Ghosted
We make no apology to anyone for confronting the difficult issues locally in Inishowen as the "Local Papers" continue with the "nice stuff".
One of these topics is the "Mica" DCB fiasco, which we have written about for years.
We clashed with the now-defunct organisation Mica Action Group (MAG) because they resisted our suggestions that they should become a membership representative group, like the IFA, democratic and transparent. We urged them that this would enhance their power when negotiating with government.
They avoided us like the plague, and look now where they are.
Likewise, the people who came to replace them are repeating the exact same performance.
100% Redress Party got people elected to DCC and the Dail, and not once did they engage with us on social media or through The Wee Paper; they are running scared of us because we push them to work harder and smarter.
Charles Ward has been working on roads, tourism and fisheries and has gone quiet on the issue that he was elected to work on.
Likewise, the 100% Redress councillors voted to increase the Local Property Tax to its maximum, this being an issue with people living in homes with defective blocks. Recently Joy Beard has been working for other groups in Buncrana while she is silent on the very issue that she was elected to solve.
I voted No 1 to support Joy and Charles to get them elected, and I am bitterly disappointed with their performance, because it appears to me that they are positioning themselves for re-election ( like the rest of them) instead of working with the victims to get the job done.
Tony Grant, September 2025
www.theii.com
Gone are the days of the IDA Advance Factory, never to be seen again, as it has been replaced by the Digital Hub.
...We have one right here on our doorstep, in Buncrana, in the form of Inishowen Innovation, which is open for business and waiting for you to visit them.
Many of us living here in the town and beyond can benefit from getting to know about what is going on within the walls of this building.
From school leavers to seasoned business people, sole traders and companies can use this place as their second home to survive and to thrive. The choice is yours.
I had occasion to visit it with a problem that I had with my website, and after half an hour, I rushed out the door to get home to make the changes to enhance my online presence, which is still making a difference today.
This place was built with taxpayers' money, for the benefit of taxpayers, so I don't understand why it is not being used by more people.
There was a comment made by a user of the place, on Facebook, recently, that the place was "at capacity". This could not be further from the truth. I expect this person wanted to keep it quiet that the place is open to all, and that he and his friends could have unhindered access for themselves.
My advice to the people of Buncrana is to "Use it and Make it your own" and not be put off by these online comments to the contrary.
It is here for us all to use it, not for an exclusive few.
Tony Grant, September 2025
BROKEN
EU Defective Blocks (made in Ireland)
...Ireland is breaking the following EU Directives:
1. The Concrete Products Directive.
2. The Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The Irish government has deliberately set out to deny the people of Ireland equal rights as other citizens living in the EU by denying their officials permission to measure pyrrhotite in concrete blocks. If they can’t measure it, they can deny its existence and this means the EU Directive won’t apply to them and they won’t have to compensate the victims.
This is a mean-spirited, underhanded way of trying to wriggle out of their responsibility to undo a wrong that continues to bleed energy out of the people affected, the victims.
The EU has opened infringement proceedings against Ireland for its failure to implement the EU Concrete Products Directive.
That could take years to work its way through the bureaucracy of the EU, especially if the Irish government decides to fight it all the way.
The directive is very specific in allowable limits of minerals such as mica, pyrite and pyrrhotite in concrete blocks.
Away from the politics of Defective Blocks, what about the health of people living in these crumbling homes, the effects of the mould can not be understated. It effects the growth, learning ability and energy of the people living inside.
They are weakened and are less able to fight for their rights, that is why we must join in with our support when ever we can and be a voice for them.
Thanks to Ming Flanagan in the EU and Charles Ward in the Dail for keeping up the good fight.
Tony Grant, September 2025
Report on Culture Night
Sometimes art is at the forefront of change in society; in this case, it was the spoken word or words in The Protestant Hall on Friday night that were ushering in a fresh new thinking into Buncrana, it was as if a new wind had blown up the Swilly and breezed into the Hall, but no it was nothing like that, that was happening, it was more real.
...Vin was masterful in his understanding of his thinking and his own history as he read from his book of poems, which was published earlier this year. It was raw and honest.
I heard a young woman describe feminine energy in her poem as I have never heard it described before. It was revealing.
I heard a man describe in his poem the workman's hands of his father-in-law as he lay in the coffin, as a final tribute to his craftsmanship.
I heard an intelligent view of the town from a woman of razor-sharp observation in her poem.
It was all very cathartic and energetic, this was indeed a moment and a place where people felt free to express their deepest thoughts and asperations. I believe this new openness and willingness to publicly express ourselves will usher in a better community.
All of the performers did us a great service in our journey of life.
(I have been given permission by the authors to reprint some of the poems here in The Wee Paper in the near future.)
Tony Grant, September 2025
Parent
In the looking glass of life
you see your own reflection
Sometimes it is the essence that challenges you to question.
You have sold yourself to a destiny
that has stolen your dreams
Now you cry the tears of failure
Life is never what it seems
Standing at a crossroads
You are startled by indecision
Can you make the leap of faith
Or wallow in your emptiness
Screaming for salvation
You are the ship that does not sail
Your anchor is the hopelessness
that squanders you illusions
I am not here to make your dreams come through
I am here to witness
Nmar, September 2025
Budding Artist
Here is budding artist that takes a challenging view of perceived norms.
...Ben Kings has insight and uses his spectacular vision to create.
Noel King, September 2025
1K Following Us
The Wee Paper is delighted to announce that 1k people are now following our stories on Facebook.
...Congratulations to Margaret Mcguigan on becoming our one thousandth follower.
Thank you to ALL our followers for taking the time and interest to follow The Wee Paper.
We are encouraged by your support, and we would love to print some of your stories in return.
Contact us by email: theweepaper@gmail.com
Tony Grant, September 2025
Go for it Garret
Retro Running is a strange one, there is no doubt about it, it is difficult enough to run forwards, without running backwards.
...What is all that about anyway?
Apparently, it is very helpful for your balance. Did you know that Mohammad Ali walked or ran backwards every day to help him stay on his feet in the ring? Don't be surprised if you see some people walking backwards around Buncrana, yes they are already at it and the reports back are that it really works.
Local boxing clubs should take note.
Tony Grant, September 2025
Saturday 13th - Malin to Buncrana
The Long March from Malin Head to Buncrana, a distance of 25 miles, will start tomorrow morning at 7.30am and is expected in:
...Malin Town at 12.00 Noon.
Carndonagh at 1.30pm for a brief stop for Lunch.
North Pole at 5.00pm
People like myself, who are unable to walk for long distances or for any other reason, can join the march at Cockhill Bridge from 6.30pm
Expected Time of Arrival in Swan Park is 7.30 pm
"May the road rise up to meet you all along the way"
A massive turnout is expected at this crucial time in our history.
"Our humanity unites us during dark events."
Tony Grant, September 2025
NOT a Toilet
"Dig it up and throw more concrete at it, and sure that will keep them happy," and they are right because these local councillors keep getting elected again and again, with no awareness of the harm that they are doing to the local environment.
