LATEST: SINN Fein has called for the immediate release of Carrigart man John Downey, who has appeared in court charged with the murders of four soldiers in London.

Commenting on the arrest and decision to charge Mr Downey in connection with an IRA bomb at Hyde Park in 1982, Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly said: “John Downey is a member of Sinn Féin and a long-time supporter of the Peace Process.

“The decision to arrest and charge him in relation to IRA activities in the early 1980s is vindictive, unnecessary and unhelpful. It will cause anger within the Republican community.

“Clearly if John Downey had been arrested and convicted previously he would have been released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

“As part of the Weston Park negotiation the British Government committed to resolving the position of OTRs. John Downey received a letter from the NIO in 2007 stating that he was not wanted by the PSNI or any British Police Force. Despite travelling to England on many occasions now six years on he finds himself before the courts on these historic charges.

“This development represents bad faith and a departure from what was previously agreed by both governments.

“John Downey needs to be released and allowed to return home to his family.”

Mr Downey was arrested at Gatwick Airport on Sunday on his way to a holiday.

In court today, Downey wore a grey jumper over a white shirt, grey-haired Downey spoke only to confirm his, date of birth and address during the short hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.

He briefly greeted his solicitor Gareth Peirce from the dock.

He is charged with murdering Roy John Bright, Dennis Richard Anthony Daly, Simon Andrew Tipper and Geoffrey Vernon Young.

They were among soldiers who were caught up in the bomb attack as they rode through Hyde Park to the Changing of the Guard.

Four men and seven horses were killed and a number of police officers and civilians were injured in the blast.

Downey has also been charged with intending to cause an explosion likely to endanger life.

He will next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.

Under the Good Friday Agreement, anyone convicted of a offences which took place before April 15 1998 and the signing of the agreement can request to be transferred to a prison in Northern Ireland and then apply to the Sentence Review Commissioners to be released after serving two years in custody.

• Student Summer Special: Astro Turf Pitch available for 1 hour hire up to 4.30pm for 20 euro. For more information or to book a place contact us on 074 91 41773.

• Counselling & Support Services: Free Confidential Counselling Support. You can avail of this service free of charge if you are 17 years or over, whether you are Male or Female. Services Available@ Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre and Manorcunningham. Strictly Appointment Only. For Further information contact

0044 (0) 784 9223 114.

• Young parents Pathways programme Start date to be confirmed: This programme is open to Young parents that would like to learn: Parenting Advice, Personal Development, Health Awareness, Paediatric First Aid and IT Qualification. Also enjoy Fun days out for parents & children, Visits to health spas. All expenses are covered by this programme at no cost to the individual. There is also childcare supplements and free travel available. For further information or to receive an application form Contact 04882 250 962 /0749141773.

• Kitchen Gardening Course: Runs on Friday mornings from 10.30-12.30 in Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre. Course content: How to Sow Seeds, When & What to Sow Now, How to Plan & Layout a Kitchen Garden, Growing Herbs & Salads in pots, Growing Tasty Fruit. There are still a few places available for the course. If you are interested in joining please contact us on 074 91 41773 to book a place.

• Writer’s Group: Have you stories, poems or memoir pieces waiting to be written? Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre holds a creative writing session on Wednesdays from 2.30 – 4.30. Explore your creativity within a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The sessions are led by an experienced facilitator. The group is open to anyone with an interest in writing. The nominal fee of €2 is charged for each afternoon. For further information contact 074 91 41773 or just pop in on Wednesday.

• Art Classes: Art classes runs on Monday mornings from 10.30-12.30 in Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre. For more information contact reception on

074 91 41773! Everyone Welcome

• Clothes Appeal: Are you doing a spring clean? Blossoms charity shop is appealing for donations. We are looking for clothes, shoes, belts, bags, bric-a-brac, toys and books (in good condition). Items can be dropped into the Resource Centre when the shop is closed. “Many thanks”

• “Blossoms” Charity Shop: We are currently looking for volunteers for our local charity shop “Blossoms”. This shop generates much needed income to help the running costs of the Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre. Without the help of volunteers we would not be able to open the shop. The new opening hours of the shop are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12-4pm. If you have any free time to spare and would like to help out please contact reception on 074 91 41773.

• Children’s Arts and Crafts: Every week 1 hour 30 minutes per session. To find out more please contact reception on 074 91 41773!

• A woman’s knitting class: Runs every Wednesday night from 8.00-9.30.

Still On-going. EVERYONE WELCOME!

