, happens to be the daughter of Blaithín Ferber (nee Sheehy), a native of Lady's Cross, Milltown, Dingle who moved to the states some years back. Blaithín's parents are Tommy and Ursula Sheehy, who now live in Tralee, while her Uncle Celsius Sheehy and his wife Margaret still live in Milltown-Dingle with their families. Shannon's aunt Gráinne, sister of Blaithín is married to RTE news correspondent Paschal Sheehy.
It’s a double connection as Shannon has the Corca Dhuibhne ties on her Dad’s side too; her father Michael Ferber hails from New York but his mother is Mary O'Dowd of Baile an Lochaigh in West Kerry, a sister of Bridie Fitzgerald, the wife of ex-FF senator Tom Fitzgerald.
After starring modelling and starring in many TV and print adverts (including campaigns for Macy’s and Bloomingdales), Shannon was handpicked for the role by Anne Hathaway herself.
Shannon attended the star-studded New York premiere of Bride Wars on January 5th, walking the red carpet with her parents Blaithín and Michael, brother Dillon (3) (who also has a small part in Bride Wars (his likeness appearing in a family album at the beginning of the movie) and brother, Brendan (6).

"Shannon and the family love coming home to Dingle every summer and we are so looking forward to seeing them this year – we are so proud of all of them” said Shannon’s Grandmother Ursula Sheehy.
Bride Wars is currently on general release in cinemas all over Ireland for listings check http://www.omniplex.ie/

Captions: Zoe O'Grady and Shannon Ferber at the premiere of Bride Wars in NYC on January 5th. Zoe plays a young Kate Hudson in the movie while Shannon plays a young Anne Hathaway (pictured at the premiere above right).Shannon's family hail from Dingle while Zoe also has Irish connections; her father is from Mount Merrion in Dublin.

Live register up 57% in Dingle

A sign of our times

Dole queues in Dingle are set to get longer as the recession hits West Kerry hard.
New figures released by the Central Statistics Offices reveal a large increase in those signing on the live register - more than 57% more people are signing on in Dingle this year with 609 on the live register in December 2008.
Overall, 12,364 signed onto Kerry’s live register this December alone representing the the sixth highest rate in the country; more than a 40% increase on the 2007 figure. The trend shows no sign of abating with new job losses and lay-offs being announced everyday - a large supermarket in Dingle town is said to have laid off seven of its staff this week alone.

HSE to investigate death of woman following childbirth

The Health Service Executive is investigating the death of a mother who died after giving birth at Kerry General Hospital (pictured left) last Sunday.
Triona Cuddy (34) of Cois Cnoic, Dingle died immediately after the birth of her baby boy last Sunday morning. Her newborn son remains in a serious condition at the hospital.
A full investigation of the circumstances surrounding the woman's death has been ordered by the Health Service Executive.
Ms. Cuddy, who originally hailed from PortLaoise, worked in Garvey’s SuperValu in Dingle and her passing has deeply upset friends and co-workers. Her partner also works as a barman in the town.
It is understood that a post mortem examination took place on Monday and that a review of maternity services is be undertaken at the hospital. In a statement released by the HSE the family of the deceased have asked the media to respect their privacy to allow them mourn their loss. In respecting their wishes, the HSE has agreed to make no further comment.

Dáithí Ó Sé: West Kerry's answer to Simon Cowell?

West Kerry is to have an exerting influence on one of the biggest TV shows to hit Irish screens in recent times as Corca Dhuibhne native Dáithí Ó Sé takes on the task as judge on Ireland's largest nationwide talent contest, RTÉ's All Ireland Talent Show, screened on Sunday evenings at 6.30pm on RTÉ One. Over 500,000 viewers tuned in to see the first episode of Ireland's answer to the X-Factor which saw Boyzone's Shane Ward select five acts to represent the Dublin region. West Kerry native Dáithí will become the Gaeltacht's answer to Simon Cowell as he selects five acts to present the Connacht region.

The Dingle News spoke to Dáithí this week about the responsibility of becoming a TV judge.

