Chloe Magee and Sam Magee lost out in the opening round of the Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open in Kuala Lumpur.
The Raphoe siblings put up a massive fight in their game against Indonesia’s Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy.
The Magees forced Chopra and Reddy all the way in both games.
However, it was the Indonesian pair who progressed after a 22-20 24-22 win over the Donegal duo.
The Finn Harps match night arrangements have been confirmed for the League of Ireland Premier Division North West derby against Derry City in Ballybofey.
Kick-off at Finn Park is at the earlier than normal time of 7.45pm and supporters are asked to arrive early to avoid congestion.
While tickets will be available on the night, supporters are strongly advised to buy tickets in advance from the below outlets to avoid queuing:
Michael Murphy Sports Letterkenny,
The Hatter, Main Street Ballybofey,
McKelvey’s Bar Ballybofey,
Barretts, Ballybofey,
McCauley’s Restaurant, Lifford,
Mac’s Newsagents, Buncrana,
The Coach House, Donegal Town,
Kernans, Newtoncunningham.
Melly’s Cafe, Killybegs
Tickets will be on sale on match night from Gal Mc’s Pub on Navenny Street and also at Chestnut Road (Aldi side) but it is advised to buy your tickets as soon as possible
Prices are as follows:
Adult €12
Concession €10
Secondary €5
Primary €5 (FREE if accompanied).
Supporters wishing to access limited seating area will need to purchase a regular ticket and then pay additional €3 inside the ground. We would advise supporters looking to watch the match from the seated area to arrive early as limited number will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Supporters are requested to arrive early to avoid congestion near kick off time and those approaching from the south should allow extra time due to the roadworks.
We appreciate your co-operation and patience with stop and search stewards at each gate. Both home and away fans are liable to be searched and supporters are reminded that alcohol is not permitted in the ground.
Traffic Arrangements around Finn Park
Those attending the game are asked to use car-parks situated close to the ground:
Town car park at McElhinney’s
Navenny car park
Supervalu car park
Gardai will be in place to ensure the smooth operation of traffic arrangements around Finn Park. Road Closures will come into effect at 18:00pm and will remain until 20.30pm. They will be closed again at 21.30pm until 22.30pm.
Away Fans
“We look forward to welcoming Derry City supporters to Finn Park. Tickets for Derry City fans are being provided to DCFC, who will confirm arrangements for sales later this week. Away fans are requested to enter ground via Chestnut Road (Aldi side). We appreciate your co-operation and patience with stop and search stewards at gate. Away fans will have the gantry side of the ground while stand and town end terrace are reserved for home supporters.
Coaches and cars for away supporters are asked to park in McElhinney’s.”
Coláiste Ailigh came from behind to defeat Ramsgrange CS in today’s FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Girls final in Drogheda.
Coláiste Ailigh 2 Ramsgrange Community School 1
Aoibhinn Ni Chonaill and Erin Ní Dhochartaigh hit the goals for Coláiste Ailigh as they claimed a famous win at United Park.
Ramsgrange, from County Wexford, took the lead after just 10 minutes when captain Ava White-Keating skipped through the heart of the Coláiste Ailigh rearguard to fire home.
However, Coláiste Ailigh – managed by Finn Harps captain Keith Cowan – levelled eight minutes before half-time when Ni Chonaill latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area to fire home.
Early in the second half, Ramsgrange came close to restoring the lead, but Jennah Molloy was off target.
However, two minutes later, Coláiste Ailigh did hit the front as Ní Dhochartaigh scored direct from a corner.
Soon after, Mia Doyle, the Ramsgrange ‘keeper pulled off a wonderful save to deny Ní Dhochartaigh a wonder goal from distance.
Ní Dhochartaigh came to the rescue at the other end as she cleared the danger with Ramsgrange pushing hard in search of an equaliser.
The Twin Towns will be awash with a sea of purple and pink t-shirts on Sunday 14th April when over 700 women hit the road for the first ever Donegal Women’s Mini Marathon in association with Jackson’s Hotel.
The much-anticipated 10K walk/run will support two vital local charities, with all proceeds going to Cancer Care West Support Centre Donegal and Donegal Women’s Domestic Violence Service – DWDVS.
It’s going to be a great fun event whether you are challenging yourself to run in your best time ever or jog, walk or even crawl your way around the 10k!
Supported also by Brian Mc Cormick Sports & Leisure Letterkenny, this event is going to be a fantastic day of women coming together to make a difference. Many are also raising funds for their own charities or to remember someone special.
