There is no doubt about it - whether it is the effect of Leap Year or the aftermath of the recent Valentine’s celebrations there simply was a wealth of brides at last weekend’s Wedding Fair in one of the county’s most prestigious hotels.

They were four to the bed, drinking pints at an open fire, jumping in an out of sporty vintage cars and even doing “a runner” in typical “Runaway Brides” fashion and all this was only a prelude to the superb wedding showcase organised by Deirdre McGlone and Noel Cunningham at the exclusive lakeside hotel at Harvey’s Point.

It has been a season of wedding fairs with practically one every weekend and despite the wealth of options both hotels and ancillary suppliers are reporting brisk business.

Michael Gallagher from Donegal Town who operates his own Limousine Company said, “I will have to say it is very busy - this morning I have four cars out on the road on various jobs - that is keeping four people employed today and the level of enquiries here today is phenomenal.

“I think there is a statistic which indicates that during recessionary times more people get married - I suppose when times are tough company and companionship is a great saviour.”

The event showcased why Donegal is so popular with prospective brides and grooms.

Noel Cunningham who has recently taken over the reins at Harvey’s Point told the Donegal Democrat, “We offer simply superb value, a setting which you wouldn’t find the length and breath of the country and a great wealth of options as you can see here today.

“We are now finding that people from as far away as Dublin, Kilkenny, Belfast to name but a few are booking their weddings in Donegal and making a weekend of it - this benefits the local economy and in these challenging times, it is great to see it.”

Restaurants across Donegal have started signing up to Gorta’s National Soup Week, which will run March 5-11. The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) is also encouraging people across the county to support the campaign at participating restaurants. During the week, people can also run ‘Soup for Life’ events at home - in the workplace or in clubs, schools and colleges. The annual fundraising campaign encourages people to get out and sip some soup to help make hunger history.

Many of Donegal’s restaurants are taking part this year including Creevy’s Pier Hotel and Restaurant in Ballyshannon, The Gaslight Restaurant in Rossnowlagh and The Tavern in Portnoo. ‘Soup for Life’ is also supported by food entrepreneurs Cully & Sully, who are donating 5c per carton of soup sold throughout the week.

‘Soup for Life’ is a fun, vibrant and positive campaign which is very much focused on participation across the country. This year, Gorta is encouraging people to get out and support their favourite eateries by participating in ‘Soup for Life’. For each bowl of soup sold by participating restaurants, cafes and venues in Donegal from March 5 to 11, €1 will be donated to Gorta, helping families in Uganda secure a bright future for themselves and their children.

Gorta CEO Brian Hanratty said “Soup is a simple meal, which is full of nutrients and one which is enjoyed all across the globe. During ‘An Gorta Mór’ up to one third of the population was dependent on soup kitchens to survive. We have always been very much aware of the support in the Donegal region so we are asking everyone across the county to enjoy soup during National Soup Week with their friends, families and colleagues and in doing so make a contribution to our work with poor communities.”

He continued, “This unique campaign will raise funds to support a programme in Uganda which aims to alleviate hunger, originating from a lack of nutrients in women and children. All money raised will go towards providing seeds and seedlings; rooster hens; and training and planning on nutrition and food security.”

Adrian Cummins, CEO of the RAI added, “This campaign is really a win/win situation when one thinks of the many struggling businesses there are in the restaurant sector, particularly in relation to independent businesses. This campaign is all about getting people out to their local eatery and supporting this initiative which will ultimately help those who are struggling to provide food for themselves and their families. The RAI are proud to partner with Gorta on ‘Soup for Life’ and I would urge all of our members to get involved.”

To register your bar or restaurant or for more information log onto www.soupforlife.ie

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