Donegal has been handed a massive boost ahead of Sunday’s Ulster Championship clash against Tyrone after fans snapped up an extra 1,000 tickets.

The tickets were handed back to the GAA by Tyrone County Board because they could not off-load them.

Tyrone were allocated just over 5,700 tickets but could not get rid of them.

The extra 1,000 tickets are now being allocated to clubs across Donegal where they are like gold-dust.

Donegal County Board official Grace Boyle said they were delighted to get the extra tickets.

“There is a huge demand for tickets for Sunday’s game and we are just delighted to get these extra 1,000 tickets.

“The Donegal fans are delighted to be able to snap them up. They are being distributed to clubs tonight,” she said.

The extra 1,000 tickets will see Donegal fans far outnumber their Tyrone counterparts for the showdown at MacCumhaill Park on Sunday.

Tyrone had originally tried to get the game switched from MacCumhaill Park but the GAA ruled the game could go ahead at the Ballybofey ground.

SINGER Ryan Dolan has already forgotten about coming last on Eurovision – after hitting the charts Down Under!

The Strabane man, whose relatives are in Glenswilly and Lifford, appeared on the Stephen Nolan show on the BBC last night.

He said the song which won just five votes in the weekend show in Malmo.

And then he told Nolan how he had first felt gutted about the result – but not for long.

“Then we went out and partied,” said Ryan.

“And the next day I was told that I had charted in 17 countries across Europe and now I’m told we’re even in the charts in Australia.”

A brother of singer Dana Rosemary Scallon is to appear in court in two weeks time on three child abuse charges.

The Metropolitan police in London says John Brown, who has a house in Urris, Inishowen, and an address in Bracknell, London, was charged yesterday with three cases of indecent assault.

It follows complaints from two women.

Mr Brown is well-known in County Donegal and was a regular spokesperson for Dana on local radio.

He was also behind several building developments in Buncrana and Newtowcunningham.

He will appear at a magistrates court hearing in London on June 7.

The Metropolitan police say the charges arise out of an investigation into allegations dating back to the 1970s.

The only daughter of the late Letterkenny Town Councillor Tadhg is expected to take his place on the council.

Lisa Culbert is expected to take her late father’s seat on Letterkenny Town Council.

Lisa Culbert has confirmed to Donegal Daily that she is to seek the nomination after allowing her name to go forward for co-option onto the council.

The late Cllr Culbert passed away from cancer recently after serving with distinction on Letterkenny Town Council.

Lisa has met with the Fianna Fail party and has confirmed she is now seeking to follow in her late father’s political footsteps.

“I am happy to let my name go forward for consideration at the upcoming convention. I was born and raised in Letterkenny and I believe I have an understanding of the issues that face the people of the town and I want to help address these.

“It would be an honour to follow in my father’s footsteps and take on this new challenge, working for and with the people of the town as a Fianna Fail party representative as he did for many years” said Lisa.

Nominations for the co-option, which will be filled by Fianna Fáil, were opened by the Party at the beginning of this week.

Lisa attended Loreto Convent before continuing her education at St Patricks College, Maynooth.

She currently works as a Clerical Officer in the Outpatients Department in Letterkenny General Hospital.

Units of the fire service, coastguard, Gardai, ambulance and harbour control will take part in a major emergency plan in Killybegs Harbour this morning.

Operation Zenith will test the responses of all the local emergency services as they tackle what is a simulated fire on board a cruise ship.

A Milford family have demanded justice after their pet dog was shot in the head at point blank range.

Duke was blasted in the head at point-blank range

Nicola Budd was left devastated when she heard a loud bang and found their pet Duke dead in a field just one hundred yards from their home.

At first the family thought three year old Duke had been knocked down.

But on closer inspection they soon realised he had been gunned down.

Nicola revealed “What happened next will haunt me for the rest of my life.

“
I found our sweet, gentle soppy dog with half his face hanging off, his jaw severed, and his face peppered with blood-seeping shotgun pellet holes.

“Duke was rushed to the vet, was sedated, and laid on a table, we stroked him, whispered to him, reassured him.

The vet advised us that nothing more could be done for him due to the extent of his injuries, it was confirmed by the vet that Duke had been shot, and had been shot at virtual point blank range, we were advised to report it to the Guards immediately. And so, after a quick painless injection, Duke breathed his final breath,” revealed Nicola.

Over the next two hours Nicola said she cleaned up, scrubbing the blood from the steps and around the house.

Nicola says she rushed to do so as two of her children were at school and she did not want them to see the manner in which Duke died.

