A registration night and AGM for the 1st Letterkenny Scout Group is being held next Tuesday Night 4th September at 7.30pm in Conwal Hall, Letterkenny.

Registration will be open to boys and girls for the 2018/2019 Scouting year for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts Sections. Places are limited and dependent on how many volunteer Leaders there are.

Children are not required to attend on this night. The AGM will also be held.
Membership fee for the year is €110 and is payable on the night.

Leaders for all Sections are required. For those unfamiliar with the Scout Method and the One Programme, please visit www.scouts.ie

1st Letterkenny Scout Group is open to boys and girls from Letterkenny and surrounding areas including Creeslough, Kilmacrennan, Ramelton, Rathmullan, Milford, etc.

Beavers are ages 6,7,8. You must be age 6 on 1st September. Cubs are aged 9,10,11
Scouts are aged 12,13,14/15.

The family of Rachel Elliott, the young mum who was critically injured in the Bundoran car tragedy, have shared a hopeful update following her surgery yesterday. 

Rachel Elliott (25) from Irvinestown, Co Fermanagh, underwent surgery on her back on Monday to treat injuries resulting from the fatal car crash in Bundoran on August 19th.

Rachel’s family have said the surgery went well, but they must now wait to see the extent of her injuries.

Her sister Donna posted on social media: “Rachel has come out of surgery with all going good. Still a waiting game to see if she will be fit to walk or not..nothing is going to put our Rachel down.”

Prayers are continuing for Rachel as she recovers in Beaumont Hospital in Dublin. The mum-of-one suffered life-changing injuries to her brain, back and pelvis when she was thrown from a Peugeot 306 car in the horror crash in Bundoran.

The crash claimed the lives of two people and left three others injured.

Shiva Devine, aged 20, who was from Ballintra but lived in Belleek, Co Fermanagh, died alongside Conall McAleer, also aged 20 and from Fermanagh. The young victims were laid to rest last week.

The Donegal’s League’s new €300,000 development at The Diamond Park in Ballyare will be showcased to the public for the first time.

The Donegal League’s Oscar Traynor selection will take on Finn Harps in a friendly match.

New floodlights were were erected to light ups a new sand-based pitch at Donegal League headquarters. 

Two new 12-seat dugouts have also be installed and a perimeter fence and pathway, as well as ball stops behind the goals, are included in this part of the development.

At the Donegal League’s presentation function in June, FAI CEO John Delaney granted the League €50,000 towards the development.

The FAI chief had previously visited Ballyare, where League officials briefed him on their plans.

The game next Wednesday, September 5, will see Ollie Horgan’s high-flying Harps face the Oscar Traynor panel, which is now under the stewardship of Raymond Shiels. 

Kick off will be 7.30pm.

Anne Flannery made it a three-in-a-row at Letterkenny Golf Club this week.

Anne has been a member of Barnhill Ladies Branch for some time now and while she has featured in competitions along the way it’s fair to say that she as made a break through in the last couple of weeks.

She won her Category on Lady Captains Day and then went on to win the V Par competition the following Tuesday losing two shots off her handicap.

The week after that she returned another winning score to bring the handicap down a further three shots.

She is now playing off 29 and really enjoying her golf.

Anne credits Seamus McMonagle Club Professional with some of her recent success and also acknowledges the good company of her fellow golfers and the excellent condition of the course at Barnhill this summer as being factors as well.

Whatever it is Anne has definitely proved that Anne Flann is no flash in the pan.

Anne seated with Lady Captain having won the V Par Competition

Donegal County Council recently completed a Tourism Trade Mission to the United States that saw a delegation take in several major cities and the largest Irish themed festival in the world.

A seven person team, led by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Seamus O´Domhnaill, and the Tourism Unit Donegal County Council, also included members of the Donegal Travel and Hospitality Sector – including Harvey’s Point Hotel, The Waterfront Hotel, and Donegal Airport.

This Whistle Stop Tour took in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and the Milwaukee Irish Fest 2018.

Throughout the nine day, four state mission, the delegation met with over 120 businesses, including a diverse group of American tourism operators, travel agents, business leaders and government officials to build relationships with key stakeholders in the US tourism market and showcase Donegal’s unique tourism offerings.

Presentations were specifically delivered to demonstrate the viability of including Donegal as a World Class Tourism Destination.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Seamus O’Domhnaill, Mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Blackie Gavin, Head of Tourism for Donegal County Council, Barney Mc Laughlin.

