An Irish priest is warning the public of an email scam doing the rounds in his name in what gardai described as one of the most “sinister” scams they have seen.

People have been receiving emails which appear to be from Fr Roy Donovan requesting money to be sent to Africa to “help with sick children”.

The scammers are requesting a bank transfer of hundreds of euro.

Fr Donovan, from Limerick, said that vulnerable people were being targeted for the second time with the first time it occurred being in the New Year.

“I think they were looking for well over €700 to be sent to a bank account,” Fr Donovan said.

“I became aware of it straight away because I couldn’t get into my account. Then somebody rang me saying they got an email saying I was in Africa,” said Fr Donovan, who has contacted Microsoft about the issue.

“It is a very nasty one because they have so much that sounds right – it sounds so good. They have everything, they have all my details from my emails,” said Fr Donovan, who has since opened a new email account.”

A public protest against ongoing water issues will be held on behalf of residents of Gort Na Gréine, Letterkenny in Lifford on Monday. 

A spokesperson for the group said that residents of the private estate had suffered severe problems with water access for well over ten years.

Local community activist, Finn O Donnell said it was time water outages in the area were resolved once and for all.

He said: “It’s disgusting plain and simple. We have families going without a basic human right for over a decade and still there is nothing being done.

“The residents are fed up with it and rightly so. I urge everyone who can make it, to come out to Lifford and attend this protest.”

The protest will take place on April 15 outside the Donegal County Council Office in Lifford when the final meeting of councillors before the next election is due to take place on May 24.

An appeal has been launched to find a missing dog in the Mountain Top area.

Oliver is a light brown and white Beagle who has been missing since 1pm on Saturday.

He was last seen on the Oran Hill, Mountain Top.

His owners are anxious to see him returned home safely.

If you have any information to share please email info@donegaldaily.com and we will pass on the message to the owners.

Donegal has been issued a status yellow weather warning as the county is set to be lashed by heavy wind until Sunday morning.

As the sun continues to shine over the county on Saturday evening, Met Eireann issued the wind warning, which will remain until 3am on Sunday.

Saturday will be cool and blustery day, windy near Atlantic coasts. Mostly cloudy over the W half of the country, but some sunny breaks may occur in some E areas. Many places will be dry, but rain will develop in southwestern and western areas during the afternoon&early evening.

— Met Éireann (@MetEireann) April 12, 2019

Met Eireann say winds will be strongest in coastal areas – reaching mean speeds of between 50kph and 65kph.

Three second-half goals proved the big difference as Athlone Town overcame Donegal Women’s League in the Under-17 Women’s National League.

Donegal Women’s League 0 Athlone Town 4

By Chris McNulty at the Aura Leisure Complex

After Katelyn Keogh’s first-half goal gave Athlone the lead at the break, Ava Connolly and Robyn Hetherington netted in the second-half, either end of an unfortunate own goal from Donegal’s Holly Canning.

The scoreline was rough justice on Johnny Baird’s Donegal, who were well in the game for long spells, but just couldn’t find a spark in the final third.

When Connolly slotted home in the 51^st minute after skipping through on goal to make it 2-0, it was curtains for the battling hosts.

The opener had arrived after only eight minutes as Keogh tucked home a rebound when Neve Scanlan, the Donegal goalkeeper saved from Connolly.

Keogh, Connolloy and Kate Murphy were constant thorns in the Donegal sides with Connolly forcing Scanlan into an early save before the Midlanders – managed by former Athlone striker Michael O’Connor – took the lead.

Grace Hannon’s whipped cross flashed wide of the far post before Scanlon saved well from Keogh after another superb combination with Connolly.

Megan Havlin called Athlone ‘keeper Zoe O’Callaghan into action as she let fly from distance and Ciara McGarvey’s teasing corner zoomed across goal pleading for a touch that never arrived.

Donegal had a big let off in the opening minute of the second half. Scanlan saved well from Keogh and Molly Page hacked off the goal-line from Keogh’s follow-up attempt.

Connolly doubled the lead after Scanlan denied Keogh at close range.

Havlin shot over the top from a free for the hosts and Aoife Gallinagh clipped wide after good work down the right by Helena McGee.

Athlone added a real gloss with two late goals. Canning turned into her own goal with just two minutes remaining and there was still time for Hetherington to beat Scanlon with a majestic finish from the left-hand side.

Next up for Donegal is another home game next weekend against Peamount United. 

