The people of Donegal may get front row seats to see two groups battle it out for Donegal’s radio license.

Highland Radio and a new consortium will battle it out for the license.

Both Highland Radio and another consortium led by former station boss Charlie Collins have until September 23rd to put in their applications.

After that, the Broadcasting Association of Ireland has to go through a series of stages before picking a new licensee.

The BAI could simply decide who to appoint the license to straight away after the deadline.

However, it is thought the group may ask a series of supplementary questions to both groups about their applications.

It is then the body are most likely to ask both groups to make an oral presentation as to who is best-suited to win the license.

And that will most likely be heard before an open public meeting in Donegal.

Any such meeting would be expected to draw a huge audience.

However, the audience reaction would have absolutely no say in who will get the license.

Whoever wins the license will not be in place until October 1st next year as set down by the BAI.

It is thought a decision will be made on the future of the broadcasting license before Christmas.

A well-placed source said “It’s going to be an intriguing battle between both groups.

“Highland obviously have a strong case as they are the sitting tenant but the new consortium, with Charlie Collins as a major player, also have a major claim to the license.

“Any public presentation will be fascinating. They could sell tickets for that one and it will be a guaranteed sell-out.”

The Illistrin Community Development Association held a very successful 5k fun run/walk last night.

The winner was the ver-improving Letterkenny man Paddy McDaid, former Letterkenny Rovers star from Crievesmith.

The following is a list of all those who took part.

Well done everyone.

Place Race Number First Name Surname Sex Club Category Mins. Secs.