The delegation also hosted a second event in each city which was aimed at Donegal Diaspora of each area, to thank them for their continued support both at home and abroad as ambassadors for Donegal. These events were also well attended which gave the delegation an opportunity to engage with people in a more informal manner to celebrate the many aspects of Donegal and its strong bond with these cities of considerable influence within the Irish-American Community.

Donegal Delegation with members of the Diaspora and Donegal association of New York.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Seamus O Domhnaill, commented, “It is really inspiring to see at first hand, the interest that there is in our county from both Tour Operators and indeed our Diaspora. The US market continues to grow. Visitor numbers from North America are up 10.7% on the same period last year. There are more airline seats than ever before from the USA and we are working with our tourism businesses from across the county to seize the opportunity. Our strategy of aligning with partners in the USA, proved to be a huge success and will bear fruit for the coming years.”

Barney McLaughlin, Head of Tourism Unit in Donegal County Council said, “We have found that you cannot over-emphasise the benefits of reaching out to these major American players of the Tourism Industry on their own soil. This tourism trade mission provided a tremendous opportunity to open new markets and to develop and build on existing relationships with key Tour Operators.

After this hectic schedule of a city a day, the delegation then travelled to Wisconsin to attend the 38th annual Milwaukee Irish Fest where they manned a Donegal Tourism stand for three days.

Billy Condon, Tourism Ireland; Martina Rafferty, Waterfront Hotel, Dungloe; Minister Pat Breen; Pauline Sweeney, Donegal Airport; Milwaukee politician Erica Flynn; Barney McLaughlin, Donegal County Council; and Ruth Moran, Tourism Ireland, at the annual Milwaukee Irish Fest.

With a huge audience of around 100,000 visitors, the three day festival was an ideal platform to showcase Donegal and what we have to offer and also an excellent opportunity to engage with our Diaspora.

Letterkenny rally crew Kyle and Dale McGettigan got quite the shock during a stage of the recent Ulster Rally.

On special stage 10 of the event, the McGettigans, were moo-ving well when they were slowed up by an unexpected blockage on the road.

Picture: Kyle and Dale McGettigan in their Escort. Picture by Kevin Glendenning

A cow broke out from a nearby field and held up the Letterkenny cousins.

But the McGettigans remained undeterred and went on to finish third in their class and ninth overall in the Mk2 Escort.

Warning: This video contains language that may be offensive to some viewers

It’s time for you to cast your vote in our latest Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Sports Person of the Week poll, in association with O’Reilly’s Sportswear.

Each weekly award winner will receive a kitbag, a jersey and a half-zip, supplied by O’Reilly’s.

The award winner will be chosen via a public vote from a shortlist selected by our panel.

O’Reilly’s Sportswear was founded in 2017 by well-known Twin Towns sporting brothers Steven and Martin O’Reilly.

Our poll closes at noon on Thursday.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Diarmuid Cahill (Letterkenny Gaels)

It was a big week for Letterkenny Gaels’ Diarmuid Cahill. After turning in a strong display for the club’s senior team in a Junior A Championship win over Na Rossa the previous Saturday evening, Cahill – who has just returned from an injury – he captained the Gaels to a Minor Championship quarter-final win over St Michael’s.

Adrian Delap (Derry City)

Derry City booked their place in the quarter-finals of the FAI Senior Cup thanks to a goal from Ray native Adrian Delap on Friday night. The goal, the only one of the game, was Delap’s first senior goal for the Candystripes. Allied to a last-gasp penalty save from Gerard Doherty, it made for a brilliant night for the Donegal teenager. 

Damien Glackin (Ballybofey United)

Damien Glackin has been one of the more prolific marksmen in the Donegal League in recent seasons. And he was at it again on Friday night as Ballybofey United began their new season with a comprehensive 7-0 win over Letterbarrow Celtic at the Finn Valley Centre.

Glackin netted a hat-trick as Ballybofey secured a Brian McCormick Area Shield semi-final against derby foes Cappry Rovers. 

Maria Kealy (St Eunan’s)

St Eunan’s won a third Under-16 Ladies title on Sunday thanks to a win over Termon in Glenfin. In a tight battle, Kealy was the difference. Her goal and two points helped the black and amber to a memorable victory.

Odhrán Mac Niallais (Gaoth Dobhair)

For the first time in 12 years, Gaoth Dobhair are Division 1 winners. A routine win over Milford at Moyle View Park on Sunday confirmed their winning of the League – their first success since 2006.

