Leabhar na gCuairteoirí / Guestbook
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31/8/2010 |
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I just found your website and think it's wonderful. I was born in
Ballyness many moons ago and emigrated to the U.S. with my family - mother,sister, and two brothers in 1949. My father went to the States in 1947.
I returned to Falcarragh for the first time in 1966 and again in 1977, 1979 and every year since beginning in 1997.
Over the years I have made many new friends among the 'Hills of Donegal'. I enjoyed the Falcarragh Band when it entertained so many at the Irish Center in
Philadelphia. We were so very proud of your talented band members.
I enjoyed reading the comments posted and hope that you will continue to
provide this wonderful opportunity to stay in touch with our heritage.
Slan,
Bridie (Havertown, Pennsylvania)
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13/8/2010 |
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congratulations to the organisers of the meenderry school reunion a very enjoyable event,and a special thought for absent friends.
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30/7/2010 |
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My compliments for this great website.
It's a great opportunity to promote "our" An Fál Carrach
Good job to you all.
Henny
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16/7/2010 |
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Once again we have the Falcarragh Festival. Well done to all involved, and fingers crossed for good weather.
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15/7/2010 |
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Great work on the website. Lets hope we continue to promote all the resources we have!
Adh Mór
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13/7/2010 |
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Meenderry School Reunion
Looking forward to seeing all former Meenderry School Band members at band practice in the Shanrock Bar on Friday the 16th July at 8 o'clock. Beidh Failte roimh uilig. For more informatin please contact Eileen Mc Fadden 087 6375765.
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30/4/2010 |
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shame on cloughaneely angling club who are selling membership for fishing to anglers when rivers are closed. very little work being done to the rivers by caa, and yet they take membership monies. havent even the decency to set up a trout fisherie for the locals, where has the money gone from the past when rivers were fishing well. maybe 15 stiles put up on the bawhan river last year, this is the great job the club is doing. it must be at least 16 years since the stiles were done since the fisheries board done a few last year. you guys couldnt run a bath never mind a fishing club. do the anglers a favour and step down and let someone who cares run the club
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5/11/2009 |
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Good luck to all involved in organising the Meenderry School reunion.
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30/9/2009 |
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Great news,that a date has been set for the Meenderry School Reunion, that is something to look forward to next year, Please God!
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29/9/2009 |
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Beidh Athchaidreamh Scoil Mhíndoire ag deireadh seachtaine banc Lúnusa Aoine 30ú Iuil - An Luan 2 Lúnusa 2010.
Béidh an seoladh oifigúil ar an Aoine le iarscolaire clúiteach do chuid Scoil Mhíndoire ag déanamh an seoladh.
Tuilleadh Eolais ar an súiomh idirlíon www.scoilmhindoire.com
Meenderry School Reunion takes place during the August Bank Holiday Week-end July 30th - August 2nd. 2010.
Festivities will commence on Friday night when the official launch will be performed by one of Meenderry School's most prominent past pupils.
For additional information visit www.meenderryschool.com
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23/9/2009 |
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Thank you Maire, for answering my question, and it is nice to know that there may be more interesting things happening in the future.
Thanks also to Seamus Doohan, for the DVD`s he got done for the reunion.I sent one to my cousin Eugene McFadden, who is doing the family tree, and is keen to learn what life was like in the area in the in his parents time. He enjoyed the DVD and John McCarry`s cd, and sends his thanks to John.I loaned the second DVD to family to enjoy. Must order another one!
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21/9/2009 |
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Mar pháirt den deireadh seachtaine ‘An Fálcarrach le Chéile’ bhí seisiún bríomhar diospóireachta ina ndéarnadh plé ar féidireachtaí an cheantair.
Tháinig a lán smaoine chun tosaigh a thiocfaí dhul chun tairbhe don cheantar ó thaobh saol sóisíalta, cultúrtha, turasóireachta agus tionsclaíochta de.
Táimid ag tabhairt cuireadh anois do chlubanna / eagraiochtaí / lucht gnó an cheantair theacht chuig cruinni chun cur leis an mbunchloch seo.
A lively and stimulating discussion took place as part of the Think Tank held during ‘An Fálcarrach Le Chéile’ weekend last June.
The discussion generated many ideas that, if followed through should be of benefit to the social, cultural, tourist and industrial development of the town and surrounding area.
We would like each club / association / group / interested party or individuals to send representative(s) to a follow up meeting to build on the foundations laid.
This meeting will take place in:
An tSeanbheairic
Dé Céadaoin (Wednesday) 30/9/2009
7.30 pm
Ag súil go mbeidh tú linn.
