From building confidence to learning new skills, attending drama classes can open up a whole new world of opportunity for children.

Ahead of Act One Drama School’s opening in Letterkenny and Carndonagh, founder Nicola Keegan Laughlin shares the top 10 benefits for children attending her classes.

1. Enhances creativity
Drama classes unleash creativity in young people! Whether a future on the stage, engineering, sports, or tech lies in your child’s future, learning to think creatively helps foster innovative thought, allowing them to view the world around them in new ways while becoming more empowered and resilient at the same time!

Act One Drama School

2. Builds self-confidence
Drama helps young people to read situations and be more confident when facing things that are unfamiliar to them. The nature of Act One Drama School’s small group classes provides children with the opportunity to develop their ideas and abilities in a safe environment and this can really help them flourish. This confidence then applies to all aspects of their lives!

3. Helps develop teamwork
Drama classes are about making new friends, collaborating as part of a team and developing the social skills that make us a real team player. Learning to work in a group is not only beneficial to those who are shy or introvert as children who are very confident and extrovert can still struggle with teamwork. Drama teaches children to work together and respect the ideas and thoughts of others.

Aoife McElhinney, John McElhinney, Éanna McElwaine, Finn Duffy, Éabha Mooney, Niamh McElwaine, Luke Butler

4. Learn to think ‘outside the box’
Drama gives insight into different perspectives and possibilities and can teach a child to ‘think outside the box’, which is a great life-skill to have. It helps children to think on their feet and sharpen the skills of critical thinking by approaching common situations from different angles – a skill that can be transferred to all walks of life!

5. Increases self-awareness
Self-awareness helps children understand that what they are thinking and feeling. When children have good self-awareness skills, they can recognise their strengths and weaknesses, understand and talk about their feelings and see how their behaviour affects others.

Finn and Ruth Duffy

6. Puts them in ‘other people’s shoes’
Understanding characters, roles and the subtext allows students to relate to different situations, backgrounds, and cultures. It encourages them to show compassion and tolerance for others and enables them to empathise with people whose experiences they have never shared.

7. Improves communication skills
Drama encourages students to be aware of their body language, vocal tone, posture, eye contact and word choice. It also teaches them to listen attentively to others. Good communication skills are an essential life-skill. In fact, there is hardly a situation at any stage in life that doesn’t benefit from good communication skills.

Nicola Keegan Laughlin from Act One Drama School with students Finn Duffy and Éanna McElwaine

8. Promotes Self Expression
Drama activities allow students to express a range of emotions and encourages them to understand and deal with similar feelings they may be experiencing in their own lives.

9. Learn from a drama professional
Act One Drama School’s founder, Nicola, has over a decade’s experience working with children. A graduate of the prestigious Rose Bruford College in London in 2003, Nicola was represented by a prominent UK agent and worked as a professional actor in London for a number of years before returning to her hometown of Letterkenny and establishing a thriving drama school in Carndonagh.

Nicola is currently undertaking a Masters in Drama in Education at Trinity College Dublin which focuses on interactive and proactive ways to learn and discover through drama!

10. Have fun
The main aim of Act One Drama School is for children and young people to have fun! The programme uses drama to help students reach their full potential in a creative, relaxed and fun environment.

Every student receives a fun-filled programme that has been tailor-made for their individual goals, whether they are an aspiring actor, wish to build confidence, or are simply looking for a creative outlet and a place to have fun!

The new term of Act One Drama School provides classes to students of all ages.  They are based in Letterkenny Educate Together NS on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and are available to all students in Letterkenny and surrounding areas. Classes in Carndoangh are on Mondays in the Colgan Hall.

For more information please call Nicola on 0879029926, visit www.actonedramaschool.ie or find ‘Act One Drama School’ on Facebook.

Visitors to A Taste of Donegal Food Festival will notice a stand with a difference in the tented village this year – Wee ChoCo.

If you buy a bar of chocolate here you are not only getting a delicious treat, but you are supporting people with autism and learning difficulties in Ulster.

