Every week we will be giving away a FREE family pass (one adult and three children or two adults and two children) to Century Cinemas in Letterkenny.   

All readers have to do is to email the answer to a simple movie-related question.

This week’s question is “Which former Titanic star  plays the lead role in  Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Great Gatsby’ The answer could well be on the Century Cinemas website below!

Email your answer with your name, address and mobile phone number to admin@donegaldaily.com before 12pm this evening.

The winner will be announced tomorrow morning (SAT).

And don’t worry if you don’t win this week – we have lots of FREE family passes available in the coming weeks.

Gaoth Dobhair woman Máire Rua Ní Ghallchóir, a dedicated Celtic fan for 67 years, this week presented her sizeable collection of Celtic memorabilia to students in Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair.

The presentation was broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s Donegal magazine programme Barrscéalta today.

Speaking on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Máire explained that she wanted to ensure that her collection of scarves, hats, cups, towels, books, jerseys and more, accumulated over a lifetime of supporting the team, would go to a good home.

She feared that, in the event of her death, the collection might be thrown out and so decided recently that the best course of action was to give it to some young supporters to enjoy.

Today on Barrscéalta, listeners heard Máire Rua, a well-known character, describe some of her many experiences as a Celtic Fan.

Máire spoke about how she attended her first match at the age of 16, while she was working as a tattie hoaker in Scotland.

It was in Ibrox, and she recalled that all she cared about was Charlie Tully, and once she found out his number she just watched him for the whole match and wasn’t a bit bothered that Celtic lost 4-0 to Rangers.

She reminisced about meeting Tully, and him asking her if she was the little girl who used to write to him from the farms, something that made her day.

At the presentation on Wednesday, Máire regaled the students in Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair with amusing stories of her life as a Celtic supporter, including making the front pages of the papers in Scotland when she got a fish supper thrown at her by a Rangers supporter while working as a conductor on the buses in Glasgow! But all was forgiven, and they became firm friends afterwards!

Máire Rua was speaking today on Barrscéalta on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Judge Paul Kelly

A  judge has warned a taxi driver who assaulted a Garda after being challenged for being on a disabled car parking space that he may send him to jail.

Ghanian-born Benson Oseghe, 32, from Glentaine Manor, Letterkenny had denied separate charges in a trial before Judge Paul Kelly.

Both sets of charges involved Oseghe touting for fares at or near Letterkenny bus station.

He has previous convictions for assault and failing to have a PSV license.

In the first incident, Garda Paul McGee found Oseghe parked on a double yellow line close to the bus station for several minutes on November 23, 2011.

When he challenged Oseghe about this, the taxi driver claimed he had stopped to let people cross at a zebra crossing and had only been there for a few seconds.

He sat in the dock, claiming he had shown Garda McGee a receipt for a fare he had just left off, but Garda McGee said the claim was simply not true.

The much more serious incident followed however six months later on May 31 last year.

Garda Damien Mulkearns was on patrol in an unmarked car and observed Oseghe parked in a disabled bay beside the bus station.

Garda Mulkearns told Letterkenny District Court that when he approached Oseghe to challenge him, the taxi driver attempted to drive off.

As the Garda reached through the window of the vehicle, Oseghe closed the window and drove off, dragging the Garda with him.

A member of the public had to go his aid and when Oseghe tried to resist again, Gda Mulkearns was forced to use pepper spray to incapacitate the driver.

The Garda was eventually able to handcuff him.

Oseghe gave a different account of events; however the entire incident was caught on CCTV at the bus station and this clearly showed the events set out in Garda Mulkearns statements to the court.

Judge Paul Kelly viewed the incident in court, and convicting Oseghe on all charges told him that the “evidence was clear from the video footage.”

He convicted the defendant of a Section 3 assault of a Garda and dangerous driving.

The judge went on: “Some taxi drivers believe the law doesn’t apply to them because they have signs on their cars.”

He said the defendant had been “obstructive and evasive” and had invented “fantasy” excuses for his behaviour and taxi drivers had no right to park on either double yellow lines or in disabled parking spaces.

“The way he has met this case, I’m very tempted to impose a custodial sentence,” said Judge Kelly.

He agreed with defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher to adjourn the sentencing until July 18 for a probation report.

Sean McCarron scored quite a spectacular goal to claim all three points from Mervue Utd at Finn Park this evening.

The Derryman took a ball from Thomas McMonagle and spotting visiting goalkeeper Gleeson off his line, he unleashed a 30 yard volley into the top corner.

Harps battled well throughout against a Mervue side who were ahead of Harps going into this game.

This was a typical of the battling spirit Harps have shown this season with Mickey Funston, Ciaran Coll and Tommy Bonner showing the way.

McCarron’s goal came just on the whistle for half-time but Mervue battled well in thr second half.

