It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday 31th March and if you are searching for a gift, then look no further than Amelia’s Irish Design & Gift in Letterkenny.

Amelia’s Irish Design and Gifts

The store on Letterkenny Main Street is a treasure trove of handmade and one of a kind gifts which all come with a special story. Pieces from Amelia’s are sure to impress mums, grannies and other relatives as you say ‘thank you’ for all they’ve done this Mother’s Day.

Plus, a gift from Amelia’s supports local makers and celebrates creative crafters from Donegal and beyond!

We took a tour of the store this week to discover some perfect gift options: 

Pictured above: Rathborne Sets of Hand & Body Lotion, and Hand & Body Wash €45
Edyta Ceramic Figure of Lady with Handbag €90
Mo Chroi wooden heart tea light by Sam agues Neasa €9.50

Pictured above: Emer O’Sullivan Ceramic Picture of Cup & Saucer €85
Emer O’Sullivan Vase €55
Glass Jug by Scott Bennefield €45
Silk Brooch handpainted by KoKo Design €12
Merino and Lambswool tube scarves by Michi €30
Paul Maloney Blue pottery vase €49
Origami mobile by Japanese Papercraft €18

Pictured above: Breeogue Pottery Large plate €150
Baressential Body Oil & Soap Set €47.50
Breeogue Pottery Butter Dish €30
Blue enamel Pendant on silver chain  €30
Ceramic brooch by Helen Shearer €17.50
Mucross Handbound Journals €12
Field Day candle €17.95
McNutt Lambswool scarf €35

Pictured above: Handmade Soap Company Hand Set €34.95
Handmade Soap Company Diffuser €24.95
Handmade Soap Company Hand Lotion €14.95
Chocolate Garden of Ireland Chocolate Shoe €12.50
Cream Hat or Brooch €45
Aisling McElwain Ceramic cat brooch €15
KT Metal Design Gardener €85
Silver Ring by Banshee, Female Warrior €50
Hazel Green Silk Scarf €45

Pictured above: Karen Wilson Large Print ‘Daisy’ €90
Ambrose & Brid wood bud vase €20
Jo Browne Solid Perfume €24
Ruby Doodle Mother’s Day card €3.90
Set of 3 Rathborne Candles €50
Set of 3 porcelain tea lights €48
Ambrose & Brid wood & silver pendant €110
Brid Lyons pottery Art Deco lady €198

For these and a full range of other gift ideas, visit www.amelias.ie  Shipping is available worldwide and you can collect in the shop for free. Whether you are at home or abroad, you can give mum a piece of local art and craftsmanship by shopping online at www.amelias.ie 

You can also select some beautiful gifts from Amelia’s sister shop Mourne Antiques. Visit www.facebook.com/mourneantiques for some truly unique pieces this Mother’s Day.

This week, the team at Mavericks in Letterkenny are sharing secrets from the barbershop floor in their guide in how to properly look after your beard. 

Beard oil is one of the most essential products that any beardsman can own. Using beard oil can take you from looking like the cat dragged you in the door backwards to the ultimate Maverick.

From beardruff to beard itch, and the general texture of how your beard feels, the benefits are far and wide.

A bit about how it is made up

Any high-quality beard oil is typically made up of two distinct ingredients, a carrier oil and an essential oil.

Carrier oils themselves will typically deliver many of the core benefits of any given beard oil as they make up about 90% of the actual oil. Typically used are jojoba, argan, sweet almond, grapeseed, and several others.

The reason why these oils are so vastly used in beauty products is due to them being completely all natural and having terrific hydrating/moisturizing abilities for your skin and hair follicles.

Many of the more expensive beard oils will typically include several essential oils in addition to a carrier oil, such as sandalwood or tea tree are which are natural antiseptics.

Therefore, when applied to your skin, these essential oils will do a good job in clearing out your pores to reduce the occurrence of acne.

Getting Rid Of That Dreaded Beard Itch

Just about every man that grows a beard will start to notice that it gets a bit itchy.  While some Mavericks like to just “push through” this phase, this discomfort is completely unnecessary with the added use of beard oil.

At the root of every one of your beard follicles, you have a pair of glands called sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands create this oil called sebum oil. As your beard follicle gets longer, it simply requires more and more sebum oil to coat the follicle while also keep your skin well-nourished and moisturized.

However, no matter the length of your beard, your sebaceous glands stay the same size.  Given that they are finite in size, their sebum oil production can’t effectively keep up with the demand of your beard follicle.

As you can see, no matter the length of your beard, sebum oil remains constant.  Therefore, when your beard gets to a certain length (every man is different but typically after a few weeks of growth), their sebum oil just simply isn’t enough. This is when your beard and more importantly, your skin becomes dried out and itchy.

So, the introduction of beard oil will act as a supplement to your sebum oil making the dreaded beard itch go away while also giving it the proper nourishment that it is seeking.