Donegal Women’s League: Neve Scanlan, Alannah Kee, Ciara McElwaine, Ciara McGarvey, Molly Page, Aisling Irwin, Louise Gallinagh, Aoife Gallinagh, Megan Havlin, Helena McGee, Coilín Hume. Subs: Holly Canning for McElwaine (half-time), Ellie McBride for A.Gallinagh (76).

Athlone Town: Zoe O’Callaghan; Aisling Roeside, Lucy Jayne Grant, Sinead Todd, Kayleigh Shine, Ava Connolly, Allie Hetherington, Kate Murphy, Katelyn Keogh, Grace Hannon, Robyn Hetherington. Sub used: Rebecca Collins.

Referee: Colm McConigley.

Donegal battled hard but couldn’t tame Derry in the final of the Buncrana Cup as the Oak Leaf county ran out winners of the 2019 Buncrana Cup final at The Scarvey.

Donegal manager Luke Barrett spoke to Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub following the conclusion of the contest and said he was disappointed to have seen his side fall at the final hurdle.

He said: “Yeah, very disappointing. We knew coming in that we were going to have to be at our very, very best to beat this Derry side.

“I thought defensively in the first half we probably were as good as we have been all year but we just didn’t get enough hands on the ball going forward.”

Listen to the full interview below…

Premier Division leaders Greencastle FC picked up their men’s Senior team’s first ever senior trophy in the Inishowen League since the club’s formation in 1986.

Greencastle FC 3 Carn FC 0 

Report by Charlie Collins

They’ll be hoping to add the Premier League title in the coming weeks but they put those ambitions on hold at a windy Maginn Park with this impressive victory over a hard-working Carn FC side which tried hard throughout but like many before them this season found the winners just too hot to handle.

Greencastle FC had the better of things in the early stages and after several close calls they created an excellent chance in the 20h minute when Jamie McCormick and Nigel McMonagle combined to set up Mattie Henry but surprisingly he pulled his shot wide from near the penalty spot.

A let off for Carn FC but a minute later they weren’t so lucky as Mattie Henry made up for his miss by winning possession and sliding a lovely pass for James Henry to stroke past Fergal Doherty.

The Premier league leaders kept up the pressure and went 2-0 up in the 36th minute, the Carn FC defence failed to deal with a dangerous situation and a pull-back on James Henry resulted in a penalty award which Jamie McCormick confidently converted.

At the interval, it was 2-0 to Greencastle and a long way back for Carn FC.

Five minutes into the second half the game was over as a contest with a brilliant third goal. Shaun Doherty slid a pass through to Mattie Henry, he played a super pass behind full back Donal Doherty for Jamie McCormick whose low cross was hammered home by Man of the Match James Henry from the six-yard line.

Mattie Henry had a chance in the 65th minute when sent clear by Jamie McCormick after a Carn attack broke down. Nigel McMonagle had two good chances in quick succession but some determined defending kept him out as Greencastle FC continued to dominate.

In the 72nd minute, Carn FC were awarded a penalty by Referee Harvey when he adjudged that Brandon Browne had been fouled, a decision hotly disputed by Greencastle defenders.

Cade Cooke stepped up to take it but Dylan Doherty went low to save and then reacted brilliantly to deny Lorcan Bradley’s follow up.

Both teams had a couple of half chances in the final ten minutes but Greencastle FC saw out the game comfortably to take that first Senior trophy, perhaps the first of a few this season.

GREENCASTLE FC: Dylan Doherty, Stephen Grant (Michael Henry 51mins ), Gavin Harkin, Mark Henry, DJ Canavan (Michael Barr 51mins), Eamon Donnelly, Jamie McCormick, Shaun Doherty, James Henry (Christy Hegarty 61mins), Nigel McGonagle (Ronan Doherty 77mins), Matty Henry (Ciaran Moore 65mins).

CARN FC: Fergal Doherty, Christy Doherty, Donal Doherty (Matthew McLaughlin 80mins), Ryan Kelly, Conor Doherty, Michael McDermott (Lorcan Bradley 43mins), Shane Doherty ( Brandon Browne h-t ), Will Quinn, Dermot Doherty (Tiernan Coyle 80mins), Cade Cooke, Girts Dzerins (Chris McDaid 80mins).

REFEREE: Warren Harvey.

Donegal Minor Ladies’ made it two wins from two against Cavan in St Nauls in blustery conditions.

