Letterkenny Golf Ladies Notes

The final monthly medal of the season was held last week, the last opportunity to play a stroke competition until next season.

In third place Mary McBride (78BOT), runner up Marian OSullivan (70 nett) and the winner was Marian Keating (67nett).

Thanks to our Medal sponsors, Eileen Keating, Una Doherty, Maureen Sweeney and Monica McDonagh.

There was a 13 hole competition held on Thursday, runner up Brigid McClafferty (27pts) and Bridie Gildea secured the winning place (28pts). Well done to all last week’s winners.

This week there will be the final scramble encouraging our beginner and improver ladies to enter competitions.

Thanks to all the regular playing ladies who have entered and take the time to encourage our newer members.

Please make a note in your diary for the final Open Competition which will be held on Sunday 29th September.

This is sponsored by McFadden’s Pharmacy and the timesheet has been blocked off for ladies between 2pm and 2.40pm.

With all the talk of The Gathering in Ireland in 2013, some of the ladies felt that we should have our own gathering to round off the season’s golf.

It will take place on Thursday 19th September at 7.30pm and will help us round off our Centenary celebrations.

There will be a buffet menu, cost €15 and a chance to catch up with friends and fellow golfers, past and present.

There is a list in the ladies locker room if you would like to attend.

Letterkenny Town Mayor Paschal Blake and Anne Mc Gowan, Chairperson of Letterkenny Tidy Towns, at the Helix (Photo from Twitter @LKTidy)

Letterkenny has won Regional, County and Tourism Awards today in the Tidy Towns Awards. The town earned 313 marks and recieved a gold medal.

Letterkenny was named the tidiest town in the North West and in Donegal. It also won a Tourism Town Award.

The regional award prize was €2000. The county and tourism prizes were both €1000.

Moynalty in Co. Meath was named Ireland’s Tidiest Town. Letterkenny was just 3 points short of the overall winning town’s 316 score.

Glenties also won a gold medal with 306 marks. Raphoe and Buncrana won silver medals, while Malin and Carrigart both won bronze medals. Carraig Airt won the Gaeltacht Award.

James O’Neill from Buncrana was one of the Tidy Town Heroes of the year.

In Letterkenny’s adjudication report, the judge found that litter control and street clean-ups in the town were good. However, the Bring Centre was disappointing as the barrier was locked and bottles were dumped outside the units.

They admired the design of the Century Cinemas building, the glass front of Gallagher’s Hotel, and the rugged look of Bank of Ireland.

The design of Bernard McGlinchey Town Park and Ballymacool Town Park impressed the judge.

The presentation of the Tourist Information Office and the surrounding landscaping was highly praised. The report said it was “a real credit to Letterkenny and Failte Ireland.”

The pedestrian archways and wide footpaths along Letterkenny’s Main Street were commended for showing the importance of pedestrians in the town.

The judge remarked that the view of the Oatfield factory from De Valera road was “uninspiring”.

The Oldtown area needed much more attention under the Tidy Towns scheme, according to the report.

On the second visit, the adjudicator said “Letterkenny looked very well on the day-it’s a working town of great character which continues to do well in the competition.”

by Rachel McLaughlin

There was unbelievable scenes at Celtic Park yesterday as 60,000 fans gathered to pay tribute to Stiliyan Petrov who had to retire as a professional footballer earlier this year after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia.

The video outlines below just why Celtic FC fans are regarded by many as the greatest supporters in the World.

There spine tingling rendition of You’ll never walk alone in tribute to their former player Petrov will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

Donegal man and former Celtic player Shay Given was a team mate of Petrov’s at Aston Villa and he played in yesterday’s emotionally charged match.

Enjoy the video below.

The Four Masters Under 12 hurlers have been leading the charge across the County, winning 6 league matches out of 8 played to date this season. 

Mark Sweeney, Manager, commented, “The team have been training very hard this year and through their passion and commitment for the game they have been achieving great things.”

“In recent weeks they have beaten Aodh Ruadh and Burt. Their skill development and team work is excellent and we are looking forward to meeting Buncrana in the coming days.”

“The team is made up of players from Donegal Town, Glenties, Laghey, Mountcharles, Killybegs and Bruckless which highlights the level of commitment by the players and their families.”

The Under 12 team will face Buncrana on Thursday 12th September in Tirchonaill Park. Throw in 7pm. Training for the Four Masters Under 12′s takes place every Friday at 7pm.

An Clochan Liath Club Notes

Ba iad 9, 10, 19 agus 22 na huimhireacha lotto a tarraingeadh ag deireadh na seachtaine seachtaine agus nior baineadh póta óir an lotto.  

Beidh €1,200 sa phóta óir don seachtain seo. Bhain na daoine seo leanas €20 an ceann Daniel Martin Gallagher Meenbanad, Pat McKelvey Cronashallog, Mary McGarvey Loughanure, Anita Doherty Mill Road, Glenties agus Sean & Cian Whyte Ardara

Bhain Irene Ward as Diamond (€150), Mary Kennedy as Glenties, Mary Jo Bonner as Saltpans, Mary Winnie Boyle as Meenbanad agus Nellie Harney as Loughanure €100 ag an Bhingo.

