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Published by joanne.kilmartin, 2017-12-19 05:40:50

Dgl Diaspora_Issue4_Ezine

Dgl Diaspora_Issue4_Ezine

Donegal Connections

Ceangail Dhún na nGall

Issue 4 | December 2017

Welcome / Fáilte This is Donegal 1

A Chairde, Active Donegal 3

Christmas comes but once a year, and we Love Donegal 4
love to celebrate this day with our loved
ones, however, we are mindful that this may Global Donegal 5
not always be possible. So no matter where
you live, or what the distance, we want you Learn Donegal 7
to know that we cherish our Diaspora around
the world and I want to take time to wish each Invest Donegal 8
and every one of you a very Merry Christmas 2017.
Creative Donegal 10
As Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council it gives me great pleasure to
reflect and remind you how much we appreciate our Diaspora, and how, Visit Donegal 11
over the last 12 months, we have continued to connect, listen and respond
to you through our Donegal Diaspora Project. Ciara named Donegal’s
Best Young Entrepreneur
My term as Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council provides me with
many opportunities to connect and engage with the Diaspora and one IBYE Winner, Ciara McGlynn
highlight for me was the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards weekend which
took place in October last. During the weekend Donegal County Council The overall winner of the Donegal final of Ireland’s Best Young
recognised four members of the Donegal Diaspora. The event had a real Entrepreneur competition, Ciara McGlynn, says she hopes the success
global feel connecting with Diaspora from the United States, Scotland and of her business will inspire other young people to return to Donegal and
Donegal. We also welcomed US college teams who came to Donegal and establish businesses in the county.
braved the elements to enjoy a wonderful day at Ballyliffin Golf Course
for the first ever Tip O’Neill Golf Challenge. This is an element of the Ciara, who won the Best Start-Up Category as well as the overall prize
weekend that we plan to build upon, especially in light of Ballyliffin Golf at the Donegal finals, returned to the county from New York with
Course being host to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in 2018. The 2018 her husband Gareth and set up Niche Specialist Staffing partners in
nomination process has officially opened, and I would encourage people Letterkenny last year.
to submit their nominations for this impressive award and continue to
support the Donegal Diaspora Project for our mutual benefit. The international recruitment firm that recruits senior construction
estimators (Quantity Surveyors) in the State of North Carolina was just
Christmas provides us with an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the one of the three major prize-winners on the day in Donegal.
simple things in life. May this wonderful time of the year touch your heart
in a special way. The winner of the Established Business category in Donegal, Thomas
McLaughlin from Tadáias Premium Cycling Apparel, was full of praise for
Wishing you all much happiness at Christmas time and throughout the the IBYE competition, having entered a number of years ago in the idea
New Year. category.

Councillor Gerry Mc Monagle, Cathaoirleach. Third year Fashion and Promotion student from Raphoe, Niamh Porter
of Mayfire Designs, took runner-up in the Best Idea category for her new
take on fall-alert technology.

continued on page 2

This is Donegal

Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise and LEO staff is entitled ‘Unlocked’ and her idea is to help The IBYE Finalists
Eve Anne Mc Carron and Grace Korbel pictured children unlock behaviours and emotions that
with the IBYE Donegal winners are caught within and to help educators and they need to continue to have the self-belief
parents to alleviate challenging behaviours and that they can compete on a global scale.
continued from front page teach them the skills that can be implemented. Head of Enterprise in Donegal, Michael Tunney,
Other awards presented on the day saw Clare urged businesses in the county to challenge the
Winner of the Best Idea Category was Deirdre McLaughlin from Burnfoot business ‘All Ears’ Local Enterprise Office to help them grow and
Ward who has a background in education, as runner-up in the Best Start-Up business be even stronger.
having taught for eight years in Ireland and category for her range of furry farm animals,
Abu Dhabi. Deirdre explained that her idea while Bundoran’s Finn Ní Fhaoláin took the The other finalists were: Best Business Idea
had changed throughout the bootcamp as she runner-up award in the Best Established – Christopher Duffy (Buncrana); Joleene
looked at her initial idea in more depth. business for her Finn’s World cookbook and McDermott (Moville); Kyle McLaughlin
products. (Buncrana); Sarah Barr (Moville). Best Start-
She felt there wasn’t enough of a niche market Up Business – Eilis Galbraith (Buncrana);
for her initial idea so she changed it from a Earlier in the day, guest speaker at the awards Paul McMahon (Letterkenny), Stephanie
well-being programme for children and now it ceremony, economist and broadcaster David Kee (Killybegs); Best Established Business –
McWilliams told the finalists “they are the Arantxa Lopez (Bundoran); Caitlin NicGabhann
future.” (Gweedore) Derek Walker (Letterkenny).