1 Race Number First Name Surname Sex Club Category Minutes Seconds

1 62 Paddy McDaid M Letterkenny A C SM 17 12

2 48 Kevin Ferry M Letterkenny A C M40+ 17 23

3 46 Jude O’Donnell M M40+ 17 33

4 88 Paul Murray M Finn Valley A C SM 17 52

5 89 Kieran O’Donnell M Letterkenny A C M40+ 18 34

6 108 Geard Devine M SM 18 46

7 54 Patrick McGlynn M SM 18 54

8 53 Darren Price M Letterkenny A C SM 19 7

9  102 Seamus Morrisson M Letterkenny A C M40+ 19 19

10  19 Martin McCabe M SM 19 21

11 17 Anthony Doherty M M40+ 19 36

12   93 Stewart McGee M SM 19 40

13 32 Ryan Maguella M U16 19 48

14  38 Teresa Doherty F Inishowen A C SW 19 52

11520 Irene McFadden F Letterkenny A C SW 19 54

16 92 Peter McGinley M SM 19 59

17   86 Adam Boal/Quinn M JM 20 0

18  64 Des Goyvaerts M SM 20 4

19  79 Cathal Morrisson M M40+ 20 7

20 61 Stephen Cunningham M SM 20 8

21  94 Rory Grant M SM 20 9

22 105 Denis Bonner M M40+ 20 11

23 96 Ronan Gildea M SM 20 20

24  110 Liam Marley M Cranford A C M50+ 20 23

25  97 Paul Gildea M SM 20 31

26  85 Gerard Dorrian M M40+ 20 35

27  52 Sharon Black F Letterkenny A C SW 20 49

28 15 John Hegarty M SM 20 51

29   98 Oisín O’Boyle M U16 21 4

30 45 Ton Bangert M M50+ 21 10

32 81 Dermot Gallagher M M40+ 21 23

33 73 Damien Gallagher M SM 21 25

34 111 Jillian Marley F Milford A C JW 21 30

35 49 Darragh Moyne M U16 21 38

36 87 Kevin Doherty M M40+ 21 42

37 57 Cliodhna Dunne F Finn Valley A C SW 21 43

38 67 Fabian McShane M M40+ 21 57

39 33 Deirdre Diver F Rosses A C SW 21 59

40 7 Sammy Johnston M M40+ 22 0

41 66 Patrick McNulty M SM 22 1

42 51 Aubray Baxter M SM 22 13

43 40 Eilish Bell F F40+ 22 15

44 18 Hugh O’Donnell M M50+ 22 19

45 63 Mark Gildea M SM 22 31

46 21 Pius Uzoma M SM 22 41

47 84 Shaun O’Donnell M M50+ 22 42

48 103 Megan Skinnader F Letterkenny A C U16 23 1

49 59 Margaret Shields F Letterkenny A C W40+ 23 5

50 8 Declan Mcfadden M SM 23 8

51 16 Rory Reynolds M SM 23 12

52 12 Aidan Dorrian M JM 23 20

53 95 Declan McElwaine M SM 23 25

54 26 Evan Keown M U16 23 27

55 27 Mark Farren M SM 23 31

56 77 Philip Browne M SM 23 33

57 80 James Browne M M40+ 23 37

58 34 Paul Brady M M40+ 23 46

59 30 Killian Nulty M M40+ 24 1

60 100 Garry Coll M SM 24 5

61 37 Claire Doherty F SW 24 11

62 109 Hugh Friel M SM 24 12

63 24 John Burke M M40+ 24 20

64 2 Amanda Quinn F SW 24 22

65 9 Eddie McFadden M SM 24 24

66 107 Alison Stoddart F SW 24 29

67 22 Richard Ocukoya M SM 25 39

68 101 Angela Doran F W40+ 25 45

69 104 Kieran Gallagher M Letterkenny A C U16 25 48

70 50 Louis Wasson M U16 25 52

71 99 Paul McNally M SM 25 54

72 76 Hazel McFadden F SW 26 6

73 106 Darragh Toye M U16 26 11

74 29 David Boyle M U16 26 17

75 78 Eileen Morning F W40+ 26 22

76 13 Martin Hilferty M SM 26 24

77 42 Lisa Gallagher F W40+ 26 39

78 58 Shauna McGeehan F Letterkenny A C SW 26 42

79 41 James Gallagher M U16 26 50

80 47 Joanna Wheston F SW 26 55

81 35 Lee Ponsonby M SM 26 57

82 25 Conor Crossan M SM 27 4

83 91 Aideen Kelly F U16 27 7

84 31 Aoibheann O’Grady F U16 27 9

85 83 Bríd Nash F SW 27 12

86 36 Malachy McKinney M SM 27 27

87 90 Desmond Brownlie M Lagan Valley A C M60+ 27 51

88 44 Marjan Bangert F W60+ 28 31

89 70 Bried McDaid F SW 28 33

90 56 Patricia McDonald F SW 28 40

91 55 Theo O’Donovan M SM 28 40

92 11 Oisín Forde M U16 28 50

93 5 Eoin Gildea M SM 29 3

94 4 Sinéad McCormac F SW 29 12

95 69 Julie Murphy F W40+ 29 27

96 28 Marina Boyle F SW 29 33

97 10 Anne McFadden F W40+ 29 46

98 75 Neil Gallagher M SM 29 47

99 65 Maureen Doherty F W40+ 29 48

100 43 Jake O’Connor M U16 30 12

101 3 Conor Reilly M U16 30 27

102 68 Damien Doherty M SM 30 32

103 71 Anne Quinn F SW 30 57

104 74 Coleen Gallagher F SW 31 2

105 60 Ryan Barry M U16 32 12

106 72 Fiona McConnell F SW 32 20

107 82 Fion Temple F SW 32 26

108 23 Orla Corry F U16 32 58

109 14 Catherine Hyland F SW 33 15

110 1 Shea McBride Friel M U16 34 33

111 39 Tom Feeney M M60+ 35 36

Finn Harps midfielder Michael Funston has urged the stay away Harps fans to return to Finn Park on Friday night and roar them into the FAI Ford Cup semi-finals.

The influential midfielder has called on fans who haven’t been to matches recently to make the effort to get along this Friday to help create an atmosphere of old at Finn Park.

Funston has enjoyed a fine season for Harps and is hopeful a large crowd can give Harps that extra advantage in Friday’s clash.

