The All-County Football Leagues swing into action this weekend with a full programme of games down for decision.

St Michael’s and Milford got Division 1 up and running with an early game on Sunday, brought forward from a later date.

This weekend, all the top flight teams are in action with Gaoth Dobhair hosting Naomh Conaill in a repeat of the 2018 Donegal SFC final. For Gaoth Dobhair, it is a swift return to action just eight weeks after their All-Ireland Club SFC semi-final defeat by Corofin.

Kilcar welcome Glenswilly to Towney, St Eunan’s host newly-promoted Sean MacCumhaills, Bundoran – who have also stepped into Division 1 – are at home to Milford, while St Michael’s have home advantage in a derby game against Cloughaneely.

Here is a full list of this week’s GAA action

SRB U12 Div 2
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: The Banks, (Round 2), Naomh Muire Lower Rosses V St Naul’s GAA Club 18:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 2), Kilcar V Killybegs 18:00, Ref: TBC

SRB U12 Div 3
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Naomh Brd, (Round 2), Naomh Bríd V Bundoran 00:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Na Rossa, (Round 2), Na Rossa V Pettigo 00:00, Ref: TBC

Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Division 1
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 1), Kilcar V Glenswilly 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: St Eunan’s, (Round 1), St Eunan’s V Sean Mac Cumhaill 15:00, Ref: Robert O Donnell
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Gaoth Dobhair, (Round 1), Gaoth Dobhair V Naomh Conaill 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Gaelic Park, (Round 1), Bundoran V Milford 15:00, Ref: Greg Mc Groary
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: St Michael’s, (Round 1), St Michael’s V Cloughaneely 15:00, Ref: Connie Doherty

Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Division 1 Reserve
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 1), Kilcar V Glenswilly 13:30, Ref: Anthony Mc Callig
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: St Eunan’s, (Round 1), St Eunan’s V Sean Mac Cumhaill 13:30, Ref: Dermot Mc Colgan
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Gaoth Dobhair, (Round 1), Gaoth Dobhair V Naomh Conaill 13:30, Ref: Martin Mc Kinley
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Gaelic Park, (Round 1), Bundoran V Milford 13:30, Ref: Gerard Jnr Mc Hugh
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: St Michael’s, (Round 1), St Michael’s V Cloughaneely 13:30, Ref: Siobhan Coyle

Marley Travel Division 2
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Termon, (Round 1), Termon V Ardara 15:00, Ref: Michael Mc Shane
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Pairc na nGael, (Round 1), Naomh Columba V Glenfin 15:00, Ref: Val Murray
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Dungloe, (Round 1), Dungloe V Killybegs 15:00, Ref: Liam Mc Conigley
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 1), Four Masters V St Naul’s GAA Club 15:00, Ref: Seamus Mc Gonagle
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Father Tierney Park, (Round 1), Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V Buncrana 15:00, Ref: Marc Brown

Marley Travel Division 2 Reserve
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Termon, (Round 1), Termon V Ardara 13:30, Ref: Shane Toolan
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Pairc na nGael, (Round 1), Naomh Columba V Glenfin 13:30, Ref: Mark Dorrian
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Dungloe, (Round 1), Dungloe V Killybegs 13:30, Ref: David O Callaghan
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 1), Four Masters V St Naul’s GAA Club 13:30, Ref: Ryan Walsh
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Father Tierney Park, (Round 1), Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V Buncrana 13:30, Ref: TBC

Yes Chef Catering Division 3
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 1), Burt V Fanad Gaels 18:30, Ref: Pat Barrett
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: Naomh Brd, (Round 1), Naomh Bríd V Naomh Colmcille 18:30, Ref: Declan Callaghan
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Pairc Aodh Rua, (Round 1), Red Hughs V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 15:00, Ref: Leo Devenney
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Naomh Ultan, (Round 1), Naomh Ultan V Convoy 15:00, Ref: Kevin Mc Ginley
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Pairc Na nDunaibh, (Round 1), Downings V Malin 15:00, Ref: Tony Gallagher

