ROE VALLEY NEWS - 1998

24th December 1998

MEMORIAL UNVEILED TO BARD O'HAMPSEY

A memorial to the famous Bard Denis O'Hampsey has been unveiled at the O'Hampsey family grave at St. Aidan's churchyard, Magilligan. Born near Garvagh in 1695, he had lived most of his life in Magilligan.

Denis O'Hampsey was a harper who played in many of the great homes in Ireland and Scotland and in 1745 played at Holyrood House for Bonnie Prince Charlie. He also played at the famous Belfast Harp Festival in 1792. His music was anotated by Edward Bunting and is an important link between the bardic tradition and the modern world. It is still in favour with today's Irish Musicians, long after his death in 1807.
FIRST GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR LIMAVADY COLLEGE
Limavady College of Further and Higher Education has celebrated its first university linked graduation ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Radisson Roe Park Hotel with certificates presented for BTEC Foundation Studies in Art and Design Graduates, Diploma in Fine and Applied Art and HNC Business and Finance.
A poignant moment was the presentation of the certificate to Pauline Green who had been injured in the Omagh Bombing.
10th December 1998

GOOD NEWS FOR DUNGIVEN
Last Wednesday in Dungiven saw the offical opening of the town's Environmental Improvement scheme while Friday saw the announcement of funding to develop Dungiven castle.

The opening ceremony for the Environmental Improvement Scheme was jointly performed by Lord Dubs, Minister of the Environment and Agriculture and Eamon Hanna, a Board Member of the International Fund for Ireland.

On Friday in Derry's Guildhall, it was announced that Glenshane Community Development Ltd. had secured grant aid totalling Ł373,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop Dungiven Castle. The Castle development project involves the provision of holiday and leisure accommodation for 40 people with small dormitories and ensuite bedrooms. A craft shop and exhibition area are also planned. The overall cost of the project is estimated at Ł850,000.
3rd December 1998

LIMAVADY GRAMMAR SCHOOL PUPILS IN HISTORIC LINK-UP
Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair and Ireland's Taoiseach Bertie Ahern answered questions live in an internet video-conferencing link between Limavady Grammar School, Loreto Convent Grammar School in Omagh, Carriglane Community School in County Cork and Mr. Ahern's old school St. Aiden's in Dublin. The event took place during a visit by the two Prime ministers to Mr. Ahern's old school last week during Mr. Blair's official visit to Ireland.

Dell, Ireland's largest IT employer, are providing 200 personal computers in the North-South schools Initiative and the participating schools will also be involved in a student exchange programme.
26th November 1998

RETURN OF LINK FM
Limavady College's Link FM Radio Station, last heard during the Jane Ross Festival in the Spring, is to return to the air for two weeks prior to Christmas. The station plans to be on the air 24 hours a day for two weeks from December 7. Local people and local topics will be the mainstay of many of the shows while plays written by students of the college are also due to feature.

The station can be contacted on (015047) 61024 or their website can be found at "http://electric telegraph.future.easyspace.com/linkhome".

Link FM can be found on 107.4.
PRAISE FOR TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE
The William Keown Trust has praised Limavady Tourist Information Centre on its accessablity for the disabled. It did however make additional recommendations - the provision of vertical disabled parking signs and and the relocation and reduction in height of of the visual display unit at the entrance to the information centre. The Council's Recreation and Tourist Department are to carry out the recommendations.
19th November 1998

REVAMPED RECREATION CENTRE TO BE RENAMED
Eileen Magee of the Leisure and Tourism Department of Limavady Borough Council has announced that, due to the extension and upgrading of the existing Recreation Centre, it is now to be known as the Roe Valley Leisure Centre.
The centre is due to be reopened in early January and will be capable of staging a wide range of national and international sports events. There has already been a good level of interest in booking facilities by sports and corporate organisations.
12th November 1998

JOB CUTS BLOW FOR DUNGIVEN
Desmond and Sons Ltd., who employ 3400 people on twelve sites within Northern Ireland, have said that it will be reducing its workforce by 255 people due to a turndown in the retail market. While only 13 jobs will be lost in Dungiven, this is a worrying trend with Desmonds one of the major employers in the Borough.
Twelve jobs are to go at nearby Claudy with the worst of the job cuts in Swatragh and Irvinestown. Desmonds main customer Marks and Spencer reported a drop in profits last week.
DETAILS OF LIMAVADY CHRISTMAS PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED
Limavady's Christmas lights are to be switched on on Friday November 20 when late night shopping will also be launched. There will be an electrical Crazy Bears parade, seen for the first time in Northern Ireland. The Parade is a colour tableau with stereo souTER>
5th November 1998

