Finn Valley AC’s Ben Carr was the winner of last night’s Transplant Games 5k.

Carr led the way in 16 minutes and 2.5 seconds.

In second spot was Kevin Logue of Milford AC (16:58.1) with Gerard Marley, also of Milford AC, in third (17:46.9).

Milford AC’s Danielle McNamee was the first female home, finishing in 21:02.5.

If it was a few days earlier we would have passed it off as an April Fool’s Day prank.

The news that Donegal suffered a 2.4 magnitude earthquake last Sunday night certainly raised a few eyebrows.

And it’s not the first time that the earth has moved in Donegal with lots of previous earthquakes being recorded in Donegal over the years – the last one being felt in Fanad in 2017.

But why exactly does this happen in Donegal?

Physics teacher at St Columba’s College in Stranorlar, Brendan O’Donoghue has installed special equipment at the school which records earthquakes which students can study.

Here he explains the most likely and simple reason why Donegal is hit by earthquakes.

“In a nutshell, Stephen, the earthquakes in Donegal are most likely due to the faults running through the county from SW to NE.

“These are remnants of the collision between Laurentia and Gondwana, ancient continents that converged and closed roughly 500 – 400 million years ago. This continental collision formed the mountains that today run through Scandinavia, Scotland, NW Ireland and the eastern parts of North America (the Appalachians).

“North America and Europe then separated starting 50 million years ago during the Tertiary Volcanic Period. This activity formed the volcanic features of Northern Ireland, like the Giants’ Causeway.”

A look at the Geologic Survey of Ireland’s Spatial Resources website selecting the layer for “Bedrock Geology 500K” will show the swarm of faults running through Donegal.

http://Click here http://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=a30af518e87a4c0ab2fbde2aaac3c228

Resurfacing works that have improved a busy section of road between Raphoe and Convoy have been welcomed locally.

The works follow the completion last year of the replacement of some 6km of the local mains water pipe network carried out by Irish Water.

The new road surface between Convoy and Raphoe.

Praising its completion, Councillor Liam Doherty said: “I very much welcome the completion this week of the resurfacing of the Convoy to Raphoe road route.”

“This work was very badly needed as the condition of the route was quite poor and had fallen into a state of disrepair, something which was compounded by the completion last year of the pipe replacement programme by Irish Water.

“While of course this work was necessary to improve the quality of the drinking water, replacing the local piping network required the excavation of a considerable amount of the roadway above and this – understandably – took its toll on the quality of the road’s surface in the areas affected.

“I am therefore delighted that, after much lobbying, that Donegal County Council has this week finally completed the resurfacing of the road between the two towns.”

A Donegal County Councillor has once again refuted plans for an outflow sewage pipe on Glenburnie Beach in Moville due to fears of a neap tide in Lough Foyle. 

It follows a meeting in Inishowen on Tuesday where local councillors discussed the prolonged issue of an adequate sewerage system in the Moville/Greencastle area.

Irish Water was criticised last December when they were accused of re-introducing the same Moville Sewerage Scheme that was raised almost 30 years ago.

Fears have previously been raised with the water service over an initial 600-metre outflow pipe, which was later reduced to 300-metres, that was planned to be installed on Glenburnie Beach towards Lough Foyle.

Those concerned said that a neap tide could later cause sewage to return and coat the local sand, calling on the plans for the scheme to be moved north of Greencastle where the wastewater could be transported into the open ocean.

Speaking yesterday at the Inishowen Municipal Meeting, Chairperson and local representative, Martin Farren said it was time that Irish Water met representatives ‘halfway’ on the scheme.

He said: “I said from the very beginning, whenever Irish Water were taking on this project, it had to be transparent at all stages and unfortunately they came to the Foyle Hotel with what they called new plans but there was a lot of the old stuff on those plans.

“What I am asking for in relation to putting an outflow pipe out north of Greencastle, that is the only way we are going to get a proper sewage system in Moville and we need it very, very badly,” Cllr Farren added.

“It has to come in as soon as possible but I feel that Irish Water have to meet us halfway on this and identify an area for this outflow pipe.

“It is not going out at Glenburnie Beach and nobody can tell me if there is a neap tide that it won’t come back on the beach again.”

However, Sinn Fein Councillor Albert Doherty questioned whether Irish Water would need permission from the Donegal County Council or the Crown Estate to put the plans into place for Lough Foyle.

“I would really appreciate clarification (on the ownership of the Lough Foyle) because the Crown Estate claim the seabed of the Foyle,” Doherty said.

“If Irish Water wants to put a pipe into the seabed of the Foyle will they have to apply to the Donegal County Council for permission for that outflow pipe in relation to a sewage system into the Foyle or will they have to seek permission from Crown Estate?”

