Zach Gibson 12, from Trentagh Letterkenny is aiming to be Ireland’s next racing sensation, the go-karting star is currently tearing up the circuits nationally and goes in to the last series of races with the chance to be crowned champion.

Zach has been racing since he was 8 years of age and is passionate about go-karting.

Despite having a bad start to the go-karting season Zach has responded remarkably and now has a chance to win the competition outright.

At one stage Zach was 32 points behind, however a change off teams resulted in a remarkable turnaround which resulted in four wins in Galway.

Following his success in Galway Zach continued his fine run of form in Cork with two wins and a 2nd place finish as well as setting the fastest time and lap record. 

It now leaves it neck and neck with the racers going back to Galway for the last round.

Zach is hoping he can see it through and become overall champion.

One thing is for sure regardless of what happens is that young Zach Gibson has a bright future in racing.

Zach’s proud father Mark said, “Zach would really like to say a big thanks to everyone who has supported him and his sponsors and his new team Daly motorsport, the driver and team have really clicked together. 

Good luck Zach!!

COMMUNITIES in Milford, Ramelton, Rathmullan, Fanad and the surrounding areas are being warned that criminal gangs with a record for burglaries are in the area today.

It’s understood Gardai have stepped up patrols in these areas as a result of reported suspicious activity this morning.

Several men in two white vans who have been suspected of previous robberies have been spotted in the area.

The men are likely to approach home owners with excuses about why they are in the area, may pretend to be seeking directions or ask to use toilets.

Communities are urged to check on relatives and elderly neighbours.

The men should not be approached.

The Milford Garda station can be contacted on 074 91 53114.

Food Ambassadors for 2013, heading to Norway.
Benoit Lorge, Lorge Chocolatier, Kenmare.
John Mulcahy, Fáilte Ireland with Food Champions.
Martin Bealin, Global Village Restaurant, Dingle;
Deborah Evers, Clareville House Kitchen Gardens, Ballyvaughan;
Jacinta Dalton, Dept Culinary Arts, GMIT;
Zack Gallagher, Irish Food Tours, Donegal Town;
Mary McGettigan, A Taste of Donegal Food Festival,
Helen McDaid, Fáilte Ireland Food Tourism manager.
Hugh O’Donnell, Kitty Kellys & Hughies Bar, Killybegs;

Eight of Ireland’s top food ambassadors have left Dublin for Norway on a food tourism study trip as part of Fáilte Ireland’s Food Champions Initiative.

Donegal is well represented with Hugh O’Donnell from Kitty Kelly’s & Hughies Bar, Mary McGettigan from A Taste of Donegal Food Festival and Zack Gallagher from Irish Food Tours all selected.

The trip was organised by the national tourism authority to help drive the development of the food culture and food tourism experiences around the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s first ever long-distance driving route, due to open in March 2014.

The group include a number of chefs, an artisan producer, a culinary lecturer, a blogger, a restaurateur, a food festival organiser and a chocolatier.

Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Food Tourism, John Mulcahy, saiD “These eight food ambassadors who are located along the Wild Atlantic Way, from Donegal to Kerry, were selected for their commitment to developing Ireland’s food tourism and reputation.

“This educational visit to Norway will provide the tools for the Food Champions to return home and get behind their region on the Wild Atlantic Way in providing an opportunity to experience, see and taste a truly unique food offering, thereby generating more business for the local area.”

Norway was chosen as the destination for this year’s programme not only because of the surge of interest in Nordic food, but also because they have well-established tourist driving routes. They are currently working to develop a Taste of Norway around these routes which will provide great insight for our industry here in Ireland.

The food ambassadors were selected for their resounding passion and belief in Irish food, together with a commitment and drive to actively influence and shape the future of Irish cuisine and food tourism in their region. During the trip they will experience a bespoke Norwegian itinerary, gaining unique insight into the Taste of National Tourist Routes programme.

Caption – Fáilte Ireland’s food ambassadors get ready to depart Dublin Airport for their study trip to Norway. Also pictured are John Mulcahy and Helen McDaid from Fáilte Ireland.

Questions and Answers from the Letterkenny Town Council meeting September 9.

Glenwood Park

Cllr. Dessie Larkin sought answers from the council over the ground behind the houses causing concern for residents in Glenwood Park.

The council replied: “This issue will be looked at in conjunction with the Town Gardener and Town Engineer to see what options there may be to address the issue in the out of season time. ”

Main Street Sewerage Problem

Cllr. Victor Fisher asked the council whether any progress has been made on the sewage problem at the backs of shops on Letterkenny’s Main Street.