RIVER ROE BURSTS ITS BANKS
Parts of Limavady Borough suffered its worst flooding in over 10 years when the River Roe and some of its tributaries burst their banks. Following a period of prolonged heavy rain, a number of families in the Myroe district were forced to evacuate as the rising water threatened to flood their homes.
Roads were closed in a number of locations as water covered their surfaces and near Dungiven a cow became trapped in a water filled gully close to the Pot Bar resulting in the police calling in the North West Mountain Rescue Service. Eventually the Charolais suckler was air lifted to safety by a helicopter from 203 Squadron, Aldergrove.
Among the worst affected areas were the Rushie Park and Beech Road areas of Drumsurn, Mill Road outside Drumsurn, Whitehill Park, Limavady, the Dowland Road, Limavady and the Bolea district. The swollen rivers,grove.
Among the worst affected areas were the Rushie Park and Beech Road areas of Drumsurn, Mill Road outside Drumsurn, Whitehill Park, Limavady, the Dowland Road, Limavady and the Bolea district. The swollen rivers, high tide and onshore wind combined to necessitate the evacuation at Myroe although, thankfully, on this occasion the situation did not become as bad as was originally feared.
DETAILS OF NEW TOWN HALL, ARTS CENTRE AND MUSEUM REVEALED
The competition to design the new Town Hall, Arts Centre and Museum for the Borough has been won by the architectural practice of Allies and Morrison. The firm has been involved in a number of arts-related projects which include the new British Embassy in Dublin and the restoration and refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall.
The new public building is to incorporate the listed facade of the original town hall building. It will incorporate a performance space, temporary exhibition gallery, museum, craft workshop, multi-use rooms, a shop and a cafe. A glazed foyer will allow extensive views into the interior of the building from the proposed town square.
29th October 1998

LIMAVADY RETAINS BEST KEPT MEDIUM TOWN TITLE
For the second year running Limavady has been awarded the title of Northern Ireland's Best Kept Medium Town. It is now eligible for entry to the "Ireland's Best Kept Town" Competition. The competition is organised by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council and entries are judged on good presentation, cleanliness and the general upkep of each town and its amenities.
CONCERN OVER FUTURE OF LIVESTOCK MART
A recent consultant's report on retailing in the Borough has recommended that the Limavady Livestock Market should be sold for retail development, a recommendation that has caused concern among local farmers. While accepting the report, the council is looking at the recommendations in the wider context of the economic development of the Borough, which means taking into consideration the interests of other traders, farmers and the general public. As a result, the Council has deferred its decision for at least six months while the development proposals are examined and appraised.
TRADERS CALL FOR TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE
A group of over forty businesses in the town centre area have expressed concern that prompt action needs to be taken to avoid the area being passed by. The number of vacant business premises in Linenhall Street was highlighted as something which showed Limavady in a poor light to visitors to the town. It was stressed that Limavady has plenty to attract people to the town, including it's international hotel, a state of the art recreation centre nearing completion and its Blue Flag beach. In addition there are plenty of areas capable of being developed within the town centre area.
15th October 1998

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD WON BY LOCAL FARMER
Limavady farmer Ian Campbell has been selected as one of the local winners of Groundwork's Environmental Endeavour Awards for 1998.
The scheme recognises valuable contributions made by individuals throughout Ireland.

Ian's environmental improvements have seen the creation of wildlife habitats on his lowland farm. Over the past number of years he has planted over 2500 metres of hawthorn hedge, interspersed with blackthorn, rowan, hazel and cherry. He has also planted 8.5 hectares (14,300 trees) of native woodland trees and created a 1.5 acre pond which can attract up to 250 mallard ducks annually, all this in addition to the restoration of traditional farm buildings.

