Aged 82 years, the deceased was affectionately and better known locally as Patrick Joe Thimlín. A very kind and friendly individual, Patrick had to leave his native area to seek employment abroad. He spent most of his life away from home, and he first emigrated at the young age of fifteen years. In later years he was a seasonal worker in Scotland, working on farms for some months in the year and returning home to help the family with planting of the crops and harvesting and saving of turf.
On his marriage to a local woman, Nappy Mháire Bhiddy (née Gallagher), forty three years ago, they settled down and lived in the Glasgow region of Scotland. From his marriage until he retired he worked on building sites around the Glasgow region. His wife, Nappy is also a native of Magheralosk. They paid frequent visits home during the summer months, until eventually nine years ago they moved from Glasgow to take up permanent residence in their bungalow in Magheralosk. Patrick's remains were transferred from the Nursing Unit to his home for waking. The large and representative attendance at the removal of remains, wake and funeral, clearly indicated the high esteem in which Patrick and his family are held. His funeral took place to Magheragallon Cemetery on Sunday week last following 11.30am Mass in St. Mary's Church, Derrybeg. The celebrant of the mass was An Dr. Oirmh. Pádraig Ó Baoighill, Seiplineach Phobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Fr. Michael Sweeney, P.P., Gaoth Dobhair and An tAthair Brian Ó Ferarraigh, C.C., and Seiplineach Phobal Scoil Chloichcheann Fhaola. The lessons were read by Ann Dawson (niece of the deceased's wife) and Pauline (cousin). Cor Mhuire, St. Mary's church Choir performed during the Mass and Eileen Sweeney, performed on the flute. He is survived by his wife, Nappy, daughter, Frances Gallagher, (at home), two brothers, Owen (Falcarragh) and Charlie (Magheralosk), nephews, nieces, family circle, relatives and friends to all of whom deep sympathy is extended.
Cnoc Fola Bingo: At last Sunday night bingo in Ionad Pobail Chnoc Fola the following won 100 euro each: Bríd Friel, Lunniagh, Nóra McFadden, Brinaleck, Owenie Coll, Meenaniller, Sophie Cannon, Machaire Rabhartaigh, Hughie McGee, Fanaboy, Margaret McGee, Fanaboy, Bríd McGee, Meenlaragh and Sarah McGee, Arduns.
Golden Wedding Anniversary: Congratulations to Mr. Paddy and Mrs. Sarah McGee, Arduns, Gaoth Dobhair who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary at the weekend. They were married in the former St. Mary's Church, Derrybeg, on January 5th, 1959. The wedding ceremony was performed by Fr. Moore, C.C. The best man was Doney McGee (Paddy's brother), Meenweal and Scotland, and who sadly passed away in July of last year. The bridesmaid was Annie Coll, (Sarah's sister). After the wedding ceremony they went to McFadden's Hotel, Gortahork for the reception. Following the reception they travelled to Letterkenny and stayed overnight there. The following day they went to Dublin for their honeymoon. Paddy, better known locally as Paddy Jimmy Mhicí, he spent most of his life working with the ESB in Meenacuing. His wife, Sarah (née Coll) is originally from Meenaweal, Crolly. They have a family of two daughters, Bríd McGinley and Nóra McFadden, and five sons, James, Liam, Pádraig, Martin and Noel McGee. They also have thirteen grandchildren. To celebrate the joyous event Fr. Michael Sweeney, P.P., Gaoth Dobhair celebrated a Jubilee Mass at their home in Arduns on Friday evening last. Following the mass they joined their family neighbours and friends for dinner which was held in Óstan Ghaoth Dobhair. We wish Paddy and Sarah many more years of good health and happiness together.
Ciorcal Scríbhneoireachta: Buíochas do gach duine a ghlach páirti gcuid imeachtaí an Chiorcal Scríbhneoireachta i rith 2008 go mór mhór na daoine a ghlac páirt san Oíche Filíochta agus Ceoil i dTí Huidí, An Bun Beag. Tógadh 340 euro do Chiste Nóirín. Beidh san Ciorcal ag cur tús le clár úr don bhliain seo gan mhoill.