"I suppose it was difficult at first to be the judge representing the West of Ireland, as a Kerryman you always have a loyalty to your home" said Dáithí, referring to the fact that Fáilte Towers winner RTÉ John Creedon will be judging the Munster acts, appropriately assisted by South Kerry Councillor Michael Healy-Rae.

"I have lived and worked in Galway for the last eight years now so you have to put the parish aside and do the best for the acts you are representing- I suppose I'm like Páidí Ó Sé when he went off to manage Westmeath!" said Dáithí. "While we can't give away too much there are some very contemporary acts as well a lot of traditional stuff and some excellent family entertainment." In the coming weeks fellow judges John Creedon (the South), Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh (the East) and Dana (the North) will select five acts from the different regions. "It'll be a 50-50 between the public vote and the judges decision as to who goes through from the different regions, its one of the most exciting shows in recent times and I'm delighted to be involved" Dáithí added. Presented by Gráinne Seoige, the series will showcase talents from all over the country with the winner receiving an amazing prize of €50,000. Catch the All-Ireland Talent Show on Sunday's at 6.30pm on RTÉ One. For more information and video clips visit;

http://www.rte.ie/tv/talentshow/avlong.html?2469614,null,243

Annascaul parents brave freezing tempertures in all-night queues at Tralee school

Out in the cold....

Parents from the Annascaul area joined parents in Tralee last night (Friday January 9th) as they queued in freezing temperatures in order to secure places for their children at the school in the next school year at the Presentation Secondary School Tralee. A similar scenario ensued last week as parents queued for five nights to secure places for their children at another Tralee school, Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School.

However significantly, many of the parents from the Annascaul area who are queuing tonight in freezing temperatures are doing so over the debacle at Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne where an all-Irish teaching policy is in place.

Annascaul's primary school, Scoil Breac Chluain, is within the Dingle school catchment area, which also means a school bus service is supplied.

According to the families, many of the pupils would like to attend the Dingle school, however feel that they cannot cope with the pressure of studying every subject through the medium of Irish, as primary school teaching in Annascaul is done bilingually.

Calls to introduce a bilingual stream in the school were turned down and a group, Concerned Parents of Chorca Dhuibhne, began legal proceedings against the school.

However the High Court has since appointed a mediator, prestigious barrister Dr. Gerald Hogan, the author of several books and numerous articles and who has appeared in and argued many important cases in the High Court, Supreme Court, European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. He is expected to arrive at the school to begin mediation talksn between the school's board of management and the parents group this month.

However for the parents of the children who felt they had no choice but to pursue second level education in Tralee, they will for now, in their own words, continue to remain out in the cold.

Pictured above left, members of the Concerned Parents of Chorca Dhuibhne group.

Irish language initatives for local authority tenants

Local authority tenatnts to avail of Irish classes and courses initative
A new course for Local Authority tenants in Gaeltacht areas is allowing them to build up their Irish language skills, as well as improving their employment prospects into the future. The Tenants’ Irish/ Tourism course, which was launched in Dún Chíomháin, Baile an Fheirtéaraigh on Friday, January 9th, has been organised by Kerry County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and Kerry Education Service, with nine students attending classes three times a week since last October. In April, a further nine students will take the next module of the course. This will see Fáilte Ireland’s Hospitality/Food & Beverage course delivered through the medium of Irish, the first time ever that this has happened.
“All the agencies involved have a commitment to preserving and promoting the Irish language and culture in Gaeltacht areas,” Roibeard Ó hEartáin, Oifigeach Gaeilge with Kerry County Council explained.
“The agencies, and the tenants themselves, felt that there was a need to for supports to be put in place to allow the tenants to improve their language skills. This would help to promote the language and also allow them and their families to better integrate into the local community and culture.”
Using feedback from the tenants and with the aid of the agencies involved, a course schedule was arranged, which would address the needs of the tenants.
“For example, one of the modules is called School & Home, and allows parents to help their children with their homework,” Roibeard pointed out.
“Additionally, the Fáilte Ireland course can give the students an additional skill, particularly in relation to cultural tourism, which is a major employer in the West Kerry area.”
For further information contact Roibeard Ó hEartáin at 066-7183532.

Food for thought...