Addressing a crowd of over 100 assembled
guests, he urged businesses to continue to
think creatively.

He also urged those young businesses to stick
to their dreams and not to be afraid to make
mistakes.

David McWilliams also told the businesses that

Christmas in Donegal

In 2016, Donegal was home to 41,134 family Mammies and Daddies can also enjoy a
units with 59,486 children of which 25,610 wide range of Christmas activities like the
were aged 10 years and younger and eagerly ‘Letterkenny Christmas Artisan Twilight Market
awaiting a visit from Father Christmas this on the 21st December which will showcase
December. Donegal’s best designers and artisan craft
workers and provide an opportunity to grab
In the run up to Christmas there are lots of those last minute gifts
magical things for Children and their families to
do right across the county from: Donegal is a great place to raise a family with
its pristine environment and access to a wide
• Taking a visit to Lapland in Inishowen www. range of services from top class schools and
donegalslapland.ie which will capture the libraries to sporting and recreational facilities
magic and enchantment of the festive and youth and community facilities all within
period. The head Elf will explain the story of 5- 10 km of all towns and villages. In Donegal
Christmas and guide you through the Santa in 2016, the most popular boys name was
village and you really do have to pass the Charlie and the most popular girls name was
North Pole to get there. Ava compared to 1966 when it was John
and Mary. The highest climbing male name
• Enjoying an enchanting train ride on was Muhammad moving up 36 places in the
the Santa Express through magnificent top 100 most popular names and the highest
woodlands at Oakfield Park in Raphoe to climbing female names was Willow and Matilda
meet Santa and his special helpers www. moving up 49 places. We are sure all of these
oakfieldpark.com and enjoy an Elf Workshop names will be on Santa list this year.
and a marquee full of crafts, games and story-
telling in addition to an Artisan Christmas For more information on key demographics of
market life in Donegal, contact the Research & Policy
Unit at 00353 74 91 72569
• E xploring the Christmas Winter Wonderland
at Gartan Outdoor Education & Training
Centre and bop till you drop with Santa and
His Elves www.gartan.com

donegal connections pg 2

Active Donegal

In 2021, Donegal’s Diaspora will

be cycling home

Plan to link Buncrana and Muff to Derry,
and Lifford to Strabane, well advanced

We all know the journey between Buncrana
and Derry ... slow speed, 1000s of cars on
their daily commute, but with the agony
offset by the natural beauty of the majestic
Lough Swilly! Come 2021 this scenario will
change, as the first sections of the North
West Greenway Network – an integral part
of Donegal County Council’s development
plan for 2018-2024 – will open to the
general public. 46.5kms of high quality
segregated cycling and walking routes
have been funded by INTERREG VA 2014-
2020 through the Special European Union
Programmes Body (SEPUB) – almost €15
million has been allocated – and these new
routes will transform how we move around
Inishowen: leaving the car at home will
become a real option for many commuters.

The proposed route would link into the existing greenway network in Derry

An old railway bridge near the Firebox Grill in in the draft Seven Strategic Towns Local reducing pressure on our health system,
Fahan. Although the route between Buncrana Area Plan 2018-2024. Apart from allowing both north and south. The long-term
and Derry has yet to be finalised, it is hoped it will people to consider cycling as alternative financial benefit runs into millions. Coupled
go through Fahan transport for work, school and pleasure, with the prospect of additional economic
it also brings health, economic, social and opportunities (construction work, cafés,
This story goes back to 2015. Donegal tourism benefits to the North West Region. sports and health-related businesses as well
County Council in conjunction with Derry The SEUPB funding dovetails nicely with as more tourists), the construction of the
City and Strabane District Council published the Council’s ambitious plan to develop first phase of the North West Greenway
the North West Greenways strategy, greenways across the county. Ronan Network will bring multiple opportunities
which was compiled by Sustrans on behalf Gallagher, Communications Officer for the to the people of Donegal. And who knows,
of the two councils. It identified a route project said: ‘we have a great opportunity to perhaps some of our Diaspora may want to
network that could be developed over the reduce the amount of traffic on our roads. return home to create those new businesses!
coming years. This greenway and cycle This is a very exciting time for the county
lane infrastructure now forms an integral and council.’ Keep in touch with the greenway progress
part of our County Development Plan on Twitter @nwgreenway or on Facebook:
2018-2024, and is referenced extensively And people who are more active are also www.facebook.com/nwgreenway.
healthier. This has the knock-on effect of

