The National Transport Authority has announced it is to add 40 new wheelchair accessible buses to rural routes including Donegal.

The news has been welcomed by local disability campaigner Vicky Matthew who has been campaigning for a route from Ballyshannon in recent months.

The Donegal woman had launched a petition calling for routes to be updated and is due to hand it to TDs at Leinster House next week.

Vicky had revealed how she would be prevented from attending college in Sligo from September

She told him she aims to attend college in Sligo in September if Bus Éireann could not provide a wheelchair-accessible bus from Ballyshannon.

However, the NTA has now revealed that 40 new wheelchair accessible buses are to be rolled out – the first of which comes to Donegal in August.

The buses are due to be delivered by August. The NTA said Bus Éireann is also working on a ‘number of accessibility projects nationwide.’

Ms Matthew told Newstalk: “This means that me personally, I am going to be able to go to college,” she said.

“But it doesn’t stop here. The petition is for wheelchair-accessible public buses on all routes nationwide so next week, I will be going up to the Dáil to hand this to the Minister for Transport.”

She thanked everybody who has been involved with her campaign and signed or shared her petition.

She said the campaign helped her raise her voice to “be heard that wheelchair accessible buses are a basic human right.”

“I am grateful,” she said. “Today is a big step forward for people with disabilities getting the services they need.”

“Please keep signing and sharing the petition. I will keep campaigning until every wheelchair user in the country is able to access public buses but today is a victory.

“Thank you everybody.”

The change has been welcomed by Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle and Independent candidate for Donegal Electoral Area Valerie McNulty.

Deputy Pringle said: “I’m delighted to see that after much campaigning particularly by activist Vicky Mathews that Bus Eireann have finally responded to the needs of people with disabilities. This is an important development as people with disabilities who live in rural Ireland suffer disproportionately from a lack of public transport.”

Valerie McNulty also welcomed the news saying: “I worked hard alongside Thomas Pringle to get an answer from the relevant authorities for a number of months now on this issue. This move is setting a precedent for other areas to follow so that all barriers for people will disabilities can be removed.”

“I look forward to the rolling out of the buses this August in time for the start of the new college year and will keep the issue of accessible transport on the agenda going forward” concluded McNulty.

Sliabh Liag Distillers in Ardara is to submit a planning application to build a new €6 million distillery and visitor centre, which would bring Irish whiskey production back to the county for the first time in 177 years.

Sliabh Liag, which produces An Dúlamán Irish Maritime Gin and The Legendary Silkie Irish Whiskey, submit the application to Donegal County Council today.

Subject to approval, the construction of the distillery in Ardara is expected to start later this year, with distilling operations beginning in 2020.

Led by company directors James and Moria Doherty and James Keith, the site will employ at least 40 people and has received the support of the community.

It will have the production capacity of 400,000 litres annually – the equivalent of around 1,700 filled casks and more than 1.2 million bottles of whiskey.

The company plans to create a number of brands, including Ardara and Sliabh Liag Irish single malt and pot still whiskeys, which will be heavily peated and “authentic to the style of 19th century whiskeys” from County Donegal.

Plans for the new visitor centre include a poitín museum, exhibition space, tasting bar and shop.

The site will be designed by Corner Stone Architecture to “complement the village and its natural surroundings”.

James Doherty, managing director of Sliabh Liag Distillers, said: “The design of the development is a mix of contemporary and traditional finishes which complement the village of Ardara.

“We have put considerable thought into the visitor experience and aim to create an opportunity for visitors to park in the village, walk along the Owentocker river, across a new footbridge and into the Show Field.

“It is important to us that local businesses benefit from the footfall, and if we can get visitors walking in the village, increasing their dwell time, then so much the better for the entire community.”

“Enhancing Ardara’s offering to its community and visitors has been a major consideration throughout the design process.

“We intend to conserve the portion of the land nearest to the village as an open green space, with walkways and ponds providing a beautifully landscaped area to be enjoyed by everybody.”

A new defibrillator for Letterkenny was launched today as businesses in the Mountain Top came together to provide the potentially lifesaving device for the area.

The cardiac equipment which is placed just inside the entrance of the 24 hour Kelly’s Centra store is available to the community and those working in the Mountain Top area, the emergency services and commuters heading in and out of the town.

The new defibrillator purchase and installation was funded by Shining Stars Créche, Highland Motors, Letterkenny Precision Tooling, BM Blinds, Letterkenny Tool Hire, Fit Hub, Deemac Kitchens, Highland Radio, Kelly’s Centra, Pinehill Business Park, Carpet Interiors, Gloria Season’s, Orbit Security and Modern Motors.

Mairtin Kelly of Kelly’s Centra, thanked those involved for the contribution.

He said “It’s fantastic that the business community here have backed this project. It was easy for them to get behind it as the defib unit could save a life. It’s accessible at the front of the store so that anyone in the area can use it if needed.

“Hopefully, we don’t see that day but it’s here should it come. A special word of thanks to Tracy Rodgers who works in Kelly’s Diner, she did a great job in leading out the project“.

Gavin Boal of Pinehill Business Park added, “It’s a great addition to have at the Mountain Top. The businesses hope the device will not have to be put in use but if so, we have peace of mind that it is available at a location close to everyone if required and could save a life”.

Local business at the Mountain Top pictured at the presentation of a AED defibrillator which will be located inside the door and Kelly Centrra Mountain Top. Included were Neil Barrett, Alanna Conaghan ,Tracey Rodgers and Bailey Robinson, back row from left.Oisin Kelly Laurence Harrigan Gavin Boal and Pat Deeney Photo Brian McDaid

Eddie Seydak has blasted Derry City’s treatment of former youth coach John Quigg.