Excel Sports ambassador Erin Mcginty from the Coolest Place on the Planet will lead the women off to their chosen anthem (chosen on social media!) “Girls just Want to Have Fun” and afterwards it’s back to Jackson’s Hotel for a celebration party. There will be summer punch cocktail on arrival, finger foods, and a live band rocking the 80s and 90s vibes.
Donegal Women’s Mini Marathon keyring
A special commemorative key ring has been commissioned for everyone who crosses the line with Donegal Women’s Mini Marathon so each participant has a keepsake to add to their memories of the day.
REGISTER NOW at: https://bit.ly/2UUYQqM
Follow the Facebook page for updates before the big day: @donegalwomensminimarathon
Yvonne Bonner has won the Greater Wester Sydney Swans’ Goal of the Year award.
The Glenfin woman made a fine impression in her first season in the AFLW with the Giants, having been snapped up following the Cross-Coders process.
And the Donegal star’s round three goal against Carlton has been named as the Goal of the Year.
However, there is bemusement that the goal was not among the nominations for the AFLW Goal of the Year.
THAT HAS TO BE A GOAL OF THE YEAR CONTENDER!
What a goal from @gwsgiants forward Yvonne Bonner
#AFLWGIANTSBlues #AFLW #GenW pic.twitter.com/sXDVJNC3Rh
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) February 16, 2019
Four of our club members travelled to compete in the National Duathlon Championships hosted by Sligo Triathlon Club at the weekend and all four had superb performances in a highly competitive field of competitors.
There were perfect conditions of bright sunshine, light wind and cool temperatures for the 160 competitors taking part. A positive since they were greeted by such a challenging course.
It began with a 9km – part on road, part off-road – run before an undulating 40km out and back bike leg; and a 4km flat-ish fire road run through Union Wood to the finish line. Shane McNulty was the first club member to cross the line in a superb time of 2:01:30.
Shaun Mc Devitt wasn’t too far behind and after an impressive bike leg of 1:0730 finished strong on the run and crossed the line in an overall time of 2:04:18. Club chairman Liam Tinney was also in impressive form. Liam had 2 very strong run legs of 37:06 and 17:10 and finished in a total time of 2:10:03.
Cathal Roarty’s recent warm weather training certainly paid off. Cathal was in fine form on Sunday after his spell in the sun and crossed the finish line in 2:22:42, picking up 2nd place prize for the M55-59 age category.
Ocala Sprint Triathlon Florida
Peter McLean never likes to just sit back and relax on holidays; instead he always ensure to fly the 24/7 flag where and whenever possible. On Sunday Peter took part in the Ocala Sprint triathlon in Florida. He had a brilliant race and crossed the finish line in a time of 1:39:15, 4th in the M60-64 age category.
Run Donegal 2019
Amongst the 700 plus competitors that took part in Sundays annual Run Donegal Woman’s 5k was
Suzie Bogan and Bridie Devenney who ran 26:58 and 34:09 respectively.
Spring/Summer Training Update
The longer evenings will soon be here and so with it will be the change to Club Training. The proposed date for the commencement of Brick/TT Sessions is Thursday 18th April. The first session will be a brick session. The proposed date for the first open water session (weather dependent) is Monday 13th May. More information will follow in the coming weeks.
Beginner Cycle Sessions
Beginner cycle sessions will continue this week and will leave from the Aura Leisure Centre@ 11am. The club will have two experienced cyclists leading the cycle.
This Saturday cycle leaders will be Colm Corcoran and Enda Carr. We encourage any of our new members to take up this opportunity and get out on the bike and also anyone that may be a member for a while and is not comfortable with their bike handling skills are welcome to join.
Club Training
Club training continues as follows:
Monday: Coached track session at Aura
Message from Coach Ciaran O’Donnell: Leaving reception at Aura at 6.30pm SHARP to complete 2km warm up, out past Ballymacool Park. Latecomers will know where to head to meet them if anyone running late. On track and warmed up for 6.50pm, with session getting under way as soon as!
Wednesday: Swim session- Novice 7-8pm, Intermediate/Advanced 8-9pm
Thursday: Long run session leaves Aura at 6.30pm sharp- Hi-Viz is compulsory for these sessions- Be safe, be seen!
Saturday: Club cycle from Aura at 9am- All members must have front and rear lights to take part in the club session.
