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LOCAL NEWS ARCHIVE - JUNE 2002
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Dessie’s Epic Journey Begins |
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Dessie Harrington |
On last Friday week, 31st May, Cornafean’s
Dessie Harrington started a unique fundraising journey from the most northerly
point in Ireland, Malin Head in Co. Donegal. Dessie’s journey, by the
traditional means of horse and cart is taking him from the scenic extremity of
the Inishowen peninsula, down through the Irish countryside and finally arriving
by the end of this month at Mizen Head, Co. Cork, the most southern point in
Ireland. Dessie’s epic itinerary is a fundraising venture in aid of Self Help,
the Third World Development charity.
Accompanied by his trusty steed Bob, a seven year old
cross between a Clydesdale and a Shire, Dessie has made wonderful progress
during the first week of his journey, before arriving in Ballinagh last Sunday
evening. Despite the volatile and unseasonal weather conditions, large and
enthusiastic crowds have welcomed Dessie and Bob at each stage of their journey.
Their adventure started at noon on Friday 31st May when a large
attendance, including quite a number of Cornafean people, gathered at Malin Head
to give them a rousing sendoff. From there, Dessie and Bob travelled through
such towns and villages as Malin Village, Carndonagh, Buncrana (where they were
feted by a local marching band) and into the historic centre of Derry City,
where they were welcomed by the Mayor of the city, Ms. Mildred Garfield at the
famous Guildhall.
Dessie and Bob’s journey continued through Strabane,
Sion Mills, Dromore and Omagh where they visited the Disaster Memorial in the
town centre and also the famed Ulster-American Folk Park on the outskirts of the
town, and onwards through Irvinestown and Dromore towards Enniskillen where they
were met by the town Mayor, Mr. Robin Martin. During this stage of the journey,
they were accompanied by Robert Donaldson, a renowned breeder of miniature
horses and ponies, on his unique falabella pony, measuring a mere 42 inches
high. From there, their journey continued through Derrylin and Teemore and
across the border into County Cavan, where Dessie received a warm welcome at a
surprise reception in Cronin’s Lounge, Ballinagh on Sunday evening. The
cavalcade continued on Monday, visiting Killeshandra, and Cavan town, where they
were serenaded by the well-known piper Sean Kelly, before heading southwards
towards Granard and the Midlands on Tuesday.
Dessie has been overwhelmed in the first week of his
great adventure by the kindness and warm-hearted hospitality that he has
received from people at every stage of his journey so far, and also by the
support and backup provided by the several people from Cornafean and surrounding
areas that have assisted him to date. In addition, the generosity of the people
has been remarkable at every stage along their itinerary, and several thousand
euro have already been raised in aid of the Self Help charity.
One man who has kept an eager eye on proceedings so far
is Francie Reilly, Skellan, Doogary who once travelled over a thousand miles
from Land’s End in Cornwall, the most southerly point in South-West England to
John O’Groats, the most northerly headland in the highlands of Scotland.
Francie has even composed a special song “The Cob from Cornafean” in honour
of Dessie’s horse Bob!
Colmcille GFC are hosting a Golf Classic at McSeain’s
Golf Course on Saturday, 22nd June. The entry fee for a team of four
members will be €60, and everyone is welcome to take part.
Competition entries can be made by contacting Ally
McGauran by phone at (086) 8221774, or any other committee member, as soon as
possible
On last Saturday evening, local radio listeners enjoyed a
special treat with the broadcasting of a special RTE Radio 1 “Ceili House”
programme in honour of the famed traditional musician Eugene Leddy, who died
earlier this year. The programme was presented by the well-known traditional
musician Kieran Hanrahan, who was for many years one of the members of the
much-loved traditional group Stockton’s Wing. It featured a number of
recordings of Eugene’s music and an extensive interview with the well-known
traditional accordionist Martin Donohoe, where he recalled Eugene’s life and
musical career. The programme concluded with a recitation of the poem “A
Tribute to Eugene” written by Cornafean’s famous bard Sean Masterson, which
was accompanied by a recording of Eugene’s rendition of the beautiful air
“Blind Mary”.
A recording of the show can be accessed on the internet at
the RTE
website www.rte.ie
On Saturday next, the Cornafean footballers will be
making the long trip to Ballykinlar in the heart of county Down to take part in
the Bass Ulster Junior Football Sevens Championship. Cornafean made their debut in this competition last year and
after making a strong challenge for honours, they were defeated by the Monaghan
representatives Ballybay in the semi-final.
The Cornafean lads will be hoping to improve on this performance this
year and we wish them every success.