Seydak stepped down as manager of Derry City’s Ulster Senior League team last night, following a League defeat at Bonagee United – a move that had been planned for some time in advance of the fixture.

Quigg and Seydak oversaw a sea change in Derry’s youth structure over the last decade and developed scores of senior players, but both have recently departed the Brandywell under a cloud.

Last week, Paddy McCourt, Derry’s Head of Youth Development, mentioned that Quigg was ‘finding it tough to commit, given his work demands’.

However, Seydak has thrown new light on the matter.

“It is an absolute tragedy that he has left and it is an absolute disgrace the way he was treated,” Seydak said.

“John was told not to come back.

“The statement was that he left for work commitments. That was wrong. He was phoned and told not to come back.

“For anyone to be treated the way he was is nothing short of disgraceful. The service he gave, the players he brought through, that all deserved better.”

Eddie Seydak.

Pressed on the reasons, a clearly frustrated Seydak said: “I wouldn’t want to embarrass the club by giving the reason.”

The likes of James McClean, Barry McNamee, Michael Duffy, Ronan Curtis, Georgie Kelly, Conor McDermott, Ciaron Harkin and the late Ryan McBride all came through the conveyor belt under Quigg and Seydak.

In an interview with the Derry Journal following his departure, Quigg outlined that changes made by McCourt in a short time ‘made it clear’ that his own time was up.

Seydak said: “I was gutted what happened with John.

“He is an absolute legend in Derry City for the work he has done. The work he did was unheralded. You rarely saw John in the media, it was all about the young boys. Derry City benefitted so much from John’s work.”

John Quigg

Seydak admits he is unsure where the recent developments leave Derry City’s future participation in the Ulster Senior League.

Seydak informed Derry City of his decision to resign following the 4-1 loss to Bonagee at Dry Arch Park.

In a brief statement this morning, Derry City said: “Derry City Football Club wishes to acknowledge the services of Eddie Seydak who has resigned from his post as the club’s Ulster Senior League Manager.

“Eddie has been involved with the Candystripes for more than a decade and has been a fantastic servant to the club during that time.

“We would like to thank Eddie for his hard work and commitment and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Seydak believes that Derry City have the capability to keep churning out the young talent. On Tuesday night, Ramelton native Connor Gormley became the latest graduate as he made his first team debut as a substitute in the EA Sports Cup win over Longford Town.

Seydak said: “Over the years, a plethora of players have come through to the first team. There is no shortage of potential players for the first team again. There are some outstanding talents and hopefully some of them will progress to the first team.

“The young talent has been coming every year for the last number of years. Every year, we have had one or two, sometimes three or four coming through. That level of development is unparalleled in the League of Ireland.”

Inishowen is to finally get a new ambulance base.

Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has received official confirmation from the National Ambulance Service (NAS) that Buncrana is to have an ambulance base with six ambulance staff.

Senator Mac Lochlainn welcomed the news as a “great day for the people of Buncrana and Inishowen”.

It follows numerous calls for a second ambulance service for the peninsula.

He said “Myself and my colleagues, Cllrs Jack Murray and Albert Doherty have long called for this and in a meeting with senior management of the National Ambulance Service late last year, they indicated this was their plan but it required sign off from the HSE.

“This morning, I have received confirmation from Paudie O’ Riordan the Area Operations Manager West of the NAS that he will be allocating six ambulance staff to a base in Buncrana in the next few months once they are recruited and trained.

“This will be a second ambulance crew and service for the people of Inishowen. Mr O’ Riordan also advised me that he wishes to commence a day time base at Buncrana in the next number of weeks with existing staff in advance of the new crew taking up their roles”.

“This is a great day for the people of Buncrana and Inishowen. For so many years, we have called for this vital additional service and I look forward to a full complement of ambulance bases in Carndonagh, Buncrana and Letterkenny looking after our community in the time ahead”.

Proposals to increase Carbon Tax would have an adverse effect on Donegal, according to Sinn Féin local election candidate Brian Carr.

The Glenties activist has said that the support being shown by Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, Labour and the Green Party to impose a carbon tax hike shows how ‘out of touch’ many of the major parties are with ordinary families struggling with the cost of living.

Describing the proposals as ‘ill judged’, Mr Carr said that the measure would adversely affect more rural communities, including counties such as Donegal.

“While families are struggling financially owing to the rising cost of living, this proposal to introduce a hike in the carbon tax would only serve to push families further below the poverty line,” Carr said.

He continued: “In fact, according to research published by the CSO only this week, families in Donegal have the lowest levels of disposable income in the state with an average of €15,892.

“While Sinn Féin acknowledges and understands that climate change is one of the biggest issues facing society today, the evidence shows us that carbon taxes have simply failed to achieve behavioural change.

“The truth is that a hike to the tax will hit those living in rural areas the hardest because of a lack of viable alternatives such as poor public transport options. This is particularly the case in rural parts of Donegal where the car remains people’s only mode of transport.

“This is simply a regressive consumption tax that will disproportionately harm those on lower incomes and while the major parties may believe that ordinary working families should shoulder the burden, we in Sinn Féin hold that a fairer way is possible.”

Mr Carr added that, without alternatives to carbon usage, increased taxes will not reduce emissions from changes in public behaviour.

“Clearly, unless government puts in place measures to give families the alternatives such as major new investment in public transport, for example, increased carbon taxes will not change behaviour.