But Beard Itch is Only Half the Story…. Beardruff?

When you don’t use any sort of beard oil on your skin for an extended period of time and are constantly itching it due to irritation, beardruff will be born. Beardruff is essentially dandruff for your beard.  Your skin is so dry that when you start to itch it, the skin begins to flake causing white specs of beardruff to show up on your shirt. This is where the oil intervenes, keeping it conditioned, moisturized and the itch away.

How It Looks

 While we have been concentrating a lot about your skin care with beard oil, it does help make your beard feel a lot softer, but also look great as well. Therefore, if your beard is feeling a bit scraggly or straw-like, regular application of beard oil will help in making it feel much better.

This regular use of beard oil will also help with the reduction of split ends occurring.  If you are taking your beard growing seriously, the reduction of split ends will be good news as you won’t have to trim your beard nearly as often.

In addition to the feel of your beard, the general appearance of your beard will also improve with the introduction of beard oil.

The follicles of your beard will look a little bit shinier and healthier.

When a man walks into Mavericks, we can tell whether he has been using beard oil or not regularly. It is simple, even untrimmed, his beard will still look in good shape!

Tip

When applying, ensure you comb or brush through thoroughly to ensure oil reaches the root of the hair!!

Call into Mavericks on lower Main Street Letterkenny to see our range of beard oils and we have a whole lot more… beard balms, beard shampoos, beard brushes moustache waxes and more, not to mention bespoke beard trimming!!!

Also, you can catch up with us on Facebook  (www.facebook.com/Maverickstraditionalbarbershop) and follow us on Instagram (maverickstraditionalbarbershop) Snapchat @MAVERICKSTBS or Twitter www.twitter.com/mavericksbaber…or better still call in and treat yourself.

Foy & Company Letterkenny and Ballybofey is hosting a Yellow Dot Sale Event this weekend with some great offers and in-store events taking place.

Running from Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st March (online only on Sunday), the Yellow Dot Sale Event includes a series of in-store textile demonstrations, one-to-one colour consultations, a live cookery demonstration with Chef Brian McDermott, and lots of competitions and giveaways.

There’ll also be a chance to meet the famous Dulux dog this Saturday in Letterkenny and Ballybofey!

Interior designer and Dulux colour expert, Kathy Bracken is holding a number of one-to-one consultations in Foy’s Ballybofey and Letterkenny, with limited spaces still available. The interior design workshop with Adele Roche has already sold out, so if you’re interested in getting free expert advice, call Foy & Company today to book your slot with Kathy.  

Book a one-to-one consultation with interior designer and colour expert, Kathy Bracken from Dulux.

Chef Brian McDermott will also be doing a live cookery demonstration in the Ballybofey store on Saturday 30th March from 1pm to 2.30pm, where he’ll be giving top tips ahead of Mother’s Day and sharing recipes from his new book, Donegal Table.

Join Chef Brian McDermott (pictured with Ann Foy) at Foy & Company Ballybofey this Saturday (1 – 2.30pm) for a live cookery demonstration

The Yellow Dot Sale Event will also see some great offers with 20% off items with a yellow sticker throughout the weekend. There’s also 20% off ready-made curtains and selected lines of fabrics as well as some extra special offers running across both stores with up to 70% off selected lines.

Rachel McLaughlin chooses her top picks from Foy & Co

Earlier this week, Rachel McLaughlin of Donegal Woman caught up with the Foy & Company team to select her top Yellow Dot picks.

Her favourite was this multicoloured statement chair: “This colourful chair caught my eye as it would really add warmth and character to any living space. It’s an ideal size for cosy living spaces and the wooden legs give it a contemporary feel,” Rachel said.

“Foy & Company also has a great selection of corner sofas to suit every type of space. I particularly loved this Hexham Corner Group in the Letterkenny store.”  

The Hexham Corner Sofa is now only €1199.20 in the Foy & Company Yellow Dot Sale.

Rachel adds: “The store is packed with bright and beautiful cushions and throws, which are great for adding splashes of colour to spaces in an instant. I love this pink cushion, which would work very well with grey, white or navy colour schemes.”

Get 20% off selected lines of fabrics and accessories in The Foy & Company Yellow Dot Sale Event

“I can imagine these cushions would add great colour to this luxurious chaise longue, which really stood out in the store. Comfy and elegant, this would be the dream seat for me to curl up with a good book.”

This chaise longue was €499 and is now €299 in the Foy & Company Yellow Dot Sale this weekend

Foy & Company Ballybofey has an excellent homeware department with all your kitchen essentials. From Stellar and Judge pots and pans to baking equipment, you’ll find everything you need to stock your kitchen. For this weekend only, there’s 20% off these handy kitchen tools pictured here.

Kitchen Essentials from Foy & Co

Set your home apart with Foy & Company’s range of designer and ready-made curtains. If you’re not sure which set to choose or how to match wall paint with curtains and other textiles, speak to the highly trained in-house interior designers at Foy & Company who are available for consultations for both residential and commercial projects. Visit www.foys.ie for more information.