Martin Farren, however, weighing in on the issue, said he would ‘totally dispute’ Crown Estate’s control of the Lough Foyle.

“I was born and raised in Moville my whole life,” Farren said. “I swam in the Foyle and fished salmon in the Foyle and I think as an Irishman I have as much right as the Crown Estate has.

“I would dispute that as the Irish Government have disputed it,” he added.

“So, in terms of them having full control of the Foyle I would be very unhappy and I would like to think that the Irish Government would fight tooth and nail.”

The new Donegal Women’s League season is firmly up and running with games and goals galore.

Games at Under-16, Under-14 and Under-12 levels are already coming thick and fast.

Picture above: Milford United Under-12s.

UNDER-16s

Swilly Rovers 1 Lagan Harps 5

Lagan started very strong, a quick goal from Maria Bonner setting the tone for the first half.

Lucy Canning was very strong in midfield and the lively Gaby O’Donnell up front also added to the score.

Lagan ended the first half five-nil up. Swilly Rovers came back much stronger in the second half. Great team work in defence set Kelsey McAteer and AnnaMcFadden on a run with Kelsey scoring a cracker from just outside the box.

Both swilly and Lagan had more chances, Gaby O’Donnell’s shot saved by Ellie Duffy, and Catelyn Doherty for Swilly hitting the crossbar.

Finn Valley 1 Mulroy Academy 11

An inexperienced Finn Valley team had no answer to the attacking threat of an excellent Mulroy team at the Valley on Sunday evening.

Both teams were missing influential players on the day, but Mulroy’s greater squad depth told as they strolled to an easy victory.

Valley struggled to contain Caoimhe Heron in the early stages of the game, as she helped herself to three early goals.  Lisa Dugera, Aoife Gibbons and Marie Kerr also got on the scoresheet to leave Mulroy 6-0 up by half time.

Valley improved in the second half, with Rachel Lawne and Rhianna Doherty working hard in midfield, and Emma Conaghan making some good saves to keep the score down.

However, Mulroy continued to carry a great attacking threat, as Clodagh and Caoimhe Heron got a couple of goals each.  Jessica Coll rounded things off for Mulroy with a good finish at the back post.

Finn Valley continued to battle hard until the final whistle.

They were eventually rewarded for their efforts as Aimee Lafferty was fouled for a last minute penalty and she dusted herself off to score past Leah McLoughlin in the Mulroy goal.

Illistrin 10 Bonagee United 0

This game was played on a lovely evening in Illistrin on Monday and despite a gallant effort from a very youthful Bonagee team the home ran out comfortable winners.

Illistrin created a lot of the early pressure but Bonagee were well organised and defended very well in the first half.

Erika Gallagher came close hitting the bar and the post in the first 10 minutes but it was the away team who nearly broke the deadlock.

Hannah Hopkins hit Illistrin on the break in the 20th minute and her excellent run and powerful shot was tipped over the bar by Illistrin FC keeper Orla Corry, an early contender for save of the season.

It was a pivotal moment in the match as soon after Illistrin took the lead when a neat pass from Aislinn Coll found Alisha Tobin and her excellent drive from 30 yards flew into the net.

Illistrin U16

Despite some great saves from Bonagee’s Emma Doherty in the first half she could do nothing as Aislinn Coll finished neatly and Erika Gallagher finished smartly to make the halftime score 3-0.

Rebekah McGlinchey, Ciara Doherty, and Emily Irwin were defending very well for Illistrin and Bonagee’s Ella Black, Eva Harvey, and Caitlin Hume worked tirelessly in defence.

Illistrin increased their lead at the start of the second half with two goals from Erika Gallagher to complete her hat-trick and a corner from Aislinn Coll that curled straight in.

Orla Corry, Aibhe McDaid, Aobha Gallagher, and Sophie Curran all got in on the act as a very young but spirited Bonagee team tired in the second half.

Heather McLaughlin and Amy Callaghan put in a great shift in midfield for them.  Megan McDaid, Jade Stewart, and Jodie McFadden played well throughout.

Referee: Zach McLaughlin

UNDER-14s

Raphoe Town 2 Kilmacrennan 0

Goals from Aine O’Flanagan and Ella McHugh proved the difference on Friday night as Raphoe Town’s U14 team got their season off to a good start with a hard fought win against Kilmacrennan.

The visitors almost broke the deadlock with a chance inside the opening seconds, but once Raphoe settled they were well in control and it took a number of top class saves from goalkeeper Eilish Russel to keep the home team at bay.

She saved brilliantly to deny Aine o’Flanagan and Ella McHugh on a number of occasions, while at the other end Emma Price was having a terrific battle with Raphoe defender Shania McMonagle as she attempted to carve out chances for Kilmacrennan.