Lón Gaelach san Ionad Teanga sa Daingean - Irish Language Luncheon in Dingle
Bí linn don lón ag 1pm ar an Máirt, an 22ú Eanair agus gach tarna Máirt ina dhiaidh sin. Tar go dtí an tIonad Teangan ar an Meall, bíodh blaiseadh le n-ithe agat agus dein do chuid Gaoluinne a labhairt nó a chleachtadh. Tuilleadh eolais: Máire Nó Caitríona ag 066-9156100
All are welcome to lunch ‘tré Ghaeilge’ at the Language Centre on the Mall, Dingle, at 1pm on Tuesday, January 22nd and every second Tuesday afterwards.

Record crowds in Dingle on New Year's Eve

Recession? More like a session!

Fireworks and New Year's celebrations draw record crowds to Dingle

The boom was back for a limited time only in Dingle last week as record numbers converged on the town to enjoy the New Year's celebrations last Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night. Local guesthouses, B&Bs and hotels were packed to capacity catching pubs, shops and restaurants on the hop so to speak as they struggled to meet the demand as visitors of all ages, from young party-goers to families to the more senior, filled the town and surrounding area. The recession turned session in Dingle last Tuesday as locals were surprised to find their usual haunts jammed packed that night with visitors. Many pubs even had some punters jump behind the bar to help out with the onslaught of bodies in some of the town's most popular nightspots. People continued to arrive in the town on New Year's Eve and as B&Bs and hotels began to fill a 'no room at the Inn' scenario saw many visitors struggle to find accommodation at the last minute. A thrilling fireworks display hosted by the Dingle Business Chamber at the head of the pier at 10pm on New Year's Eve saw people turn out in their thousands. Such were the crowds that many visitors and even locals opted to park outside the town and walk in the see the amazing light-show sponsored by local businesses in the town. Pubs and restaurants were soon jam-packed as party-goers of all ages congregated in the town centre at the Mall Bridge where a digital countdown clock was beamed via a projector onto the gable of a large building. The Dingle Fife and Drum Band then marched through the town as the clock struck twelve to ring in the New Year making their way to the Mall Bridge to greet the party-goers. Cash registers rang in the New Year as publicans saw their premises come alive for the first time in many months. Local nightclub, the Hillgrove, had to close their doors early despite being one of Kerry's largest nightclubs. The town's other late nightspot, An Droichead Beag was also packed to capacity as bouncers worked to ensure the safety of its patrons. Despite the record numbers the night went off without any major incidents and a feeling of goodwill was generally in evidence as the singing and dancing went on into the early hours. New Year's Day saw many of the visitors opting to stay on as staff worked hard in pubs and restaurants around the town to feed the hungry punters which saw queues form in many establishments as people waited for free tables in many of the town's eateries. A Duck-Race was hosted on the Mall River as well as Two-Time Polka in O'Flaherty's Pub that afternoon which saw the popular trad pub packed to the rafters. The party continued on New Year's Day with another lively night out on the town.

Pictured left, Danielle Slye and Mary Farrell (Ballyferriter & Dingle), pictured right, Lorraine and Debbie Scanlon (Lispole & Dingle) in Ashe's Bar on Main Street. Pictures courtesy of Sinead Bawn Brosnan.

Dingle Wren on Song

One hell of a party!

Dingle exploded in a blaze of colour and song lastF riday as the wren boys took over the town for the annual celebration of Lá an Dreolín, or Wren's Day as it is also known. The tradition, which has been going strong in the town since the late 1800s, draws hundreds to Dingle every year to witness the spectacle for themselves. The Dingle Wrens, dressed in traditional straw rigs and brightly coloured costumes marched through the town engaging all with the powerful sound of the fife and drum. The Wrens collected funds for several worthy causes on the day as well as paying a visit to the patients in the Dingle hospital. The town's streets are home to several different wrens; the world famous Green and Gold headed off from Tigh Tabhairne Uí Flathbheartaigh on Bridge Street around midday followed by the Goats Street Wren from McCarthys Bar, the John Street Wren and the Quay Wren from the Marina. The town will also welcomed wrens that came in from the surrounding countryside west of Dingle and 'below the hill' in Cloghane, culminating to create a colourful spectacle which has to be seen to be believed with the celebrations going on into the small hours of Saturday morning. Those interested in learning more about this fantastic tradition can join the Dingle Wren Group on Facebook.

