A college student has appeared in court charged in connection with the alleged theft of a handbag from an elderly woman in Co Donegal.

Louis Ogbomo was charged in connection with the incident which happened on Friday night last, June 2nd at Station Roundabout in Letterkenny.

Detective Garda Stephen Moyles told Letterkenny District Court that Ogbomo was arrested at 1.16am on June 3rd and brought to Letterkenny Garda station.

Ogbomo, who was accompanied to court by his parents, made no reply to the charge.

Gardai said they had no objection to bail but asked that the accused, of Boyce Court, Drogheda, Co Louth, sign on twice weekly at Drogheda Garda station.

His solicitor said his parents were originally from Nigeria but had lived in Ireland for 16 years.

They had gathered some funds to return to Nigeria between June 18th and July 25th and were asking to allow the accused to travel with them.

Detective Garda Moyles said the young man’s parents had told him about this and that he had no objections.

Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case until September 2nd for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Ends

It’s a bumper weekend of Gaelic Games action in Donegal with a full programme of All-County League games down for decision.

With Donegal set to face Tyrone in the Ulster SFC semi-final on Saturday evening in Cavan, there are club fixtures pencilled in for Friday and Sunday.

Here’s where the action is happening:

SRB U10 Section 1
Sat, 08 Jun, Venue: Eamonn Byrne Memorial Park, (Round 3), Killybegs V Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon 11:00, Ref: TBC
Sat, 08 Jun, Venue: Ardara, (Round 3), Ardara V Four Masters 11:00, Ref: TBC
Sat, 08 Jun, Venue: Dungloe, (Round 3), Dungloe V Naomh Conaill 11:00, Ref: TBC

SRB U14 Div 1
Mon, 10 Jun, Venue: Ardara, (Round 6), Ardara V Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon 19:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 10 Jun, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 6), Four Masters V Naomh Conaill 19:30, Ref: TBC

SRB Div 2 U14
Tue, 04 Jun, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 5), Kilcar V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 19:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 10 Jun, Venue: Páirc Gearóid O’Gallachóir, (Round 6), St Naul’s GAA Club V Dungloe 19:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 10 Jun, Venue: The Banks, (Round 6), Naomh Muire Lower Rosses V Naomh Brid/ Pettigo 19:30, Ref: TBC
Mon, 10 Jun, Venue: Eamonn Byrne Memorial Park, (Round 6), Killybegs V Kilcar 19:30, Ref: TBC

Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Division 1
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 7), Kilcar V Sean Mac Cumhaill 19:30, Ref: Marc Brown
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Glenswilly, (Round 8), Glenswilly V Cloughaneely 20:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Moyle Park, (Round 9), Milford V Glenswilly 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Gaoth Dobhair, (Round 9), Gaoth Dobhair V St Eunan’s 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: St Michael’s, (Round 9), St Michael’s V Kilcar 15:00, Ref: TBC

Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Division 1 Reserve
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 7), Kilcar V Sean Mac Cumhaill 18:00, Ref: Ryan Walsh
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Gaoth Dobhair, (Round 9), Gaoth Dobhair V St Eunan’s 13:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: St Michael’s, (Round 9), St Michael’s V Kilcar 13:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Moyle Park, (Round 9), Milford V Glenswilly 13:30, Ref: TBC

Marley Travel Division 2
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Ardara, (Round 9), Ardara V Naomh Columba 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 9), Buncrana V Glenfin 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Father Tierney Park, (Round 9), Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V Dungloe 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 9), Four Masters V Termon 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Páirc Gearóid O’Gallachóir, (Round 9), St Naul’s GAA Club V Killybegs 15:00, Ref: TBC

Marley Travel Division 2 Reserve
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Ardara, (Round 9), Ardara V Naomh Columba 13:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (Round 9), Buncrana V Glenfin 13:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Father Tierney Park, (Round 9), Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V Dungloe 13:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Páirc Gearóid O’Gallachóir, (Round 9), St Naul’s GAA Club V Killybegs 13:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Four Masters, (Round 9), Four Masters V Termon 13:30, Ref: TBC

Yes Chef Catering Division 3
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Pairc Aoidh Ruaidh, (Round 9), Naomh Colmcille V Red Hughs 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 9), Burt V Downings 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Connolly Park, (Round 9), Malin V Naomh Bríd 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Convoy, (Round 9), Convoy V Fanad Gaels 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: The Banks, (Round 9), Naomh Muire Lower Rosses V Naomh Ultan 15:00, Ref: TBC