“This is why Sinn Féin opposes this punitive measure and I think there is an onus now on politicians who back this unfair increase to explain themselves because the way to fight climate change is not by penalizing ordinary workers and families,” Mr Carr said.

Donegal farmers and other pesticide users are being urged to use best practices to protect drinking water.

Irish Water has revealed that exceedances in pesticides are on the increase across the county, with two exceedances detected during 2018 in the River Eske Public Water Supply.

While the water authority has assured that there is no threat to public health, they are calling on users of pesticides to be mindful when spraying their lands.

These latest exceedances in Co Donegal follows on from previous exceedances noted in 2017 in the River Eske Public Water Supply and also the Killybegs Public Water Supply as well as low level detections in many other supplies.

Eight different supplies in Co Donegal (Bundoran, Fanad East, Fanad West, Frosses /Inver, Letterkenny, Milford, Fullerton Dam and Rosses) have seen the herbicide MCPA and other pesticides such as Cypermethrin, Glyphosate and Fluroxypyr detected over the past two years. This has been mostly at very low levels.

MCPA, which is commonly used to kill rushes on wet land, is the main offender in cases of exceedance. Careless storage, handling or improper application means it can easily end up in drinking water leading to breaches of the drinking water regulations.

The regulations are so stringent that a single drop of pesticide is enough to breach the drinking water limit in a small stream for up to 30 kilometres.

Pat O’Sullivan, Regional Drinking Water Compliance Specialist said: “Irish Water is continuing its extensive investment programme to improve water and wastewater services in Ireland. Providing safe, clean drinking water for all is our first priority. In Ireland, the majority (82 per cent) of drinking water supplies come from surface water sources (water from rivers, lakes and streams). Such supplies are vulnerable to contamination from land and animal run-off.”

Irish Water, working in partnership with the National Pesticides and Drinking Water Action Group, would like to remind farmers and professional users of pesticides of the need to follow best practice in the application of pesticides such as MCPA on land, particularly near lakes and rivers used as drinking water sources.

The basic steps in reducing pesticide risks are –

• Choose the right pesticide product (Note that products containing MCPA are NOT approved for use in weed-wipers.)
• Read and follow the product label
• Determine the right amount to purchase and use
• Don’t spray if rain or strong wind is forecast in the next 48 hours
• Make sure you are aware of the location of all nearby water courses
• Comply with any buffer zone specified on the product label to protect the aquatic environment. Mark out the specified buffer zone from the edge of the river or lake or other water course
• Never fill a sprayer directly from a water course or carry out mixing, loading or other handling operations beside a water course
• Avoid spills, stay well back from open drains and rinse empty containers 3 times into the sprayer.
• Store and dispose of pesticides and their containers properly.

An information video has also been produced for the campaign:

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Councillor Frank McBrearty will run for Fine Gael in the local council elections next month, Donegal Daily has learned.

A leading party source confirmed to Donegal Daily that Fine Gael Headquarters in Dublin will add McBrearty to their ticket in the Stranorlar electoral area in the coming days.

It follows numerous calls to the party offices from Fine Gael grassroots supporters in Raphoe, Lifford and across east Donegal.

It’s also understood the party grassroots members have offered canvassing teams and support on the ground to Cllr McBrearty in the past 48 hours.

McBrearty himself has remained silent on the issue but the move follows a meeting recently with the Fine Gael director of elections Tom Curran.

It’s understood the Raphoe politician informed Cllr Martin Harley of the development two weeks ago.

Harley and his supporters are opposed to the move with the Ballybofey-based publican threatening to quit Fine Gael over the issue.

However one source said: “The Fine Gael grassroots in east Donegal want Frank. It’s as simple as that. He works hard for people in the area. Cllr Harley would be better working with him to help secure two seats in the Stranorlar electoral area. Everyone has great time for Martin and people are hopeful this can all settle down.”

Earlier today Donegal TD and Cabinet Minister Joe McHugh praised both councillors and said he would welcome Cllr McBrearty into Fine Gael.

Two men have been arrested following two hit and run incidents in Derry.

PSNI and Gardaí in Donegal were involved in a cross-border chase in a bid to halt a Volkswagen Golf which was being driven dangerously throughout the city on Wednesday.

The car was initially involved in a hit and run collision on the Temple Road, Strathfoyle.

Police received a number of calls about the manner in which the vehicle was being driven before it was detected again. The car was seen speeding through the city, ignoring checkpoints and at one point it took the wrong side of a roundabout.

Gardaí in Donegal were alerted to the incident and moved towards the border to assist the chase. They soon located the vehicle and managed to chase it back into Derry.

A second hit and run was then reported on the Groarty Road, where the Golf hit another vehicle and narrowly avoided striking a pedestrian.

Police led a chase on foot after the vehicle was abandoned and the occupants attempted to run. Two men have been apprehended remanded in custody for multiple offences.

An appeal has been launched to find the driver of the car that was struck on Groarty Road and also the pedestrian that avoided the suspect’s vehicle. Police are eager to speak with the people involved in the incident. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PSNI Foyle.

Several whales washed ashore in Ireland including Donegal over recent weeks may have been confused while trying to swim away from underwater military sonar signals, experts suspect.

A massive 43 foot long sperm whale washed up at Magheroarty two weeks ago and another 36 feet long female sperm whale found dead on Streedagh beach in Co Sligo in recent days.

Sean O’Callaghan, science officer with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWGD), which is carrying out a post mortem examination on the dead mammal in Co Sligo, said it was unlikely natural causes are to blame.