Raphoe and Kilmac U14s

Raphoe eventually broke the deadlock when Abigail Temple Asokuh played a superb pass through to Aine O’Flanagan and even though Emma Price got a hand to the shot, it flew into the top corner and Raphoe led 1-0 at the break.

The second half was also a hard-fought affair but Raphoe added to their tally when Alicia McCullagh and Abigail Temple Asokuh combined with some neat football before sending Ella McHugh and she raced free to steer home a great shot to the bottom corner.

The visitors pressed and pressed, but Raphoe well-marshalled by Rocha McCullagh and Shania McMonagle were too strong on the night.

Illistrin 4 Finn Valley 0

The home team got their league campaign of to a great start with a convincing win over a very young and spirited Finn Valley team.  It was one way traffic for much of the first half but the Finn Valley team was well set up and defended very well.

Leanne McGettigan, Ciara Molloy, and Nicole McDaid came closed to opening the scoring but Finn Valley keeper McMenamin produced great saves. Sarah Conaghan was working tirelessly to keep the home team out.

The breakthrough finally came in the 20th minute when Emily Irwin found Katelyn Doherty on the wing and her cross fell to McGettigan who finished well. Erika Gallagher and Sarah McGinley were excellent in midfield and Katelyn Lenihan almost scored after a great run and shot.

Illistrin U14

Early in the second half Darcey Kelly and Aobha Hartigan combined well to release Lenihan and her cross come shot finished in the net. Lenihan continued to impress on the wing and Nicole McDaid made it 3-0 In the 45th minute. Good work from Grace Nugent and Claire Gallagher found McDaid again and she finished neatly to wrap up the scoring.

Sarah Robinson, Ella Rose McDermott, Rionna McFadden, and Eimear Gallagher all contributed well when introduced. Aoibhin Randles did well out the field and in nets.

Credit to Finn Valley who played very well and defended excellently.

Referee: Paul Murphy

Lagan Harps 4 Bonagee United 2

Both sides didn’t disappoint with the girls playing excellent football and the lead changed three times throughout the game.

Despite having loads of possession in the first half and some excellent defending by Bonagee Lagan found themselves down when Grace Murphy was fouled in the box and she converted the penalty.

Within minutes, Orlaith Doherty equalised for Lagan after a great through ball from Niamh Sweeney.

Lagan Harps U14

Sonia Gallagher nearly put Lagan ahead but her shot went wide of post.

Aalya Mustapha and Sophie Canning were starting to cause Bonagee problems in wide areas. Just on stroke of half time, Lagan had pushed numbers forward and the ball broke forward to Grace Murphy who finished Into bottom corner.

From the restart, Emma Gribben sent Orlaith Doherty through to level things again.

Shauna O’Donnell was introduced for Lagan at half time and from onset started to link up with Niamh Sweeney despite picking up a knock in first half was able to go on one of the amazing runs only to see her shot come of the post.

Bonagee U14

Erin Doherty presence in centre mid control the flow of game, stringing passes for the free players. It was Doherty who herself broke through from midfield on 46 minutes to put Lagan ahead for the first time.

Emma Gribben and Abigail Quigley were solid in centre defence, as Emma organised the younger defenders and was also able to join the attack to set up Orlaith Doherty for the hat-trick.

With minutes remaining Amy Doherty pulled off a great save from Sienna Doherty.

UNDER-12s

Lagan Harps 6-0 Raphoe Rapids

Goals from Orlaith Doherty (4), Sophie Canning and Rosie O’Donnell secured the three points for Lagan.

Raphoe Rapids battled hard with Cara Eton, Niamh Toye and Alisha McCullagh working hard defensively.

Lagan Harps U12s

Ashling Mugan and Niamh Ryan pulled the strings for Lagan in midfield and with excellent passing were able to create goal scoring opportunities the opportunities.

Cliodhna Kelly and Tianna Hannigan linked up well for Raphoe however solid defending from Aileen Sweeney and Scarlet Keys blocked their efforts.

Gweedore United 1 Illistrin 0

The in-form Maryanne Ward bagged the only goal of the game on Monday evening as Gweedore United edged out Illistrin in a closely-contested affair.

Bonagee United 0 Finn Valley 1

The game had just started when Bonagee created the first attack which had Chloe Creevy break through the defence only to be denied by a superb save from the visiting keeper.

For most of the first half the play took place in the middle third of the pitch with both teams having equal possession but creating little goal scoring opportunities.

It wasn’t until the 23^rd minute when Finn Valley broke down the left and India Falls Doherty went on a short run and tucked the ball inside of an advancing Bonagee keeper to make it 1-0.