Harps face stiff opposition in the form of Premier Division outfit Drogheda United but a home draw has handed Harps a great chance of progressing to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since 1999.

The match on Friday is the first time Harps have contested a quarter-final in the competition for 1o years.

Funston said, “To get a home draw is a great advantage and hopefully we can get a big crowd into Finn Park on Friday and get it rocking again.

“When Finn Park is noisy it’s an intimidating venue and hopefully the fans can create a great atmosphere that can go a long way in helping us over the line.

“Drogheda are a top side, and it’s going to be a difficult match but were quietly confident.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for us as a group of players, we haven’t been in a cup quarter-final for 10 years so we were due a good cup run.

“If we play to our potential like we know we can, and the crowd play their part then we will have a great chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

“We know it’s going to be tough, but all the boys are rearing to go and we’re up for it so hopefully the crowds will come out and get Finn Park rocking!!

Friday’s night match between Harps and Drogheda kicks-off at 8pm.

CHARLIE Collins is Talking Sport again.

This week his guests are Harry Walsh from the Donegal News and Brendan Kilcoyne from St Eunan’s GAA club who are discussing the big games in the Donegal SFC this weekend and looking forward to the big cup match at Finn Park on Friday night.

And you can listen to it here:

https://soundcloud.com/charlie_collins/talking-sport-12-with-harry

Junior Certificate Results – Out today

Over 2290 students across the county will be getting their Junior Certificate Results today.

In Donegal, 1136 females and 1154 males sat the Junior Cert exams this year. Today they’ll find out how well they did.

School principals will be handing out results to students throughout the day. Results will also be available online after 4pm on examinations.ie.

Nationwide, just under 60000 students sat the exams. Over 10 per cent of students received A grades in the Higher level English, Maths and Irish papers.

There was an increase in the uptake of higher level Maths this year. The numbers earning A grades fell by 3 points to 11.90per cent. The failure rate of higher level Maths in the country rose by 0.5per cent.

While ordinary level maths results have improved across Ireland, the number of students earning As fell by 4 points to 9.9per cent.

There was a notable rise in students earning A, B and C grades in Science

Students can appeal results through their schools before September 27.

Mr Noel Brett, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority urged students to be safe tonight if they are planning to go out and celebrate.

He said that today is a day for parents to be proud of their children’s achievements. “However, that pride could very quickly turn to grief if something tragic happens on the roads tonight,” he said.

He called for parents to talk to children about responsibility on the roads.

“Before they head out tonight, make sure you know who they will be going out with, where they are going, how they’re getting there and most importantly, how they intend to get home.”

by Rachel McLaughlin

A family in the Downings/Carrigart area are appealing for the return of their missing dog.

Archie as a full breed Springer Spaniel with a liver and white coat.

He has been missing from the Downings/Carrigart area since 4pm on Sunday September 8.

Archie is a much loved family pet.

If you have seen him, or have any other information, please contact Ashleen Brogan on 0831769000/0749155318

Looking good and feeling great doesn’t always come easy. However, on Friday 13th September, an event is being held at the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny, that makes this much easier for all you lovely ladies. 

Under one roof there will be a fashion show that brings all the latest looks, new ways in the art of make up, the hottest new fitness programs, diet and weight loss remedies, physiotherapy techniques brought from across the globe, amazing massage and boutique style photography to capture the essence of all that is special.

There will be demonstrations that will amaze and inspire you to kick start, or tweak, a more fabulous you.

This event is ticketed and therefore there is limited availability. Tickets are €12.50, there are goody bags for the first 100 attendants and generous “Raffle Prizes!”.

For your chance to avail of this opportunity contact the Radisson on 07491 94444 to book your tickets in advance.

We Now have our complete “Confirmation List” of all the fantastic companies that will be there on hand on the night just for you!

Our fashion show is comprised of this seasons must haves from McElhinneys, Tokyo, Pure, Edel Macbrides and cool innovations from Trashion Fashion.