Wee ChoCo is a Community Interest Company based in Co. Down which welcomes a group of adults each week to train in their chocolate factory.

All profits from chocolate sales go into the upkeep of the factory and the training of adults of different abilities.  Those who make bars for Wee ChoCo also gain production and business experience and food safety qualifications.

Steph Fulton of Wee ChoCo explained to Donegal Daily: “People love to come to the factory to get hands-on experience. From tempering the chocolate to selling, they are involved in every part of the process. Some people who would like sales experience come out to do shows such as this food festival.”

Steph Fulton from WeeChoCo

Steph adds: “The adults learn so much with us. We have up to six people a week training in group sessions or one-to-one, based on their needs.

“They learn hand-eye coordination, practice dexterity in wrapping bars and building the display boxes. They are involved in every part of the process, even picking the flavours.”

Supporting Wee ChoCo allows people to do good by eating chocolate. Isn’t that sweet?

WeeChoCo

A Taste of Donegal 2018 takes place in Donegal Town from Friday – Sunday, August 24- 26. 

For interviews, demos and more from A Taste of Donegal, make sure to follow Donegal Daily on Facebook for video coverage all weekend. 

Dejected Aoife McDonnell says the biggest regret from yesterday’s All-Ireland semi-final loss to Cork is that the game could mark the end of the road for this group of players.

Orla Finn and Saoirse Noonan hit the goals as Cork won 2-11 to 0-11 at Dr Hyde Park.

Donegal had limited attacks, but squandered a few big chances and will be left to reflect on an afternoon when they didn’t truly do themselves justice. 

“It will be a massive regret that we won’t be in Croke Park. you don’t know how many will be about next year,” McDonnell mentioned. 

“It feels like the opportunity is gone for a lot of people now. That’s the biggest disappointment: that maybe there isn’t next year.

“It was there for the taking for us. It was a fairly even game. They got the goal and we could never make it up.”

 Listen to the full interview below …

Gabby Aduaka scored twice for the Finn Harps U17s who had to come from behind to defeat Athlone Town 3-2 on Saturday in the Elite Section of the Northern League.

Athlone, who were fifth in the table, really needed to win this one to improve their chances of qualification for the knockout stages. 

Victory for Harps brings Declan Boyle’s boys ever closer to a place in the national play-offs.  

Aduaka had put the hosts in front but the Midlanders then scored twice to take the lead. Carndonagh’s Luke Rudden grabbed the equaliser before Aduaka swooped for that late winner.

Former IBO lightweight champion Jason Cook spent Friday evening running the rule over the talent at Raphoe ABC.

On a brief visit to the county, the Welshman stopped by at a busy Raphoe ABC, whose attendance included the newly-crowned Irish Senior Cadet champion Leah Gallen.

Cook was a silver medallist as a featherweight in the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria before turning pro and ending with a record of 30-6-1 (11KOs).

Among his highlights were defeating Sandro Casamonica in Italy in 2002 to win the European lightweight title and had two successful defences of the belt.

In 2003, Cook defeated Ariel Olveira to win the IBO lightweight title.

Listen to the full interview below …

Dale Gorman made his competitive debut for Leyton Orient in yesterday’s 1-1 daw against Gateshead.

Gorman joined the O’s in the summer having spent five years at Stevenage. 

The Letterkenny native is just back from an injury and he came on for Charlie Lee in the 62nd minute at the Gateshead International Stadium.

Gateshead took the lead when Luke Armstrong fired past Dean Brill in the 77th minute.

But Orient hit back and Justin Edinburgh’s men levelled in dramatic fashion when Jobi McAnuff’s corner was headed home by Marvin Ekpiteta. 

Pope Francis and 45,000 pilgrims fell silent in prayer at Knock Shrine as the rain persisted through the Papal Visit this morning. 

The pontiff visited the Marian Shrine at Knock today to greet tens of thousands of followers on his second day of World Meeting of Families events in Ireland.

