A Day Trip to Belfast - Teresa Duffy

Wednesday 22nd June was the History Links day trip to The Ulster Museum, Open Top Bus and Belfast City Hall.

We the Raphoe gang gathered in the Diamond at 9.15 in anticipation of our journey to Belfast, we were like school children all talking and excited about "Our Day Away". The yellow bus arrived just after 9.15, we then had to wait on one of our friends to arrive, Kathleen the coordinator gave us our name tags and asked Paddy Joe Coyle if he had pins in the shop, so up Paddy Joe got out of his seat and headed over to the shop, he eventually came back with the pins. We attached our name tag, pins and all to our cardigans, jumpers or whatever was handiest! Kathleen by the way had her cardigan on inside out, so she had to change it and was quite embarrassed NOT!

The journey there seemed to fly by, the weather when we got to Belfast was lovely, we arrived at the Ulster Museum and had tea/coffee and a jumbo scone with butter and jam.

We looked around the museum, then went to the Wellington Park Hotel for soup and sandwiches. After the food we were asked to fill in a survey, pencils were handed out with the surveys, and after some chatting and exchanging views the surveys were handed back to Stephen, Ronan and Kathleen.

The open top bus arrived, but it was a closed double Decker bus, thank goodness as the rain started but was not heavy. The bus tour guide was great craic and very interesting indeed. We went up the Shankill Road and down it again and also the Falls Road very interesting to see the different cultures and colours.

We finished the open top bus tour at Belfast City Hall where a few went in around it and others went shopping, mind you one hour did not give enough time to see everything.

We boarded our own bus and headed down the M2 next stop was the Oak-leaf Restaurant, food was served and the craic was mighty. There was not a dull moment with Kathleen she was the life and soul at our table.

Back in Raphoe at 22.30 hours a great day was had by all... Thanks to Stephen, Ronan and Kathleen.


Photos: The History Links Group outside The Ulster Museum. The three men busy filling out the surveys in the Wellington Park Hotel. lf-rg Harry Wallace, John Patterson and Hugh Doherty.

History links

Our last day at the History links here in Strabane

WE had a lovely lunch with Ronan Mary and Stephen

then we went to see Ann and Bob Kavanaghs beautiful

Garden they made us all so welcome and we all really

enjoyed it so a big thank you to Ronan Mary and Stephen

for all the hard work will keep in touch with emails and facebook

and not forgetting the blogs to everyone in the history links have

a lovely summer and take care and keep well

Carmel

History Links

I can't believe we are coming to the end of the History Links Project, its has been one of the best courses i have done to date, I've learned so much about local History as well as history further afield, i have met a lot of lovely people and will miss our Wednesday night classes, Mary and Ronan were brilliant and could have not done anything more to help and encourage us. The web site is fantastic and will give hours of reading pleasure as well as information to anyone who logs in. The book was a huge success and I cant wait for the next one, all I can say it has been a pleasure and hopefully roll on the next course.

Reflections CP

Once a young boy stood watching a gypsy as he drank from a well in the town square

After drinking the man continued to gaze into the well as though looking at someone

He was a giant of a man,but had a friendly face.

So the boy approached him and asked

Who lives down there?

God does answered the Gypsy

can i see him?

Sure you can ,said the Gypsy

Then taking the boy in his arms he lifted him up

so he could see down the well.

All the boy could see however

was his own reflection in the water

But that's only me,he cried in disappointment

All I see is me

Ah replied the Gypsy,

now you know where God lives

He lives in you

St Johnston and Carrigans

Following discussions with Isia about the possibility of locating old pictures of St. Johnston School on our trip to Belfast I would like to direct you all to the website below which has numerous photos and images both old and new of the villages of Carrigans and St Johnston. This website belongs to Patrick Gormley and provides a wealth of other interesting facts about the locality. Remember if publishing pictures or information provided by someone else you should get permission and cite the name of the person as recognition of their work.

Click on the link and enjoy!

http://www.stjohnstonandcarrigans.com/photographs.html

The Hanging Rock at Pol na mBroc by Hugh Doherty

The Hanging Rock is not a place where people were hanged for offences that they did not commit, rather it is just what its name says; a hanging rock along the side of the road on a bray. But for many years it had become a dreaded landmark.
The bray known as Pol-na-mBroc (Badger's hole/set) is a rather steep hill leading out of 'Duffy's hollow' on the road from Drumhallagh to Oughterlin Chapel.

