Guth & Tuairim, Deireadh Fómhair 1983

DUNGLOE The Scribe. Some people call them slot machines, others call them one-armed bandits. Some are critical of them, but most people (young and old) at on stage or another, have put money into them. More often than not, they put more in than they get out. The other day I was only yards from an irrate woman who stood gambling at one of the said machines while she "filed" in ten pence pieces with such a speed that I was certain they were mad hot and burning a hole in the palm of her hand . She exchanged £1 after £1 for lOp pieces. Finally, she had none left. She was annoyed and demonstrated this in no uncertain terms - she lifted her left leg, pulled it back and with a very keen aim and great effort she succeeded in kicking the machine. Simultaneously, with a closed right hand she delivered a nice blow to the upper section of the same machine, uttering a few words, which were, some might feel, very apt. Now, it would be unfair of me to hide from you that which she really said. So her it goes : "You've let me down again. To hell with you. You're constipated this past week." I got such a fright that I didn't wait to hear any more. As quick as my two feet could carry me I headed out the door. When I related the story to a f r iend, she wondered who·might supply the laxative (s). What crossed my mind was would the machine survive, or indeed, would these machines be allowed to survive? Signal Honour for Mayor That great Donegal man, Willie John Cunningham, has once again proved to all of us the amount of muscle this lovable giant continues to exercise in New York. For it was on his personal recommendation that an invitation has been extended to the Young Mayor of the Rosses to lead the 1984 St. Patrick's Day Parade 5 in the Ci ty. At the time of going to press, we are unable to confirm if, i n fact, the invitation has and will be accepted. An unofficial report suggests that he will probably accept on one condition - that it costs him nothing, or even less. Bachelor Contest The heats which took place around the county took place with such rapidity that there was no time to drag them out. After about a score of such heats the finalists arrived for the big night in Ostan. Unfortunately this event was not run-off. It couldn't even be described as a walk-off or a stroll-off but perhaps an accurate description would ce 'a snail's pace." Qui te apart from the aucience, it must have been a bitter disapp~ntment for Daniel Bosco and his County Fever , who were overshadowed by The Bachelors. But they did have the pleasure of "backing" a few of them. In fact, they backed every one of them by virtue of their hidden, yet elevated position. However, for the dancers, Daniel and the boys playeu brilliantly. The winner, Danny McCart c.y f rom Greencastle and "most" others seemed well !Jlcased. The contest, which was designed to be a big "boost" for tl:e :..ocal Gaelic c:..u:: turned out to be ever:·tr.ing out that. If nothing else, it was success! ul in raisir•g an amount wh...ch is 1.mderstood as being close to sufficient to meet their requirements. 'l'he word is that next year's event will be bigger and brighter and for the w:inner there will be an extre - a trip to Ballybunnion. Tidy Towns Awards tll ·M .r:: This "local" event, which I understand was the first ever, was a tremendous success. While it wasn't well attended it proved to be one of the best nights ever h g Dungloe. The <~tmosphere was great lit Patsy an•1 John :" on s~age. The list ot awards (too ...ong for this space)- wa we'l received and I ru~porn +here ~ere no local j r •rpr Z3t. well, tr.cr war m~. r t>t'know:adf,ing r!l r t ef~('rt of 'l, t w r •v ..... + w: •n 1 1 f' t ~n • V ~ ao~ t" h.., t '"1 r r wl nommunity. h~ever, it W(S a night t~ remember w~ll no doubt be a sell-out. and next yr>ar' s l i ' • ) (' MULLAGHDUFF Must apologise to all our local readers who looked forward to last month's notes and got none. They were censored by the Editor:: Congratulations to Richard Christie on his success in the local heat of "Bachelor of the Year" and for a very worthy performance in the final at Ostan . Our hearts go out to Danny Dunleavy and Johnny Hanlon who were very disappointed - but then the age is against them: The whist drives in the Community Centre have really taken off-there is a great night's crack to be had every Thursday night. Francie Mhici Owen is taking card playing lessohs from Kieran ~lcBride: Why are the shops in Annagry charging more for the loaf then the shops in Bunaman, Calhame and M'duff? It is rumoured that Noel F. is taking up a teaching post in Belcruit: - That's love for ya:: Clare Duffy's great run of success is continuing in Donegal athletics - surely a star of the future. Good to see Colm back home after his spell in hospital in Belfast. Banner's wasn't the same without him. Anita B. (Ballymanus) has gone into the knitting business. Anybody looking for wooly jumpers or selling sheep can contact her at Ballymanus. (Sorry about the slighting of Mullaghduff in last month's issue. The staff of G. agus T. are actively searching the office for a Russian infiltrator. - ed.) Work in progress on the electric bus which was built by AnCO, Gaoth Dobhair for Comharchumann Thorai. The bus which was originally a milk-float has now been completed and shipped to the Island. AnCO wish to thank everybody who gave parts, material and advice for the construction of this unique bus which is now in service as the first public transport on the Island. In the photograph AnCO trainees, Shaun McGrath, Anthony Egan and Tommy Moran are putting the finishing touches to the vehicle under the supervision of Michael Diver, Engineering Instructor. ES t 1 • wi .L b j ~ .Lr U'g C: + '-' 1 l1: m f ar-tiC'l l f ( I ~ Watch this column next month for a Contest. Until then, take care. special Christmas God bless. A :n Derem Jer ~ , · 1e. of "Tt e Ra'" and Frank GilL~gan. Tris and stories. fLt", tditec1 by Joh1 ~. magazine featurec poetry