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18/9/2009 |
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To answer a query by Lynn Boland Richardson...there are Meenderry School records available. They are in storage in St Finians NS in Falcarragh. Permission to view can be sought from the Principal, although they may not be removed from the premises.
I don't know if you are aware that there has been a committee set up to work towards a school re-union?
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16/9/2009 |
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Nice to see some new comments on the web-site. I often look at it but I am just as guilty as everyone for not posting something. I still think about the reunion and the great weekend.I hope we have another one not too far down the road.I remember as a child hearing people talking about Hannah Boland's house.
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14/9/2009 |
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Good to see the site being used on an ongoing basis.
It was interesting to read the Boland reference.I do recall
in younger days having a job as relief postman during holiday periods.One route was to the Dunmore area.Often a letter would have to be delivered to Hannah Boland.This most
pleasant and friendly person always insisted on a cup of tea and scon bread,how refreshing this was after the long uphill cycle. This was a welcoming house.
Fionn Gallagher
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30/8/2009 |
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My grandfather joseph Boland and his siblings Cormack and hannah all went to Meenderry school. They walked up across the hill in front of their home in Meencarricka or upper dunmore as it is known now.
they would have been there when the school first opened in 1908 or 09.
Do you have the early school records..the register for that time period?
Best of luck with your reunion
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12/8/2009 |
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Hello again,
What a shame, after all the excitement leading up to the Festival, that the Guestbook seems to have come to an end. No comments about whether the Festival, has made any difference to Falcarragh, improving it or otherwise!
Anyway, received John McCarry`s CD yesterday, and I think it is great, and love listening to it - and Frank, likes it too. Well done, John. Your cousin Nuala, had it stuck in her CD player within minutes of handing it to her.
Hope some more stories appear on the Guestbook, as it is nice to know what is going on. Best wishes, Noreen
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12/6/2009 |
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Thanks to all for a very enjoyable weekend. Appreciated the effort of the all the organisers.
well done.
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7/6/2009 |
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Thanks to all of you who organised the Falcarragh Renunion,we really enjoyed the weekend!
Always love coming home but with the weather being so good, loads around and events to suit young and old it made it extra special.
Obviously it took a lot of time and work to organise so well done.Looking forward to the next one!
Mary+Liam Kavanagh+Co.
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7/6/2009 |
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Back home again. We really enjoyed the reunion weekend, and the glorious weather made it all the more enjoyable! The opening night was great, and enjoyed all the people that I met. It was lovely meeting up with old school friends, female and male, and recalling old times. The parades were lovely and,got some great photographs of the children in their uniforms looking so proud.
The Dinner Dance was very good also, and we shared our table with the Sweeney family, Mrs McAuliffe, Greta. Maurice and his wife.Had some lovely chats.
The band was brilliant, and enjoyed watching everyone out dancing and enjoying themselves! We left when the Disco started, as my poor eardrums cannot cope with loud sounds anymore - My three Sons finished them off years ago, having to listen to three types of music blaring around the house, simultaneously!
Our Holiday continued to be good as we set off for Galway, on Monday afternoon. We gave Kathleen McCallion, a lift back to her home in Sligo, and we did not stop talking the whole way, it was lovely! Frank, thought there was something wrong with me, as he never heard me talk so much! Frank, surprised me, when he wanted to stop and see Biddy O`Barnes pub. After over thirty years of driving past it, now, he wanted to see it! The reason being, that at work when he says the wife is from Donegal, they ask him if he visited Biddy`s, and its a great source of embarrassment, when he has to admit, that he was never in it. Kathleen, was never in it either, so we enjoyed a very pleasant half hour there. Had some refreshments and the staff gave us some complimentary sandwiches. Took some photos, and set off once again.
After dropping Kathleen, off, we visited some more friens in Sligo. It was midnight when we reached Galway.
Frank, enjoyed his stay, and seeing his sister Bridie and her husband Bill, whom we often stayed with over the years , and enjoyed their hospitality!
Well, that is all for now, and hope that there is another reunion, in the near future! Well done, Mary, Seamus, Manus and Patrick! Best wishes, Noreen
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5/6/2009 |
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Kathleen,Fr.Quinn gave a lovely sermon at the reunion mass
on Sunday,he refeered to a shop at his home in his younger days when he broke a crockery jug while filling oil for a shopper.He was scolded for this.You would want to hear the full sermon to value it.
Great to read comments from people so far away.
If you remember Paul our son,he sends his regards.He met
your mother at the gallary and was delighted to talk to her as we all were.
