The Post

Big plans to improve facilities at Ards Forest Park

Coillte have announced plans to increase in the number of native trees and expand the woodlands in Ireland by 100,000 hectares along with these plans they are improving recreational facilitates. Ards which currently has 14km of bike trail will expand their number of trails, there are also plans to include family cycle hire and more food facilities.

Well Known musical electrician dies

There was great sadness in the town at the death of well known local man Ben McFadden. He had a big influence of the recent developments in the town as Chairman of the Creeslough Community Association and was a life long volunteer to the various community groups. He was also a talented singer song writer and storyteller.

Creeslough makes Nationwide appearance.

Nationwide recently featured the town of Creeslough and its resurgence as a destination rather than somewhere people drive through to go to Dunfanaghy.

Locals such as Mairead McGinley, Bernadette and Ben Mcfadden and Lorcan Roarty, Charles and Martin Sweeney were interviewed as part of the feature. Showing how good business initiates can rejuvenate an area .

St. Patrick’s Parade

Hundred of people lined the main street of Creeslough on St. Patrick’s to watch the annual parade, despite the rain. There were over 70 floats, businesses and individuals taking part in the parade.

Death of Oldest Man in Creeslough. John Mandy dies.

John Mandy Gallagher dies 25th January at 91 years old. He was well known in the town having lived in Creeslough all his life.

Storm damages St. Michael’s Church.

Severe high winds caused significant damage to exterior cladding at the rear of the church. Within hours of the damage occurring local businesses came to the assistance of Fr. John Joe. Working under high winds the team of men where able to attach 8ft ply sheets to make the building safe. It is estimated that the repair work will take several months and will cost over € 50,000.

Charity Walk raises over 2,000 euro.

A guided walk around the Ards Friary and Forest park led by Ben McFadden raised over 2,000 euros for Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome.

TUS Local community call out.

Are you on Job Seekers Payment? And are interested in helping the local community. Contact TUS supervisor Donna on 087 90 55 417 for more information.

New DVD Launched: St. Michael’s Church

Glass Mountain has recently produced released a feature film on the building of St. Michael’s Church, which celebrated its 50 Anniversary this year.

New Event: Guided Walking Tour Ards Forest

24th October 2021. 12pm

Discover the history and nature of Ards on this guided tour by local folklorist Ben McFadden. This event is raising funds for Lamb-Shaffer Syndrome Research. Walk starts at Ards Friary and ends in the forest Park.

New Event: Michael McGinley Memorial Tractor Run. October 2nd 2021.

October 2nd 2021.

Ards Forest Park gets funding to improve access.

The government has announced that will inject 1.2 million euro into improving the visitor experience of 30 recreational facilities across the country. Ards forest park has been allocated 60,000euro for road access improvements.

15th September 2021.

Burtonport railway path improvements.

A new pathway alongside Muckish Mountain to Falcarragh has been cleared and tarmaced by Donegal County Council. The improvement to the Muckish Railway walk will make it easier for cycling and pushchair users. And it is hoped it will draw many new visitors. Also well done to the members of the local area who cleared the old miners path.

15th September 2021.

Bus shelter upgraded

The bus shelter has been upgraded with new art work.

15th September 2021.

Ultra Marathan Runner Stewart in Action again.

Congratulations to local runner Shaun Stewart who completed the Ultra Marathan Mount Blanc recently. Shaun ran 108 miles across mountains in 31 hours and 24 mins. Well done!

10th September 2021.

St. Michael’s Church turns 50 this month.

St. Michael’s church designed by the esteemed Architect Liam McCormick was opened in August 1971 with its first mass being held in the evening of August 15th 1971. The last Mass in Doe Chapel was celebrated in the morning of the same day.

Due to the current restriction and in the interest of public safety there will be no public celebration to mark its 50th Birthday. Maybe next year!

Caolan mcFadden wins another gold medal at National Championship.

Caolan won a gold medal for running in the 1500 metres at the National Championship in Tullamore recently. Adding this to his gold for the 800 metres. Well done Caolan!

Speedy Caolan McFadden wins gold at National Championship.

Congratulations to Creeslough’s fastest teenager Caolan Mc Fadden who won gold in the U15 boys 800 metres at the National Championship in Tullamore last week.

Two locals men presented with a special award.

Congratulations to Ben McFadden and Willie Doherty who were each recently awarded a Volunteer Recognition Award from the Donegal Volunteer Centre. Keep up the good work and thanks for your tireless contributions to the local community.

First holy Communions and confirmations in St. Michaels to go ahead.

First holy communions, confirmations and the Annual blessing of the Graveyard were cancelled earlier this year due to the number of COVID19 cases. The Bishop has now given parishes the go ahead and these will be on August 15th and 29th.