”We also dug a grave for Duke in our garden, so the children would not ask to see him as to witness his face would have haunted their heads for some time,” said Nicola.

She added “Telling the children that afternoon was the hardest thing we have ever had to do, watching there faces as they tried to comprehend what we was telling them, trying to comfort them as they broke down into tears, watching them run around the house calling out for their brother, trying, and failing to give them answers, listening to them say sweet prayers around his grave.”

Nicola reported Duke’s killing to local Gardai who confirmed they are carrying out an investigation into the incident.

A number of people have also been informally questioned about the killing of the family pet.

Nicola says that ten days after the horrific incident, her family’s life has been changed forever.

But she says she will continue to search for answers and is determined to find out who killed Duke and why they did so.

“Duke has gone and there is a emptiness in the house, we miss him dearly, and still in many ways act as if he is still around each morning.

“I go into the utility room to wish him good morning, each time the dishes need washing I scrape the remains onto a plate to give to Duke only then to remember that he is no longer with us.

“
Time has stood still, his food bowls are in his cupboard, his collar too. 
We are in limbo and want answers, we want justice, Justice for Duke.

“The cold reality is this someone held a gun to our dogs head, acting outside the confines of the law and pulled the trigger, Duke is now dead and no one has claimed responsibility.

“
A member of our family, animal, dog, pet whatever label you wish to use, has been killed and we want justice,” fumed Nicola.

A Facebook Page ‘Justice For Duke’ has been set up and a number of people have already left comments.

Visitors to the 2013 Northwest Garden Show are in for a real treat this weekend. They will get the very first viewing of the White House Peace Garden built by the CPI voluntary committee in Castlefinn.  

Described as “A gift made of the hands of the Irish people, extended to our friends in the United States of America,” the tourist attraction will be completed and officially opened later this year, says CPI Director Michael Carlin.

It’s completion in 2013 marks 50 years since the first American President touched down on Irish soil.

This notable coincidence reminds us of the words of John F. Kennedy who declared in Dáil Éireann in 1963, “It is that quality of the Irish – that remarkable combination of hope, confidence and imagination – that is needed more than ever today.”

Those words hold great resonance today, half a century on and organisers hope their legacy garden project will further cultivate historic relationships between America and Ireland.

The 2013 Northwest Garden Show runs on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm at CPI Complex Castlefinn. More information on www.northwestgardenshow.ie of find them on facebook.

Thirteen of Donegal’s beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award by Phil Hogan T.D., Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

A total of 13 beaches were awarded to Donegal which places the county at the top of the rankings with the most Blue Flags in the country. The Council is delighted to have achieved its objective to lead the country.

The 13 Blue Flags were awarded to Bundoran, Rossnowlagh, Murvagh, Fintra, Narin (Portnoo), Carrickfinn, Killahoey (Dunfanaghy), Marblehill, Portsalon (Magherawarden), Lisfannon, Shroove, Culdaff and Downings.

“At a time when the Council is actively promoting Donegal as a tourism destination, having the highest number of Blue Flags can only assist in promoting Donegal as an excellent destination for visitors,” said Minister Hogan.

The Minister commended the Council staff and the members of the SPC for their Trojan work in maintaining the highest number of blue flags awards in the country.

“The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels and only beaches that meet specific criteria relating to water quality, beach management, environmental information and safety services achieve this accolade. As a pre-requisite the bathing water at Blue Flag beaches must meet the highest standards of bathing water quality.” said Cllr. Martin Harley, Chairman of the Water & Environment Strategic Policy Committee.

In addition to the Blue Flag awards six more awards were achieved by Donegal beaches. The Green Coast award acknowledges beaches that have a clean environment, excellent water quality and good beach management.

They may not have the built infrastructure required to meet the criteria set out for Blue Flag status however they are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity. Donegal’s six Green Coast awarded beaches for 2013 are Ballyheirnan (Fanad), Rathmullan, Drumnatinney (Falcarragh), Magheroarty, Port Arthur and Dooey.

Donegal County Council is disappointed that Lady’s Bay has not retained the Green Coast beach for 2013 as it did not achieve the requisite water quality standard based on the new stringent water quality testing regime which is based on test results averaged over a 4 year period.

Cllr Martin Harley commented that, “Donegal County Council will continue to work closely with local communities in maintaining and retaining the Blue Flag and Green Coast awards for Donegal and will re-double our efforts in 213 to ensure that these prestigious awards are retained and the award for Lady’s Bay is restored. The Council would also appeal to all beach users to enjoy this wonderful and valuable resource. All visitors to the County’s beaches are asked to minimise their negative impact on the beach environment and always take the belongings and rubbish home.”