In the early 1950s, elderly people used hackney cars to bring them to 11 o'clock Sunday Mass. In those days, cars did not have so much power and when going up the bray to the chapel they used to get as far as the hanging rock and literally, hang!


The reasons for this were varied. Due to the steepness of the climb, it was thought that the petrol ran back down into the tank causing the engine to stall. Gear changing was also a problem. Most cars at that time had only three forward gears and some drivers would take 'a race' at the bray but would 'miss the change' at the Hanging Rock and the car would run back. This was scary because, even if the driver could find the handbrake (problem of overcrowding) it could not be relied upon to hold the car. The road was not tarred at that time, making conditions even more hazardous. To make matters worse some drivers were not experienced in reversing.

The passengers would then have to leave the car and walk up the long steep hill to the chapel. On the first Sunday of each month many of them would have been fasting from solid food and water from the mid-night before so that they could receive holy Communion and consequently fainting in the chapel was not uncommon.

Drivers and their passengers always gave a sigh of relief when they successfully got past the hanging rock. As children we often watched cars going up the bray and were delighted to see them 'hanging' at the rock and running back down the hill. Of course we were not aware of the distress being experienced by the driver or passengers in such dangerous situations.

The new Ford 'Anglia' built in 1959 changed all that. It had plenty of power with a four forward 'synchromesh' gearbox making gear changing easier. Thus the concern of motorists for the 'Hanging rock' became a thing of the past.

What had been a former important and dreaded landmark reverted, once again, to being just a hanging rock along the side of a bray in the countryside. Nowadays it is seldom noticed by anyone and its name and even the name of the bray could both become forgotten about.

Music by AnnK

If there isn't music in heaven, is cuma.

old Coats

Like a lot of people I hold on to things that I have long stopped using. However, there are some things that I just keep on using. Take the coats hanging at the back door ready to put on to suit the weather. One is over twenty years and keeps every drop of rain out. It should survive for many more years. While others might come in soaked after a late night calving in pouring rain I would be dry! Another coat was once a 'good one ' belonging to my mother long since gone. I hold on to old sheep skins that no-one will ever wear - bought at least 45 years ago. At least I have no old fur coats.

Tuesday Mornings - Teresa Duffy

Tuesday mornings for the last 18 months has been taken up with The History Links Project in Volt House, The Diamond, Raphoe.

From 10am - 11.30am it is all about computers with the help of our brilliant and talented tutor Mary B Holmes. By 11.30 we are all ready for a well earned cuppa whether it be tea or coffee and a wee biscuit and maybe a long chat.

At 11.45am Ronan McConnell enters the room wide smile and breezy looking, with a satchel over his shoulder and a grin from ear to ear, happy to see all of us!. There is normally ten people trying to pay attention to Ronan but it is not always easy. He has set us different tasks to do - some people have done these tasks and others just had no time!

The end is near and we are all very sad, as it has been an inspiring and wonderful 18 months for me anyway, meeting new people and getting to know about the history of the town of Raphoe and also about the flora and fauna.

Thanks to all for making it so memorable for me.


The photo was taken at the Bridle Path March 2010

The Patron Saint of computer users! Mark Caldwell

In this day and age sometimes it is nice to take a step back and look at some of the more peculiar things in life. One of these things has to be that there is a patron saint for Computer Users!

So on the days you can't get your email open, or your word processing goes a little haywire and you can't upload your pictures- have a wee chat with yourself and if that doesn't and if that doesn't work have a wee chat with Saint Isidore of Seville!

You never know he might just answer your prayers!

The Patron Saint of Computer Users Eva Coyle

In this day and age sometimes it is nice to take a step back and look at some of the more peculiar things in life.One of these things has to be that there is a patron saint for Computer Users!

So on the days you can't get your email open, or your word processing goes a little haywire and you can't upload your pictures -have a wee chat with yourself and if that doesn't work have a wee chat with Saint Isidore of Seville

You never know he might just answer your prayer!

The Patron Saint of Computer Users by AnnK

In this day and age sometimes it is nice to take a step back and look at some of the more peculiar things in life. One of these things has to be that there is a patron saint for Computer Users!

So on the days you can't get your email open, or your word processing goes a little haywire and you can't upload your pictures - have a wee chat with Saint Isidore of Seville!

You never know he might just answer your prayers!

The Patron Saint of Computer Users Jean Wray

In this day and age sometimes it is nice to take a step back and look at some of the more peculiar things in life. One of these things haas to be that there is a patron saint for computer users!!

so on the days you can't get your email open, or your word processing goes a little haywire and you can't upload your pictures - have a wee chat with yourself and if that doesn't work have a wee chat with Saint Isadore of Seville.