Our trestle tables are occupied by our sponsors GREENS SHOES

By PeterMark, House of Beauty, Pure Purple, Sculpt Studio, Glow and Go, Bernie Ryan Wigs, Juice Plus, Forever Living, Avon, Motiv8, Herbalife, Healthy Nutrients, Queen Bee Nails, Avellana, JT Physiotherapy, CrossFit LK, Bardot Jewellery and Scarves, Slimming World, Ballyraine Pharmacy, Flower Water, ASEA acupuncture, McCullagh Jewellers, Fed Ex Clothing, Northfit, Regal Roses, I Want Candy ,Peruvian Jewels and Kara Gems.

All monies raised goes to SNAP (Special Needs Accessible Playpark) Charity to building our parks with all our children in mind.

RESIDENTS in Inishowen say the water from their taps has turned the colour of tea….because of a burst main.

Donegal County Council admits they are having problems with the supply in the Culdaff and Gleneely areas.

It says engineers are working to fix the problem which has been discolouring the drinking water since the weekend.

“Following a burst in the area on Sunday a section of the supply network was reversed to allow a number of houses have an alternate supply while the burst was being repaired,” said a council spokesperson.

“When the burst was repaired and cleaned out the reversed flow was then returned to it’s normal direction. However, the changes in direction appear to have had the effect of dislodging material accumulated on the sidewalls of the pipe network which has now caused the serious discolouration. We are currently scouring the network to try to return to the normal quality.”

She added: “We are sorry for the inconvenience that this is causing and we are working hard to get the situation sorted.”

Families have been forced to use bottled water – and cancel all use of their washing machines for the past few days.

A MAN in his 30s with an address in Milford is scheduled to appear before Sligo District Court on Thursday charged in connection with an €100,000 drugs bust.

A woman in her 20s who was also arrested in Ballymote on Monday was released without charge this evening and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Gardai seized €80,000 during the operation in Sligo.

A follow-up operation continued for 18 hours after that incident and €20,000 worth of cannabis resin was later discovered at a house on the outskirts of Milford.

It took the total seizure of cannabis between the stop and search procedure in Ballymote and the search in Milford to more than 5kgs.

Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Pearse Doherty TD has described the Troika’s targets for the banks to reach agreements with distressed mortgage holders as lacking ambition.

Deputy Doherty said the government needs to be breathing down the necks of the banks to ensure that they are offering homeowners fair agreements.

Speaking this evening as details of the Troika’s targets emerged Deputy Doherty said: ”Last week we had the farce of the banks coming into the Dáil with massaged figures as it was revealed that they were including letters threatening repossessions as part of their figures to reach their targets.

“We now need to see the government breathing down the necks of these banks to ensure that they are offering fair solutions to distressed mortgage holders and that they are meeting their targets.

“The target suggested by the Troika of 25% of agreements finalised by the end of next March is lacking ambition and fails to acknowledge the depth or urgency of the crisis. To think that 75% of distressed mortgage holders would still not have their agreements settled one year on from when the government set these targets is unacceptable.

“These baks benefitted from public money when they were bailed out by the taxpayer. The government now needs to act in the interest of those taxpayers and start putting pressure on the banks to act appropiately.”

VOYA Seaweed Spa is in Strandhill

BEAUTY serums have grown more popular because of their concentrated ingredients and pack a powerful punch when it comes to nourishing and plumping the skin.

They are now regarded as a beauty essential and it’s perhaps worth investing more buying a good serum rather than cleansing milks, toners and moisturisers.

A serum is really an intense treatment for the skin and can give added hydration and combat signs of a war-weary complexion such as dull and uneven skin tone, age spots and help to lessen fine lines.

They are not miracle potions and will not eradicate wrinkles but a good serum will help achieve a radiant, even complexion.

As we approach the colder months, it’s worth considering adding a serum to your beauty routine and using it sparingly but regularly.

VOYA

MY LITTLE HERO 30ml €55.00

You can’t get away from the the fact that this serum is eye wateringly expensive. The Irish-owned beauty business is an environmentally friendly range of products using extracts from organic wild sea weed.