Kathleen and Fionn Gallagher
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4/6/2009 |
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The weekend seems to have gone great - from all I have heard and read and from the photos of the goings on in the town. Maith sibh a Mhaire, Manus, Seamus, Patrick, ... and all involved! Great to see such a community spirit in Falcarragh. Long may it continue. Here's to the next reunion. Am curious though - What jug did Fr. Quinn break??? Kathleen, Kaduna, Nigeria
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3/6/2009 |
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Míle buíochas do'n choiste a d'eagrai deireadh seachtaine iontach. Bhaineas sult ar dóigh ó na rudaí uilig a bhí eagraithe agus go raibh an Ghaeilge a labhairt go láidir ag an choiste, ag lucht na háite agus na cúirteoirí,chur sin go mór leis an ócaid. An fhad agus tá leithéid Mháire Nic Gairbhaigh, Seamus Ó Dubhchoin, Manús Ó Ceallaigh, Patrick Mc Ginley agus Seamus Danny 'sa phároiste, ní bhéidh teanga na nGael agus Oidhreach iontach Chloic Cheann Fhaola márbh go deo.
Danny Rua.
P.S.
Cuimhnigí go bhfuil ócaid mhór eile ag teacht aníos ón 24/26 Iúl nuair a bhéas cuimhneachán do fhoireann 1959 a eagrú ag C.L.G. Chloich Cheann Fhaola.
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2/6/2009 |
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Ta muid sa bhaile i ndiaidh deireadh seachtaine iontach againn,ta muid buiocach don choiste ar an obair deanta.
This was a wonderful weekend,the photographic exhibition created a great buzz,the debate and the reminesence in the sean bheric was hillarious.we could relate so much to Fr. Quinn on Sunday.We would get a clip in the ear if we broke the crockery jug that he did.It was great to meet so many old friends in Arus Begley for the cup of tea.
On the street the banter and the fun was mighty.Again the
priest led the show on his bike,it reminded me of a parish priest in the early forties,a Fr Cunningham who came to Falcarragh on a bike from Gortahork on some sunday evenings.
We would meet up with him as children,he gave us two shillings to buy sweets,they were bought in Owen Mc Nultys,he caused many a row when it came to the dividing.
FR.Quinn did not give me anything.
The dinner was an opportunity to really let the hair down.
A wonderful weekend.Thanks to John and Hannah for the hospitality.
Fionn Gallagher
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2/6/2009 |
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Just want to say a big congratulation to all .It was a very good weekend.we realy enjoyed every bit of it.Did not get on walks as childern to small but every other event was very enjoyable and the children had good fun as well.Had great night on sunday danced the night away.maith sibh heres to the next one.
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30/5/2009 |
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It was a great night last night.I really enjoyed it.Thank You to all the Coiste especially Seamus Doohan for the wonderful photographic display.Looking forward to all todays happenings.Nice to see so many people back for the week-end.
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30/5/2009 |
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Just back from a tour of some of the historical sites dotted round the area. A big thank you to John Connaghan, he made the people and places come alive.
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27/5/2009 |
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Really looking forward to the reunion weekend and hopefully meeting up with loads that I havent seen in years. Dosen't our Falcarragh look fab - makes you want to visit!! Well done to Mary, Seamus, Manus and whoever else involved in this great initiative - I am sure that it will be a huge success
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26/5/2009 |
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Hello, just a quick note to say how much we are enjoying James Doohan, on Countdown - and wish him luck! We will miss the programme tomorrow, as we are heading off for the Reunion. It`s a lovely lead up to the reunion, which will also be a huge success - with all the hard work of the Committee over the past year.
Enjoyed John Connaghan`s piece about the rivers.
Best wishes, Noreen
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25/5/2009 |
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Thanks to John Conaghan on his informative account of the rivers in the area.It does appear a sensible approach.
The talk about these local rivers brings back lovely memories of times spent around the Bawan pool in our younger days watching the skills of those anglers.
The cistenna on the website asks how many of the 1939 football team can be named.A further question could be added to that,How many of these anglers of the 1940 and 1950 period can be named.Johns father could be amongst them.
A further compliment to John for his contributions to BAR SCELTA every monday.
Note a change in my email address following a hijack of my old one.
Looking forward to the reunion.
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25/5/2009 |
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Dia Daoibh arís
Safe journey to all who are travelling home for weekend and a special thanks to all who are making the effort. Beidh fáilte speisialta romhaibh uilig. Be sure and have your dinner dance ticket booked in advance, dance and function for ticket holders only.