“There is no indication of the whales having been hit by a ship or anything like that – we are not too sure at the moment, it is fairly puzzling,” he said.

Initial investigations show there was no plastic pollution inside the whale either.

“It seems a bit too usual for it all to be of natural causes – four recorded dead in such a short space of time,” Mr O’Callaghan told RTE.

“Typically we might record one or two sperm whales stranded or dead at sea.

“Four within a week and half of each other is quite a lot, all within a fairly small geographic area. It hasn’t happened before with sperm whales.”

Last August and September, up to 13 beaked whales – an even more elusive species than sperm whales – washed ashore along the coast within weeks of each other.

“Potentially those species were affected by noise pollution, such as military sonar but investigations are ongoing between Ireland and Scotland to understand that,” he told RTÉ Radio.

Mr O’Callaghan said the IWGD is speaking with counterparts in Scotland about trends there recently where large numbers of whales have washed ashore since last year.

Research published last month suggests sonar from naval ships can affect the behaviour of whales from a longer distance than first thought.

Using animal-attached sensors and deep-ocean acoustic listening devices, professors from St Andrews and Iceland universities found whales would swim away, go into a deep dive and also stop feeding upon hearing the military sounds.

Tests conducted on 12 northern bottlenose whales near Jan Mayen, an island north of Iceland, showed the whales swimming away from for several hours when exposed to a certain sound level, some up to 28km away.

The British Royal Navy said it would take the research into account when reviewing its marine life safety checks for underwater tasks.

Gymastics coaches from Gweeedore, Ballyshannon and Letterkenny have completed the Gymstart Level One coaching course as part of the recently launched North West Sporting Pathways Programme.

A total of 18 coaches attended the weekend course which was hosted by Citadel Gymnastics Club in Letterkenny and delivered by Cosmin Rad from Gymnastics Ireland.

Maggie Farrelly, education and training coordinator with Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP), said the weekend was a great success.

“This course marked the first steps in the the roll-out of the North West Sporting Pathways Programme in Donegal. Over the next few months we are hoping to run out gymnastics programmes in the Ballyshannon and Gweedore communities,” she commented.

“Citadel Gymnastics Club will be the parent club. It will be responsible for the staffing and delivery of the programmes in satellite clubs in Ballyshannon and Gweedore. We look forward to working with them,” Maggie added.

Maggie took up her role with DSP in December, with much of her efforts focusing on delivering the North West Sports Development Programme – a joint initiative between Donegal County Council and Derry and Strabane District Council aimed at supporting a number of minority sports.

The programme involves establishing a sports network including Sport Northern Ireland, Gymnastics Ireland, Gymnastics Northern Ireland, Ulster Hockey, Irish Amateur Boxing Association, Cricket Ireland, Tennis Ireland any other relevant National Governing Body identified.

The focus of the project will be the delivery of coach education and training opportunities, club based coaching, sport camps and celebration/recognition events delivered across Donegal County Councils and Derry City & Strabane areas.

The project will encourage greater day to day joint working between Donegal Sports Partnerships, Derry City and Strabane District Council and the relevant National Governing Bodies and sporting organisations.

North West Sporting Pathways Programme is split into four key areas – grassroots participation, regional talent development, coach education and administration/management.

St Crona’s National School in Dungloe is to gain a new autism unit in time for the new school year this September.

The approval of the special needs facility will also create new posts for an additional teacher and two SNAs.

A second unit was required at the school due to high demand for places and special education services.

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher, Leas-Cheann Comhairle has welcomed the approval of the unit and commended the staff at St Crona’s. 

“The school has been carrying out excellent work for the special needs sector for some time now,” Deputy Gallagher said.

He added: “Scoil Chróine covers the area from Ardara to Gweedore for special needs education requirement for that district. The unit approved today will be the second such unit within the school. The necessary conversion works will be fully completed by September in order to meet the growing demand on the school’s services at present.

“Earlier this year approval was given for further improvement works at the school, for canopy works at the school frontage in order to give the necessary shelter for students attending the school.

“It is expected that all these works which are already approved will be completed by summer end. I wish to compliment the school authorities and the school staff for their ongoing work in the school and for the trojan works they do on behalf of the disability sector.  

“These additional works to be carried out at Scoil Chróine will assist in the delivery of their educational demands and needs of the student in the years ahead,” concluded Pat the Cope.

Almost 60 per cent of Donegal’s GAA clubs will be under new management for the 2019 season.

The first full round of action in the All-County Football Leagues takes place this weekend.

Some 23 of the 39 football clubs in Donegal will have new managers for this campaign, including four in Division 1: Bundoran (Niall Dunne), Glenswilly (Ryan McKinley), St Eunan’s (Richard Thornton) and St Michael’s (Gary O’Neill).

Naomh Conaill manager Martin Regan is the longest serving club manager as he enters a fifth successive year in the hotseat at Davy Brennan Memorial Park.

Milford chief Danny O’Donnell, who is in year four, is the next in line, while five managers are in place for a third year.

 WHO’S MANAGING WHO? 

Division 1

Bundoran

Niall Dunne has been chosen to look after the fortunes of Realt na Mara in 2019. Dunne takes over the reigns from Francie Martin, who vacated the role after taking Bundoran back into Division 1.

Cloughaneely

Michael Lynch remains the manager at Pairc Naomh Fionnan. While coach Francie Friel has moved on, Lynch will oversee another year at the helm of the Falcarragh club. This will be his third season in the job.