Saturday: Club swim session Saturday at 6pm Additional lane added for 14-16yr old club members- MUST be accompanied by a parent (please note prepayment does not cover Saturday swim).
Full Results
National Duathlon Championships, Sligo Duathlon
Shane McNulty 2:01:30
Shaun McDevitt 2:04:18
Liam Tinney 2:10:03
Cathal Roarty 2:22:42 2ND M55-59
Ocala Sprint Triathlon Florida
Peter McLean 1:39:15
Run Donegal 2019
Suzie Bogan 26:58
Bridie Devenney 34:09
The flagship event in the Donegal pool year is almost upon us, taking place in the Radisson Hotel in Letterkenny from the April 12-14 next.
This is always a fantastic event, and this year is sure to be even better! The Radisson Hotel is a fantastic, central venue, and the function room there will be the perfect place to accommodate the 8 Supreme Winner pool tables. A large turnout is expected across each of the categories.
On Friday April 12, the over 40s, under 23s and ladies singles competitions take centre stage. Registration for these 3 events is from 5:30pm-6:15pm, with play starting at 7pm sharp. Entry fee for these 3 sections is €20.
On Saturday April 13 it is the team event. Always a great days craic, there will be an A and B section. Each team is made up of 4 players, with 1 sub if required. Registration is from 8:30am-9:15am, with matches commencing at 10am sharp. Entry fee per team is €160, which includes entry to the main singles event the next day.
On Sunday April 14, it’s time for the main singles event. Shaun Sharkey will be aiming for a fifth county title, although he will be up against it as there is quite a number of strong contenders!
Registration is from 9:15am-10am, with play starting at 10:45am. If you just want to enter the singles, and were not on a team on the Saturday, entry is just €20. But don’t worry if you lose in the opening 2 rounds – there will be an optional plate competition for just €10 extra!
Irish Pool Online, a professional pool streaming company, will be there all weekend, streaming as much of the action as possible to thousands of people around the country. If any businesses would like to get involved with the competition or the stream, contact Declan on 0871718258.
If anyone wants any further information on any of the events etc, contact “Donegal Q Club” on Facebook, or call Declan on 0871718258.
People living in Donegal have the lowest level of disposable income in Ireland, according to CSO figures.
Based on 2016 data, the average Donegal person has after-tax income of €15,892, which is 29% lower than the nationwide figure of €20,638.
And there is a considerable gap between Donegal and the second poorest county, which is Offaly, where the population has an average disposable income of €17,039.
Donegal has been ranked at the bottom of the pile ever since this study began in 2007.
The entire border region had the lowest amount of disposable income at €17,370 euro per person.
The CSO report also revealed that the State’s average disposable income figure has reached its highest level since 2009. Dublin dwellers enjoyed the greatest level of disposable income in 2016, with an average of €24,431.
An appeal has been launched to find a missing dog in Ballylast, between Lifford and Castlefin.
Molly is a black and white Collie who has been missing since the night of Tuesday, April 2.
She was last seen in Ballylast yesterday at 8pm.
The Collie only moved to the area in recent days and wouldn’t be used to the area.
If you have seen Molly, you can contact Natasha Byrne on 0866611580 or John Byrne on 0872349175.
Grease, the smash hit musical based lives of the students of Rydell High School bursts onto the RCS stage in Dungloe next week, as a vivacious musical comedy about friends, old loves and new and life’s choices after school finishes.
The students and staff of the Rosses Community School are about to stage what is “their most ambitious production to date”
“RCS Grease” features all of the classic hits such as ‘You’re the One that I Want’, ‘We go together and of course, ‘Summer Nights’.
The cast is comprised of over 100 students from first, second, transition and fifth year. The cast have been extremely dedicated rehearsing every day and on weekends since October.
“RCS Grease” will run in the school’s Ionad Spóirt na Rosann, Dungloe, from Tuesday, April 9th to Friday, April 12th.
Grease takes us back to 1958, summer is over and Rydell students return to school, ready to reunite with their friends and exchange stories of their summer conquests. Danny Zuko, leader of a local gang, tells his love affair on the beach with a mysterious girl.
While sweet Sandy, the new girl from town, tells the story of her summer love with an unknown boyfriend. When it is discovered that the stories of Danny and Sandy are about each other but do not coincide, Sandy feels humiliated and Danny will have to fight to win it again. To do so, he will have to resort to all kinds of romantic ideas and recover it.
Taking the leads in the production are Danny O’Donnell, Transition Year student, playing Danny and Alice Houston, fifth year student, playing Sandy.