Adh mór
Mary
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25/5/2009 |
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I am really looking forward to the coming weekend. A huge congratulations to all the organisers. If the sun does not continue to shine I am sure that the weekend will still be a great success. "Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain". Ba mhaith liom bualadh suas le mo sheanchairde, cuid acu nach bhfaca mé le blianta go háirithe iad sin a raibh mé ar scoil leo na blianta fada ó shin.
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22/5/2009 |
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In reply to the previous comment from Lila re the local rivers being closed I would like to let you know about some of the activities of our local Cloughaneely Angling Association. Although you may not currently be a member of the Association, we thought you might be interested to hear about some of our work.
CAA, in partnership with the Northern Regional Fisheries Board, manages the fishing on the Ray and Tullaghobegley rivers for the benefit of local anglers and visiting anglers. We have access to the resources of the Board for information, technical and practical support. One example of this is the work currently being carried out on the Tullaghobegley river to improve access – clearing banks and installing stiles where needed. The intention is to then do the same on the Ray, before moving on to implement the rest of a comprehensive work programme which the Committee has discussed in detail with the Board and which is aimed at enhancing the quality of angling for members and visitors alike.
Every year for thousands of years, salmon and sea trout have been coming in from the sea and moving up our rivers to spawn. This precious natural resource is part of our heritage; it is reflected in songs and stories that go back to the dawn of our history. Sadly, in recent times and for a variety of reasons, the stocks of these wonderful creatures have become dangerously low. As part of a major effort to turn this around, many rivers have been closed temporarily to fishing until stocks reach safe and sustainable levels again. It is frustrating for all of us anglers that the rivers are closed, but we recognise and accept that this is for the long term good of rivers and anglers alike. Now, an important point in relation to that: although the Ministerial Order closing various rivers technically allows for fishing for sea trout under 40 cms, the Association decided, in the interests of restoring the rivers to healthy stock levels as quickly as possible, to close them to ALL fishing. The Association can do this as we are the managers of the fishery and, as such, have the authority and responsibility to decide whether and when angling on the fishery should be allowed. We ask everyone to respect this decision and to support the Association in its efforts to see the rivers brought back to health as soon as possible.
It is not so long ago that the local fishery was not only a source of great enjoyment for us local anglers but also an important contributor to the the local economy through the many angling tourists attracted by what it had to offer. These visitors stayed in local accomodation, frequented local businesses and brought a welcome and much needed income to the area. It is our hope and aim that our efforts together with you may see that valuable contribution restored. If we are successful in our efforts to restore the fishery, our whole community will benefit.
We hope that this is of interest to you. If you would like to have any further information about the Association and its activities, we will be pleased to provide it on request.
John Connaghan, Chairman, CAA
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17/5/2009 |
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just a quick hello to all the folks that are checking out the website, as you all know time it getting short now as we are heading into this reunion.... so far all the committee are putting in a hugh effort to make this weekend very special for all those at home and for those that are travelling home for this ''stepping back in time'' festival....... the DVD, which is a historical tour of falcarragh through the ages..... will be for sale after the opening of the festival in the Gallery .... these will be for sale at €15 each and they can be posted out to you anywhere in Ireland for €17 and for outside Ireland at €18.... the dinner dance tickets are selling well and all are welcome.... thanks again for all those that have sent photos and letters and old stories .. can't wait also for the photographic exhibition which should get the people talking about the old style clothes and hairstyles etc ..... slan agus beannacht ...... seamus
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13/5/2009 |
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Buíochas dóibh sin uilig a scríobh i leabhar na gcuairteoirí. Tá súil ag an gcoiste go mbainfidh sibh uilig sult as an deireadh seachtaine. Déan cinnte go bhfuil do thicéad agat don damhsa oíche Dhómhnaigh - tá éileamh mór orthu.
Looking forward to meeting lots of old friends over the weekend. The committee sincerely hope all from Falcarragh who are at home or coming home for the Reunion will enjoy the craic and make the most of this opportunity to renew old acquaintances. Hope you all have your outfit organised for 'Stepping Back in Time' on Sunday afternoon!
Special thanks to all who gave or sent photographs.
ón gcoiste
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12/5/2009 |
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Hello,
My grandmother, Sophia Dugan Gardner, was born in Falcarragh, and I know that there are still many relatives living in the area. Hope your reunion is successful...wish I could attend.
Mauriann Gardner Barton (Neil and Betty Gardner's daughter)
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9/5/2009 |
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Hello again! Well, the last twelve months have flown, and am still looking forward to Falcarragh Reunion, and please God, that we`ll make it. Have my tickets booked for the Dinner Dance - and Seamus Doohan, said the ticket sales are going well, so make sure to get yours in time!