Donegal 2-05 (11) Cavan 1-07 (10)

In a thrilling contest, it was 0-5 to 0-5 at the break, with both sides putting in a good battling performance in the second half.

But it was Donegal who came away with a one-point win victory.
 
Second half goals by Amy Boyle Carr and Niamh Mc Donald made the difference.

Donegal Minor Ladies’ next game is against Antrim at home on Saturday 27th of April.

Donegal: Bronagh Gallagher, Rionach Giles Mc Menamin, Megan Ferry, Mary Martin, Aoife Greene, Roisin Rodgers, Aoibh Faulkner, Megan Ryan, Caoimhe Keon, Niamh Mc Donald, Lauren Carr, Amy Boyle Carr, Kate Mc Clenaghan, Saoirse Bonner, Susanne White

Subs used: Niamh Skelly , Eimear Alcron

Scorers: Amy Boyle Carr (1-02) Niamh Mc Donald (1-0), Susanne White (0-1), Kate Mc Clenaghan (0-1) Caoimhe Keon (0-1)

A Letterkenny woman who ‘Had a Dream’ to volunteer in India has successfully raised €3,000 from a fun ABBA fundraiser in the cinema.

Journalist Catherine Devine is taking a career break this summer to visit Calcutta and work with the Hope Foundation. She plans to do public relations with the Irish charity and teach English and Arts to street children.

But in order for Catherine to make that dream a reality, she had to raise ‘Money, Money, Money’ to go directly to the Hope Foundation.

Catherine Devine with her dad Seamus at the Mamma Mia cinema fundraiser

Catherine organised a fundraising night on Monday in Century Complex to bring the much-loved musical Mamma Mia back to the big screen.

ABBA fans flocked to the show with their best retro clothing on. There were prizes for the best-dressed and a raffle to generate even more support for the charity.

A fantastic sum of €2,165 was gathered at the cinema night, while a further €810 was collected through a Go Fund Me page. With so many kind-hearted donators, Catherine has already secured her place on the three-month volunteer trip of a lifetime. If you would like to add your support visit https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/the-hope-foundation-catherine-devine

See all the photos from the Mamma Mia night here:

The Miss Donegal pageant has launched a search for candidates for the 2019 competition.

Winners of the regional titles take on an important role: becoming an ambassador for the county and going on to compete for the Miss Ireland crown and the chance to travel to the Miss World international pageant.

Buncrana model Lauren Mc Donagh was the first Donegal woman to wear the Ireland crown in almost two decades back in 2017. She was followed by Sophie Devlin from Letterkenny, who is the reigning Miss Donegal 2018. Rebekah Coyle won a wildcard place last year to compete as Miss Donegal North West.

Now, it’s time for a new face to wear the crown.

Miss Ireland scouts are looking for young women aged 17-27 in Donegal to apply for the competition.

There are no height restrictions, but applicants must have a direct connection to Donegal.

Miss Ireland is one of the world’s longest running beauty pageants. Established in 1947, it has been the launch pad for many well known, successful and empowering women in Ireland.

The competition has not only been successful for the overall winners of the coveted crown but finalists also credit Miss Ireland in helping build their confidence, self esteem, interview and media skills all elements which they have gone on to use in their chosen professional careers.

To apply for the Miss Donegal selection, visit the Facebook page and send a private message to the team: https://www.facebook.com/missirelanddonegal/

It is set to be a very windy night across Donegal with Met Eireann predicting stormy conditions for the county.

A status yellow wind warning is in place for Donegal until Monday night.

Many parts of the county have been experiencing blustery conditions throughout the weekend

The warning read: ‘Strong and gusty southeast winds expected during the period. Means speeds of 50 to 65kmh with gusts of 90 to 110km/h, strongest in coastal areas and about high ground’.

The warning is in place until Monday, April 15 at 7pm.

One of Fine Gael’s local election candidates for the Letterkenny Municipal District, Bernie Moran launched her campaign on Friday, April 12. 

Moran’s experience as a nurse, an employer and provider of preschool education services, gives her a real insight into the difficulties and challenges facing families in Donegal on a daily basis.

The Donegal County Council candidate feels she has the experience, knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to represent the men, women and children as a councillor.

Moran, a native of Westmeath came to Letterkenny in 1994 to train as a nurse in the hospital here and decided her home was to be Donegal.

