Finn Harps’ Luke McGlynn has been named in a Republic of Ireland Under-15 squad for two friendly internationals against Czech Republic next week.

McGlynn is one of 15 players on the 18-man panel who are home-based. McGlynn has been a regular feature on Irish squads of late and is again named by Jason Donohoe for next week’s double-header.

“This group has done really well this season,” Donohoe said.

“We got wins against Poland and Hungary and good draws with Spain and the Netherlands. The maturity of this group and the style of football they have played has been a credit to their clubs.

“This is it for the lads at Under-15s. We made some changes to this squad, as we have done for every camp. We’re looking forward to the two games, before the lads move onto Paul Osam’s Under-16s.”

The team play their first match against Czech Republic on April 2 and will meet again on April 4, with both games taking place at Stadium Dobrany.

Tyler Toland and Amber Barrett have been named in a 20-player Republic of Ireland senior squad for an away friendly against Italy.

Toland and Barrett have been called in by Colin Bell, the Ireland senior manager, with the squad set to meet up on Monday ahead of the game on April 9 in Reggio Emilia.

As the Republic of Ireland will face Germany in the their qualifying group, Bell said it is important that the squad faces other top teams as they plan for the campaign.

“I’m hoping for a really good test against Italy, they’re a really strong side so we are total outsiders in this one,” Bell said.

“But we want to compete against the best teams. We beat Wales in the last camp – they are a second seed in the Euros – now we’re aiming to see if we can beat a first-seed team because we have Germany in our group, so we need to be comparing ourselves and battling against these kind of nations to be really prepared for the next campaign.

“Everything now needs to be really focused. In the last camp we could really tell that now that the draw had been made everybody was really programmed and focused and there was a really good buzz around the place, so we want to continue with that and build from that, keep the momentum going.

“All the energy that we have will now just be focused on this Euro campaign.”

Kildrum Tigers midfielder Toland and Peamount United forward Barrett have become integral figures in Bell’s squad.

Declan Bonner says Donegal aren’t taking tomorrow evening’s Division 2 final against Meath lightly.

Although promotion back to the top flight has already been secured, Bonner insists that Donegal are gunning to win tomorrow’s decider at Croke Park.

“We want to finish the League off on a high,” Bonner told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub this week.

“The first target was getting back into Division 1. It’s important for us as a group to be in playing the top teams. It was great to achieve that, but we still have a match to go.

“It’s an opportunity for some of our lads to get into the surroundings. Hopefully Donegal will travel in decent numbers.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Mark Coyle was sent off in the first half as Finn Harps lost for the sixth game in a row as Aaron Drinan’s double fired Waterford to a comfortable win at the RSC.

Waterford 4 Finn Harps 0

Coyle saw red in the 26th minute as he was given a second booking by referee Graham Kelly.

It was a night to forget on the road again for Harps, who haven’t scored a goal away from home this season yet.

Drinan’s double and goals from Shane Duggan and Dean Walsh gave Alan Reynolds’ Waterford the win.

Harps began with Caolan McAleer seeing a stinging volley deflect wide while Matthew Connor, Waterford’s goalkeeper, saved from Niall Logue.

Waterford led when Drinan headed home Rory Feely’s cross.

Daniel O’Reilly whizzed a free kick wide before Waterford took control.

Gallagher palmed away from Duggan, but Drinan netted from the rebound to double the lead.

Duggan clipped in the hosts’ third and Walsh headed in an Akinade cross in added time.

Waterford FC: Matt Connor; Rory Feely, Maxim Kouogun, Damien Delaney, Kevin Lynch (Dean Walsh, 83); Karolis Chvedukas (Bastian Hery, 67), Shane Duggan; Zack Elbouzedi (Ismahil Akinade, 75), JJ Lunney, Scott Twine; Aaron Drinan.

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Sam Todd, Keith Cowan, Niall Logue; Colm Deasy, John Kavanagh (Mark Russell, 73), Mark Coyle, Daniel O’Reilly; Caolan McAleer, Nathan Boyle (Jacob Borg, 36); Raffaele Cretaro (Tony McNamee, 79).

Referee: Graham Kelly

A NEW greenway from Carrigart to Downings could benefit from a multi-million euro fund announced by Rural Development Minister Michael Ring, a local Fine Gael candidate has said.

Eimer Friel, who is standing in the Milford Electoral Area, has welcomed an ongoing consultation project by Donegal County Council.

“So many brilliant projects in Co Donegal have benefitted from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme since it was introduced in 2016,” said Friel.