Based in Strandhill, Co Sligo, Voya is firmly established in the luxury skincare market.

This facial oil is intense and a few dots on the skin gives super hydration. It definitely gave a radiance boost to my skin. I didn’t have any break outs after using the oil for four weeks, rather my skin felt really healthy and I didn’t need to use a lot of my usual products as a result of using this.

Voya states that the serum is packed with antioxidants designed to feed the skin and give it ‘a fresh glow and substantive protection’.

It can also be used on cuticles and as a foot treatment but at that price, it’s not going near my feet. It might be worth going to a beauty salon specialising in Voya products and having a treatment to see how the products react with your skin before splashing out on a bottle. Or it could be on your wish list as a birthday or Christmas present. I loved it but it would definitely be a guilty pleasure if I was buying it for myself.

Boots

Time Delay Mature Skin Youth Serum 30ml €18.29

I love Time Delay beauty products and this is one of my favourite. I found it to be really nourishing leaving my skin refreshed and glowing. Nope, I’m not younger looking or wrinkle-free as a result of using this but my skin tone is more even and hydrated. It is a light serum, easily absorbed and non greasy. Pores were less noticeable and my skin had a softer texture.The packaging states that “gluocamine and algae extract boosts cell renewal and increases collagen production meaning dead skin cells are removed to reveal smoother and firmer looking skin”.

Gently sweep onto your face and neck after cleansing and toning, before applying your day or night cream.

THE BODYSHOP

NUTRIGANICS™ SMOOTHING SERUM €22.95

This is a non greasy serum designed to smooth skin.

It rehydrates the complexion and is perfect for the first signs of ageing.

It’s a light formula which leaves skin softer and revitalised.

KINVARA SKINCARE

Rosehip Face Serum, (30ml) (V) €28.00

I hadn’t used any products from this Galway-based Irish skincare and beauty company but when a friend presented me with a bottle of this magic potion serum, I think that may change.

Rosehip is renowned for its anti-ageing properties and this serum delivered on all levels. It rehydrated skin, moisturised and left it supple. The blurb states “this serum is full of protective, omega rich oils that are great for cell regeneration” but with all of these serums, it’s worth seeing if there are any changes after at least six months of use.

NIVEA

Nivea Visage Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Skin-Refining Serum 30ml €8.99

This serum works really well with oily skin leaving it smooth, plumped and Non-greasy. The blurb states that “The NIVEA VISAGE Q10 plus range contains skin’s own Q10 and Creatine in a powerful formula that works effectively to reduce the appearance of wrinkles”. I found it to be a light formula and gentle leaving moisturised skin without a sheen. I’ve used Nivea products without any skin irritations or breakouts and always feel confident knowing their products complement my skin. This is a great serum, particularly, for oily complexions. I prefer (need) a more intense treatment for my skin but would be confident with Nivea products.

Details of a major rebuilding plan for Letterkenny General Hospital will be unveiled tomorrow.

The hospital during the flooding. Copyright Donegal Daily.

Up to 70% of the hospital footprint was covered in water when the Co Donegal hospital was flooded in July following torrential rain.

Details of the major rebuilding plan will be revealed by the hospital’s general manager Sean Murphy.

It is believed the rebuild and recovery plan could cost in the region of €20 million.

A team of civil engineers have been appointed to carry out an investigation into how the flooding happened.

The engineers’ investigation is understood to centre around a culvert close to the hospital which is understood to have overflowed during the torrential downpour.

At the height of the flooding disaster, a team of 500 volunteers rushed to the hospital to help with the clean-up.

The recently-opened Accident and Emergency Department, which cost €22 million, was seriously damaged and forced to close.

Patients were redirected to both Sligo General Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry for a number of weeks.

A new temporary A&E has since opened to walk-in patients.

Hospital manager Sean Murphy will unveil the rebuild plans to the public meeting tomorrow in the Mount Errigal Hotel.

Family and friends of tragic Donegal teenager Conor Boyle are using social media to help keep his fight for life to the fore.