The council answered that:

“Water and Sanitary section of Donegal County Council will host a meeting of all concerned parties when relevant landowners have been confirmed to discuss the extent of the problem and suggest possible solutions.”

Turning Railways into Cycle Paths

Cllr. Gerry McMonagle asked Donegal County Council for an update on his motion relating to turning disused railways into cycle tracks.

He was told that DCC are working with local communities to develop an application for redeveloping specific sections of the disused railway. A request for funding proposal is expected to be made to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport by the deadline of mid November.

Vandalism at Gartan Field

Cllr. McMonagle asked the council if plans will be made to make Gartan Field more secure following recent vandalism.

The council replied that they had received a signed letter from the residents of nearby Ashbrook Estate. The council said that they intend to respond to this letter to addresses on of the accesses to the Gartan Field.

County Library flooding update

Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh asked when the council expects the County Library to be fully operational again after the flooding damage.

The Council replied that the main floor providing reading materials was opened 2 days after the flooding. The majority of the damage was done to the upper floor, where research and reference collections are based. It is hoped that a schedule of work will be rolled out and full services will resume as soon as possible.

Footpath improvements at Ashlawn

The council told Cllr. Brogan, who asked for an update, that footpath improvements have recently commenced at Ashlawn.

Drainage along Bonagee Lane

Works to improve the drainage problem along Bonagee Lane adjacent to the Football Club will commence in the next few weeks, the council told Cllr. Brogan.

EXCLUSIVE: GARDAI in County Donegal have smashed two separate drugs rings after raids today.

Officers seized cannabis with an estimated value of €120,000 in the townland of Leitir, Kilmcrennan.

More than 150 plants were found in two grow houses after the raid which was led by local detectives investigating organised crime gangs.

In a separate investigation officers seized €20,000 worth of cannabis from a house in Milford.

The estimated value of the drugs is subject to examination.

Donegal Daily understands the seizure in Milford – at a property at Aras Ui Domhnaill – came after a nationwide crackdown on drugs gangs using rural counties to grow cannabis.

Sources in Sligo say today’s raids are linked to a seizure there.

One man and one woman have been arrested and a quantity of cannabis herb has been seized following a stop and search of a vehicle in Ballymote last night.

Gardaí stopped a car on the N4, Castlebaldwin, Ballymote, said a spokesman.

When the car was searched Gardaí recovered 4 Kg of cannabis resin with an estimated street value of €80,000 subject to analysis.

The two occupants of the car, a man in his mid 30s and a woman in her mid 20s, were arrested at the scene. They are currently detained at Ballymote Garda station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 and can be detained for up to seven days.

Following today’s raids one man has been detained by Gardai and is being questioned in Letterkenny.

Goalkeeping legends Packie Bonner and Shay Given to host a celebration of Donegal football this October in Ballybofey.

Packie and Shay

As part of the Donegal Gathering 2013, Goalkeeping legends Packie Bonner and Shay Given are coming home to Donegal to host a unique ‘Legends and Heroes Celebration Day’.

The sporting public are invited to join our two famous net minders for “Heroes and Legends’, a day and evening dedicated to the distinguished list of Donegal soccer players who took on the brave challenge of going overseas to pursue a career in football.

The day will commence with a Golf Classic on Sunday October 6th at 1pm, in Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf course. Afterwards there will be a Gala evening at 7pm in the Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey followed by music featuring our very own Mickey Joe Harte and Guests. This event is in association with the Friends of Letterkenny General Hospital and Finn Harps Youth Programme.

Football fans who attend will get the opportunity to join star names such as the always engaging Ray Houghton, and a number of household stars from the football world for a day of Golf and entertainment.

Packie Bonner said he is looking forward to hosting the special day.

“We felt it was important that the Donegal gathering included a keystone event which would bring the football family together to share our passion for the game. Whilst recognising the invaluable role local Donegal Clubs played in the development of football and talent. I am looking forward to a great day”.

Co-Host Shay Given said “I am delighted to be coming home and joining everyone for ‘Legends & Heroes’. Donegal has always been a hotbed for producing talent and that is a direct result of the huge time and effort put in by coaches and volunteers across the County. A gathering of football people for an informal and enjoyable evening is a great idea and I am really looking forward to being part of it all”.