“I know Donegal County Council are carrying out a consultation and planning process for a proposed greenway/cycleway from Carrigart to Downings and I would urge everyone to engage so that the council application for funding is ready on time.

“It is estimated the cycleway would cost around €300,000 and it would be of enormous benefit to the area, linking the two areas, allowing cyclists to enjoy and explore the wonderful Atlantic Drive. It will be a huge draw for tourists and a wonderful amenity for local people all-year-round.”

Ms Friel added: “In January the Fine Gael-led Government invested €343,660 to support the development of great local outdoor projects with the Great Arch Trail at Pollet, Fanad Head getting funding of €136,200; the Glenties Alter Trail being supported with €30,400; and investment of €177,060 on the Creeslough to Falcarragh stretch of the Letterkenny to Burtonport Greenway.

“I want to thank Donegal County Council officials who work so hard to bring a new imaginative use for outdoor recreation. I would urge them to have all the planning conditions in place so that Carrigart to Downings cycleway/greenway can benefit from this latest round of funding.”
Minister Ring said: “Recreational tourism continues to be a significant growth area, and the natural resources available to us here in Ireland offer great potential to avail of the economic benefits that this type of tourism can bring to rural areas. Over 600 projects throughout the country have been supported by the Scheme since I introduced it in 2016.

“Increasing Activity Tourism is a key pillar of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, and the type of facilities which will be funded through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will include greenways, blueways, walking trails and other recreation infrastructure which will showcase the stunning scenery and wonderful places that Ireland has to offer.

“The amenities funded through this scheme will enhance the quality of life for people who live in, or close to, the supported projects. It will also create better experiences for visitors to rural areas, enhance the tourism offering and support sustainable economic development in rural areas.”

The Royal and Prior Comprehensive School had a piece of history to toast yesterday as their Under-17 team became the first girls team EVER from the school to win a match.

Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny 0 Royal and Prior, Raphoe 3

By Chris McNulty at Loreto

Goals from Amy Wauchope, Rebecca McColgan and Alannah Kee sealed the historic win over Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny.

It was no more than the Royal and Prior girls deserved, their ranks clearly boosted by the sterling work of the local Raphoe Town at underage level in recent years.

Loreto had their moments, but they found Royal goalkeeper Abbie McKnight in inspired form throughout a well contested game.

Wauchope fired the Royal and Prior ahead in the opening moments and it was a blow from which Loreto never fully recovered.

McColgan doubled the lead with a superb free-kick, dispatched wonderfully to the net beyond the reach of Loreto ‘keeper Emma Doherty.

Loreto sparked into life with Hannah Hopkins riffling into the side-netting before the lively Aoife Kelly scampered forward and, having worked a way past McKnight, was denied on the goal-line.

From a Caoimhe Kelly cross, Loreto went close again in the second half, but the visitors were able to clear the danger.

As Loreto probed, they were inches from a breakthrough, but Mya Alcorn thumped a cracking effort against the crossbar.

As the goal-frame shook, the Royal and Prior struck a third as Kee headed home from close range, following another McColgan free.

In the second half, McKnight saved from Hopkins, Kelly and Aleshia Tobin to keep a clean sheet and a seal a perfect afternoon.

Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny: Emma Doherty; Caoimhe Kelly, Coilín Hume, Kathryn Patton, Caitlin Hume; Dervla McCloskey, Aleshia Tobin, Mya Alcorn, Ciara Doherty; Aoife Kelly, Hannah Hopkins Subs used: Gabby O’Donnell, Michaela Carolan, Aoibhinn Randles, Megan McDaid, Clodagh Sweeney.

Royal and Prior, Raphoe: Abbie McKnight; Tori Pearson, Chloe McClafferty, Rebecca Wauchope, Abi-Lee Bell; Julie Wilson, Rebecca McColgan, Alannah Kee, Amy Wauchope; Sophie Dean, Holly Johnston. Subs used: Kelsey Kee, Sarah McMahon, Sarah Wilson, Katelyn Dolan, Katelyn Russell.

Referee: Zak McLaughlin.

Residents in Donegal have been urged to join the global fight against suicide and self-harm on May 11. 

Last year thousands of people registered to attend events around the county raising a total of €136,993 to support our vital services.

This year almost 250,000 participants in over 200 venues across 19 countries and five continents will walk from Darkness Into Light.

The event, organised by Pieta, is a global movement dedicated to ending suicide and supporting those who engage in self-harm.

