Buncrana Hogmanay a 'huge success' 27.08.07

LOCAL priest Fr. Eddie McGuinness was 'flabbergasted' last night as he reflected on the success of his inaugural Buncrana Hogmanay. Hundreds of people with Scots-Inishowen links made their way to the seaside town for a weekend celebration of Scottish culture.
"I'm flabbergasted with how well it went," said Fr. McGuinness. "I thought it was going to be a very local low key affair, but people came from all over and it took legs. "The whole idea behind the event was to bring people in the area with Scottish links together in the hope they would continue getting together in the future."

Fr. McGuinness said those who helped make the first Summer Hogmanay such a success would meet in the coming days to review the event. "I would hope they might form an organising committee and hold another one next year." The packed programme included a welcoming party with music and dancing at the Plaza on Friday night. The families had fun in the sun the following day with the It's a Knock-Out extravaganza in the grounds of Scoil Mhuire including an Ireland V Scotland soccer, tug-of-war, children’s activities and three-legged races. Some of those who got involved told InishowenNews.com that one of the highlights of the weekend was Saturday's traditional gala Hogmanay dinner dance in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, which attracted nearly 300 people. The night included music from a traditional piper, dining to the sound of beautiful harp music courtesy of Joleen (Henry) McLaughlin and after-dinner performances by the Gateway Singers and Glasgow Highland Dancers. Sunday's historical walk from Ned's Point to Loreto House, guided by Carndonagh's Dessie McCallion, was followed by a bric-a-brac and plant sale, tea and scones in Loreto House. A Ceili and old time dance in Tullyarvan Mill with the McGlinchey Band ended the celebrations from which all proceeds will go to the Fr. Eddie Orphanage Fund. To view more photos click here .

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