New Year's Day Swim: Congratulations and well done to everyone who braved the elements in Artic conditions on New Year's Day to take part in the annual sponsored swim at Magheragallon Pier. The total sum raised by the event amounts to 682 euro. This money will go to Nóirín's Fund.
Míle Buíochas: Fr. Michael Sweeney, P.P., Gaoth Dobhair would like to thank the following groups for their generous donations in aid of Parish Funds. The Card Playing Group in Teach Bhríd Doogan, Upper Dore presented him with 500 euro while the Gaoth Dobhair AA presented him with 550 euro.
Church Gate Collection: The annual church gate collection in aid of Foster Children will be taken up outside all the churches in the parish this weekend, (Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th). Your generosity will be deeply appreciated.
Bingo Dhobhair: Seo leanas na príomh bhuaiteoirí ag an bhingo a bhí ar siúl in Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhar, oíche Shathairn 3ú Eanáir: Mary Doherty, Dobhar, Roisín Gallagher, Machaire Chlochair, Bríd Nic Pháidín, An Ghlaisigh, Sarah Brown, An Chlochán Liath, agus Hiúdaí Ó Fearraigh, Machaire Chlochair. Beidh an bingo ar siúl arís in Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dé sathairn, 7ú Feabhra.
Buaiteoirí Crannchur na Nollag: Seo leanas buaiteoirí crannchur na Nollag a reachtáil Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhar: Clog, Connie Mary Mhicí Ó Gallchobhair, Rann na Feirsde. Tablaí: Eoin Ó Fearraigh, Dobhar Uachtarach. Lampa: Hugo McCafferty, Crolly. Dearbhán 50 euro: Anna Ní Ghallchóir, Dobhar. Míle buíochas do Siopa Cladyknit, Siopa Mháire Ned, agus an Cope ar an Chlochán Liath a rinne urraíocht ar na duaiseanna, agus achan nduine a thug tacaíocht.
Clár Imeachtaí Ionad Naomh Pádraig: Seo leanas clár imeachtaí Ionad Naomh Pádraig, Dobhar: De Luain: 12ú Eanair, Cispheil 4.30-5.30p.m. Damhsa Gaelach: 6.00 – 7.00p.m. Pilates 7.15- 8.15p.m. Line Dancing 8.30 -10.30p.m. Dé Máirt 13ú: Aerobics 6.30 -7.30p.m. E.C.D.L. 7.00 – 10.00p.m. Dé Céadaoin 14ú: Sacar 4.30 – 5.30p.m. Fit Kidz 6 – 7p.m. Photoshop: 7.00 – 9.00p.m. Martial Arts 7.30 – 9.00p.m. Déardaoin 15ú: Weight Watchers 5.00-6.00p.m. Aerobics 6.30 – 7.30p.m. Dé hAoine 16ú: Rascalí Beaga (Parent & Toddler) 10.30 -12.30p.m. Club Óige: Páistí Bunscoile 6-8 p.m. Páistí Meán Scoile 8 – 10p.m. Beidh cúrsa Digital Camera agus Pacassa (beginners) ag toiseacht Déardaoin 15ú Eanáir 7 – 9p.m. Tá an cúrsa seo páirt cheistithe ag Coiste Gairmoideachais Dhún na nGall.
Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2008: We wish to express our sincere thanks to you all for participating in the 2008 Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoe Box Appeal. A total of 2,438 gift filled boxes left our Centre in Annagry on Friday 21st November. Your kind generosity will mean a happier Christmas for a lot of children who have so little in life.
From Americia: Two very welcome visitors to the Derrybeg area at Christmas and the New Year were, Eugene Charlie Ned McBride and his wife, Ann, who travelled all the way from New York.