Popemobile travels through the estate of Knock Shrine #popeinireland pic.twitter.com/yr3kYhqXv0

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) August 26, 2018

Pope Francis waved to the cheering rain-soaked crowds from his Popemobile before arriving at the Apparition Chapel to lead a silent prayer in front of the statue of Our Lady for all victims of abuse.

The pontiff said he had “presented to her in particular all the victims of abuse of whatever kind committed by members of the Church in Ireland.”

“None of us can fail to be moved by the stories of young people who suffered abuse, were robbed of their innocence and left scarred, distanced from their mothers, abandoned and left with painful memories.

“This open wound challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice,” Pope Francis said.

The Pope also led the crowd in a recital of the Angelus. He then returned to Ireland West Airport Knock to travel back to Dublin for the Papal Mass in Phoenix Park.

Half a million people are expected to attend the open air mass in Dublin this afternoon – marking the largest event of the weekend.

The North West Truck Fest got underway on Saturday for two days of big-motor showcases. 

The annual event is now in its 11th year and attracts larger crowds and larger vehicles year on year.

Truck Fest 2018 takes place at the Milford Mart from Saturday August 25th – Sunday August 26th.

All proceeds are in aid of the MS Donegal Branch & Parents and Friends of Abbey Village Kilmacrennan.

Clive Wasson was there to check out the event, see all the pictures in the gallery below:

Christina Friel, Eddie McBride, Stephen Dowds, Germain Kerr and Martin Mills at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Kerri McCrabbea nd Sarah Brogan at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Adrian Smith and Dermott McElcharr at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Keegan Lafferty, Christopher O’Brien and Alan Darragh at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Brenda Murrya and Louise Coyle at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Donal Duffy and Martin Keenan at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Trucks on display at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Magic and Andrew Kennedy cleaning there truck at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Gerard Hegarty, Craig O’Brien and Robert Browne at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

A new Scania S730 owned by Daytona Heavy Haulage at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Justin Ray, Frank O’Brien, Peter Ward, Jimmy Doherty, Darren Lyndsey and Aaron Robinson at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

A selection of trucks at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Kora Armstorng, Christine Armstrong, Edward Lafferty and Patrica Lafferty at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Neil Toye, Kevin Dolan and Geraldine McFadden at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Packie Bogule from Raphoe getting ready at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Ethan Brolly, Sara McGowan, Kevin Lafferty, Nakita McGowan and Trisitin Lafferty at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

DAF fans -Daniel Doherty, Barry Jordan, Orla Jordan, Eymer Jordan and Lean Jordan at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Megan Lucas, Simon Goudie and Ryan Lafferty at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

Barry Buchannan, Paul Lafferty adn Jonathan Goudie at the NW Truck Fest in Milford last weekend held to raise funds for Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan and MS Ireland Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

A young mum who was critically injured in a horror crash which claimed two lives in Bundoran last weekend has opened her eyes.

The relieved family of Rachel Elliott confirmed the news on Saturday as they asked for more prayers.

Her sister Donna posted on Facebook “We want to thank everyone for your continuous support.. Rachel has finally opened her eyes and there is an improvement. Please keep praying.”

Rachel, 25, has been in an induced coma in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin for several days as doctors fight to save her life.

Rachel has opened her eyes since the horror crash in Bundoran.

The mum-of-one from Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh suffered life-changing injuries to her brain, back and pelvis when she was thrown from a Peugeot 306 car which struck a wall and then a lamp post last Sunday.

The horrific crash, which happened at Eastend at 3.25am, claimed the lives of two people and left three others injured. Six adults were in the vehicle.

Young mum Shiva Blue Devine, aged 20, who was from Ballintra but lived in Belleek, Co Fermanagh, died alongside Conall McAleer, also aged 20 and from Fermanagh.

Today is the last day of the amazing A Taste of Donegal Food Festival and not even the rain is going to stop people from attending.

Have no fear of getting wet because almost all the action takes place under two huge marquees.

But why take our word for it?

Have a wee look at what’s on today and also have a quick walkthrough of what’s under the big tent!