Gaoth Dobhair

There are many around Magheragallon still pinching themselves from the run to Donegal and Ulster titles in 2018. Mervyn O’Donnell guided Gaoth Dobhair to glory last year and is back, with Michael Boyle again in row. O’Donnell will be in his third year as manager.

Gaoth Dobhair manager Mervyn O’Donnell during the county final. Photo Evan Logan

Glenswilly

Beaten semi-finalists in the Donegal SFC last year, the three-time Dr Maguire winners can still call on many previous champions – including Michael Murphy. This year, Ryan McKinley, who had great success with his home club, Naomh Colmcille, has been appointed at Pairc Naomh Columba.

Kilcar

Barry Doherty will have a third year as Kilcar’s manager. Doherty was manager when Kilcar won the Donegal SFC in 2017, having taken over as a late replacement for Martin McHugh. Was down the injured Patrick McBrearty and Ryan McHugh for last year’s Championship assault, but Doherty is back for another go.

Milford

Danny O’Donnell goes into his fourth year as Milford manager. O’Donnell, who had a previous successful spell at his native Naomh Muire, has led Milford to the top tier and won an Intermediate title two years ago. Last year, kept Milford in Division 1.

Naomh Conaill

Martin Regan is the longest serving manager in Donegal. This will be Regan’s fifth year to manage Naomh Conaill, who have lost each of the last two Donegal SFC finals. Regan was in charge for Naomh Conaill’s Championship win in 2015 and has been in charge since.

Sean MacCumhaills

Bernard McGeehan has led Sean MacCumhaills to Division 1 and will play their first game in the top flight game since 2003 this weekend. McGeehan won promotion last year and took the Finnsiders to the SFC semi-finals. 2019 will be his second year in the role.

Bernard McGeehan

St Eunan’s

It’s a changed guard once again for St Eunan’s. Richard Thornton, part of Maxi Curran’s backroom team in 2018, takes up the mantel in 2019. Thornton, who coached Donegal during Rory Gallagher’s term as manager, hails from Coalisland.

St Michael’s

Tyrone man Gary O’Neill takes charge at St Michael’s. A brother of former Tyrone star Stephen, Gary previously managed in Tyrone and takes over from Michael Kelly at The Bridge.

Division 2

Aodh Ruadh

James O’Donnell stepped down from the Aodh Ruadh post after two years in charge. Last season, he took Aodh Ruadh to the IFC final, but they lost out to Glenfin. This year, Barry Ward and Philip O’Reilly are at the helm.

Ardara

Adrian Brennan goes into his third year of what is his second spell as Ardara’s manager. Brennan helped steady the ship somewhat and will be aiming to push on in 2019.

Buncrana

Malachy McCann again heads up the Buncrana charge.  It will be his second year of this spell as manager at the Scarvey. While they were promoted to Division 2 of the League, Buncrana were relegated to the Junior Championship. Derry native Emmet Thompson is McCann’s trainer for 2019.

Dungloe

Francie Martin has checked in at Dungloe for 2019. Martin has moved to Dungloe after two years at Bundoran. Previously, he has managed Glenswilly, Glenfin and Naomh Colmcille and will hope to make inroads

Francie Martin

Four Masters

A new man in the dugout at Tir Chonaill Park as Ian McKenna takes on the Four Masters job. McKenna hails from County Monaghan and has been with the Four Masters club at underage level. McKenna takes over from Kevin Lyons.

Glenfin

Glenfin make their return to the ranks of the Donegal SFC in 2019. Liam Breen was in charge for last year’s Intermediate final win over Aodh Ruadh, but Mark McGinty senior is the man calling the shots at Pairc Taobhoige this year.

Killybegs

Killybegs, last year’s winners of Division 3, will hope the experience of Hugh McFadden and Eoghan Ban Gallagher can aid their charge in 2019. 1992 All-Ireland winner John Cunningham is manager again, his second year at the controls.

Naomh Columba

Pauric O’Donnell, a former Naomh Columba goalkeeper, takes on his first senior job. O’Donnel has been heavily involved managing and coaching at schools level, but has stepped up to lead his native Naomh Columba. O’Donnell succeeds Paddy J McGinley in the Glen hotseat.

St Naul’s

Barry Meehan has remained on at St Naul’s for 2019, but will be in sole charge this time around. Last year, Meehan was joint manager with Eddie Brennan. However, Brennan has moved on with Meehan staying put.

Termon

Paddy McDaid stepped into the void left by Sean Paul Barrett’s departure during Termon’s SFC campaign in 2019. McDaid has taken on the role of manager for 2019 at the Burn Road, having preserved their senior status.

Division 3

Burt

Following relegation from the senior championship in 2018, Burt are once more back at the intermediate grade. And there is a change of manager at Hibernian Park, where Stephen Davenport from nearby Newtown replaces Manus MacGabhann.

Downings

Downings had a superb 2018, winning the All-Ireland Junior Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta title on home soil, while they climbed into Division 3 having won Division 4. Kevin ‘Cookie’ Gallagher, after spells at Gaeil Fhánada and Four Masters, will manage his home club after taking over from Micheál Bradley.

Gaeil Fhánada

Aidan McAteer returns for a second year in charge of Gaeil Fhánada, who will be bidding to make a mark in Division 3 and in the Intermediate Championship.

Malin

Robert Farren is in charge of his native Malin, who were relegated to Division 3 last year. Farren worked under Declan Bonner during his stint at underage level with Donegal. Farren, who will be aided by Shane McCarron, has taken over from Terence Colhoun.