They could and perhaps should have equalized as they applied real pressure towards the close of the game.

Gary Shanahan was involved in both moves and both times he really should have scored.

He had the goal at his mercy when the ball was cross in from the left with five minutes to go but nodded his header to the right of the target.

The striker then slipped the Harps defence and was straight through on goal only for Harps ‘keeper Ciaran Gallagher to pull off a fine save.

Peter Hutton’s side probably deserved the points on the balance of play.

Harps are now second in the table just a point behind Longford Town but the leaders have a game in hand.

Hutton and Harps would have settle for that at the start of the season.

A ‘who’s who’ of top athletes from home and abroad are among the final line-ups for the Sub4 Minute Mile challenge on Saturday as Donegal honours double Olympian Danny McDaid by naming the Aura track in Letterkenny after him.

Letterkenny Athletic Club has released the final line-ups below.

And the ‘Danny McDaid Track’ – which will be its official name after this weekend – will be graced by a host of stars.

Local boys Darren McBrearty, Ruari Finnegan and Danny Mooney will all take part in the invitational mile – all hoping to record the first mile under four minutes in the county.

Kenyan’s Jonathan Kiplimo and Hillary Kipkorir are also in Letterkenny, having arrived on Friday.

Fionnuala Britton (3,000m) and Brian Gregan (400m) will be among the elite fields and the men’s 800m will showcase the class of local star Mark English.

Mary McLoone of Tir Chonaill AC will also be hoping for a medal.

The final line-ups are below = at the bottom of this story we reprint the running order as well!