...More and more unwilding is going on around Buncrana and in the rest of Donegal, they say it is to make the place look NICE, believing that is what will draw the tourists here, and we might make some money.
I believe they could not have got it more wrong. Surely tourists from Kerry would not come here to see another Tralee, or people would not travel from Mayo to see another Westport. They come here to see our unique, wild, and unspoiled beauty.
Our problem is that we have not yet managed to use that wildness and beauty to our advantage, by developing attractions that are experiencial and blend into the environment and "rock the socks off" our visitors so much that they will return again and again.
We could start with "Public Hygene", gone are the days when dirty, filthy toilets are acceptable in our public spaces and in our pubs.
The scandal today is that there are several toilets at Ned's Point, but none of them are open to the public. If we are serious about providing basic services for our locals and visitors, DCC should negotiate with the owners of these toilets to support their opening to the public.
Instead of providing toilets, we are content to see more concrete thrown in the ground, and we call this progress.
Tony Grant, September 2025
Our Community Garden
The Old Garda Station is now owned by Donegal County Council and is going to be developed for the benefit of the people of Buncrana.
...We need to decide what that use is going to be.
For best use of public funds, we do not need to replicate any service that already exists in the town, that's for sure, but we still need to spend the money wisely.
Down the road, we have the new "innovation inishowen" facility with all its wonderful ideas and potential uses. However, it is still underutilised as a business and digital hub.
We do not need to replicate anything they are doing, so we don't need another business centre.
We need a Community Centre and a Community Garden in the town centre. We need to bring "footfall" to the lower end of the town, to bring that end of the town alive, which has been neglected for too long.
DCC should start a consultation with the people to examine the needs of the town and to make sure that we get the best return on our investment.
In The Wee Paper, we have made submissions in writing to councillors, and the response has been very positive.
Now we need the people to respond and to become engaged to see the project progress.
Tony Grant, September 2025
Forgotten Creatures
The launch of a delightful book took place yesterday evening in Innovation Inishowen, Buncrana.
...This was not just a book in the normal sense as we know it, this is a blueprint for something much bigger to happen here in Inishowen.
Imagine you purchased this book and you started to play the game that puts you at the centre of the story, with the use of a dice, you get to change the story as it evolves, then imagine that you can develop it into a board game and finally you can explore the areas around Inishowen that the book is based on.
No doubt there are creatures in there, some alive and some recently extinct. (I hasten to talk about that because it disturbs me)
As you can see, I absorbed this book last night when I brought it home.
I have no doubt that locals and tourists alike will be using this book in the years to come, to make adventures in Inishowen.
Tony Grant, August 2025
LEGO Mania
"Lego Mania" broke out in Belfast today with the opening of a new Lego store in CastleCourt Shopping Centre, where the old Apple Store used to be.
...Our roaming reporter was there to witness the scenes, he could not get close enough to the shop to see what all the fuss was about, but the saner people among us must realise that the store will be there next week and in the coming months, leading up to "the big C" (I am not going to be the first to print the big word)
Seriously, I believe that Lego is a great piece of kit the get any child, for their imagination and development.
Lego would be my number 1 educational "toy" out of them all for bringing out the creativity in children, they will get lost for hours in it, it is a mindfulness tool.
I could not recommend it highly enough.
Tony Grant, August 2025
18 Years Idle, so far.
Isn’t it just typical of Donegal County Council (DCC) choosing to ignore all the positive suggestions from the public over the years and blunderbuss their way without proper consideration.
...Incase they don’t already know ,the old Buncrana council office building is a “Business Hub” in which hundreds of thousands of euro have been spent, and to date , is seriously under utilised.
Now in their , infinite wisdom, they plan to turn the old Garda Barracks into yet another business hub.
This magnificent old building, gifted to DCC by the Office of Public Works, (OPW) , and not purchased, as a Sine Fine councillor previously stated , has far reaching potential if properly designed and planned.
Over the years numerous groups have suggested, proposed, petitioned for the purposeful use of these premises to facilitate the community.
The Weepaper has in the past penned several very detailed articles on the potential uses for the building such as an Open Community Centre, not one high-jacked by some cult organisation, which would provide, a drop-in centre, addiction counselling rooms, Art, respite facilities, music venue,the list is endless.
At the rear of the building a large garden which could serve the schools, relaxing area, community activities and many other services.
But guess what , DCC in their limited vision are going to ignore all the stupid people and local groups, and open a
“Business Hub”
This building belongs to the citizens and DCC ,must be made listen and allow the democratic wishes of the Buncrana people.
We elect these people to serve our country, not to mismanage. Let them know your feelings
Email Donegal County Council at
donegaldevplan@donegalcoco.ie or
Call them at
74 915 3900
Noel King, August 2025
Gone to Pot
For two winters now, potholes have persisted on Westbrook Bridge, with varying degrees of harm to people and to the wear and tear of traffic.
...People walking on the bridge in winter can expect to get splashed by passing traffic; consider a child in a buggy, the traffic is oblivious to the plight of pedestrians as they speed past.
Apart from the potholes, the rest of the surface is badly cracked and is crumbling before our eyes, as seen above.
Contrast that with the beautiful new surface that has been applied to Cathir O’Doherty Avenue (aka Millionaires Row) on the southern end of Swan Park, as seen above.
The road was beautiful BEFORE it was resurfaced, and it is beautiful AFTER it was resurfaced. (as seen in the pictures above)
If you follow the money, you will see that money follows money.
Money should be spent based on proven need; if it is not, the money is wasted, as in this case.
How come there is one rule for the rich and another for the rest of us, right down to the roads we use daily?
Tony Grant, August 2025
Pure Dirt
The real intentions of what was planned for Dunree Fort has been exposed by what happened on the ground in Dunree.
...Contractors were employed to start excavations BEFORE final approval was given by the Planning Authority.
When confronted, the contractors said, “We will be in here next year anyway, and a road will be driven through here”
No such legal planning permission was granted, but that did not stop DCC from getting contractors to go ahead and plough there way through the undergrowth, pre-empting the decision of Bord Planala.
Councillor Paul Canning FF publicly stated that these projects “should be allowed to sail on through” he also said that “frogs get more protection than humans”
Does he realise that 1,000 poos a week at high season (which was planned in Dunree) being dumped untreated into Lough Swilly is more of a danger to humans than to frogs?
I have personal experience of going into the water at Stragill Beach with a woman friend, and she swam with her head under the water, and I did not. She ended up in hospital with E. coli poisoning, the medics said if she had left it another four hours before getting to the hospital, she would be dead.
Paul Canning and the rest of the people who proposed or supported this “danger to life” project in Dunree should be held accountable for their actions.
We do not want to return to the dark old days when “The Long Drop” a place close to the drawbridge, where all waste was dumped into the Swilly as a matter of routine.
John McCarter, DCC and Bord Failte need to clean up their act.
Tony Grant, August 2025
Don't Give a Sh@t
Don’t Give A Sh@t
...Yet another instance where Donegal County Council (DCC) has shown its ineptitude and incompetence when it comes to dealing with matters of community importance.