Directors this year are again, Mr Daire Gillen, Mrs Suzanne Gallagher, Mrs Tara Duddy and Ms Sara Laughlin. Music is provided by the talented Mr David Oliver and his band from Strabane who guides us through Grease’s famous song catalogue that we have come to love.
A hilarious story of love and friendship, you are assured to be astounded by the amazingly talented youth of the Rosses, anyone who has been at previous RCS productions will tell you they are not to be missed.
Ticket prices are reduced for the opening night, April 9th, performance to €10 adult/€5 student, and are €12 adult and €8 student for the three remaining nights.
“RCS Grease” begins at 7.00pm on April 9th and at 8pm on April 10th to 12th. Don’t miss your chance to dance, boogy and hand jive!
This Sunday, Glengad United are in FAI Junior Cup semi-final action as they head for St 1 Michael’s in Tipperary looking to earn a place in the Aviva Stadium final. Junior Cup successes have been few and far between for clubs fron Donegal. Swilly Rovers have two FAI Junior Cup wins to their name from 1962 and 1967. CHRIS MCNULTY delves back in time to uncover why the ’67 win remains shrouded in mystery …
Swilly Rovers took receipt of the 1967 FAI Junior Cup, but it was a competition and, ultimately for Swilly, a victory tarnished by the memory of appeals and objections.
It is a memory, over time, that hasn’t quite been erased as much as skipped over by the natives around the Lennonside.
If they speak in reverential tones of the men of ’62, the class of ’67 is spoken of only in whispers in Ramelton.
******
The 1967 FAI Junior Cup final was originally pencilled in for May 14, but there was no action played until Swilly Rovers and Orchard United drew 1-1 at Dalymount Park on August 20 – three months after the appointed date.
The replay was held on September 10.
Swilly flew John Doherty and Patsy Sheridan in from England to play in the game at Richmond Park.
Two periods of extra time were played before Orchard prevailed 2-1. Mick Cassidy netted twice for Orchard, with Pat Kelly on the mark for Swilly.
A fortnight later, the FAI Junior Protest Committee dismissed an objection by Swilly against Desmond Hickey, Orchard’s centre-forward. Swilly complained that Hickey played for Shelbourne in the 1966/67 season and could not be re-registered as an Orchard player for the final.
Hickey had not played for Orchard until the replay at Richmond Park.
While the Junior Protest Committee threw out Swilly’s objection, the senior committee later upheld it.
Brendan McDaid, the Swilly Rovers secretary, told the local media: ‘We don’t want to win the Cup by protest’.
******
On April 2, 1967, Swilly beat Tolka Rovers 3-1 in the semi-final. Immediately, however, the Tolka club lodged an objection, in which they argued that Duffy was ‘a professional player and wasn’t registered as a professional’ while they contested that Sheridan had played for Sligo and had not been transferred to Swilly.
The FAI said that there was ‘no basis’ for the argument on Duffy.
Swilly submitted that Sheridan was ‘transporting prisoners to Mountjoy Prison’, but the FAI didn’t take heed and awarded the game to Tolka.
When Swilly subsequently lodged an appeal, the FAI ordered a replay of the game – but the drama was only just beginning.
The semi-final was replayed on April 23 and Swilly won the game 2-1.
Creevy put Tolka ahead. Joe Duffy equalised and, with the last kick of the game ‘J Bradley’ won the game for Swilly.
Tolka objected, this time on the grounds that Sheridan had played ‘illegally’. Tolka argued that Sheridan had played for Athlone and also submitted that five other Swilly players were ‘illegal’.
Within 48 hours of the game being awarded to Tolka, Swilly appealed, showing evidence – which was accepted – that the five players had actually played in the D&D at the same time as their semi-final.
Due to the toing and froing, the final was put back.
******
The final was ordered to be replayed after the senior committee upheld Swilly’s appeal.
On November 5, 1967, the teams went head-to-head again, this time at Oriel Park in Dundalk.
By this point, Swilly had spent over £300 on objections and appeals.
In the 19th minute of extra time, Joe Duffy netted a goal, ‘scored almost in darkness’, one press report described.
There was no Cup presented due to crowd trouble, fuelled surely by the months of boardroom wrangling.
Swilly representative Brendan McDaid was handed the Cup in the pavilion at Oriel Park, but no medals were handed over to Swilly or their players.
In the area outside the dressing room, Joe Wickham from the FAI informed McDaid that Orchard intended to protesting.