Naomh Brid

Matt Gallagher, Donegal’s 1992 All-Ireland winning full-back, is the new manager at Trummon. Gallagher succeeds Dougie Corbett, who has gone on to manage Division 3 rivals Naomh Colmcille.

Naomh Colmcille

Dougie Corbett, a coach when Naomh Colmcille reached the Intermediate Championship final in 2015, returns to the club as manager this year. Corbett was in charge of Naomh Brid last year, but is back at Naomh Colmcille for 2019. Dean McBrearty, who managed Robert Emmets last year, is his number 2.

Dougie Corbett

Naomh Muire

Gavin Ward from nearby Dungloe is the new man in charge at Naomh Muire this year. Ward was a member of Jim McGuinness’s backroom team when Donegal won the All-Ireland in 2012. Ward, a former player with Dungloe, is in senior management for the first time.

Naomh Ultan

Martin Shovlin and Liam Kennedy will guide the Dunkineely club’s fortunes in 2019.

Shovlin, a 1992 All-Ireland winner with Donegal, joins up with Kennedy, who was part of a three-man management team last year, alongside Luke Keaney and Paul Byrne.

Red Hughs

Red Hughs, the 2018 Donegal and Ulster Junior Champions, have yet to confirm their management team. In the last week or so it was confirmed that Seosamh Mac Ceallabhuí had vacated the role and the Monellan outfit have not confirmed a replacement candidate.

Seosamh Mac Ceallabhui, who has vacated the job of Red Hughs manager. Picture by Geraldine Diver

St Mary’s, Convoy

Laurence McMullan has been retained in Convoy. McMullan was first appointed to the manager’s role for the 2017 season. A former backroom team member with Jim McGuinness and the Donegal U21s, McMullan is entering his third season in the job.

Division 4

Carndonagh

Paddy McLaughlin takes charge of Carndonagh this season and will look to spearhead a challenge in Division 4 and the Junior Championship. McLaughlin has recruited Con McLaughlin to assist with training in 2019.

Letterkenny Gaels

Sean McBrearty has returned to take over at Letterkenny Gaels this year. McBrearty, whose previous stint ended in 2017, will be aided by John McDermott and Tommy Daly.

Moville

Sean O’Hare is looking after matters in Moville this year. There are optimistic notes being struck with the likes of Ciarán Diver, who is on the Donegal senior panel, to call on. O’Hare has Anthony Doogan and Chris Carr on his management team.

Na Rossa

Na Rossa have started playing in their new facility at Madavagh, with the club’s underage players having already lined out in their new home.  Donal Trimble is the new Bainisteoir of the club’s seniors.

Naomh Padraig, Lifford

Sean McConnell is back at the Roughan for another stint. Naomh Padraig had a difficult year in 2018 and changed managers during the campaign, with Paul Melaugh taking over from Donal Grant. Now, McConnell is back in situ, having previously taken them to a Junior A final and winning promotion to Division 3.

Naomh Padraig, Muff

Billy Costello had been rumoured to be considering his future at Ture, but the Kerry native is back in situ and insists he was never going anywhere. Costello will be at the helm for a second year.

Pettigo

Conor Daly helped to end a 65-year wait for senior success at Pettigo in 2018. Daly guided Pettigo to glory in the Junior B Championship – their first adult title since the 1953 Junior Championship. Daly is in place again for what will be his second year as boss.

Robert Emmets

It has been a winter of change in Castlefin. Aaron McDaid and Colm Gallagher, two long-standing Robert Emmets clubmen, have been appointed as managers this year. They take the baton from Dean McBrearty, who is aiding Dougie Corbett at Naomh Colmcille.

Urris

Sean Paul Doherty took Urris to the Junior Championship final in 2018. They lost out to Red Hughs, but the seeds have been sewn and Doherty is back for another go and will hope to deliver some success to Straid this season.

In an era where the workload on clubs and their personnel has never felt higher, it is surprising to find Martin Regan with such zest.

Regan is Donegal football’s longest serving manager now as he gets set for a fifth year in charge of Naomh Conaill.

Management certainly is no chore for Regan, Naomh Conaill’s 2015 Donegal SFC-winning manager. The Glenties side have hit the crossbar in the last two years, reaching successive finals, but losing to Kilcar and Gaoth Dobhair.

The lifespan of club managers is short right now. Over half of Donegal’s 39 clubs will be under new managers this year. Almost 60 per cent of clubs will have a new man in the Bainisteoir bib this weekend when the All-County Football Leagues swing into action.

Regan counts himself one of the lucky ones.

“Time is the big one for me,” the St Columba’s Comprehensive School teacher says.

“It suits me because I live in Glenties and I’m teaching. I finish most evenings by around half-past four. I have evenings off.

Odhran MacNiallais weaves his way through midfield during the 2018 county final. Photo Evan Logan

“The workload has definitely increased from the previous time I had the job briefly.”

Last year, Mervyn O’Donnell, the Gaoth Dobhair manager, outlined how he learned to delegate from 2017 to 2018. He increased his backroom staff and it reaped rewards with a number of key additions, not least the recruitment of Termon’s Michael Boyle as the trainer.

It is a notion that Regan very much subscribes to.

Regan has Michael McLaughlin and Shay Murrin commuting from Derry; Damien McElroy has been working on strength and conditioning; Mickey O’Donnell, David Gallagher and Brian McGuigan are aboard the backroom staff; Regan will have a new goalkeeping coach; Dr Charlie McManus and physios Hugh Breslin and Emma Boyle look after the team’s medical needs.

On top of that, there are four people doing stats during games.