Jimmy McGlynn Catering Division 4
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Páirc na nGael LK, (Round 9), Letterkenny Gaels V Urris 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: TBC, (Round 9), Naomh Pádraig Lifford V Naomh Pádraig Muff 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Carndonagh, (Round 9), Carndonagh V Na Rossa 15:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Robert Emmets, (Round 9), Robert Emmets V Pettigo 15:00, Ref: TBC

Yes Chef Catering Region 1
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Glenfin, (Round 9), Glenfin V Naomh Bríd 19:30, Ref: TBC
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Convoy, (Round 9), Convoy V Naomh Conaill 19:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Páirc na nGael LK, (Round 9), Letterkenny Gaels V Red Hughs 13:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: The Banks, (Round 9), Naomh Muire Lower Rosses V Naomh Ultan 13:30, Ref: TBC

Yes Chef Catering Region 2
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: St Eunan’s, (Round 9), St Eunan’s V Glenswilly 19:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 9), Burt V Downings 13:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Carndonagh, (Round 9), Carndonagh V Fanad Gaels 13:30, Ref: TBC

Senior Hurling League
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Hibernian Park, (Round 5), Burt V St Eunan’s 19:30, Ref: J.J. Lafferty
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Setanta, (Round 5), Setanta V Sean Mac Cumhaill 19:30, Ref: Hugo Wallace

IB Joe McGeady Cup U14
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin, (Round 6), Naomh Pádraig Muff V Moville 19:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Connolly Park, (Round 6), Malin V Buncrana 19:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Naomh Colmcille, (Round 6), Naomh Colmcille V Steelstown 19:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Connolly Park, (Round 7), Malin V Urris 11:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Pairc Brid, (Round 7), Steelstown V Carndonagh 11:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Moville, (Round 7), Moville V Buncrana 11:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin, (Round 7), Naomh Pádraig Muff V Naomh Colmcille 11:30, Ref: TBC

Inishowen Board U14 League
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Connolly Park, (Round 6), Malin V Buncrana 19:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin, (Round 6), Naomh Pádraig Muff V Moville 19:00, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Connolly Park, (Round 7), Malin V Urris 11:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Moville, (Round 7), Moville V Buncrana 11:30, Ref: TBC
Sun, 09 Jun, Venue: Naomh Padraig Uisce Chaoin, (Round 7), Naomh Pádraig Muff V Naomh Colmcille 11:30, Ref: TBC

NRB U12 League Division 2 
Wed, 05 Jun, Venue: Pairc Aodh Rua, (Round 10), Red Hughs V Downings 19:00, Ref: TBC
Wed, 05 Jun, Venue: Moyle Park, (Round 10), Milford V Sean Mac Cumhaill 19:00, Ref: TBC
Wed, 05 Jun, Venue: Glenswilly, (Round 10), Glenswilly V St Eunan’s 19:00, Ref: TBC

NRB U12 Division 3
Wed, 05 Jun, Venue: Convoy, (Round 10), Convoy V Robert Emmets 19:00, Ref: TBC
Wed, 05 Jun, Venue: St Michael’s, (Round 10), St Michael’s V Termon 19:00, Ref: TBC
Wed, 05 Jun, Venue: St Eunan’s, (Round 10), St Eunan’s V Naomh Pádraig Lifford 19:00, Ref: TBC

NRB U14 League Divison 1
Mon, 10 Jun, Venue: Glenswilly, (Round 1), Glenswilly V St Eunan’s 19:00, Ref: TBC

NRB U14 League Divison 2 Section 1
Mon, 10 Jun, Venue: Gaoth Dobhair, (Round 1), Gaoth Dobhair V Red Hughs 19:00, Ref: TBC

SRB U14 Div 3
Mon, 10 Jun, Venue: Gaelic Park, (Round 6), Bundoran V Four Masters 19:30, Ref: TBC

SRB U12 Div 2 sec 2
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 5), Kilcar V Killybegs 19:00, Ref: TBC
Fri, 07 Jun, Venue: The Banks, (Round 5), Naomh Muire Lower Rosses V St Naul’s GAA Club 19:00, Ref: TBC

SRB U10 Section 2
Sat, 08 Jun, Venue: Kilcar, (Round 3), Kilcar V St Naul’s GAA Club 11:00, Ref: TBC
Sat, 08 Jun, Venue: Na Rossa, (Round 3), Na Rossa V Pettigo 11:00, Ref: TBC
Sat, 08 Jun, Venue: Pairc na nGael, (Round 3), Naomh Columba V Naomh Bríd 11:00, Ref: TBC
Sat, 08 Jun, Venue: Gaelic Park, (Round 3), Bundoran V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 11:00, Ref: TBC

U14 Hurling 
Thu, 06 Jun, Venue: Dungloe, (B Championship S/F ), Dungloe V Letterkenny Gaels 18:30, Ref: TBC

LETTERKENNY GOLF Course’s Open Week swings off on Friday 7th June.