The refusal of planning by An Coimisiún Pleanála stated
“The body was not satisfied that effluent could be satisfactorily treated on site without a risk of pollution.”
The Cathaoirleach of DCC recently stated “that he wants to be fair, honest and straight with everyone”.
This from a man , who started in the past , by way of cynical rebuke , when referencing issues raised by the concerned public,
“That more consideration is given to a frog than getting planning passed.”
It would have suited him well if he had paid proper attention to the needs of frogs, fish, wildlife, the environment, biodiversity, the health of Loch Swilly and above all, the health of human beings visiting Dunree, rather than trying to rush through an unsustainable effluent treatment plant.
We all want to see development but not the contamination or the demolition of Dunree which is a place of,
“Natural Outstanding Beauty”
In a frivolously attempted to deflect the refusal and it implication, Mr Canning’s remark that, “doctors differ patients die,” only compounds the obvious incompetence.
Councillor F Bradley from Buncrana stated
“Everyone should work together to ensure there are no further unnecessary and costly delays” failing to mention that the responsibility of the said failures lay at the door of DCC.
This timely intervention by Coimisiun Pleanala has prevented DCC and the so-called “steak holders” from pushing through this development without mitigation towards the environs.
Proper environmental supervision must be applied by an “independent” Environmental Engineer to oversee see any work, investigative or otherwise at Dunree.
DCC collectively are responsible for this negligence and must be called out.
These people are speaking from both sides of their mouths at the same time and expect the general public to accept their drivel.
The Cathaoirleach continued,
A priority in the year ahead will be to ensure that the funding that the council has received in recent years for developments is delivered on.
“We as a council must put in an extra shift to ensure that these developments are commenced.”
Just how much of the 12.5 million is intact????.
How can these people be trusted, as now exposed , to do what’s best when it appears that their interest is driven by money and sound-bites to get reelected?
He also said tourism must be a priority to maximise the potential of the county’s
“natural, unspoilt landscape”.
Someone has to bring these incompetents into the real world and stop them.
Cllr Canning added that he was looking forward to working with everyone “in the hope of making Donegal a better place to live for everyone”.
Well it certainly would not have been a healthy or safer place had , An Coimisiún Pleanála , given their hap-hazard scheme the go ahead .
The “bought and paid for” media outlets will not dare challenge the DCC on their incompetence and negligence for fear of losing revenue.
The wee paper, however, offers you an opportunity to have your say and to challenge.
Noel King, August 2025
The Big Hill
A FREE exhibition currently on in the Titanic Experience building in Belfast showing “Donegal Man” by Lucian Freud, the grandson of Sigmund Freud, the psychoanalyst.
...The now famous painting is of none other than Pat Doherty from Buncrana, Pat must be a very patient man because he had to sit 100 times to facilitate this painting in 2007.
I am not sure he liked the finished product because he is reported to have said he will probably grow into what he saw on the canvas.
One thing I am sure he will like, the picture is currently valued at £14,000,000.
A visit to the Titanic Quarter in Belfast is a highly recommended “Day Out” from Buncrana, with plenty to experience on the way.
We attended a FREE Class in the Apple Store to learn more about “imovie” and we also had a FREE “joy ride” on the “driverless bus” now operating on test, in the Titanic Quarter.
As senior citizens, we also had FREE travel and we got FREE doughnuts in “Tim Hortons” (twice, because we filled in an online survey)
If we were homeless, we would have a good crack at survival on the streets. (not there yet to prove it)
Have a great Bank Holiday weekend and try not to catch “The Big Wind”
Tony Grant, August 2025
Inequality
The proportion of the Irish population prevented from falling into poverty rose from 14% in 2001 to 28% in 2016. This means that social welfare prevented 28% of the population from falling into poverty. (An Ireland Worth Working For)
...“Bless the mark, the poor will always be with us” is something you will hear from Clerics from all religions, it partly justifies their existence as they pass the message on to their flock.
The variation in performance across countries shows that poverty and inequality are not inevitable. Rather, they are caused by a combination of factors, including deliberate social policies, like the policies in “The Programme for Government”.
It is a deliberate policy of the present government NOT to pay 100% Redress to the innocent victims of “Mica” in the Defective Blocks Scandal.
Only 30% of confirmed cancer patients in Donegal started their treatment within the recommended time set down by the HSE themselves, leaving them open to a deterioration of their chances of a successful outcome.
In 2024, Donegal County Council was the worst county in Ireland for the provision of social housing. They could not be arsed.
Lack of funding and apathy from the government has allowed Lough Swilly to become the most polluted water in Ireland. (EPA test results) Lisfannon lost it’s Blue Flag status and Warning Signs are erected in Lady’s Bay not to get into the water for fear of becoming infected with e-coli contamination from the local sewer and runoff of toxic chemicals from the farms. The recent works by Irish Water came 15 years too late and therefore is unlikely to improve the situation.
The denial of funding to provide a swimming pool in Buncrana.
“The Deprived County” and “The Forgotten County” are terms used to describe Donegal. Remember, it is written into “The Programme For Government”
Is it enough to say, “It is what it is”?
Tony Grant, July 2025
The Fest.
Here we go again. The excitement is building to yet another Clonmany Festival which every year seems to grow bigger and bigger.
...Who would have thought that over 50 years ago, when this small town’s people got together, this would grow to an international event.
This festival had been a springboard event for many of the big stars on the Irish and international country scene.
The diaspora love it , travelling from Australia, USA, UK and even Kerry.
Promotional Notice
The Festival in 2025 will take place from August 3rd to 10th in Clonmany, County Donegal. It's a week-long celebration featuring live music, dance, and various family-friendly activities. The festival is known for its open-air concerts with top Irish bands, daytime events , pet shows, talent competitions, and overall, a week of fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Not to be missed is the superb Agricultural Show, a two day event that spans from Show jumping, food stalls, fashion shows and of course the now famous Sheep-sheering spectacle.
Oh , did I mention the Sheepdog Trials, a must see for the canine enthusiasts and green wellie fashionistas.
Get your left-one down there.
Noel King, July 2025
Keeping the Main Street Open
Every town has or had customs that earmark its characteristic.
...The town of Buncrana, being no exception, carries on with the tradition of the
“Gents Barbers”.
The good old days were graced with the skills of Jack Cutliffe, George Butler and Peter McGowan.These men, long gone, catered for the needs and grooming of scholars, gentlemen and farmers alike.
Maybe this is not “politically correct” but who cares. Does everything have to be so censored and so boringly appropriate today, touché.
Up the Main Street of Buncrana is the cosy little barbers run by Liam Smith. There is one thing for sure, you will never be bored as the puns and craic in that establishment are mighty. Liam’s prices are fair and reasonable, but the banter, that’s priceless.
From tall stories to ego bashing, you’re not going to leave without a good old belly laugh. Getting your hair cut or your beard trimmed, incidental, getting a run down on the local shenanigans, yes you’ve come to the right place.
Liam is a folklorist and meanders his way through old local history and family connections while making sure you get the job you came in for done.