donegal connections pg 3

Love Donegal

Arranmore Island Council -
Home Coming

Arranmore Island Council is launching a favour that some things don’t change, such college, Coláiste Árainn Mhóir.
new initiative called #ComingHome aimed as its strength of community spirit shown
at encouraging more families to return to through the schools and fundraising events, However, life also moves with the digital
Arranmore and make the island their home. and a sense of support and togetherness times with local children engaging in
With assistance from all the island groups, shown in organisations such as the football activities such as the local CoderDojo.
businesses and organisations, the island club and local pipe band. In addition, the Island Council have been
council aims to provide information which working to provide high-speed fibre
might aid anyone wishing to make the move The continued sense of respect for our broadband to the island which will be
to Arranmore. heritage and traditional ways is shown on in place by the end of 2018, including a
the island in issues such as the efforts of digital hub which will allow people to work
Arranmore Island is a vibrant and dynamic the local fishermen who continue to engage remotely from Arranmore. This will be a
community and one which can and should in, and protect their traditional fishing ways great addition to the island bringing benefit
grow. In a rapidly changing world it is and the pride islanders take in the Irish to the entire island community.
something of a strength in the island’s Language, notably with the summer Irish
The website www.arainnmhor.com/coming-
home is dedicated to this initiative and will
include relevant information about schools
and the local nursery. This website will
continue to evolve over time to include
additional information on other services
which are available on the island including
health, activities and events.

The council members are also working with
the local financial institutions to provide
information on services that they have
available which might be of benefit to
those wishing to relocate to Arranmore. In
addition, information will also be gathered
and shared, on properties on the island both
for sale or available for long term rent.

If you think a return to, or indeed a new
move to, a very special and unique place like
Arranmore Island is for you, have a look at
our website or contact us by emailing info@
arainnmhor.com

donegal connections pg 4

Global Donegal

2018 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards
Nomination Process Opens

Donegal County Council is delighted to Coach Nicholas Dilio with his golf team from St. Peter’s University, New Jersey one of the teams from
announce the official opening of the Tip the USA that participated in the inaugural Tip O’ Neill Golf Challenge 2017
O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards nomination
process for 2018. areas of expertise. The workshops were their nominations for this prestigious award”.
attended by in excess of 200 people and Speaking at the launch Michael Tunney,
The Awards ceremony which is held annually provided a great opportunity to hear first hand Head of Enterprise said that Donegal County
in Donegal, an initiative of the broader the experiences of the award recipients. Council was looking forward to developing
Diaspora project, has become a highlight of The awards ceremony itself took place in relationships with the new Donegal
Donegal County Council’s calendar of events. Ambassadors and previous winners going
The Award is presented on an annual basis forward for the mutual benefit of the county
to a member/s of the broad Irish Diaspora and its communities.
who has achieved prominence or recognition
in the area of business, commerce, industry,
education, politics, finance or sport.