From the start of the second half you could see the determination in the young Bonagee faces that they were seeking to get something from this game with Tara Gildea going close in the 33rd minute but a resilient Finn Valley bunch made it extremely difficult for them.

There were more goal opportunities in this half but without reward for either side.

Both teams battled it out to the final whistle but it was the visiting team that secured all three points.

Best for Bonagee on the night were Sophie Doherty, Latifa Ben Salem and Eva Kelly, A good team performance from the Finn Valley Girls.

Raphoe Town Rockets 2 Kilmacrennan Celtic 2

A late penalty from Maeve Brady gave Kilmacrennan a well-deserved share of the spoils in this entertaining game at Deele College on Monday night.

Brady was the stand out player on the night and orchestrated attack after attack for the visitors, but the home defence well marshalled by Caitlin Clarke and Enya McBride held firm and anything that did go past was saved by Mollie McGroarty who was excellent in goal.

Samara McBrearty and Libby Sachs both had chances to give Raphoe a lead, but it took a fine break and goal from Enya McBride to give them a slender advantage at the interval.

Kilmacrennan played some lovely football on the night and were on level terms when Brady set up Aoife Cameron and May Hastings then made a couple of great stops before Enya McBride burst through again to score.

The visitors never gave up and were rewarded for their efforts when they were awarded a penalty for handball in the last minute.

Maeve Brady stepped up to hit the spot-kick and made no mistake to give both teams a share of the spoils.

Milford United 2 Ballyraine 1

This was a very close game with both sides missing chances. It was 0-0 at half time.

In the second half Milford came out the strongest with Erin Neilis and Amy Patton just hitting it wide.

The first goal came from Chloe McConigley Blaney in the 42^nd minute after a olo run down the right wing.

Milford’s second goal came from Erin Neilis.

But Ballyraine never gave up and they got one back ten minutes before the end, Emear Cassidy the scorer.

Ballyraine 12s

A two-week-old baby fox has been rescued after being found all alone without any trace of his mother or fellow brothers and sisters. 

The cub, which has since been transported to a registered wildlife rehabilitation centre, was in the care of the Twin Towns Lost and Found Dogs group but as he needed a more experienced bottle feeder for the night, Animal In Need Donegal was only too happy to help.

Usually, the fox would have been snuggled up safe with his siblings in his warm underground den, but at around two4 weeks old he would have no way of survival on his own.

See the cute cub below!

Former Donegal TD Dinny McGinley is back on the canvass trail after being appointed Director of Elections for Glenties Electoral Area candidate Evelyn Sweeney.

The former Fine Gael Minister – who fought in 12 general elections – will bring his vast experience to help elect mother of three and Gaoth Dobhair native Sweeney.

“I was delighted and honoured to be asked to be Evelyn’s director of elections,” said Mr McGinley.

“Evelyn is a young mother of three who brings vast experience having worked with Minister Joe McHugh. She understands the issues on the ground because she is dealing with them every day.

“That experience in representing local people is of huge benefit to her and it’s important for politics that people like Evelyn are elected to the next Donegal County Council.

“It is very important for the Fine Gael party too that we have someone like Evelyn working on the ground at a grassroots level, helping to deliver change for people in the Glenties Electoral Area. She’s a brilliant candidate.”

Mr McGinley, who served as a TD for 35 years, added: “We have brilliant candidates across Donegal and I am very optimistic that the party can do very well on May 24. It’s important that we have grassroots councillors working alongside Minister McHugh at Government level to deliver for Donegal.”

Evelyn Sweeney is backed by former Minister Dinny McGinley

McGinley and Education Minister Joe McHugh will be guest speakers at Sweeney’s election launch at Teach Jack in Gaoth Dobhair this Friday at 8pm.

“I am delighted and honoured to have Dinny as my director of elections,” said Sweeney.

“His vast experience in election campaigns is unrivalled. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response on the ground and the positive response too to Michael McClafferty who is running with me in the Glenties Electoral Area.

“This is a very important local election; Michael and I want to work hard on the ground on local issues and use that effort at Government level so that north and west Donegal benefits in the years ahead.”

She added: “I am also delighted that I am one of four female candidates in this election – Eimer Friel in Milford, Michelle McKenna in South Inishowen and Bernie Moran in Letterkenny. We are all working together and supporting each other and we are all very hopeful for May 24.”

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 Thursday.

Click here to vote

Brendan Boyce (Finn Valley AC)

Brendan Boyce set a new personal best and broke the Donegal record for the 20k race walk at the weekend. On his way to finishing 12^th in Podebrady, the Finn Valley AC man took new records with a one hour, 24 minutes and 31 seconds time.