Liam is not a stylist, he’s a man with style.
Noel King, July 2025
Racist Culture
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In society, hate finds a way of expressing itself disguised in songs, poetry, dance and the popular media.
...Hate and fear go hand in hand, the antidote to both is love, awareness, education and understanding.
In Ballymena and other parts of N.I. we see hate and fear on display in abundance this week.
Last week on the train to Belfast, We met Billy (his real name), he expressed the pride he felt in his home town of Londonderry and he was going up to Belfast for a rehearsal for the upcoming Big Day. He was proud of his culture and he justified violence as a means of preserving it. He did not sound like a man who hated anybody.
He admitted that on that day they would be operating outside the law as they would be displaying paramilitary regalia.
He boasted that they would have people there to safeguard the pipe-band that he would be part of.
He said that they were “prepared for peace and ready for war”
We talked about the “Ballymena Incident” of a few weeks ago, where people were burned out of their homes, which he applauded.
I have no doubt that if William had been given a higher level of education in life, he would have more opportunities to improve himself and his interests would be well above the activities that he was now engaged in. (which he was well respected for in his community)
Growing numbers of people are finding RACISM as a means of expressing their anger and frustration with the governments on both sides of the border.
The divide between rich and poor is growing daily and it is felt by the have-nots, they are finding a way of fighting back through racism. (unfortunately)
The “Fat Cats” in Stormont and Dublin are ushering in a backlash to their cronyism and corruption, just like the reaction to the “Clinton Cronies” in the US.
Tony Grant, July 2025
More Choice
The modern liberal Catholic Church dominates the Primary and Post-primary educational system in Buncrana and many Catholics are not happy about that.
...Some of them would prefer a more conservative doctrine to be taught in Catholic schools; they express opposition to this modern and liberal form of education.
They would like more choice in the educational system, and they feel that their needs and, more importantly, the needs of their children are not being met under the present system.
There are other parents in the town who would like to see more choice in the local schools for their children because their children’s needs are not being met, either because of the monopoly of the Catholic Church over the educational system in the town.
Buncrana has now developed into a modern liberal society, and the people demand choice in all things, and that includes education.
A variety of schools need to be considered when planning the "New School's Campus" for Buncrana. We need to plan for the future development of the town and its people.
A more conservative Catholic school, along with a liberal Catholic school, is required to give choice to parents and a Multi-denominational school is also required to reflect the true nature of the practices and beliefs of the people in the town.
At present, there is not enough choice in the educational system to provide personal growth and to allow children to reach their full potential.
Many children are being stifled in school because the present system does not meet their needs, and also these schools just don’t cut it for many more.
Tony Grant, July 2025
"Paddy Last" AGAIN !
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Donegal County Council came last again, nothing unusual about that, you may say.
...They came last out of the 31 Councils in the country for the provision of social housing last year, which is all the more shocking because of the “ Mica” defective blocks debacle in the county.
How did the council become so much out of touch with the reality of the housing needs in the county, and why are they the worst in the country at their jobs?
Is it laziness or stupidity that puts them at the bottom of the list?
We need to know the reason for the failure, so that we can fix it next year.
|
Social Housing League Table |
||||
|
Position out of 31 |
Local Authority |
New Homes Target |
Delivered |
Result |
|
31 |
Donegal |
534 |
248 |
46% FAIL |
We need a Council that delivers for the people.
Tony Grant, July 2025
Doctors Under Attack
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Tonight at 10pm on Channel 4 (Wednesday 2nd July) Doctors Under Attack, the documentary will be shown.
...www.channel4.com/programmes/gaza-doctors-under-attack
Tony Grant, July 25
Van Morrison
Music lovers will love this story of the day out from Buncrana to Belfast to see, among other things, the house where Van Morrison lived from 1945 to 1961. So he was 16 years old when he flew the nest, very early, like a lot of us working-class boys in the 60's.
...We walked up and down Hyndford Street and soaked up the atmosphere. we chatted to a few teenagers on the street, but they had never heard of him. "Come on, Van the man, have you never heard of him?" Naw came the reply.
There you go, you have to be of a certain age to know about Van the Man.
We were now in the middle of East Belfast, formerly known as the industrial heartland of Belfast, which boasted the largest rope factory in the world. We were soaking up the atmosphere amongst the red and blue.
My mama said not every day is like this.
Tony Grant, June 2025
It's Squeaky Bum Time
The nations of the world must stop spending our resources on war machines.
...We must call upon our leaders to invest more time and effort in the non-proliferation of weapons.
Stop wars
Stop war preparations
We are heading towards extinction exponentially
Without weapons, we remove the threat and the power of despots.
Ireland is increasing its War budget to
1.5 billion, which is half its allocation to fix MICA/ DEFECTIVE BLOCKS
One American Stealth Bomber costs a staggering 2.4 billion
Yes, you have read it right!!!!!!!
One bomber 2.4 billion
When we close our eyes
When we fail to despise
When we allow evil to prevail
When we are disconsolate and stale
Living in the meta verse
distracted
Dying in your failure to engage
Dispensing with our obligations
To voice our disapproval
We are killers
Quote Bernie Sanders:
“Supporting Netanyahu’s war against Iran would be a catastrophic mistake. President Trump must work with the international community to rein in Israeli PM Netanyahu and urgently push for a diplomatic solution to end the fighting with Iran.”
Quote Jeremy Corbyn:
“The world could have stopped the genocide in Gaza.
Israel’s reckless strikes on Iran are the product of that impunity. They represent a shameful failure of global leadership. They pose a threat to the safety of humankind worldwide."
We are all human beings on one planet. Surely that is enough to try and bring about a world of peace.
“Peace Now”
Noel King, June 2025
Coffee Wars
The selling of coffee has reached fever pitch in Buncrana, with many, many outlets jumping on the bandwagon (pun intended) to cash in on the present-day obsession with coffee.
...Many people can’t go for a walk without carrying a paper cup and sipping as they stroll along.
The €1.99 cup of coffee will surely shake things up as a new competitor enters the market.
Paper cups should come with a health warning, as they are lined with plastic. When a hot beverage enters the cup, microplastics containing “forever chemicals” are released and enter the body.
One or two cups of coffee a day is recommended as being good for your health, when consumed in an ordinary cup or mug, but certainly not from a toxic paper cup. Yuk.
It is recommended that you bring your own safe drinking mug when you want to enjoy that satisfying and refreshing drink of coffee.
Tony Grant, June 2025
Move On............
Rebecca Brown, aged 21 when she died as a result of being hit by a Garda patrol car at Ludden on The Derry Road, Buncrana on 21st May 2023.
...Two years on from the tragedy, the full disclosure of the facts in this case has not been revealed.
The family of Rebecca are still waiting for the truth of the circumstances of her death.
Investigations within the Gardaí on the circumstances surrounding the case are continuing, but how long does it take to investigate a case like this with so few people involved?
Rumours abound as a result of the secrecy and a bizarre video on social media that resulted after a member of the public went to Buncrana Garda Station and asked questions relating to the case, ongoing push-backs continue by the Gardai when questioned by the family and members of the public.