Jimmy McGlynn Catering Division 4
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin, (Round 1), Naomh Pádraig Muff V Moville 18:00, Ref: Trevor Maloney
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: Crampsey Park, (Round 1), Urris V Robert Emmets 18:00, Ref: Shaun Mc Laughlin
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: TBC, (Round 1), Naomh Pádraig Lifford V Na Rossa 18:30, Ref: Mark Mc Glinchey
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Pettigo, (Round 1), Pettigo V Carndonagh 15:00, Ref: TBC

Yes Chef Catering Region 1
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: Sean Mac Cumhaill, (Round 1), Sean Mac Cumhaill V Glenfin 18:00, Ref: Pat Walsh
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Pairc Aodh Rua, (Round 1), Red Hughs V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 13:30, Ref: Joe O Donnell
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Naomh Ultan, (Round 1), Naomh Ultan V Convoy 13:30, Ref: Eugene Mc Cale
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Naomh Brd, (Round 1), Naomh Bríd V Letterkenny Gaels 13:30, Ref: Lee Jordan

Yes Chef Catering Region 2
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: Glenswilly, (Round 1), Glenswilly V Carndonagh 17:00, Ref: Don Langan
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 1), Burt V Fanad Gaels 17:00, Ref: TBC
Sat, 06 Apr, Venue: Crampsey Park, (Round 1), Urris V St Eunan’s 17:00, Ref: Paul Clifford
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Pairc Na nDunaibh, (Round 1), Downings V Malin 13:30, Ref: Dermot Mc Colgan

Senior Hurling League
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Sean Mac Cumhaill, (Round 2), Sean Mac Cumhaill V St Eunan’s 18:30, Ref: Trevor Maloney
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Setanta, (Round 2), Setanta V Buncrana 18:30, Ref: Hugo Wallace

Darren Downey/Gary McLaughlin Cup
Tue, 02 Apr, Venue: Naomh Colmcille, (Round 5), Naomh Colmcille V Burt 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 02 Apr, Venue: Moville, (Round 5), Moville V Steelstown 18:15, Ref: Sean Mc Daid
Tue, 02 Apr, Venue: Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin, (Round 5), Naomh Pádraig Muff V Malin 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 02 Apr, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 5), Buncrana V Urris 18:15, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 6), Buncrana V Malin 18:15, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Pairc Brid, (Round 6), Steelstown V Naomh Colmcille 18:15, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Moville, (Round 6), Moville V Naomh Pádraig Muff 18:15, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 6), Burt V Carndonagh 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 09 Apr, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 7), Buncrana V Moville 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 09 Apr, Venue: Naomh Colmcille, (Round 7), Naomh Colmcille V Naomh Pádraig Muff 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 09 Apr, Venue: Crampsey Park, (Round 7), Urris V Malin 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 09 Apr, Venue: Carndonagh, (Round 7), Carndonagh V Steelstown 18:15, Ref: TBC

Inishowen Board U16 League
Tue, 02 Apr, Venue: Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin, (Round 5), Naomh Pádraig Muff V Malin 18:15, Ref: Martin Mc Kinley
Tue, 02 Apr, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 5), Buncrana V Urris 18:15, Ref: Dermot Mc Colgan
Tue, 02 Apr, Venue: Naomh Colmcille, (Round 5), Naomh Colmcille V Burt 18:30, Ref: Aidan Mc Aleer
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 6), Burt V Carndonagh 18:15, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 6), Buncrana V Malin 18:15, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Moville, (Round 6), Moville V Naomh Pádraig Muff 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 09 Apr, Venue: Crampsey Park, (Round 7), Urris V Malin 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 09 Apr, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 7), Buncrana V Moville 18:15, Ref: TBC
Tue, 09 Apr, Venue: Naomh Colmcille, (Round 7), Naomh Colmcille V Naomh Pádraig Muff 18:15, Ref: TBC

Junior Hurling League
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Omagh, (Round 2), Omagh St Enda’s V Letterkenny Gaels 18:30, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Carndonagh, (Round 2), Carndonagh V Sean Mac Cumhaill 18:30, Ref: Pat Walsh

Minor Hurling League 
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: Father Tierney Park, (Round 3), Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V St Eunan’s 18:30, Ref: TBC
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: Setanta, (Round 3), Setanta V Dungloe 18:30, Ref: TBC
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 3), Burt V Buncrana 18:30, Ref: TBC