Speaking on this movement of hope, Marie Peelo, Deputy Director of Funding & Advocacy said: “From rural communities to major cities, suicide is an epidemic that affects all communities.

“In 2017, one person a day died by suicide in Ireland – nobody is immune to suicide.

“We want to live in a world where suicide is replaced by hope, where self-care replaces self-harm and where stigma is replaced by acceptance.

“The only way we can tackle this crisis is together – in our communities, in our places of work, in the sports clubs we are part of. With the help of our community, we can help prevent suicide.”

Since opening its doors 13 years ago, Pieta has heard painful truths from thousands of people who have come to the organisation at the point of suicidal crisis or actively engaging in self-harm, which is one person every 40 seconds.

Worldwide, close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year.

Donegal walkers can register or find their nearest venue online at www.darknessintolight.ie.

With summer just around the corner, the local community turned out in gracious number for the unveiling of Church Hill’s new community park.

Years of work, fundraising and collaborations was celebrated on Friday when the local development group held 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 were in attendance at the event, which was 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.

Check out some of Clive Wasson’s moments of the day below…

Hundreds of people in Donegal are expected to take part in Brexit protests this afternoon as the massive uncertainty over the process continues.

The main focus of the rallies, organised by Border Communities Against Brexit (BCAB), is to protest against the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, hard or soft, on April 12.

The rallies are among six taking place along the border.

Sinn Féin Senator Padraig MacLochlainn has voiced his support for the BCAB protests, which will take place at various locations along the border this afternoon at 3pm.

The Donegal-based Senator said: “I would encourage everyone to make their way to the border this weekend in protest against Brexit. Brexit poses a huge threat to jobs, our border communities, and the two economies on this island.

“A majority of people in the north voted to remain and the Tories along with the DUP are ignoring this democratic mandate. Our rights, economy and agreements must be protected.

“The antics on display at Westminster show clearly the complete disregard the British government has for Ireland, especially our border communities. Join us tomorrow and take a stand against Brexit.”

Further uncertainty over Brexit was thrown in question yesterday when British MPs rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s Withdrawal Agreement for the third time.

A European Council meeting has now been scheduled for April 10 following the rejection of the agreement.

Nikki Bradley will officially start tomorrow morning’s RunDonegal Women’s 5k.

The race gets underway at 11am and registration fee of €10 includes a pink t-shirt – sponsored by the Kelly Group in London, a bottle of water, sponsored by Celtic Water of Monaghan and tea, coffee and a scone sponsored by the Finn Valley Centre.

The proceeds from this weekend’s run and walk will again go to the Brid Carr Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

The RunDonegal Women’s 5K has established itself as one of the biggest races in the north west and attracted a field of almost 800 last year.

Letterkenny woman Nikki Bradley is an adaptive adventurer and motivational speaker, will be a key source of encouragement for the OT leaders when they take on fitness challenges.

Nikki has been battling a rare form of bone cancer since she was 16.

A battle with bone cancer Ewings Sarcoma at the age of 16 resulted in her needing two hip replacements by the age of 26.

She has since used her experience to set a positive example to others by establishing the fitness based awareness campaign called Fighting Fit For Ewing’s.

Daring adventures such as the Four Peaks Challenge, the Fan Dance and scaling Icelandic glaciers are just some of her achievements in recent years.

“RunDonegal Women’s 5K has certainly got progressively bigger over the years and we are encouraging women of all ages to come along on Sunday, get registered and get walking or running,” Grace Boyle, the Chairperson of the RunDonegal Women’s 5k, commented.

“We are hoping the Sunday will see women get back into some regularly walking and running.

“This will be the third year the proceeds will go to the Brid Carr Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and of course, we are also hoping to raise awareness of ovarian cancer through the event.”

Registration at the Finn Valley Centre is ongoing up to 10.30 tomorrow morning.

Finn Valley AC’s Noreen Bonner claimed individual bronze and a team gold at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Toruń.

Bonner finished the half marathon in one hour, 35 minutes and 35 seconds.

That was enough for a brilliant bronze medal in the W60 category. And Bonner led the Irish team to gold.

Noreen Bonner

Bonner was just 15 seconds behind Christine Sachs from Germany, who finished 1:35:20, while the individual gold was won by Spain’s Marcelina Hernaiz in 1:34:15.

Also today, Finn Valley’s Catriona Devine was sixth in the women’s 1,500m (W45) final, finishing in 4:50.60, while club-mate Kieran Carlin was ninth in the men’s 1,500m (M50) final.

