Goals from Kieran Gallagher and sub Logan Quinn proved the vital scores in this Brian McCormick Sports and Leisure Division One clash at The Bridge in Dunfanaghy.

St. Michael’s 0-11 Naomh Conaill 2-11

By Charlie Collins at The Bridge. Pictures by Moses Alcorn

This was Naomh Conaill’s seventh win in eight games and, with Kilcar on Gaeltacht Championship duty in Kerry, it put Martin Regan’s side to the top of the table.

The visitors were aided by a stiff breeze in the opening half blowing towards the town end and started well.

 Colm Anthony McFadden kicked a fourth minute free to give the home team the lead but points by Dermot Molloy and A J Gallagher and a well taken goal by Kieran Gallagher after a super fetch and strong run had Naomh Conaill 1-2 to 0-1 ahead after ten minutes.

Daniel McLaughlin and a second of the game from A J Gallagher left it 1-03 to 0-02 at the end of the first-quarter.

Seamus Corcoran extended that lead but points from Colm McFadden and Edward 0 Reilly left a goal in it again in the 30th minute.

In injury-time Dermot Molloy and O’Reilly exchanged points to leave it 1-5 to 0-5 in the visitors favour at the break.

Colin McFadden could have levelled it in the 36th minute but after bursting through his drive hit the outside of the post – a goal chance gone.

Dermot Molloy made a four point game but Daniel McLaughlin replied immediately and then Colin McFadden’s excellent point left just two in it.

However Naomh Conaill hit back with three in a row , the impressive Eoghan McGettigan got two with Kieran Gallagher getting one in between those and very quickly it was a five point game 1-9 to 0-7 in the 51th minute.

Any hopes of a home comeback were ended two minutes later when Naomh Conaill swept up the pitch and when Kevin McGettigan’s shot was blocked sub Logan Quinn hammered home from close range to make it 2-9 to 0-7 and game over.

To their credit St.Michaels kept trying and added four late points while the winners added two to maintain their excellent league start and a place at the top of the table.

St Michael’s: Mark Anthont McGinley; Oisin Langan, Chris McElhinney, Michael Gallagher; Michael Cannon, Michael McGinley (0-1), Brendan Rodden; Liam Paul Ferry, Kyle McGarvey; Daniel McLaughlin (0-2), Colin McFadden (0-1), Edward O’Reilly (0-2);  Paddy McGinley, Colm Anthony McFadden (0-3, 2f),  John McFadden . Subs: Martin McElhinney (0-1) for McGinley (40), Ryan Langan for J.McFadden (40), Andrew Kelly for O’Reilly (50), Eoghan Kelly (0-1) for  Ferry (53).

Naomh Conaill:  Stephen McGrath; Stephen Molloy, AJ Gallagher (0-2), Hughie Gallagher; Aaron Thompson, Kevin McGettigan,  Eoin Waide; Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí, Seamus Corcoran; Brendan McDyer, Odhran Doherty, Dermot Molloy (0-3); Kieran Gallagher (1-0),  Charles McGuinness, Marty Boyle. Subs: Eoghan McGettigan  (0-3) for Boyle (25),  Boyle for Aaron Thompson (h/t), Logan Quinn (1-0) for S.Molloy (54).

Referee: Robbie O’Donnell .

Na Dúnaibh will defend their All-Ireland Junior crown at the Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta finals in Kerry tomorrow.

Na Dúnaibh 2-9 Cill Chomáin 2-5

Na Dúnaibh, who won the 2018 title at home, booked a spot in tomorrow’s final thanks to goals from Eric Roberts and Keelin McGroddy either end of half-time.

Roberts fired home in first-half stoppage time to give Na Dúnaibh a 1-6 to 1-1 lead at half-time.

Lorcan Connor, who was on fire in a landslide 6-17 to 0-7 quarter-final win over An Seanphobal yesterday scored three first-half points in this semi-final.

Four minutes into the new half, McGroddy riffled to the net to put Na Dúnaibh – who had Kevin Doherty sent off in the second half – firmly in the lead.

Robers, Connor and McGroddy added points as Na Dúnaibh advanced.

Scorers – Na Dúnaibh: Keelin McGroddy 1-3, Eric Roberts 1-2, Lorcan Connor 0-4

An increase in the number of road traffic accidents over the Bank Holiday Weekend has prompted senior Gardai to issue a plea to motorists.