NRB U12 Division 1
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: Pairc Uí Shiail, (Round 2), Fanad Gaels V Gaoth Dobhair 18:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: Sean Mac Cumhaill, (Round 2), Sean Mac Cumhaill V Glenswilly 18:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: Glenfin, (Round 2), Glenfin V Letterkenny Gaels 18:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: St Eunan’s, (Round 2), St Eunan’s V Cloughaneely 18:30, Ref: TBC

NRB U12 League Division 2 
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: Pairc Aodh Rua, (Round 2), Red Hughs V St Eunan’s 18:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: Glenswilly, (Round 2), Glenswilly V Sean Mac Cumhaill 18:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: Moyle Park, (Round 2), Milford V Downings 18:30, Ref: TBC

NRB U12 Division 3
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: Termon, (Round 2), Termon V Convoy 17:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: TBC, (Round 2), Naomh Pádraig Lifford V Robert Emmets 18:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 08 Apr, Venue: St Michael’s, (Round 2), St Michael’s V St Eunan’s 18:30, Ref: TBC

NRB U16 League Divison 1
Tue, 02 Apr, Venue: Mac Cumhaill Park, (Round 3), Robert Emmets V Sean Mac Cumhaill 18:45, Ref: TBC

SRB U16 Div 1
Wed, 03 Apr, Venue: Father Tierney Park, (Round 6), Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V Naomh Conaill 18:30, Ref: Eugene Mc Hale
Wed, 03 Apr, Venue: Dungloe, (Round 6), Dungloe V Four Masters 18:30, Ref: Robert O Donnell
Sun, 07 Apr, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 2), Four Masters V Naomh Conaill 18:45, Ref: Eugene Mc Hale

SRB U12 Div 1
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: Pairc na nGael, (Round 1), Naomh Columba V Dungloe 18:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Glenties, (Round 2), Naomh Conaill V Ardara 18:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 2), Four Masters V Naomh Columba 18:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 05 Apr, Venue: Dungloe, (Round 2), Dungloe V Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon 18:00, Ref: TBC

U14 Hurling League 
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: Carndonagh, (Round 2), Carndonagh V Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon 18:30, Ref: TBC
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 2), Four Masters V Letterkenny Gaels 18:30, Ref: TBC
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: Dungloe, (Round 2), Dungloe V St Eunan’s 18:30, Ref: TBC
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 2), Buncrana V Burt 18:30, Ref: TBC
Thu, 04 Apr, Venue: Sean Mac Cumhaill, (Round 2), Sean Mac Cumhaill V Setanta 19:00, Ref: TBC

SRB U16 Div2
Wed, 03 Apr, Venue: Gaelic Park, (Round 7), Bundoran V Ardara 18:30, Ref: Shane Toolan
Wed, 03 Apr, Venue: Naomh Ultan, (Round 7), Naomh Ultan V Naomh Columba 18:30, Ref: Lee Jordan
Wed, 03 Apr, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 7), Kilcar V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 18:30, Ref: Anthony Mc Callig
Wed, 03 Apr, Venue: Páirc Gearóid O’Gallachóir, (Round 7), St Naul’s GAA Club V Naomh Brid/ Pettigo 18:30, Ref: Owen Doherty

Sunday afternoon saw Letterkenny Gaels GAA club break new ground as they played their first adult hurling match in the new County Junior Hurling League.

The game was played at Páirc na nGael in glorious spring sunshine.
On the day, the experienced Ballyshannon outfit won the match but the Gaels showed great heart and determination and look forward to their next game against away to St. Enda, Omagh.

Letterkenny Gaels Hurlers: Back row – Brian Diver, Niall Diver, Cathair Doherty, Rory Boyce, Oisin Kelly, Myles Mulgrew, Peter O’Donnell, Enda Kerrane, Brendan Finney, Patrick Page, Paul Brady, Conor Boyce (C).

Front row – Stephen Doherty, Colm Gallagher, Jack Winters, Ray Winters, Stephen Gallagher, Sean O’Baoghaill, Patrick Kelly.

Referee, John Joe Doherty from Carndonagh,  who took charge of the first adult Hurling match at Páirc na nGael with the Aodh Ruadh and Letterkenny Gaels captains Ciaran Rooney and Rory Boyce.