On behalf of the Donegal Gathering Paddy Harte said “I am thrilled that Packie and Shay are hosting what is going to be a very special occasion. It’s going to be wonderful to have so many renowned players, coaches, administrators from the Donegal football family come together to celebrate a common love for the game.”

Further information available from Villa Rose Hotel: 074 9132266.

Seamus Coleman

SEAMUS Coleman’s dream of playing in a major soccer championship is in tatters tonight after Ireland were beaten in Vienna.

David Alaba scored six minutes from time to give Austria to a 1-0 victory – and dump Ireland out of any chance of a trip to Brazil.

The Bayern Munich midfielder has now given the Austrians a chance of overcoming Sweden for second spot in Group C.

Ireland still have to play Germany and Kazakhstan, but have no hope of qualifying now.

Killybegs man Coleman played out of his skin for Ireland tonight, making a number of crucial interventions for his side.

But the Everton player, Ireland’s man of the match tonight, faces missing out on another major championship after Trap didn’t even include him in the squad for the Euros.

The club is this week preparing for the Junior B Championship Final which takes place in Tír Chonall Park in Donegal Town on Sunday evening with a 6pm throw Inn.

Both adult teams travelled to Convoy on Saturday evening last and were defeated in both games. Our u13′s started the season off with a defeat to a good Naomh Padraig , Muff. There were good performances from Gabriel Aduaka, Mikey Sweeney, Diarmuid Cahaill and Brian Melaugh . Our next game is away to Buncrana next Sunday the 15th. Training on Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 7.

U14 girls gaelic team played Killybegs in their final league match and won the match in great style. All players contributed to a skilful and determined performance and showed tremendous team spirit in some testing situations.

Thanks to coaches and parents for their support on the night All underage training continues at Páirc na Gael, Sunday Gaelic for U6, U8 & U10 11am. Monday Girls gaelic U12 at 6pm. Tuesday Camogie 6pm U12/14 hurling 6.30pm. Wednesday U10/12 gaelic 6.30pm. Thursday U6, U8, U10 & U12 hurling 6.30pm. Friday. U14/16 girls gaelic 6pm. U12/14 gaelic 6.30pm.

The Club are holding a Family Fun Day at their grounds in Páirc na nGael at the Glebe next Sunday 29th Sept, starting with the usual Fun Day activities at 1p.m.

The Organising Committee are preparing a large Programme of Activities for all the families to enjoy including Athletics, Hurling Skills, Free Kick and Penalty Kick Competitions and Novelty Events including Spud & Spoon, 3 legged, Sack, Wheelbarrow and Family Relay Races. Other Novelty events will include the popular Stocks, Wellie Throwing, Lucky Dip, Guess the Name of the Gaels Mascot, Guess the number of Sweets in the Jar, Lucky Dip and Face Painting etc.

Hospitality will be provided in Marquee Tents including the usual delicious Home Baking and Cake Sales. Barbecue food and Ice Cream will also be served. More details will be available in the coming weeks The Lotto Numbers for week ending the 8th September were 1,8,15 & 17 Match 3 winner was Michael Parkinson, Friends of the Gaels Next weeks jackpot will be 1450Euro.

GARDAI and fire service chiefs have investigated a fire in Kilmacrennan.

A large amount of black smoke came from the blaze not far from the Mill Bridge shop earlier.

There was no winner of last weeks lotto. The numbers drawn were 17, 26, 27 and 30. Two prizes of €50 went to James Molloy Mill road and Margaret Mc Geehan Derries. Next weeks jackpot is €3,800.

Well done to the U13 team who had a very comprehensive victory over Ardara on Friday night. Ardara 2-04 6-16 Naomh Conaill. They are home to Naomh Mhuire on Saturday at 12noon.

Well done to the U16 team who put in a great performance on Monday night to edge out Aodh Ruadh by the narrowest of margins. Naomh Conaill 2-8 2-7 Aodh Ruadh. They will now play the winners of Ardara / Dungloe in the league final.

The reserve game against Gweedore on Sunday was called off. The senior game went ahead but unfortunately we were beaten by a point. Gweedore 0-08 0-07 Naomh Conaill.

DONEGAL’S GAA clubs have agreed to delay next year’s county championships until after the county team has completed its season.

It’s not what county manager Jim McGuinness had asked for during a meeting with the clubs last Friday.

He had suggested rounds in April and May and then the postponement of further rounds until after Donegal had completed the Ulster and All-Ireland series.

However the clubs, meeting in Ballybofey tonight, rejected that suggestion and say they don’t want any championship games at all in the spring.