Donegal has suffered one serious accident which occurred on Friday evening when two women received serious but non-life threatening injuries in Glenswilly.

Across the country, a number of people have lost their lives in a series of horrific crashes.

An Garda Síochána are reminding all road users and motorists, in particular, to be extra careful for the remainder of this June Bank Holiday Weekend.

A spokesperson for Gardai in Donegal said they are having a busy weekend with a number of detections already.

“A number of road traffic offences have been detected so far this Bank Holiday weekend within the Donegal Division…drink driving is still an issue as is speeding.

“We all want to have a nice Bank holiday weekend and nobody wants to hear of a tragedy on our roads this weekend so please heed the speed limits, do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, wear your seatbelts and do not use/hold your mobile phone while driving.

“There are checkpoints countywide all weekend and we hope that the sun will come out before the end of the Bank holiday weekend rather than our notebooks having to.”

Speaking earlier today, Assistant Commissioner David Sheahan – Roads Policing & Major Event Management issued a further safety appeal.

He warned motorists “Be mindful of the changing weather conditions that impact on road surfaces, never ever drink and drive, reduce your speed and arrive alive to prevent any further tragedy on our roads.”

Members of the Garda Roads Policing Unit will continue to target intoxicated driving along with other killer behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone use and non-wearing of seatbelts across the roads network over the June Bank Holiday.

Cill Chartha came good in extra time to defeat Cill na Martra and reach the senior final at Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta in Kerry.

Cill Chartha 2-11 Cill na Martra 0-9 (after extra time)

Cill Chartha outscored Cill na Martra 1-6 to 0-1 in extra time, with a late Ryan O’Donnell goal sealing the deal.

The Donegal side had nine different scorers as they booked a place in tomorrow’s final.

The first Cill Chartha goal arrived on 14 minutes. Mark McHugh and Stephen McBrearty did the approach work and Mark Sweeney’s cool finish had the Donegal side in front, 1-1 to 0-1.

Cill Chartha wouldn’t score again in the first half and it was the Cork side who led, 0-5 to 1-1, at the interval.

Mícheál Ó Deasúna swung over three of the Cill na Martra scores in that first half.

Aodhán McGinley drew Cill Chartha level three minutes into the second half and a beautiful curling effort by McGinley put the Towney men back in the lead.

A long-range attempt by Michael Hegarty, 11 minutes from the end, stretched the lead, but Ó Deasúna and Damien Ó hUrdail had Cill na Martra back on level terms again.

After Eamonn McGinley, the Cill Chartha goalkeeper, denied Cill na Martra with a super save, Ó Deasúna put Cill na Martra ahead only for Ciaran McGinley to force extra time with a brilliant score.

Cill Chartha are down Patrick McBrearty, Ryan McHugh and Eoin McHugh ahead of Donegal’s Ulster SFC semi-final with Tyrone next weekend.

But Barry Doherty’s team took control again with Andrew McClean and Hegarty, landing a classy effort with the outside of the boot, on the mark.

Just 13 seconds into the second period of extra time, Ciaran McGinley stroked over to put three between the teams again and Paddy McShane made light of the elements to put Cill Chartha four in front.

Mark McHugh’s free, three minutes from the end of the extra period and another point by Matthew McClean set Cill Chartha up for the victory.

There was still time for Cill Chartha to hit another goal, O’Donnell firing in after Conor Doherty fisted off the bar.

Cill Chartha: Eamonn McGinley; Barry McGinley, Conor McShane, Pauric Carr; Brian O’Donnell, Michael Hegarty (0-2), Andrew McClean (0-1); Ciaran McGinley (0-2), Mark McHugh (0-1f); Stephen McBrearty, Mark Sweeney (1-0), Conor Doherty (0-1); Matthew McClean (0-1), Aodhán McGinley (0-2, 1f), Oran Doogan. Subs used: Daragh O’Donnell, Pauric McShane, Paddy McShane (0-1), Ryan O’Donnell (1-0).

DECLAN COULTER won’t make a return to action for Donegal in next weekend’s Christy Ring relegation play-off.

Donegal will face London in the play-off after suffering a heavy defeat to Down on Saturday afternoon.