Is this going to be another case where the Gardai refuse to cooperate with the family of Rebecca and wait for years for a call for a public inquiry and then an apology in the Dail “for the hurt caused” as was the case recently in Monaghan.
This is a mark of Authoritarianism.
In a democracy, justice must not just be done, but it must be seen to be done.
The people can see no justice here and the Gardai seem to be saying “Nothing to see here”
Tony Grant, June 2025
Father
We all have vivid memories of our childhood, of one kind or another.
...My stand-out recollection is the hill, the bog, the turf.
There was nothing more ethereal than lying back on the heather, and gazing at a boisterous lark as it rose elegantly into the bright blue summer canopy. A boiled egg and a cup of tea flavoured with the bog water was the essence of quintessence, or to put it colloquially, “great stuff sir”.
My father “cut and holed the turf” in one skilful action, a turf-cutting style he brought from Galway. I was in awe of his strength and determination. Sweat dripping from his snout, sun beating down, he’d exclaim, “We’ll be glad of them in the winter”.
I wish I had laughed more with him.
I wish now that I could have told him l loved him.
I just didn’t know that I did.
He was a soldier, l was a boy, no time for that old sissy stuff.
One hug now would mean so much.
Nmar
Government of Mass Distraction
This executive government's mismanagement of the increase in foreign nationals entering the country, from war-torn conflict areas, has polarised opinions and given opportunities to the rise of extremism and derision.
...This executive government has not been honest with its citizens and is directed by the EU to carry out a set agenda.
Scant regard has been afforded to the concerns and needs of this nation.
Compounding the mayhem that ensues from a large influx of displaced people without proper planning, and the decades-long failure to invest in infrastructure, this administration has already created a massive housing shortage, health services shortages, and the depletion of other local services, which in turn have exacerbated social disarray.
Many of these people are forced to live in inhumane conditions while the “fat cats” make millions and grease the coffers of their big political buddies.
Pointless flag flying and calls for “close the borders” by fear-mongering agitators, are setting a dangerous precedent that will contort future generations and destroy the heart of our friendly nation, which had earned respect in the world for our generosity, dignity and international peace efforts.
Our political choices have been abysmal. We have returned the same neo-liberal government again and again.
Leading up to the Election, they drip-fed handouts by way of bonuses, and people fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
“Oh yes you did”
What were you expecting?
You gave the green light for more of the same!
Quote: Mahatma Gandhi
“If you want change then YOU must be the change”
Our protest must be against the executive government that sits in Dáil Éireann .
Focus on the real issue!!!!!!
Mica/ Defective Block humanitarian crisis mishandled and ignored.
Cancer services in the North East of the country abysmal.
Increase in cost of living, cost of food through the roof.
The list is endless.
Noel King, June 2025
Kilmainham Gaol
Kilmainham Gaol, or was it the Carndonagh Hotel ? that a group of us from Buncrana visited on a day trip to Dublin during the week.
...We left Derry on the 6.15 am train to Belfast and on to Dublin on the Enterprise. We landed in Connolly Station and got the Luas to Kilmainham.
The picture above shows Carndonagh Hotel carved into the wall during the Civil War by men from Carndonagh.
That brought it all closer to home for us and prompted us to search for meaning and relevance in our lives today.
The OPW Guide was excellent, he made history come alive. (history teachers take note).
Oppression, hardship and violence are written all over our history. We need to learn from that so as not to repeat the pattern of behaviour in the future.
Tony Grant, June 2025
Kilcommon N.S.
I spotted this plaque on the gable wall of a Primary School in Tinahealy Co. Wicklow. It is a very positive message instead of the propaganda that is displayed on the walls of many schools.
...It was a joy to see this “child-centred” school campus, school was out of course as it was a Public Holiday, but I could see the excellent facilities and obvious care for the children, we have nothing to compare with it here in Buncrana.
School managers and staff should get out and visit the fantastic progress and development in schools around the country, if you don’t see it, you won’t know what to aim for.
Tony Grant, June 2025
Awakening
The recent tragedy at Ned’s Point in Buncrana touched the hearts of the entire community and resonated throughout the country.
...It is even more tragic when it takes such a horrific event to give recognition to the plight of these people who have been violated, evicted, hounded harassed, disenfranchised and stripped of all dignity. Outcasts from their homes and in many cases, will never be able to return to their homeland or to their ancestral roots.
Cast your mind back to just a few weeks ago when we had extremists using dehumanising rhetoric, branding these people as immigrants, refugees, undocumented, cranking up hatred and using vitriol to incite anxiety and fear.
However, when the collage students of the locality banded together to provide a befitting “guard of honour” for these unfortunate victims, they did not see immigrants, they saw fellow students and out-poured their heartfelt pain and emotion.
When local dignitaries stood beside sobbing grieving families, they did not see refugees, but rather, the torn torturous hearts of inconsolable mothers.
How many more deaths will it take to earn these people the badge of dignity and respect.
What will it take to quell the voice of begrudging nationalists and closeted racists?
Noel King, May 2025
Pity The Nation
Does it remind you of Bob Dillon OR Leonard Cohen ?
...Other poets I loved hearing were Pat Ingoldsby RIP and Paul Durcan, whose death was announced today. RIP (19th May 2025)
Poetry People is a program on RTE radio 1 each Sunday at 7 pm presented by Rachael Hegarty.
Tony Grant, May 2025
War NOT
Ireland no longer needs an army. Let’s face it: We are already “out-gunned” on all sides by at least 1,000,000 to 1. It would take us 100 years to catch up, and it would bankrupt the country.
...Nowadays we’re being coerced and pressurised into joining a “European Army” by the warmongering hawks throughout the ever-growing right-wing political tendency that is gaining stature in the EU.
Consider this, it is the intention of this government, to increase the military budget of Ireland to in excess of 1.5 Billion. It’s an outrage.
1.5 Billion of our tax resources squandered in pointless military expenditure with no benefit to our nation or people.
The idea of an army is defined as:
“an organized military force equipped for fighting on land”, has no purposeful place in our society.
We need to take the lead.
As a progressive nation we should be looking at diverting the vast amount of cash resources we waste in the upkeep of this outmoded outdated, primarily underutilised body, into a national constructive response unit that would be employed full time for the nation’s benefit.
This non-military organisation would be a highly trained, streamlined body, with crisis management capabilities, that would be immediately available to assist at a time of national emergencies.
Examples such as destructive storms, as seen recently. Extensive flooding, major electrical outages.
Consider the amount of land, buildings, munitions, war equipment, maintenance costs etc., that on a daily basis, are lying dormant and decaying.
Let’s not just pay lip service to peace as practised by our government at the United Nations, let’s act for peace and show the rest of the world what needs to be done to make peace happen.
Noel King, May 2025
3 Heroes
3 Community Heroes were chosen by the listeners of Highland Radio by emailing the station with their choice of hero.
...We are delighted to celebrate with the listeners of Highland Radio these 3 wonderful people.