Orchard believed that Jim Sheridan had been released from Swilly after the game in Richmond Park. Swilly, naturally, sternly argued that they had permission to play Sheridan in the final.
******
The Irish Independent, of November 10, 1967, reported that St Pat’s signed Jim Sheridan, who will play in their next game against Cork Celtic.
Three weeks later, the FAI met and upheld the Orchard protest. The Association ordered the return of the FAI Junior Cup to their headquarters.
Brendan McDaid said Swilly already had the wheels in motion to appeal the finding.
******
On December 13, 1967, the FAI’s senior appeals committee met to uphold the Swilly appeal after the junior committee upheld the objection by Orchard on two of the three points they had raised .
The Irish Press reports that ‘Swilly eventually appealed their way to the final and that began a further series of protests and appeals’.
******
Behind the mystery there lies some hidden truths that are not best-kept secrets in football.
For instance, un the Oriel Park game, Joe Duffy was recorded as the Swilly goalscorer, but the former Donegal League Chairman was not a part of the Swilly panel that season.
Nor were the likes of Brendan Duffy, Mooney and Bradley, a reason, perhaps, why that particularly success is glossed over.
******
In February 1968, Swilly arranged for medals to be presented to the 1967 FAI Junior Cup team.
Neil Blaney, the Minister for Agriculture, presented the medals at a dance in the Ramelton Town Hall.
Swilly representatives on the night said that did not to enter the 1967/68 FAI Junior Cup, but hoped to try to gain entry to the Intermediate Cup for the following season.
The Irish Press reported: ‘They forgot to enter and were not included in the draw’.
Donegal actress Amybeth McNulty has done it again – winning another top award in Canada for her starring role in Anne with an E.
The seventeen-year-old actress picked up the Best Lead Actress in a drama award at the Canadian Screen Awards this week.
Amybeth, who grew up in Milford and is of Irish-Canadian descent, has made waves in Canada and worldwide for her spirited portrayal of plucky orphan Anne in the Netflix adaptation of Anne of Green Gables.
Amybeth McNulty – Anne with an E. Image via Netflix
The confident young woman, who is ever thankful to her fans, used her time on stage to make a rousing speech in honour of trailblazing teenagers.
Amybeth said: “To every young person out there who doubts their voice, their mind, their power, I think we can now see that this last year and the years before, the young folk are more than tech-obsessed and lazy.
“We are strong, capable and willing to fight for our world when others, unfortunately, in a higher power are not. Speak loud like Greta Thunberg, have resilience like Malala and listen to that inner voice. Live your life with no regrets. I’m so proud of you all; thank you for inspiring me. This award is dedicated to you.”
Proving yet again what a strong role model she is, @AmybethMcnulty has a powerful message for young people as she accepts her #CdnScreenAward for BEST LEAD ACTRESS in a DRAMA! #annewithane pic.twitter.com/ypF0NZMwTR
— Anne with an E (@AnneTheSeries) April 1, 2019
Earlier this year, Amybeth earned her first individual accolade for her role in Anne with an E, picking up the award for best Female for an Outstanding Performance in the 17th annual ACTRA Awards in Toronto.
In another unexpected Donegal link, the hit comedy ‘Letterkenny‘ won big at the Canadian Screen Awards. The show earned a best comedy actor trophy for Jared Keeso, who also shared the best comedy writing prize with Jacob Tierney. Letterkenny is a hugely popular sitcom in the country, based on a fictional rural Canadian town.
There’s no shortage of entertainment at Eclipse Cinemas Lifford Strabane this April! From star guests to major movies and the rescreening of classic favourites, we have your guide to what’s on at the premier venue:
Come & meet Peppa & George on Sunday 7th April 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Little piggies can look forward to 10 brand new episodes including a 2-part festival special, as well as exclusive new interactive entertainment featuring little ones singing and playing along with their favourite onscreen characters! Join the party with Peppa and George in their brand new adventures as they dance in the mud at a children’s festival, celebrate Grandpa Pig’s birthday at a restaurant for the first time, and take a trip to the cinema to see Super Potato’s big movie feature!
Autism Friendly Peppa Pig: The Festival of Fun Sun 7th @ 1pm
Sat 13th & Sun 14th April 6.15pm & 8.15pm
A tired American ex-boxer returns to his native hamlet in Ireland to win the hand of a spirited young woman. He is confronted by strict local customs and the woman’s belligerent brother. Set in the verdant Irish countryside, this lively film has beautiful scenery, brilliant repartee, and local charm.