Donegal have seen a plethora of departures from the panel for the 2019 campaign and their cause hasn’t been helped by injuries.

Coulter, their ace marksman in 2018, who was also a former Nicky Rackard All-Star with his native Armagh, is out injured at the moment and Mickey McCann, the Donegal manager, isn’t expecting a miraculous recover.

“It’s not looking good for Declan,” McCann told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“He’s looking like he’ll be out.”

Ciaran Finn has emerged as a doubt after picking up a hamstring problem on Saturday while Danny Cullen was withdrawn.

McCann said: “Ciaran doesn’t look good for seven days’ time. Danny was feeling a bit of a knock, too. That’s why we took him off.

“We could be missing a couple, but hopefully those boys will come through.”

Lee Henderson overcame an injury to make an appearance off the bench for the second half on Saturday and McCann is hopeful that the Sean MacCumhaills man will be able for a starting spot against London.

Last year, London reached the Christy Ring Cup final, losing out to Kildare.

McCann said: “It’ll be hard to lift them, but this is a position that was always likely for us with the teams of that calibre in it. It’s not a real surprise, but we could have got something from Wicklow or Derry to keep us away from the play-off.

“London were finalists last year in the Christy Ring so that’s a tough ask again.”

Donegal ETB’s Chairperson, Cllr Martin Harley has wished all Leaving and Junior Certificate students in Donegal ETB schools and centres the very best of luck in their forthcoming exams.

Cllr Harley, who chairs the largest education and training authority in the county, acknowledged the hard work of the students over the last two years.

Cllr Harley, said, “On behalf of Donegal ETB, I would like to wish all the Junior and Leaving Certificate students across our fifteen schools and our adult learners in our Letterkenny Further Education and Training (FET) centre, the very best of luck as they prepare to sit their exams in the weeks ahead. They’ve put in a huge effort over the last two years and now is their chance to show the examiners what they are capable of.”

ETB Chief Executive Anne McHugh echoed the Chairperson’s words

She said “We understand that students can be quite anxious as they sit their exams over the next few weeks but it’s important they stay calm and focus on the questions the paper asks.

“We acknowledge that all our students and learners have put in a tremendous effort, as well as their parents, families and teachers who have supported them and helped them over the last two years. I wish them all the best of luck.”

A Newtowncunningham Liverpool fanatic, who travelled ticketless to Madrid for Saturday night’s Champions League final, struck gold at the 11th hour.

Mark Doherty had joined thousands of other Liverpool fans in the fan zone in Madrid city centre.

As he was soaking up the big-match atmosphere in Avenida Felipe ii, preparing to watch the big game, his phone rang and the course of his night altered utterly.

A friend text and immediately rang.

Mark’s head spun.

“It was about two hours before kick-off and a friend called and text that he had a ticket for me,” Mark told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“I go to as many games as I can and whenever tickets are available.”

Mark was in Kiev last year when Liverpool lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in the final.

He said: “After going to Kiev last year, I still wanted to be out there even if I didn’t get a ticket.”

Mark, who is now based in Manchester, where he works, set off at 6am on Friday morning with a friend, Craig Thompson, and, via Brussels and Toulouse, landed in Madrid at 1am on Saturday.

“We spent Saturday morning meeting up with some friends, one who traveled by van and who took seven days to get there, others got busses or flights from all over.

“We headed to the Liverpool fan zone and soaked up the atmosphere.”

With the clock ticking, Mark – who earlier bumped into former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier – had to make a dash to the Wanda Metropolitano in time for kick-off after bagging the ticket ‘at a very reasonable price!’

And it was just as well he got there as, after just 23 seconds, Liverpool were awarded a penalty, scored by Mo Salah.

Liverpool kept their supporters chewing on their fingernails until the 87th minute when Divock Origi fired in a second to clinch a sixth European Cup for the Reds.

“I couldn’t believe it when I got news that I had a ticket,” Mark said.

“It was one of those moments in life that I’ll never forget and can always say I was lucky enough to be there.

“It was just so emotional being there and seeing how much it meant to every single fan after last years’s disappointment.

“It wasn’t a great game of football but the lads did what they had to – get the job done.

“We met so many fans from all over the world, including Spurs fans and we all had such a good laugh together.

“It was just unreal.”