Earlier in the week, Mark Connolly was a gold medal winner with Ireland in the 8k cross-country while Kay Byrne took a team bronze.

Sinead McConnell returned a national indoor record of 15:42.88 in the 3000m walk.

Carndonagh Community School’s Jack Doherty is the latest Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Sports Person of the Week, in association with O’Reilly’s.

Doherty bagged 647 votes this week, 50 per cent of the 1,301 polled.

Doherty saw off Donegal senior star Oisin Gallen, who had 365 votes.

Carndonagh Community School won their third Dr Tony O’Neill Senior Cup final, retaining the title they won last year.

Carn defeated Midleton CBS at Whitehall. Doherty was the Carndonagh match-winner. Eight minutes from the end, he rose to head home from a Mikey Friel cross and send Carn on their way.

Each weekly award winner will receive a kitbag, a jacket and a bobble hat, supplied by O’Reilly’s.

The award winners are 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.

Five schools in Donegal are set to partake in an energy-saving pilot scheme rolled out by the Department of Climate Action. 

However, despite the introduction to 17 schools around the country, Independent TD Thomas Pringle says that more investment is needed so that schools and public buildings can generate renewable energy, not just reduce it.

Speaking on Friday, Pringle said: “I’m delighted to see that five schools in Donegal will receive funding under this pilot project in an effort to reduce energy consumption.

“But I believe if the minister was serious about addressing climate change more funding should be provided to ensure schools can generate renewable energy to sell on the grid and provide much-needed funding.

“Schools are important institutions in our communities and have already fostered future leaders as the younger generation begin to take on campaigns calling for greater climate action.

“Students from schools across Ireland and across the globe have been partaking in climate strikes demanding that Governments act now on climate change.”

Pringle’s calls were echoed by councillor Sinead Maguire who said Fine Gael needs to speed up its response to climate change if the planet is to be protected for today’s school children.

“The government now needs to step up its own activity to stop climate change play Ireland’s role in safeguarding the planet,” Maguire said.

“We need to cut our polluting emissions in half by 2030 and to near zero by 2050, which means Irish emissions have to fall 6-7% year-on-year, every year, from now to 2050.

“Young people clearly understand the urgency of the need to take action now.  The government needs to match their passion for change.”

For some people, cravings for certain types of food seem to arise when they are in a place emotionally, where they are vulnerable.

It may happen consciously or unconsciously, but the urge to eat will get stronger along with these emotions.

Many health and dietary goals have been hampered by emotional eating.

There are different types of things that can cause these emotions to occur and they are usually a form of stress.
Stresses such as;

• Financial stress,
• Relationship stress,
• Workplace stress,
• Health issues
• Fatigue and burnout can also have an effect.

So, when it comes to emotional eating, it isn’t as simple as saying;
‘if you want it bad enough’ or ‘all you have to do is….’

Although, if you look at any of the hundreds of Instagram ‘Fitspo’ accounts that are around at the moment and their neat little ‘memes’, they would have you believe that it is.

These motivational posts simply don’t work. If they did, there wouldn’t be a problem.

Yes, they can give a small boost in the right situation, but they will be fleeting and won’t give any concrete help.

With emotional eating, we need to look at what the actual triggers are that are causing the problems and take steps to address these.

Once you know ‘WHY’ you are eating for comfort, then you can look at how to solve the issue.

So, yes, be mindful of what you are eating, but look at the times when the binging happens and take note of how you were feeling at those times and what set off the urge to eat.

Once these issues have been addressed, the cravings and weight loss issues can be addressed also.

Stress.
 If stress contributes to your emotional eating, try and find ways to de-stress.
Meditation, relaxation techniques, sensory tools like stress balls, get a massage, go to a spa, have a day out with friends or read a book and shut off all electronic devices.
Whatever works for you to relax and de-stress, do more of that.

Be honest about your hunger.
Are you really hungry, or are you just bored or stressed?
If you ate just a few hours ago and aren’t showing signs of actual hunger, you’re probably not really hungry.
take some time before you start eating to give the craving time to pass.
Go for a walk, read a book, drink a large glass of water or some coffee, get out of the house and occupy yourself some other way than going to the fridge or cupboard.

Keep a food diary.
A food diary is something that I mention frequently in my articles. It is simply the best way to hold yourself accountable for what you put in your mouth.
Write down what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, how you’re feeling when you eat and how hungry you are.
This will give you a better idea of what sets off your binging and why it happens.