You never know he might just answer your prayers!!

The Patron Saint of Computer Users! - Teresa Duffy

In this day and age sometimes it is nice to take a step back and look and some of the more peculiar things in life. One of these things has to be tghat there is a patron saint for Computer Users!

So on the days you can't get your email open, or your word processing goes a litte haywire and you can't upload your pictures - have a wee chat with yourself and if that doesn't work have a wee chat with Saint Isidore of Seville!

You never know he might just answer your prayers!

Another Fine Day - Teresa Duffy

Hi all another fine day was had, the weather forecasters may have got it all wrong, we might be in for a fine summer, one never knows.

I went back up Mongorry Hill today as girls away on a camp out all weekend so was at a loss, took a few more photos and will try and post as my tutor advised hope it works.

It was lovely to see Errigal, Lough Swilly and Letterkenny viewed in the distance. The sun was shining brightly a few clouds but not many dark ones, the walk was so peaceful Lady enjoyed it too, although she was exhausted.

We met another person on our way back walking with his dog, it is just a great place to go for a stroll away from all the hustle and bustle.

The Rowing Song by Roald Dahl CP

Round the world and home again
That's the sailor's way
Faster faster,faster faster

There's no earthly way of knowing
Which direction we are going
There's no knowing where we're rowing
Or which way the river's flowing

Is it raining, is it snowing
Is a hurricane a-blowing

Not a speck of light is showing
So the danger must be growing
Are the fires of Hell a -glowing
Is the grisly reaper mowing

Yes the danger must be growing
For the rowers keep on rowing
And they're certainly not showing
Any signs that they are slowing

the red and grey squirrel

The Red and Grey squirrel by HD

Red Squirrels are small charismatic native mammals which depend on a woodland habitat to live, eat and breed. grey squirrels are non-native and were introduced into Ireland at at the beginning of the 20th century.

In1911 a pair of grey squirrels is believed to have been given asa gift to a resident of Longford Castle, Co. Longford, from where they quickly escaped. When the greys arrive into an area of woodland the resident red squirrels usually disappear within 5 to 15 years.

The Red and Grey Squirrel by Dolores O'Kelly

Red Squirrels are small charismatic native mammals which depend on a woodland habitat to live , eat and breed. Grey squirrels are non-native and were introduced into Ireland at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1911 a pair of grey squirrels is believed to have been given as a gift to a resident of Longford Castle, Co. Longford, from where they quickly escaped. When the greys arrive in an area of woodland the resident red squirrels usually disappear within 5 to 15 years.

No one is sure exactly how this happens but it is believed that he grey can out-compete the reds in accessing food and that the grey may act as a carrier of the pox virus which does them no harm but will kill a red squirrel within 14 days of infection.

There are many conservation groups active in protecting the native red squirrel because of the threat of extinction in Ireland.

The Red and Grey Squirrel by Sharon Clarke

Red Squirrels are small charismatic native mammals which depend on a woodland habitat to live, eat and breed. Grey squirrels are non-native and were introduced into Ireland at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1911 a pair of grey squirrels is believed to have been given as a gift to a resident of Longford Castle, Co. Longford, from where they quickly escaped. When the greys arrive into an area of woodland the resident red squirrels usually disappear within 5 to 15 years.

No one is sure exactly how this happens but it is believed that the grey can out-compete the reds in accessing food and that the grey may act as a carrier of the pox virus which does them no harm but will kill a red squirrel within 14 days of infection.

There are many conservation groups active in protecting the native red squirrel because of the threat of extinction in Ireland

all chat michael

the art of conversation is a skill shared by most successful people good conversation promotes an image of self confidence intelligence and wittiness

people who always seem to rise to the top of their professions and are well respected by others share the ability to converse with anybody in every situation

All Chat by Dolores O'Kelly

The art of conversation is a skill shared by most successful people. Good conversation promotes an image of self-confidence, intelligence, and wittiness.

People who always seem to rise to the top of their professions and are well respected by others share the ability to converse with anybody in every situation.

People who seem to speak effortlessly and efficiently with others are generally well liked and highly successful.

If you need to improve your conversational skills, here are two tips that can help you enhance your conversational skills.

Always say what you think, not what you think others want you to say and listen carefullyto what others are saying. In any conversation, the ability to give respect is just as important as receiving it. The art of conversation is a give and take between parties, not one speaker and one listener.