Buncrana Tidy Towns are back with their popular annual garden competition with sponsors  Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Buncrana.

The event was launched this week with a number of exciting changes. Committees Garden Competition Co-ordinator Anne Doherty said:

“We are really grateful to SuperValu Buncrana for their continued support of our work. I would like to extend a special thank you to store manager Kieran Doherty for sponsoring the garden competition and assisting in the promotion of it.

“We have revamped this year’s competition. If you’re a novice gardener, a budding Dermot O’Neill, got a garden full of pollinators or a vegetable patch you are super proud of we’ve got a category to suit you. We’ve also included a residential area category as we know of a number of residents associations who have worked hard to maintain and develop their common areas.

“We have retained the best kept business award in recognition of local retailers, bars and restaurants tremendous flower displays in the summer months. Secret judging will take place throughout August and the awards ceremony will be held in September. Entry forms are available in SuperValu or by contacting us on Facebook and by email at buncranatidytowns@gmail.com.”

Buncrana Tidy Towns Spokesperson Sinéad Ní Bhroin added, “We have also formally launched our annual competition season. With the support of George McDermott, Donegal County Council, Wild Inishowen, the Cli-mates, Buncrana Chamber of Commerce and many others Buncrana has been a Tidy Towns gold medal winner for the last four years. A big thank you to local photographer Adam Porter for providing us with a beautiful photo of Buncrana Pier for competition brochure.

“We have also entered the Pollinator Plan Award, having won the regional Local Authority Pollinator Award for the North West & West Region in the Large Town Category over the last two years.

“We are so close to winning the national competition and to do so would be an incredible boost for the town. Our work plan has significantly developed over the last year. In addition to our Pollinator Plan, environmental work, painting projects, annual tree-planting and beach clean-ups we have completed the first phase of the development of Buncrana’s Historical Quarter at the Stone Jug and Castle Bridge and are close to completing the second phase of our public seating project. In partnership with Denise Dowds and her wonderful Cli-mates we will also be launching Buncrana’s Toolkit to Create a Plastic Free Community.

“With an extra push and the continued support of the community we believe this year will be our best yet.”

The wet weather didn’t dampen the fun of Ryan Tubridy’s visit to Donegal today as part of his Wild Atlantic Way roadshow.

The RTE Radio One presenter attracted crowds out to the Diamond in Donegal Town for a live broadcast from 9am-11am.

Despite the rain, a mix of local people came out to visit the radio roadcaster and welcome Tubridy to town.

Ryan Tubridy with the Grogan and Burns family at Donegal Castle. Photo- Clive Wasson.

Eddie Gravan meets with Ryan Tubridy at the new Sliabh Liag centre . Photo- Clive Wasson.

Failte Ireland Staff, Miriam Kennedy, Failte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way, John McGroary, Tour Guide and Joan Crawford, Joan Crawford, Wild Atlantic Way Manager, with Ryan Tubridy Sliabh Liag. Photo- Clive Wasson.

Special guests on the programme included singer David James, Lynn and Rosy Temple from Magee of Donegal, Chef Finn Ni Fhaolain, businesswoman Deirdre McGlone of Harvey’s Point hotel, Dunfanaghy farmer Danielle Stewart, Bundoran tourism officer Shane Smith and author Catherine Doyle.

Tubridy also took the opportunity to visit some of the Wild Atlantic Way highlights in Donegal on Sunday. He visited the Killybegs Seafood Shack for some of their famous scampi and chips. Then it was on to Teelin, where Tubs went out to sea on Paddy Byrne’s boat Nuala Star. The tour was short-lived, but the presenter was treated to a lively music session.

Skipper, Paddy Byrne helps Ryan Tubridy get his fishing line sorted from Teelin Pier . Photo- Clive Wasson.

Connie Byrne and Thomas Cunningham performing for Ryan Tubridy. Photo- Clive Wasson.

Paddy Byrne takes his opportunity for a selfie with Ryan Tubridy Photo- Clive Wasson.

Tubs admitted that he was taken aback by the impressive Sliabh Liag cliffs. This was his first visit to the South Donegal cliffs, and he was eager to recommend it to his listeners on Monday’s show.