The 12th draw in the forth series of the 200 Club was held on Sunday night the 25th of August at the bingo and the winners are as follows for the month of August, 1st €1,000 – Jackie Ham Burtonport, 2nd €500 – Michelle & James Boyle Keadue, 3rd €300 – Mary & Hughie McGee Meenmore, 4th €100 – Maura McCole as Meenmore5th €100 – John Ward Cronashallog.

Well done to all the winners and thanks to everyone for their continued support. This will go towards the development of our facilities at Pairc na Rosann.

With this being the last draw in the fourth series, the fund raising committee have decided to continue on with a new fifth series at the end of September given that the new Club house construction has commenced, so could all existing members let their respective card holders know if they wish to continue for another series.

The club would also welcome new members to our 200 club, please contact Tony Boyle at086-3871216 for details. Again thanks for your support & generosity.

Brian ‘Mouse’ Ward pictured in handcuffs outside Letterkenny Court last week

A SUSPECT in a €36,000 heist from an ESB depot wasn’t at the address he gave to Gardai, a court has heard.

Brian ‘Mouse’ Ward 77 Ardkeen, Cavan, was brought before Judge Paul Kelly this afternoon at Letterkenny District Court.

Ward, who is 19, was charged with handling stolen goods after Garda Paul McGee seized €36k of copper wiring from a van Ward was travelling in a week ago at the Dry Arch Roundabout in Letterkenny.

Ward was released on bail with strict conditions including that he stay out of County Donegal until his trial, except for court appearances.

He was also warned to stay at the address in Cavan he had given to Gardai.

However at today’s court Inspector Michael Harrison told Judge Kelly that Cavan Gardai had called to the address on a number of occasions and there was no sign of Ward.

Gardai, he said, were not satisfied that Ward was actually staying at the address he had given.

Defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher told the court that he had been given assurances by the landlord of the property that Ward was staying there.

Judge Kelly remarked: “Proof of the paying of rent is not proof that he is living there.”

However Mr Gallagher said his client just happened to be out of the property at the times Gardai had called.

Judge Kelly ordered Ward to give his mobile phone number to Gardai and said he must respond when contacted by Gardai.

A co-accused Tom ‘Ernie’ McDonagh, also 19, of 42 Hazelbrook Crescent, Letterkenny, has been charged with theft and handling stolen goods.

He is currently in custody.

The men were driving a van with the registration plate 04 CN 6132 and had been using the address 11A Ard Glass, Letterkenny.

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has called on Minister for Finance Michael Noonan to respond with urgency to statement by a Personal Insolvency Practioner on RTE’s Drivetime this evening regarding how people will be dealt with by PIPS.

Deputy Doherty said: “The government needs to clarify immediately if these Personal Insolvency Practitioners are working on the basis that an insolvent solicitor would need a larger home than an insolvent PAYE worker, because of their “status in society”, as this person said on RTE radio this evening.

“People listening to Drivetime tonight and hearing the first interview with a member of the state’s woefully under capacity Personal Insolvency Practioner service must surely have thought they needed their ears checked.

“People have been waiting desperately for this service to come into operation since last year and have suffered disappointment after disappointment as its many flaws, such as banks retaining a veto, then the multiple delays in establishing it, came to pass.

“Today they were completely underwhelmed when it was revealed that only 37 PIPs are in operation when the government itself says it’s expecting thousands of applications. Whole swathes of the state are unserviced and where is serviced, PIPs can cherry pick clients and charge huge sums.

“Now we get an insight into how some of these PIPs think and it will be extremely frightening to people. The Minister needs to respond with absolute urgency to this statement; set out exactly what kind of training the PIPS are getting and whether what this man said is true. He needs to reassure people that this process is going to be fair and equal.”

Peil na mBan

U-10′s & U-12′s will continue to train from 5-6pm on Monday evenings.

U-8 girls will train on Saturday mornings for 10-11am with the mixed groups of boys & girls.

Our U-14 girls lost out to St. Eunans last Thursday at the semi final stages of the championship. We had a super run to make the semi final winning 8 games in a row. This is not the last we will hear from this squad of girls because with their determination and football skills they will be challenging for honours for years to come, Maith Sibh!

Our minors girls had a good home victory last Tuesday against Termon in the Banks. Their next game is away to St. Michaels on Tuesday 9th of September. The throw in time is 6.30pm and the Bus will leave Annagry carpark at 5.15pm sharp.

A fundamental coaching course is organised by the Donegal ladies board for Saturday 14th September (venue to be confirmed later in the week). This course is a must for anyone involved in helping or coaching girls teams. Anyone interested in doing it contact Dónal Ó’Séarcáigh.

A level 1 Coaching course is being scheduled for the 21st September. More details will be posted on the ladies facebook page later in the week.