The Donegal International Rally, by HD

The Donegal Rally takes place this year on 17th-20thJune. The course takes it past our house in the Oughterlin area of Rathmullan. It is the Knockalla stage which has many difficult roads to negotiate. Regardless of the weather, we have a very good view of the cars negotiating two difficult bends in the road. Now and again the odd car fails to respond quickly enough and goes off the road.

Rallying is a very expensive sport. Apart from the costs related to the car, the clothes and headgear worn by driver and co-driver are so costly that they are mostly hired for the event.

One hundred and fifty cars are taking part this year so it should be an exciting event. The weather forecast for Saturday is not good but sometimes that can make for an exciting rally but difficult for the drivers. Hopefully, it will be a safe event for participants and spectators alike.

All Chat by Sharon Clarke

The art of conversation is a skill shared by most successful people. Good conversation promotes an image of self-confidence, intelligence, and wittiness.

People who always seem to rise to the top of their professions and are well respected by others share the ability to converse with anybody in every situation.

People who seem to speak effortlessly and efficiently with others are generally well liked and highly successful.

If you need to improve your conversational skills, here are two tips that can help you enhance your conversational skills.

Always say what you think, not what you think others want you to say and listen carefully to what others are saying. In any conversation, the ability to give respect is just as important as receiving it. The art of conversation is a give and take between parties, not one speaker and one listener.

Flora - by Teresa Duffy

It was wonderful walking through Mongorry Woods tonight I took some photos of the flora that is growing wild all through Mongorry. From Lupins to Buttercups and others that I have no name for maybe some of the blogger's will help with the names.

The weather was lovely very mild and NO RAIN for a change! I took my two girls Jessica and Eleanor and our dog Lady (A king Charles Cavalier) overweight mind you with me. Lady enjoyed the walk ,discovering all the different smells and listening to the noises through the trees.

We met a couple of ladies also out walking in Mongorry who had a Rottweiler with them, he looked fierce but was quite tame, Lady was not even interested in him, maybe the size of the dog put her off. The colours of the flora and the trees mixed with the sun shimmering through the trees was so good, it felt great to be alive.

The Red and grey Squirrel by Ann K.

Red Squirrels are small charismatic native mammals which depend on a woodland habitat to live, eat and breed. Grey squirrels are non-native and were introduced into Ireland at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1911 a pair of grey squirrels is believed to have been given as a gift to a resident of Longford Castle, Co. Longford, from where they quickly escaped. When the greys arrive into an area of woodland the resident red squirrels usually disappear within 5 t0 15 years.

No one is sure exactly how this happens but it is believed that the grey can out-compete the reds in accessing food and that the grey may act as a carrier of the pox virus which does them no harm but will kill a red squirrel within 14 days of infection.

There are many conservation groups active in protecting the native red squirrell because of the threat of extinction in Ireland.

The Red and Grey Squirrel by Teresa Duffy

Red Squirrels are small charismatic native mammals which depend on a woodland habitat to live, eat and breed. Grey squirrels are non-native and were introduced into Ireland at the beginning of the 20th century.

In 1911 a pair of grey squirrels is believed to have been given as a gift to a resident of Longford Castle, Co. Longford, from where they quickly escaped. When the greys arrive into an area of woodland the resident red squirrels usually disappear within 5 to 15 years.

No one is sure exactly how this happens but it is believed that the grey can out-compete the reds in accessing food and that the grey may act as a carrier of the pox virus which does them no harm but will kill a red squirrel within 14 days of infection.

There are many conservation groups active in protecting the native red squirrel because of the threat of extinction in Ireland.

All Chat by Eva Coyle

The art of conversation is a skill shared by most succesful people. Good conversation promotes an image of self-confidence,intelligence,and wittiness.

People who always seem to rise to the top of their professions and are respected by others share the ability to converse with anybody in every situation.

People who seem to speak effortlessly and efficiently with others are generally well liked and highly succesful.

If you need to improve your conversational skills,here are two tips that can help you enhance your conversational skills.

Always say what you think,not whatyou think others want you to say and listen carefully to what others are saying.In any conversation, the ability to give respect is just as important as receiving it.

All Chat by Ann K

The art of conversation is a skill shared by most successful people. Good conversation promotes an image of self-confidence, intelligence, and wittiness.

People who always seem to rise to the top of their professions and are well respected by others share the ability to converse with anybody in every situation.

People who seem to speak effortlessly and efficiently with others are generally well liked and highly successful.