Kathleen Doyle dies 3 days after Owencarrow memorial unveiled.

Kathleen died peaceful at home on Sunday only a few days after she unveiled a memorial for her Grandfather Neil Duggan who died at the Owencarrow Railway accident in 1925. Kathleen was the proprietor of the Log Cabin for a number of years.

Her funeral will take place on Wednesday 14th July and her burial will be in Doe cemetery.

New Manager appointed at Creeslough Childcare.

Creeslough Childcare welcomed their new Childcare centre Manager this week. Natalie Hagney was appointed Manager after Geraldine McFadden recently left the post. The children will be very excited to meet Natalie when they return in September.

Members of the board presented Geraldine with flowers and gifts on her departure last month as she embarks on a new role in Dunfanaghy.

Teacher retires from Scoil Mhuire.

Scoil Mhuire bid farewell and best wishes to long serving teacher Bernie Gallagher. Ms Gallagher was a teacher in the school for 18 years and is remembered for her dedication to teaching and large contribution to school life in Scoil Mhiuire.

Memorial Unveiled.

A new memorial was unveiled today near the site of the Owencarrow River Viaduct. The memorial remembers those who were killed on the railway accident in 1925. Ben McFadden was the driving force behind the memorial. Members of the families of those who died including Kathleen Doyle and Annie Boyle were also present. Granddaughters of Neil Duggan, Phil and Sarah Boyle who died that night. Read more about the Owencarrow Train Disaster

Vacine Role out at Local Pharmacy

Brennan’s Pharmacy have been inundated with requests for vaccine appointments since they started on July 5th. They are now offering a single dose Johnson and Johnson to 18-34 year olds. To be added to the waiting click on the link.

Brennan’s Pharmacy gains approval to provide COVID-19 vaccines for over 50 year olds.

Brennan’s Pharmacy in Creeslough is due to start providing COVID-19 vaccines for over 50s, but customers are unable to book online at the moment due vaccine availability.

Temperance memorial at Medal Hill revived.

Local man Peadar mcFadden has revived an old memorial at Medal Hill (Doe Chapel). The memorial rock was placed there in August 1988 at a commemorative mass celebrating Theobald Matthew’s temperance gathering at Cashelmore on 15th June 1841, The commemorative Mass was celebrated by friars from Ard Mhuire, on 21 August 1988. 

Death of Local St. Michael’s Club man Brian McGinley.

The community in Creeslough and Dunfanaghy were mourning the sad passing of St. Michael’s GAA stalwart Brian McGinley Dunfanaghy who died on last Saturday. His funeral mass will be held in Dunfanaghy on Wednesday 16th June.

New job opportunities

The Creeslough Day centre are looking for a day centre operative. There are several job opportunities for those eligible for community employment schemes as youth club worker and childcare assistants or Day centre operatives. Contact your local intreo for further information.

EVENT: Viaduct disaster 1925 memorial

A memorial for all those who lost their lives at the Owencarrow Viaduct on 31st January 1925, will be unveiled on the 7th July 2021. The memorial will be erected looking out over the Owencarrow River along the road from the crossroads at Drimnaraw. This memorial will remember Philip and Sarah Boyle, Neil Duggan and Una Mulligan who all perished.

Railway Walk 2021.

A group of walkers from the surrounding area will walk the 21KM route from An Craoibhin to Muckish Trailhead on July 7th 2021. The route will follow along the road near Glenveagh into Creeslough past Muckish sand and gravel to end at Muckish Trailhead. The walkers will depart at 10am but anyone can join in for part of the route.

Blue Flag Beaches.

An Taisce have recently awarded 12 beaches in Donegal and 2 marines with Blue Flag Status.

Creeslough and Dunfanaghy locals are delighted that two much loved local beaches are named among the 12.

Killahoey and Marble Hill.

Also from the 1st of June Marble Hill will have a lifeguard of duty for the summer months.

Special Recognition Award presented to Ben Mc Fadden.

Local man Ben mc Fadden was awarded at a special surprise presentation last Friday. Ben was recognised for his significant contribution to the various community groups in the area. From the Creeslough Community Association, Tidy Towns, Christmas Lights Committee, Cresslough Festival, Guided tours, folklorist, fundraiser, GAA, mumbers and musicians. This was a lovely recognition for the man behind and organising so many worthwhile activities in the local area.

Scrumptious ice cream opens on the Main Street.

Only two weeks after opening it’s first shop in Letterkenny Scrumptious ice cream parlour has opened a second shop in Creeslough on the main street. The business is run by Creeslough Native Denis Ferry and will serve Carte D’or scooped ice cream, soft whip ice cream with a vast selection toppings and sauces. It also caters for dairy and vegan free ice cream. It is surely to be a popular spot over the next few months among locals and visitors.