Men 100m

Richard Kilty England

Dean Adams Ballymena & Antrim AC

Chris Russell Ferrybank AC

David O’Shea Dooneen AC

Adam McMullan Ballymena & Antrim AC

Zak Irwin Sligo AC

Isreal Ibeanu Clonliffe Harriers

Odhran Byrne Gildea Sligo AC

Keith Pike Clonliffe Harriers

Jonathan Browning Ballymena & Antrim AC

Men 400m

Luke Lennon Ford England

Curtis Woods Lagan Valley AC

Dara Kervick Carrick on Suir AC

Jason Harvey Crusaders AC

Eoin Mulhall Crusaders AC

John Houston Ballymena & Antrim AC

Ben Maze Lagan Valley AC

Kieran Elliott North Sligo AC

Men 800m

Mark English UCD AC

Mark Patterson North Down AC

Shane Fitzsimons Mullingar Harriers

Darragh Greene Dunleer AC

Kris Valters Clonliffe Harriers

Patrick Hamilton City of Derry AC

Mark Hoy Finn Valley AC

Mark McDonald Clonliffe Harriers

Darragh Lynch Ennis Track Club

Men Mile

Anthony Whiteman England

Maiyo Hillary Kipkorir Kenya

Sawe Joathan Kiplimo Kenya

Darren McBrearty Letterkenny AC

James Tartt England

Conor Bradley City of Derry AC

Danny Mooney Letterkenny AC

Eoin Everard Kilkenny City Harriers

Joe Warne Doheny AC

Ruairi Finnegan Letterkenny AC

Mark Hanrahan Leevale AC

Jeroen D’Hoedt Belgium

Men 3000m

John Travers Donore Harriers

Mark Kenneally Clonliffe Harriers

Michael Mulhare Portlaoise AC

Gary Thornton Galway City Harriers

Colin Costello Star of the Sea AC

David Fitzmaurice Clonliffe Harriers

Ray Hynes Crusaders AC

Ciaran Doherty Letterkenny AC

Aaron Hanlon Clonliffe Harriers

Robert Corbally DSD AC

Declan Reed City of Derry AC

Men 3000m mixed

Michael Maher Ennis Track Club

Edgars Sumskis Clonliffe Harriers

Emmett McGinty City of Derry AC

Eoin O’Callaghan Star of the Sea AC

Gary Slevin City of Derry AC

Jonathon Phillips Sli Cualann AC

Roger Barrett Ballina AC

Peter Gibbons Letterkenny AC

Scott Rankin Foyle Valley AC

Keith Shiels Foyle Valley AC

Men High Jump

Kourosh Foroughi Star of the Sea AC

Derek Gillespie Letterkenny AC

Kevin Grant Letterkenny AC

Adam McMullan Ballymena & Antrim AC

Barry Quigg Sliabh Liag AC

Peter Glass North Down AC

Shane Aston Trim AC

Aiden Gillespie Rosses AC

Men Shot Putt

Kim Christensen Denmark

Daniel Stahl Sweden

Tomas Rauktys Clonliffe Harriers

Sean Breathnach Galway City Harriers

Peter Glass North Down AC

Diarmuid Hickey Riverstick Kinsale AC

John Kelly Finn Valley AC

Jeremy Worth Letterkenny AC

Andrew Doyle Mid Ulster AC

Men Javelin

Damian Crawford Strabane Track Club

Adam Rice Sli Cualann AC

Daniel Mullan Strabane Track Club

Tom Rafferty Tullamore Harriers

Sean McBride Strabane Track Club

Peter Glass North Down AC

Seán Breathnach Galway City Harriers

Sean Lorinyenko Tir Chonaill AC

Women 200m

Kelly Proper Ferrybank AC

Mary McLoone Tir Chonaill AC

Louise Holmes Kilkenny City Harriers

Sarah Lavin Emerald AC

Laura Ann Costello Galway City Harriers

Jenny O’Brien City of Derry AC

Women 800m

Laura Crowe Riocht AC

Rachael O’Shea West Muskerry AC

Emma Mitchell Banbridge AC

Maebh Brannigan Galway City Harriers

Alanna Lally Galway City Harriers

Women 3000m mixed

Fionnuala Britton Sli Cualann AC

Teresa McGloin Finn Valley AC

Siobhra O’Flaherty St. Lawrence O’Toole AC

Women Long Jump

Kelly Proper Ferrybank AC

Mary McLoone Tir Chonaill AC

Linzi Herron City of Lisburn AC

Women Shot Putt

Niamh Murphy Blarney/Inniscara AC

Fiona Tuite Fingallians AC

Kelly Proper Ferrybank AC

Lisa Gibson Letterkenny AC

Isabella Breslin Lifford AC

LETTERKENNY sub 4 mile Challenge Event sat 18th May at aura.

History in the making

4.15PM 1 Hour Run M/W

5.30pm Opening Ceremony Speeches

6.00pm 100m M 6.00pm L.J. W

6.10pm 3,000M Mixed 6.05pm H.J. M

6.25pm 800M W 6.10pm Shot M

6.35pm 400m M 6.40pm Javelin M

6.45pm 1 Mile M 7.05pm Shot W

7.00pm 200m W

7.10pm 800M M

7.20pm 3,000M M

7.35pm 4 X 400M Relay M

Madeleine in Donegal, pictured second from left in 2007

British police have identified up to 20 potential suspects in their hunt for missing Madeleine McCann, a top detective has said, insisting that there is still a hope she is alive.

Madeleine has many relatives throughout Co Donegal, her father Gerry’s family are from the county. Gerry and Kate spent some time on holidays in Dungloe a few months ago, visiting cousins and friends.

The missing girl visited her Donegal relatives just three weeks before her disappearance in Portugal.

Maddie went missing on May 3 in Praia da Luz in 2007 during a family holiday. She would now be 10 and her parents insist the search for her is very much ongoing as police continue a review.

In a statement Detective Chief Superintendent Hamish Campbell said: “The purpose of the review was to look at the case with fresh eyes and there is always real benefit in doing so.

“The review has further identified both investigative and forensic opportunities to support the Portuguese.

“There is more than a handful of people of interest which could be explored further if only to be eliminated.

“The key things are to investigate the case and our work is happening to support the Portuguese.”

He told London Evening Standard that the Met squad had done a “fantastic” job in identifying “further investigative and forensic opportunities.”

“We have to ask ourselves why are cases unsolved and, on many occasions, we find we passed the suspects by already and the suspect sits within our system,” he said.

The detective also said Madeleine could still be alive, adding: “You cannot exclude it.”

He said: “You only have to look at the case in Cleveland, Ohio, and the European cases. Of course there is a possibility she is alive.

“But the key is to investigate the case and, alive or dead, we should be able to try and discern what happened.”

The McCanns, who live in Leicestershire, have been kept closely informed of Scotland Yard’s review, codenamed Operation Grange, over the past two years.

A spokesman for the couple said: “They have been encouraged from the moment the review started and are now greatly encouraged that police have drawn up a short list of people who they believe are of interest to the inquiry.”

DONEGAL man Jason Black was hoping to be on top of Mount Everest today – to mark his daughter’s birthday!

But mother nature has put off the final ascent for two more days at least!

The Letterkenny nightclub owner was delighted however to pick up a faint phone signal from 8000mts up – and sent the following blogs.

And he talks of his sadness at learning that a climber he met out there has died.

Here’s his latest despatch:

Just sitting at the yellow band at just below the death one at 8000mts – FREEZING I mean really FREEZING .. Summit next 2 days .. Fingers crossed guys.

Guys can’t believe my luck, switched on my phone and don’t know how this has happened but I’ve got one bar on a Chinese reception.

Anyway quickly guys I’m on the final push the last few days have been just brutal but in a sick way unbelievable. Outside of the pain the views and sights of God’s play garden for the slightly mad has been just life_changing and that’s a chapter for another day, life changing and inspirational and a damn good way to really find my myself.