We have now football boot bags in stock with the Ladies club logo printed onto them, priced at €8.

22″ Club kitbags are back in stock @ €28.

Comhghairdeachas

Comhghairdeachas mór leis an fhoireann sinsearach agus le bainistíocht na foirne uilig ar a mbua i gcluiche leath cheannais an chraobh Idirmheánach ar an Domhnach áit ar bhuail siad Béal Átha Seanaidh 1-11 go dtí 0-06. Beidh siad ag imirt Naomh Naille anois ins an chluiche ceannais ar an 29ú. Ádh mór ar Danny agus na gasúraí uilig ins an chluiche sin.

Keep an eye on the website/facebook for upcoming fixtures in the league.

Big Big BBQ

The club are holding a big barbeque on Saturday 14th September at the clubhouse. It starts at 9pm and with great food and live music it promises to be a great night’s craic. This night is open to all so come along and show your support. Go raibh maith agaibh.

Lotto

Níor bhain duine ar bith an lotto an tseachtain seo. Is iad seo na huimhreacha a tháinig amach: 2, 18, 21 agus 22. Bhí trí uimhir acu seo leanas:

Michael Boyle, An Chlochán Liath

Maura Greene, Loch an Iúir

Séamus O Donnell, An Cheathrún, Gort a’ Choirce

Ita Ó Domhnaill, Rann na Feirste

Beidh €1,100 sa phota óir an tseachtain s’chugainn.

Light Up Your Club

A big thank you to everyone from at home and abroad who has sponsored a bulb in support of the ‘Light Up Your Club’ campaign. There are still a number of bulbs left. Please contact any club member if you would like to support this campaign.

The ladies of Otway believe they are definitely in the favour of the golfing Gods, as they were blessed on all of their big days this year with glorious sunshine.

The opposite was the case on club president Gerry McGivern’s big day when the heavens opened and gale force winds blew the poor souls who galantly braved the elements in search of the big prize.

Paul Murray’s hard fought 37 pts were just enough to get him over the line to claim victory, just piping Damian Gallagher into second place, with Mark Canning taking the gross.

John McClafferty took third place, with the nines going to Shaun Duffy and Dave Hughes, while nearest the pin was taken by Sidney Anderson and Noel Kiernan getting the longest drive. Lady captain Mary Hassan won the ladies section, and Brighdin McDaid took second spot, and the visitors prize went to Phil !

Congratulations to all the prizewinners for the effort they put in on a miserable days weather, and to Gerry & family on a very enjoyable day and night.

The last singles competition to count for Golfer of the Year takes place this Sunday 15th, with the Fort Royal cup, in stroke format. There are three or four still possible contenders who can still take top spot, and also a race to get into the play offs to be held later in the year.

Our seniors had no league game last weekend but Sunday is championship quarter final day with the seniors playing Glenswilly in McCumhaill Park at 2.30pm. Good luck to John and the lads.

Scór na nÓg am arís, duine ar bith ar mhaith leo páirt a ghlacadh ann i mbliana, déan teagmháil le Mary Conroy 074 9738442.

The under 16 boys are in a playoff with Na Rossa in the division 2 championship next Friday 13th in Ardara at 6.45pm good luck boys. The under 13 boys had a good victory over Naomh Mhuire on Saturday morning last on a score of 5-09 to 1-01, they play Dungloe away next Saturday at 12 noon, bus leaving at 10.15am

The club is putting together a database of contacts of people who are living away from home so they can be updated directly with club news all we need is their email address, contact James Byrne at iamjamesbyrne@hotmail.com/086-9969256 or Michael McShane at cillcharthapro@gmail.com/087-6781789.

The club would like to thank all those who helped out on Saturday evening in such short notice at the Naomh Columba v St Nauls match.

Jiving Lessons in Johns Joes start this Friday 13th Sept 8:30-11pm all welcome.

Lotto numbers were 2, 6, 21, 22 lotto plus 1, 2, 6, 29. There was no winner, consolation prizes went to Donal Sweeney €50, Conal Gallagher Cron Rd €30, Ultan Byrne Malinmore €20. The Jackpot next week is €1,800.

Bingo winners; Maire McShane, Maire Gillespie, Gainne Mc Brearty, Mary Breslin, Brendan O’Keeney, Eileen Gillespie €70, Kathleen Keeney, Theresa Gallagher €75. The jackpot next week is €3,650 on 51 numbers.

Follow us on Twitter @KilcarGAA, Facebook at CillCharthaGAA and visit our new look website at www.clgchillchartha.com

Red Hughs Notes

Lotto & 100+ Club

There was no jackpot winning sequence in this weeks Lotto draw but Eunan Hannigan, Forest Park won €50. Next weeks Lotto jackpot is €2,950. The Lotto sellers in the coming weeks are: 14th September – Tommy McGlinchey, 21st September – Gerard McColgan and 28th September – Samuel Patterson.