Ryan said: “In my ignorance, I wasn’t aware of it so it was great to go there. It is an amazing piece of Irish beauty on the Wild Atlantic Way that I think people down through the years, people tended to not go to that, they’d go back to the Cliffs of Moher and more familiar sights.

“But this one, if you’re up this part of town, is just breathtaking.”

Failte Ireland Staff, Miriam Kennedy, Failte Irelands Head of the Atlantic Way Joan Crawford and Gemma Flannagan with Ryan Tubridy at the new Sliabh Liag Centre. . Photo- Clive Wasson.

Margaret Cunningham, Glencolmcille Folk Village and Ryan Tubridy at Sliabh Liag Photo- Clive Wasson.

Tubridy’s tour is also documented on social media, where fans can follow ‘Tubs on the Wild Atlantic Way’ on Facebook and Twitter @wildatlanticway #wildatlanticway.

Finesse Gymnastics Display Club had great success at the national GFA competition, held in the National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown.

Finesse had two teams in action, a senior team and a junior team, leaving with an unprecedented five of the six awards.

Finesse competitors left Letterkenny at 6am in the morning with a bus load of supporters.

They were headed to the National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown, Dublin to compete in Gymnastics Ireland’s GFA national event ‘The Floor’.

Both teams were debuting their brand new routines.

The Junior Squad were performing ‘Inside the Game’ which tells the story of two boys playing a video game, when suddenly the screen breaks and the characters come to life and the boys find themselves in the game.

On the other hand, the Senior Squad were performing ‘Surviving the Storm’, which follows the story of a group of girls who find themselves lost in harsh stormy conditions, fighting to make it out the other side as one.

Both teams executed their routines with precision, elegance and most importantly, finesse.

The teams entered the awards ceremony, hoping that their hard work, commitment and endeavour would pay off. Fortunately, the teams were not disappointed.

Collectively, the team won five out of the six possible awards up for grabs on the day.

The trophies included the social media award for positively promoting gymnastics across all social media platforms, best senior team concept/ theme award, best junior team costume award, best senior team costume award and most importantly, the club spirit award.

The club spirit award was the most sought after award of the competition as it symbolised what GFA stands for.

The club are extremely proud of the coaches, Amber and Ellie and all of the gymnasts, who represented the club to the highest standard at this national event. 

Junior Squad Gymnasts: Reelan McHugh, Jon-Antonio Gallagher, Sinead Byrne, Neasa Coyle, Rhianna Friel, Emma Nestor, Shauna McFadden, Caoimhe Carlin, Ella Dunne, Olivia Plumb, Lucy Boyle, Yevis-Bella Gallagher, Jodie Rodgers, Doris-Maria Gallagher, Orlagh Friel and Angelina McHugh. 

Senior Squad Gymnasts: Amber Beecroft, Ellie King, Cara Nulty, Orla Lonergan, Adele King, Molly Nulty, Sequoya McGettigan, Ellen O’Connell, Ella McBride, Amy Russell, Aisling Nulty, Ruby McBride and Ita McGee.

Coaches: Amber Beecroft and Ellie King. 

A new RTE2 dating series is calling for Donegal singletons to apply to let their parents take control of their love life.

Do dating apps have you on a road to nowhere? Could your mammy pick the love of your life? Does your dad know marriage material when he sees it? It’s time to find out if swiping right was all wrong.

Pulling with my Parents is a brand new dating series for RTÉ2 that wants to save young singles from the merry-go-round of bad dates. And they are looking for daters, and parents, to apply for a starring role.

RTÉ are looking for men and women from all over Ireland, who are jaded with swiping, ghosting and disastrous dates, to give something new a go. 

What is the magic solution? Hand over the reins to mum and dad! In the show, parents of misguided millennials will roll up their sleeves to give their babies’ dating profiles an old fashioned overhaul.

The funny and warm series sets out to answer the age old question, does mammy really know best?

As well as a crash course in emojis, the parents will also try some more traditional ways to find a date.

Will a small ad in the Farmer’s Journal be just the ticket? Is there plenty of talent at the GAA club or does one of the neighbours have a niece just home from Australia?

If you want to apply, you will need to be over 18 years of age and living in Ireland. If your mum is camera shy, fear not! Grandparents, aunts, uncles, step-parents and single parents are all welcome.