The full programme can be seen on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/letterkennygolf/ and on Letterkenny Golf Club’s Website  http://www.letterkennygolfclub.com/

Picture: Henry O’Brien, William White Winner Divers Hyundai Open with 44 pts. Darragh McMenamin, Seamus McBride (Divers Hyundai) Daniel Carlin & Captain John Bowe. 

Members cost €7 & visitors €20.  There is a timesheet in operation. Online booking is available using BRSGolf.com or phone 074 9121150.

On Wednesday 29th May, the Consultas Financial Open was played. Damien Redmond (17.5) was the winner with 43 points. Damien had three birdies – on the 4th, the 7th and the 15th and he also had 6 pars.

Don Ponsonby (5.2) was runner up with 42 points, taking birdies on the 5th and the 16th along with 14 pars.

Shaun Duffy (9.6) was third with 40 points while Christopher Duffy (4.0) won Gross with 39 points.

On Saturday, June 1, the club held an Open Singles Competition.

Ciaran Gilcreest, Gerry Keeney winner with 42 pts. (Jimmy Gallagher Open) Captain John Bowe & Pat Coleman (for E. McIntyre).

Vinny McLoughlin (21.5) was the winner with an exceptional score of 51 points. Vinny had seven pars, 10 bogeys and one double-bogey.

Runner-up was Kieran McEldowney (24.8)  with 45 points and Liam Rodgers (27.7) was third with 38 points (bot).

Jamie Foley (3.9)  won Gross with 37 points.

The JJ Reid Open was played on Sunday 2nd June.  Graeme Donnell (26.2) was the winner with 39 points. Graeme took three pars and 7 bogeys out of the course.

Sean Mulroe (12.2) was runner up with 36 points and Kevin Kiely (7.6) was third with 35 points (bot)

Kieran Sweeney, Shaun Duffy Winner 40 pts. (Sunday Open 26/05/19) Captain John Bowe & Liam Sweeney.

The Monday evening Cat4 Competition winners on 27th May was Vinny McLaughlin with 28 points over 13 holes and on 13th May, the winner was Daniel Carlin with 32 points over 13 holes.

Summer Junior Golf Camp is starting at Letterkenny Golf Club on Wednesday 6th June and running every Wednesday for three weeks.

Group Timetable: 4pm – age 5-8, 5pm – age 8-10, 6pm – age 10-13.  Price for three days – €40 per child, 1 hour per class.

For further details contact Seamus McMonagle on 087-7800660

The young ladies team of Naomh Muire Lower Rosses travelled to the All Ireland Comórtas on the Dingle peninsula at the weekend.

Maigh Cuilinn 5-16 Naomh Muire Íochtar na Rosann 4-12

As Donegal Comórtas Intermediate champions these young ladies were proud to represent the lower Rosses and Donegal at the Comórtas.

A last-minute shift by the organising committee moved Naomh Muire up to the Senior grade and they were pitted against Galway Senior opponent Moycullen – the beaten senior finalists from last year in Na Dunaibh.

Naomh Muire made no bones about it – they felt the had the right to play in Dingle and took the challenge in their stride.

The semi final took place on the edge of the Gaeltacht in Lispole on Saturday evening and any ideas that Moycullen were going to have an easy mach were quickly put to rest as Naomh Muire ladies took the game to their senior opponents from the start.

After a high-scoring game with both teams well-matched the experience of Moycullen saw them through.

This was a learning experience for Naomh Muire to taste the cut and thrust of playing at Senior level and they will have learned from this match.

It will be back to the bread and butter of Donegal lGFA games in the coming weeks for this team with most of the squad now having state exams to sit in the June.

Naomh Muire squad: Megan Burns, Bernadette Sweeney, Hannah Gallagher, Leah McGarvey, Lisa McGee, Jade O’Donnell, Katie O’Donnell, Tara O’Donnell, Sarah Doherty, Ailbe O’Donnell, Caroline Sharkey, Amy Hanna, Casey McGarvey, Erika Hanna, Orlaith Kavanagh, Lauren Rodgers, Nickola Boyle, Nicole Boyle, Morgan Devenney, Katie McDevitt.

The 2019 Donegal GAA Poc Fada was held yesterday with senior and under-16 competitions.

Bank Holiday Monday was wet and windy with the sun desperately losing the fight to break through. 

Even with the inclement weather the hurlers and camogie players throughout Donegal came out to hurl up and down a mountain.