The sixth Annual Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora
Awards took place in Donegal last October.
This year saw Donegal County Council
recognise four members of the Diaspora.
Packie Bonner, former Ireland Goalkeeper,
Barbara Koster, Senior Vice President

The Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award
was initiated in 2012 as a means of
commemorating the centenary of the birth
of the late Tip O’Neill who was a liberal
Democrat and an influential member of the
US House of Representatives. His maternal
grandparents came from County Donegal.
Throughout his long and distinguished career,
he spoke to and for both the Irish community

2017 Tip O’Neill Award Recipients pictured with members of Tip O’Neill Committee, Council members
and guests

Prudential Financial responsible for the An Grianan Hotel and was attended by 220 Martin Meehan, President of the University of
establishment and expansion of Pramerica people. Tip’s son Tom his wife Shelly and their Massachusetts and Tom O’Neill welcomed to
in Letterkenny, Fraser Doherty, a young guests attended again this year to show their Ulster University at Magee by Provost Dr. Malachy
entrepreneur from Scotland with family on-going support of the initiative. O’Neill, Tip O’Neill committee members and
links to Listillion, Letterkenny and finally, Council Staff.
Martin Meehan, President of the University The weekend concluded with the inaugural
of Massachuettes who was a key figure in Tip O’Neill Donegal Diaspora Golf Challenge and all vulnerable residents in the United
the establishment of the Centre for Irish held in Ballyliffin Golf Course. Our visiting States. His vision and his determination to
Partnerships in 2009. teams from the US together with a number make Ireland a better place were crucial in
of public and private sector teams enjoyed a the negotiations that led to the Anglo Irish
Previous recipients include journalist and great day out in Ballyliffin with the Letterkenny Agreement in 1985 and the establishment of
publisher Niall O’Dowd, former Governor of Institute of Technology winning the Tip O’Neill the International Fund for Ireland.
Montana Brian Schweitzer, Senator Therese Perpetual Cup and Donegal County Council
Murray former president of the Massachusetts winning the Donegal Diaspora Golf Challenge. Nominations can be made online at www.
Senate, U.S. based philanthropist Ms. Loretta irishdiasporaaward.ie. The closing date for
Brennan Glucksman and the U.S. political Councillor Nicholas Crossan, Chairman of the receipt of completed nomination forms is
commentator Chris Matthews. Tip O Neill Committee speaking about the Friday 27th April 2018.
nomination process said “here in Donegal
This year’s events began with each of the we are very proud of our strong connections
four recipients hosting a workshop at Ulster with the wider global family across the world
University, Magee campus in their respective and I would encourage people to submit

donegal connections pg 5

Global Donegal

Work continues on building stronger
relations in Philadelphia and Boston

Irish Delegation pictured with Tim Murray, President and CEO and Karen Pelletier, Director of Higher Joanne Kilmartin, Donegal Diaspora Executive
Education and Workforce Partnerships from the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce pictured with Declan Houton ‘Person of Year’
Golden Bridges Conference 2017
Creating even stronger connections with the The delegation began the week in Philadelphia
Donegal Diaspora was one of the positive where they met the City’s Mayor Jim Kenney, joint initiatives in innovation and trade. The
outcomes from last month’s joint Council led representatives of the City’s Chamber showcase event provided both Councils to sell
Trade and Investment Mission to Philadelphia of Commerce, members of the Donegal the region as a prime area for investment and
and Boston. Association and the Irish Immigration Centre in this was followed by a business networking
Philadelphia. event that provided the opportunity for the
The joint delegation led by the Leas companies to meet with potential US partners.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, After a day exploring business and life science
Councillor Noel Jordan and the Mayor of Derry, partnerships in the City of Worcester and an The delegation attended an event at Boston
Councillor Maolíosa Mc Hugh included Council evening reception with the Irish Consul-General College on Thursday at which Ireland’s
officials, representatives from Udarás Na Fionnuala Quinlan on Tuesday, the delegation Ambassador to the US Daniel Mulhall gave
Gaeltachta, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, met up with the 15 companies for the start of a talk on “Ireland and the US in a Changing
Ulster University, the Northwest Regional the three days of networking in Boston. World” – What is the Future? This event was
College and included 15 local companies all followed by a meeting with the City of Boston
presenting a united front to showcase the very The Northwest Showcase event on Wednesday International Economic Development Office
best that the North West region has on offer morning saw a new Memorandum of and the day concluded with a visit to the State
for inward investment and potential export Understanding signed by civic leaders from House in Boston where the delegation got the
opportunity. the City of Boston and the North West of opportunity to meet with a number House
Ireland that will formalise their economic Representatives and members of the Donegal
A key element of the mission was showcasing partnership. This MOU pledges to further Diaspora.
the region’s entrepreneurship and innovation develop and expand the existing bilateral
and to provide local companies with an relationship between the two regions and to The week concluded with the Annual Golden
opportunity to tie into the US market. create business and job opportunities through Bridges Conference and Awards on Friday at
the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Centre.
This event provided opportunities for Council
representatives to talk about Ireland’s role
as America’s Best Friend in Europe, Driving
Tourism to the North West through World
Class Events’, Helping Start-ups Survive and
Thrive, the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards
weekend and the broader Donegal Diaspora
Project, all of which we plan to develop and
promote further in 2018.