Had a surprise yesterday, My "Little" brother Tony texted me to say The Falcarragh Committee, have invited him to open the festival - what an honour, and he is delighted!
Looking forward to seeing old school friends - Kathleen Sweeney, Gracie Sharkey and many more, I hope!
My husband Frank is from Galway, and after listening to me going on about the Reunion this past year, he is looking forward to it now himself.
Also looking forward to meeting Paddy & Madge O Grady, who were near neighbours of ours for years - and Paddy used to take us Newtown ones out for drives on a Sunday afternoon, up to Glenveagh and other places - a very generous man! Best wishes, Noreen
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9/5/2009 |
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Yes it's me the wee gent.... thankfully i haven't popped my clogs just yet (hope the dinner dance doesn't kill me)!!
Hello to all my friends past and present. Looking forward to the big weekend. Well done to everyone involved in the organisation. See you then. Seamus
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4/5/2009 |
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i will be home for the festivals and the reunion during the summer.looking forward to meeting old friends that i have not seen in awhile. i love looking at the web-page as it keeps me in touch with whats happening at home. love to all my family.see you soon. daniel tish gallagher. kildare. xx
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9/4/2009 |
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buiochas do achan duine a ghug pictiuiri agus na scealtai duin fa choinne an DVD .... ta siad iontach mhaith agus beidh muid ag cruinnu nios mo eile .. slan go foill seamus
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3/4/2009 |
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Greetings to you preparing for the re-union. I hope all goes well in the lead up and the weekend. It is by accident that I will be home that weekend from England. Well done so far. Fr. Manus
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31/3/2009 |
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I am really looking forward to the reunion and meeting with
people that I have not seen in years.
I am really looking forward to the reunion and meeting up with people that I haven't seen in a long time. great website.Seamus I hope the old photos will be of some good.
Congratulations to all involved.Ellen.
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6/3/2009 |
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Well done to everyone involved in organising the Reunion,
Unfortunately we will not be able to be there at that time,hope it is a great success and all goes well!
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2/3/2009 |
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Maith sibh - Máíre, Séamus, Manus agus Choiste. Chuidigh mé le Seamus O Dubchoin traidhfil sean phictiuirí a fháil don áit- ag tnúth leis a CD staire atá anois le sheoladh. Deas brí a fheiceal sa cheantair. Ba chorr do bhunadh na h-áite a bheith iontach brodúil as an oidhreacht luachmhar atá againn idir teanga- staire- cultúir- bealoideas. Coinnigh leis.
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24/2/2009 |
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get the rivers opened for fishing this summer no point in having rivers closed for years its is one way of geting rid of visitors to the area
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23/2/2009 |
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Comhghairdeas ar an ocaid seo a chur ar bun.
The website is a wonderful iniative.Well done
to all who played a part.
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23/2/2009 |
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I am really looking forward to the Falcarragh Reunion, and hope to meet up with old friends - that is, if we can still recognize each other! Thank you to all who are involved with the reunion and making this day possible - the hard work will be worth it! Best wishes to all!
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20/2/2009 |
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Hope all goes well for the re-union, and all the committee's hard work is rewarded. Enjoy!!
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13/2/2009 |
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Maith sibh Mary Manus & an coiste - ann obair deanta agaibh. Adh mór
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10/2/2009 |
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hi i was looking for any old photographs of the old cinema and the old forge .... or even any old photos of the town or its people ... please send my a copy or email ...thanks for now seamus .... we can make it part of our history .. gur a mhaith agat ....
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20/1/2009 |
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Ta me i mo shui anseo le beirt bhean as Nigeria agus bean as Argentina - te siad ag amharc ar na griangrafanna, ag eisteach liomsa ag moladh an tra agus na sleibhte agus na daoine agus.... agus ta siad ag caoineadh cionnas nach mbeidh siad abalta dhul go dti an ocaid i mi Bealtaine!
Congrats on the initiative and on this website. I really hope the get-together will be a huge success. I will not be there physically but will be there in thought and prayer. Welcome home to all who do make their way to the hills of Donegal in May. Enjoy!
The website is a great idea. I've lost touch with so many from home, as so many of us have travelled far and wide. This should help to get in touch again or to at least know where people are and what people are at.
Go raibh mile maith agaibh Mary, Manus and whoever else is involved.
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8/1/2009 |
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wow looks like mardi gras id want to come to this place myself
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