Gardaí are appealing for information after a masked man invaded a home and business in Stranorlar last night.

A home and florists were targetted in the incidents, in which the thief made off with cash and charity boxes from the store.

The alert was first sparked in the early hours of Tuesday morning (approx 1.30am) when a man entered a home in Berryfield. Entry was gained via a broken lock on the patio door.

A resident of the house came face to face with the intruder after being startled by the noise.

Garda Grainne Doherty said: “A man heard a noise and he went downstairs and the male involved was there, facing him in his kitchen area. No words were exchanged between them and the male concerned left through the patio door as soon as he saw him.”

It is not believed that anything was taken.

Garda Doherty said: “Possibly he disturbed him at the right time before he got a chance to ransack the place.”

The suspect is described as 5 ft 8 inches in height, a heavy build and wearing a dark tracksuit with his hood up and a black mask.

A man of the same description was then caught on CCTV in the local flower shop a short time later.

While attending the incident at Berryfield, Gardaí were alerted to an activated alarm at the florists. The thief had damaged the door and taken charity boxes and the float from the till.

This incident is thought to have taken place at 1.40am.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information relating to the burglaries to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 0749167100 or ring the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.

Every year there are hundreds of incidents at road works sites that put road workers lives at risk and Local Authorities from around Ireland including Donegal County Council have joined forces to highlight the dangers that exist on a daily basis at road works sites.

“Road works are a place of work for thousands of people and these workers have a right to expect a safe working environment” says Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer with Donegal County Council.

“For this reason the message is simple – a line of cones won’t stop a speeding car but you can. We know drivers want to get home but so do our workers – see the cones obey the zones.”

He added “we are urging drivers to slow down and obey set speed limits at road works. Motorists who don’t obey these speed limits are putting not only their own lives at risk but also the lives of road workers and other road users.

“We are asking motorists to follow the temporary road signage on display, stay alert for road workers and machinery and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and not to break the red light or ignore the flagmans stop sign.”

Donegal County Council is part of a national campaign being led by Local Authority Road Safety Officers from all over Ireland known as “Orange Cone Safety Zone Week”.

Brian O’Donnell added “For some reason a small minority of drivers still find it acceptable to put road workers lives in danger by not driving at the legal speed limit when they drive through road works.

“This campaign aims to remind road users that road works are like any other work place, and all workers have as much right to work in a safe environment, whether it is on a road works site or in an office. The message is clear – A line of cones won’t stop a speeding car but you can. We know you want to get home but so do our workers – see the cones obey the zones.”

Donegal Tile Centre and Rossview Interiors based in Letterkenny has a vacancy for a Store Person/Delivery Driver.

The candidate must have the ability to work on their own initiative, be efficient and tidy.
Have the ability to learn quickly and have a flexible attitude to working hours.

Main duties will include picking out customer orders and outgoing deliveries.
Receiving incoming deliveries and putting into stock.

A full clean driving license, forklift and manual handing passes are essential.

To apply for this position, please send your CV by email to info@donegaltilecentre.com

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a senseless attack on a home in Letterkenny.

The residents of a home at Binnion Avenue in Glencar received a fright on Tuesday last when two windows were smashed at the front of their house.

The incident occurred at around 11.40pm on Tuesday, 26th March.

A Garda spokesperson said that they are not aware of the motive behind the incident, however, they are appealing for information on two youths who were spotted leaving the scene.

Anyone with any information which may help the investigation is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 0749167100 or call the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Work will begin on a new €2.5M primary health care centre in Dunfanaghy within six to eight weeks after a decision to grant planning permission was given by planners today.

The new health centre will be constructed by local building firm Stewart Brothers.

Local election candidate Michael McClafferty announced the progress update today and said: “This is wonderful news for Dunfanaghy and the surrounding areas.”

“I want to commend Minister Joe McHugh for his work in bringing this to fruition today and I also want to commend the Stewart brothers, the HSE and Donegal County Council officials who have worked so hard to come up with plans for a superb modern building.

“The new primary healthcare centre is badly needed. When completed in mid-2020, it will provide a range of health services to people across this part of north Donegal. An ambulance station will be included in the new plans.”

