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12 Jan 2026
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12 Jan 2026
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Norma Burns, Reverend Andrew Forster and Arthur following the official opening of An Droichead. Photo: St Crones Church of Ireland, Dungloe
An Droichead - The Bridge Charity Shop - opened its doors in Derrybeg.
Established by Norma Burns and her husband Arthur, the name means a “bridge” in a new community.
Originally from Convoy, Norma moved to Derry at the age of 18 and qualified as a psychiatric nurse. It was through that profession that she met Arthur.
Upon retirement, Arthur trained and was ordained as a Church of Ireland minister and Norma can cover Sunday services. A vacancy became available at St Patrick’s Church in Derrybeg and the two began travelling from Derry.
“We fell in love with the place and fell in love with the people,” Norma tells DonegalLive. “He fell in love with the place too and we felt God was leading us to be here.”
The couple made the move to Derrbeg on October 13, 2024. They currently reside in Derry during the week and Donegal on the weekends.
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Early last summer, the idea for An Droichead came when Norma asked the parish to collect recyclable materials. As it turned out, the clothes were of a good standard and could not be recycled.
The couple assist with the maintenance of Another Chance, a charity shop in Derry, in which Cookstown Textile Recyclers collects for. Norma established that they also do collections in Donegal. This, paired with the variety of all sorts and sizes, led them to decide the best idea would be to open a charity shop.
The shop is situated on the grounds of St Patrick’s Church in Derrybeg
“The name represents a bridge into the community,” she continues. “It’s going very well, both he and I are very committed. We have got to know people, but we want to get to know more. Arthur and I are very happy and love it here.”
The Bridge Charity Shop - An Droichead - is situated beside St Patrick’s Church in Derrybeg and is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am until 3pm.
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