Cllr. Noel Jordan, Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Maolíosa Mc Hugh, Mayor of The event concluded with Declan Houton
Derry, Seamus Neely, CEO of Donegal County Council and John Kelpie, CEO of Derry City and Strabane originally from Inishowen being named as
District Council pictured with John Barros, Chief of Economic Development at the signing of the MOU “Person of the Year” at the Golden Bridges
in Boston. Awards Ceremony. Accepting his award
he paid tribute to the Diaspora who came
together to raise close on $120,000 for the Red
Cross in Buncrana and said that he accepted
the award on behalf of a large group of people
who came together to help those most affected
by the flooding in August.

donegal connections pg 6

Learn Donegal

Donegal ETB Further Education and
Training (FET) Fair

Are you thinking about moving home, FET options, you’ll also have the opportunity
changing career or furthering your studies? to meet with a broad range of other further
If so, then Donegal Education and Training and higher education providers in the region
Board’s (ETB) 2018 Further Education from Ireland and UK including CAFRE, LYIT,
and Training (FET) Fair, taking place on 24 North West Regional College, NUI Galway,
January 2018 in the Mount Errigal Hotel from Sligo IT and Ulster University.
11.00am-3.00pm, may be of interest to you.
Donegal ETB tutors and current learners ETB Further Education and Training Fair
Now in its fourteenth year and attracting will be available on the day to share their
in excess of one thousand visitors on an experiences and answer any questions you courses with us in 2016. Why not see what we
annual basis, Donegal ETB’s FET Fair aims might have. You can see for yourself what have to offer you in 2018?
to support all adults considering their career it means to consider a return to learning.
or employment and study options which You can also avail of advice from our expert
includes new skills, reskilling and progression guidance counsellors, if you’re unsure about
options, employment and self-employment. the right options for you.
You can find out about the wide range of
FET opportunities that Donegal ETB has In addition to education and training For further information visit www.donegaletb.
to offer across the county from Levels 1-6 providers, we’ll also have Citizens Information, ie and social media accounts: Facebook
in the areas of apprenticeships, business Department of Social Protection and SUSI https://www.facebook.com/DonegalETB/,
and administration; core skills, language Student Grants available to share their Twitter (@DonegalETB) and LinkedIn https://
and general learning; arts, craft and media; knowledge and expertise on what supports are www.linkedin.com/company/donegaletb.
agriculture, science and computing; available to enable you to return to learning. You can also contact Donegal ETB’s Adult
construction and the built environment; Guidance and Information Service, 2nd Floor,
education, health and welfare; engineering Donegal ETB is the largest provider of Further McKendrick Place, Pearse Road, Letterkenny
and manufacturing; tourism, hospitality and Education and Training (FET) in the county by calling them on 00 353 74 9178088 or
sport and services. In addition to Donegal ETB with almost 12,000 learners completing emailing [email protected].

Letterkenny Institute of Technology sparks an
interest from next generation Donegal people

Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) is LYIT, the beauty of the county, and the spirit of
situated in the heart of Donegal, with two people from the region. The student experience
vibrant campuses, one in Letterkenny and one at LYIT is exceptional and we offer the most
in Killybegs. LYIT provides a wide and varied affordable student accommodation in the
range of degree programmes and has over 4,000 country, all factors that are attracting Donegal
students between both campuses. Diaspora towards studying at LYIT.”