Adrian Delap (Derry City)

Adrian Delap was thrust into the heat of Friday night’s north west derby due to Ciaran Coll’s injury late in the first half. The Ray native made a superb impact, though, scoring Derry City’s opening goal in the 3-2 win. Delap was taken off injured in the latter stages, but Derry boss Declan Devine has high hopes for a man he compared to Niall McGinn.

Glenn Gallagher (Bonagee United)

Bonagee United won their first ever Donegal Sunday League title with a one-all draw at Gweedore Celtic on Sunday. The result sealed the Division One crown for the Dry Arch team. Glenn Gallagher netted the Bonagee goal from a 57^th minute penalty, but Gallagher was also a steadying influence on his team throughout the game.

Oisin Orr

What a week it was for Donegal jockey Oisin Orr. At Leopardstown, Orr recorded his first ever listed win aboard Imaging. It was part of a 36/1 double by Orr for Dermot Weld, as he also steered Titanium Sky to victory. On Friday night, Orr had a 12/1 double at Dundalk, on Wild Shot and Alfredo Arcano.

Cian Rooney (Donegal Under-16s)

Donegal’s Under-16s booked a place in the Buncrana Cup final on Saturday thanks to a 4-11 to 4-4 win over Cavan in Convoy. Cian Rooney was the star of the show for Luke Barrett’s Donegal as he scored three goals and two points.

Click here to vote

Councillor Martin McDermott has called on the Irish Government to further their urgency when it comes to the redress scheme in Donegal. 

In October, cabinet approved a redress scheme for private houses affected by bad blocks containing high levels of the mineral mica in Donegal.

However, such plans have been delayed since the turn of the year and at a recent meeting of councillors in Inishowen on Tuesday, Cllr McDermott said the situation had been greatly ‘underestimated’.

“You can see how bad the situation is with mica,” he said. “It is just mind-boggling when you start going around every second house and I think that we have even underestimated how bad the situation is out there.

“I think we’ve underestimated the number of houses that are affected and I only started in my own local vicinity of Glengad, Culdaff and Malin Head.

“I am just working in that small area and I am shocked by the number of houses that are affected.

“It is a very serious issue at the minute and I know that the government are working on it but I think people are getting very anxious because it running on and on, and something has to happen very soon.

“For the number of people that have big mortgages and build houses and they are falling around them,” he added.

“It is a very serious issue and it is the main issue that will greet every councillor at doors in Inishowen in this local election.

“It is without a doubt the main issue that will be meeting us at the doors and I think it is vitally important that collectively the nine councillors for Inishowen put on as much pressure as possible to get some elevation for these families.”

The emergency services are at the scene of a two-car accident on the outskirts of Letterkenny close to the Mount Errigal Hotel.

The accident happened at around 4.40pm.

There are two ambulances and Gardai at the scene of the accident.

It is not known if anybody has been injured in the crash.

Traffic is building up in the area and people are being advised to use alternative routes.

PCC Falcarragh retained their FAI Schools Minor ‘B’ Boys National title this afternoon.

PCC Falcarragh 2 Coláiste Ghlór na Mara 1 (after extra time)

Goals by Jamie Brennan and Daire Ferry gave PCC a hard-fought win over Coláiste Ghlór na Mara from Dublin at the Showgrounds.

Brennan fired PCC in front in the 12^th minute as he fired home following a defensive error.

That cane after Brennan set up Tiernan McGinty, whose shot was blocked.

PCC ‘keeper Oran Craig saved from Coláiste Ghlór na Mara captain Oisin O Murchu as the Dubliners sought an equaliser.

Craig saved again from John O Cleirigh before PCC’s Ethan Friel thumped against the crossbar.

The Dublin side equalised when Killian Cailloce fired home a splendid effort.

The winner arrived when Ferry cracked in a magnificent effort from long range.

Rossview Interiors along with Donegal Tile Centre at Rossview Business Park, Letterkenny will have it all in their Massive Clearance Sale this weekend.

If you are building or renovating, the famous marquee is the place to be!

Donegal Tile Centre have a large range of First Quality Wall and Floor Tiles clearing at Less than HALF Price – Wall Tiles from € 3.95 sq yrd and Floor Tiles from € 6.95 sq yrd.

There is Vanity Units from € 89 and Quadrant shower enclosures and trays for only € 230 with massive savings throughout the store.

There is huge savings in Rossview Interiors with a large range of furniture at never to be repeated prices.

Examples of this are Gas Lift Storage Beds reduced from € 530 to € 260, Dining Sets reduced from € 1850 to € 995 and 40% Off a large variety of occasional furniture, light fittings and pictures.

So come along to the Massive Marquee Sale at Rossview Interiors and Donegal Tile Centre this Thursday to Saturday (April 11-13th).

