Elche’s Blanca Paloma to represent Spain at Eurovision

Many of us first saw Blanca Paloma last year in the first edition of the Benidorm Fest when her entry to the Eurovision eliminator was a song entitled ' Secret of Water'. Finishing in fifth position was deemed enough to bring her back this year for a second attempt, an attempt that brought her even more success in achieving glory at the Benidorm festival, and being chosen as the new representative of Spain in Eurovision.

The 34-year-old woman from Elche will travel to Liverpool, venue of the 2023 edition of the European festival, in May where she will perform her lullaby on stage before all of Europe.

Anthony Molloy to be Paddys Day Grand Marshall

This year’s St Patrick Day Parade will take place on Friday the 17th march at 15.30. The committee are working hard to make it the best parade ever.

Anthony Molloy, former Captain of the Donegal team who won the All Ireland in 1992, will be parade Marshall. We are delighted that he has agreed to come and as he is also a member of Donegal County

The song, that she co-wrote with José Pablo Polo, and which she is hoping will bring success to Spain, is 'Eaea' which, as she explains, is “a love story that transcends death”. “It is a tribute to my roots and a celebration of the legacy of love and knowledge that is passed down from generation to generation through a lullaby, that mixes flamenco with electronic music.

Blanco said that the song is a tribute not only to her grandmother, Carmen de ella, who died without seeing her sing, but also to all the women in her family who inspired her to dedicate herself to her true vocation: music.

Council we hope that all the local councillors will attend the parade this year.

A number of fund raising events are taking place; our thanks to Smiling Jacks for the bowling events, to Milos and McCaffertys who have each organised golf classic, the Trinity bar for the charity walk and O’Riordans for the race night, which will take place on the 15th of March, the same evening that Anthony Molloy is arriving so he will be in attendance.

Without these bars doing the fundraising the parade would not be able to go ahead.

The Committee would be delighted if other bars and restaurants would also organise fundraising. If interested please contact the above bars or Gerry Carroll who is the Treasurer or email briankiernan100@gmail.com.

Anyone interested in putting in float or acts should WhatsApp 0034 634 390 463 or email briankiernan100@gmail.com

Detached Villa With Private Pool

Totally refurbished 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, villa with large southfacing terrace.

Airconditioning and heating, all new windows, completely insulated. Underbuild with 2 additional rooms. Garage and access to seperate garden area, part of which is used for bed and breakfast.

The Leader Newspaper Winter Giveaway Caption Competition

Thanks to all those who entered the Caption Competition. A difficult decision but the team in the office have awarded the prize of a meal for two people at The New Hong Kong Restaurant to Heather Hamilton for her caption “You’re still not near enough to the postbox!”

A voucher will be on it’s way very shortly with the prize.

Other captions of note worth featuring include:

“Gives a new meaning to Fly-drive” (Jill Purves), “Rover the edge” Karen Nutbrown, “White cliffs of Rover” Richard Lindlow, “I thought it was an up and over garage door” Roy Johnston, “These underground car parks aren’t easy to access”. John McGregor, and “I knew I shouldn’t have trusted the wife to park the car”. Blame Julie Friend for that one.