Paddy Diver topped the pole with over 700 votes out of 1,100 votes. He is indeed a Community Hero because of his work on the "Mica" issue. We salute you, Paddy. He donated his reward of €1,000 to Roseena Doherty campaign for better cancer care for Donegal.
Laura Barrett, Secretary of the Junior Band of CloichCheann Phaola, has spent the last ten years guiding the young members of the band, she is passionate about learning through music for the young people involved.
Marie Fury, a Bereavement Councillor in her community as a result of experiencing loss in her own family due to a road accident.
These 3 Community Heroes and many more like them deserve to be appreciated by the people of Donegal.
A BIG thank you from all of us.
Tony Grant, May 2025
Buncrana Gets Cancelled
Two regular male visitors to Buncrana, found themselves getting the wrong type of attention as they walked around the town, visiting various shops etc. They noticed at one point that they were being followed by a man who continued to follow them, they went into a shop because they were afraid and asked the staff to call a taxi, which they did and they swiftly made their escape back to the hotel.
...For legal reasons, I am withholding the alleged ill-legality of the hate speech and the alleged threats that were allegedly hurled at the victims of this alleged crime.
These two men have stated on social media that they will not be returning to Buncrana because they believe it would not be safe.
I believe witnesses to this event should have dialled 999 and reported this to the Gardai, we have laws in place to protect the innocent from perpetrators like this. This perpetrator is free to do this again and again in Buncrana, because this is a town that has shown that this crime can go unpunished.
Buncrana lost two valuable customers and potentially many more, also lost was its reputation among many other sympathetic people who will not be coming to Buncrana because of this incident.
We in The Wee Paper were contacted by one such person from Dublin for more information about this incident and they decided not to attend an upcoming event because of it.
This issue is still alive and very visible on the streets of Buncrana, DCC are aware of it, HSE is aware of it, the general public is aware of it and they are all waiting for a crime to be committed before action can be taken to restore peace.
Allegedly such a crime did happen but nothing was done, it was a missed opportunity for a humane resolution and for Buncrana to keep its reputation as a safe place for visitors and residents to walk the streets without fear or intimidation no matter what our sexual orientation, colour of our skin or our religious beliefs.
Ironically some of these shops were happy to display LGBT flags in their windows during Gay Pride week but when it came to defending the rights of LGBT people, that was another story.
The problem continues at the time of publication, we hope for a humane and just resolution sooner rather than later.
The LGBT+ Community should invite these two men back to Buncrana with all expenses paid by the hotel and other businesses on Main Street to demonstrate that Buncrana is "Open To ALL for Business."
Tony Grant, May 2025
in your body
There are two things the public must never know:
...What they put in sausages.
How the government make decisions.
It looks like we need to add a new one to the list:
The contents of THE VACINE
Free Speech exists until those with the power say otherwise.
Tony Grant, May 2025
Nice wee Chat
The Health Minister visited Letterkenny Hospital, she said that she understands the unique journeys of Donegal cancer patients and the need for better services locally but has no plans to put the money in place to achieve better outcomes for cancer patients in Donegal.
...There is no plan to get the money in the next budget either for these improvements, she acknowledged the “unique journeys” of Donegal cancer patients, this is an understatement, translated to mean that patients have to spend hours on public transport on their way to Galway, Sligo or Dublin for treatment and in my case had to travel home after surgery while still bleeding, on two bus journeys and a taxi. This was my third world experience in the 21st century in Donegal and the campaigners described their meeting with the minister as GOOD, with no solid outcomes, only a vague promise that something will be done in the distant future.
Roseena Doherty was even quoted in Donegal Daily after the meeting saying “ If we keep pushing it on, we do feel we will eventually get to the end and we will hopefully not have to wait too many more years.”
That says it all, so we will all be dead by the time any improvements come to Donegal.
That was the bleak outcome of a very bleak meeting with the minister.
(GOOD MEETING MY ARSE)
Tony Grant, May 2025
Community Hero
We nominate Paddy Diver because he re-ignited the dormant "Mica" campaign, at great personal risk to himself, he had the gumption at the time to do it, "fair play to you Paddy", you are a stand-out Community Hero in our opinion and we will be nominating you to Highland Radio.
...Nominate Paddy by sending an email to Highland Radio, thank you.
Email: hero@highlandradio.com and nominate Paddy Diver for Community Hero 2025
Tony Grant, April 2025
Hoot For Cancer
William Coyle of the Donegal Page interviews Boyd outside the hospital in Letterkenny on a warm sunny day that was attended by many people, stretching from the hospital entrance down to the roundabout.
...That support for improved cancer care for Donegal people was echoed by the hooting of the drivers passing the protest all day.
The drivers joined in as they blasted out their horns on passing the line of protesters.
Some dreadful stories were exchanged on the sidewalk as the din roared out.
"Let's hope something decent comes out of our efforts here today" was a common cry from people attending.
"We have suffered enough" was the summing up by some more.
The determination of those attending showed that they were well aware of the life-or-death issue they were dealing with.
Tony Grant, April 2025
3rd Roseena Protest
Roseena Toner from Clonmany is a cancer survivor, who attended Letterkenny and Galway hospitals for treatment over two years, she is a warrior, a survivor and an advocate for better cancer care for people in Donegal.
...She recently met the management of Letterkenny Hospital to express her views on what she thought would improve the care of patients in the hospital, they have their plans and all that is needed to put these improvements into action is for the HSE to allocate funds to implement them.
We support these improvements for Letterkenny and we hope many people will turn out tomorrow (Saturday 26th ) from 9am to 3pm to join Roseena and others in support of improving the hospital.
If we can show that the Donegal people are behind the improvements, then they may happen.
Tony Grant, April 2025
Sakura
Sakura
The cherry blossom petals flow
carpeting like winters snow
They only stay a little while
their soft pink hue a dazzling smile.
The gentle breeze sways the branches
casting blooms on merry dances
Natures wonders not to abate
Their short time symbolic of life’s fate.
Nmar, April 2025
Changing Places
I’m wonder if we should start the hunt for father Hegarty’s Cave?
...Come on, we could turn it into a “Grotto”. A place of enchantment where cherubs frolic and fairies play hide and seek.
First, there is a grave, then a statue is erected, and then a mysterious “Holy Well” appears. It looks very much like we will be having pilgrimages to the revered site soon.
Maybe some mysterious committee will setup a stall, and start selling effigies of Fr. Hegarty, rosary beads and other trinkets. (three temporary toilets are already in position)
New information on the grave out there states that he was a parish priest of Fahan, which was contradicted by written history and was given to the PP and ignored.
Did someone say “Blessed Fr. Hegarty” or was that just another sign of my waning hearing.
Please help me, but I thought that Fr Hegarty’s Rock was a local place of folklore, shrouded by history and part legend.
It seems to me that there is a cohort of people, now trying to kidnap this area for alternative purposes and determined to spin a new narrative.