It was not clear how many sliotars were lost but it is certain that they are now the fossils of the future and The game will live on!

Paul Burns, the Donegal hurling keeper won the senior hurling competition and Shannon Doherty won the senior camogie competition.

Oisin Marley and Suibhan ODonnell won the U16 competitions. 

On June 11th, Donegal elite endurance cyclist, Joe Barr, will take on the world’s toughest endurance cycling race.

At 3000 miles (4828km), Race Across America is 30% longer than the Tour De France but riders must complete it in roughly half the time, within 12 days.

And that’s before you take into account the elevation – racers must climb 170,000 vertical feet via three major mountain ranges (Sierra, Rocky and Appalachian).

That’s almost six times the height of Everest!

Mentally exhausting and physically punishing, the race pushes riders to the extreme as they deal with the distance, the time constraints, sleep deprivation and extreme temperature fluctuations.

There are no rest days, no stages, no drafting and very little sleep for the riders. It is just one non-stop 3000-mile race, coast to coast.

Two days into the race, Barr will turn a youthful 60. According to Barr, his age is not a limiting factor.

He said: “Endurance is a great equaliser. The further that you go, performance becomes less about age and more about mental fortitude and resilience. It’s a war of attrition and comes down to the last person standing, or in my case the last person able to move the bike forward.”

After a long career in professional cycling he came out of retirement 10 years ago to enter, and ultimately win, his first endurance race.

Since then, he has gone on to win numerous World Cup events and a 2017 World Championship title in the 500-mile category.

Last year, he secured the overall win in the gruelling 2108km Race Around Ireland for the second time.

Now, he has set his sights on contending for the overall Race Across America podium, as well as winning and setting a new course record for his age category. He is also using the race platform to raise awareness and funds for all-Ireland charity, Cycle Against Suicide.

 Barr’s first attempt at Race Across America in 2012 nearly cost him his life, after he ended up in hospital in the Rocky mountains with severe altitude sickness.

He returned in 2014, focused and determined to finish what he had started. He succeeded in completing the race, placing 10thoverall and 2nd in his age category. This time, he is returning stronger than ever and determined to really put his stamp on the race.

Job Vacancy: The successful team at the Clanree Hotel Letterkenny have an exciting new opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager.

The Main Purpose of Operations Manager

• To assist the General Manager in directing the total operation of the Hotel.
• To accept direction from the General Manager and ensure Hotel/Management compliance with Company Policy.
• To assist the General Manager in developing and updating the Hotel Business Plan and monitor financial performance.
• To administer company policies and procedures.
• You will be stepping straight into a busy, hands-on role, a crucial figure in the team, you’ll oversee operations and create a superb experience for guests.

The ideal candidate

• The successful applicant must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar senior position in a 4* Hotel.  You will be heavily involved in the running of the hotel’s busy Food & Beverage departments and Conference & Banqueting department; and other operational departments.
• To have exceptional revenue management, a proven ability to lead and motivate staff is essential, excellent Food & Beverage knowledge and excellent guest relations skills, is essential.
• To be successful in this role the ideal candidate will enjoy working in a fast-paced, busy working environment.
• Passionate about standards and provision of excellence in hospitality.
• Ability to lead and motivate a strong team of Departmental Managers

Duties will include:

• Ensuring day to day efficient management of Hotel team and operations
• To achieve total customer satisfaction and to ensure the presentation of the Clanree Hotel Brand.
• To ensure efficient and effective operations and maintain standards of all departments within the Hotel, to include, Food and Beverage and Housekeeping.
• To enforce Company policies and procedures.
• To develop new programs to increase the level of guest satisfaction and operational excellence.
• To supervise and oversee large functions and conference events.
• To ensure all staff receive SOP training and that standards are maintained at all times
• To conduct regular team meetings, staff appraisals and be involved in staff recruitment and retention

If you are interested in joining our team and have the relevant minimum 2 years’ experience in a similar senior position in a 4* Hotel, we would like to hear from you.

Please forward your CV and cover letter to hr@clanreehotel.com

Lifford-Strabane AC woman Adrienne Gallen set a new Irish schools record at the weekend.

Gallen, a student at St Columba’s College, Stranorlar, won gold in the Junior Girls Hammer at the Irish Schools Track and Field Championships in Tullamore.

Gallen reached out to a stunning 57.24 metres – breaking the previous best by over three metres.

The record of 54.00 metres was set by European Youth Olympic bronze medallist Jade Williams in 2015.

Gallen, a daughter of former athletics star Sharon Foley-Gallen, also took a silver in the shot put, throwing 11.75m.