“You have to be a good delegator and you need to trust people, too,” Regan says.

‘When I started off, there wasn’t near as much work on video analysis. That has gone through the roof, analysis of your own team and also opposition analysis.

“Other clubs were doing it when I came in for the 2015 year and we were just doing bits.

“Michael and Shay coming in last year really took the pressure off. Shay does an awful lot of the video work and that is a job you just can’t short-circuit.

Naomh Conaill after winning the 2018 Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta title last year

“Trust is the big thing here, so we’ll never be going over each other’s work.

“The workload has increased, but not really on me. The workload on the management team has increased.

“For me, it’s much easier because I’m not commuting. If we’re training, I’m away at 20 past six and home around nine o’clock. Michael and Shay are maybe away from half-past four and aren’t home until well after 10.

“I really enjoy it. We have a great bunch of footballers and a great bunch of men in Glenties. I wouldn’t have the same motivation to manage another club or a county. I enjoy going down to the field to the boys as much as taking a football team.”

After leading Naomh Conaill to Dr Maguire four years ago, Regan indicated that he was stepping down before being talked around.

Regan knows, after two successive final defeats, that the parish is craving another slice of the glory again.

Gaoth Dobhair manager Mervyn O’Donnell during the county final. Photo Evan Logan

“There is pressure too, of course,” he says. “Depending on what club you’re at, the pressure will take on different formats.

“We haven’t won a Championship in four years now. You know there are other people looking in and thinking: ‘I could do a better job’. I feel maybe we have to deliver a Championship to really deserve the job.”

Regan will be working off much the same panel as in 2018, though youngsters Nathan Byrne and Sean Roarty can be expected to push hard for inclusion.

“We won’t be an awful lot different,” Regan says. “We won’t change much, but we do have to look at our style of play. We have to improve because we were well beaten by Gaoth Dobhair in the final.

“We need more scores, but at least we’re aware of that now. Defensively, we thought we were solid enough, but we still conceded 17 points in the final.”

Regan is somewhat concerned that the demands on club players has gone through the ceiling.

“Some players feel it’s too much now and it’s gone almost to county level,” he says.

“I can see the thoughts from both sides. Of course, there’s the argument about having as good a set up and having things as professional as you can.

“But what players who think: ‘That’s not for me’? Maybe players have stepped back from county because the going is too tough – if it’s the same at club level, what then?”

Mobile phone company Three has made a pledge not to re-introduce roaming charges between the UK and Ireland after Brexit.

The announcement has come as a relief to border customers, who have been concerned about extra phone charges for travelling outside the EU.

Three Ireland and Three UK have both moved to assure customers that their roaming experience will not be affected by Brexit this year.

“We are taking the industry lead on this issue and giving the assurance to our customers that the roaming experience that they have in the UK today will continue after Brexit, whatever shape that takes,” said Robert Finnegan, CEO of Three Ireland.

Sinn Féin Councillor Gary Doherty has welcomed the commitment from the company and urged others to follow suit.

The Stranorlar area councillor said: “I very much welcome this announcement by Three that they will not reintroduce Roaming charges for its customers on the island of Ireland or travelling to Britain.

“We fought a long hard battle with the mobile operators on a European level to get these charges abolished in the first instance, and it was a very real concern that they would make an un-welcome return, particularly for those of us who live in border areas.

“However, the onus is now on the other mobile phone operators to make the same commitment, follow Three’s lead, and pledge not to reintroduce these charges. Brexit, whether hard or soft, cannot be used as an excuse to impose extortionate charges for using a mobile phone in your own country,” Cllr Doherty concluded.

Two of the four Donegal teams who earned the right to represent the county at the national finals of the primary schools sportshall athletics were crowned All-Ireland champions at the Athlone Indoor Arena on Wednesday.

Gaelscoil Adhamhnain in Letterkenny won the national title in the 3rd and 4th class boys section, while Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, also in Letterkenny, took the honours in the 5th and 6th class girls category.

Scoil Iosagain in Buncrana represented Donegal in the 3rd and 4th class girls and 5th and 6th class boys competitions and both teams performed extremely well.

The Donegal Sportshall Athletics finals held at the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny the previous Monday threw up plenty of excitement and drama, with a wealth of talented young athletes performing to the highest of standards.

Addressing the pupils at the end of an extremely enjoyable spectacle, Donegal Sports Partnership board member, Eamon Harvey, commended all involved for their efforts.

“Today has been another great success and it was great to see all the boys and girls enjoying themselves while competing in the  runs, jumps and throws – that’s what this programme is all about.

“If you are not a member of your local athletics club, you should go along, become a member and get involved,” Mr Harvey commented.

“Thanks to the teachers and the coaches for getting the children ready for these competitions,” he added.

The finalists in each of the sections were are as follows:

3rd and 4th class girls – Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana; Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Leitir Ceannain; Scoil Mhuire, Stranorlar; Scoil Chróine, Dungloe; Creevy NS, Ballyshannon; St Bridget’s NS, Convoy.

3rd and 4th class boys – Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Leitir Ceannain; St Macartans, Bundoran; Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana; Scoil Chróine, Dungloe; Scoil Mhuire, Stranorlar; St Patrick’s NS, Murlog.

5th and 6th class girls – Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Letterkenny; Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana; Dooish NS, Ballybofey; Scoil Chróine, Dungloe; St Macartans NS, Bundoran; St Bridget’s NS, Convoy.

5th and 6th class boys – Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana, Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Leitir Ceannain; Scoil Chróine, Dungloe; Creevy NS, Ballyshannon; St Bridget’s NS, Convoy; Scoil Mhuire, Stranorlar.