It was here in Donegal that she met her husband Dr. Kevin Moran, a surgeon who specialises in urology and sports medicine, and volunteers as the doctor to the Donegal County GAA Senior team.

Together they have three children, Bridget (19), Patrick (18) & Sarah (16).

Bernie founded ‘The House of Fun’ Preschool Montessori School in Cashelshanaghan 16 years ago.

After many years at home caring for her children, in 2018 Bernie decided to return to nursing and now works as a practice nurse in Scally McDaid Roarty Medical Practice in Letterkenny.

Speaking at her Local Election Campaign launch in the Radisson Hotel, Joe McHugh TD, Minister for Education and Skills described Bernie as someone who has demonstrated that she has a great work ethic.

“In this room tonight there is an electric atmosphere and this has generated incredible energy,” said Minister Joe McHugh TD.

Moran concluded the evening by thanking everyone for coming and for all the support and kindness that people have shown her over the past few weeks.

“I am energised and enthusiastic about the road ahead and look forward to meeting as many people on the campaign trail over the next six weeks,” she said.

“I am very grateful for all the support and for those who have given so generously of their time to help me canvass. Both Kevin and I are very grateful for the support.”

“If you would like to have a voice in me ‘Bernie Moran’ at County Council level representing you and your community, vote for me on May 24th.”

Donegal County Museum has welcomed a new temporary exhibition celebrating 100 years of women in politics and public life.

The pop-up exhibition shines a spotlight on the stories of women who have contributed significantly to Irish society over the past century. Through information panels, films and historical memorabilia, the displays focus on the challenges women faced and the obstacles they overcame.

This exhibition is curated by historian Sinéad McCoole and supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht as part of the Decade of Centenaries programme.

100 Years of Women in Politics and Public Life 1918-2018′ at Donegal County Museum

This exhibition encourages people of all ages to reflect upon and celebrate all that have been achieved over the past 100 years.  There is, however, considerable work remaining to be done.

In 1918, women exercised their right to vote for the first time, and their right to stand for parliament with Countess de Markievicz being elected.  Since then only 113 women have been elected to Dáil Éireann.

Only 19 of these have been appointed to Cabinet, including Mary Coughlan from Donegal Town, who was first elected as a Fianna Fáil TD in 1997 and who held five Ministerial portfolios between 2001 and 2011 and Cecilia Keaveney from Moville, who served as Fianna Fáil TD between 1996 and 2007 and as a Senator from 2007 to 2011.

100 Years of Women in Politics and Public Life 1918-2018′ at Donegal County Museum

The exhibition includes personal stories and memories. Much of this previously unseen archive material, photographs, letters, diaries and ephemera have added layers of meaning to the complex narrative surrounding women’s participation in political and public life over the past 100 years.

Admission is free. The exhibition runs to the end of June.

Opening hours 10am – 4.30pm Lunch 12.30 – 1pm Saturday 1- 4.30pm.

Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

T 074 9124613 E museum@donegacoco.ie

St. Patrick’s National School Drumkeen held a 5K / Family Fun Run on Friday evening, April 12, at 7pm with superb success. 

The race was a timed 5K with an alternative 2k walking route also available to participants.