If you’re single and up for a laugh – or if your child’s love life is in need of some TLC – then email: dating@alleycats.tv

Na Dúnaibh retained their All-Ireland Junior Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta title in Kerry this afternoon.

Na Dúnaibh 2-12 Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh 1-4

Goals in the first half by Allen Pasoma and Keelan McGroddy powered Na Dúnaibh to an 11-point victory over Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh in the final.

Béal Atha’n Ghaorthaidh got in for a goal after just seven minutes as Ian Ó Coinceannáin fired in from close range, but Na Dúnaibh were in command soon after.

Na Dúnaibh shook their heads clear with Connor and Kevin Doherty (free) cutting the deficit.

Connor turned provider for the opening Na Dúnaibh goal on 13 minutes, playing the ball across goal for Allen Pasoma to palm home.

Last year, Pasoma netted a dramatic late goal to give Na Dúnaibh victory in this competition on home soil. Pasoma bagged the golden goal against Gaeil Fhánada 12 months ago and netted here to swing the pendulum.

Eric Roberts and Connor kept the scoreboard ticking before a second major arrived when Keelan McGroddy converted.

Roberts, hit two points, either end of a splendid Connor brace, one of which saw the deadly forward spin onto his left foot to score, to open up a nine-point lead.

Eight minutes for the end, Na Dúnaibh were denied a third goal when Connor struck the post as he side-stepped the keeper after taking a pass from Roberts.

Substitutes Danny McBride and Shea Coyle stretched the lead when he drilled over and Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh – who scored just once in the second half – finished with 13 men as Liam Ó Coinceannain and Caoimhin Ó Loinsigh were sent off.

In the final minute, Kevin Doherty was denied by the ‘keeper after a soccer-style dribble, but Na Dúnaibh had the title already long since sealed.

Scorers – Na Dúnaibh: Lorcan Connor 0-5 (2f), Keelan McGroddy, Allen Pasoma 1-0 each, Eric Roberts 0-3, Shane Boyce, Danny McBride, Shea Coyle 0-1 each

Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh: I Ó Coinnceannan 1-1, G Ó Cremín, S O Muinneachain (f), G Mac Carthaigh 0-1 each

Na Dúnaibh: Johnny McGroddy, Max Davis, Ben McNutt, Shane McTeague; Finghin McClafferty, Gary McClafferty, Kevin Doherty; James McBride, Shane Boyce; Keelan McGroddy, Aaron McClafferty, Oisin Boyce; Eric Roberts, Lorcan Connor, Allen Pasoma.

Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh: M Ó Conchúir; E Ó Luasa, M Ó Tuama, S Ó Duinnín; L Ó Criodáin, S Ó Duinnín, G Ó Cremín;  D Sertan, L Ó Coinceannain; S Ó Coill, L Seartan, S Ó Muineacháin; D Ó Duinnín, I Ó Coinceannáin, G Mac Carthaigh.

Meath referee David Gough has been appointed to take charge of Saturday evening’s Ulster SFC semi-final between Donegal and Tyrone.

Gough has been confirmed as the ref’ for the latest instalment of the Donegal-Tyrone rivalry at Kingspan Breffni Park.

Last year, Gough refereed the Ulster final between Donegal and Fermanagh, while he also was the man in the middle for the 2018 Ulster SFC meeting of Donegal and Cavan.

Previously, Gough refereed the 2014 Division Two final when Monaghan overcame Donegal.

Earlier this year, he had the whistle for Donegal’s League win over Cork at Páirc Uí Rinn.

RONAN CURTIS doesn’t believe that he will be moving from Portsmouth this summer.

The St Johnston man had a stunning first season at Pompey, scoring 13 goals and registering 16 assists after moving from Derry City last year.

Curtis firmly established himself in Kenny Jackett’s side and there have been rumours of a move to loftier perches than League One.

Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion are now managed by Graham Potter, who tried to sign Curtis for Ostersunds in Sweden two years ago, but the attack shrugged off suggestions of a summer switch from Fratton Park.

Ronan Curtis won the Checkatrade Trophy with Portsmouth

“No, there’s no talks about that anywhere,” Curtis said.

““We’ll see what happens. I’m a Portsmouth player for now. That’s where my heart is at at the minute.

“I’ve still got a year and a bit left on my contract at Portsmouth. We’ll see if clubs are interested. I’d have known by now, just rumours really.”