Tonight now its 9.40 here and I’m sitting just meters from the death zone – sounds so dramatic but trust me it is.

So many lives have been lost here already – 14 about the death zone at 8000mts and sadly I lost a good friend who I met first day in Kathmandu because the route is a lonely old place we most days hooked up for a cuppa to discuss our plans ahead.

Well yesterday Namgil, who was to me a super guy became number 15 and my heart today is so heavy.

His body just gave up and he dropped on route, tomorrow on my way I will pass Namgil as he’s still up ahead and I will give him a good Irish prayerful goodbye.

So as I sit pitched high on a very, very windy north ridge – gales are 80mph + and I hope this tent holds out or I’m for a speedy run.

Everest summit above now waits guys and I’ve got a date with destiny….

Plenty of prayers very welcome.

Can’t seriously express how much you guys mean to me and the encouragement has been breath taken I hope to do you all very proud over the next few days.

And for the kids of Donegal I’ve got some pretty quality photos to show you all.

That all for now…

Love

Jason

PS

And I’ve left the best for last – HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAURA – my beautiful daughter’s birthday 18th May and how proud you have made myself and your mammy Laura.
I’d planned the 18th for my summit but Mother Nature put a stop to that plan so have a great day Laura… I love you so much…
Daddy x

The crowd in An Ionad Teampaill Chróine

An estimated 250 people packed Ionad Tempaill Croine in Dungloe last night for a Public meeting in relation to the closure of 10 short stay beds at Dungloe Community Hospital.

The meeting which was called by local Councillor-Marie Therese Gallagher, heard that due to the embargo on replacing staff, that beds have had to close since two staff had gone on sick leave.

Addressing the large attendance Marie Therese Gallagher, Councillor David Alcorn and Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP agreed that the fight against the closures should be a community approach and not a political one.

“I do not believe that there is an agenda to close the Hospital” – Pat the Cope Gallagher stated in his address “but the embargo must be relaxed to allow these beds to open”.

Richie Curruthers from Impact and Declan Ferry from SIPTU spoke of their frustration and continued highlighting of the practice of closing beds just because staff went off either on maternity leave or sick leave.

The Union representatives also spoke about the intended HSE offer of extended leave to staff which would simply add to the problem.

Frank Campbell- a member of the local lobby group elected two years ago gave an outline of meetings the group had with Donegal management of the HSE and his feeling that these talks “suited the HSE as it meant the local community wouldn’t protest if talks were ongoing”.

Many members of the public spoke of the high quality of care which is consistently given by the Hospital staff as well as the unique rural catchment area which includes Arranmore Island. “We should be looking for more beds- up to 60 beds and not here discussing bed closures”- one speaker said.

In a call to use the spirit, numbers and energy of the meeting to create a positive action stemming from the night – The Chairman of the meeting Charlie “the Yank” Boyle summarized the various suggestions and asked for agreement on the following proposals which came from the floor;

1- A protest march to be held in Dungloe in the weeks ahead to highlight the bed closures and to allow the wider public to show their opposition in a dignified yet strong manner.

2- Pat the Cope Gallagher would make direct contact with the local TD and Government Junior Minister Dinny McGinley with a view to the possibility of securing a meeting with the Minister for Health James Reilly.

3- Additional members from the meeting would join the lobby group and members from that group would meet with the HSE management next week to highlight the local opposition to the bed closures.

The meeting was the largest attended in a series over recent years and the feeling locally is that the provision of these short stay beds is an essential and vital part of local Health services at the Dungloe Community Hospital. The upcoming protest march gives an opportunity to the community of West Donegal to show their clear opposition to the closure of vital beds.

If you are looking for something to do this Sunday then you could use a bit of ‘horse sense.’

That’s because the first horse and pony race meeting of the new season takes place.

The first of an eight race card gets underway at 3.30pm at Falcarragh beach.

Now all we need is a bit of sun and a couple of winners!

The Donegal Sports Star Awards Committee will have taken note of a number of sporting achievements during the month of April that will no doubt form part of their deliberations when deciding winners at the end of the year.

April 2013 won’t be forgotten in a hurry by young Ramelton man Kyle-Callan McFadden (pictured right) a previous Donegal Sports Star Award Soccer winner.

Just three days after helping Norwich City to the FA Youth Cup Final the 18-year-old Ramelton lad signed his first professional contract with the Canaries. And it got better as the centre-half played his part in the dramatic late 1-0 first leg win over the mighty Chelsea in front of 21,500 fans at Carrow Road. For further details on the Donegal Sports Star Awards visit donegalsportsstarawards.ie or follow us on Facebook at Donegalsports Starawards.

Other excellent April highlights included athlete Mark English who represented Ireland at a World Relays event in the US and was one of three Letterkenny AC members to win track titles at the national universities championships in Cork. April was also good for boxing as five young fighters came back from the National Stadium with gold medals.