Glenveagh Castle New Coffee Shop opens

Synge and Byrne have opened a new coffee shop at the Castle serving hot food and drinks.

New Coffee Shop and Laundrette opens at Wild Atlantic Camp

The Coffee Pod which opened in April is now serving gourmet sandwiches, breakfast, brunch and lunch. They also have a fantastic outdoor seating area with views over the countryside and ample parking.

Best of luck to the staff at the Coffee Pod.

New Beauty Business Opens in Creeslough

A new beauticians has opened on the main street opposite Huckleberry just beside Brennan’s Pharmacy. JB beauty is run by local woman Jodie Boyle.

Playground at Ards Forest Park extended.

The children’s playground has now been extended with several new and exciting wooden structures. It now includes mini huts which are decorated as a post office, garda station and a boat.

A large wooden climbing frame, along with two new balance beams, two new baby and older children swings as well as a new disabled friendly swing. Work on the playground was done by local business Ballymore Outdoor Play.

Creeslough is a tidy town again.

Congratulations and well done to all the locals who came out to litter pick on Saturday along with the tidy town and creeslough community action group. They covered a large area from Drimnaraw to Ards Friary and collected over 100 bags.

Doe Cemetery Proposal: Open call for comments

Plans to extend the car park and add a new toilet block at Doe Cemetery are now available to view. The plans drawn up by Fr. John Joe are asking for feedback from the general public before they go to the finance committee for approval.

The plans are available to view at the back of St. Michael’s Church on the notice board. The closing date for comments is Easter 2021.

Muckish Railway Walk to get 500,000euro in grant fund.

Locals have welcomed the allocation of half a million in funding to improve the Muckish Railway Walk between Creeslough and Falcarragh. The Muckish Railway Walk is part of the old Burtonport Railway line. The money will go towards improving the pathway and signage.

Win €50 Voucher with Sheephaven Credit Union.

Pop into the credit union and pick up the ‘Crack The Code’ Sheet. Can you find the Pot of Gold. Prize Draw is on March 19th.

Kay McNulty Potrait!

Kay McNulty is to be featured in a new WomenonWalls exhibition in DCU. This exhibition is to celebrate 5 trailblazers in STEM. The portraits of the 5 women will be unveiled on International Women’s day March 7th 2021. The new portraits will be hung in the Future-Tech building located at DCU Glasnevin Campus.

Read more about Kay McNulty and her Creeslough roots.

New businesses open!

Creeslough.com want to extend good luck wishes to new businesses operating in the town. Huku balance boards run by Cathal Sheridan, Donegal Creative run by Dominic Lafferty. The Creeslough Community Association is now operating out of the green shed behind McNulty’s pub. The old Creeslough supermarket is also due to re-open in the summer of 2021. So watch this space.

Charlie and Martin Sweeney who own several buildings in the town are still looking for individuals or businesses who wish to set up a business in the town. Contact Henry at DNG Boyce Gallagher for more information.

Online Bingo… Enjoy bingo from the comfort of your own armchair. St. Michael’s GAA will be hosting their own online bingo starting this Sunday 28th February 2021. Visit the St. Michael’s facebook page to download a book online or buy in the local shops.

Just took some old clothes to the clothes bank in Creeslough. There is a new clothes bank in the car park beside the health Centre. The other one beside the bottle bank is constantly full. It says funds raised from the sale of the clothes go to Scoil Mhuire.

Drove into the town to get the paper and some posh water without seeing another car. Then I realised I didn’t have my glasses on! (Only kidding)

Plans to erect a 24-metre telecommunications tower in Creeslough have been refused.

The proposed development by Cignal Infrastructure ltd, was turned down by An Bord Pleanala. The proposed plan was to erect a 24 metre multi user lattice tower at Devlin, or Barr of Ballyconnell Falcarragh which stretches over to Creeslough. The plan was rejected as the area was deemed of ‘especially high scenic amenity’.

This got me thinking about all the monuments, statutes and grand skyscrapers all over the world.

Just imagine there was a great big green statue of Bridie Gallagher on the island at Ards Estuary. Instead of holding a book and torch she’d have to be holding a giant microphone and song book.

Or just imagine a big massive clock. If we had our very own 96M big ben, going off every hour.

Our my personal favourite would be a 300m metal tower nicknamed the Evelyn Tower (as the Eiffel has been taken) situated at the new line road to Carrigart. So you would need to go round the tower several times before making the turn to Carrigart. Are you sure you want to go to Carrigart?

There are some many giant statues and monuments all over the world but only own Muckish and One Errigal.

Snowfall in Creeslough overnight with gusty winds of over 65km. The snow didn’t last long and was thawing out by late afternoon. Warmer weather coming over the next days.