Thousands of messages of support are still flooding in on Twitter and Facebook for the 18 year old Loughanure man.

# Pray For Conor was the most popular subject trending on twitter in Ireland at one stage yesterday as people literally will him to recover.

The 18 year old remains in a coma more than a week after he was involved in a car crash in London.

Conor, a very well-known and hugely respected young man who plays with Naomh Muire, continues to battle for his life.

His parents Shiela and Hugh have been by his bedside willing him to regain consciousness.

Thousands of pictures of Conor as well as messages of support have been flooding in for the young Donegal man who was working with his father in London for the summer having left secondary school in June.

More than 500 people turned up for a mass praying for his recovery in Annagry last Wednesday.

Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with Conor’s family and friends at this very trying time.

The Gathering wants to bring Donegal’s professional footballers back home for a ‘Celebration of Football’ but they need your help!

Packie and Shay

Goalkeeping legends Packie Bonner and Shay Given will host the event this October in Ballybofey.

But organisers don’t want to leave anybody out.

And that’s why they have teamed up with Donegal Daily to ask the Donegal public for their help in identifying anyone who ever played professional football overseas.

The likes of Packie Bonner, Shay Given and Seamus Coleman are easy but there are many more out there whom we may have forgotten.

They are looking for their names, their Donegal clubs and who they traveled to play for.

All you have to do is to email your information to soccergathering13@gmail.com and they will take care of the rest.

And needless to say there is a great prize for one lucky entrant.

Anybody who takes the time to suggest a name will be entered into a draw for two tickets to the Heroes and Legends Ball in October as well as a signed football and photo with the many soccer stars due to turn up on the night.

It will be a great occasion but can be even better through your help.

So if your brother, uncle, neighbour, cousin or work colleague left Donegal at any stage to play football overseas, email soccergathering13@gmail.com and leave their name and any details.

The Gathering committee will do the rest.

Keep logging onto Donegal Daily for further details of what promises to be a great night on October 6th.

Further information available from Villa Rose Hotel: 074 9132266.

Club Tir Chonaill are launching a unique campaign to further the development of the Donegal GAA Training Centre currently underway in Convoy.

Michael Murphy pictured at one of the new pitches at the GAA centre of excellence in Convoy.

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.

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.

Ciaran Kelly Chairmanof Club Tir Chonaill said, “The objective of Donegal’s GAA Training and Development Facility is to give Donegal GAA a home – a central location with all the resources, under one roof, to take Donegal GAA to the next level.

“GAA is a big part of life in Donegal and this project will be a source of great pride for everyone involved, from coach to player, to supporter to community.

“It has been designed to give the best to our players across all GAA disciplines so that in turn they can be their best for their county. We would like to invite everyone to get involved.

For those who missed the launch night event in the Villa Rose, all €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

Payment can be also be made through the official Donegal GAA website.

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.

GAA NEWS – CONVOY

Club bingo continues in hall at 8.30 on Tuesday. 

The Lotto result was KY RN TY AM Dan Deery Bingo matched 3.

Next weeks jackpot is €1700

LADIES FOOTBALL

Junior ladies are away to Urris on Sunday morning check page for more details.

U21 team were beaten by Glenties on a score line of  3-15 to 2-7.

Scorers for St.Marys were A.Browne (1-03)  P.O.Leary (1-02) R.McNamee (0-1) B.Bonner (0-1) P.Blake (0-1.)

There was no senior or reserve game at the weekend next game is away to Na Rossa

U13 won at home to Lifford training on Fri from 6-7.30

Any managers with notes for year book please forward to P.R.O Mairead Browne.

The clubs main fundraiser this year will be a boxing event to be on Nov 30th more details to follow.

Paddy Harte is Chairman of the Donegal Gathering Steering Group. He is a lecturer in Leading Change, Organisational Behaviour and Business Development at Letterkenny Institute of Technology. He has been involved in cross-border and cross-community projects through his work over 23 years as a socio-economic development advisor to the International Fund for Ireland, aswell as sitting on various Development Boards across the county.