New money and new zealots are on their way to destroy the walk to Fr. Hegarty’s rock. RIP
Noel King, April 2025
The Ugly Face of cancer...continued
The previous story caught the attention of Highland Radio, and I spoke to Greg Hughes on the Nine Till Noon show this morning (Tuesday 15 April) about my experience and Cancer Care in Donegal.
...You can listen now to the interview below:
Interview on Highland Radio
Tony Grant, April 2025
The Ugly Face of Cancer Care in Donegal
Patients from Inishowen are required at times, to travel to Sligo Hospital Day Care Ward for Cancer surgery.
...In my case, the appointment was for 8.45 last Monday, so I travelled to Sligo on the 15.30 (64) bus out of Derry on Sunday. I had booked a hotel close by and within walking distance from my appointment.
We all agreed that I would be back on the 64 bus back to Letterkenny, leaving Sligo at 15.00
I got a taxi from the hospital, I was on my way home, with the inconvenience of the wound continuing to drip blood all the way home and for the rest of the evening.
We all want the best cancer care treatment available and I for one, am willing to travel to any “Centre of Excellence” to get it, but why can’t we have simple non-medical “before and after” accommodation for patients, instead of having to venture out on our journey home, when we are not quite ready to travel.
As I arrived at my house, I picked up a letter delivered that morning, asking me to attend the appointment that morning. OMG
Politicians tell us that they are trying to fix the health service, but this means they are not actually fixing it.
Tony Grant, April 2025
Amazing Disgrace
It is ironic that a now defunct local Councillor came up with the hare-brained idea of calling Inishowen “Amazing Grace Country”, only later for an activist with the Cockhill Bridge Action Group to adapt the phrase to “Amazing Disgrace” to highlight the dangers of the Old Cockhill Bridge.
...The origin of this reference came about from the historical figure John Newton, who was a slave trader, profiting from human trafficking. He first worked as a crew member on salve ships and later went on to captain several ships himself.
Even after he retired from sea-faring, he continued to invest in the slave trade market, where he made enormous profits out of the exploitation of unfortunate men, women and children.
Through the misguided notion, from what can only be described as “wanton ignorance” by this local politician, Buncrana has associated itself with this slave trading cretin to the extent that a memorial has been installed at the shore front to honour him.
The idea was based on the concept that Newton’s ship took refuge in Lough Swilly during a storm and, at some point, experienced an epiphany, realising how close to death he had come.
No such reprieve for the numerous slaves who had to endure sitting in their excrement in the bowls of a prison ship. The foul stench was unbearable, and for those who suffered untimely death, their poisoned carcasses were tossed into the sea as shark fodder.
Sadly, people are now being asked to attend what they are calling an “Amazing Grace Sunset Sing” on 8th April at the Stone Jug viewing point, to honour the tyrant.
It would be more fitting for these people to denounce him and pray for the souls that perished under Newton’s murderous regime.
Noel King, April 2025
Donegal People of the Year
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John McCarter was chosen by an obscure committee based in Dublin as “Donegal Person of the Year”. On his watch as chairman, Dunree was allowed to fall into decay, and most buildings are falling down. He is now supporting a wretched concrete funfair solution to that decay. More deserving people for that accolade are among us here in Donegal, such as:
...Denise McGahern and her son, Jack (9) was used by a government minister as a prop in a photo opportunity during the last election campaign. Now that the “vote-bait scandal” has been exposed, civil servants are running around looking for the money that they say did not exist at the time the minister announced it.
Paddy Diver, who we all know from the “Mica” campaign, is responsible for re-igniting interest in the defective blocks issue in Donegal. He stuck his neck out for others, and we owe him a great deal of gratitude.
Roseena Doherty (Toner), mother of 5 children from Clonmany. She is in remission from leukemia and still found the time to make a statement outside Letterkenny Hospital to bring to the public’s attention that only 31% of cancer patients start their treatment in Letterkenny Hospital within the recommended time laid down by the HSE. She will be standing outside the hospital again on Monday, 31st March at 9.00 am to make a lot of positive proposals that would improve the outcomes for cancer patients in Letterkenny. Please support her if you can, as she is trying to get the attention of public representatives and the general public.
Tony Grant, March 2025
Fiona McLoughlin
An Odd Bird by Fiona McLoughlin
..."I got a job" Brid shouted excitedly to her flatmate Cassie.
"That's great Brid, congratulations, I'm delighted for you. Did the hairdressers open again?"
"No, shur they may never open again. Bloody Covid! No, in Kelly's. I start on Monday."
"Kelly's? The Funeral Director's?"
"Yeah."
"Are you sure about this Brid? How often do you sleep with the light on at night?"
Read More below
March 2025
State Vandalism.
Why is it necessary to spoil natural beauty and violate biodiversity?
... Donegal County Council and other state bodies are not happy unless they leave grotesque scars, concrete, metal bars, railings, and hideous signage that are invasive and distracting from the natural scenery.
A walk to Father Hegarty’s Rock, one of the most scenic areas of Inishowen, has been surgically implanted with “Woke” sanitisation and defiled with state-inspired Graffiti.
Thousands of euros are being squandered unnecessarily on fanciful projects which are non-beneficial and are pandering to desktop delusions.
Has anyone thought of asking the public what they want? Have the citizens been allowed to be involved or make a contribution?
These walks, riverside pathways and historic relics are the property of the people not pen-pushing civil servants who railroad their ideas uncensored.
Where does it stop 🛑.
Noel King, March 2025
Community Action
Ten years ago, "The Cockhill Times" was published as a "call to action" from The Cockhill Bridge Action Group to highlight the safety concerns with the old bridge and to campaign for a new one.
...The paper helped us get the message out to the people about why we were asking the community for their support.
As the above picture demonstrates, people like Marie McLaughlin, Margaret Bell, and Patrick McLaughlin engaged with the content. This engagement by the community eventually led to Joe McHugh having to take action, and he recommended to the government spending over €2 million to install a new bridge.
This blueprint of Community Action is necessary before politicians of all types will sit up and pay attention to the needs of the community.
Because it was a FG government in power at the time, we would not have got the bridge if we had any association with SF. Why would FG hand over a win to SF BEFORE an election?
This is the lesson we as a community need to learn if we are going to get a new swimming pool in Buncrana. Having a SF Counsellor closely associated with the swimming pool is the "kiss of death" to the campaign to get a new pool, in my opinion. The last public meeting chaired by the same counsellor could have been a "wake" for the campaign for that reason.
Perhaps this was the reason why the €17 million was refused by the coalition government on the run up to the last election, they were hardly going to hand over a "win" to SF, and probably a lot of swing voters as well.
I suggest that community groups should stay well clear of politicians, local and national, if they are going to score a win as we did ten years ago.
Tony Grant, March 2025
Vin McCullagh
Bluestacks is a book of poetry written by Vin McCullagh, a resident of Buncrana. He is originally from Northern Ireland and has lived in Buncrana for over twenty years.
...I first met Vin at "Culture Night" last September in the Exchange, where he performed a piece of his one-man show to great acclaim.
I am glad to see him back with this book of poetry, which is available in Mac's bookshop in Buncrana.