Odhrán Mac Niallais kicked six points for the Magheragallon men. In mid-week, Mac Niallais kicked 1-8 in a win over Glenswilly, having posted 1-7 the previous weekend against Naomh Conaill.

A player in form at just the right time of year.

Alannah McDonnell (Naomh Conaill)

Goals were key on Sunday as Naomh Conaill defeated Buncrana 4-9 to 1-7 in the Ladies Intermediate final at O’Donnell Park. Two of the goals were netted by Alannah McDonnell.

Having just returned from injury nightmares this year, McDonnell is finding her feet again and she bagged the first and the third goals as Naomh Conaill – last year’s Junior champions – took the Intermediate title at the first time of asking.

Jason Noctor (Donegal Boston)

The headlines might well have been all about Diarmuid Connolly – as the Dublin star scored 12 points – after Donegal Boston won the Boston Senior Championship final on Sunday. But the Donegal Boston side, managed by Buncrana man Padraic McLaughlin, had others to shine, too. Chief among them was Killybegs’ Jason Noctor, who captained the side to the win in Canton.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

People who have escaped jail sentences have helped to transform a Co Donegal town.

Several projects have been undertaken by people who have been given community service sentence by the court service in Letterkenny

People who have been found guilty of a range of crimes from assault to motoring offences have tackled the projects.

They include the upgrading of the local boxing club, painting cottages belonging to elderly people as well as the planting of allotments.

Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh has congratulated the probation service on the important contribution they are making to the local community.

Cllr. Kavanagh referenced the recent jobs carried out by the service in the town including painting the local boxing club and painting the cottages at Beechwood Road.

He said “I have seen at first hand the hard work and dedication of the probation officer Tim Coughlan and the local supervisor Danny McNulty and all of those doing community service hours.

“They play an important role in the local community and in getting work done that the council would otherwise not have the resources to tackle. This is not only beneficial to helping our local communities but contributes to the tidy towns effort.

“The residents of Beechwood are delighted with the job that has been done in painting the council cottages as it improves the look of the entire area and compliments the work being done by the local resident’s association.

“The painting of the Boxing Club is of huge assistance to all the volunteers who put so much effort into running the club.

“The probation service has also been looking after the site in Newmills of the Battle of Scarrifholis and have helped with various other projects including preparing the allotments at Ard O’Donnell.”

Cllr. Kavanagh had a motion agreed at Donegal County council last year proposing that the council work with the probation service to tackle work in the community that otherwise would not get completed due to lack of resources at council level.

“I’m delighted that this co-operation between the council and probation service is proving so successful, at Beechwood for example, the council provided paint and equipment whilst the probation service provided the labour, this is helping enhance local communities as well as giving people a chance to contribute in a meaningful way to their community, I hope this co-operation can continue to be developed in the years ahead”. Cllr. Kavanagh concluded.

An investigation has been launched after a garda car was rammed into in Carrigart this morning.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning (28th August) when Gardaí from Milford were on routine patrol in an unmarked vehicle.

Gardaí say a black Volkswagen Passat bearing partial registration number 02-MH rammed into the unmarked car several times.

Significant damage was caused to the car and two Gardaí were injured, but did not require hospital treatment.

Unmarked Garda car damaged in incident near Carrigart. Photo via Donegal Gardaí

The offending vehicle fled the scene. Gardaí are now seeking the assistance from the public in Carrigart and the greater area.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Milford Garda Station on 074 9153060

Gardaí have issued pictures of the damaged garda car to show the extent of the damage.

Former Cockhill Celtic winger Ronan ‘Olly’ Doherty netted his first goal for Irish League side Institute this evening.

Institute overcame Loughgall 5-1 in the Bet McClean League Cup.

Doherty, a summer signing by Paddy McLaughlin from USL champions Cockhill, hit the third goal for ‘Stute.

Doherty, who had excelled for Cockhill last season on their way to another League and League Cup double, curled home a free kick.

Darren Henderson and Joe McCreadie had Institute two-up and Doherty’s set piece had them three in front at half-time with Henderson and Jamie Dunne sealing a comfortable win.

Donegal middleweight Jason Quigley (14-0, 11KOs) says recent discussions for a possible WBA world middleweight title fight have showed him how close he is to his dreams.