Mr McClafferty, who is standing for Fine Gael, explained: “Today’s decision allows a further 28 days for public consultation. There weren’t any objections to the project so far and I don’t believe there will be any over the next month. The people of the town need this centre and want to see it completed on time.

“I understand the legal documentation involving the Stewart brothers and the HSE is at an advanced stage and the builders hope to be on site by the end of May.

“The provision of health care through primary care centres like the one we are going to get in Dunfanaghy is the future of our health system.”

Donegal Minister Joe McHugh added: “The design of the new building is first class. It will be a bright, modern building with loads of natural light, open spaces and clinic space designed for the delivery of modern healthcare.

“A range of healthcare services will be provided including dental, Occupational Therapy, speech and language therapy and of course our brilliant public health nurses. I want to thank the HSE Estates team and the Stewart Brothers for their collaboration in producing a brilliant vision for the new primary care centre.”

Cancer care at Letterkenny University Hospital is to be improved with the appointment of a second breast cancer surgeon on a permanent basis.

The confirmation comes two years after the much-needed post was first announced in April 2017. A locum consultant was assigned in the interim, while campaigners and patient advocacy groups continuously lobbied for assurance of a permanent position.

Minister Joe McHugh has today confirmed that the recruitment process is underway.

He said: “The appointment of a second breast cancer surgeon on a permanent contract in Letterkenny is an important development for health services in Donegal and the North-West.

“The National Cancer Control Programme has confirmed the appointment in order to meet the need of patients in Donegal and neighbouring counties.  The recruitment process is underway.

“The new post offers patients and their families more assurances about the care available in LUH and the Government’s commitment to the hospital and healthcare in the North-West.”

Mr McHugh, Minister for Education and Skills, also praised the work of campaigners, including Betty Holmes and Noelle Duddy, who have been raising the importance of cancer care in LUH for several years.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the determination of consultant surgeon Michael Sugrue on the issue of cancer care in Donegal and the National Cancer Control Programme for giving LUH such focus and consideration,” Minister McHugh said.

“The news of the new breast surgeon appointment also comes as LUH management confirmed that nurses have been recruited at the hospital to ensure the new Short Stay ward opens at the end of the month. Both of these are important developments for LUH and for healthcare in the North-West.”

Job Vacancy: A leading seafood bar in Downings requires staff to join their hard-working and enthusiastic environment. 

The bar now requires front of house and kitchen staff for the right candidates who are not afraid of hard work.

The roles will consist of a four day work weeks with good rates of pay.

To apply, send a CV to info@fiskseafoodbar.com

Councillor Gerry Crawford has called on Donegal County Council to carry out a review of all speed limit signs in the county.

The Porthall-based Fianna Fáil Councillor says the Council must ensure that all speed signs are both visible and positioned correctly.

Councillor Crawford highlighted an example at the entrance to the Ard Baithin housing estate in St Johnston.

“A high number of road traffic collisions have been recorded at this location,” Councillor Crawford said.

“I would call on all drivers to slow down and help improve road safety.

“All of us have a part to play in our own safety and the safety of others.”

The country’s latest lotto millionaire almost didn’t get a chance to collect his huge cheque – after he forgot to take his winning ticket to lottery headquarters in Dublin today.

Odhran Doherty, 23, became a millionaire on Saturday night last after dad Liam gave him what proved to be a winning lotto ticket.

The young farmer, from The Glebe in Letterkenny, couldn’t believe his luck as he drove by chauffeur-driven limousine to Dublin today.

But Odhran revealed how he was forced to tell the driver to turn back after he forgot to take his winning ticket with him.

He said “I almost wasn’t collecting the money at all. We were up the road and heading towards Lifford when I realised I didn’t have the ticket.

“I had to ask the driver to do a quick turnaround and head back to the house where I had the ticket hidden away.

“Can you imagine if I had landed all the way to Dublin and they had asked for the ticket and I didn’t have it. How embarrassing would that have been?”

And in a bizarre twist of luck, dad Liam has revealed how he is related to another lucky Donegal lotto winner who picked up his cheque just a few weeks ago.

Pensioner Charlie Meehan, 84 was the toast of Donegal in February when he scooped €500,000 in the Euromillions draw.

Bizarrely, both Liam and Odhran are working on a shed at Charlie’s house.