Artists and performers from Buncrana require more organised outlets for their creative expression, the talent is here, they just need to get organised for public performance.
Tony Grant, March 2025
Failed State
They say a country can be judged by how kind its people are towards their animals, that may be so, and if it is, can the same be said about a country concerning its homeless people?
...If it can, then Ireland must rate very low on the humanity scale, as seen by the latest homeless figures.
That graph is damming evidence, if we ever needed it, to confirm that we have sold our souls to the bottom line, money is our God.
The profit motive rules, so why pretend to ourselves that we live in a decent little country, we are great for clapping ourselves on the back and telling ourselves "this is the best wee country in the world."
We should stop this nonsense and admit to ourselves that we are as selfish and greedy as other countries with the same problem.
Recently we voted in the same government again, with the same homeless policy as they had for ten years. We congratulate ourselves on having "political stability" as long as multi-nationals are happy and the house prices stay sky high, ignoring the fact that our children have to emigrate to get a life and the homeless figures continue to rise.
Take a look in the mirror folks.
Tony Grant, February 2025
Better Together
This is another great adventure into the unknown talents, charms, and abilities of the peace-loving people of the North West.
...A number of us from Buncrana have already been on this adventure and were awakened, stimulated and healed by the experience.
I forgot to mention “having a great time” but that means different things to different people so you will have to read between the lines of this short post to get the full meaning.
There is one final thing to say: Nobody regretted taking part, and everybody said they would like to continue with more activities. It is all about to happen soon.
Join us with a lot more from around the North West by getting in touch below:
Contact: Sharon
02871261916
email: sharon@triaxneighbourhoodmanagementteam.org
Tony Grant, February 2025
Upward Spiral for Buncrana
Not so long ago we had vigilantes on the streets of Buncrana warding off the invasion of would-be marauders.
...We had a councillor berating the flying of the Palestinian flag.
Scare-mongering agitators, forecasting “rape and plunger”
The violation of our women and children was upon us.
Where are these apologists for racism and extreme nationalism now, hiding in some dark corner looking for a new toy to play with, I might suggest.
In their tentative wisdom, the people of our community have quietly accepted and welcomed the changes in cultural input. Notwithstanding the lack of planning, flawed policy and information our “executive” government failed to provide adequately, the people have embraced the challenges.
We are slowly reconsidering that the diversity of rich cultures and other nationalities has something positive to offer. It provides an opportunity for our children to have an open mind towards other races and creeds as they are co-educated and grow up sharing a common combined heritage.
For those who are calling for something “Positive” take the positive out of this.
Noel King, February.
Back on Track
He was elected to highlight the “Mica” issue but recently he went off on a tangent and started talking about the traffic in Letterkenny and how a bridge over The Swilly would be a wonderful thing.
...Now he is back on track and holding the government to account by comparing the €490,000 wall in Dublin to the crumbling walls of our homes in Donegal.
Charles Ward must use every opportunity to raise the “Mica” issue in the Dail and the media, as he has done above and leave the traffic to others.
He is a novice politician, he may have stumbled at the first hurdle but we will only continue to support him as long as he stays on message with the single issue that befalls many of us in Donegal.
Charles Ward and us in The Wee Paper are talking the same language when we say that the “Mica” issue is the greatest humanitarian disaster to hit Donegal in living memory.
Believe it or not, “Mica” victims have not been able to convince the Government and others of the seriousness of the issue in Donegal, that is why we elected Charles Ward to help us raise the issue to a level that can not be ignored.
Tony Grant, February 2025
Retro Walking
Garret Doherty from Carndonagh, now living and working in Buncrana as a gardener will be walking backwards with Tommy Bowie tomorrow morning, Wednesday 29th January on Virgin Media 1 television on the Ireland AM programme at 8.45 am
...You can also listen to Ray D'Arcy's interview with Garret from last Monday 27th January.
Aladdin 26th January to 8th February
The beauty of local drama and entertainment is that they resonate a sense of belonging.
...Buncrana has a very proud and longstanding tradition that spans decades, and besides the locals, it has warmed the hearts of the diaspora, who have made it their business to travel home just to be slagged.
You’re not anybody, as they say, if you hadn’t had “a good old ribbing” from the stage. Many’s a courting couple were exposed, with relished embarrassment, or indeed others have been put in their box, by Andy or Joe or Eddie or Eunan.
It is a mammoth task to get these performances on stage. The limited space and the antics it takes to present these pantomimes can only be understood if you are in the background.
“Kudus” to all who work hard at keeping this very valuable tradition alive.
Join the cast and crew in the chorus of:
“I wanna, I wanna”
“go back to Old Buncrana”
26th of January to the 8th of February.
“Break a Leg”
Noel King, January 2025
Inconceivable
Inconceivable
This is the description bestowed on the “statistic” by the Dublin Simon Community when it was revealed that, for the first time in Ireland, more than 15,000 people are living in emergency accommodation.
...The Department of Housing official figures stated that of this number 4,658 are children.
Children without a home.
Children with no family environment to feel secure and safe.
Children without the opportunity to have a stable upbringing and fit into society without the scars of deprivation.
Children that do not have the opportunity of a normal upbringing.
These numbers exclude those sleeping rough, refugees in direct provision centres, people in domestic violence shelters, and those sleeping in cars or couch surfing.
This is the modern shambles of Ireland.
This is a country without empathy.
This is the country you live in.
Get your heads out of your arses and smell the stench around you.
Noel King, January 2025
Toxic Government
The Department of Housing and its Agents working on its behalf, Engineers Ireland, are concerned about the “Mica” Campaign and the reputational damage it is inflicting on them.
...Ms. Stapleton, Ass. Sec. Dept. of Housing called on Damien Owens, Engineers Ireland to correct his public statements on the controversy. When The Sunday Independent made attempts for comment, they were referred to someone else. (they are not accountable for what they say)
The Department and Engineers Ireland both said that there was a sense of intimidation around the issue of “Mica” (this is backtracking on their previous allegations)
This is a huge success for “Mica” Victims and it is about time that the authorities have started to feel intimidated by this controversial issue. It is a pity that this feeling took so long to surface in them, one can only suggest that they are slow to catch up because “Mica” victims have been feeling intimidated for years because of the bad laws and the obstacles to a just solution that the Government continue to enforce.
Google Definition of intimidation:
intimidating behaviours are words, actions, or implied threats that cause reasonable fear or injury to the health and safety of any person or property.
The Government and its Agents are guilty of plenty of actions that have led to a lot of damage and harm to the safety and welfare of families and their property in Donegal through the passing of harmful laws against “Mica” victims.
Our New Year Message to the Government is: “May you all rot in Hell for the damage you caused to our community in Donegal.”
Our New Year Message to the “Mica” Victims is: “ We wish you a Happy New Year and we hope will stay strong and continue the fight for justice.”
Our New Year Message to the people of Buncrana: “Thank you for your support during the year and let’s resolve to increase the feeling of intimidation on the other side for a change in 2025.
Onwards and Upwards
Tony Grant, January 2025