Her club-mate Jude McCrossan (Deele College) won the intermediate boys hammer with a final round throw of 47.65m, edging out Lifford-Strabane AC training partner Ross Henderson, a student at the Royal and Prior (47.37m).

Ellie McCurdy, also of Lifford-Strabane AC won gold in the junior girls javelin, throwing 39.17m.

Ellie McCurdy with Damian Crawford

Dara Kirk, in the intermediate boys javelin, and Ella Costello, in the minor girls 75m hurdles, took bronze for the Lifford-Strabane club.

There was gold for Abbey Vocation School’s Niamh Moohan in the intermediate girls hurdles, powering home in 11.55 seconds.

Finn Valley AC’s Blaine Lynch – who attends Omagh CBS – was the silver winner in the junior boys javelin, as he threw 45.46 metres and Ethan Mullan, of Finn Valley AC and competing for Limavady GS, won silver in the minor boys shot put, reaching 11.99m.

Blaine Lynch with his medal

Royal and Prior student Lauren Callaghan, an athlete at Finn Valley, was the silver medalist in the senior girls triple jump with a 11.31m best, while Finn Valley AC’s Michaela Byrne, a student at St Catherine’s VS in Killybegs, took bronze in the intermediate girls triple jump with a leap of 10.81m.

Laura Callaghan, who took silver

Loreto College, Milford’s Patrick McDaid won silver in the junior boys 800m, finishing in 2:05.00.

Lucy McGlynn from Colaiste Cholmcille in Ballyshannon left with silver in the junior girls hurdles, beaten only by Ella Scott from Cork.

Amber Ní Ghallchóir from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair was a silver medallist, too, taking second in the minor girls shot put, as did Mia McCalmont from Abbey VS in the senior girls 3000m, her time of 10:05.74 beaten only by Sarah Healy from Killiney.

Darragh Kirk of Mulroy College collected bronze in the intermediate boys javelin with a best of 51.88m and Eoin Sharkey from St Columba’s College, Glenties won bronze in the intermediate boys 400m hurdles.

Drugs to the value of €12,500 were seized in three raids across Letterkenny during the Bank Holiday weekend.

Cocaine, cannabis and drug paraphernalia were uncovered in the three separate drugs busts.

The first raid took place at a house in Sliabh Sneacht, Glencar, Letterkenny on Thursday 30th May. Cocaine to the value of just over €6500 and a quantity of drugs paraphernalia were seized at the property.

A second search at a house in Oldtown Letterkenny on Friday uncovered cannabis to the value of €5,500, a small quantity of cocaine and drugs paraphernalia.

Approximately €500 worth of cannabis was seized from a house in Glenoughty Close, Letterkenny on Monday.

A bodybuilder who was caught with anabolic steroids and tanning products worth €10,000 has appeared in court.

Gardai raided the home of Francis McAleavey of Church View Street, St Johnston, Co Donegal on March 9th, 2017.

The accused man, who was a bodybuilder at the time, was not at home.

However, more than 8,000 substances including vials, powders and tablets were uncovered in the raid.

A legal representative for the Health Products Regulatory Authority said the premises which was raided was a domestic dwelling but which was being used as a distribution outlet.

He said a number of the products were anabolic steroids but another was also used for self-tanning.

The court heard that McAleavey, now aged 33, pleaded guilty from an early stage.

Solicitor Ciaran Mac Lochlainn said his client started bodybuilding in 2014 in “the quest for the perfect body.”

Mr Mac Lochlainn said “Anybody can buy these things on the internet. Believe it or not but this is part of the sport.

“It is not really regulated and he was only a bit player. He had no idea he was breaking the law.

“When I asked him the value he said it was more than €5,000 so to hear the real value today is quite a shock.

“I’m told that the country is awash with the stuff but that the authorities are taking a grip on it.

“My client has stopped bodybuilding and has moved away from the sport altogether.”

The court was told that to analyse the various substances for identification and then to dispose of them cost in the region of €6,500 for the work carried out by the State Laboratory.

Judge Paul Kelly said whatever the argument over the valuation of the products found was the actual amount of “substantial.”

He said “Eight thousand items is a substantial amount and it is clear that this was being done on some scale.”

He fined McAleavey a total of €750 on three of the nine charges and took the other charges into consideration.

He added there was no point in making an expenses order as it was not realistic to expect the accused to pay €6,500.

Do you want the perfect excuse to hear the elusive Corncrake in Donegal?

Following on from the success of a series of Corncrake Tours which took place last year there will be a number of evening talks, and night-time excursions to hear this elusive and increasingly rare bird.

Led by a local wildlife expert these events provide an excellent opportunity for people to learn more about the once common Corncrake whose distinctive call was for older generations the sound that heralded the coming of summer.