Att he time Charlie said he had already won the lotto even before his numbers came up after he overcame cancer.

Liam revealed “I am related to Charlie on my mother’s side and I was so delighted when I heard he had won the lotto. It couldn’t happen to a nicer man. Charlie is an absolute gentleman.

“Little did I think that we would be collecting one million euro ourselves just a few weeks later.”

Killybegs-based chef Mairead Anderson will become the latest chef from the county to fly the flag for Donegal when she heads to Kinsale this week to represent the county at the 9th All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off.

The Galway native came to Donegal first in 1996 when she attended college in Killybegs and she eventually settled here with her college romance Garry, with whom she has two children, Jamie (12) and Bethany (9).

Indeed Garry’s influence is to be found in Mairead’s winning entry, something she is quick to acknowledge.

“Seafood chowder is Garry’s recipe. Garry was a chef for 20 years and in my opinion his chowder is exactly what seafood chowder should be – done traditionally and finely tuned over the years.”

The All-Ireland Chowder Cook-Off will feature professional restaurant chefs and makers of commercial chowders, each selected to represent their county, in competition for the title of All-Ireland Chowder Champion.

Mairead will be travelling to the competition confident that their chowder, made to Garry’s recipe, will be well in the running.

“Garry’s chowder is made using the stock of the finest fish like turbot and monk. We make a roux and it is made slowly and with a lot of love. It is made using only the finest ingredients, but Garry does add a secret ingredient that makes the chowder his own.”

Head of Enterprise in Donegal, Michael Tunney, took the opportunity to wish Mairead and Garry – who own the Seafood Shack in Killybegs – the very best of luck in the competition, describing them as “great ambassadors for the county.”

He added that the opportunity to attend the All-Ireland Chowder competition is just one of many benefits of being involved and active in the Food Coast in Donegal.

“Donegal Food Coast has the role of acting as a central platform for establishing Donegal as a “food county” – a place with a vibrant food culture and food economy.

There has been real momentum building across this sector and it is all about raising awareness of what we have on our county locally and what we can do with our produce. We are delighted to be in a position to assist and ensure that Donegal is represented at this prestigious national competition.”

Mairead is certainly glad of the opportunity.

There were jubilant celebrations at Lotto HQ today as Donegal farmer Odhrán Doherty (23) became Ireland’s newest Lotto millionaire.

Odhrán was joined by his family and girlfriend Jessica he claimed the €1 million top prize from the Lotto Plus 1 draw from last Saturday with a ticket gifted to him from his dad Liam.

Odhrán – who arrived at Lotto HQ in style in a white Hummer – said he was completely shocked when he check the Lottery results on Saturday night and realised that he had won the huge sum of money.

A former pupil of Woodlands National School and St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny, Odhrán is big into farm machinery and a new vehicle could well be on the cards with his new-found wealth.

See the gallery below for all the celebrations from Odhrán’s big day: 

Odhrán with his brother, Shane his mum Margaret and dad Liam and sister Lana at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán is pictured here (centre) with family from left: Lana O’Gorman; brother, Shane; dad Liam; girlfriend Jessica Orr; mum, Margaret and Lana’s husband Emmet at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán with his brother, Shane his mum Margaret and dad Liam and sister Lana at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán (centre left) with his mum Margaret his girlfriend Jessics (obscured), dad Liam and sister Lana at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán(centre) with family from left: Lana O’Gorman; brother, Shane; dad Liam; girlfriend Jessica Orr; mum, Margaret and Lana’s husband Emmet at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán with his girlfriend Jessica Orr at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán with his mum Margaret and dad Liam at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán with his dad Liam at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán with Michael Hayes, head of marketing at the Lottery HQ after collecting his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Odhrán is pictured here on a well-wisher’s phone after he collected his winnings. Pic: Mac Innes Photography

Finn Harps player Luke McGlynn was a member of the Republic of Ireland Under-15 side that secured an impressive victory in their international friendly against Czech Republic today.

Shamrock Rovers striker Michael Leddy scored the only goal of the game in the second half as Jason Donohue’s side claimed victory in the opening game of their friendly double-header.

Midfielder McGlynn, who is a member of Paul McBride’s Harps U15 squad, played almost hour in the game.