Ian's prize money will go towards planting more hawthordes a fireworks spectacular at Roe Mill Playing Fields commencing 7.15 p.m. Also included will be an afternoon street entertainment party with music, clowns, jugglers, fire-eating, games and tricks, free for children in the town centre between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Later at 6 p.m. in the Assembly hall of Limavady College Carnival Promotions will perform their "Blacked Out Light" show for the children of the borough.
A best dressed Halowe'en window competion will be keenly contested by local shopkeepers.
8th October 1998

GIANT BARGE TO PASS THROUGH DUNGIVEN
The "Verandering", a Dutch Barge that is 177 feet long 20 feet wide and 23 feet high, is set to pass through Dungiven on it's way from Lisahally on Lough Foyle to Lough Neagh where it will be used as a sand barge.
As the River Roe is not even 20 feet wide at this point and does not stretch as far as Lough Neagh this might seem something of an impossibility. In fact it is being hauled by road and whilst this may not be impossible it is still extremely difficult and will involve the movement of lamp posts, traffic signs, overhead wires and also the "ramping" of traffic islands. Thus, rolling road closures will be necessary as it moves along at an anticipated average speed of between 5 to 10 miles per hour.
The obvious route for it would be to sail up the Bann from Coleraine to Lough Neagh but it is too long to fit in the navigation locks on the Bann. Travel along the motorway from Belfast Lough is another option ruled out by it's height compared with the numerous motorway bridges along the route.
The "Verandering" (wanderer) carried grain and other cargoes for 60 years and it's owner was born on it and lived on it all his life until recently. It is to be re-named the "Norman" by it's new owners Norman Emerson & Sons Ltd.
DUNGIVEN SURGEON HONOURED
Saint Columb's College in Derry has honoured an ex-pupil who went on to become one of the world's top brain surgeons. Sean Mullan, who is honourary President of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and recently retired as Chair of Neurosurgery at Chichago University, was given the "Alumnus Illustrissimus" at a special ceremony in the White Horse Inn on Saturday October 3rd.
GREYSTEEL BIDS FAREWELL TO ROMANIAN FRIENDS
Two brothers, Nicola and Virgil Dorobantu, who have spent many years in an orphanage in Bucharest, have spent the last 6 months enjoying family life with the McGinnis family in Greysteel. During their time here they armed themselves with a range of skills and they were each presented with a certificate in computer skills prior to their departure.
It has been arranged that on their return to Bucharest they will be provided with an apartment as on leaving the orphanage they could well have ended up living on the streets.
24th September 1998

BENONE USED FOR FILMING OF MAJOR FEATURE FILM
Benone Strand will feature in "Old New Borrowed Blue", a feature film starring Dervla Kirwan (Ballykissangel) and Christopher Eccleston (Shallow Grave). A high speed car chase on the beach is one part of the storyline. used by local producer Andrew Eaton.
FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR ROE VALLEY FOLK FESTIVAL
Final preparations are being made for the Roe Valley Folk Festival which runs from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October at venues throughout the borough. Attractions confirmed are the Belfast Harp Orchestra on the Friday night at Limavady College, Oige, the Squealin' Pigs, Stout, Rust Never Sleeps, Scotland's Alec Stewart and Sprig of Heather. The Biggest Liar Contest is sure to attract a good crowd also!
PHASE ONE OF VALE CENTRE BEGINS
Tuesday September 22nd saw the cutting of the sod for the new Vale Centre on the outskirts of Greysteel. This first phase, which costs Ł850,000, will contain 10,000 sq.ft. of factory outlet and workspace units available for letting in Spring 1999 and hopefully creating 10/20 jobs.
Phases 2 and 3 include playing fields and a multi-functional social and community centre.
17th September 1998

LIMAVADY TO HOST SONGS OF PRAISE
At Christ Church Limavady, next Tuesday and Wednesday, September 23 and 24, the B.B.C. will be recording their popular "Songs of Praise" programme. It will be broadcast on Sunday October 11 and feature a number of local choirs.
TOURISM AWARDS FOR RESTAURANT AND SELF-CATERING COTTAGES.
The Lime Tree Restaurant on Catherine Street Limavady has won the 1998 Gilbeys Gold Medal Award forexcellence in catering for the month of September. In December, at a reception in Dublin, the overall winner of the year will be announced.
Drumcovitt Self-Catering Cottages have won the Ulster self- catering category of the 1998 Agri-tourism Awards.
ROUND THE TOWN FOOTPATH ON THE CARDS?
Limavady Borough Council has been acquiring land with a view to constructing a new "Enagh" round the town footpath. It will provide an alternative link to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists in thesouth and east of the town. The proposed path will have a recreational function and could be used in conjunction with various sports events.
10th September 1998

NEW ROLE FOR ROE VALLEY HOSPITAL
Limavady Community Development Initiative (LCDI) hope to bring a new lease of life to the Roe Valley Hospital with an ambitious plan to rejuvenate the buildings while at the same time preserving aspects of historical merit.
The hospital was built in 1839 as the Limavady Union Workhouse and became an NHS hospital in 1948. The last patients left in May 1998. It is recognised as the best surviving example of a Union Workhouse in Ireland and as such has the potential for development as a major attraction.
In addition to housing an interpretative centre it is hoped that the hospital will serve as a multi-functional community faclity serving a variety of groups and organisations.