This is Paddy’s Donegal:

What is your favourite place in Donegal and why? 

I love all of Donegal and it never ceases to amaze me. But, my favourite place is at home at the fire especially when all my children are here.

If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be? 

It has to be the weather. Donegal is even more spectacular when the sun shines!

Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why? 

Both my parents have had a great influence on me and I admire them them both: my father Paddy for the enthusiasm and energy he has always displayed; and my mother, Rosaleen, for her amazing ability to bring up 9  children; (and I know some of them!); answer two phones;  read and digest all the newspapers while making tea for the whole county- tasks she managed to do while always looking calm and glamorous.

Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner? 

Packie Bonner. That moment in Genoa will be forever etched in my memory.

What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years? 

It has to be the All-Ireland win last year.

What was Donegal’s saddest moment? 

Sadness can be a very private and personal thing, so I couldn’t answer that.

What is your favourite Donegal-made product? 

I bought a pot of Active Irish Honey at Taste of Donegal festival in Donegal Town last month and I love it. It has replaced manuka honey in my porridge.

Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why? 

Daniel O’Donnell never misses the opportunity to promote Donegal no matter where he is in the world. He’s a tireless ambassador for the county.

Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion? 

In this year of The Gathering, I think hotelier Jim White has done an outstanding job for the tourism sector in the County. He has attracts overseas tourists from every corner of the globe, including some 17,000 German tourists giving a huge boost to our local economy.

Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time? 

The runner, Danny McDaid. Not only are his achievements in athletics legendary, he continues to epitomise everything I admire in sport and can still be seen out on the road doing what he loves.

What is your favourite Donegal restaurant? 

Belle’s Kitchen in Rathmullan on a Sunday after a walk on the beach; or Harry’s in Bridgend when we’re leaving the kids back to Derry Airport.

Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks? 

Golden Eagles – they have a bird’s eye view of everything.

Your nomination for Donegal’s most stylish person? 

My wife, Libby.

What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression? 

“You know yourself”!

Will Donegal win the All Ireland next year? 

We have the talent and if the team can replicate the form which they showed in the 2012/13 Championship, we have every change of winning it.

What is your favourite Donegal food? 

Fresh fish from Killybegs, potatoes from Raphoe and scallions from Cathal Greene’s garden in Loughnagin.

Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people? 

Apart from myself sometimes, no !

If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be? 

I would invest it in after-school activities for young people.

Visit www.donegalgathering.com for information of Donegal Gathering events.

By Rachel McLaughlin

Weekly Notes

The seniors and reserves had no fixtures this week.

Check website and Facebook page for match updates this week.

The U21s match lost out to Glenfin in the quarter-final of the U21 B championship on Saturday evening. Final score Glenfin 1-14 2-5 Naomh Colmcille.

The U13s lost out to Carndonagh in a match played under extremely difficult weather conditions in Carn on Sunday morning.

Next up is an away fixture against Lifford next Sunday (22nd September).

The club are running a ‘Guess the score’ competition for the All-Ireland final between Dublin and Mayo.

€2 per guess and €100 to the winner. Guesses can be submitted to any player or committee member.

A sports quiz is planned for Friday 27th September at 9:00 pm. Further details to follow.

The club’s dinner dance is scheduled for Saturday 16th or Saturday 23rd November; venue tbc.

Further details to follow.

The Lucozade Sport Club Crusade promotion is on again this year. Collection bag is now in the clubhouse.

Please collect the bottle tops for the club. This year we can collect for balls, equipment, jerseys etc. Thanks.

Training and Match Schedule

The use of mouthguards for all underage players will be compulsory from this year onwards, and for all ages (including seniors) from next year.

More details available at http://www.gaa.ie/mouthguards/; and on the club website.

Information here is correct at the time of compilation of the weekly notes. Check the Training Schedule section on the club website for latest updates on training for all age groups.

The page will be updated regularly throughout the week. Updates also on the club’s Facebook page.