A six-week old kitten was found by a kind-hearted member of the public in a terrible state, suffering from cat flu and contacted the ISPCA for help.

Following an urgent veterinary assessment, the kitten later named Sparrow was placed on life-saving fluid therapy due to her weakened state, to prepare her body for surgery.

Her right eye was so badly damaged due to a chronic untreated infection and upon veterinary advice, there was no alternative but to have it surgically removed to prevent further suffering.

ISPCA Donegal ARC Manager Denise McCausland said: “Sparrow was so small, it was touch and go if she would recover from the anaesthetic, as the damage to her eye was so severe. Thankfully this little lady made a great recovery and in the following weeks, her eye healed beautifully”.

Cat flu is a treatable illness, and after a course of antibiotics most cats recover perfectly. Unfortunately for Sparrow, she had not received the veterinary treatment she needed in time for her illness, and sadly as a result her right eye was so badly damaged, it had to be removed”.

This brave little kitten has since been rehomed and she is now thriving. Her new family have renamed her Winky, because they say “having one eye hasn’t limited her in any way. She is able to do everything a cat with two eyes can do, the only difference is instead of blinking, she winks!”

Her new family said: “Winky is full of energy and always wants to play and cuddle. One of her favourite things to do is watch the washing machine spin around, and she falls asleep to the sound of it. Adopting a kitten in need is one of the best things we have ever done. We love her so much and it really means the world to us that we were able to help her and give her a loving home, and hopefully a much better life.”

Winky is adored by her new family and we are very thankful they are giving her the life and home she thoroughly deserves.

All cats and kittens adopted from the ISPCA are fully vaccinated, part of which inoculates cats specifically for cat flu; they are also treated for parasites and neutered or spayed when of age.

If you can offer a wonderful home to a cat or kitten from the ISPCA Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Centre, please email donegal@ispca.ie, call 074 9152360 or check out the cats/kittens for adoption on https://www.ispca.ie/rehoming/

A wealthy Donegal businessman said he was left flabbergasted when a pony he bought in Co Sligo arrived at his home in Majorca.

Sean Ewing told Sligo Circuit Court that he had an agreement with Michael Kearins to buy two ponies – a grey and a skewbald – for his two daughters.

However, RTE reports that when the ponies arrived at the stables, the skewbald was a completely different animal to the one he and his family had viewed in Ireland.

The jury in the trial of Mr Kearins, who has pleaded not guilty to deception in relation to the sale of one of the ponies, was shown video footage recorded by the Ewings of Mrs Ewing and her daughters riding the pony known as Buddy at an arena in Claremorris, Co Mayo, prior to agreeing to buy both ponies.

Before the video was shown at Sligo Circuit Court, Mr Kearins’ barrister, Patrick O’Sullivan, told the jury that the defence completely accepted that the pony viewed by the Ewings in August 2012 was not the same pony sent out to Majorca; it was a different pony.

The pony viewed was a skewbald called Buddy, but the pony sent out was called Spot, he said.

Mr Ewing said that it was preposterous to suggest that they would have agreed to take a similar pony to Buddy.

They had gone to view him three times because safety was of the utmost importance to him and his wife in relation to their daughters, who aged were eight and ten at the time.

They wanted to ensure that the temperament of the pony was suitable for children and he said they had gone around Ireland looking at ponies because it was critical to them to get it right.

Mr Ewing detailed the physical differences between Buddy and Spot and said that while Buddy was muscular and athletic, the pony they got was frail, looked undernourished and was certainly not fit.

The trial at Slicontinuesit Court continues today.

For full report see https://www.rte.ie/news/2019/0327/1038959-sligo-pony-sale-trial/

With spring in the air, there’s no better time for the people of Church Hill to unveil their brand new community park.

Years of work, fundraising and collaborations will be celebrated tomorrow (Friday) when the local development group hosts a grand opening of the park at 3.30pm.

Minister for Education & Skills Joe McHugh and Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill will be in attendance at the event, which is sure to be a proud moment for all who worked on the space.

With a premium playground and stunning views, the park is the pride of the community and will be somewhere for local children to enjoy this summer and for generations to visit in the years to come.

All are welcome to the grand opening at 3.30pm on Friday 29th March.

There is just one game this Sunday in the Four Lanterns Ulster Senior League – and it’s a crunch clash at the summit of the table.

Cockhill Celtic and Letterkenny Rovers are neck-and-neck on 34 points ahead of their meeting at the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds. Cockhill, the champions, enter the weekend with a game in hand on their rivals.

“They’re all big games now,” Cockhill player-manager Gavin Cullen said.

“This is what we’re used to and what we want.

“We’ll try to push on. We have five tough games to go. There will be twists and turns yet.