Ronan Curtis making his Republic of Ireland debut against Northern Ireland

Curtis was named as Portsmouth’s Young Player of the Year and is hoping to be involved this week when the Republic of Ireland face Denmark and Gibraltar in Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Curtis was given his Republic of Ireland debut by Martin O’Neill in November and new Irish boss Mick McCarthy has already spoken of his regard for the 23-year-old.

Curtis missed McCarthy’s opening games due to a freak hand injury.

Curtis said: “He (McCarthy) was ringing me, saying he was coming to our games and it was good to get that information, that he likes you as a player.”

There was late, late heartbreak in extra time for Cill Chartha as hosts An Ghaeltacht claimed the All-Ireland senior Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta title.

Cill Chartha 0-11 An Ghaeltacht 0-12

In torrid conditions in west Kerry, An Ghaeltacht weren’t in front until extra time and, in spite of three points by Cill Chartha’s Matthew McClean, it was they who took the win thanks to a last-gasp point by Seamus Ó Muircheartaigh.

From out on the left, after McClean’s free looked to have forced another period of extra time, Ó Muircheartaigh took aim and, via the inside of the upright, he landed the winner.

Cill Chartha lined out without Donegal stars Patrick McBrearty, Ryan McHugh and Eoin McHugh ahead of Saturday’s game against Tyrone and lost Mark McHugh and Ciaran McGinley to injuries.

When PJ Mac Láimh hit the post in the second period of extra time, Cill Chartha’s bid for a seventh got a shot in the arm, but Ó Muircheartaigh’s third point of the game keeps the Corn an Aire in Gallarus.

Two late frees by Sean Micheál Ó Conchúir, the An Ghaeltacht forward, forced extra time after Cill Chartha had led from start to finish in normal time.

It looked as if the Donegal side might hold on, but An Ghaeltacht had the late momentum with Cill Chartha scoring just two points in the second half – through Mark Sweeney and Matthew McClean.

An Ghaeltacht had Cian Ó Murchú sent off in the closing stages, a foul on McClean yielding his second booking of the day.

Cill Chartha opened the scoring when McHugh slotted over a second-minute free. McHugh followed that up from play to double the lead.

Tomás Mac an tSaoir, the An Ghaeltacht goalkeeper, denied Cill Chartha a goal when he saved from Aodhán McGinley’s palmed effort. Cill Chartha, drive by McHugh, powered clear and Conor O’Donnell unselfishly off-loaded to McGinley, but Mac an tSaoir was equal to his effort from close range.

Ciaran McGinley sauntered through to make it a three-point game and McHugh added his third before Andrew McClean scampered through to put Cill Chartha five to the good.

In between times, Cill Chartha survived a scare as Tomás Ó Sé fired wide of the far post after An Ghaeltacht breached the rearguard.

It was the 23rd minute before An Ghaeltacht broke their duck, Éanna Ó Conchúir firing over a free and Ó Conchúir added another, also from a free.

McHugh arrowed over a wonderful long-range free that was cancelled out by Ó Conchúir’s stoppage time free, which brought An Ghaeltacht to within three (0-6 to 0-3) at the break.

Ciaran McGinley was forced off injured in the opening passages of the second half and Cill Chartha were holding on heading into the final ten minutes.

An Ghaeltacht were within two points when they spurned a big chance to take the lead for the first time in the game.

Kilcar goalkeeper Eamonn McGinley somehow saved from Seán Ó Bambaire and the follow-up by Brian Ó Beaglaoich was wide.

An Ghaeltacht posted 11 wides in normal time, but Ó Conchúir’s frees took the tie into extra time and they would eventually prevail.