Subscription of €2 per player (up to and including minors) per week for training. Please make sure you bring your full kit (shorts, track bottoms, boots, sports top/hoodie/coat, drink).

Remember a mouth guard is needed for training sessions as well as matches.

New players most welcome for all teams. Come along to the session scheduled below, or contact the team coach/manager (contact details on the training schedule section of the club website) for details.

U8. Training this week TBC

U10. Training continues on Friday 20th September at 6:30 pm sharp. Sean Mc daid Memorial blitz to be re-scheduled.

U13. Training continues this Friday (20th September) at 6:30 pm sharp. Next match on Sunday 22nd September away to Lifford at 11:30 am.

Check Facebook page for updates during the week.

U14. Training – check Facebook / website for updates.

U16. See Facebook page and website for updates during the week.

Minors. See Facebook page and website for training updates during the week.

Seniors / Reserves. Training on Tuesday (17th) and Thursday (19th) as usual at 7 pm sharp. The session will run for 1.5 hours.

See Facebook and website during the week for updates.

Naomh Colmcille Weekly Lotto.

This week’s numbers were 10, 14, 18, 19, 24 and the winner with four correct numbers is Gerry McCrudden who wins €75.

The Club would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support of the Lotto as it gives the club the essential means of continuing to give our local kids and adults the chance to avail of a great and healthy pastime.

SENIOR FOOTBALL

Congratulations to all involved in the Donegal SFC win over St Eunans in Buncrana on Saturday.

It was a superb team effort to defeat the defending champions, a win which puts the club into its first ever SFC semi final where Killybegs will provide the opposition.

Game is due to be played on Oct 6^th,  venue and time is yet to be decided.

Massive thank you to all our supporters who helped cheer the side to victory and also to the support we received from our neighbouring clubs. It’s back to league action this weekend.

Check the parish bulletin, club facebook page and twitter account for more details on this weeks fixture.

UNDERAGE FOOTBALL

Malin GAA Autumn Schools League that was due to take place on Sunday morning was cancelled due to the weather conditions. The league will now begin on Sunday the 22nd of September. We would like to invite ALL BOYS AND GIRLS aged 7-12 within the area to take part in Our New Autumn Schools League. Both leagues will run over three weeks with the U9 League beginning at 12:30, and the U12 Shaun Farren Leauge beginning at 10:30. We ask that the children are at the clubhouse 15 minutes before the start time. A free bus is available from National Schools for the 7-9 age group, (Ballymena @11:30, Urblereagh@11:45, Malin Head@12, Gleneely @11:30, Culdaff @11:45).

This will provide an ideal opportunity for any youngsters in the area, who are not already involved in the club to get an introduction to Gaelic Games. Just bring a bottle of water & a smile.

Any Questions? Contact Danny on 086 8988180 or Christina on 086 1980399.

Well done & thank you to all the Boys & Girls who travelled with their coaches to Buncrana on Saturday to support the senior team.

All children involved were extremely well behaved and a credit not only to their parents but to the club also.

LOTTO

There was no winner of this week’s lotto jackpot of €700.

The sequence drawn was 5-2-7-3-1-6-4.

The winner of the 50 euro was Sally Mathews, Ballylinn, Malin, with the 20 euro sellers prize going to Ronan Mc Laughlin.

Next week’s jackpot stands at  €750 and, as always, we would like to thank the local community for their continued support of our weekly lotto draw.

CLUB NOTES

Any items for the notes should be forwarded to Martin Doherty on 0861585880 or alternatively send an email to the new club email address pro.malin.donegal@gaa.ie at no later than 9 o clock on the Sunday evening.

CLUB NEWS

You can now stay up to date with all the latest happenings within the club by checking our facebook page www.facebook.com/malingaa, by following us on twitter @malainnclg, or by sending a text to the club texting service 0868668531 to avail of club fixtures.

OTHER NEWS

Congratulations to the hurlers from Burt and the ladies from Buncrana who both collected County titles over the weekend.