Open on Thursday to 7pm, Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9.30am to 5pm

Just watch for the large Marquee from the Polestar Roundabout and take the time to browse …. You never know what you may see!

An unexpected water outage is affecting homes, businesses and farms in North Donegal this Thursday morning.

A burst water main is reported in Gortahork, while properties in Falcarragh and surrounding areas are also without water.

Irish Water crews are currently working on the fault in Gortahork. It is expected that supplies will be restored by 5pm this evening.

Meanwhile, the Falcarragh fault remains under investigation.

Donegal men who were elected to the very First Dáil have been celebrated in a Centenary Commemoration and fascinating booklet.

Relatives of the late political history-makers joined with elected members of Donegal County Council in Lifford on Wednesday for an event to mark the first sitting of the First Dáil, on 21st January 1919.

The First Dáil

Three men representing Co. Donegal were elected to the First Dáil in the historic 1918 General Election.

Joseph O’Doherty, from Derry, was elected in North Donegal; Joseph Sweeney, the veteran of 1916, was elected in West Donegal; and Peter Joseph Ward succeeded in obtaining a seat in South Donegal.

Edward J. Kelly was also successful in the general election but chose to represent his East Donegal constituency in Westminster.

Peter Joseph Ward grandson of Peter Joseph Ward who represented Donegal in the First Dáil following the 1918 elections along with John Carlin Raphoe at a special commemorative event in the County House, Lifford on Wednesday 10 April 2019 to mark the first sitting of the Dáil.

Brendan Porter, Carndonagh great grand nephew of Seosamh Ó Dochartaigh who represented Donegal in the First Dáil following the 1918 elections at a special commemorative event in the County House, Lifford on Wednesday 10 April 2019 to mark the first sitting of the Dáil.

An Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus Ó Domhnaill launched the commemorative project, which is part of Donegal County Council’s Decade of Centenaries Programme. He stated that “this event is about celebrating the centenary of our democracy, on this the 100th anniversary of the second meeting of the First Dáil on the 10th April 1919”.

He added “1918 was the first election in which many of Ireland’s poor could vote and the first general election in which women could vote. With an electorate almost three times the size of that of the previous election of 1910, the majority of Irish people voted overwhelmingly for a political platform dedicated to establish a constituent assembly comprising persons chosen by the Irish constituencies as the supreme national authority to speak and act in the name of the Irish people”.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill with Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, Cllr. Martin Harley and Donegal County Council Cultural Services staff Judith McCarthy, Donegal County Museum, Niamh Brennan, Donegal County Archives, Caroline Carr, Donegal County Museum, Donna Cavanagh, Donegal County Library and Una Mathewson, Donegal County Library at a special commemorative event in the County House, Lifford on Wednesday 10 April 2019 to mark the first sitting of the Dáil.

Twenty-seven TDs attended the inaugural meeting of the Dáil, and among them were the three Donegal TDs.

At their meeting on the 21st of January 1919, the First Dáil Éireann ratified four documents. The ideals invoked on that day were of national self-determination, of republican equality and of the sovereignty of the people.

The First Dáil also issued a ‘Message to the Free Nations of the World’, declaring that the new republic, ‘believes in freedom and justice as the fundamental principles of international law’. The Cathaoirleach stated that “this message is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.”

Peter Joseph Ward went on to be both an elected representative with Donegal County Council and its Chairman from 1921 to 1922 and was involved in the War of Independence. Joseph Sweeney from Burtonport had fought in the GPO on Easter Week 1916.  He also fought in the War of Independence and went on to be Chief of Staff of the Army.

Joseph O’Doherty had been involved in planning for the 1916 Rising and spent time in prison in Wales as a result. He too fought in the War of Independence.

Edward Joseph Kelly chose to serve East Donegal as an MP in the House of Commons and retired on the establishment of the Free State in 1922.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill with relatives of Joseph O’Doherty, Joseph Sweeney and Peter Joseph Ward, who represented Donegal in the First Dáil following the 1918 elections with elected members and invited guests at a special commemorative event in the County House, Lifford on Wednesday 10 April 2019 to mark the first sitting of the Dáil.

More information on the men can be found in the Donegal County Archives publication entitled ‘Donegal, the 1918 General Election and the First Dáil’ which is available at www.donegalcoco.ie/culture/archives/publications.

Wednesday’s event also heard from local historian Anthony Begley.  Anthony Begley is a former post-primary school principal and history teacher in Ballyshannon and has been associated for over 40 years with County Donegal Historical Society.  As a former President and Curator of the County Donegal Historical Society Museum, he frequently contributes articles to the Donegal Annual and has published 6 books on the Ballyshannon/Bundoran area and frequently gives walks and talks on local history.