The rapid decline of this bird over the past 50 years is an example of a wider disappearance across the plant and animal kingdoms of multiple species in Ireland. Our Emerald Isle is not an isolated case.

The widely publicised UN report on biodiversity published in early May highlighted the disastrous decline of the wonderful wealth of flora and fauna across the globe.

However, it does seem that there is a growing awareness of the repercussions of this grave situation upon humanity. The recent elections revealed a “Greenwave” sweeping over Europe and lapping Irish shores as people expressed their growing environmental concern at the ballot box.

The Corncrake is emblematic of species decline and a worthy symbol of environmental action whose conservation might hold the key to a brighter greener future.

Donegal along with the other main nesting area of west Mayo and Galway are the last two remaining Corncrake breeding ranges in Ireland, holding the last hope of the survival of this species here.

The Corncrake is a Summer visitor arriving in April. It likes to stay hidden in long grasses, amongst tall weeds or in damp places. To attract a female the male will begin ‘calling’ occasionally during the day on and off again, but more regularly at dusk reaching a steady peak around midnight and continuing till dawn. This call is a loud repetitive grating sound of ‘krek krek’.

This distinctive rasping call is often the only indication of the Corncrake’s presence. It is used by wildlife authorities to count their numbers. In September it heads off for the winter flying 10,000km to south-eastern Africa.

The upcoming Corncrake events will provide a wonderful insight for those who wish to learn more about this amazing bird, alongside the chance of hearing the Corncrake’s peculiar mating call. Organised by The Glasshouses (natithegloine.com) in Cill Ulta, these Corncrake nights will take place in Falcarragh, beginning at 10pm on each of the following Saturdays; the 8th & 22nd June and the 6th & 20th July. Those interested in attending should call (074) 918 0994 or (086) 822 0404.

If you see or hear a Corncrake please report it to the Corncrake Conservation Project; for Glemcolmcille to Falcarragh and the call John on (083) 132 2378 Islands / or / for Dunfanaghy to Inishowen call Andy on (085) 800 6635.

Gardaí in Donegal are warning people to be vigilant of a man who is wanted in connection with bogus calls, theft and trespassing.

A description has been issued of the man who is known to target the elderly and the vulnerable in their homes and scam them into giving over money.

The man operates on a nationwide level and is sought for questioning by Gardaí in numerous counties.

“The male in question is a British citizen. He is believed to be of Indian descent,” said a Garda spokesperson.

“He is approx. 6ft in height with black hair, he occasionally wears glasses. This male targets the elderly and the vulnerable.

“He usually calls to the door offering to sell clothes and can become forceful. He demands extortionate rates for the clothing and has been known to take people to the ATM to withdraw cash for him.”

Gardaí believe that the man may have been in the Northern region over the past few days and he has access to a black Vauxhall Astra, the registration number starts with NU5.

The man is wanted for questioning in relation to various offences such as theft, fraud, robbery and trespassing.

Gardaí in Letterkenny are looking to speak to anyone who believes they have been visited by the man in question. They are also appealing for people to inform anyone they know who lives alone in relation to this man and advise them to be vigilant.

Sgt. Eunan Walsh issued safety advice in this week’s community notice: “The usual advice applies, fit a chain-lock to your door, never let anyone into your home that you do not know and beware of all callers offering services who call to your home. Genuine sales people or service providers do not usually call door to door offering goods or services.”

Gardaí are investigating an incident in which youths threw rocks at a window of a house in Glendale Drive, Letterkenny.

The incident happened on the 30th of May at around 9.45 pm.

They caused damage to the window and Gardaí have got descriptions of the youths that were involved and have arrested them following a patrol of the area.

They are to be dealt with under the Juvenile Liason Scheme.

A team of young Donegal people have tapped into their creative skills to share an important message about smoking.

Members of the Youth Forum at Donegal Youth Service created his video to highlight the impact that smoking can have on young lives and on their future:

The short film was created as part of the Irish Cancer Society’s X-HALE programme, which aims to prevent young people from smoking through educating and empowering young people, youth leaders and educators.

The Donegal Youth Forum team are hoping to reach as many people as possible with their video, as the film with the most views by July 2nd will win an Online X-HALE Award.

You can watch and share the video from the Facebook post below: 

A loophole in the law means that gamblers in Co Donegal playing hundreds of slot machines can only win up to 63 cent.

Licenses for almost 600 machines at two amusement arcades were granted at a recent sitting of Buncrana District Court.

However, because the licenses are operating under old laws they cannot accept a bet of more than 3c and cannot pay out any more than 63c.