The Donegal man (27) was closing in on a fight with WBA middleweight belt holder Ryōta Murata (14-1, 11KOs) from Japan at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, but the governing body subsequently insisted that Murata face the mandatory challenger, Rob Brant. 

After some time waiting and wondering, Quigley saw the possibility of a title shot in Vegas fade – but says his day will come soon.

“It was a great experience to be in negotiations for a World title fight and to be on the cusp of going for a shot like that,” he said.

“I was in touch with sponsors and was even getting a suit sorted for a press conference in Tokyo to announce the fight. 

“I had high hopes and was excited for going to Tokyo for the announcement, for my first title fight in Las Vegas and, of course, it was disappointing when I realised it wasn’t going to happen.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason. Whatever path that’s laid out for me will fall into place, whether it’s God’s work or someone else up there. I do all the right things: I live a healthy lifestyle; I eat properly; I sleep right; I surround myself with good people. I think that can only come back to me in good ways.”

Quigley admits that the uncertainty around the fight was a frustrating experience, but has paid tribute to his management, Sheer Sports Management and promotors, Golden Boy Promotions. 

He said: “I have a good team of people around me; people I can trust to guide me.

“I’m lucky that I have such a good relationship with my management team, Sheer Sports, and my promotors, Golden Boy Promotions.

“They made a not-so-smooth situation seem smooth. And it wasn’t smooth. It was all over the place. It was on. Then it was off. Then I was going to Tokyo. Then I was staying at home. I had a good team around me who were keeping me right. 

“That showed me why boxers need managers, promoters and coaches to handle that side of things.”

Quigley had a comeback win over Daniel Rosario in Boston in March, after a year out of action having damaged his right hand in a 2017 win over Glen Tapia. 

Quigley stopped Rosario in the sixth round at the Marina Bay Sportsplex and had been eyeing up an August bout in California when the world title bout came up.

He said: “I was meant to fight in August, but I had to pull out of that because, at that stage, the World title fight was happening. The only disappointment for me in all of this was missing out on a fight date in August. I’m in good shape, I’m confident and I’m sure that this has happened for the right reasons.

“This shows that I’m at the level to challenge for a world title. It’s great to be in that mix. 

“I wasn’t planning for it so soon, but when opportunities like that come along, you can’t not take them. I took it and thought the title was there for the taking. 

“Ideally, I’d want another three or four fights, but I wasn’t going to say no. This is who I am and what I am and this is where I went to get to. It was always going to be difficult to say no to a chance like that.”

Quigley is back in camp with trainer Dominic Ingle in Sheffield and hopes to announce his next fight soon.

He said: “Training is going great and my fitness is at the right level. I’m working hard with Dominic, John and everyone at the gym. I’m sparring with Liam Williams, who’s fighting in Wales shortly.

“I’m feeling sharp again. I’m ready to rock and roll.  At this level, boxing moves quickly and you need to stay with the times and stay ready and active. 

“We’re getting my next fight together and we’re well underway so there’ll be an announcement very shortly.”

As the track and field season comes to a close, Olympian YAC’s athletes were right in the thick of the action over the past few weeks with various All-Ireland competitions and medals came home in abundance.

Picture: Karen O’Donnell powering to silver medal in womens V1 200m

All Ireland Juvenile Track and Field Championships

Sean Mc Ginley contested Day 3 of the recent All Ireland Juvenile Track and Field Championships, held in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Inspired no doubt by his training partner, Boyd Russell’s bronze medal at these championships in the U13 Boy’s 600m, Sean competed, as always, with grit, determination and great heart within the U16 Boy’s 1500m. Sean left everything on the track, clocking an extremely impressive new personal best of 4mins 18 secs and walked away with a tremendously well deserved Bronze medal.

Sean McGinley with bronze medal at All Ireland Juvenile Champs 2018

Well done again to every single one of our young athletes who took part over the last few weeks at the All Ireland Juvenile Track & Field Championships. Fantastic performances by all and exciting times ahead for all athletes, coaches and parents/guardians involved in the club.

All Ireland Masters Track and Field Championships:

Club coach Michelle O’ Donnell, in her return to the competitive arena in over 10 years burst on to the scene again with a fantastic first time performance in the Masters T&F Championships held in Tullamore, Co. Offaly to claim the Gold medal and mantle of All Ireland Champion in the V1 (over 35) woman’s Javelin event, with a fantastic throw of 27.11m, which was 5m more than her nearest rival.

Just over an hour later she took to the discus circle and picked up her second All Ireland medal claiming silver with a throw of 21.82m.