“The season has been very stop-start and that doesn’t help players or teams and it definitely doesn’t help momentum at all. You don’t see the best in players and it’s frustrating. “Hopefully now we’ll have a good run of games.

“It’s hard to keep the focus. We trained four times since our last game and that’s difficult for amateur players.”

Cockhill have regained a hold of things since the Christmas break, before which Rovers looked on course having won eight-from-eight.

Cockhill, though, have had some worrying injuries of late and Cullen remains anxious regarding personnel ahead of a big joust with Rovers.

However, the Cockhill boss is quite content to be in what appears a position of slight-strength.

He said: “It’s good to be there. It’s what we set out to do./ We’re making it difficult but we’re still there or thereabouts.”

On Saturday night, Cockhill joined Letterkenny at the top on points with a 2-0 away win at a much-improved Bonagee United.

Cullen said: “Saturday was always going to be difficult. We were down to the bare bones and we had so many players missing. The boys who went out there really put in a shift and we’re delighted to get the three points.

“We controlled the game without being great. We limited them in chances and in that sense it was okay. In terms of creating, we weren’t great. Bonagee were whole-hearted and competed for everything.

“The second goal was a relief. We really needed it.”

Cockhill and Letterkenny could only be separated by a play-off last season. The wire is in view again with the two protagonists inseparable – could they go all the way and beyond again?

The SIPO Commission report that found Cllr. John O’Donnell breached the codes of ethics for public representatives on three counts is to be debated at a special meeting of Donegal County Council.

The investigation came after an RTE PrimeTime report into ‘Standards in Public Office was aired on December 5th 2015 and three public representatives were interviewed in relation to planning issues by an undercover reporter using hidden cameras and a hidden recording device.

It has emerged today that the required number of five councillors have put forward the motion to censure Cllr. O’Donnell and it is expected to be held within the next two weeks.

Councillors can debate a number of proposals including censure, suspension or seeking his resignation.

It is understood the motion to be debated will call for the resignation of Cllr. O’Donnell.
He was not available for comment on this breaking news.

Cllr. O’Donnell was one of three Councillors who featured in the undercover investigation by RTE’s Primetime about ‘Standards in Public Office’.

Sligo Cllr. Joseph Queenan was also found guilty on three of the four allegations he faced. O’Donnell was found to have breached the public office code of ethics in all three of the allegations levelled at him.

County House in Lifford

A third investigation into Monaghan councillor Hugh McElvaney has been halted pending a High Court judicial review.

The SIPO report found Cllr O’Donnell offered to provide significant assistance to potential wind farm investors in exchange for a financial reward, agreed to work as a member of a local authority on the promise of a future payment by investors and that he failed to uphold the Code of Conduct for Councillors. SIPOC said he committed these offences intentionally and that he did not act in good faith.
 
The Commission decided that he had recklessly agreed to help the fictitious company in return for a financial reward not upheld the Code of Conduct in his dealings with the undercover reporter. It also said he had negligently failed to properly declare his interests to the Council

Cllr. O’Donnell has expressed his disappointment with the SIPO conclusions that found he had acted incorrectly on three counts with regard to the ethics of local government legislation.

He said it was important to point out that the SIPO Commission hearing was not about any ‘criminal process’ and as such he said his record has not been tarnished in serving the people of Donegal within the terms of the Local Government Act.

The number of people who are presenting as homeless in Donegal has almost doubled between January and February 2019. 

Twenty one households were accessing emergency accommodation from Donegal County Council last month, which is a 75% rise from the 12 households registered in January.

The latest report from the Department of Housing has revealed that the number of homeless people in Ireland has exceeded 10,000 for the first time. Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy described the figures as “hugely disappointing” as it emerged that 6,480 adults and 3,784 children were accessing emergency accommodation in February 2019.

Sixty one adults and eleven families were recorded as homeless in the entire North West region of Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo in February.

In response to the report, Minister Murphy said: “The increase in homelessness in February is hugely disappointing. Our plans to fix the supply of both social and private housing are working and this is borne out by the most recent build figures. The latest RTB report also shows rent falling at the end of 2018. And yet still we see more people entering emergency accommodation.”

“I am in constant contact with local authorities and am working with them to help move families out of emergency accommodation and into sustainable housing solutions,” he said.

Donegal County Councillor Liam Doherty has said that the number of people experiencing homelessness is “unacceptable” and shows that government policy is failing to tackle the problem.

He added: “This is simply deplorable and it is totally unacceptable that in the Ireland of 2019 we have entire families entering homelessness and living in emergency accommodation.

“These figures also prove that homelessness is not simply an urban phenomenon but that rural counties such as Donegal too are struggling to deal with the housing and homelessness crisis gripping this state.

“In the eight years since Fine Gael took office there has been an increase of 490% in the number of homeless children across the state, up from 641 in 2011.”

Cllr Doherty said that the Minister’s ‘disappointment’ with the figures is an understatement.