The winner of the 100+ Club draw this week was Katie Callaghan who wins €100. Thanks to all for their continued support of the weekly Lotto & 100+ Club.

Minor Board

After 3 weeks of very competitive games the local league has reached the final stages. It has proved to be a massive success for all the kids and indeed the adults looking after the teams. The U7 to U9 section finals are: (A) final The Glen v The Cross and (B) final Gleneely v Dromore. In the U10 to U12 section the final pairings are (A) final Gleneely v The Glen and (B) final The Cross v Dromore. This Friday 13th September is the date for finals starting at 6.30pm sharp. Good luck to all the teams in the final.

The U12 girls had their last blitz of the year in McCool Park on Saturday. Both the A and B teams played great in all the matches. Well done girls keep up the hard work.

Melissa Hamilton Memorial 5K

Well done to all those who took part in the 5K fun run/walk on Sunday which was in aid of St Vincent de Paul and The Cochlear Implant Trust. A large crowd took part in the 5k and well done to all. Thanks to all those who helped out on the day and made the event such a great success.

The Melissa Hamilton Memorial Cup (U12 girls blitz) was then held afterwards at the pitch. Well done to the teams Red Hughs, Castlederg, Aghyaran and Strabane. The final was a very competitive game with Castlederg taking on Strabane with the Strabane girls coming out the winners on a scoreline of 5 points to 3.

Red Hughs Cycle Challenge

Red Hughs is holding a cross border cycle challenge this Sunday 15th September. Route starts at clubhouse and goes to Ballybofey, Barnes Gap, Castlederg via the Derg Line and back to the clubhouse with a total distance of approx 60km. All are welcome to take part. Registration is €10 per cyclist and registration is at clubhouse at 9.00am with cycle beginning at 10.00am. For more info see club Facebook page or contact Andy Doherty (087) 6843311, Kathy Kelly (087) 7647168 or Patrick Melaugh (087) 9742266

Red Hughs Golf Classic

There are only limited places left for the Red Hughs CLG Golf Classic on Saturday 21st September at Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf Club sponsored by Killygordon Animal Health. If interested you need to enter now or will there be no places left! Teams of four of any combination, entry at €80 per team with both ladies and gents welcome. There will be a selection of team prizes on the day with longest drive etc. A timesheet is in operation contact Karen at the golf club on (074) 9131093 or log onto www.ballybofeyandstranorlargolfclub.ie. All are welcome to come along and enjoy and all Red Hughs club members who don’t take part in the golf are welcome to attend the presentations and refreshments in the golf club later in the evening.

Airtricity Meentycat Walk

The club will be taking part in the Meentycat Sponsored 15k Walk again this year which takes place on Saturday 28th September. Sponsorship cards are available from Liam Doherty (087) 6478122 or any member of executive.

Anyone interested in doing yoga?. If so, morning yoga classes for all levels will start on Friday, 20th of September in Glenswilly GAA hall starting at 10 o’clock to 11.15am under the tuition of Denise Diver and will run for 6 weeks. Registration for the classes will take place on Friday 13th of September from 10 o’clock to 11am at the club house. Denise can be contacted at 0862375619.

The eagerly awaited senior championship quarter finals will take place this coming week-end. No doubt the pick of the games will be the Glenswilly men taking to the field against Kilcar. The meeting takes place in McCumhaill Park Ballybofey on Sunday 15th of September with the throw-in at 2.30. We urge the Glen supporters to turn out in huge numbers and positively cheers our lads on and help them to get over the line. Gary McDaid and his back room staff along with the team have invested a lot of time and energy in preparation to represent the club and parish and deserve all the support and help we can give them. So, we wish them all the best for Sunday and hope they achieve their goal.

The Glenswilly U-16 team will face St Eunans in O’Donnell park on Tuesday evening the 10th of Sept. in the A championship. Throw in is at 6.45 pm and all support would be greatly appreciated. We wish the lads all the best.

A date to keep in your diary is October 27th because this is the date for the “Battle of the Swilly”. The white collar boxing event between Glenswilly GAA club and Letterkenny Golf club will take place in the Silver Tassie . Both side are now training hard under the guidance of Danny Ryan and are gearing up to what will be a challenge of big ball verses small. A night not to be missed.

The club house and hall are heavily booked up from September with drama on Tuesdays 5 to 7.45 pm, music Tuesday and Friday, whist in kitchen area on Thursday and yoga on Friday mornings, so, if anyone needs to use any of the facilities, you will have to contact any hall committee member in good time in order to be accommodated.

The club would like to wish all the best to Michael Murphy in his call up to training with the international rules team and hope he will be selected to represent his country once again.

We at the club wish to offer our congratulations to Jim McGuinness and his wife on the birth of their twin girls recently and are glad all went well and remains so.

The winning numbers in this weeks lotto are 1,10,14 and 21.Match 3 winner is Stephen McDaid Glenkeragh. Next weeks jackpot is 3120 euro and the seller is Paul”sandwich” Gallagher.