They voted overwhelmingly to back the new proposal – with just six clubs voting against the idea.

It’s thought McGuinness will be happy with the clubs’ decision as it goes further than he had asked.

The Glenties man is in Glasgow this evening after spending the day at work at Celtic’s training ground.

He is expected to confirm he will remain on as manager after the club vote.

“We’d be surprised,” admitted one county board member.

“I think everyone has worked extremely hard to keep both clubs and county happy and tonight’s vote is an honourable compromise.”

Lotto Results:

Numbers drawn were 2, 6, 7, 11, 20 Bonus 17. There was no jackpot winner. €100 Michaela and Lauren, Doaghbeg. €50, Eamon MacGiolla Fhiontain, Glashagh. Jackpot now stands at €7750. Get your lotto in local shops and pubs or from any committee member.

100 Club Draw:

The September results for the 100 club draw are as follows: €500 Pat and Bernie Murphy. €250 Bried and Kathleen McConigley. €250 Catherine and Sinead McAteer.

Seniors and Rserves:

Our seniors and reserves play at home to Naomh Columba this Saturday 14th. Reserves throw in at 5.00pm and seniors throw in at 6.30pm.

Under 6, 8 and 10′s:

No under 6, 8 and 10 training this Friday the 13th due to the launch of our joint fundraising event with Mulroy Hoops in Rossnakill on Friday evening at 7.30pm sharp. We encourage as many of our underage players from different teams, parents and coaches to come along on Friday evening. Check our facebook page for all information.

Our under 8′s are playing in Termon on Saturday morning, all players to be at the pitch in Termon at 11.00am sharp. For further information contact Martin on 9163472.

Dribble ‘n’ Solo-athon:

Mulroy Hoops Basketball Club and Gaeil Fhánada Bord na nÓg are hosting a 12 Hour sponsored Dribble ‘n’ Solo-athon to take place on Saturday 19th October 2013 in the Rossnakill Resource Centre. The event will run from 9am to 9pm. We are inviting families involved in either or both these clubs to take part as well as other families who may be interested in joining.

How will the Dribble ‘n’ Solo-athon work?

- From your wider family/friend circle select a group or groups of 12 – to include brothers, sisters, cousins, parents, grandparents, friends or anyone who is happy to give it a go!

- Each group should have a nominated leader – ideally a teenager/adult.

- Each group will be asked to dribble/solo for just 15 minutes.

- To make the event as fun as possible your group can dribble/solo in fancy dress – you could come in pyjamas, onesies, football jerseys, Disney characters or anything you fancy!

**There will be an information/launch night on Friday 13th September at 7.30pm in the Rossnakill Resource Centre for group leaders where more detailed information will be given – including a demo! Each group leader will receive a sponsorship card on the night of the launch (to be returned before or on the 19th October).

Keep on eye on the Fanad Gaels and Mulroy Hoops websites/Facebook pages as well as local press for updates! We hope that you will get involved, have fun with your friends and family and help raise money for these two community based clubs.

Scrap Saturday:

We will be holding a Scrap Saturday in the next few weeks. Anyone who has any scrap metal laying around, this will be a great opportunity for you to get rid. A contact number will be available in next weeks notes for you to call and have the metal collected at a time that suits both party’s.

Donegal GAA Centre of Excellence:

Club Tir Chonaill have launched a unique campaign to further the development of the Donegal GAA Training Centre currently under way in Convoy. The official launch of the ‘Building Brighter Futures’ initiative took place in the Villa Rose Hotel, Ballybofey on Monday 2nd of September. The Campaign aims to bring the development of this state-of-the-art facility to the next stage, completing the floodlighting of the sand based pitches, developing pitches three and four and the construction of essential facilities including dressing rooms, medical rooms, coaches room, meeting rooms, administration offices, a fully equipped gymnasium and the necessary sanitary facilities. Club Tír Chonaill are asking members of the public to get involved by purchasing plots of land around the centre for €20 per plot, with all proceeds raised going in aid of the facilities development. All names will be entered into a draw with prizes of €2,000 for first place, €1,000 for second place and €500 for third place up for grabs. We think this would be something that not only people in the county would be interested in, but also all those family members who are living elsewhere.

€20 per plot donations to aid funding for the Donegal GAA Training Centre in Convoy are welcome and can be made to the following account:

Account Name: Club Tír Chonaill

Branch: Bank of Ireland Letterkenny

IBAN Number: IE18BOFI190491582203484

BIC Code: BOFIIE2D

For further details contact Cieran Kelly, Chairman of Club Tir Chonaill on +3538787 245 0505 or Grace Boyle, Treasurer of Donegal GAA on +353 86 803 2954 or log onto www.donegalgaa.ie.