The owner of Star Amusements in Buncrana and Blackthorn Amusements in Bridgend, businessman Colm O’Donnell, applied for the licences.

While there were no Garda or Fire Officer objections, a solicitor representing the Donegal Association against Gambling Machines objected to the application.

Solicitor Ms. Maureen Gallagher said gambling has a profound effect on the local community and they were concerned about how they were being run and they wanted to question the director of the company, Mr. O’Donnell.

Solicitor for the arcades, Elizabeth O’Donnell said her client was making the application for gaming machines following resolutions passed by councillors from the Inishowen Municipal District last March.

She said all aspects of the application had been complied with and the objectors, while she acknowledged they were entitled to object, were not party to the application.

She said Mr. O’Donnell was a well-known businessman, who kept his premises in good condition, had never been disqualified and the Gardaí had no issue with him.

Mr O’Donnell said he had been working in the arcade business in Inishowen for more than 40 years and he welcomed recent changes to the legalisation Donegal County Council.

He admitted that he currently has gaming machines in situ on his premises in Bridgend and Buncrana but that his machines do not currently pay out cash and operate on a credit basis.

Mr. O’Donnell told the court they had been previously operating on an amusement licence but the Revenue Officials visited their premises and told them to get a different licence.

“The Revenue audited us, and told us to get gaming licences. They took a few machines away until we got our licence up to date. We’re just following their instructions,” he said.

Solicitor Ms. O’Donnell said her client had no gaming licence until last week’s court date but that they were applying to the court ‘at the first opportunity’ to get the new licence, which is now available to them.

However, Judge Kelly queried how the businesses were operating for the last 40 years if the law was only changed by Donegal County Council in March.

“Why would the court grant a licence to someone who admits to operating for years without one?” Judge Kelly asked.

“I’ve been driving past these places for nine years – there is about three in Bridgend alone – and I always wonder what goes on in there. Now I’m being told that up until March they have operating illegally – it seems they are seeking forgiveness rather than permission.”

Solicitor Ms.Gallagher, claimed they were operating illegally saying “They were uncontrolled and operating illegally.”

However, Ms. O’Donnell argued there was ‘an unofficial amnesty’ and that they were ‘no different’ to any other arcade in the country.

She disagreed with the assumption that Star and Blackthorn had been operating illegally, but accepted that they did not have a licence for the machines until now.

Judge Kelly asked Mr. O’Donnell how the machines operated and what was the maximum stakes and winnings involved.

He said people could put in 10p or 20p or a pound and they could ‘get two back’ However he said if you get ‘five sevens you could win 50 pound’.

Ms. Gallagher said the current Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 stated that the maximum stake was 2.5c and the reward was to be no more than 50c.

She argued that anyone doing anything different was ‘obviously operating illegally’.

Ms. O’Donnell said the law around gaming machines was old and outdated and currently until review by the Government.

Mr. O’Donnell said the Bill was currently before the Seanad and due to be updated. He said they are lobbying to have the Bill amended and the regulations changed.

Judge Kelly said this Bill will take some time to come in and currently they are constrained by the act as it stands.

He granted the licences to Mr. O’Donnell, for a period of 12 months, with the condition that any stake should not be more than 3c and no one should win more than 63c.

Toyota has unveiled its 192 offers ahead of the New Generation Event taking place from Wednesday 5th until Saturday 8th June. 

For the first time, all of Toyota’s new generation self-charging hybrid and petrol vehicles will be on display together.

The Corolla Hatchback, Saloon and Touring Sport will all be on show, as well as the Camry, RAV4, Prius, Yaris, and not forgetting Ireland’s best-selling hybrid, the Toyota C-HR.

Fantastic offers will be in place during the New Generation event, for both hybrid and petrol models. With trade-in boosters of up to €3,000, APR’s from 2.9% on passenger cars and 1.9% on commercial vehicles, it has never been easier for Irish drivers to upgrade to Toyota’s new generation models.

Toyota’s self-charging hybrids, which are in electric mode on average over 50% of the time, produce less harmful emissions and allow drivers to make fuel savings on every trip. As an added advantage, all Toyota hybrids are automatic cars. There has been a surge in customers switching from diesel to a self-charging hybrid in the last year and with demand high, customers are encouraged to visit early to avoid disappointment in securing a 192 Toyota.

Kelly’s Toyota, Port Road, Letterkenny

Summer 2019 also sees the return of the legendary, Land Cruiser Business model with a limited amount of first arrivals landing in July. Customers will also be able to inquire and place their orders during the New Generation event.

There’s never been more choice and for 192 there’s more value too.

It’s time to visit Kelly’s Toyota, Port Road Letterkenny & Drumbeigh Mountcharles from 5th -8th June for their 192 New Generation Event.