The 5th Donegal (Letterkenny) Beaver and Cub Scout Sections are looking for Leaders to become involved in the coming year. 

The groups are run by a team of dedicated volunteers and they really need YOUR help!

The Beaver Section (6 – 8 year olds) and the Cub Section (9-12 years old) run on Wednesday evenings in Trinity Hall at 7.15pm

No previous Scouting experience is required, just a good sense of fun and a willingness to get involved.

If you are interested in doing a good deed for this worthwhile organisation, come along on Registration night, this Wednesday at 7.15pm in the Trinity Hall.

Hi all,

My name is Nikki Bradley and I am your new columnist!   

Some of you may have already read my story which was featured on Donegal Daily before.

For those who haven’t I will start with a little introduction.

I am a second hip replacement patient using fitness to create awareness for Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Ewing’s is a rare form of bone cancer that I, myself, was diagnosed with in 2002.

I made a decision during the summer to try a little experiment. This experiment involved me aiming to get as fit as I can.

I wanted to see how far I could push myself and so far I haven’t been disappointed! As I have experienced various ups and downs throughout the past ten years, I thought I should use myself as an example to possibly motivate others in similar situations.

Right, introduction over, let’s get down to business!

Firstly, the bad news…

As mentioned by Rachel McLaughlin in last weeks featured article, I was due to have a procedure in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, last Tuesday 3rd September.

Unfortunately, the procedure didn’t work. It involved putting me to sleep and rigging up a device, known as a Spinal Cord Stimulator, to the nerves in my back.

They then brought me back around as they needed me to be awake to test the device. It was at this point that things began to go downhill.

As soon as I regained consciousness I felt extreme pain in my back. In order to check the device, my surgeon had to perform key hole surgery on my spine.

They were looking for a response from the nerve endings in my right hip however, the response they were after just didn’t come.

I basically couldn’t feel it in the area they wanted me to feel it. What I did feel was a whole lot of pain in my back.

It was truly horrific I must admit. It felt like someone was knocking the wind out of me while simultaneously strumming on my nerves as if they were playing a guitar!

Not a pleasant experience by any means! Eventually they were forced to give up as by that stage I was too distressed.

Naturally, I was heartbroken and bitterly disappointed, but I have since come to terms with it. We will just have to go back to the drawing board and hatch a new plan.

Having my training to fall back on has been essential in my emotional recovery. To be able to throw myself back into something I love has been a godsend.

I train with Michael Black in Optimal Fitness and I must say, him and his business partner, Adam Speer, have the coolest gym ever!

Firstly, it’s huge. Secondly, the views from up there are fantastic. It might seem strange to say, but I find it to be quite a peaceful space.

I get on the bike and daydream out the window while I peddle away like a mad woman. The layout of the gym is excellent also.

All the equipment is nicely spaced out, so even on a busy day you never feel like you are on top of one another which suits me just fine!

There is nothing worse than walking over to the weights section only to be greeted by a whole host of sweaty men looking at you.

It’s intimidating, so fellas, keep your eyes on the floor! Haha.

Well I should wrap this up as otherwise I may never stop talking.

I hope you enjoyed my first column, stay tuned for next weeks installment.

Nikki x”

There was no joy for Ireland and Barry McNamee last night as Germany proved much too strong for the Ireland U21′s in a one sided UEFA U21 qualifier at the Showgrounds in Sligo. 

Barry McNamee didn’t feature as Ireland U21′s were completely outclassed by a fantastic German side.

Derry City star McNamee was a late call-up to the squad following the withdrawal due to the injury of Derrick Williams.

However he didn’t see any action as Ireland were completely outclassed by a German side packed with star studded quality.

Ireland got off to a terrible start when they conceded after just 12 minutes when Moritz Leitmer finished clinically giving goalkeeper Aaron McCarey no chance.

The game was effectively over as a contest when Kevin Volland netted a brace in three minutes to put Germany 3-0 up after just 25 minutes.

Ireland battled gamely for the duration of the match, but it didn’t help matters when Samir Carruthers was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Phillip Hofmann added another goal for Germany late on to add to Ireland’s woes.

Caitriona Jennings has revealed she is retiring from competitive marathon running to follow her dream and row for Ireland at the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.

Caitriona Jennings – going for gold again.

The Letterkenny woman is quitting running after a series of injuries.

But Caitriona is now joining up with her sister Sinead in a bid for Olympic success.

Caitriona told Donegal Daily she has informed Athletics Ireland of her decision.

The Hawthorn Heights woman suffered bitter disappointment in the marathon in London last year when she became injured after just a few miles.

“As such, I have removed myself from the carding structure and have forgone the balance of the financial and ancillary support provided by the Irish Sports Council and Athletics Ireland for the remainder of 2013.

“You may recall that I had an unfortunate experience in the London Olympics last year which resulted in a stress fracture and plantar fasciitis in my left foot.

“While rehabilitating from these injuries, I picked up another stress fracture in my right foot in January 2013. These injuries added to a long list of injuries I have picked up over the past 6 years.