Scorers – Cill Chartha: Matthew McClean (3f), Mark McHugh (2f) 0-4 each, Mark Sweeney, Ciaran McGinley, Andrew McClean 0-1 each

An Ghaeltacht: Éanna Ó Conchúir 0-5 (4f), Seamus Ó Muircheartaigh, Sean Micheál Ó Conchúir (3f) 0-3 each, Colm Ó Muircheartaigh, Gearóid Mac an tSaoir 0-1 each

Cill Chartha: Eamonn McGinley; Barry McGinley, Conor McShane, Pauric Carr; Brian O’Donnell, Michael Hegarty, Andrew McClean; Ciaran McGinley, Mark McHugh; Barry Shovlin, Mark Sweeney, Conor Doherty; Matthew McClean, Aodhán McGinley, Paddy McShane. Subs: Dara O’Donnell for C.McGinley (32), Oran Doogan for P.McShane (47), Pauric McShane for McHugh (64)

An Ghaeltacht: T Mac an tSaoir; C Ó Murchú, C Ó Luing, C Ó Gairbhí; P Mac Láimh, P Ó Sé, C Ó Coileáin; R Ó Sé, É Ó Conchúir; C Ó Muircheartaigh, D Ó Sé, T Ó Sé; Ó Ó Sé, S Ó Conchúir, S Ó Bambaire.

Referee: Donnacha Mac an tSaoir.

The Donegal Women’s Centre in Letterkenny is working on a new Strategic Plan and calling on the public to have their say on the future of the services.

Donegal Women’s Centre provides a space where women can pursue their own healing and development in a safe, caring and supportive environment. The centre developed from the coming together of a group of women in the late eighties who were committed to responding in a holistic way to the emotional, psychological, social and educational needs of women in Donegal.

The Donegal Women’s Centre is currently preparing its Strategic Plan to cover the period 2020 – 2025, which will set out our high-level goals and objectives as well as the strategies to be used to achieve them.

If you are interested in the work of the centre and its future development, we are welcoming submissions from members of the public on their thoughts on our future strategy.

For more information on Donegal Women’s Centre please visit www.donegalwomenscentre.ie

Submissions

Written submissions (electronic format favoured) should be clearly marked “Donegal Women’s Centre Strategic Plan 2020 – 2025″ and sent before 12^th July 2019 to:marymaguirelwc@gmail.com

or by post to:

Mary Maguire
Donegal Women’s Centre
Port Road
Letterkenny
Co. Donegal

Gardai in Letterkenny have issued speed warnings to motorists after two cars were caught speeding well in excess of 100kph.

The cars were nabbed speeding at both 138kph and 140kph yesterday by the Road Policing Unit at Letterkenny.

A spokesman for Donegal Gardai said “Speeding kills. Please take your time on the roads.”

The warning comes after a number of people lost their lives on Irish roads over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

There were no fatalities thankfully on Donegal’s roads over the weekend.

However, two women were injured after their car struck a bridge at Breenagh, Glenswilly on Friday night.

An elderly woman suffered a frightening ordeal after her handbag was snatched in Letterkenny on Friday evening.

The woman was close to the Station Roundabout when a man snatched the handbag and ran away around 9.30pm.

Gardai carried out an investigation in the area and a man was later arrested and is currently being questioned at Letterkenny Garda station.

He is expected to appear at a future sitting of the local courts.

Donegal jockey Oisin Orr saddled a 20/1 winner at Listowel on Sunday.

Orr rode Engles Rock to victory for Mark Michael McNiff.

Orr finished second last week in Baden-Baden, Germany in his first group two race, when he rode Imaging for Dermot Weld and got pipped by The Revenant (11/5).

At Listowel, Orr and Engles Rock had just a neck to spare on the 5/1 joint favourite, Meryems Way, ridden by Killian Leonard.

Orr was seventh at the midway point and didn’t look to be in contention before making strong progress.

A man and woman were arrested following a frightening crash at the Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon on Sunday night.

A drunk driver smashed into railings near the festival marquee after a high-speed pursuit with Gardaí.

The car had struck a roundabout before hitting the barriers on the main Belleek Road route into Ballyshannon.

Nobody was injured in the incident, as festival goers were kept out of harm’s way by fast-acting Gardaí on the ground.

The pursuit began at around 11pm on Sunday night after gardaí received reports of a car being driven erratically near Bundoran and Finner. The car then made a u-turn and sped in the direction of Ballyshannon.

Gardaí involved in the pursuit radioed ahead to gardaí on foot patrol at the Rory Gallagher Festival to clear pedestrians from the scene.  The driver of the car and a passenger were arrested after the crash.

The male driver, who was a disqualified driver, was arrested for drunk driving and dangerous driving offences. He is being charged with numerous offences and will appear in court at a later date.

The female passenger was arrested for a public order offence.

Investigations are continuing.