The black day Donegal lost all of its 'Blue Flags' in 1994

30 years ago on June 5, 1994 marked, according to the front page of the Donegal Democrat a 'Black Day for “Blue Flag” beaches'.

Today, it would be probably be considered a criminal act, with our recently awarded 12 Blue flags, but three decades ago, it also created a shock and fears that it would affect the tourism industry, upon which Donegal is so heavily reliant.

The article began: "Donegal’s nine Blue Flag beaches are to be stripped of their tourist luring status this year after failing to meet the strict criteria laid down for qualification.

At a time when tourism promotion is at an all time high, this unexpected news has come as a real bombshell.

From being the “blue flag capital” of Ireland, Donegal will now be, at least for the time being, at the bottom of the official scale.

The Democrat can reveal that two of the beaches, Narin-Portnoo and Rossnowlagh have lost out because water sampling was not taken on a fortnightly basis in the mid-May to August period last year as required.

Sampling is carried out by the North Western Health Board on behalf of Donegal County Council.

Murvagh and Fintra, also winners last year, were withdrawn from the scheme because of a lack of sanitary services.

They were granted Blue Flags last year on the understanding that Donegal Co. Council would provide portable toilets.

In the case of the five other Blue Flag recipients in 1993 - Bundoran, Rathmullan, Portsalon, Marble Hill and Lisfannon, they were turned down for not meeting water quality requirements.

If less than 80% of the samples meet the standards set then a beach is turned down."

60 years ago - June 5, 1964 - Fox Cub is Household Pet

At the home of Mr Cyril Maxwell, Braide, Glencolumbkille is a seven weeks old fox cub who is being reared on household food and is now quite tame.

It drinks milk off a plate and eats all kinds of bread.

True to its natural instinct it is exceptionally fond of a piece of chicken or any kind of meat.

The fox cub was one of four caught by Mr Maxwell with a terrier in a vixen’s den, discovered on the face of one of the cliffs of Meenadiff Hill, Glencolumbkille.

ABOVE: Our Donegal Democrat edition of May 6 1960 - the Pat McGettigan mentioned was a keen angler and father of Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan a native of Ballyshannon

50 years ago - June 7, 1974 - He spent 95 summers in Rossnowlagh

The death of Mr James Forbes of Glen Road, Derry removes not only a remarkable centenarian, but also the most regular visitor to Rossnowlagh over the years.

In fact, 95 of his 100 summers were spent in the popular Donegal resort.

On his last visit to Donegal, he told a “Democrat” reporter that he recalled vividly his first visit to Rossnowlagh at the tender age of three years.

He was hoisted into a horse cart by his parents who at that time lived in Castlederg and that began the first of his 95 annual journeys to the resort he loved so well.

ABOVE: 60 years ago - June 5 1964 Bundoran Lobster festival. Featured also is Al Byrne who was a brother of the late Gay Byrne

As transport evolved and his mode of transport became faster and more comfortable . . . cart, side-car, train, bicycle, bus, motor car - James used them all.

The people of Rossnowlagh reciprocated the love and respect James Forbes had for them and the resort, for they always gave him a special welcome.

He loved for some time in Creeslough and Burnfoot. His main interest was in the Presbyterian Church and he was the oldest Church Elder in the country.

40 years ago - June 1, 1984 - Donegal Group to play for President

President Ronald Regan may not be coming to Co. Donegal during his visit to Ireland but he will nonetheless be given a taste of Donegal when he is entertained in the best Irish fashion by the sons of the county, the folk Group, Na Casaidaigh, on Sunday night in Dublin.

Na Casaidigh, a six member group whose roots lie in Gweedore, have been invited to play for President Reean in Dublin Caste on Sunday evening and they are at present preparing a varied programme of music ranging from Carolan’s style of melody to Irish dance music.