“In March this year I took up rowing as a form of cross training and to supplement my running training as I wasn’t capable of doing the mileage necessary to train for the marathon distance,” she revealed.

Caitriona said rowing was the obvious choice as her sister, Sinéad is a keen rower and won the World Championships in 2001.

“I took some time off from my career in PwC this year and spent 5 months training in the US, continuing both rowing and running.

“I realised during this time that I would never reach my potential in running due to the limitations of injury, however I still wish to compete at the highest level of international sport, therefore I made the very tough decision to quit competitive marathon running and focus on rowing for the next Olympic cycle.

“I very much enjoyed my running career and received fantastic support from Marathon Mission, Athletics Ireland, the Irish Sports Council and my employers PwC during this time.

“While I am very sad to be quitting running, I’m very excited about my newfound sport of rowing and the opportunities that it might bring.”

Majella O’Donnell is to shave her hair live on The Late Late Show in aid of charity this Friday.

In an exclusive interview following her diagnosis with breast cancer, Majella O’Donnell will tell her story to Ryan Tubridy.

Majella, wife of singer Daniel O’Donnell, also plans to shave her head live on air in a bid to raise much needed funds for the Irish cancer society.

Majella will begin chemotherapy this Thursday and decided to take control of her hair loss.

Speaking in advance of her Late Late Show appearance Majella explained her motivation for wanting to shave her hair live on air.

“I want to do this because I feel strongly that I am just one of thousands of people with this illness. I want to take control of the hair loss associated with my chemotherapy, which I start this Thursday, by deciding when and where to shave my head.

“Having spoken to Daniel, we agreed that we would like to use this as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds. We were both delighted when The Late Late Show and Ryan agreed to facilitate our request.”

Majella stressed the reason behind her appearance saying.

“Our aim is to raise as much money as we can. I would love it if anyone who would like to contribute to this most worthwhile cause, could start donating today.”

People can donate from today by texting Pink Appeal for the Irish Cancer Society, text ‘Pink’ to 50300 to donate €4 or CallSave 1850 60 60 60 to make a donation.”

John McCormack, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said Majella is extremely brave to take the huge step of shaving her hair on national television.

“Losing your hair to cancer treatment can be a devastating time for many women, as can proactively shaving your hair. The Irish Cancer Society fully support Majella and I personally commend her for bringing light onto such a painful time in her life, in doing this Majella will help other people out there now with breast cancer know that they are not going through this alone.

“The Irish Cancer Society is close to Majella’s heart and we are grateful that she is using her own experience to help raise awareness and vital funds for the Society. The Society is 95% funded by the general public, receiving less than 5% government funding, fundraisers liked Majella and so many of you watching are the ones that enable us to continue to provide free, nationwide cancer services and to fund cancer research.”

Cllr. Dessie Larkin said he would take part in feeder events at a possible Letterkenny Marathon, but his “football knees” wouldn’t manage a full race.

The Fianna Fail councillor proposed a motion last night at Letterkenny Town Council’s monthly meeting to stage a marathon in Letterkenny in 2014.

Cllr. Larkin said he would definitely like to take part in other smaller events that might go along with the marathon, like a 5k or 10k.

There were over 2,000 participants in Derry’s Walled City Marathon, because it was so close by, a large number of runners were from Donegal.

The tourist attraction and facilities are already present in Letterkenny, Cllr. Larkin stated. The expertise of Letterkenny Athletic Club could help with the planning, and the town’s hotels are of a high standard to cope with the crowds.

Cllr. Gerry McMonagle recognised the importance of sponsorship for a possible marathon. He said that the logistics that need to be worked out may take longer than a year. Such a race would involve a year-long commitment for participants also, he said. A half-marathon could be a more achievable event.

Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh said there may be an opportunity to involve The Friends of Letterkenny General Hospital, as the recent flooding disaster had national coverage.

Cllr. Larkin told Donegal Daily that he believes that this could be Letterkenny’s iconic event, the enthusiasm for running is prevalent in the town at the moment.

The area has some of the most beautiful scenery for such an event, such as Glenveagh Castle or Gartan Lake. It would be most apt for it to end at the Danny McDaid athletics track, because of his Olymipc success in running, Cllr. Larkin said.

He acknowledged that it would be a top priority not to interfere with the Rockhill 10K. The organisers  of the 10K would be vital in providing expertise on how to plan such an event.

The national marathon calendar would need to be looked at to see if there is a suitable date that Letterkenny could cater for.

By Rachel McLaughlin

Former Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given has said the time has now come for Giovanni Trapattoni to leave his post as manager of Ireland. 

The Donegal stopper played under Trapattoni until he retired just after the European Championships in 2012.

The Lifford man who earned 125 caps as an Ireland players believes Trapattoni has done a good job but now feels the time is right for the experienced Italian to move on.

Given said, “Trapattoni has had a good reign as boss of Ireland, we narrowly missed out on qualification for the World Cup after losing a play-off to France.