Those attending received copies of the booklet entitled ‘Donegal, the 1918 General Election and the First Dáil’ and had an opportunity to view the Donegal County Museum exhibition also entitled ‘Donegal, the 1918 General Election and the First Dáil’ which was installed in the County House Lifford for the occasion.

The booklet, Donegal, the 1918 General Election and the First Dáil/ Dún na nGall, Olltoghchán 1918 agus an Chéad Dáil, can be found online at www.donegalcoco.ie/culture/archives/publications/.

One Donegal town has one of the highest amount of pubs per person in Ireland.

Research carried out by an Irish company shows that Lifford has the THIRD highest number of pubs per person in Ireland.

The figures were given to the Sunday World newspaper by CEO of Reg Point Of Sale’s CEO Thomas Bibby.

Bibby received a list of registered pubs in each Irish town from the Company Registration Office.

He then compared them with specific population figures from the most recent Irish census.

Below is the list of the top 10 Irish towns with the most pubs per person:

Liscannor, Clare
Feakle, Clare
Lifford, Donegal
Waterville, Kerry
Doonbeg, Clare
Castlegregory, Kerry
Cong, Mayo
Knocktopher, Kilkenny
Ballyvaughan, Clare
Sneem, Kerry

St. Patrick’s National School Drumkeen are running at 5K / Family Fun Run this Friday evening, April 12, at 7pm.

This will be a timed 5K race with an alternative 2k walking route also available to participants.

Registration in Drumkeen Parish Hall from 6pm.

Refreshments and Prize giving will be in the hall after the event.

Everyone welcome.

Donegal Under-16 manager Luke Barrett is expecting a ‘massive challenge’ from Derry in Saturday’s Buncrana Cup final.

Barrett’s Donegal are aiming to retain the title won by the Rory Kavanagh-managed Tir Chonaill in 2018 when they face Derry at The Scarvey (throw-in 12 noon).

After a fine win over Cavan at the weekend, Donegal are in fine fettle.

“We had 14 clubs represented in the first fifteen and a further four in the six clubs,” Barrett pointed out to Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“That’s a huge spread. It speaks volumes for the standard of football in Donegal. The development squads are working well too.

“It’s probably the first time a lot of them will have played in an Ulster final. That’s a massive honour.

“It’s a day they’ll be looking forward to and it’s one of the biggest games they’ll have played in to date.”

Traditionally, Derry have carved out strong teams at underage level – and Barrett expects this Oak Leaf team to be no different.

He said: “Derry won the under-15s quite comfortably last year. They’re a serious outfit with a lot of quality footballers. They’ll bring a massive challenge and we’ll have to be at our very best.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Would you like to make a difference in your local area this weekend? The Big Donegal Clean Ups have been a great success in sprucing up towns across the county and helping people join a project they can be proud of.

The Big Donegal Clean Up continues this weekend with community clean ups planned for Carrigart, Fanad, Glenvar, Drumoghill, Rathdonnell and Trentagh, St. Johnston, Malin Head, Dunkineely, Dungloe, Leghowney, Marameelan, Letterkenny, Drumfries, Culdaff, Bridgend.

The Moville / Greencastle clean up group who had their clean up over the weekend.

Pearse McCrory Litter Warden for the Inishowen Municipal District is encouraging people to come along and join in the clean up saying “it is a great community event and it’s a great way of getting to know people in your area. Last weekend we had the Inishowen Community Clean up and it was great to see so many people out and about lending a helping hand.

“It really makes such a difference to have an extra pair of hands doing this type of work and you never know you might even enjoy it.”

Get involved:

Anyone who would like to take part in any of the clean-ups mentioned can find more information on times and meeting points at bit.ly/DonegalCleanUp.

There is still plenty of time to take part in the Big Donegal Clean Up by organising a clean-up in your own area. All you have to do is call the Council on 074 91 53900 or call into to any Council office to register. Donegal County Council provides bags, pickers and high vis vests and then collects the rubbish from designated points at agreed times.

This weekend’s clean-ups will take place as follows:

· Carrigart Tidy Towns – Saturday morning meeting at the Carrigart Hotel at 11am

· Fanad Community Group, Fanad Clean Coasts group and Kerrykeel Tidy Towns organising clean up on Saturday with four different meeting points at 10am including Rosnakill Hall Fanad, Rabs Park Kerrykeel, Portsalon Car Park (beside golf course) & Fanad Community Centre.

· Glenvar area this Saturday meeting at the Community Centre in Glenvar at 11am.

· Lagan Community Text Alert Group cleaning up of the Drumoghill and Lifford Road area meeting at Drumoghill football pitch at 7am. Road users are being asked to be aware that this clean-up is taking place along the Lifford Road area and be mindful of volunteers.