Christmas sean-nós in Ballyferriter this Saturday

For a true old-time Irish Christmas join Páidí Mhárthain MacGearailt and co for an amazing evening of Sean-Nós in Ballyferriter at the Smerwick Harbour Hotel this Saturday, December 27th, starting at 9pm.

High Court action against Dingle school may be avoided

Leading SC to act as mediator in Dingle Pobalscoil talks

An end may be in sight in the saga surrounding the all-Irish teaching policy at Dingle secondary school Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne as local parents group Concerned Parents of Corca Dhuibhne (CPCD) have suggested mediation talks in an effort to resolve the problem out of court. "We suggested meditation talks and both the Department of Education and the Pobalscoil agreed to take part" explained a spokesperson for CPCD. "The talks will take place in the school in either early or late January and will be mediated by Dr. Gerard Hogan Senior Counsel (pictured left). A practising barrister and a member of the Governing Council of UNIDROIT, Dr. Hogan is currently Chairman of the Law Reporting Council of Ireland. He is a former member of the Constitution Review Group, Competition and Mergers Review Group and the Offences Against the State Acts Review Group. He is currently a member of the Committee on Court Practice and Procedure and is a former member of the Competition Authority’s Advisory Panel. He is also a Judge of the OECD’s Nuclear Energy Tribunal, the author of several books and numerous articles on topics including Irish constitutional law, administrative law, conflict of laws and European Community law. Dr. Hogan has also appeared in and argued many important cases in the High Court, Supreme Court, European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights.

Concerned Parents of Corca Dhuibhne lodged high court proceedings against Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne earlier this year in an effort to tackle the all-Irish teaching policy at the new Pobalscoil (which opened in September 2007 amalgamating Meánscoil na Toirbhirte and Meánscoil na mBráithre) and encourage bilingual teaching methods as, according to CPCD, children who weren't proficient in the Irish language were being sidelined. "The High Court proceedings will run parallel with this mediation, hopefully we can arrive at a solution through talks at the school but if not we will have no choice but to revert to legal action" the spokesperson added. "We are currently looking at a court date in February if these talks fail, we sincerely hope that doesn't happen and that we can come to a solution." The parents group are seeking bilingual teaching as they feel that many of their children cannot achieve their full academic potential unless teaching in English and in Irish is available as the Pobalscoil is Dingle's only second level public school. The schools Board of Management have maintained that additional Irish classes have been made available to those who need extra help and the school's Gaeltacht status dictates the necessity for a strong Irish language policy. However following a series of public meetings, the signing of petitions and a sit out by some students at the school last year the Concerned Parents felt that legal action was the only avenue left for them to take with some students from the Dingle catchment area leaving the school to seek out second level education in Castlegregory and Tralee. "The best way to solve any problem is to sit down and talk about it' said Seán Ó'Suilleabháin of the school's Board of Management, "we warmly welcome this development and will give our full support to there talks."

Visit www.dingleparentsforjustice.com for more background on the issue.

Mick Galwey presents new jerseys to Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne

Munster rugby star and former Irish Captain Mick Galwey was in Dingle last week to present West Kerry Rugby Club, Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne with their new jerseys which are this year being sponsored by Siopa Londis Uí Fhlaithearta (O'Flaherty's Londis) in Milltown-Dingle. Pictured, l-r, Seán Páidí Grummel and Mick Dooley (Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne), Mick Galwey, Gene O'Flaherty (store proprieator and Cumann Rubgaí Chorca Dhuibhne player) and Mary Begley of Londis-Dingle. Check out Cumann Rugbaí Chorca Dhuibhne's website at http://www.rubgaicorcadhuibhne.blogspot.com/.

Siopa Uí Fhlaithearta, O'Flaherty's Londis-Dingle in Milltown-Dingle is open seven days a week, Mon-Sat 7am-10.30pm and Sunday 8am-10.30pm offering great fuel services, grocery, newsagency, Lotto, ample parking, wine, stamps and post services as well as freshly ground Coffee and the best Deli in Kerry. Tel: 066 - 915 0628 for more info; gift vouchers now available for Christmas.