Another magnificent triumph was Moville Community School winning the FAI Senior Girls Final. April was good for athletics in terms of both titles and qualification for international competitions. Finn Valley athlete Sarah Collins broke the Irish Junior 5k record in the USA to make the qualifying time for the European Championships in Rieti next month. Another Finn Valley athlete hammer thrower Felan McGuigan qualified for IAAF World Youth Championships at Loughborough, England reaching the World ‘B’ standard for a second time. He now goes to the finals in the Ukraine next month.

John Kelly (2012 Donegal Sports Star Best Secondary Boy Athletics Award winner) reached the ‘B’ Standard for the IAAF World Youth Championships in Loughborough with two throws of 18.21m and 18.33m. Letterkenny AC’s Mark English set a new Donegal 400m record at Universities Track & Field Championships in Cork and helped Ireland to fifth place at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia in a team that included Brian Gregan, Ciaran O’Lionaird and Paul Robinson. Also at the Universities Track & Field Championships in Cork, Darren McBrearty won the 800m and Dan King took the 1,500m title to make it a treble success for members of Letterkenny AC. Mark Hoy, Finn Valley was second in the 800m. At the end of the month Brendan Boyce finished 6th in Germany in a time of 1:24:38 in a 20km walk

In badminton the reigning title holders Donegal were beaten in the Division 1 U-15 Final at the Ulster Inter League Team Championships at the National Badminton Hall in Lisburn. However, there was good news for the Donegal B side who won the Division 2 Final., another past Overall Donegal Sports Award winner Illies Golden Gloves fighter Willie McLaughlin won again against a Ukrainian opponent in Italy as a member of the Italia Thunder team.

There was a good end to the month for young Errigal Cycling Club member Shauna McFadden who won the U-12 category at Ras na nOg in Drogheda and was third in an event in Cookstown and finished fourth in a race in Banbridge, Co. Down. Another Errigal Cycling Club member Dylan Traynor was 3rd in the U-12 race in Banbridge and fourth in the Cookstown event. Conor Halvey was fourth in U-14s in Cookstown and Ciara Doogan 3rd in U-16 Youth Olympic Trials. Michael McGlynn was third in the U-14 race in Cookstown.

At the Donegal Championships Conor McElwaine (Errigal Cycling) and Siobhan Gallagher (Four Masters) won the male and female Time Trial Championships while in the top event of the weekend Cormac Keeney was first across the line in the County Road Race Final. Meanwhile, Jordan McGinley (Errigal Cycling) from Letterkenny received an invitation to be part of the Belgian Project-David McCall Foundation Composite Team for the Ras Dhun na nGall.

In GAA football it was not a month of success outside the county but the Donegal U-21s did reach an Ulster Final against Cavan. At the end of the month the County’s Minor footballers lost to Monaghan in the Ulster League Final at Brewster Park. Hurling produced two winners although the Donegal senior hurlers lost to Fingal in Division 3A League Final in the middle of the month there were Ulster titles at the end of the month for the county’s minor team winning the Ulster Shield defeating Monaghan in the final at Brewster Park and the St. Eunan’s hurlers triumphed in the Ulster Division 4 decider overcoming Pearse Og (Louth) in the final at Garvaghy, Co. Tyrone.

Letterkenny man Patrick Quinlivan was named ‘Disability Gymnast of the Year at a reception in Banbridge. Patrick is a also a previous Donegal Sports Star Award winner. Sammy Wasson (Letterkenny) came third in Power Lifting World Championships in Castleblaney.

There were a number of soccer titles handed out in April. Letterkenny Rovers and Bonagee Utd won the U-16 Champions League and U-16 Europa Cup respectively. Letterkenny Rovers youth player Dale Gorman signed for English League side Stevenage. On Sunday April 14th the destiny of four league titles were decided between Donegal and Inishowen. Donegal Town won the Division 1; Gweedore Utd lifted the Division 2 League Championship title while Kerrykeel 71 were also promoted to Division 1.

Out in Vienna there was another international cap for Milford girl Amber Barrett (Lagan Harps) but it was to be disappointment for the Irish U-17s losing to Norway in a European qualifier meaning no place at the Elite Finals. At just 21 years of age goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher made his 100th appearance for Finn Harps against Salthill Devon in Ballybofey while another young netminder at the club Shaun Patton was in goals for Republic of Ireland Schoolboys against England in 2-2 draw in Cork. At the end of the month Letterkenny Rovers Youths won the Colin Breslin Cup Final defeating Rosses Academy;

In schools sport at primary level Kilmacrennan NS captured a unique treble of county titles in three different sporting codes, namely soccer, gaelic football and athletics. The three titles were won within a fortnight of each other. First up was the girls soccer team who swept all before them in the FAI Futsal competition without conceding a goal.