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A Donegal lifeboat crew responded to an emergency call – only to discover those in trouble were taking part in a paddle-board race.

Bundoran RNLI has responded this evening to a false alarm with good intent.

The volunteer lifeboat crew of Bundoran RNLI launched their inshore lifeboat at 5.16pm after a call by the Irish Coast Guard.

The crew were asked to go to the assistance of three stand up paddle boarders thought to be in difficulty near Mullaghmore.

The lifeboat helmed by Killian O’Kelly was launched in five minutes and immediately made its way to the scene.

Weather conditions at the time were poor with heavy rain and reduced visibility.

Once on scene, the crew found the experienced trio of paddle-boarders had been competing in a downwind race from Mullaghmore to Bundoran and were not in any difficulty.

Speaking following the call out, Bundoran RNLI Helm Killian O’Kelly thanked the member of the public who made the call.

“Once we arrived on scene we observed that all three stand up paddle boarders were safe and well. They were all wearing lifejackets and carrying a method of communication.

“While this was a false alarm with good intent, we would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm as conditions at sea were not good at the time. We would always much rather launch to find all is well than not launch at all.”

“With a lot of visitors enjoying the long northern Bank Holiday weekend here in Bundoran, we would remind everyone planning a visit to the beach or the sea, to always respect the water. Plan your activity in advance, always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of communication. Should you get into difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.’

Lettermacaward’s Carl McHugh headed in one of the goals as Motherwell drew 3-3 with Rangers at Fir Park today.

It took an injury time equaliser from Peter Hartley to earn the Steelmen a point.

McHugh netted one of the goals in the first half, while Danny Johnson scored the other, but Kyle Lafferty (2) and Ovie Ejaria had the Steven Gerrard-managed ‘Gers ahead 3-2 following a pulsating first half.

McHugh headed home a superb goal after connecting with a Gael Bigirimana free kick. 

St Eunan’s Ladies landed their third Donegal U16A Championship in a row in wet and windy conditions in Glenfin this afternoon.

St Eunan’s 1-10 Termon 2-04

And they did it by beating the same side they faced in the final last year, Termon.

Termon scored first but it was to be one of just two scores they recorded in the first half as Eunan’s took advantage of the wind to record some lovely scores.

Maria Kealy got the all important goal and two points with Niamh Walsh (3), Niamh Harkin (2), Ciara O’Donnell (1) and Aaliyah McCormack (1) contributing to a 1-09 to 2 point half time lead.

With the wind at their backs Termon came storming out in the second half to double their number of points through Ciara McGarvey and with 10 minutes left she hit a goal to throw some doubt into the Eunan’s camp.

At the other end, Eunan’s hit a number of wides before Laoise Ryan recorded their only score of the second half.

There were huge battles all over the park with O’Donnell winning most of the midfield duels, and Shauna Higgins and Precious Aduaka outstanding for the Letterkenny team in the backline, and Harkin popping up with some crucial interceptions especially during the 10 minutes added time due to the number of injuries.

Termon added a late second goal through sub Letitia McGarvey but it would prove no more than a consolation with Eunan’s the thoroughly deserved winners to match their possession through the game and take the U16A Cup back to O’Donnell Park for the third year running, having already won the league.

For Walsh, Ryan, Harkin, O’Donnell and captain Caoimhe Kelly it was a unique double – having picked up The Ulster U16A title with Donegal in May.

Diarmuid Connolly scored 12 points as Donegal Boston overcame Wolfe Tones in the Senior Championship final in Canton.

Donegal Boston had two points to spare in a 0-17 to 1-12 win.

Donegal Boston are managed by Buncrana native Padraic McLaughlin and landed a huge coup this summer by securing the services of two-time All-Star and five-time All-Ireland winner Connolly.

In this evening’s final, Connolly kicked a dozen points to steer Donegal Boston to victory.