Glenea Utd Draw: The lucky winner of the top prize, a Christmas Hamper, in the Glenea United FC Christmas draw was Dan Doohan, Derryconnor. Other winners were, 2nd, Charlotte Ferry, Ray. 3rd, Ciara Duggan, Lower Baltoney. 4th, Saun McMullan, Meenderry. 5th, Madge Mulhern, Lower Keeldrum. 6th, Denis Gallagher, Hillside, Meenlaragh and 7th, Joe Duggan, Derryconnor. The Club wish to thank every one who bought tickets also all those who sold the tickets.
Sheila Sharkey: Deep shock and sadness was occasioned by the sudden death of Sheila Sharkey, which occurred at her home in Coventry on December 7th. Aged only 36 years, her mother, Bríd is originally from Gola Island and Strand Road, Bunbeg, and is a daughter of late Charlie Jimmy Hiudaí Sheimidh Sweeney and Hannah Sweeney. Sheila's father, Neil Sharkey is originally from Mullaghduff. A hairdresser by profession, Sheila was a warm and likeable person, with a heart of gold. Her death is more poignant, that she leaves behind a son, Nile, who is aged only six years. This is the second very sad and heartbreaking bereavement suffered by the family in recent years. Three years ago, Sheila's only sister, Margaret passed away, and she was only 35 years at the time of her death. Reception into St. Osburg's R.C. Church on Wednesday December 17th. Her funeral mass was celebrated at 12.00pm followed by interment at Canley Garden Cemetery. Her aunts, uncles, and cousins made the sad journey to Coventry to be present at the wake and funeral. She is survived by her heartbroken parents, Bríd and Neil, son, Nile, brother, Shaun, aunts, uncles, family circle, relatives and friends, to all of whom heartfelt sympathy is extended in their very sad loss.
Danny Harley: Very deeply regretted was the recent death of Mr. Danny Harley, which occurred at his home in Middle Dore. Aged 78 years, Danny passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 13th.
A very kind and friendly individual, he was highly popular with both young and old alike. He was an outstanding family man, and he will be sadly missed by his entire family and especially the grand children who were totally devoted to him. His wife, Bríd (née Ní Dhomhnaill) is originally from Rann na Feirsde. Danny spent many years working in England and he was engaged in work ranging from building sites to tunnelling. In 1970 Danny commenced working in G.T. Carpets Teoranta, the former carpet manufacturing plant on the Gaoth Dobhair Industrial Estate. Danny remained working here until it closed some ten years later. He was a great soccer supporter and his number one team was Glasgow Celtic. He followed with keen interest their fortunes on television, and he travelled to Scotland on a few occasions to see them in live action. Danny was the last member of his family. There was a constant stream of people to offer their condolence to the bereaved family throughout the wake. His funeral, which took place to Magheragallon cemetery, on Tuesday 16th December was also large and representative, a very clear indication of the high esteem in which Danny and his family are held. The main celebrant of the funeral mass was Fr. Michael Sweeney, P.P., Gaoth Dobhair and concelebrants were, Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir, P.P., Gortahork, An Dr. Oirmh. Pádraig Ó Baoighill, Seiplineach Phobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair and An tAthair Brian Ó Fearraigh, Seiplineach Phobal Scoil Chloichcheann Fhaola, Falcarragh. The lessons were read by Paul Gillespie (grandson) and Patricia Roberts (niece). The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Sínead Harley, Pádraig Friel, (Junior), Brídín Friel, and Donna Gallagher (grand children). The soloist was Eileen Sweeney, and she was accompanied on organ by Leo Brennan. Following the mass he was laid to rest in Magheragallon cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Bríd, son, Pádraig and his wife, Mary (Dore), three daughters, Annmarie Gillespie and her husband, Michael, (Braad), Eileen Friel and her husband, Pádraig (Dore), Bríd Gallagher and her husband, Hughie, (Stranacorkra, Derrybeg). Thirteen grandchildren, one great grand child, brother in law, Patrick (Dawson) Gallagher, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends to all of whom deep sympathy is extended. His month's mind mass will be celebrated in St. Mary's church, Derrybeg on Monday 26th January at 7.00pm.