Support.
If people don’t know that you are trying to add changes to your life, they won’t be able to support you. So, let them know that you are starting and ask for support.
You would be surprised at how people can hamper your goals with comments and behaviour that will put you off.
so, nip it in the bud straight away and tell them to support you or stay clear.

Take away temptation.
Don’t keep supplies of comfort foods in your home if they’re hard for you to resist. If they are not there, you can’t eat them.
Also, don’t go food shopping when tired, hungry or stressed, because you will just buy things that you eat when you are stressed.
If it’s already in the house, throw it out and don’t use your family, friends or partners as an excuse to keep them around.

Don’t deprive yourself.
Do not aim for 100% when trying to lose weight, you WILL FAIL. Instead, aim for 90%.
This will give you some leeway throughout the week to have a ‘free meal’ where you can eat what you like guilt free.

Snack healthy.
Snack on fruit, chopped veg sticks and small portions of nuts, protein bars, Greek yoghurt, quark, cured meats etc. They are a quick, simple and easy way to snack and you are less likely to go on a binge with them.

Finally:

Do not beat yourself up about setbacks with your diet. Everyone falls off the wagon. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing to remember is that you have to have a healthy relationship with food first. Once that is in place, the weight will take care of itself.
#leanin2019

These are just some of the tips I give to the members from my Lean in 2019 program.

Our next block of classes starts this Monday, April 1^st and if you want to get in shape for Summer, we can help you to get a head start on that now.

You can find out more through the link below.
https://www.rushefitness.ie/class/lean-in-2019-gym-plan/

* Emmet is the owner and operator of Rushe Fitness LTD

The issue of inconsistency in the employment of contractors by prequalification or shortlisting for state contracts has been raised in the Dáil. 

Pat the Cope Gallagher elevated the issue on Friday saying contractors based in Donegal were ‘being denied the right to even tender for a contract’.

He said: “What I am requesting is a level playing field for Donegal contractors and firms, at present on many occasions due to different pre-selection criteria they are excluded on the basis of lower than required annual turnover.

“Many of the criteria listed as required for pre-selection do not take into account the construction activity within the county.

“The failure to take into account the relevant activity of the county is causing a severe disadvantage for Donegal firms,” he added,” Gallagher added.

“These same firms’ employ local people in their companies and have the potential to create even greater employment within the county.

“What I am asking for from the Government is for them to immediately put in place a policy which would be procedurally consistency right across the board,” he said.

“That focuses on the contractors’ ability to deliver the contract, previous workmanship and ability to deliver the contract rather than on sky-high annual turnovers which bear no connection to the other criteria I listed.

In creating equality of access for all contractors across the country, firms and contractors in Donegal will get a fair and equal opportunity to access state contracts and by extension of that a better opportunity to sustain and expand their companies and further create more employment within our county.”

It was a mixed day results wise for the Finn Harps underage sides with Declan Boyle’s side winning 2-0 away to Sligo Rovers with Carndonagh lad Luke Rudden finding the back of the net for one of the goals.

Meanwhile, in Castlebar both the Harps U15s and U13s were in action against Mayo Schoolboy League sides. Paul McBride’s 15s drew 1-1 with Jamie Harris the scorer for the visitors in the 76th minute.

However, it was defeat for Kevin McHugh’s 13s 3-2 against the hosts. Shaun Patton and Tiernan McGinty were the scorers for the visitors.

After losing their first league game, Declan Boyle will be happy with the result at the Sligo IT Grounds this afternoon and the U17s will now hope to build on this result after the early season interruptions which saw two games postponed.

It’s been a decent start to the season for new Harps U15 boss McBride with a home win and two away draws in the opening three matches of the campaign.

Conor Campbell was Man of the Match in today’s draw in Castlebar against Mayo. And it was a good day for Jamie Harris who found the back of the net again.

The Harps 13s played their first ever competitive match away from home but it ended in a 3-2 defeat against Mayo at Solar Park.

Still, it’s very early stages and Kevin McHugh’s boys do already have a victory to their credit at home to Sligo Rovers last week.

Shaun Patton who scored a hat-trick in that match in Illistrin was among the goals again along with big midfielder Tiernan McGinty.

Michael Murphy praised Donegal’s ‘perseverance’ as they lifted the Allianz League Division 2 crown yesterday evening.

Donegal hit back from eight points down to score an eventually-impressive 1-17 to 1-15 win over Meath at Croke Park.