Votes of Sympathy:

Votes of sympathy were passed at the Gaeil Fhánada monthly committee meeting with the families of Daniel Campbell, Frank Carr, Eddie Gallagher, Kevin Coll and Tom Gibbons on their recent deaths. May they Rest In Peace.

–

A MOTORIST who rolled a car at high speed and then fled the scene leaving SEVEN passengers behind has been given a suspended prison sentence.

O’Donnell

Emlyn O’Donnell pleaded guilty to a litany of offences relating to the horrific incident which happened at 5am on St Stephen’s Day 2011.

O’Donnell had originally been charged with stealing the Renault car which crashed into the Dry Arch Roundabout in Letterkenny.

However the theft charge was withdrawn after his girlfriend Heather McClean withdrew the complaint.

Inspector Michael Harrison told Letterkenny District Court that passengers at the scene initially denied being in the car.

One woman had to be cut from the car by fire crews.

“Witnesses later said that Mr O’Donnell was driving so fast that the car shook,” said Inspector Harrison.

“They were shouting at O’Donnell to slow down but he ignored their pleas.”

The car then “rolled over several times” before landing on its side.

When the emergency services arrived at the scene O’Donnell had fled on foot.

He later presented himself to Gardai in Letterkenny and admitted he was the driver of the car.

“It was an absolute miracle that no-one was killed and no-one was seriously injured,” said Inspector Harrison.

Judge Paul Kelly described O’Donnell as “appalling”.

He jailed O’Donnell for six months for dangerous driving, suspending the sentence for two years.

He added a second consecutive three month sentence for leaving the scene of the crash, also suspending that sentence for two years.

O’Donnell was fined €350 for no insurance, was banned from driving for two years and ordered to take part in a driver behaviour course.

Judge Kelly warned O’Donnell that he wouldn’t walk free from court again if he appeared before him.

Earlier O’Donnell had contested two other charges against him.

He had been accused of assault and robbery of a youth in Letterkenny.

John Paul Morrison identified O’Donnell in court as being the man who attacked  him in Letterkenny in September 2012.

“He came out of nowhere and started choking me with a dog chain and then he started whipping me,” said Mr Morrison.

“He threatened to stab me and my friend with a Stanley knife.”

However other witnesses in the case didn’t appear in court and Judge Kelly said he wasn’t satisfied on the evidence that O’Donnell, who had denied the charges, had carried out the attack.

A MAN and woman from Milford are being quizzed about a double Garda drugs bust.

Gardai seized €80,000 worth of cannabis from their car near Ballymote on Monday night.

And yesterday another €20,000 was seized after detectives raided a house in Milford.

More than 5kg of cannabis was seized in both raids.

The couple are currently detained at Ballymote Garda station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 and can be detained for up to seven days.

The arrests came on the same day 150 cannabis plants with an estimated value of €120,000 were found in two grow houses at the back of a home in Leitir, Kilmacrennan.

A NUMBER of Donegal people have made substantial settlements with the Revenue.

According to the latest defaulters list, retired fisherman and company director Denis J Boyle of Acres, Burtonport, handed over €896,558 as a result of an investigation into under-declaration of income tax and capital gains tax.

Owen Boyle, a supermarket owner from Kilmacrennan, made a settlement of €277,017 in relation to tax, PRSI and PAYE matters.

Emer Brennan, company director of Glenties Road, Ardara, paid over €104,491 for under-declaration of capital gains tax.

Martin Doherty, a shop and forecourt owner of Middletown, Derrybeg, Gaoth Dobhair, paid Revenue €148,834 in fines and payments for under-declaration of VAT and other matters.

A company – Flashy Concepts Limited – with an address at Unit 6 of the Convoy Enterprise Centre, paid over €54,702 for under-declaring VAT.

Landlord and company director Declan Gallagher of Salthill, Mountcharles, paid the Revenue €34,128 for under-declaring capital acquisitions tax.

The Lagg Service Station Limited in Milford made a settlement including fines of €119,845 for under-declaration of VAT, PRSI, PAYE and Corporation Tax.

Farmer and site vendor Karol McElhinney, from Dooish paid Revenue €184,706 for under-declaring capital gains tax.

SMS Wholesale Limited, Kinnegar, Rathmullan – a grocery wholesaler – paid back Revenue €51,062 for underpayment of VAT.