He added: “It should be remembered that Sinn Féin put down a motion of no confidence in Minister Murphy earlier this year, and he is only in his position because Fianna Fáil failed to support it.

“As a Councillor, I pledge to continue to engage with officials at local authority level to find ways of improving emergency accommodation services for people in our county experiencing homelessness, and I will continue to work closely with families and those facing homelessness to ensure that they can access the supports they so badly need.”

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has supported the proposals submitted by Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Employment Affairs and Social Protection Willie O’ Dea, to secure the viability of Community Employment Schemes into the future.

The document has been submitted to the Interdepartmental Group, which is examining the future of these schemes presently.

Pat the Cope said Fianna Fáil has always been a strong advocator and supporter of Community Employment Schemes.

He said “We recognise the valuable contributions that these schemes make in their local areas as well as the huge benefits that the participants themselves report. The positive impact of participating in a CE scheme cannot be overstated – from the confidence boost of learning new skills to the sense of belonging and community it brings.”

The Donegal TD said there are quite a number of people who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to work in the broader labour market, there are other people that are unable to travel long distances for work but CE schemes do offer them employment opportunities. 

He aded “It is in these instances where CE schemes have made a real difference both for the individual and moreover for their respective communities. Sports clubs, childcare facilities, resource centres and Meals on Wheels services are often staffed by CE participants.

“I acknowledge the fact that the need for activation schemes has diminished over the past number of years, however, I believe it is important to protect the social inclusion element of CE schemes.

“It is also a reality that for the past 25 years or more CE schemes are carrying out work that otherwise would have to be done or paid for by other state agencies, local authorities and we all know perfectly well that funding does not exist to pay for these services added Pat the Cope.

Since their inception CE schemes have being filling gaps in services right across the board, and without CE support many of our voluntary groups simply would be unable to function- groups such as Local GAA  Clubs, Tidy Town Committees, Parish Councils, supervising Community Halls and sporting facilities to mention a few.

He said Fianna Fáil is calling on the Inter-departmental group to consider the following points

– Keeping the Departmental responsibility for CE schemes within the Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection

– Ring-fencing funding and increasing the materials budget for CE schemes

– Adapting CE schemes in line with changes in economic performance

– Greater flexibility and a common sense approach to eligibility for schemes and how schemes are run.

– Addressing the pension issue for Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors.
 
Pat the Cope added the preservation of Community Employment Schemes is a key priority for Fianna Fáil. 

“We believe that spending on CE schemes represents good value for money, and despite the higher employment figures, these schemes are still needed and no more so than in rural Ireland.

“CE schemes are performing invaluable roles in each of our communities at present and without CE schemes a lot of voluntary work in our communities would never end upconcludedne,” he conlcuded.

Annagry man Kevin McBride is no stranger to taking stunning photos.

His Facebook page is practically littered with them such is his eye for a great shot.

But his latest picture of Errigal has a lot of people talking.

The colours are breathtaking. So much so that the photo has been shared more than FOUR THOUSAND times already since it was snapped on Monday last.

To see a full version of this photo and many of his other shots then simply click on https://www.facebook.com/kevin.mcbride.399826

The Donegal League’s disciplinary committee will convene tonight to discuss the incidents from a controversial Premier Division match on Sunday.

Referee Alistair Gourley sent six people off, four players and two club members, in the heated game between title challengers Kilmacrennan Celtic and Castlefin Celtic.

The disciplinary committee of the League will examine the referee’s report and discuss the sanctions to be handed down.

Ugly scenes marred the game at Flagpole Park in Rathmullan.

The game ended in a 0-0 draw.

Kilmac had Kieran Gorman sent off in the early stages of the game.

With just less than 20 minutes to go, Kilmac were reduced to nine men when Daire McDaid was given his marching orders. Kilmacrennan clubman Adrian Doherty was also banished at the same time.

Deep in stoppage time, the game descended into chaos and the official blew for full time with a fracas ongoing.

After the final whistle, Castlefin player Gary McNulty and Kilmacrenann player Mark Friel were shown red cards, while a member of Kilmac’s backroom staff is understood also to have been reported by the official.

Letterkenny Blaze had an unprecedented four teams in Cup Finals at the Basketball Northern Ireland Junior Cup Finals last weekend. 

The U16 girls claimed the Cup in a thrilling encounter and the U14 girls also won against Queens BC.

In addition, Blaze have three teams who have qualified from the North West area to participate in the All Ireland Club Championships in Gormanston Park, Co Meath over the next four weekends.

U16 Girls Final

Letterkenny Blaze 36 (20) v (13) 31 Andersonstown Tigers

MVP: Maria Kealy Letterkenny Blaze

The U16 girls met Andersonstown Tigers from Belfast in their Cup Final. Shannon Cunningham was effective for Letterkenny Blaze using good footwork to create space to finish.