The Sportshall Athletics was the next competition that saw success come the way of the Kilmacrennan school. The 3rd/4th class girls team won the county title and went all the way to the All-Ireland finals where they finished in 3rd place. The boys made it a unique hat-trick of titles when they won the Indoor GAA title in Letterkenny.

In Secondary Schools sport St. Eunan’s College second year boys basketball side defeated Summershill (Sligo) in regional final to retain their title and reach the All-Irelands play-offs.

For further details on the Donegal Sports Star Awards visit donegalsportsstarawards.ie or follow us on Facebook at Donegalsports Starawards.

Quest For Adventure, at anchor in the Foyle Estuary at Carnagarve

The cruise ship Quest For Adventure is at anchor in the Foyle Estuary at Carnagarve – between Moville and Greencastle today.

Hundreds of passengers are visiting various parts of Co Donegal and Derry.

But local environment campaigners say the ship is just 50 metres from a beach where Donegal County Council has set a proposed sewage discharge point of the proposed Moville Greencastle Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Resident Enda Craig said today: “It is difficult to comprehend that should this plant go ahead when these visitors to our shores will be met in the first instance by the unholy sight and smell of this offensive discharge in the immediate vicinity of their ship.

“This proposal and its location is hardly a suitable welcome and surely flies in the face of all attempts by local people attempting to attract additional footfall to this beautiful part of the Inishowen Peninsula. First impressions are all important.

“It is surely high time our elected representatives made a determined stand and called for protection for this area’s most valuable and beautiful asset.”

It’s the ship’s second trip to the area – bringing 700 visitors to the North West.

GARDAI in south Donegal have warned the public to be on alert after a daylight robbery at a home in Ballyshannon.

Officers say thieves forced a door at a house in Portnason.

Once inside the ransacked the burglars ransacked the property before making off with cash and jewellery.

The owners of the house weren’t at the property at the time.

One theory is that burglars may have been stalking the area beforehand and watched as the owners left.

The victims of this latest burglary crime in Donegal are said to be extremely upset.

Gardai are asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area around 9am on Friday to contact them on 071 9851102.

Ulster Champions! The Donegal Minor Ladies

ULSTER MINOR LADIES FINAL: CAVAN 2-08, DONEGAL 6-06

DONEGAL LADIES Minors are Ulster Champions after a stunning comeback victory over Cavan in Ballyconnell this afternoon – and it was super-sub Amber Barrett who almost single-handedly brought the crown back to Donegal.

The brilliant Milford star hit an incredible FOUR goals after coming on in the second half to overturn a half-time Cavan lead.

Moville’s Blaithnaid and Kathy McLaughlin hit a goal apiece in an incredible game and keeper Kathy Ward saved a penalty in day of heroics for Donegal ladies football.

It was a remarkable victory.

The first half was one of the longest ever played in a Ladies match, stretching to 43 minutes due to stoppages.

Shannon McGroddy got the first score of the game, bursting through from midfield.

St Eunan’s Sadhbha Medlar added a second shortly afterwards to put Donegal two points ahead.

But Cavan came back and scored a goal through a penalty before adding a point to turn the tables.

Roisin Curran added another point for Donegal, however it could have been a lot worse for the visitors as Glenfin’s Karen Ward saved a penalty to keep the sides at Donegal 0-04, Cavan 1-05 at the break.

Donegal’s poor wide count continued at the start of the second half, as Cavan extended their lead to four points.

Donegal ladies were in a real fight and Amber Barrett came on for Sadhbha Medlar while Kathy McLaughlin replaced Erica Hanna as the conditions took their toll on tired legs.

And what an inspired substitution that proved to be by manager Ann Marie Gibbons!

Milford star player Amber showed all her skills and cunning to score two goals in the space of three minutes to turn the game back towards Donegal, wiping out a six point deficit and to tie the match at 2-04 to Donegal and 1-07 to Cavan.

The other sub, Moville’s Kathy McLaughlin, was having none of that.

And just two minutes later she fired a cracking goal into the bottom right hand corner to move Donegal into a three point lead 3-04 to 1-07!

If anyone thought that Amber was finished, they were wrong – hitting two more stunning goals in the space of the next ten minutes.

The Milford player was simply stunning. She added another point – after Kathy won the ball back – to put Donegal 5-05 to 1-07 ahead….20 points to 10.

If PaddyPower had been taking bets on that score at half-time, you’d have been given odds of 1,000-1!

Blathnaid McLaughlin added a sixth goal after the ball slipped through the Cavan keeper’s legs to complete a stunning victory!

And that was definitely game over. Cavan pulled a goal back but it was merely a consolation.

Donegal Ladies are Ulster Minor Champions.

Maith sibh cailíní!