The people of Glenties are asking candidates in this year’s local and European elections not to cover their town in election literature.

Glenties Community Development Group are asking all political parties and their candidates not to erect political posters or any material promoting candidates in the town in the run-up to the May 24th voting.

The area includes all roads and areas with the town boundary of Glenties or within the 50kph speed limits.

Secretary of GCDG, Richard Quigley said this request is being made, as in previous years, to ensure the appearance of Glenties remains as pristine as possible approaching the summer months.

He said “We have an exceptionally hard working Tidy Towns Committee whose preparations for this year’s competition will be in full swing come election time.

“Additionally we are also planning a major project for the town’s streetscape under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the presence of election material and associated cable ties only detract from the town and the hard work that is going on to improve the town’s appearance.

“We hope that all political parties, and their candidates, will respect this request and understand the reasoning behind it and also understand that this is something we have requested of political parties for some years now and the co-operation of all parties and candidates has been much appreciated thus far.

“We wish all candidates in the elections well and look forward to continued co-operation between us all.”

A Donegal woman’s work has been nominated for a prestigious Celtic Media Award.

Helena Gallagher, who is originally from Arranmore Island but who now lives in Scotland, is no stranger to the world of broadcasting.

The owner of HG Productions, Helena’s previous work has been nominated for other awards.

A previous radio documentary entitled ‘Searching for Answers’ was broadcast on RTE radio and won a Gold New York International Radio Award in 2011.

Helena regularly returns to Arranmore Island where she works and edits many of her productions.

Some of her other documentaries include ’Bus Ghlaschu’ and Iniscaroch which were broadcast on TG4 in 2017.

Helena’s current documentary is titled ‘Gaol Is Call’ (Gaidhlig name) or Labour of Love.

The documentary centres on the tragedy of stillbirth and miscarriage, and tells the heart-wrenching stories of the parents left behind, bereft and at a loss.

In a sensitive and moving documentary, BBC news broadcaster Mairi Rodgers, who also has Donegal connections, gives an honest account of her experience when she lost her baby Annie when she was 5 months pregnant.

Over the course of 6 months Mairi meets families touched by stillbirth and miscarriage including football Wag Lisa Hague and her partner, ex-Celtic football player Kris Commons, who lost their daughter Lola when Lisa was over 8 months pregnant. Lisa decided not to hold her daughter Lola when she was born ‘I deeply regret that, I deeply regret not holding her and not seeing her’.

BBC Broadcaster Annie McGuire shares her moving story of losing her daughter Grace in 2014 and how the trauma of that event impacted her life. She also reveals how friends and work colleagues didn’t know what to say or how to deal with the situation and by not saying anything often made the situation even more difficult.

Trainee Minister David Nicolson and his wife Victoria share their tragic story of having 3 miscarriages, discussing how that affected them as a couple and how their support of each other was vital to surviving.

As Mairi reveals how she struggled to cope with her own pain, her personal journey will give courage and hope to other families who are struggling with similar grief, and an insight into a subject that many people find difficult to talk about. What kind of impact did the trauma have on her relationship with her husband Lachie?

The prgramme follows Mairi as she makes an emotional return to the Raigmore Hospital where her precious daughter was born sleeping. Through her brave reflections we gain an isight into the realities she had to face up to when faced with the heartbreaking news of the complications with her baby.

In Labour of Love we see Mairi donate her wedding dress to Kim at Zaagi to have it transformed into little gowns for babies who are born sleeping. Kim shares her story of losing her baby Sarah and discusses how important it was for her to do something positive in her memory. In a moving scene – we see Mairi open the boxes containing the little gowns created by Kim with her 5 year old daughter Maired.

On her journey Mairi meets Psychotherapist Peggy Mullally and seeks advice and support about how to deal with the loss as an individual and as a family.

We’ll see Mairi looking at the memory box given to her at the hospital which contains the hand and footprints of her daughter Annie. In moving reflection, Mairi talks about how precious this memory box is to her and how important it was for her and her husband Lachie to spend time with Annie and make memories with her.

Mairi also attends events like the Butterfly release in Inverness which provides support to families who have lost babies and she visits the Tree of Tranquility to look at the unique way that babies are remembered.

Labour of love is a truly moving account of love and loss, told through the experiences of those who have lived through it. The intimate stories of how families have coped with such traumatic events through supporting each other reveal characters of immense courage and mental fortitude while offering hope and direction to those who have had to face similar adversity.

The awards take place in Aviemore in Scotland in June 2018 http://www.celticmediafestival.co.uk

Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan has warned that his side can expect to be under pressure in this evening’s north-west derby with Derry City.

The first derby meeting of the teams this season comes with Harps still in search of a first League win of the season. On Monday night, Harps overcame Sligo Rovers in the EA Sports Cup to give them a lift heading into the fixture.

However, Declan Devine’s Derry will present a rather more stern examination, the Harps boss feels.

“They have the bit between their teeth,” Horgan told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub this week.
“They’re looking at a European spot. We took a hammering in pre-season and it will be hugely difficult. They have conceded very little goals. We know they’ll have the majority of possession and we’ll be under pressure.”

Harps can expect their biggest crowd of the season so far and Horgan hopes that the derby fireworks can spark his men to a first three points of the year.

He said:  “You’re hoping that the rivalry will even it out a bit.

“We should have gained a bit of confidence from Monday night. If you’re not up for Derry, you’re not going to be up for any game.”

Listen to the full interview below …