A press photographer has been attacked today, moments after double killer John Gallagher appeared in court.

John Gallagher

The 46 year old with an address at Grangewood, Strabane, appeared at Strabane magistrates court for a brief hearing again today.

He faces two charges arising out of an incidents on May 13 and May 14 this year.

One charge is a threat to kill his brother Joseph Donal Gallagher. The second charge is harrassing his brother over a period of time spanning both days.

The hearing was adjourned until May 30.

Magistrate Liam McNally heard that John Gallagher was already the subject of two non-molestation orders in relation in relation to his brother.

Gallagher’s solicitor Oliver Roche had applied to have bail conditions varied, but the magistrate said he would not rule on this until next week.

Mr Roche also claimed that Gardai had video evidence to show that Joseph Donal Gallagher had made a false report of harassment in Lifford.

Magistrate McNally asked for contact be made with Gardai to collect his evidence.

As Gallagher left court, he put up a hood on his coat in a bid to hide from a number of press photographers.

An unidentified man, who had sat alongside John Gallagher in court, went over to one photographer and pushed his camera out of the way.

John Gallagher ran away from the courthouse.

Gallagher, from Lifford, killed daughter and mother Ann and Annie Gillespie in the grounds of Sligo Hospital in 1988.

Following his sold out performance last year, Neil Delamere returns to An Grianán Theatre with his brilliant show DelaMere Mortal this saturday 25th May.

Neil Delamere

Neil is writer and presenter of the IFTA award-winning The Only Viking in the Village and star of RTÉ’s The Panel, BBC’s Fighting Talk and Channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week.

Ireland’s favourite comedian wonders why everything he thought he knew has changed and why trampolines aren’t always a good idea…

We have a pair of double-tickets for the show. SImply answer the question – What is the name of Delamere’s IFTA award-winning show?

Email your answer to admin@donegaldaily.com today and we will announce two winners tomorrow. Include your name, address and phone number. Good luck!

A busy week comes to an end for Finn Harps when they make the long trip to Wexford on Friday night to face the Youths at Ferrycarrig Park (kick-off 8.00pm) as they seek to keep hold of second spot in the Aitricity League First Division.

After beating Mervue United to jump above them to second on Friday night last, Harps then faced neighbours Derry City in the EA Sports League Cup at Finn Park on Monday night.

However, despite making eight changes for the visit of Derry, Harps were to lose out in the cruellest of fashions going down 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Despite going out of the Cup, Harps boss Peter Hutton was proud of the display from his side and felt they deserved to progress to the quarter-finals.

“I thought we played very well against Derry and should have won the game, but sometimes football can be cruel,” said Hutton. “Whilst the result was disappointing the performance of the team was encouraging and those players that came in acquitted themselves well.

“The players that came in definitely rose to the challenge and will provide me with food for thought for the upcoming games but it is a good dilemma to have. Making eight changes to the team that started against Mervue may have seemed a gamble to most but I have faith in this bunch of players and whilst some have had to be patient in getting their chance over the course of the season we will need everyone in the group to be ready mentally and physically when called upon and those that played against Derry certainly did themselves no harm at all.”

With a big crowd in Finn Park on Monday night, Hutton knows that this is the sort of attendance and atmosphere his side can play in front of very week if they were to secure promotion to the top flight. So, does he feel this will be a motivating factor for his side for the rest of the season?

“The atmosphere was great and demonstrated the passion and excitement that exists for football in Donegal,” said Hutton.

“That is the type of crowd we would like to see every week and the buzz that generates rubs off on the players as it energises and helps motivate them. We spoke after the game of how they should take a lot of confidence from their performance and that should be the standard they wish to replicate every week irrespective of the opposition.”

Harps will welcome back Michael Funston for Friday’s trip to Wexford, after he missed the Derry game through suspension. However, both Damien McNulty and Tommy McMonagle, neither of whom featured against Derry, are struggling to be fit. McNulty has tendonitis to his knee and is doubtful while McMonagle is still hampered by his foot injury.

“Wexford will be a tough nut to crack – particularly as they are at home,” said Hutton ahead of another long away journey.

“We will go into the game though in good spirits and look forward to the challenge. We are fully aware that Wexford will be very well organised and difficult to break down but we will go there with a positive mindset and hope to gain a favourable result.”

The game will be the first of back-to-back meetings between the sides in the space of seven days as the two clubs will do battle again the following weekend – this time at Finn Park in the FAI Cup.