Get the full results of the 5K below…

1 132 18.32 PATRICK BRENNAN SM LETTERKENNY AC
2 280 19.1 CONOR MURPHY JM FINN VALLEY
3 256 19.23 JAMES DONAGHEY SM CONVOY AC
4 108 20.52 KIERAN COYLE SM FINN VALLEY
5 176 20.53 ENDA KELLY SM MTG4
6 281 21.04 PATRICK MURPHY JM FINN VALLEY
7 129 21.07 EIMEAR GORMLEY SF IND
8 258 21.08 SHANE SCANLAN SM IND
9 149 21.3 GARY KEARNS SM LETTERKENNY AC
10 150 21.31 MARIE DOYLE SF LETTERKENNY AC
11 160 21.57 JOHN GRIFFIN SM FVF4L
12 118 22.11 BRENDAN BONNER SM IND
13 137 22.2 THOMAS KEALY SM IND
14 122 22.3 KARL TEMPERLEY SM IND
15 284 22.51 JJ MURPHY SM FVF4L
16 152 24.33 BRIAN HARVEY SM FVF4L
17 180 24.45 PATRICIA PATTON SF FVF4L
18 109 24.45 EVELYN MCGEEHAN SF FVF4L
19 135 25.28 JOSHUA ODONNELL JM IND
20 117 25.28 HOLLIE FRIEL SF IND
21 156 25.54 VICKI STEWART SF IND
22 145 26.01 JOSEPH CASEY SM IND
23 172 26.15 MARY BONNER SF LK PARK RUN
24 171 26.17 NOREEN SHARKEY SF LK PARK RUN
25 119 26.18 CLEMENT BONNAR SM LK PARK RUN
26 154 26.29 CORA HARVEY SF FVF4L
27 282 26.53 EMMA MURPHY JF FINN VALLEY
28 110 26.57 MARY MARTIN SF IND
29 148 27.16 DARRAGH PATTON JM IND
30 143 27.16 ADAM BONNER JM IND
31 168 28 JACK LYNCH JM IND
32 173 28.1 SHEA DEASLEY JM IND
33 257 28.17 MARK GILDEA SM IND
34 28.32 Dylan McDaid NOT REGISTERED NOT REGISTERED
35 144 30.09 MARTINA MCBREARTY SF LK PARK RUN
36 270 30.23 NIAMH MCLOONE SF IND
37 113 31.45 RIAN MCMAHON JM IND
38 114 31.55 JAY REID JM IND
39 273 32.13 HOLLY VANCE JF IND
40 289 32.19 AARON BONNER JM IND
41 146 32.3 OISIN GILDEA JM IND
42 111 33.2 NICOLE DOHERTY SF IND
43 277 33.59 CAELUM DUFFY JM IND
44 130 34.06 EIMEAR GALLAGHER SF IND
45 151 34.1 AMY ODONNELL JF IND
46 300 35.09 SANDRA SWEENEY SF IND
47 167 35.09 CATHERINE PEOPLES SF IND
48 293 36.43 JAMIE COULTER JM IND
49 303 36.43 CALE QUINN JM IND
50 139 37.33 NAKITA GALLINAGH SF IND
51 138 37.33 ANN MARIE GALLINAGH SF IND
52 153 37.57 SAOIRSE DEASLEY JF IND
53 283 37.58 ASH MURPHY SF FVF4L
54 302 40.04 HANALEE PEOPLES JF IND
55 178 40.04 MARIE DEASLEY SM IND
56 175 40.21 FIONA DEASLEY SF IND
57 174 40.21 MO DEASLEY SM IND
58 274 41.24 LUCA VANCE JM IND
59 155 41.27 CAROLINE DEASLEY SF IND
60 124 41.28 KATHLEEN BLACK JF IND
61 177 41.57 MARTINA GUTRIE SF IND
62 121 41.57 EIMEAR KENNEDY SF IND
63 120 41.57 SANDRA KENNEDY SF IND
64 301 42.16 CAELUM FOLEY JM CONVOY
65 261 42.33 MATTHEW BONNER JM IND
66 262 42.33 EMMA GIBSON SF IND
67 170 43.5 TRACEY LYNCH SF IND
68 169 43.5 LIAM DOHERTY SM IND
69 125 45.05 ORLA WARD JF IND
70 123 45.07 CAOIMHE CRANWELL JF IND
71 141 45.1 KATIE COLLUM JF IND
72 263 45.24 MARK BONNER SM IND
73 264 45.24 ROISIN BONNER SF IND
74 106 46.01 TIA FLINTER JF IND
75 295 46.06 EVAN COULTER JM IND
76 260 46.12 NOELEEN SCANLAN SF IND
77 259 46.12 LUKE SCANLAN JM IND
78 142 46.12 STEPHANIE KEARNS SF IND
79 269 46.12 AASHA GHOSH JF IND
80 126 46.21 NIAMH MCCAY JF IND
81 179 46.37 DIANE GAMBLE SF IND
82 267 46.43 JACQUELINE GHOSH SF IND
83 268 46.43 ARINDAM GHOSH SM IND
84 136 46.45 ELLEN ODONNELL SF IND
85 255 46.45 NINA PATTON SF IND
86 134 46.45 BRIAN ODONNELL SM IND
87 133 46.45 CATRIONA BRENNAN SF IND
88 279 46.45 SHARON MCGARRIGLE SF IND
89 278 46.45 AOIFE COYLE & FAMILY SF IND
90 287 47.26 NIAMH MCCOOL JF IND
91 292 47.26 CARA COULTER JF IND
92 294 47.37 SOPHIE COULTER JF IND
93 288 47.5 JOSEPHINE FORDE SF IND
94 304 47.5 LOUISE ARTHUR SF IND
95 291 47.5 MARK COULTER SM IND
96 272 49.2 DILLON MCDAID JM IND
97 112 49.2 RICHARD MCMAHON SM IND
98 147 49.2 ANITA GILDEA SF IND
99 140 49.28 KYLIE GALLINAGH JF IND
100 266 49.28 LILY HOYNE JF IND
101 286 49.33 BERNIE REID SF IND
102 285 49.33 PAUL MCCOOL SM IND
103 159 50.08 BEN AHERNE JM IND
104 158 50.08 EABHA AHERNE JF IND
105 131 50.24 BERNADETTE GALLAGHER SF IND
106 157 50.24 MARY BONNER SF IND
107 128 50.45 FRANCIS WARD JM IND
108 127 50.45 RYAN CRANWELL JM IND
109 115 53.15 MARGERY QUINN SF IND
110 298 53.15 BRIGID SWEENEY SF IND
111 265 56 ANTHONY MCGILL SM IND
112 107 56.52 AOISE GILDEA JF IND