In Autumn 2017, LYIT attended the ‘Irish Times students, aged between 17 and 19, interested Following the ‘Irish Time Higher Options
Higher Options Recruitment Fair’, the largest in progressing their third level journey at LYIT, Recruitment Fair’, LYIT began discussions with
higher education recruitment fair in Ireland. It is both enlightening and significant. Donegal Joanne Kilmartin, from the Donegal Diaspora
was at this event, that the strength and depth is a fantastic county, a county with a strong Network to further develop these connections.
of the Donegal Diaspora Network became Tourism industry, and to now see an interest Joanne provided LYIT with a wealth of expertise
apparent. Over this three day event, the LYIT in the education sector from next generation and knowledge and it is hoped that these
exhibition stand was inundated with ‘Second Donegal people provides LYIT with an exciting connections will further enhance the interest
Generation’ Donegal students, all prospective opportunity.” from ‘second generation’ Donegal people, their
students, interested in returning to Donegal parents and grandparents.
for their third level education journey. Some of Paul further added, “LYIT has 51 CAO Donegal Diaspora are now very interested in
these students, had spent summers in Donegal programmes to choose from in 2018, we are returning to study in Donegal and LYIT is well
and hope to progress their academic study, in now welcoming students from China, Malaysia placed to offer degree programmes that will
their second home and first love – Donegal. and the United States to our campuses. This is match this demand.
due to a combination of factors, which include
Paul Hannigan, President, LYIT commented, the diverse range of programmes available at For further information on the Full-time, Part-
“We were delighted to see an interest in LYIT time and Postgraduate courses available at LYIT
programmes from the Donegal Diaspora visit www.lyit.ie or, alternatively, join LYIT at
Network. We have a strong connection with the next Open Evening event taking place on
the Donegal Diaspora Network and to see Wednesday 17 January, 2018.

donegal connections pg 7

Invest Donegal

Mayor launches ambitious plan for job
creation in Donegal

increasingly important role the Local
Enterprise Office will play in the direction
and delivery of economic development in
the county. “The plan looks ahead towards
potential challenges, and by doing so affords
the Local Enterprise Office the opportunity
to formulate strategies to assist local
businesses in the county address these
challenges.” However he added that more
importantly, the plan identifies opportunities
for Donegal. “It not only pinpoints key areas
for enterprise opportunity, but also outlines
that cross-agency co-operation is the key
towards driving enterprise creation in these
sectors. The co-operation and support of the
other enterprise agencies and the integrated
support of the wider Donegal County Council,
will play a vital role in helping it foster and
develop the spirit of entrepreneurship that is
the backbone of the economy in the county,”
he said.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council pictured with Seamus Neely, CEO and staff from the Local
Enterprise Office, Donegal County Council at the official launch of the Local Enterprise Development Plan
2017

The Mayor of Donegal, Councillor Gerry and 2020, will receive widespread backing from
McMonagle, has said he believes ambitious the council. The Cathaoirleach formally launched
plans by Local Enterprise Office Donegal to help the Local Enterprise Office Development Plan
create 400 new jobs in the county between now 2017-2020 in the Public Services Centre in
Letterkenny recently.

Rick Le Vert, Founder, Director and Head Brewer, Head of Enterprise in Donegal, Michael Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry Mc Monagle officially
Kinnegar Brewing who spoke about the supports Tunney said that the vision in the plan is to launching the plan
available to businesses through the Local make Donegal an attractive and competitive
Enterprise Office in Donegal. location for setting up and doing business, The LEO Enterprise Plan 2017 – 2020 and the
thereby creating a sustainable economy with a Local Enterprise Office training and business
strong focus on employment and international development schedule for 2018 are both
markets. “To achieve this vision, the mission for available online at localenterprise.ie/Donegal or
the Local Enterprise Office is to provide high by contacting the office on 074 9160735
quality supports and services that promotes
entrepreneurship, fosters start-ups and drives donegal connections pg 8
the development of businesses and our local
economy,” he said. The Head of Enterprise
went on to describe the actions, targets,
outcomes and outputs of the plan as “ambitious
yet achievable.” “The Local Enterprise Office
working in particular with local businesses and
stakeholders can achieve many, if not all of
these, but that will only enable us move a small
way towards achieving the vision.” He pointed to
the need for ‘collective engagement’ as: “a vital
ingredient in making the delivery of the aims and
objectives of the plan a reality.”