McGlynn will also be hoping to feature in the second game against the Czechs at Stadium Dobrany on Thursday morning.

The Nomadic Dairy Group currently have a vacancy for a full-time Quality Technician

The role involves ensuring that all products leaving the factory are safe for human consumption and are of the highest quality. Production operates on an 8 hour day and evening shift basis.

Requirements for the role:-

• Degree in Food Science or a related subject
• 1 to 2 years’ experience in a food industry Quality Department
• Good knowledge of food safety standards and quality management systems
• Strong understanding of BRC regulations and customer standards
• Must have an interest in food and be self-motivated with an inquiring mind

To apply for this vacancy please forward an up-to-date C.V. and cover letter to The Human Resources Manager, Donegal Investment Group, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, email to emarley@donegaligroup.com

Closing date for applications is Friday 19th April, 2019.

Gardaí in Donegal are advising the public to take extra precautions to secure patio doors following recent break-ins.

The warning comes following a burglary and attempted burglary in Ballybofey last week.

Two houses were targetted in Blackrock Drive between 1am and 3am on Wednesday 27th March.

Entry was gained to one home through the back patio door. A handbag and sum of money were taken, along with items of sentimental value to the owners.

A neighbouring house was also targetted but no entry was gained, according to a garda spokesperson. A lock on the back patio door was damaged in the attempted break-in.

“The locks pop on the patio door,” warned Garda Grainne Doherty in the weekly community update.

“There are locks specifically for patio doors which are a good investment,” she added.

An appeal has been launched for information relating to the incidents, anyone who may be able to help is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 0749167100.

Gardaí are specifically calling on taxi drivers who may have had dashcams in operation while working in the estate in the early hours of Wednesday 27th March to get in touch.

Witnesses can also provide information to the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Five Tidy Town Committees were honoured at a special event in the County House in Lifford on Monday afternoon when they were awarded the Clean & Green Awards from Donegal County Council.

These awards are aimed at recognising groups that have achieved high scores in the following three categories of the National Tidy Towns competition: Tidiness & Litter Control; Approach Roads, Streets and Lanes and; Sustainability – doing more with less.

The following groups received an award of €500 as they came out tops in these categories in the national competition for their own municipal district – Doochary, Donegal Town, Carraig Airt, Castlefinn and Malin and Donegal Town also received the overall county award worth €1,000.

Owen Howells and David Davin from Donegal Town Tidy Towns Committee receiving the overall winning Clean and Green Award worth €1000 from Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill at a special event in the County House in Lifford on Monday 1 April 2019. Picture also includes Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cllr. Noel Jordan, Cllr. Gerry Crawford and Michael McGarvey, Donegal County Council.

Speaking at the presentation of these awards Cathaoirleach Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill congratulated the groups on the great work that they do in their own towns and villages.

“The work that you do is a credit to each and every one of you and to the other volunteers in your community. You are making a massive contribution to your communities and you are keeping Donegal cleaner, greener and much more environmentally aware. I think we are winning the battle and I would urge you all to keep up the good work – the future is green.”

Brian Watson and Hugh McColgan from Malin Tidy Towns Committee receiving a Clean and Green Award worth €500 from Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill at a special event in the County House in Lifford on Monday 1 April 2019. Picture also includes Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cllr. Noel Jordan, Cllr. Gerry Crawford and Michael McGarvey, Donegal County Council.

Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Deputy Chair of the Environmental and Emergency Services Strategic Policy Committee also congratulated the groups and said that €67,000 had been invested in Tidy Towns initiatives by the Council in 2018. 28 groups benefitted from the fund which helped them improve their overall marks in the national competition.

Carrigart Tidy Town Committee members Columba Boyce and Joy Buchanan receiving a Clean and Green Award worth €500 from Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill at a special event in the County House in Lifford on Monday 1 April 2019. Picture also includes Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cllr. Noel Jordan, Cllr. Gerry Crawford and Michael McGarvey, Donegal County Council.

Sam Gallagher from Castlefin Tidy Town Committee receiving a Clean and Green Award worth €500 from Donegal County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill at a special event in the County House in Lifford on Monday 1 April 2019. Picture also includes Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cllr. Noel Jordan, Cllr. Gerry Crawford and Michael McGarvey, Donegal County Council.