Blaze’s full-court pressure saw them force turnovers which Maria Kealy finished on.  Blaze lead 10 – 3 at the end of the first.
The second quarter saw some better execution on both sides of the court for Tigers,  some crucial rebounds helping them get out in transition.

The tempo increased with both teams looking to move the ball quicker and try and get some advantages before defences were set. Sineid Otoo, Cunningham and Kealy were the three getting to finish with Kealy in particular impressive when she put the ball on the floor. It finished Blaze 20 – 13 Tigers.
The third quarter saw Tigers keep up their tempo getting to the basket and finishing.

Otoo and Shauna Higgins kept Blaze ticking over. Blaze lead was cut to 3, it was 26 – 23 going into the fourth which saw the game pace increase again with both teams looking to get to the basket. Cunningham and Higgins were getting into their stride for Blaze but it was Kealy who moved the ball and found the open Cunningham that kept Blaze in front and Blaze won out on a 36 – 31 scoreline.

Maria Kealy also won a League All-Star award for her many MVP performances throughout the league.

Maria Kealy receives her MVP award

The U16 Girls have also won the North West league having come undefeated through it.

They will represent the North West Area at All Ireland Club Championships in Gormanston later in April and we wish them every success also.

Letterkenny Blaze: Scorers – S. Cunningham 14, S. Higgins 4, S. Otoo 6, M, Kealy 12, Coaches: Lynda McGuinness and Jay McMenamin

U16 Boys Final

Belfast Star 58 (32) v (22) 36 Letterkenny Blaze

In a highly anticipated last game of the finals, the U16 boys took to the court. Just two baskets separated Blaze from Belfast Star over the course of the league season.

The first quarter lived up to the billing as it went back and forth.

Letterkenny Blaze’s big man Killian Gribben did some damage at both ends of the floor, he had a block and rebound on defence and scored on a nice roll off a ball screen.

For Belfast Star it was also their big man that started well, Iandle Alvarado who had two quick baskets and a nice block. Thomas Reynolds was running the point for Blaze and was in top form in this opening quarter, it finished 13 – 12 to Star.

The second quarter was where the game turned, Star burst out of the starting block with 6 points without reply from Alvarado, Niall Morgan and Tiernan McCloskey got in on the scoring act as well.

This burst put daylight between the two teams and Blaze were never able to cut into it. Star’s transition was awesome and when Blaze got bodies in the paint to stop them, they kicked it out to the shooters who knocked them down.

Reynolds and Gribben kept putting points on the board for Blaze but it was not enough and poor transition defence meant that Star opened the lead to ten points, 32 – 22.
The third quarter was more balanced, Blaze did a better job on defence with James O’Donnell, Daire McGuire and Liam Dowling getting into some rhythm offensively.  Despite their efforts, Blaze couldn’t eat into that lead, it finished 43 – 32 to Star.

The final quarter saw Star up their defensive intensity again.  Dowling and Gribben never gave up and did hit a couple of scores but Star’s stifling defence ensured the win and their record going undefeated for the season, winning both league and cup. It finished Star 58 – 36 Blaze.

In this group, Thomas Reynolds and Killian Gribben were awarded League All-Star Awards for their MVP performances throughout the league.

The U16 boys will also represent NW in All Ireland Club Championships in April in Gormanston.

Letterkenny Blaze: Top Scorers – K. Gribben 19 T. Reynolds 8, J. O’Donnell 4,  L. Dowling 5. Coaches – John Grant and Adam Leadley

U18 Women’s Final

Ulster University Elks 76 (37) v (24) 70 Letterkenny Blaze

In the final game of day one, league champions Ulster University Elks got off to a quick start. Blaze was struggling to find their form and while Shannon Cunningham and Laura Kealy got on the scoreboard for Blaze it was a tough quarter offensively for them.

It finished Elks 21 – 6 Blaze.

The second quarter saw Blaze settle into the game with the Kealy sisters starting to find their rhythm, Blaze did a better job of driving into the lane and not forcing the shot over the length of Rafferty.

Caoimhe Kelly, Katie McGovern, and Aoibheann O’Grady all hit shots when the ball was kicked out and Blaze did a better job of forcing Elks to work for their scores, At half time it was 37 – 24 to Elks.
Letterkenny Blaze to their credit never lay down in this game, after that opening quarter most team would have but they had reduced the deficit to 13 and this was to continue in the third.

Cunningham and Maria Kealy got going in this quarter, Kealy knocked down some big shots from the outside and the ability of Cunningham to put the ball on the floor and get past her defender was crucial to Blaze having their best quarter scoring 24 points.

Elks were not lying back with Rafferty and Mulligan carrying the offensive load.  Going into the fourth it was 58 – 48 Elks.
The final quarter saw Blaze break the 10 point deficit quickly and you saw some belief that they might get right back into this game.