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp went down today with social media users throughout Ireland and worldwide left frustrated.

All three of the social networks – which belong to Facebook – started having issues at 11am.

Monitoring website downdetector.ie received hundreds of complaints regarding the problems.

Hundreds of people also took to Twitter to report the issues.

Those hoping to log on are being presented with an error message saying the site “can’t be reached”.

As a result, people are unable to also access Facebook Messenger on PCs or laptops.

It is not clear at this stage what the problem is, however normal service did resume for a time on Facebook just after 12pm noon before issues persisted.

Facebook has yet to comment on the outage.

Olympian Youth and AC athletes had a busy two weeks competition with athletes travelling to all parts of the country.

A number of our juvenile stars travelling to Athlone IT over 3 days competition for the Irish Life Health National Indoor Juvenile Championships, some of our Cross-country runners compete at the Ulster and NI U17 Mountain Running Trials in Castlewellan, Co. Down and our Senior athletes compete at the Omagh Half Marathon.

First saw our juvenile athletes compete at the Irish Life Health National Indoor Juvenile Championships over the various days of the competition with Days 1 & 2 being held on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st March and Day 3 on Saturday 6th April.

With 10 individual athletes and 1 relay team making the trip down to Athlone IT having previously qualified from the Ulster & NI Championships, it was all more impressive for the club as it saw a number of these athletes competing in their first All Ireland Indoor Championships.

An excellent championship was had by all with all our Olympian’s rising to the challenge and competing with great heart.

Over the 3 days of competition three of our young athletes climbed the medal rostrum as one of the top three in the country for their respected events.

Day 1 saw Sean Mc Ginley execute a tactically brilliant race to finish 1st and run away with the gold medal and mantle of ALL IRELAND CHAMPION in the U17 1500m. The young Glenswilly lad controlled the race from start to finish showing great tactical awareness and raced out to finish in a very impressive PB time of 4.07.51 bettering his previous best by over 5 seconds.

Next up on Day 1 was Erin Friel running in the U12 Girls 60m the young Newtowncunnigham lass, in her first individual All Ireland Championship, sprinted her way to the Final finishing 2nd in her Heat in a time of 8.87secs.

In the final, later on in the day, she got off to a great start and in a very competitive race sprinted her way on to the podium finishing in 3rd place and collected a Bronze Medal on her way bettering her PB from earlier in the day to 8.80secs.

Erin then showing her versatility donning her spikes again early on Sunday morning for a fantastic start to Day 2 for the club running a brilliant race in the U12 Girls 600m Final to finish 2nd overall.

Keeping in contention all of the race Erin put that sprinting prowess to good use around the final lap racing across the line to finish 2nd in a PB time of 1min 51.58secs and collected her second medal of the weekend a Silver on the podium.

Day 2 was crowned by Olympian Youth & AC gaining another new All Ireland Champion with young Emma Mc Daid placing 1st in the U12 Girls Shot Putt. The young Churchill athlete, again another athlete competing in her first individual All Ireland Championship, launched the shot out to an impressive 9.10m to not only collect a new PB but to also stand on the podium as All Ireland Champion and collect the second Gold Medal for the club over the weekend.

Over the weekends there were also some other great performances with a number of Personal Bests obtained.