The largest ever International Gathering of Christian Missionaries is to be held in Donegal in the coming days.

The Columba Community of Prayer and Reconciliation is proud to host ‘Welcome Home to Missionaries’ from Friday 7th – 9th June 2013, as part of ‘The Gathering’ festivities happening throughout Ireland.

The weekend, held at the IOSAS Centre and Celtic Prayer Garden in Lenamore, Muff, Co. Donegal, will be a celebration of Christian missionaries throughout the world, with over sixty returning home to Ireland especially for this event.

Archbishop Eamon Martin will open these events on Friday 7th June at 6pm.

Guest speakers from Kenya and the Philippines, including three times nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize Fr. Shay Cullen, will speak of their work. This seminar will be followed by small group discussion on the question “Is Ireland in Need of Mission?”

Falling on the feast of St. Columba, the weekend also boasts short dramas highlighting the work and sacrifice of Columba, Ireland’s first Christian Missionary. Missionaries representing the five continents will give presentations regarding and their own work throughout the world.

On the Saturday an interactive street pageant ‘The Return of Colmcille’, penned by award-winning writer Frank Cottrell-Boyce, will parade through Derry, City of Culture for 2013, in an entertaining story awash with colour and music.

The setting for this festival is in itself a joy to behold. The Island of Saints and Scholars (IOSAS) Centre and Celtic Prayer Garden lies in the idyllic and serene Donegal countryside.

The unique venue, dedicated to the saints and scholars of Ireland’s Golden Age between the 5th and 12th centuries, is set amongst six acres of natural bog land, with paths laid among the wild heather and scattered moss creating a peaceful and tranquil opportunity for a walk of reflection and prayer.

This year also marks the 1450th anniversary of Columba’s first mission to the island of Iona where he founded his monastery in 563AD. What better time than now then to celebrate and honour the men and women who have followed in his footsteps, dedicating their lives in service around the world.

Friday 7th June 6pm: Celtic Peace Garden, IOSAS Centre: Archbishop Eamon Martin opens our seminar, and introduces the guest speakers Derek Roulston, and three times nominee for Nobel Peace Prize Fr. Shay Cullen. Group discussion to follow.

Saturday 8th June: Derry City (UK City of Culture 2013) “The Return of Colmcille” Interactive street pageant written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce and produced by Walk the Plank which will take place at various points on both sides of the river.

Sunday 9th June: 12noon: Mass in honour of St Columba in St Columba’s Church, Longtower, Derry. All welcome.

2:30pm Celtic Peace Garden, IOSAS Centre: Welcome Home to Missionaries celebration.

He will be a little later than expected but the first Donegal person to conquer Mt Everest will land back on home soil next Monday.

Jason Black will return to a hero’s welcome at Market Square in Letterkenny at 7pm.

Hundreds of family and friends will gather to welcome home the father of four who has been away from home almost six weeks.

Among those eagerly awaiting Jason’s return will be wife Sharon who has kept people in touch with Jason’s progress through a special blog.

Local town councillor Dessie Larkin, a brother-in-law of Jason, said he was hoping as many people come out as possible to welcome the local businessman home.

“Jason has been away for more than five weeks and he has missed Donegal so much.

“He is so looking forward to seeing family and friends after all he has been through.

“He has been a great ambassador for Donegal and it would be great if as many people as possible come out and welcome Jason home,” said Cllr Larkin.

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness is going for broke.

The manager with the midas touch has named the same starting 15 that lined out in last year’s All Ireland final against Mayo to face Tyrone this Sunday in the much anticipated Ulster Championship clash at MacCumhaill Park Ballbofey. ( Throw in 4pm)  

There had been major concerns on the fitness of Footballer of the year Karl Lacey and Mark McHugh but both have been named to start on Sunday.

Lacey missed the entire Allianz league campaign following surgery while McHugh has been struggling with a hamstring injury and was a major doubt for this Sunday.

The news gives the Donegal management team and support a massive boost ahead of what should be a titanic battle between these old rivals.

Donegal have inflicted defeats on Tyrone in the last two years in the Ulster championship, but many feel Tyrone are well positioned to knock Donegal of their perch.

Both sides had contrasting fortunes in the league with Tyrone being narrowly defeated in the National league final to an impressive Dublin side, while Donegal suffered relegation to division two.

Jim McGuinness has always stated however that the only thing his team has been focusing on and preparing for is May the 26th clash with Tyrone in Ballybofey.