If you need to improve your conversational skills, here are two tips that can help you enhance your conversational skills.

Always say what you think, not what you think others want you to say and listen carefully to what others are saying. In any conversation, the ability to give respect is just as impoortant as receiving it. The art of conversation is a give and take between parties, not one speaker and one listener.

All Chat by Teresa Duffy

If you need to improve your conversational skills, here are two tips that can help you enhance your conversational skills. The art of conversation is a skill shared by most successful people. Good conversation promotes an image of self-confidence, intelligence, and wittiness.

People who always seem to rise to the top of their professions and are well respected by others share the ability to converse with anybody in every situation.

People who seem to speak effortlessly and efficiently with others are generally well liked and highly successful.


Always say what you think, not what you think others want you to say and listen carefully to what others are saying. In any conversation, the ability to give respect is just as important as receiving it. The art of conversation is a give and take between parties, not one speaker and one listener.

Castles in the sky by Hugh Doherty

As a young child I remember dreaming about becoming a princess and that I would have a castle in the sky. The older I became I soon realised that this was never going to happen.

But I also learnt that many other wonderful things do happen. Things that I take for granted - like the joy of family, friends and the wonderful world around me.

Sometimesif wejust take a step back and savour the things we takefor granted maybe the dream of Castles in the sky are more possible than we think!

Castles in the Sky by Dolores O'Kelly

As a young child I remember dreaming about becoming a princess and that I would have a castle in the ky. The older I become I soon realised that this was never going to happen.

But I also learnt that many other wonderful things do happen. Things that I take for granted--like the joy of family , friends and the wonderful world around me.

Sometimes if we just take a step back and savour the things we take for granted maybe the dream of Castles in the sky are more possible than we think!

Castles in the Sky by Sharon Clarke

As a young child I remember about becoming a princess and that I would have a castle in the sky. The older I became I soon realised that this was never going to happen.

But I also learnt that many other wonderful things do happen. Things that I take for granted - like the joy of family, friends and the wonderful world around me.

Sometimes if we just take a step back and savour the things we take for granted maybe the dream of Castles in the sky are more possible than we think!

Gardening tilly

A hobby that all can enjoy by your namewildlife

As a keen Gardener it is true to say that even those among us who do not gardencan still enjoy the beauty of a well kept garden .

Gardens can range from the very formal like those of the National botanic gardens to the less informal and even wild gardens that encourage native wild animals and birds to live in our gardens.

A must for all visitors and people of Donegal is a visit to the wonderful gardens of glenveagh.In all seasons the gardens and castle of glenveagh provide a wonderful way to spend a few hours. If you are feeling energetic the walk to and from the castle to the car parkwill give you a chance to see some of the wonderful wildlife there'

Gardening--A hobby that all can enjoy by Dolores O'Kelly

A a keen Gardener it is true to say that even those among us who do not garden can still enjoy the beauty of a well kept garden.

Gardens can range from the very formal like those of the National Botanic Gardens to the less informal and even wild gardens that encourage native wild animals and birds to live in our gardens.

A must for all visitors and people of Donegal is a visit to the wonderful gardens of Glenveagh. In all seasons the Gardens and Castle of Glenveagh provide a wonderful way to spend a few hours. If you are feeling energetic the walk to and from the Castle to the car park will give you a chance to see some of the wonderful wildlife there!

Gardening - A hobby that all can enjoy by Sharon Clarke

As a keen Gardener it is true to say that even those among us who do not garden can still enjoy the beauty of a well kept garden. Gardens can range from the very formal like those of the National Botanic Gardens to the less informal and even wild gardens that encourage native wild animals and birds to live in our gardens. A must for all visitors and people of Donegal is a visit to the wondeful gardens of Glenveagh. In all seasons the Gardens and Castle of Glenveagh provide a wonderful way to spend a few hours. If you are feeling energetic the walk to and from the Castle to the car park will give you a chance to see some of the wonderful wildlife there!

Gardening - A hobby that all can enjoy by Hugh Doherty

As a keen Gardener it is true to say that even those among us who do not garden can still enjoy the beauty of a well kept garden. Gardens even can range from the very formal like those of the National Botanic Gardens to the less informal and even wild gardens that encourage native wild animals and birds to live in our gardens. A must for visitors and people of Donegal is a visit to the wonderful gardens of Glenveagh. In all seasons the Gardens and Castle of Glenveagh provide a wonderful way to spend a few hours. If you are feeling energetic the walk to and from the Castle to the car park will give you a chance to see some of the wonderful wildlife there!