“We then qualified for the Euros for the first time in 24 years and that was a fantastic achievement, obviously the campaign was very disappointing but it was great to get there.

“I do think the time is right after the Austria match for him to step down before his contract runs out in June, as I’ve said he’s done well but I think we need a change and we need something fresh.

Given also added that there was no tension between the Italian and the players but did say that communication was a problem at times.

“There was never any problem between the players and Trapattoni everyone got on well but because of his lack of English communication at times was a problem.

“People sometimes lose sight of the fact that we’re a small nation and were competed against Gaelic, Rugby and Hurling for players so it’s difficult to produce top quality players.

“I think the FAI should take there time with the next appointment and make sure it’s the right appointment for Ireland going forward.

Ulster Junior Club Championship

Antrim (TBC) v Donegal (CLG BnaG)  

TBC, Sunday 3rd November @ TBC

The Ulster Junior Club Championship was redrawn at an Ulster GAA CCC meeting last week after it was discovered that our original opponents, Fermanagh, did not have a Junior Championship.

Therefore the competition was redrawn and the Seniors have now been drawn to play away to the Antrim champions.

The Semi Finals of the Antrim Championship were played at the weekend and St Malachys will play either Naomh Una or Michael Davitts in the Final

Seniors

CLG BnaG 1-17 Naomh Ultan 2-6

Clg Baile na nGalloglach returned to winning ways on Saturday with a comprehensive 8 point victory over Naomh Ultan.

After a disappointing display against Burt last week this game was billed as a must win to keep the Milford men’s hope of winning the league on track.

The 2013 Junior Champions came bursting out of the blocks scoring 1-4 in the first ten minutes, Luke Barrett and Cathal McGettigan opening the scoring with well taken points and James Doyle with an impressive strike for the early goal.

Baile na nGalloglach’s dominance continued throughout the early exchanges of the first half with Naomh Ultan not managing to register their first score until the 17th minute after some sloppy play from the boys in blue.

Despite this Milford ended the first half with an impressive scoreline of 1-10 to 0-2 after further scores from McGettigan, Doyle and Pauric Curley who despite operating in a position much higher up the field, was proving a handful for the Naomh Ultan defenders.

After building up a huge lead it was inevitable that complacency would creep into the Milford men’s display and they were to pay for this when a floating free kick from a Naomh Ultan player was missed by a number of Milford players and ended up in the back of the net.

Order was soon restored however as Cathal Mc Gettigan and David Curley responded with a point each.

After good build up play they cut the Milford defence apart and slotted the ball past Caolan McGettigan for their second goal of the game.

This was followed by two more points to bring the deficit to 6 points. Milford held out however with more scores from top marksman Cathal McGettigan and a now trademark score from full back Conor Mc Nulty sealed the 2 points for the Galloglaigh.

Milford were served well by Conor McNulty and Pauric Curley and opposing ends of the team however the Man of the Match accolade deservedly went to Cathal McGettigan who scored eight of Milford’s 18 scores with the game ending Clg Baile na nGalloglach 1-17 Naomh Ultan 2-6.

Milford: Caolan McGettigan, Anthony McPaul, Conor McNulty(0-1), Sean Black, Enda McHugh, TJ Evesson, Manus Boyce, Lorcan Friel, Luke Barrett(0-2, 1f), Pauric Curley (0-3), Tony McNamee, James Doyle (1-1), David Curley (0-2), Cathal McGettigan (0-8, 6f), Paddy Peoples. Subs: Cormac Friel for Anthony McPaul (HT), Anthony Fisher for Enda McHugh (49m), PJ Hagen for David Curley (51m), Kevin Mc Gee for Lorcan Friel (52m), Paul Sweeney for James Doyle (56m) Sean Gallagher, Jamie Heena not used.

Senior Ladies – Title Decider

CLG BnaG v Aodh Ruadh

Sunday @ 11.45am

After the Ladies 1-10 to 1-4 win over Convoy last Sunday their final league game now means that the league title comes down to a winner takes all battle with Aodh Rua, who after been beaten by Milford in the championship final will be doing all they can to prevent the girls completing the double.

This match takes place in Milford on Sunday morning at 11.45am and we would ask that as many people as possible get down to the pitch to support the girls as they look to add the league title to their championship crown

Senior Ladies

CLG BnaG 1-10 Convoy 1-4.

The ladies got back down to league business this week after their championship success and maintained their winning streak with a well fought win over title contenders Convoy.

The dressing room before the game resembled a hospital ward with a number of the girls suffering from illness and injury and because of this Milford were slow to get out of the blocks which enabled Convoy to establish an early lead.

Slowly Milford got themselves back into the game but a combination of bad wides and good Convoy play meant that the girls went in at half time two points down on a score line of 1-3 to 4 points.

After the break though it was all Milford and they slowly but surely managed to take control of the game with their pressure play making it difficult for Convoy to get out of their own half.