Shauna Higgins and Kealy hit some shots and converted on some poor passing by Elks to get the difference down to 6 but Maguire hit another big triple to steady the ship for Elks, Mulligan and Rafferty continued to finish under pressure and you felt that was it but again Blaze found a way to come back, Cunningham hit a couple of quick scores and got it to a 4 point deficit with less than three minutes to go but no closer.

Elks Maguire and Mulligan made their free throws at the end to keep a 6 point gap and Elks were double winners again at this age group. The game finished 76 – 70.

Shannon Cunningham and Laura Kealy were both awarded League All-Stars for their MVP Performances throughout the league campaign.

This group was also successful in getting to the quarter-final stage of BI National Cup but were unfortunately defeated by Brunell BC who were eventual Cup finalists.

Letterkenny Blaze:  Top Scorers – L. Kealy 17,  S. Cunningham 25,  M. Kealy 12

Coaches – Ian McGeever and Teresa Kealy

Historical sites East Donegal are not getting their share of funding for tourism promotions, Donegal County Councillor Frank McBrearty has claimed.

Additional funding has been sought this week to enhance landmarks in the region such as Beltany Stone Circle and St. Eunan’s Cathedral.

Beltany Stone Circle, located on a hilltop in Raphoe, is an impressive Neolithic monument which is estimated to be 5,000 years old. However, local Cllr McBrearty says that tourists are struggling to find it due to a lack of signage.

In his call for funding for tourism, culture and heritage, Cllr McBrearty said: “The historic nature of the area is unbelievable but we are not getting our share of the cake compared to the rest of the county.”

He asked for the executive to step in an ensure the region receives the same level of support as other areas of Donegal.

“Raphoe is the oldest settlement in this county, we have a heritage site in the country that is one of the oldest in Ireland and nothing is being done with it,” McBrearty told the monthly council meeting.

As a result of the motion, the council has said it will work with the Heritage Office to identify funding sources to promote the specific sites.

Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan has some injury concerns as he prepares for tomorrow night’s clash with Waterford United at the RSC.

With Gareth Harkin and Mark Timlin on the long-term absentee list, Harry Ascroft and Sean Boyd have been ruled out.

Ascroft has a groin strain while Boyd – on loan from Shamrock Rovers – is complaining of a hamstring ailment.

Nathan Boyle is also a doubt due to a bout of sickness.

“Every game we go into, we are underdogs,” Horgan said.

“Every team we play against fancy their chances of taking the three points. That’s the level of the challenge that our lads face every week.

“We gave it a good go against a very good Shamrock Rovers side on Friday night. They were slick in a lot of their play but we worked very hard to combat their attacking threat.

“We didn’t create a lot in terms of chances and that’s been a problem for us in most games.

“When you get an opportunity you have to take them at this level. We had that one when we had three players against two defenders but  there was a delayed pass and the chance was gone.”

Harps have yet to taste a victory this season and are five points behind tomorrow’s opponents.

Waterford overcame St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 a fortnight ago and Horgan said: “The lad Aaron Drinan got two goals in that win over St. Pat’s who are a side that really should challenging the top of the table this season with the panel that Harry Kenny has assembled.

“Waterford put it up to them and got a great result. Alan Reynolds has brought in more players so we’re going to have our work cut out to get anything from this game.

You can see the strength and depth Waterford have when the likes of  Shane Duggan, Georgie Poynton and Izzy Akinade were subs and only came on in the second half against Pat’s.”

Four Finn Harps youngsters are on the Republic of Ireland Schools team that faces Scotland tonight in the Centenary Shield at Somerset Park in Ayr (7pm).

Lee McLaughlin, Jack Doherty, Corey McBride and Daragh Ellison are all on the Irish squad, managed by Finn Harps coach William O’Connor.

Finn Harps senior manager Ollie Horgan is on the backroom team while Milford man and Harps underage physio Mickey McGlynn is also with the Irish side.

McLaughlin, Doherty, McBride and Ellison are all members of Joe Boyle Harps Under-19 panel.

McLaughlin, Doherty and McBride are all from Carndonagh Community School and played in the winning Carn CS team in the Dr Tony O’Neill Cup final.

Ellison (pictured) is a student at St Eunan’s College and was last year’s SSE Airtricity Under-17 League Player of the Year.

This will be the Irish scholar’s first competitive outing while Scotland will be looking to get some valuable points on the board having suffered a narrow one-nil defeat away to Northern Ireland and a two-nil defeat against England at home last week.

Last season, O’Connor’s Ireland enjoyed a three one victory over Scotland to lift the Centenary Shield in Home Farm FC last April.

Following the outing on Thursday, the Republic will have three games on the bounce with England coming to town on April 12. This will be followed a week later with a short trip to Belfast to entertain Northern Ireland who are currently enjoying top spot in the table while our campaign ends with a Welsh visit to Dublin on April 25.

Twelve teams from across the county took part in the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Indoor county finals on Tuesday.