3rd September 1998

LORRY FIRE NEAR DUNGIVEN
Around noon on Tuesday September 1st a lorry carrying cereal caught fire on the Foreglen Road near Dungiven.Traffic was restricted to one lane as local firemen tackled the blaze.
EQUESTRIAN CENTRE RECEIVES EU FUNDING
Eglinton Equestrian Centre and it's southern neighbour Inishowen Horse Breeder's Association are to receive Ł85,000 from the EU Peace and Reconciliation Fund, to help them establish a horse sale.
This initiative should help both breeders and producers, improving the marketability of horses in the region. Much of the funding will go on the purchase of portable stables with expenditure also on advertising the sale at home and throughout the U.K.
27th August 1998

MORE JOBS FOR LIMAVADY?
The Former Hoechst factory at Aghanloo, Limavady has been acquired by two Fermanagh businessmen at a cost of approximately one million pounds. David Mahon and Mark Loane intend to divide the complex into smaller units which can be sold or leased. Fourteen acres of industrial land will be put on the market for sale for approx. Ł375,000.
It is hoped that due to the proximity of City of Derry Airport and ease of access to other airports and ports, industrial and warehousing occupiers may locate here in preference to bigger commercial centres such as Belfast where the rent would be much more expensive.
20th August 1998

IRISH NATIONAL SHEEPDOG TRIALS AT MYROE
Carrowmena Farm, owned by the Mark family, will host 150 farmers and their dogs competing in the first Irish National Sheepdog Trials to be held in Limavady for 33 years. The competition is sponsored by BT Northern Ireland and takes place over 3 days from August 20th to August 22nd.
ULSTER GLIDING CLUB OPEN DAY
Saturday August 29th sees the the Ulster Gliding Club Open Day at their Bellarena airfield. Newcomers can experience the thrill of gliding in a 2-seater sailplane with trial lessons, with a month's temporary membership, costing Ł25. The fun starts at 9 A.M.
LIMAVADY GIRL IN PRINCESS DIANA FILM
Fifteen year old Victoria Hemphill is to feature in a television programme to got out on the anniversary of Princess Diana's death, August 31st. Home video footage of Victoria and Diana appear in the programme "The Unseen Diana". The Princess visited Victoria a number of times when she was having transplant surgery at Harefield Hospital and they became firm friends. Victoria also received handwritten letters wishing her well.
13th August 1998

BOY DROWNS IN RIVER ROE
On Monday August 10th, despite frantic rescue attempts involving the Police, Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade, a 13 year old boy drowned in the River Roe at Ross's Weir, Dungiven. Recent heavy rain had swollen the river at this popular spot and the boy, Jude Anthony O'Neill from Ard-na-Smoll, Dungiven, and some friends were cooling off in the summer sunshine when he got into trouble and the alarm was raised. A local police inspector praised the bravery of the emergency services who fought in vain to rescue him and revive him.
6th August 1998

LIMAVADY FOLK FESTIVAL PLANNED
Plans are being made to hold an International Folk Festival in Limavady Borough this October. This is a follow up to last year's successful event and this year's wide ranging programme will include Irish, Scottish, Cajun and Latin music at various venues including Ballykelly, Drumsurn, Dungiven, Feeny, Faughanvale, Limavady Town and Magilligan.
LIMAVADY GRADUATE WINS DUBLIN FASHION AWARD
Jayne Campbell, a Ballykelly girl who graduated from the University of Ulster, Belfast, has won the "New Entrant" award at the EBS Craft Competition in the RDS in Dublin. Jayne is now entered in this Autumn's Guinness Fashion Awards in Belfast.
GOOD SALMON CATCHES ON THE ROE
Very god catches of salmon have been reported this season to date, although the water has been rather high for trout fishing. Over the last year the Roe Angling Association has spent Ł112,000 on the fishery for the benefit of it's members. Currently it controls 90% of fishing on the Roe.
30th July 1998

1998 MILK CUP EXCITEMENT IN LIMAVADY
Limavady Showgrounds again played host to football teams from across the globe as large crowds were entertained to a feast of footballing skills by the stars of tomorrow. One of the highlights was on Thursday evening, July 23rd, when West Ham and Manchester United battled it out in the under 16 semi-final with the Hammers winning 3 - 2 after an exciting match.