“Victory is important,” Murphy told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“Eight points down, it was important to show a bit of perseverance, a bit of heart and a bit of a performance. Up until that it was very poor.  To turn around from that deficit was a key one.

“We felt we did nothing whatsoever. With or without the ball, we didn’t do ourselves justice. We went ahead and stamped our own authority on the game.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan says Mark Coyle’s early sending off completely changed Friday night’s game in Waterford.

Harps fell to a heavy 4-0 defeat – their sixth successive loss – after Coyle was dismissed in the 26^th minute. Coyle picked up a second yellow card and Horgan believes that was the turning point in the game.

“Up until that, we probably shaded the game,” Horgan said.

“Waterford were frustrated, the crowd were frustrated and I thought: ‘Yeah, this is a chance for us to get points on the road’.

“The sending off after 25-odd minutes changed the complexion of the game fully. I’m not saying we’d have got anything but certainly it would have been a lot tighter.

“Whatever chance we had with 11, we’re not strong enough with 10, especially on the road.

“They gained almost total possession. When Waterford are good, they’re very good.

“When the first goal went in, it was always going to be a long struggle. They ran out very comfortable winners in the end.”

Bottom-of-the-table Harps were saved somewhat with UCD losing 3-1 at Shamrock Rovers with the Hoops netting a brace late on when the Students looked as if they might take something from the game.

Harps return to action on Monday night when they host Sligo Rovers in the EA Sports Cup.

Horgan will make considerable changes to his line-up. He said: “It’s no harm to have a game to try and get over a heavy defeat.

“The pressure is off a little bit. We’ll have a look at a few different options with lads who have been very good at training. It might be the breath of fresh air that we need.”

New plans to renovate a Milford site into a €2 million housing development has prompted serious questions over its locality. 

Ahead of a decision by the Donegal County Council on April 22, the owners of the old Milford Hotel have submitted plans for a mix of town houses, apartments and a car park in the area.

Kevin Connor, the owner of the property, initially wanted to find a buyer for the hotel but when it failed to attract a buyer the family decided to go ahead with their own plans.

However, since the planning application was submitted, questions have been raised about the location of the development.

Councillor Liam Blaney, who is adamant he wouldn’t stand in the way of any possible development, has queried issues the further housing could cause to the town.

Speaking to Donegal Daily, Blaney said: “Anything that improves the area or gives it a bit of life again, I would welcome it and I wouldn’t stand in its way.

“But I just wouldn’t be so sure of this development because it could potentially cause traffic disruption in the area and I wouldn’t know where all the cars would park because there are houses across the road from the hotel as well.

“It is quite a narrow junction and I know already that large vehicles have trouble getting through the area on the regular,” he added.

“I thought whatever was going to be done with that site would help improve the turning manoeuvres at that junction to make it safer for pedestrians.

“I don’t want to come across like I am trying to interfere with this process because I am absolutely not doing that,” Blaney said.

“It is just a question of whether another commercial site would be more suitable for the centre of the town in Milford.”

Blaney also fears that the public doesn’t know enough about the property development despite a public consultation being issued by the council.

“The problem as well is with the public and whether they know what is going on here,” the councillor added.

“In the likes of public consultations, the public doesn’t respond until it is too late and then when the diggers come to town, people come and say they didn’t know anything about it.

“I would still like to know what they have to say about it regardless, whether that is to me or to other councillors if they didn’t know about it already.

“The bottom line is, it would bring further life to Milford but I’m just not convinced yet that the site is suitable for that development at this minute.”

Donegal record-breaker Neil McGee says the Division 2 final win can act as a spur for Declan Bonner’s new-look side.

With Donegal’s ship leaking water, Bonner sent McGee in as a 13^th minute substitute. It was the Gaoth Dobhair man’s 174^th Donegal appearance and beyond Colm McFadden’s previous 173 record.

McGee’s presence was crucial as Donegal overturned an early eight-point deficit to get their hands on the prize.

“It’s a great feeling, particularly to do it here at Croke Park in a national final,” McGee told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“That makes it sweeter and to get the win tops it off.”

McGee was a Division 1 winner with Donegal in 2007 and a Division 2 winner in 2011.

McGee was a late-comer to this squad due to his club commitments with Gaoth Dobhair.

But the former three-time All-Star has been impressed by what he’s seen so far.

McGee said: “It’s great to get a bit of silverware. There isn’t that much silverware going around.

“Particularly for the younger boys, Declan has blooded a lot of them through the League. The material is there. You see a lot of teams going away with no silverware, so this is a good start for them.”

Listen to the full interview below …