Other noteworthy performances from the 3 days came from Henry Bose who narrowly missed out on a Bronze medal in the U18 60m Hurdles by a mere 0.2 seconds to finish 4th in a PB time of 9.12seconds and Orla O’ Doherty getting through to Final of U16 Long Jump with a brilliant series of jumps cumulating in a very impressive leap of 4.73m jumping her to a new PB and an overall 8th place in her first ever All Ireland Championships.

Olympian’s full results are as follows:

U12 Girls

Emma Mc Daid –        Shot Putt 1st (Gold Medal & All Ireland Champion) in a new PB                                             throw of 9.10m

Erin Friel –                600m 2nd (Silver Medal) in a new PB time of 1min 51.58secs
60m 3rd (Bronze Medal) in a new PB time of 8.80 secs.

U12 Girls 4x200m Relay

Team – Orlagh Faul, Anna Russell, Emma Mc Daid & Erin Friel – 11th overall and bettering their bronze medal winning Ulster Championship previous team best by 4 seconds down to a very impressive 2mins 08.40secs.

U15 Girls
Georgia Doherty –        High Jump 11th overall with a jump of 1.40m
U16 Girls

Orla O’ Doherty –         Long Jump 8th overall with a new PB jump of 4.73m.

U16 Boys
Sean Paul Cullen –        200m 6th in Heat in a new PB time of 25.38 secs.

High Jump 11th overall with a jump of 1.50m

U17 Girls
Clodagh Friel –             60m Hurdles 7th in Heat in a new PB time of 11.94secs.

Lara Faul –                   Shot Putt 11th overall with a throw of 7.00m

U17 Boys

Sean Mc Ginley –      1500m 1st (Gold medal & All Ireland Champion) in

                                    PB time of 4.07.51

Oisin Teape –               60m 7th in Heat in a new PB time of 7.82secs

200m 6th in Heat in a new PB time of 25.38secs

U18 Boys

Donal Hughes –            Long Jump 11th overall with jump of 5.49m

Next up on the busy schedule saw some of our young guns Nuala Bose and Sean Mc Ginley travel up on a wet and blustery Thursday evening last 11th April to compete at the Ulster & NI Mountain Running Trials at Castlewellan, Co. Down.

With both athletes having been selected to compete at the trails having finished impressively in the top 20 at the recent Ulster Schools Cross country Championships they both ran themselves into contention to be selected for the 2019 Ulster & NI International Mountain Running team.

First up on the evening saw the ever-improving Nuala Bose running a full year out of age competing in the U17 Girls race finish up a very impressive 4th overall and with 4 places up grabs she waits to see if she has been selected as part of the Ulster & NI International team.

Straight from his gold medal-winning 1500m run at the All Ireland Indoors Championships the weekend before seen Sean Mc Ginley set a blistering pace running himself up hill and dale into first place in the U17 Boys race.

This result means that Sean is automatically selected on the Ulster & NI International Mountain Running Team and this will keep his spikes dirty for the rest of the 2019 season and another international vest for the ever improving young Glenswilly lad.

Finally but not to be outdone the club saw Ann Marie Mc Geehin running at the Omagh Half Marathon on Saturday 6th April placing 622nd overall running a brilliant Personal Best time smashing her previous best by 3 minutes in a very impressive clocking of 1.hr 43mins 58secs.

Again every single one of our Olympians competed with such great heart, determination and certainly gave it their best, which we couldn’t ask for any more. We are so proud of every single one you! Keep up the great training.

TRAINING

Training will continue every Tuesday night at 7:00 – 8:15pm @ Glenswilly pitch and Saturday mornings from 11am till 12.15pm at the Aura Leisure Centre.

We are insured to cater for any and all abilities from 8 years of age right up to senior and master’s level who wishes to train, keep fit, have fun, and/or compete at a local to national/ international standard.

New members as always are more than welcome. For further details, please do not hesitate to contact Martin O’ Donnell on 0863838240 or message us via Facebook (Olympian AC) or feel free to come down and have a chat on any of our club training sessions.

Gardai have launched an investigation into a €2m money laundering fraud involving so-called money mule accounts.

The “money mule” practice involves criminals recruiting people to help launder stolen or illegal money using their bank account, often unwittingly. Gardaí have said students are often targeted by the practice.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau is examining transactions of up to €35,000 on over 200 accounts around the country.

The accounts were used for single transactions of between £5,000 and £35,000 to a financial institution abroad.

Over 1,600 of these cases were reported by the banks to gardaí last year.