St Michael’s man Lee Carr scored one of the Donegal Boston points, while Hugh ‘Yank’ Boyle (Naomh Muire), Sean Doherty (Urris) and Michael Carroll (Gaoth Dobhair) also started alongside the captain, Jason Noctor from Killybegs.

Derry’s Ciaran McFaul kicked 0-2 with Dubliner Shane Carthy and Crossmaglen’s Oisin O’Neill getting the other two points.

Eamon McGee says Gaoth Dobhair’s ‘united front’ is eyeing up an assault on the Donegal senior football championship after securing a first Division 1 title in 12 years.

Yesterday’s 2-19 to 1-7 win over Milford means Gaoth Dobhair have a now-unassailable lead at the top of Division 1.

When they last won Division 1, the prize was accompanied by Dr Maguire as the then Declan Bonner-managed Gaoth Dobhair collected the Championship and League double.

McGee is one of the survivors from that fabled year.

“We’re delighted with the direction we’re going,” he said after yesterday’s win.

“It’s nice to get a medal, but Championship is where it’s at. We’re all about Championship and I think every club is the same.

“The League is just a stepping stone. It’s no good to win a League and flop in the Championship.

“We’re on a united front. Maybe that’s what was missing in Gaoth Dobhair for a while. Now, we’re all going in the one direction.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Seamus Campbell hailed his Naomh Conaill ladies as they scooped Intermediate Championship glory yesterday – just a year after winning the Junior title.

Alannah McDonnell (2), Aoife McDonnell and Joanne Gallagher hit the goals in a 4-9 to 1-7 win over Buncrana at O’Donnell Park to clinch the prize in their first year up at intermediate level.

“We won a Junior final last year and we weren’t coming up here just to take part,” Campbell said.

“They worked hard and they got their just rewards.

“It was a massive step. It took us 15 years to come out of junior football. It was a massive test.”

Listen to the full interview below …

The new Ulster Senior League season kicks off on Wednesday evening with three games across the two groups of the 2018/19 Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup.

Six-in-a-row double winners Cockhill Celtic welcome Derry City Reserves to the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds, while last season’s beaten finalists, Letterkenny Rovers, host Finn Harps Reserves at Leckview Park in a venue change announced by the League.

And there is an intriguing clash in Ramelton as new managers Tony McNamee (Swilly Rovers) and Jason Gibson (Bonagee United) meet at Swilly Park.

There has been plenty of transfer activity over the summer months with Cockhill player-manager Gavin Cullen having recruited the likes of Brendan McLaughlin, Bart Wesolowski, Lee McColgan, Denim McLaughlin and Lee McCallion.

Brendan McLaughlin, along with Peter Doherty and Jimmy Bradley played for the Republic of Ireland Regions Cup squad against Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

Rovers have added former Finn Harps midfielder Jonny Bonner, most recently of Cliftonville, while Lee Toland has returned to Leckview Park following a spell at Harps and BJ Banda is also back in the Cathedral Town club’s colours.

Swilly and Bonagee have strengthened considerably in recent times and it makes for an interesting affair as former Swilly boss Gibson – who guided the Lennonsiders to two Knockalla Caravans Senior Cup wins in his time by the Lennon – goes up against his old club.

McNamee has brought back his son, Tony, from Fanad United, with others such as Dylan Hegarty and James McCahill also expected to line out.

Gibson, meanwhile, can be content with signings like Darren McFadden, Jordan Armstrong and Thomas McMonagle

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29

Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup Group A

6.45 Letterkenny Rovers v Finn Harps Reserves Referee – Michael Connolly

7pm Cockhill Celtic v Derry City Reserves Referee – Garbhan Taggart

Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup Group B

6.45pm Swilly Rovers v Bonagee United Referee – Marty McGarrigle; Assistants Vincent McLoughlin, Benny McDaid

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 (2pm)

Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup Group A

Cockhill Celtic v Letterkenny Rovers

Derry City Reserves v Finn Harps Reserves

Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup Group B

Bonagee United v Fanad United

A group of Inishowen and Derry-based activists tied baby shoes to the railings outside St. Mary’s Oratory Buncrana to highlight the awful crimes perpetrated on young women, babies and children by the Catholic Church.