After her absence from the competitive throwing scene and dedicating most of her club time to younger athletes it was a just reward for all her efforts and is a great example for young throwers of the club to aspire to.

Sister and club coach Karen added to the tally picking up 4 more medals in the V1 (over 35) woman’s category, bringing their combined total of medals to 6 (1 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze).

Michelle and Karen O’Donnell with their medal haul at the All Ireladn Masters T+F Championships

Karen started her day picking up bronze in the 100m with a seasons best of 13.77. From the 100m she went straight to join her sister Michelle at the javelin and picked up another bronze medal with a throw of 21.90m, just narrowly missing out on silver by 2cms. Back on track again she recorded another seasons best and claimed Silver medal in 200m in 28.41 with her final medal coming in the 400m being dipped for the silver by 0.03 to claim her third Bronze medal in 65.74.

Community Games :

Some of Olympian YAC’s athletes contested the recent All Ireland Community Games in Limerick with great success.

Sean Mc Ginley , fresh from his bronze medal at the All Ireland juvenile club championships went one better in the U16 1500m, claiming an extremely well deserved Silver medal.

Lara Faul threw 19.54 in the u16 Girls Discus to make the top 8 in the country.

Lucy Campbell (U8 80m) and Brian Devine (U10 200m) both ran very well to place 5th in their respective semi finals.

Emma Mc Daid threw extremely well in the U12 Girls ball throw to make the top 8, an achievement made even more impressive by the fact she still has another year in this age group next year. Michaela Mc Hugh threw over 6m in U14 Girls Shot Putt, narrowly missed out in getting through to Top 8.

Well done to all who competed with great heart, we are all proud of you.

TRAINING

Training will recommence on Tuesday 4^thSeptember at 7:00pm – 8:15pm and Saturday mornings from 11am till 12.15pm at the Glenswilly pitch.

We are insured to cater for any and all abilities from 7 years of age right up to senior and master’s level who wishes to train, keep fit, have fun, and/or compete at a local to national/ international standard. New members as always are more than welcome. For further details, please do not hesitate to contact Martin O’ Donnell on 0863838240 or message us via Facebook (Olympian AC) or feel free to come down and have a chat on any of our club training times.

Dungloe light-welterweight Matthew McCole flies out to Russia today for the World University Championships.

McCole is on a four-man Irish team with Ricky Nesbitt from Dundalk, Kilkenny’s Sean Purcell and Terry McEntee of Monaghan.

The World University Championships glove off in Elista on Sunday and the Irish squad, including Letterkenny Institute of Technology science student McCole, head off today.

McCole won an Irish Third Level Boxing Association title at 64kgs in April.

In June, the Dungloe ABC southpaw, coached by his father, Jim, won gold at the Haringey Box Cup in London.

Representing LYIT at the Great Hall of Alexandra Palace, McCole defeated Jordan McIntosh, Ewan Jenkins and Aston Ryan to win the elite 64kgs prize.

Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan says some of the club’s supporters are ‘losing the run of themselves’ with title talk.

With three games to go in the regular season, Harps – who are almost assured of a play-off place – are five points off leaders UCD.

With UCD to face Drogheda United on Friday, many believe Harps – who face UCD in Belfield in the penultimate game in a fortnight’s time – could capitalise with a win over Galway United at Finn Park this week.

“There is no point us underestimating what we’re going into,” Horgan said.

“Should we win on Friday, it puts us in a great position, but should we lose, we have to go to UCD, of all places, to try and get something.”

Horgan is of the opinion that Longford Town ‘could sneak in’ to the top four.

Harps are on a superb run in the League with six wins out of their last seven and having claimed 19 of a possible 21 in that spell.

Horgan added: “We need to try and keep getting results.

“We need to pick up points, whatever way we pick them up. Some people might be losing the run of themselves.

“It’s a savage ‘if’ we beat Galway. While Galway look like they’re out of the top four, they have serious players in their ranks and we will do well to get anything out of it.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club’s Jonathan Martin was back in flying form at the weekend. He travelled to compete in the Super Series Mourne Triathlon. 

Jonathan finished 6th (1st M16-19) overall in a very competitive field crossing the line in an overall time of 1:07:38. 

Jonathan, as always had a superb swim of 10:30 followed by a strong bike before finishing with a brilliant 18:30 5k.

Christine Russell was also in action. Unfortunately despite a brilliant swim and bike split Christine was unable to complete the race.