Detective Inspector Catharina Gunne from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said that if you act as a money mule, knowingly or unknowingly, you are committing the offence of money laundering.

“Money laundering is a serious offence which on convictions carries a penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment,” she said.

“This will have a serious impact on your future travel plans, career opportunities, vetting and credit ratings.”

Irish Water is to issue nightly water restrictions from tomorrow (Mon) night in the Rossnowlagh and Ballyshannon areas.

The company said it is preparing for increased demand for water during the Easter bank holiday weekend and is putting plans in place to safeguard supply for homes, businesses and tourists during this busy period.

The issue was raised at this week’s meeting of the local municipal authority by Cllr Michael Naughton.

Irish Water will need to restrict water supply at nighttime over the coming weeks to fill treated water storage reservoirs.

Beginning tomorrow water supply will be restricted each night from 11pm to 7am for customers supplied from the Ballyshannon Public Water Supply Scheme in the Rossnowlagh area during the Easter Holiday season.

Tankers will be available to assist in maintaining reservoir levels. The use of tankers is not a sustainable option and Irish Water is appealing to residents, businesses and visitors to reduce their usage to ensure a consistent supply of water for all.

Kevin Love Irish water stated “We are managing water supply at the minute but when activity increases due to increased demand over the Easter holidays we will start to run out.

“Irish Water, is upgrading the pumping system supplying water to the Rossnowlagh area to cater for the increased demand for high quality drinking water in Rossnowlagh during the holiday season. Irish Water is also urging residents, businesses and visitors in Rossnowlagh to conserve water to help prevent any supply shortages later in the summer.

“However it would be very helpful if customers started to conserve water now before demand increases. Customers on higher ground may experience more interrupted supply and we are urging those customers to contact the Irish Water call centre where they experience prolonged outages on 1850 278 278.”

The company is replacing 4.1km of problematic water main on R-231 at Corker, Ballyshannon at the end of April 2019 which should help with securing a constant water supply at Rossnowlagh.
It is expected that works will last for approximately five weeks.

This will result in an improved level of service for consumers being served from this watermain and a reduction in leakage.

There will be traffic management in place during these works and Irish Water is working to minimise disruption to consumers and the travelling public during these essential works.

To help conserve water customers are also being asked to report any leaks they see on the public network and to repair any private side leaks in their homes and businesses to help restore water levels in the network. Customers can report any public side leaks online at www.water.ie or by calling the customer care helpline 24/7 on 1850 278 278.

Irish Water and Donegal County Council have apologised for any inconvenience caused and would like to thank the public in advance for their co-operation.

Updates will be issued on the water storage levels at the reservoirs and consumers will be advised when they can return to normal usage.

Carndonagh-based singers The Inishowen Gospel will team up with Sydney based choir Timbre Flaws choir for a special evening at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Derry this month.

Timbre Flaws will visit Ireland throughout April as part of a special trip collaborating and performing with local choirs – workshops, mini-concerts and pub gatherings.

They will also participate in sing songs and busking in some of Ireland finest cities and towns, including Dublin, Cork, Galway and Donegal.

In carrying out these performances and workshops, Timbre Flaws, who have been together for 15 years under the direction of Stuart Davis, hope to raise much-needed funds to help Inner City Helping Homeless, Australia.

Proceeds from the ‘Home Harmonies’ concert on Tuesday, April 23 will also go to North West Simon Community, Donegal and Derry Simon.

“We welcome input from local choir partners on performance locations, musicals styles or innovative fundraising methods,” Stuart Davis said.

“Apart from local concerts the choir has travelled and sung in Cuba, Morocco, Vanuatu and now Ireland. Several members grew up in Ireland so this trip is quite special for us.”

North West Simon Community and Derry Simon said: “Thank you to both choirs for putting a spotlight on the issue of homelessness in Donegal and Derry, which is often overlooked because of a lack of a visible rough sleeping population.

“The night will raise awareness of a local phenomenon of “hidden homelessness” with many people stranded in inadequate or emergency accommodation, facing eviction, desperately trying to find housing – many people just one paycheque away from losing their home.

“What this evening will do is help create much-needed funds to further sustain the work and services provided to prevent homeless across Donegal and Derry.”

Home Harmonies, An Evening with Timbre Flaws and The Inishowen Gospel Choir, will take place on Tuesday, April 23 at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Derry. Doors at 7.30pm, performance 8pm.

Tickets are £8 and available Eventbrite.com.