Michael McGarvey, Director of Water and Environment with the Council also commended the groups on receiving these awards and noted that there are more than 5,000 volunteers working through Tidy Town Committees and community clean-ups across Donegal and this is something that is particularly unique to Donegal.

The Council has just recently launched the Big Donegal Clean-Up campaign and groups have already been very active. This year we also have 5 local Big Donegal Clean-up Ambassadors who will help promote the campaign and encourage others to get involved. He added that the Council is fully committed to continuing to work with groups and explore all possible options for addressing ongoing challenges particularly litter along the roadside.

Mr McGarvey said “the Tidy Towns initiative has such a positive impact on the local community and we are keen to support groups that instil such positivity in their local community and their local environment”.

The manager of the Courts Service for the Western Region is to visit Carndonagh Courthouse to asses its future.

Mr. Brendan Mc Donald is to engage with local solicitors, respond on alternative court locations and the return of court sittings to the building.

Local county councillor Albert Doherty says it is a priority requirement for local legal services and the local business sector to have court sittings returned to the Carndonagh Courthouse.

He said “The nature and extent of the repairs and refurbishment required at the courthouse must be established and works expedited at the earliest opportunity.

“The OPW must ensure commitment and completion of the works and allow court business to return to the convenient and central location that is Carndonagh.

“It is incumbent also, on the public representatives to prioritise and support the restoration works at the courthouse.

“I am confident that this message will be relayed to the regional manager of the Western courts service by all the solicitors in Carndonagh and its environs.

“The early return of District Court services to Carndonagh Courthouse must remain a priority for all local stakeholders and the local community in North Inishowen.”

A large number of properties across East Donegal are without power this afternoon due to an electrical fault.

Over 2,400 homes, businesses and farms are affected by the outage, which started at 1pm.

ESB networks has recorded 815 customers in Convoy and 1622 in Rossgeir without power at present.

Crews are currently working on the faults, which are expected to be restored by 4.45pm.

Elsewhere, 12 homes in Glenties have been hit by another power outage. Supplies are due to be restored by 3.30pm.

Smokers in Bundoran are being encouraged to vote with their cigarette butts following the installation of two new “ballot bins” at the sea front.

The initiative is a joint venture between Donegal County Council, Bundoran Tidy Towns and Discover Bundoran in association with Clean Coasts, all of whom are eager to see a reduction in the amount of cigarette butts in the seaside town, particularly along the beach front and on the beach itself.

Startling statistics reveal that cigarette butts were the top litter item found on beaches across 190 countries during a recent international cleanup day. Furthermore chemicals found in one butt can leach out and contaminate approximately 7.5 litres of water within one hour.

The bins, bright yellow in colour, have two containers for cigarette butts. Above the containers is a ballot – a choice of two options. Smokers disposing of their cigarette butts can choose their preferred option to “vote” for with their butt. Ballots will include fun topics like “Tea v Coffee”, “Poirot v Sherlock Holmes” etc

Ballot Bin in place at Main Beach Bundoran.

David Friel, Coastal Officer with Donegal County Council is totally behind the initiative ‘we are delighted to support Bundoran Tidy Towns with this unique project which will hopefully reduce the amount of cigarette butts on the beach and ultimately in the ocean. It takes 12 years for a cigarette butt to break down and they are not biodegradable. Last year our teams collected thousands of them from the beach in Bundoran which are damaging the planet. We are hoping that these ballot boxes will encourage smokers to dispose of their butts properly while also having a little bit of fun too.’

Shane Smyth, Bundoran Tourism Officer added ‘we want everyone who visits Bundoran to experience a clean and welcoming environment. The statistics about cigarette butts are just staggering and we hope that with the Ballot Bins project, we can do a little bit to stop them entering our waters. Cigarette butts flicked into the sand or onto the street are litter – the same as throwing an empty sweet wrapper on the ground. They are causing harm to the environment and everyone needs to do their bit to ensure it’s a clean one.’

Members of the public are invited to make their suggestions for ballots that can be used across the summer season. Those which are used will win a prize courtesy of Clean Coasts with pens, mugs, keep cups and towels up for grabs. Suggestions for ballots can be submitted via http://www.discoverbundoran.com/tidytowns