Chile were eventual winners in the Under 16 section, Crewe Alexandra in the Under 14 section and Turkey in the Nineteen Tournament.
DERAILMENT AT MAGILLIGAN
On Friday July 24th at 9.10 a.m. a train from Belfast ploughed into a herd of cattle that had strayed onto the railway line. Nine cows died in the incident but fortunately there were no fatalaties among the passengers, although three were taken to hospital for treatment when the front carriage was derailed.

N.I. Railways Accident investigation team has launched an enquiry into the circumstances of the accident.
23rd July 1998

BENONE CONTINUES TO FLY PRESTIGIOUS FLAGS
Saturday July 18th saw a day of celebration at Benone Strand as the European Blue Flag was raised for the ninth consecutive year. The Seaside Award Flag was hoisted for the seventh successive year.
There was music, magic and laughter and celebrities present included BBC personalities George Jones and Hugo Duncan. Councillor Stanley Gault, Mayor of Limavady, was present with his wife Aileen and Sam McGregor the Chief Recreation and Tourist Officer highlighted the fact that Benone Strand was mentioned in the exclusive Harper and Queens publication as one of the top ten beaches in the world.
RED BULL COMPETITION IN NORTH-WEST
Forty competitors, many from England, took part in the red Bull Hang and Para Gliding competitions at Benevenagh, Limavady last weekend. It is hoped that this successful event will encourage other similar events to follow both here and elsewhere in the Borough at Benbradagh near Dungiven.
IRELAND'S STRONGEST MEN AT DUNGIVEN VENUE
Ireland's strongest men will compete for the right to represent Ireland in the U.K. Strongest Man Final at Dungiven Castle on August 1st at 12 noon. Local man John O'Neill from Greysteel is Ireland's reigning strongest man.
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK PROPOSES ENDOWMENT FUND
Community groups and funding bodies in the North West have given a favourable response to the proposals put forward in the Rural Community Network report for the establishment of an Endowment Fund.
The fund is designed to provide a long-term, streamlined and sustainable source of funding providing groups with access to money when required. A major benefit is that it will eliminate the problem of applications to a multiplicity of funders as it will deal with all requests, thus reducing bureaucracy.

9th July 1998

ROE VALLEY RETAIL STUDY LAUNCHED
A major new study has looked at the strengths and weaknesses of Limavady, Dungiven and Ballykelly as shopping centres. The study looks at competition from other areas and suggests improvements and initiatives to bring shoppers back to the Roe valley. Newly appointed Town Centre Manager Sean Trainor has welcomed the views of the study. The full document should be available within six weeks.
TERMONCANICE HAT TRICK
For the third year running Termoncanice Primary School in Limavady has won the Best Kept Large School Award (Western Region) in the Shell Best Kept School Awards which are organised by the N.I. Amenity Council.
CONSTRUCTION WORK COMMENCES FOR THE VALE CENTRE
The contract for the construction of the "Vale Centre" at Tullybrisland just off the Main Clooney Road between Greysteel and Eglinton has recently been signed. Completion is set for Spring 1999 and the final cost of the project is likely to be approx. 2.2 million. Phase one will see the provision of 10,000 sq.ft of factory outlets and workspace units.
DUNGIVEN HOSTS SUCCESSFUL GEM OF THE ROE FESTIVAL
The third "Gem of the Roe" Festival has brought six days of festival fun to Dungiven. Attractions included live music, sporting fixtures and fun, catering for young and old alike. Appearing during the week were Downtown Radio's Johnny Hero and U.T.V's Frank Mitchell and Ireland's favourite singer Dominic Kirwan.
LONDONDERRY AND LIMAVADY AGRICULTURAL SHOW
A very successful one day show took place at Tullyhoe, between Ballykelly and Limavady on Saturday, July 4th. The weather was kind and a record number of entries were received for the various classes. Apart from the livestock judging, there was show-jumping, Irish dancing, line dancing, show jumping, a demonstration of dog agility and obedience as well as trade stands, home industry and local produce sections and may other attractions.