The protest coincided with the Papal mass in Phoenix Park yesterday.

The local Baby Shoes Remember actions were part of a series of events against Catholic Church abuses.

Co-ordinator Caroline Kuyper said: “The idea behind the name is that the horrors inflicted in childhood and infancy are never forgotten by the victims of the Catholic Church.

“By hanging baby shoes tied with black mourning ribbon on Catholic Churches during the Papal visit, we want to make sure the Catholic Church is never allowed to forget either.

“If the perpetrators think in centuries, those who seek justice must think in centuries also.

Photographs by Bauke Roof

She continued, “Today we stood for all victims of clerical abuse and against the cover-up at all levels, of the Catholic Church. We will never forget the abused, the raped, the beaten, the trafficked, the shamed, the shunned, the incarcerated, the neglected, the ignored and the discarded”.

In 2010 protesters quietly tied 1000 pairs of baby shoes with black mourning ribbon to the railings of the Catholic Pro Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.

Sinead Stewart who participated in the event said: “Our event was part of a national day of action by survivors from clerical abuse, mother and baby homes and those in solidarity with them.”

She continued: “We demand nothing less than reparation to victims and full cooperation with legal authorities. Money can’t take away the horror of sexual abuse, the stealing and trafficking of babies, the despicable treatment of women and girls in mother & baby homes, but it would show that the church is serious about reform and ensuring these horrific crimes and cover-ups never happen again, then it’s the least they can do.

“We hold the pope as leader of the Catholic church accountable for these crimes and their cover up. We demand action, not hollow words.”

After an exceptional summer, most secondary school students are heading back to school this week and the majority of primary schools will return within a few days.

It is a time of preparation for families as everyone gets set for the new school year.

The Donegal Road Safety Working Group is now reminding motorists, cyclists and children to take extra care on our roads as schools return for the new school year.

With all the stress and excitement that preparing for the start of the new school year, one critically important activity is overlooked by parents and that is ensuring their children are safe on their journeys to and from school.

Children are our most vulnerable road-users, so it is up to parents and teachers to ensure we play our part in keeping them safe.

Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer said “As schools reopens across the county, it is important to remember that school days bring more traffic on our roads, buses picking up and leaving off children, children walking and cycling to and from school, hurrying to arrive before the school bell rings and parents driving their children to school before heading to work.

“There will also be large numbers of children attending school for the first time, so everyone should ensure that this is a positive experience for them by slowing down and taking extra care whenever you are travelling near or past a school. It is never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when children are on our roads, especially before and after school.”

He added that nothing excuses or justifies putting the lives of children in danger or the safety of other road users, especially if they are negotiating their journey at a pace that suits, and is safe for them.

He said “Dangerous parking around schools is also contributing to the problem so we are appealing to motorists to help schools by driving with proper care and attention and parking well away from no parking areas around schools. Motorists should first and foremost take responsibility for their own actions”.

“We are also urging parents to ensure their child is visible by wearing a high viz vest when walking or cycling, or when waiting for the school bus. We are also calling on parents to be disciplined and ensure that all children travelling in the vehicle are using proper restraints such as child car seats or seat belts and never overcrowd their car.

“Not only are you risking the life of the unrestrained child but you are also endangering all the other passengers if a collision occurs. We would urge all drivers to be conscious of young road users at all times, but particularly in the mornings and afternoon as they travel to and from school. It is our duty to ensure our vulnerable road users don’t learn lessons the hard way”.

The RSA has a number of road safety resources for teachers and students which aim to promote and encourage road safety at primary and secondary schools. These resources can help make journeys to and from school safer for children but ultimately, all road users have a responsibility to keep the roads safe for each other.

One person has been injured following a crash in Inishowen.

The single-vehicle crash happened between Ballyliffin and Carndonagh and traffic diversions are in place.

Gardai are advising people to avoid the area and the road has been closed to heavy vehicles.