In the boys section were Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana, Craigtown N.S, Carndonagh, Killymard N.S, Barnesnore N.S, Derrybeg N.S, and Dromore N.S.

There was a very high standard of football on display on the day. All teams were very competitive.

An outstanding Killymard team were victorious on the day beating Scoil Iosagain in an exciting final.
Scoil Iosagain, Newton, Glenties, Scoil Eoin Baiste, Scoil Aodh Rua Argus Nuala, Convoy contested the girls competition.

This was another very exciting affair. The final was end to end stuff with Glenties emerging victorious and Newton runners up.

Overall the standard of football on display on the day was excellent.

The future is bright for our County teams.

Good luck to Glenties girls and Killymard boys who go onto represent Donegal in the Ulster final in Meadowbank, Magherafelt next Wednesday.

Donegal manager Declan Bonner has quelled fears that Ciaran Thompson could be a doubt for Donegal’s Championship opener next month.

Thompson was on crutches during last Sunday’s Division 2 win over Kildare in Ballyshannon.

The Naomh Conaill player injured ligaments in his ankle and Bonner insists that the crutches are a precautionary measure.

Thompson will miss this weekend’s Division 2 final against Meath in Croke Park.

However, Bonner confirmed that the Glenties man will return to training well in advance of Donegal’s end-of-May joust with Fermanagh at Brewster Park.

Michael Langan also missed out last week having picked up what Bonner described as ‘a slight strain’ but the St Michael’s man can be expected to return to training in ‘another week’.

Bonner said: “It’s unfortunate for the likes of Ciaran and Michael, but the guys who have come in are doing really well.

“It’s always about the squad and depth within the squad is always key.”

Bonner hailed the impact of emerging players like 18-year-old Oisin Gallen, who was Man of the Match in the 1-20 to 0-10 win against Kildare. Gallen weighed in with four points in the win.

The Donegal manager said: Oisin has coped very, very well. He’s learning and he’s a very-level headed young fella.

“He works extremely hard and wants to improve. He can only improve by playing along with likes of Michael (Murphy), Jamie Brennan and Patrick (McBrearty) when he returns. Oisin is going in the right direction and has been a big positive for us.”

Bricks 4 Kidz are bringing their ever-popular Lego themed camps to seven locations throughout Donegal during the Easter School holidays.

These 4 day camps are the ideal solution for keeping kids entertained and will involve loads of new builds from various Lego movies.

Led by a team of fully Garda-vetted tutors, kids will get to be creative and innovative as they use the custom made Bricks 4 Kidz equipment, including motorised Lego technic and build plans, to build a world of amazing Lego creations.

These extremely popular camps are designed to trigger young children’s lively imaginations and build their self-confidence.

Providing an environment where children can make new friends of the same age and with similar interests by combining team work elements to our camps. While your little master builders are having fun, the activities are also educational.

Dates and locations of camps for Easter 2019:

Monday 15th to Thursday 18th April – 10am to 1pm

• Pinehill Studios Letterkenny
• Lakeside Centre Ballyshannon
• Dolmen centre Portnoo
• Ionad Naomh Padraig Gweedore

Tuesday 23rd to Friday 26th April – 10am to 1pm

• Pinehill Studios Letterkenny
• The Energy Hub Donegal Town
• The Exchange Buncrana
• The Colgan Hall Carndonagh

Cost: 75 Euro for 1 child, 140 Euro for 2 kids, 195 Euro for 3 kids – places strictly limited.

Book now on https://www.bricks4kidz.ie/donegal/easter-camps/ or contact JP on 0863894833

The detective Garda who investigated a deception case involving the sale of a pony to a Donegal man in Majorca, said it took him four and a half years to make contact with the accused.

Michael Kearins, an international showjumper with an address at Knockbeg, Collooney, Co Sligo, who is currently living in the US, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of deception between 24 August 2012 and 19 October 2012.

Businessman Sean Ewing, who lived in Majorca in 2012, has told the court that he had an agreement with Michael Kearins to buy two ponies – a grey and a skewbald – for his two daughters.

But when the ponies arrived, the skewbald was a completely different animal to the one he and his family had viewed in Ireland. He had been expecting a pony known to him as Buddy, but he got one called Spot.

Det Garda Joseph Scanlon told Sligo Circuit Court that on 1 November 2012 he had received a complaint from Sean Ewing and his wife Terri who had purchased two ponies from Mr Kearins.

He said he had got a warrant to access the defendant’s bank account in June 2015 and saw that €10,000 had been received from Sean Ewing on 5 October 2012.

The detective told the jury that he had gone to the home of Mr Kearins’ parents after receiving the complaint and had got a foreign telephone number for the accused but could never get a reply.

Asked why it had taken him until 2 June, 2017 to arrest Mr Kearins under the Theft and Fraud Act, Det Scanlon said “It took me from that length to get him”.

For full story see https://www.rte.ie/news/2019/0328/1039187-pony-sale-sligo-trial/