A brilliantly taken goal by Orla Harrisson with ten minutes to go gave Milford the bit of daylight they needed and it is a credit to the whole team that they managed to keep Convoy scoreless in the second half until the final minute of normal time.

This was a good battling performance and it now means that the league title comes down to a winner takes all battle with Aodh Rua, who after been beaten by Milford in the championship final will be doing all they can to prevent the girls completing the double.

This match takes place in Milford on Sunday morning at 11.45am and we would ask that as many people as possible get down to the pitch to support the girls as they look to add the league title to their championship crown.

Traditional Music Session

A session of traditional music and song will take place in the Travellers Inn on Friday night 13th. All musicians and singers are welcome’.

Any club member who might be interested, or who knows someone who might be interested should let them know and encourage them to come along.

Newsletter

For all your weekly, news, fixtures, results and match reports as well as much more such as player profiles, photo albums and more please subscribe to our newsletter by texting your name and email address to 086-3400082, emailing milforddonegalgaa@gmail.com, or by contacting the clubs Twitter or Facebook pages

Volunteers Needed for Sub-Committees

CLG BnaG is currently in the process of creating Sub-Committees to help implement and achieve the targets of a 5 year plan.

If you feel you can contribute to the running of the Club in any small way, either in time or in ideas, please contact MilfordDonegalGAA@gmail.com, 0863400082 or send a PM.

The Sub-Committees are as follows:

Finance

Underage Games Development

Adult Games Development

Club Administration

Club Facilities

PR, Communication & Culture

Minor Ladies

Fanad Gaels v CLG BnaG

Tuesday 10th September @ 5.30pm

Next up for the Minor Ladies is an away trip to near neighbours Fanad Gaels on Tuesday 10th September in Portsalon, all support would be greatly appreciated.

U14 Girls in County Semi Final

The U14 girls play the County Semi Final against Gweedore in O’Donnell park on Monday the 16th September at 6pm. All support would be greatly appreciated.

U13s

Gaoth Dobhair 6-6 CLG BnaG 5-4

Our U13s were defeated by Gweedore on Sunday past in what was a great performance but the concession of 2 late goals caught the side out.

Best for CLG BnaG were Rory O’Donnell, Darragh Greene and Conor Mc Hugh. Training continues this Friday from 5.30-7.30pm. Scorers: Darragh Greene (2-0), Eamonn O’Donnell (0-1), Rory O’Donnell (1-1), Niall Trearty (2-0), Conor McHugh (0-2).

U8s & U10s Training

The U8 & U10 trainings will continue this Friday at the pitch in Milford at 6pm. The Parish League will begin on Friday, 13th September.

Gaelic For Mothers

Gaelic for Mothers training will continue every Wednesday at 8pm at the pitch in Milford. All interested are very welcome.

Prediction Competition

Current Top 10 Leaderboard. For the full leaderboard why not sign up to our weekly newsletter. To sign up send your name and email address to MilfordDonegalGAA@gmail.com or to 0863400082.

Lotto Sellers Required

The Club is seeking lotto sellers in the Milford, Ramelton and Rathmullan areas. If you are interested contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

Lotto

This weeks lotto numbers were 3-7-21-22. No jackpot winner, 5 match 3 winners win €15 each. Conor McNulty, Michelle Goode, Damian McCann, Patricia McLaughlin, & Geanie Gallagher. Next weeks Jackpot is €1,200.

Evolution Fitness

All paid up club members will now be able to avail of a €10 discount on 3 month membership.

Normal 3 month membership is €80 but will be available to members for €70. If interested contact Jack Duddy at Evolution Fitness beside the mart in Milford

Contact Us

For all information and queries contact MilfordDonegalGAA@Gmail.com, follow us on Twitter on @CLGBnaG, and on Facebook on www.facebook.com/clgbaile.nangalloglach or see our website www.milford.donegal.gaa.ie/

Training

Seniors: Tues & Thurs at 7pm

Ladies: Wed (6.30pm) & Sat (10am)

Gaelic for Mothers: Wed at 8pm

U13s: Fri at 5.30pm

U10s: Fri at 6pm

U8s: Fri at 6pm

Milford GAA Club Gear

Club gear is now available to order. Anyone who has ordered club gear but yet received it are to contact either Aidan or Barry.

The range of club gear includes Hoodies, Tracksuits tops, Windcheaters, hats, navy polo shirts, white polo shirts, and t-shirts.

There is some lovely gear available at very reasonable prices and photos are available to view on the club Facebook page.

Orders can be placed with either Barry on 086-3400082 or Aidan on 087-1223177.

Hoodies (Kids 5-11: €29.99. Kids 13-14: €38. Adults S-XXL: €39.99)

Track top (13/14 – Adult XXL: €38)

Windcheater (Adult S-XXL: €23)

Hat (€7.50)

Polo Shirts (Navy) (13/14 – Adult XXL: €29.99)

Training T-Shirt (Kids 5-11: €18. Kids 13-14: €19.99. Adults S-XXL: €23)

Initials can be added at an additional €2 each