Roisin Curran and Emer Lafferty accepted the cup from Michael Naughton on behalf of the Ulster Council.

Donegal: Karen Ward, Aideen Meehan, Maeve Liston, Kaneshia McKinney, Jade O’Donnell, Niamh Carr, Rose Boyle, Roisin Curran(0-02), Emer Lafferty(0-01), Shannon McGroddy(0-01), Bláthnaid McLaughlin(1-00), Lauren O’Connell, Aine McLaughlin, Sadbhla Medlar(0-01), Erica Hanna. Subs used: Amber Barrett(4-01), Kathy McLaughlin(1-00). Subs not used: Ciara Gallagher, Orla McAteer, Áine Hanlon, Shannon McDonald, Gemma Glackin, Ellen Muldoon, Caroline Sharkey, Caoimhe McMenamin, Sarah Allen, Evelyn McGInley, Nadia McGee, Sinead Hession, Sarah Jane McDonald.

Manager: Ann Marie Gibbons.

Donegal’s Minor Girls celebrate

Danny McDaid at the track naming ceremony today in Letterkenny

IT RAINED and it rained and it rained – but nothing could dampen the incredible spirit at the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny today as elite athletes gathered to honour the Donegal great Danny McDaid.

The track at the centre was named in his honour today, unveiled at a fantastic ceremony which was a curtain-raiser for a superb day’s athletics organised in its usual brilliant way by Letterkenny Athletic Club.

An attempt to break the 4-minute barrier for a mile at the track failed by just over a second….Joathan Kiplimo finished the race in 4.01.2.

But nothing could take away from a superb event, which was well-attended despite the weather.

Danny told Donegal Daily: “It was a superb day and I want to thank everyone who attended the event.

“It was a top class field and it was an honour for me; but it was especially an honour for my family.”

Kiplimo just missed out

Fionnuala Britton took on the men in a mixed 3k

Kiplimo put in a superb race

Jerry Kiernan unveils the plaque in Danny’s honour today

Ruairi Finnegan in action

Looks like you Danny

GARDAI and the AA have issued warnings tonight to motorists after a day of torrential rain.

Roads in several areas are only passable with care.

Readers have warned of flooded roads – and dangerous driving by some motorists – in several areas of the county tonight.

The Port Road in Letterkenny has been flooded all day; as have roads in and around Lifford, Castlefin, Ramelton, Ballyshannon, Pettigo, Ballybofey, Convoy and Gaoth Dobhair.

Readers in and around Letterkenny have complained about motorists speeding though flood waters, causing problems for them.

A Garda spokesman told Donegal Daily: “Motorists approaching roads which are flooded must slow down and take care. It is dangerous for them and other motorists to speed in these sort of conditions.”

Farmers already suffering due to a poor spring – and a lack of fodder – have been forced to move livestock because of flooded fields.

HE was rated in the top 10 by the bookies and his song is already in the Swedish charts, but Ryan Dolan finished last in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Denmark won the competition with the song Only Teardrops….with a tin whistle theme!

Ryan got just five points. Maybe it was because he sang last. Who knows?

But it didn’t seem right. He gave a stunning performance with his catchy song ‘Only Love Survives’ and it got a huge cheer from the live audience…including one fan (or relative) in a Donegal GAA jersey.

Emmelie de Forest topped the votes with 281 points.

“Unfortunately luck just wasn’t on our side tonight,” said Ryan.

“Obviously, it’s really disappointing, but I feel I gave it my best shot and I had an amazing team behind me every step of the way. It’s been a life-changing experience.”

Meg and her medals!

On Friday two local gymnasts travelled to Belfast to compete in the Northern Region Special Olympics Gymnastics Competition in the Belvoir Activity Centre.

Twelve year old Meg Carr from Hawthorn Heights competed in Level One and came first in the Floor Routine, the Beam Routine, the Bars and the Vault and also won the All Round Female category for her level.

Thirty one year old Patrick Quinlivan from the Long Lane area competed in Level Four and came first in the Men’s Floor Routine, the Pommell Horse, the Rings, the Parallel Bars, the High Bar and the Vault and also won the All Round Male category for his level.

Congratulations are extended to both gymnasts for all their hard work especially with the new routines.

Meg & Patrick

Meg and Proud Sister Nell!

All hail Meg! Meg with members of LCGC

Martin Begley

A MAN wanted by English police in relation attacks on a young girl and who had been touring Donegal with a caravan has handed himself into police.

Detectives in Bolton, Lancashire, had made contact with Gardai in a bid to find Martin Begley.

The 46-year-old had been staying in a caravan near St Johnston and had also been spotted in Gaoth Dobhair and Letterkenny.

But police say an appeal on Donegal Daily led Begley to give himself up.