· Rathdonnell Trentagh Local Community this Saturday, meeting outside Harley’s in Trentagh at 10am.

· Big Village Clean Up by Residents, Businesses and Community this Saturday in St Johnston, Ard Baithin, Railway Park, Cois Abhainn, Church View, Brandon Park, Ard na Meala etc. The Centre will be open from 9am – 1pm with Tea and Coffee for all volunteers. Litter pickers, High Viz Jackets, Black Bags available in the resource centre anytime this week for all the ongoing clean ups that’s happening all week. A skip will be in place at the centre supplied by Donegal County Council.

· Malin Head Youth Club are having a Clean up on Saturday, meeting at the Malin Head Community Centre at 10am. There are bags, pickers etc available in the centre from now on if anyone wants to have a clean up of their area before then.

· Dunkineely Development Committee are having a clean up on Saturday meeting at 11am at the Dunkineely Community Centre.

· Dungloe Community clean-up on Sunday, meeting at Sweeneys Hotel at 12.00pm

· Leghowney Community Group are having a clean up on Sunday meeting at Biddy’s O Barnes at 7am.

· Marameelan Back Shore (Dungloe) Clean-Up on Sunday meeting at the Wee River around 3pm.

· Mountain View Residents Association, Letterkenny, on Monday evening 15 April from 6pm-8pm meeting at the entrance to Mountain View.

· Lurgybrack Text Alert Group this Saturday, meeting up at various locations – Bradleys shop, Cullion Road, McDaids Garage, Crossroads & Bonagee, Drumaney, Underpass on the Dual Carriageway and Cassidys Readymix, all meeting at 10.30am

· Drumfries Community Clean Up on Saturday, meeting at Slieve Sneacht Centre at 11am.

· Culdaff Tidy Town clean-up, meeting at the Wee Hall in Culdaff at 10.30am, refreshments in the hall after.

· Drumadooey/Bridgend Residents clean-up, meeting where the 19th hole used to be on Saturday from 10.00am – 12.00pm

Home Instead Senior Care are holding a Recruitment Fair in Letterkenny this Friday 12th April

The care service are looking for caring, compassionate individuals to join their team.

If you are interested or have a passion for working with older people then Home Instead are encouraging you to come along and chat about work of a CAREGiver and opportunities about joining the team.

Their Recruitment Open Day will be held from 10.30am to 2.00pm on Friday 12th April at Riverfront House, Pearse Road, Letterkenny. Come along and find out about CAREGiver jobs and the career opportunities provided by Home Instead Senior Care Donegal.

Tea & coffee will also be provided.

For more information on the Recruitment Fair, call Leesa on 074 9113050 or email leesa.mcdermott@homeinstead.ie

Caregiving is simply doing things to enhance the quality of life for older and disabled people and to help keep them independent.

Home Instead Senior Care are actively recruiting throughout Donegal

What’s required:

• Own transport necessary.

What’s provided:

• Free in-house training
• Flexible hours so you’ll have a schedule that fits your life

We believe in caring for our employees as much as we do caring for our clients.

Company Benefits:

• 24-hour support 7 days per week.
• Recognition for outstanding work.
• Staff events to socialise with peers.
• Rewarding career and personal development opportunities.
• Client compatibility.
• Responsive support staff.
• Paid annual leave.

Training Courses with Home Instead Senior Care;

• 2 QQI (FETAC) Level 5 Courses:
• Care Skills
• Care of the Older Person.

Course locations:

• April: Milford
• May: Dungloe
• June: Lifford/Strabane

Whether planning to work in hospitals, in the community or in residential care learners will find these modules stimulating and functional with knowledge which can easily be applied to the workplace within the Healthcare sector.

Please contact leesa.mcdermott@homeinstead.ie for more info and to book your place on the upcoming Recruitment Fair.

The Ulster Senior League have confirmed that the playing records of Swilly Rovers from the final third of the season have been deleted.

Swilly withdrew from the USL last month, informing the League of their decision just over 24 hours after an 11-0 hammering by Finn Harps Reserves.

Swilly, founder members of the USL in 1986, had taken just one League point.

The USL’s decision means that the 11-0 loss to Harps, a 9-0 beating by Letterkenny and a 3-0 walkover against Cockhill Celtic have been removed from record.

A statement from the Ulster Senior League confirmed:

“As a consequence of the recent withdrawal of Swilly Rovers from the Ulster Senior League, the Executive Committee, following consultation with the Football Association of Ireland, have decided to expunge Swilly Rovers’ record from the final third of the 2018/19 season.

The results, goals for and against Swilly Rovers from games played in the final third of the season have been deleted from records.

The Ulster Senior League table and associated statistics have been amended accordingly.

The USL regrets the decision of Swilly Rovers at this time.”