Describing the plan as ‘forward-thinking’
Donegal County Council’s Chief Executive,
Seamus Neely, said it demonstrates the

Invest Donegal

Your dream career awaits at
Randox Teoranta

This festive season, Dungloe-based Randox that our biotechnology hub right here in rural email: [email protected]
Teoranta has a message for ambitious Donegal means that young people from far and No booking is required.
students and graduates – that achieving wide can achieve their career
your career dream is possible, and it might For more information or to arrange
not be as far away as you think. If you’re at school and currently thinking interviews, please contact Randox PR on
about university choices, a school leaver, 028 9442 2413 or email randoxpr@randox.
The global healthcare diagnostics firm has student, graduate, or experienced com
launched its annual recruitment drive by professional, come along to Randox
asking life scientists, engineers and software Teoranta’s Open Day on Friday 22nd About Randox Laboratories
developers to reflect on the career dreams December 2017. Parents of students are
they had as children, and to consider the also welcome to visit the state-of-the-art Randox is a global leader in healthcare
world-class careers on offer in rural Donegal. site in Dungloe, Donegal, where visitors will diagnostics; today more than 5% of the
In previous years, these areas of industry be treated to an opportunity to view the world’s population – in excess of 370 million
have suffered most from mass emigration of facility and meet members of the Randox people across 145 countries – receives
the university graduates who have had to team. medical diagnosis using Randox products
look elsewhere for jobs in their respective each year. Randox is the largest diagnostic
fields. company from the UK and exports over
95% of products worldwide. Our products
Randox Teoranta wants to let students, and services are used in hospitals, clinical,
graduates and experienced professionals research and molecular laboratories, food
across the island of Ireland, and those testing, forensic toxicology, life sciences,
further afield who have moved abroad to and veterinary laboratories.
find work, know that they can find the career
they’ve always dreamed of close to home. With more than 1400 employees of 44
nationalities, including 300 research
Ciaran Richardson, Head of R&D at Randox scientists and engineers, we have offices
Teoranta, commented; and distribution in over 145 countries. There
are four key manufacturing and research
“At Randox Teoranta we have scientists working and development sites, located in County
on a range of research projects, including the Antrim, Northern Ireland; Dungloe, County
development of innovative health technologies Donegal, Ireland; Bangalore, India; and in
capable of diagnosing stroke, gastrointestinal the Greater Washington DC area, USA. Our
disorders and chronic kidney disease. This is Randox Health Clinics are currently located
following ground breaking developments in in London and Belfast, with ambitious plans
2016 where scientists in Randox Teoranta were to roll out a number of new clinics across the
involved in the launch of a pioneering new test UK over 2016 – 2017.
used to determine a patient’s risk of developing
Alzheimer’s disease. With a major focus in R&D, Randox
scientists work in pioneering research into
“In addition to those interested in human Come and view our hub of pioneering a range of common illnesses such as cancer,
health we also have scientists who wished to research and development, where cutting- cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s
pursue a career in the animal research and edge science, technology and IT takes place. disease. With around 16% of turnover
veterinary science world. Scientists within If you, or someone you know, is interested reinvested in R&D, Randox has more
our veterinary department are involved in the in a career in life sciences, engineering, new tests in development than any other
development of novel multiplex tests used to software development or software testing, diagnostic company.
monitor disease spread and improve animal come along to Randox Teoranta on Friday
welfare. 22nd December. Our scientists have spent over £220 million
“We have software developers who are researching the thousands of biomarkers
working with revolutionary technologies - Don’t just dream it. Make it happen at present in our bodies and have identified
augmented and mixed reality headsets for Randox Teoranta. the gold standard in testing. Our patented
example - that in their youth they could only Biochip Array Technology is the world’s
have dreamed of”. The Randox Teoranta Open Morning is on only diagnostic grade biochip. This state-of-
“And we have engineers who, as children, Friday 22nd December from 10am – 2pm at the-art technology has revolutionised the
loved to take apart their electronic toys and Randox Teoranta, Meenmore, Dungloe, Co. diagnostics industry by offering a unique
piece them back together. They’re now using Donegal. testing platform which allows multiple
their talent to engineer machines which detect To find out more tel: +353 7495 22600 or tests to be carried out from a single patient
disease and save lives. I can think of no better sample at our Randox Health Clinics.
use for their skillset and I’m incredibly proud www.randox.com