He was wanted by police after a girl was sexually assaulted a number of times between January 2007 and November 2008 in Lancashire.

The girl was between the ages of 12 and 14 at the time of the assaults, Bolton police said.

Detectives in Bolton had taken the highly unusual decision to release Begley’s details and photograph – and details of the offences they say they wanted to question him about.

Begley is now in custody and is due to appear in court in October.

SIX British cleaners and Portugese manual workers are among 12 “persons of interest” being sought by British police in the bid to solve the Madeleine McCann disappearance mystery.

Madeleine – whose family on her father’s side have strong Donegal links – disappeared from an apartment while on holidays in Portugal on May 3, 2007, just a few weeks after spending Easter in Donegal.

The Mail on Sunday says there are 12 persons of interest.

It also reports that Portugese police did not trace all those who had been in or around the Ocean resort complex where Madeleine was last seen alive.

British police also discovered that no attempts were made by the Portugese to monitor all the mobile phone activity in the area at the time.

It’s reported that six British ‘freelance’ cleaners in a white van had been offering their services in Praia da Luz in May 2007.

On May 3 past, six years after Madeleine went missing, Kate McCann posted on the “Find Madeleine” website that the family was there “for the long haul.”

“We still worry about her, we miss her as much as we ever did,” she wrote.

“We remain as determined as ever to find her and to know what has happened.”

The 2013 Northwest Garden Rose finalists from left, Ciara McBride representing The Finn Valley Voice, Grace Doherty representing The Villa Rose Hotel, Cliona Rushe representing The Navenny Grill, Bronagh Kelly representing Murray’s Pharmacy Castlefinn (Runner Up), Leanne Sweeney representing Kees Hotel (2013 Northwest Garden Rose), Laura Friel representing Public Image (Runner Up), Leslie Magee, representing Media Box, Michelle Gallagher representing Sign Worx, Nicola Brolly representing Lynchs Tavern, Aisling Rader representing Finn Valley Nurseries and Shona Molloy representing McBride’s Bar.

Leeanne Sweeney from Killygordon, representing Kees Hotel in Stranorlar has been crowned the 2013 Northwest Garden Rose.

Leanne will now undertake her official duties next weekend at the fourth annual Northwest Garden Show which takes place at CPI Complex Castlefinn on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th May.

Leanne Sweeney representing Kees Hotel is announced Northwest Garden Rose 2013. She is pictured with runners up Bronagh Kelly representing Murrays Pharmacy Castlefinn and Laura Friel representing Public Image.

The Northwest Garden Rose final took place in McBride’s Lounge in Castlefinn on Friday night. The second annual Garden Rose competition was sponsored by McElhinney’s Department Store. It was also supported by Newbridge Silverware, Lancome and Public Image.

Laura Friel sponsored by Public Image and Bronagh Kelly sponsored by Murrays Pharmacy Castlefinn were runners up.

The judging panel was made up of Dana McMahon, Head of Buying at McElhinneys, Linda McMenamin, Public Image and Rachel Ewing, 2012 Northwest Garden Rose.

Organiser and Northwest Garden Show Committee Member Shane Lafferty congratulated all the finalists and said “it was a very difficult decision for the judges.”

The 2013 Northwest Garden Rose Leanne Sweeney representing Kees Hotel with organiser and Northwest Garden Show Committee Member, Shane Lafferty.

The master of ceremonies for the event was Paul Logue who brought out the best in all of 11 Roses.

Speaking after her crowning ceremony Leeanne said she was “shocked but thrilled and honoured with the title.”

The Northwest Garden Show paid tribute to all sponsors and to all sponsoring companies who entered a Rose. In particular CPI Director Michael Carlin extended a word of thanks to McElhinneys, Public Image, Lancome, Newbridge Silverware, Tinneys Bar, McGlynns Restaurant, Kees Hotel, Carlin Cabs and McGranaghan’s Shop.

The 2013 Northwest Garden Rose Leanne Sweeney from Killygordon with her sisters.

The other finalists were:

Cliona Rushe representing The Navenny Grill

Ciara McBride representing The Finn Valley Voice

Aisling Rader representing Finn Valley Nurseries

Grace Doherty representing The Villa Rose Hotel

Leslie Magee representing Media Box

Nicola Brolly representing Lynch’s Tavern

Shona Molloy representing McBride’s Bar

Michelle Gallagher representing Sign Worx

The 2013 Northwest Garden Rose judges, the Winner and the Runners Up. Pictured left to right are Rachel Ewing 2012 Northwest Garden Rose and Judge, Dana McMahon Head of Buying McElhinneys, Bronagh Kelly representing Murrays Pharmacy Castlefinn, Leanne Sweeney representing Kees Hotel, Northwest Garden Rose 2013, Laura Friel representing Public Image (runner up) and Linda McMenamin Public Image, Judge.