It has all the ingredients to suggest it should be a blockbuster in what must be one of the most highly anticipated matches ever played in MacCumhaill park, with many experts believing whoever wins this tie will go on to win the Ulster championship.

Donegal (Ulster SFC v Tyrone): Paul Durcan; Paddy McGrath, Neil McGee, Eamon McGee; Anthony Thompson, Karl Lacey, Frank McGlynn; Neil Gallagher, Rory Kavanagh; Mark McHugh, Leo McLoone, Ryan Bradley; Patrick McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Colm McFadden.

DONEGAL Ladies GAA has issued a final fixtures list for the forthcoming U-14 league which begins next Thursday at clubs across the county.

The full details are listed below:

U14s

Round 1:

Round 2: Top two teams from each of the 6 groups will go into ‘A’ League.

3^rd and 4^th place teams from each will go into a ‘B’ League

Bottom two teams from each will go into a ‘C’ League.

Home Team pays ref €30 on day of match.

Winning Team Phone/Text Results to Fixtures Siobhan Coyle on 0872759766

U14s

Round 1:

Round 2: Top two teams from each of the 6 groups will go into ‘A’ League.

3^rd and 4^th place teams from each will go into a ‘B’ League

Bottom two teams from each will go into a ‘C’ League.

Home Team pays ref €30 on day of match.

Winning Team Phone/Text Results to Fixtures Siobhan Coyle on 0872759766

Match reports can be sent to info@donegaldaily.com

Portsalon Golf Club

Team News

It was a busy week end on the team front at Portsalon golf club. It all commenced on Friday with the Jimmy Carroll competition where John Strain dispatched his team to Omagh. The team failed by the narrow margin of just six points. Also on Friday Cathal Canning dipped his hand into the team management arena with the Donegal Junior Cup. Cathal’s team entertained Dunfanaghy in this first leg match. Portsalon came away with six matches to one. Sunday was indeed a busy day with no fewer than three events taking place. Our mixed foursomes team led by past captain D P Logue travelled to the North West for the qualifying round and emerged in second place. They now face Nairn/Portnoo in the next round. In the Ulster Cup John Logue’s team had a six matches to one victory over Larne Golf Club. The return leg is scheduled for Sunday. In the Donegal Minor League John Fitzgerald’s team entertained North West in the first leg match and came away with a four match to one victory.

Results

The winner of the Sunday members competition was Sean Gibson (19) 41 points, runner up Pascal Cullen (6) 41 points gross Eamon Mc Dermott (4) 32 points, third Ronan Mc Clafferty (13) 41 points. The CSS was 37 points. Congratulations to Eunan Mc Glynn who recorded a hole in one at the par three 10th hole.

Donegal Links Classic

Members are reminded that the Donegal Links Classic will is staged at Portsalon Golf course on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th MayA few places remain so if you wish to take part in this prestigious event contact Ballyliffen Golf Club on 074 9376119

Fixtures

On Saturday 25th The Captain Joe Harkin sponsored Francophone Ladies & Gents open competition. On Sunday 26th May there is the usual members competition and on Wednesday 29th May it’s a gents open competition. A time sheet is in operation for all competitions contact 0749159459 or go online to portsalongolfclub.com.

Match Play Competitions.

The Portsalon Golf Club’s singles and doubles matchplay draw has taken place and the full draw is posted in the clubhouse. All players in this seasons competition are reminded that all first round matches must be completed by 16th June .

3 Course Pass

This is a new promotion arrangement between Portsalon,Rosapenna and Dunfanaghy golf clubs. The pass will cost €90 and full details will announced later.

Protect Your Course.

Replacing divots is no more than good golf etiquette. So we should all think of our fellow golfers and replace our divots. In addition all members are encouraged to take a Divot Bag with them on their golfing round and replace the divot with either the mixture or the actual divot. Divot bags are available on entry to the first tee box and also at the 5th & 12th tee boxes.. Please ensure that you pick up a divot bag and assist with the course maintenance. If you forget to collect your divot bag at the first tee there is another chance to do so on the second tee. We can all play a part.

Local Rule-Stakes and Ropes

All members and visitors are reminded that a local rule is in operation regarding the identified areas surrounding our greens. This is an action taken to protect the areas surrounding the greens.

Placing

Members and visitors should note that six inch placing on all fairways only was is in operation at Portsalon Golf Club.

On Line Booking

Members and visitors to Portsalon Golf Club should note that on line booking is now available for all competitions at Portsalon at the flick of a button go to portsalongolfclub.com