Almost twenty years in the making, THE QUIET MAN is perhaps the most personal film of director John Ford’s long and illustrious Hollywood career as well as one of his great achievements.
Unburdened with messages or social commentary, the film is a simple tale of human relationships, coloured by Ford’s ever-present nostalgia about his Irish heritage and peopled by a group of actors whose personal chemistry contributes such warmth and vitality. Humorous, romantic, lively, endearing and lovingly photographed on location in Ireland, THE QUIET MAN is cinematic story-telling at its finest – transparent, unpretentious and beautiful.
Ticket + Pizza – Available Everyday
Dumbo – PG – 112mins – Now Showing
Holt was once a circus star, but he went off to war and when he returned it had terribly altered him. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) hires him to take care of Dumbo, a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him the laughing stock of the struggling circus troupe. But when Holt’s children discover that Dumbo can fly, silver-tongued entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), and aerial artist Colette Marchant (Eva Green) swoop in to make the little elephant a star.
Autism Friendly Dumbo Sat 6th @ 12.30pm
For full cinema listings and bookings visit: http://eclipsecinemas.com/index.php?__site=LIFFORDCP
It’s time to cast your vote for this week’s Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Sports Person of the Week, in association with O’Reilly’s.
Each weekly award winner will receive a kitbag, a jacket and a bobble hat, supplied by O’Reilly’s.
The award winner will be chosen via a public vote from a shortlist selected by our panel.
O’Reilly’s Sportswear was founded in 2017 by well-known Twin Towns sporting brothers Steven and Martin O’Reilly.
Our poll closes at noon on Friday.
Please note that recent winners will be contacted in the coming days to arrange presentation of their prizes.
Noreen Bonner (Finn Valley AC)
What a performance by Finn Valley AC’s Noreen Bonner at the 2019 World Masters Championships at the weekend in Poland.
Bonner finished the half marathon in one hour, 35 minutes and 35 seconds – enough for a brilliant bronze medal in the W60 category. Bonner also led the Irish team to gold.
Rebecca McColgan (Royal and Prior)
History was made on Friday when the Royal and Prior U17 girls overcame Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny 3-0. It was the first time EVER a girls team from the Royal had won a game.
Rebecca McColgan scored one – a cracking free-kick – and had an assist for another on a day to savour.
Michael Murphy (Donegal)
It says something that Saturday evening’s display at Croke Park in the Allianz League Division 2 final ranks among Michael Murphy’s best ever for Donegal. Donegal fell 1-6 to 0-1 behind in the first 12 minutes, but Declan Bonner’s side hit back to win.
Murphy scored seven points and had a key role in the goal, scored by Jamie Brennan. It was a vintage performance by the Glenswilly man.
Sophie Murphy (Carndonagh Community School)
In last week’s Ulster U15 Girls final, Carndonagh Community School defeated Loreto Secondary School 4-2 at the Lakeside to take the prize. Carndonagh CS were 4-0 up before Loreto staged a valiant late comeback.
Sophie Murphy was the hero of the hour for the Carn students as her brilliant hat-trick ultimately proved to be the difference.
Susanne White (Donegal minor ladies)
The Donegal Minor Ladies overcame Tyrone at Drumragh in the Ulster Minor Ladies Championship on Saturday. James McGinley’s team won 2-14 to 0-7.
Susanne White starred for the Donegal girls, posting 1-6 as Donegal overcame the Red Hands.
Microsoft, for the first time, brought their DreamSpace experience outside of their €134m campus at One Microsoft Place, Dublin and the destination for this unique pop-up event was Saint Eunan’s College, Letterkenny.
Working along with the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) department in the school, four lucky primary schools were invited into the newly refurbished Computer Science suite in the Saint Eunans which was transformed into Microsoft’s DreamSpace for the day – complete with beanbags, Surface laptops, Micro:bits and of course the Microsoft tutors.
Students from Killian National School (Inver), Cloughfin National School (Lifford), Scoil Mhuire gan Smál and Educate Together (Letterkenny) were chosen to participate and were assisted by Computer Science students from Saint Eunans throughout the day.
The workshops focus on teamwork, engineering, coding and the skills of ‘making’.
Students got an insight into what life was like in Microsoft’s new Irish headquarters in Dublin and how the building was constructed. The kids then got an opportunity to design and construct their own building using only paper and lollipops.