Demand is high, so don’t miss out.

Toyota, Built for a Better World.

The AGM of the Donegal Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) is taking place on Wednesday 19^th of June at 7pm at the Education and Training Centre, Saint Conal’s Hospital, Letterkenny and they are extending an invitation to all local communities.

This year’s AGM will review all of the Branch’s work. In 2018 almost 50,000 hours of respite care was provided to some of the 2,200 families living with dementia in County Donegal. It will review progress on providing a similar standard of care this year and look forward to plans for 2020 for their three Day Care Centres, five Social Clubs, three Alzheimer’s Cafes, Home Respite Services and Family Carer Training.

Donegal Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI)

The Branch is eager to engage with local communities to advance initiatives to provide care beyond the 10% of families which they currently help.

They want to ensure that all services are locally-based and supported and meet the needs that people living with dementia and their carers have identified.

The Branch welcomes attendance by members of the public to answer any questions they may have and to discuss any ideas to advance their goals.

You can find further information on dementia supports and services in Donegal HERE

Gardaí are investigating the theft of fuel from a German tour bus in Letterkenny last week.

Over 200 litres of fuel was stolen from the tank of the coach while it was parked at Ballyraine on Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning.

Gardaí have identified the offender and seized the syphoning equipment and a quantity of the fuel that was stolen.

The matter is said to be under further investigation.

Oisin Orr recorded his latest big-priced winner at Tipperary this evening.

Orr took victory in the 5.30pm race on Tennesse Waltz, which set off at 14/1.

On the David Marnane-trained eight-year-old, Orr had only a short head t spare after the seven-and-a-half furlong race.

Under pressure from Orr over the last furlong, Tennesse Waltz took the lead with the final stride of the race to beat the 5/2 Lincoln.

It was Orr’s 22nd win of 2019.

The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. today wished good luck to all students who are sitting Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations.

Around 2,139 students will sit the Leaving Cert exams in Donegal this year. Eighty-three candidates in Donegal are also due to take their Leaving Cert Applied exams.

There are 2,389 students beginning the Junior Certificate exams in Donegal today.

Minister McHugh said: “I would like to wish all students starting their Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate examinations today the very best of luck. These exams are the culmination of many days and nights of hard work and I wish you the very best wherever they take you.

“The exams are a milestone in your education and you shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that there are many paths to a rewarding life.

“There are now more options and opportunities for you than ever before, whether your focus is on a skill, a trade, a college or university course or all the new and older apprenticeships and traineeships.

“Considerable work has been done this year, both in the Department and in the State Examinations Commission, to try and ease the levels of stress some students experiences.

“We extended the Leaving Certificate timetable by two days to minimise subject clashes and limit, as much as possible, the occasions when students have to sit three exams. We want to give students the best chance possible.

“I also announced last week a more compassionate approach for students who suffer a close family bereavement at the Leaving Certificate examinations.

“At Junior Cycle, students are sitting English and Business Studies and Science exams having already completed work accounting for 10 per cent of their marks. It is the first time this initiative has been in place and it’s just one of many small steps to improve the system.

“We are lucky to have such dedicated and professional teachers and staff in our schools. Along with parents, they put in hard work every year to help young people prepare for exams and ensure they have much-needed support.

“You also feel the stress. You all try to ensure that everything that can be done, is done. And I want to thank you all for your efforts and again the best of luck to all students sitting the state exams.”

A totla of 54,440 students nationwide are entered to sit the Leaving Certificate, including the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme whikle a further 2,709 students are entered to do the Leaving Certificate Applied.

A total of 62,562 students are entered to sit the Junior Cycle.

The examinations commence today and will continue until Wednesday, 19 June 2019 for Junior Cycle and Tuesday, 25 June 2019 for Leaving Certificate.

As part of a new pilot measure to assist bereaved students, candidates who suffer the death of a close relative during the examinations, or in the two days prior to the beginning of examinations, will be able to sit alternative examinations in July if they wish.

This could be in respect of examinations falling to be sat for up to a three-day period during the June written examination timetable, from the date of death up to and including the day after the funeral.

The results of the Leaving Certificate will be issued on Tuesday, 13 August 2019 and will be available on line from 10am that day. This is one day earlier than the normal date of issue to facilitate the shortened Leaving Certificate appeals timeline, which is being brought back by 3 weeks in 2019. As a result, CAO offers will also issue earlier than normal, with Round 1 offers issuing on Thursday, 15 August.

It is planned to issue Junior Cycle results in late September.

The examinations are overseen by the State Examinations Commission. More information is available at www.examinations.ie