Farmer Joseph Sweeney, Creeve, Rathmullan made a settlement of almost €40,000 for under-declaring capital acquisitions tax.

Emergency services at scene of a two car crash in Loughanure village at present.

It happened on a bend on the Crolly side of the village just before 9am..

A number of emergency vehicles from Dungloe are at the scene and traffic delays are expected.

It is not known at this stage if there are any injuries.

Prayers are to be offered at a special mass for tragic Conor Boyle who is fighting for his life in a London Hospital.

Conor Boyle – in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

The popular young Loughanure man was involved in a car crash last Friday and is still in a coma.

His loving parents Hugh and Shiela are by his bedside.

The thoughts and prayers of his home village and the entire of Donegal are being offered for the speedy recovery of the 18 year old.

His condition in hospital is still described as critical but stable.

The mass will take place at St Marys Star Of The Sea Church (Annagry) at 7.00 o clock tonight (WED) followed by adoration. All are welcome.

Killybegs duo Paul ‘skins’ McGinley and Shane ‘baker’ Boyle have been influential in helping Donegal GFC NY’S senior panel into the semi-final of the senior championship were they will face Kerry on September 22nd.

The two former county minor and U21 stars have been in sensational form for the Donegal NY side and have played an integral role in helping the Donegal outfit to their first senior semi-final since dropping down in ranks a number of years ago.

The duo’s emigration would have been a massive blow to their local club Killybegs at the time but Killybeg’s loss has been Donegal NY’s gain.

Donegal GFC NY’s Senior panel will face Kerry at 3.30 pm Sunday 22 September in the second NY GAA Semi-Final.

The result will determine which side will face the winner of the Cavan v Leitrim match 15 September for the NY GAA Senior silverware on 29 September.

In their two regular season encounters Supremo Pat McGill’s lads first drew with the Kingdom in June and then took them by 3 points, 1-15 to 1-12 on 11 August.

Kerry notched their place in the Semi-Final by defeating 2012 champions Cork on 8 September.

Bolstering Ardara’s McGill’s leadership have been St. Michael’s and Donegal NY veteran James McFadden.

The Tir Chonaill team have also drawn on the skill of such as CJ Molloy (of the Ardara Molloy football clan), PJ Flanagan, Brian Connor, Mickey Annette, Conor Lynam, Brian Cullinan, and a talented host of others to reach the Semi-Final plateau.

The FAI have officially announced that Giovanni Trapattoni and assistant manager Marco Tardelli has both parted company with the Football Association of Ireland by mutual consent. 

The pressure had been mounting on the Italian ever since Ireland’s disastrous campaign at the European championships in 2012.

A heavy home defeat by Germany last October coupled by defeats to Sweden and Austria last night have signalled the end of Ireland’s World Cup dreams and with it sealed the fate of the experienced Italian manager.

Bookmakers have made former Celtic manager and Northern Ireland international manager Martin O’Neill favourite to take over from Trapattoni.

Donegal boxer Joseph Duffy, a native of Meenbannad, Burtonport says he wants to be the best in the world and says his bout in Germany was another huge test that he’s delighted to have come through.  

Duffy extended his professional record to 6-0 after an impressive victory of the tough and experienced Romanian Ionut Trandafir Ilie in Germany at the weekend.

Duffy showed tremendous heart and courage to pick himself off the canvas after being knocked down early in the first round.

He showed fantastic maturity and skill to compose himself after the knockdown and then go on to completely control the fight and win comfortably.

Duffy said, “As soon as I got back up it was just a case of getting my head clear and start thinking about the rest of the rounds.

“It happened early on so we had five rounds to chase so we were just keeping positive and making sure we took every round after that.

“I got up, I recovered pretty sharply and I felt like my wits were there so it was just a case of on with the show”.

Duffy’s trainer Adam Brearley praised Duffy’s powers of recovery and said he was impressed with his response to being knocked down early in such a big fight.

“”Joe’s reasonably new to boxing, he’s only been doing it a year.

“Things that come naturally to people that have been boxing for years and years isn’t there with Joe yet.

It’s going to take time and we understand that but his response to being knocked down was exemplary and it’s a testament to the training we’ve been doing with him”.

Despite his experience Duffy believe he has the tools to make it all the way to the top of the boxing world.

Duffy said, “I don’t do a sport if I don’t think I can go to the top. There’s no point in doing it just to make the numbers up, I want to be the best in the world”