These marvels of engineering were then tested against simulated earthquakes (shaking of tables!) before students got to design and code their own shake sensors using the Micro:bit computers. These skills of teamwork, engineering, design and debugging are high on the wishlist of many of today’s employers.
The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr.Joe McHugh, dropped in to meet the students and was very generous with his time, chatting to each group about their project and their thinking behind the designs.
This was a huge honour for Saint Eunan’s College and a great endorsement of their STEAM Academy which is nearing two years old. This initiative has taken several STEAM subjects under its umbrella including the new flagship Transition Year course which includes Computer Applications, HTML, Python Programming, CAD and 3D printing. Saint Eunan’s is also one of only 40 pilot schools in the country that offers Leaving Certificate Computer Science under the Academy banner.
Microsoft are intending to roll out more of these pop-up events nationwide following the success of the event in Saint Eunan’s. We look forward to continuing the relationship between the College and the company into the future.
A large number of business-minded people are expected to gather at Harvey’s Point next week for a major conference hosted by the Women’s Inspire Network.
For the first time in Donegal, business owners and marketing mavens can tap into the expertise of Samantha Kelly, the social media marketer and founder of Women’s Inspire, at their Spring Seminar on Wednesday, 10th April next.
The Irish-based network for women entrepreneurs started out as a Twitter hashtag in 2014 and is now a global online community with webinars, events and e-books offering expert advice and mentoring.
‘Overcoming Challenges’ is the theme for the full-day seminar which takes place in Harvey’s Point in Donegal, recently named #1 hotel in Ireland in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2019.
Ireland AM’s Anna Daly is announced as MC for the event
Samantha Kelly says the WIN seminar promises an energising day of expert speakers and interactive sessions for the online business group which connects and empowers female-led businesses.
“Delegates will learn about business development, marketing and brand-building, through a combination of speakers and practical workshops on topics such as social media, sales, time management and digital marketing”.
TV presenter Anna Daly, the conference MC and moderator, will also discuss the recent set-up of her own lifestyle website, and the business opportunity she plans.
Among the speakers confirmed are Anne Touhy, the Room Junkie, who will talk about establishing her very successful interiors brand and business.
How to cost-effectively tap into the power of Facebook and Instagram ads for brand awareness and sales growth is the topic of Louise McDonnell, Ireland’s leading Facebook marketing advisor and author of Facebook Marketing; The Essential Guide.
For entrepreneurs who hate sales, Donegal business owner and mentor Moira Ní Ghallachóir has the answer to creating a profoundly profitable business in a presentation curiously titled How to get out of your own way!
Derry web development specialist Patricia Greene has expert advice on websites and digital marketing. Mags Boland-Murphy advises on getting the right price for your business service, and author Sharon Thompson shares the secret to getting a book published.
Moira Dunne from BeProductive.ie is a speaker on taking control of your time and getting more done, sharing a suite of business and personal skills to improve time management and productivity.
And the legal dimension of setting up a business, ‘Getting comfortable with accountability’, will be discussed by solicitor Michelle Mc Loughlin. The Donegal professional specialises in helping start-ups with the correct business structure as well as advice on protecting copyright, patents, trademarks, branding and designs.
On health and wellbeing, Donegal businesswoman Lorraine Boyce of Down Below Physio, a specialist in female physiotherapy, will talk about her focus, through her clinic and online presence, of breaking down the barriers around discussing pelvic health issues.
“Being able to talk ‘taboo subjects’ online and get advice and support has helped educate many women and encourage them to seek treatment where necessary. The reach and influence of digital media can be a powerful force for good”, Lorraine Boyce says.
Rachel McLaughlin, editor of DonegalWoman.ie, is a panel guest, with the leading online Donegal lifestyle and business publication for women also on board as the seminar media partner.
Our line up for #Win19Donegal is very exciting! Check it out – Book your tickets now for @WomensInspireIE @HarveysPoint 10th of April! https://t.co/xsAxOxaS0n pic.twitter.com/RVFJB6LzTC
— Samantha Kelly (@Tweetinggoddess) March 28, 2019
From business management and marketing, to personal development and wellbeing, the Donegal WIN seminar will be the usual mix of inspiration, learning, knowledge-sharing and networking, organiser Samantha Kelly says.
“I LOVE Donegal! There are so many women doing awesome things in the area, the Women’s Inspire Network wants to show off their talent and a most beautiful county. With social media you can reach any number of people, no matter where you are located, and our Donegal seminar at Harvey’s Point illustrates that big events don’t need to be held in major cities to be impactful”, she says.