Rat Race Rathmullan

Well done to club members Paul Lynch and Fiona Temple who took on the Rathmullan Adventure Race on Saturday. Paul finished in a time of 1:58:46 while Fiona finished in 2:42:16 – perfect preparation for Fiona who takes on Gaelforce in a few weeks’ time.

Saturday Swim Sessions

Saturday swim sessions will resume on Saturday 15th September.

Gartan Open Water Swimming 

Gartan open water swimming sessions take place each Monday at 6.30pm.  All members are reminded that swimming in the lake on a Monday night is from 6.30pm and you must exit the water no later than 7.30.pm.  All members must sign in and out of the water.  

This year there will be a designated swim course set up by Gartan Outdoor and this will be the only area members will be allowed to swim in.  We will have kayak cover in the water and a marshal on the shore.  Wetsuits, and bright swim caps are compulsory and anyone who is not a confident swimmer is urged to use a swim buoy.  

Donegal Ladies County Board are inviting applications for the positions of managers for the 2019 season for U14, U15, U16 and Minor teams

Application letter and CV to be e-mailed to the County Secretary, Siobhan Coyle via email at secretary.Donegal@lgfa.ie before 5pm on Monday 10th of September.

Karen McGlinchey’s Captain’s Prize was played on Saturday afternoon at Portsalon Golf Club, with both the Ladies and Gents taking to the course for the splendid array of prizes on offer.

On balance, Karen might just about have got the best weather for her big day, trumping Captain Mick and President Andy.

Picture: Kernaghan Cup Winner – Michael Campbell

A big crowd turned out to mark the occasion for our popular Lady Captain and a great day and evening’s entertainment was had by all.

The Ladies’ Major was decided on the slenderest of margins, with three of our most consistent performers landing on the 40-point benchmark.

The countbacks found that Mary Barrett got the verdict, edging out Deirdre Hensey and Roisin McCormack.

In the section, former Captain John Logue compiled his tally of 40 points to continue a fruitful simmer and he held off our current vice-captain Pat O’Neill in second spot.

Lady Captain’s Prize Results:

Winner: Mary Barrett (17) – 40pts BOT

Runner-up: Deirdre Hensey (21) – 40pts BOT

Gross: Claire McGonagle (5) – 32 gross pts

Third: Roisin McCormack (15) – 40pts

Fourth: Mary Flynn (31) – 37pts

Fifth: Nuala McGarrigle (21) – 36pts

Sixth: Maureen Shanahan (24) – 33pts BOT

Committee Prize: Mae Blaney (25) – 30pts

Past Captain: Sarah Nicholl (17) – 33pts

First Nine: Geraldine Hickland (25) – 18 pts BOT

Second Nine: Noreen McConigley (22) – 18pts BOT

Non-Qualifiers Prize: Marian Overend (18) – 37pts

Visitor: Tracey Spence (12) – 35pts

Longest Drive: Marian Overend

Nearest the Pin: Mary Barrett

CSS: 73

Lady Captain’s Prize for Gents:

Winner: John Logue (13) – 40 pts

Runner-up: Pat O’Neill (14) – 38 pts BOT

Gross: Eamonn McDermott (5) – 31 gross pts

Third: Hugh McGinley (18) – 38 pts

First Nine: Niall Fitzgerald (24) – 19 pts

Second Nine: Peter Doherty (21) – 20 pts

Results

Wednesday 23rd August – Gents Open

Winner: Joe Coyle (6) – 40 pts

Runner-up: Patrick McFadden (14) – 39 pts

Gross: Johnny Deeney – 27 gross pts

Third: David Deeney (12) – 38 pts

Twos: David Deeney, Robert McElhinney, Michael Morris

CSS: 37 pts

Sunday 19th August: – Gents Members

Winner: Gerard Duffy (8) – 39 pts BOT

Runner-up: Sam Faulkner (11) – 39 pts BOT

Gross: DP Logue (5) – 29 gross pts

Third: Tony McCusker (17) – 39 pts

Twos: Joe Coyle, Wilbert McConnell, Cathal Toland

Junior Golf

Our Junior Golf programme came to a big end last Thursday with ‘tournament day’. A host of talented young golfers have been honing their skills over the last five weeks, expertly stewarded by our Junior Convener Eamonn McConigley.