donegal connections pg 9

Creative Donegal

Northern Xposure

The newest addition to Donegal’s festival examines the creative connections between Nollaig Crombie and Mark Cullen from
family was inaugurated this year on Ireland’s art and technology as well as exploring Letterkenny IT addressing the animation talk
northernmost (and soon to be most famous) income generating opportunities for artists at the Northern Xposure festival of creative
peninsula, Inishowen, Hosted in the legendary and creative entrepreneurs across a diversity industries in Culdaff
Back Room at McGrory’s of Culdaff, Inishowen of disciplines including fashion, music, film,
from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd December animation and digital media. More festival
2017 the festival was a celebration of the than conference the event aims to celebrate
creative industries featuring panel discussions, Irish artistic endeavour as well as providing
talks and gigs by artists, innovators and a networking opportunity for collaborative
industry leaders. Highlights of the weekend sharing between artists and creative
schedule included a series of fashion talks, entrepreneurs.”
music events, branding workshops and panel
discussions on independent film-making, Head of Enterprise in Donegal, Michael
animation and design. Tunney said the Local Enterprise Office
is delighted to have been involved as a
Northern Xposure is an innovative partnership partner with the festival from the outset:
project presented by the Donegal Local “Northern Xposure is a great example of
Enterprise Office Creative Coast Programme, what the Creative Coast is seeking to do,
Donegal Film Office, LYIT and Earagail Arts which is to connect people across various
Festival. Speaking about the new festival, creative sectors and broker partnerships
director Paul Brown, said: “Northern Xposure around creative innovation. At the same
time, it aims to inform people of potential
opportunities and to establish the emergence
of a coherent identity for Donegal’s creative
sector. We’re encouraging anyone working
within the creative industry to come along
and participate in what promises to be a great
weekend.”

Thomas McLaughlin of Tadáias addressing the Fashion and Textiles Highlights of the Paul Brown addressing the audience at the
creative talk at the Northern Xposure festival of creative industries in weekend included Northern Xposure festival of creative industries
Culdaff Connecting The Dots, - a in Culdaff
presentation by Damian
Dugdale focusing on the Northern Xposure will take place on an annual
role of creativity in the basis in different locations across Donegal.
sustainability and growth For further information or to book tickets visit
of rural communities, www.northernxposure.ie. If you are working in
Pitch and Sync - a panel the creative industries and would like to input
on music synchronization to the event, or help in any way please email
with global head of music [email protected]
for Adidas - Daniel Cross,
Patrick Cloherty from
leading UK independent
publishing company
Sentric and award-
winning composer Mark
Gordon and May The
Force Be With You which
discussed the challenges
and opportunities in
independent film-making.

Musical highlights of the
weekend included the
opening concert with
Hannah Peel, Strength
NIA and Great White
Lies and Saturday night’s
performance by Saint
Sister plus Blackbird
& Crow was lauded by
artists and audience alike.

donegal connections pg 10

Visit Donegal

Donegal Festive Events

Each year the Celtic Prayer Garden at Each little house in the garden has its own favourite Christmas traditions. These include
the IOSAS Centre, Derryvane, Muff is Christmas theme and, in the tradition of the the story of St Nicholas, the Candy Cane,
transformed to provide a truly memorable great Irish storytellers, characters telling and of course the greatest story ever told,
Christmas experience for all the family. the Christian stories behind some of our the birth of Jesus.
The tranquil setting is an oasis for families
looking to escape the commercialism, hustle
and bustle which can dominate this time
of year. Take some time together to enjoy
an experience which will have the children
discussing the real Christmas story long after
this event.

Families enjoy a guided trail under starlight
and a very special dramatic piece created
especially for this event and performed by
young people. Children can take part in
craft activities including cookie decorating
while the parents can take a few moments
to enjoy a hot drink and festive treats at the
IOSAS Centre Café.

To find out more about the very best that
Donegal has to offer this Festive Season
please visit https://donegalgathering.com/
december

Donegal Diaspora Project, Donegal County Council, Local Enterprise Office,
The Enterprise Fund Business Centre, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
Tel: +353 (0)74 9160735 Email: [email protected] Web: www.donegaldiaspora.ie

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonegalDiaspora Twitter: @donegaldiaspora


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