Seminar tickets on sale for €85, including lunch, are available on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/womens-inspire-event-donegal-overcoming-challenges-tickets-51454136708
Get 20% off ticket prices with the Media Partner Discount Code from DonegalWoman.ie.
Use the promo code ‘donegalwoman’ at the checkout to save up to €18.
Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available and any event query can be addressed to sam@tweetinggoddess.com.
Businesswomen and entrepreneurs in the North West interested in joining the Women’s Inspire Network for networking, ideas sharing, contacts and business opportunities can get more information on www.womensinspirenetwork.com.
Among the very practical supports is the opportunity to promote their business or brand to over 50,000 followers between the @Tweetinggoddess and @womensinspireIE Twitter accounts. The group is also on Facebook and Instagram.
CLG Na nDúnaibh have been awarded grant aid of over €70,000 for clubhouse renovations.
The Downings club have been allocated €70,992.
The grant was sanctioned by the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht as part of commitments under the Community and Language Supports Programme in action 2.14, 2.21 and 2.22 of the Government’s Irish Language Action Plan 2018-2022.
“This grant support of €70,000 will go a long way to turning CLG Na Dúnaibh into an even better facility for Gaelic games and promoting our language,” Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh said.
“The club was the proud host of Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta last summer with clubs from all over the country bringing players, their families and supporters into north Donegal.
“The cash boost for Na Dúnaibh will go a long way to promoting the Irish language, encouraging youngsters in sport and making sure the best facilities are available for members of all ages.
“I look forward to seeing the top class facilities that this money helps to build.”
Local FG election candidate Eimer Friel welcomed the funding to Na Dúnaibh. She said: “This is fantastic news for a club at the heart of the local Gaeltacht community. I look forward to continuing my work with the club and I want to congratulate chairman Eoin Byrne, Richard Conneelly and all the team for all their hard work for the local community “
Raphoe ladies completed their Senior 1 League season unbeaten.
A 2-2 away draw at Portadown completed a superb campaign from Richard Tinney’s team.
Goals last night by Lyndsey Tinney and Sabrina Barnett saw Raphoe earn a fine point on their travels.
During the season, Raphoe had 14 wins and four draws.
Raphoe scored 64 goals and conceded only 19.
They now go up to the Premier League for next season.
Job Vacancy: GDC (Irl) Ltd are currently recruiting for a Quantity Surveyor/Buyer to join the team for a full-time role.
GDC (Irl) Ltd are an established Donegal based construction company who specialise in the construction of Quality Housing Developments.
Due to expansion, they are looking to employ a Quantity Surveyor/Buyer with the desire and experience necessary to support the day to day operations of construction sites.
The Role
The Person
Terms negotiable and depending on experience.
Closing date for applications 5pm Friday 26th April 2019
Please forward your CV and cover letter marked for the attention of the Managing Director to GDC (Irl) Ltd, Kilderry, Muff, Co Donegal F93 XA 38, or by email to daniel.doherty@gdcirl.com.
The people of Rathmullan have been let down by the years of failure over funding for its pier, local election candidate Eimer Friel has said.
The Milford Electoral Area candidate for Fine Gael has called on Donegal County Council to fund a new engineer’s report on the state of the pier so that central Government funding can be accessed.
“The fact is that there has been no interest that I have seen on the current council over the past five years – or the years before that – in funding a newly updated report on the state of the pier in Rathmullan,” said Friel.
“The pier needs upgraded but Donegal County Council cannot apply for funding from central Government until a proper assessment is carried out.
“I understand that this is because of a lack of political will on the council. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
Ms Friel said if elected she’d make funding a new engineer’s report on the pier a priority.
“We need to spend money on that report as soon as possible,” she said.
“When we know what’s needed to secure the future of Rathmullan pier, at least we can then make an argument for infrastructural funding from Government. But without that report – which should have been commissioned years ago – nothing is going to happen.
“The last report was written more than a decade ago and it has gathered dust. A new updated one is needed as soon as possible.”
Friel added: “Rathmullan is becoming increasingly important for our fishing industry and is a key port for the Naval Service and the town requires a new upgraded pier to secure that importance into the future.
“I want to commend the local community groups which continue to highlight this issue. As a former resident of Rathmullan, I know how much the pier means to the people of the town and its importance as economic driver for both business and tourism.”
Eimer Friel