Eamonn was ably assisted by Daragh Lyons during the lesson, while President Andy Boland and Sean Barrett were also amongst those willing to offer their time to assist in producing the next generation of Portsalon golfers. All of their efforts are hugely appreciated by the council and members, but in particular a big ‘thank you’ to Beck, who is the trumpeting voice for Junior Golf in Portsalon and puts in the time and effort to back it up.

Well done to all the prize winners and in particular Adam Duncan who won the Shaw Shield and Michael Campbell who won the Kernaghan Cup.

Shaw Shield Winner – Adam Duncan

Irish Water has removed the Water Conservation Order for the North West following an increase of local rainfall after the summer drought.

The Board met on Tuesday to assess the need to extend the Water Conservation Orders that will expire on Friday, 31 August in a bid to safeguard water supply for homes and businesses across the country.

Detailed analysis of drinking water sources were considered from engineering experts within Irish Water and the local authorities, including the hydrologist records of OPW and the ESB and future weather forecasts.

As a result, the Water Conservation Order has been lifted for the north west region which includes Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Donegal, Longford, Cavan and Monaghan.

The Board determined that the Water Conservation Order will remain in place for the Greater Dublin Area until Sunday, 30 September 2018.

The first four weeks of August has seen some periods of rainfall nationally. In the North and West of the country, this has resulted in increased flows in rivers, some recovery in lake levels, which have been confirmed by the OPW and ESB monitoring data.

In these areas, in particular, Irish Water has been able to scale back the emergency measures put in place during July, with the majority of water supplies working normally.

Simon McGlynn and Gareth Doherty featured last night as Dergview caused a huge upset in the Bet McLean League Cup.

A goal from Matthew Callaghan saw Irish League Championship outfit Dergview overcome Premier Division side Glenavon at Mourneview Park.

Callaghan headed home late in the first half to give the Castlederg-based side a famous win.

Former Harps attacker McGlynn started up front for Dergview and the Raphoe man was replaced by on-loan Harps man Doherty in the closing stages.

Elsewhere, former Cockhill Celtic winger Ronan ‘Olly’ Doherty scored his first goal for Institute last night in their 5-1 win over Loughgallwhile Shane McGinty played from the start as Ballymena United defeated Dollingstown 5-1.

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty has slammed the Government over what he says is its complete indifference and antipathy towards rural Donegal.

The Donegal TD was commenting on the publication yesterday by An Post of a list of 159 post offices which are set to close over the coming months, including 17 branches in Donegal.

The Co. Donegal post offices on the consolidation list are: Ballyliffin, Ballymagan, Brinlack, Bunbeg, Burnfoot, Burtonport, Church Hill, Culdaff, Culkeeny, Dunaff, Dunfanaghy, Dunkineely, Gortahork, Kindrum, Meenaneary, Quigley’s Point, Rossnakill.

In response to the publication, Deputy Doherty said:“Just like many people felt following the publication of this post office closures list yesterday, I am extremely saddened and angry at this news that 17 local post offices will close over the next few weeks and months.

“And while rural Ireland has suffered most from job losses and cuts to basic services particularly over the last decade or so, the closure of rural post offices is something which many fear could prove the death knell for rural communities.

“Having spoken with a number of people living in these communities, there is an overall feeling amongst them that the closure of their respective offices is a retrograde step and one which will have a detrimental impact on not just the local economy but on their area’s social fabric more broadly.

“I too share those fears and concerns and while it is of course important that An Post facilitates exit requests from Post Masters and supports its worker when they choose to step down from the role, I firmly believe that every effort must be made to retain postal services where possible.

“The local post office and the services it provides remain very much central to community life for many rural towns and villages, and that is also the case in these communities where the local branch is set to close.

“Earlier this month, following reports that a number of branches across Donegal were ear marked for closure, I wrote to the company and to its Independent reviewers who were charged with examining these proposed closures, and I pressed upon them the need for the company to make every possible effort to avoid closures and to ensure that local residents and businesses continued to have access to postal services going forward.

“Unfortunately, as the publication of this list yesterdays now shows, it seems that those calls have fallen on deaf ears.

“Similarly, these closures also clearly prove that this Government has decided that the post office is not worth saving and in that regard they have shown nothing but indifference and antipathy towards rural Ireland, including Donegal.

“And while Fine Gael TDs were more than happy to oppose post office closures whilst in opposition when the network was reduced by over 200 offices between 2006 and 2011, the majority of which were closed under a Fianna Fáil Government, the party is now only too happy to oversee branch closures now its in power.”