An €8.96m funding package has been announced for the Riverine Project in Lifford and Strabane. 

The project is set to create thirty acres of new cross-border community park space and infrastructure, designed to help bring people together.

The funding sanctioned will allow the cross-border project to encompass a number of unique elements all designed to encourage greater levels of positive cross-community contact.

A newly constructed pedestrian footbridge across the River Foyle will be built as part of the project, with cross-border pathways and greenways also being installed to accommodate leisure and recreation activities.

The allocation will also see a pavilion building built for various cultural and heritage events, an outdoor wetland and park space for recreation and environmental education activities, and a family fun space comprising of a toddler and junior adventure play area.

Representing the Lead Partner Cllr. Nicholas Crossan, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council said: “This is an iconic project with the potential to create a unique and transformational cross-border shared space that will see communities in Lifford, Strabane and the wider hinterlands coming together to deliver a project that will not only capture their imagination and inspire action but will act as a symbol of peace and reconciliation for generations to come.

“The Riverine project is a multifaceted development and will deliver a unique blend of shared indoor and outdoor space linked by a cross-border pedestrian and cycle bridge enhancing the physical connection between these border communities.

“Leading the delivery of this iconic project, that has the potential to transform and profoundly impact the lives of the people living in these border communities, demonstrates the Councils commitment to driving forward the shared vision for prosperous, healthy and inclusive communities.”

Cllr Gary Doherty said on Wednesday the project could be “potentially the best news the towns have had in a generation.”

He said: “This project is a massive endorsement of the hard work and commitment of community groups in the wider Lifford and Strabane areas.

“They actively engaged with both Councils to ensure that the evidence was there to show that this new facility would be used by the community to foster enhanced links and relationships across the border.”

The U-14 hurlers from Letterkenny Gaels won the County ‘B’ Hurling Championship after they defeated Burt at Pairc na nGael on Thursday evening.

Both teams are well acquainted with each other and recently met in the Ulster Féile final.

From the outset the Gaels showed their intent with Neil O’Baoighill causing major headaches for the determined Burt defence.

This was a great sporting game of hurling with both sides battling until the final whistle.

Ultimately, it was the home side who took the win and County Hurling Chairman, Manus O’Donnell was on hand to present the Liam Emery Shield to the victorious Gaels team.

Independent Cllr John O’Donnell has been officially elected as Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford electoral area.

The Kilmacrennan councillor took over the chain of office from outgoing chairman Ian McGarvey at today’s AGM in Letterkenny.

Cllr John O’Donnell was formally proposed as Mayor by Independent Cllr Kevin Bradley.

Cllr O’Donnell seconded the proposal himself.

There was some uncertainty about the election earlier after no-one came forward to second Cllr Bradley’s initial proposal.

The meeting was adjourned for 15 minutes before councillors resumed proceedings and eventually elected Cllr O’Donnell.

With 1,959 first preference votes, Cllr O’Donnell was the first councillor to be elected in the May 2019 elections and topped the poll in Milford.

Gardai caught a motorist travelling speeding in a 100kpm zone in the Kilmacrennan area this week. 

The car was clocked by speed detection devices travelling at 122kph near the town centre.

Once apprehended, the driver in question then failed a roadside breath test.

The driver is set to receive a fine for speeding, drink driving and faces a three-month ban.

Officers with the road policing unit have appealed to drivers to slow down.

Sinn Féin’s John Shéamuis Ó Fearraigh has been returned as the Mayor of the Glenties Municipal District on Friday. 

Last month, Ó Fearraigh was elected after achieving 2,050 votes on the eighth count.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Noreen McGarvey was elected as the Leas Cathaoirleach.

Cllr Noreen McGarvey was elected as the Leas Cathaoirleach. 

A lost and found appeal has come to a happy ending as a man’s missing wedding was located in Buncrana.

The lost ring had belonged to an elderly man whose wife passed away just one month ago.

A public appeal went out yesterday to seek help in locating the gold ring.

It was fortunately found this Friday morning.

A family member has sincerely thanked the public for their assistance.

“It seemed like the whole of Donegal helped,” they told Donegal Daily.

“Thanks to everyone. We really appreciate it. Grandad is absolutely delighted. We have a fantastic community around us.”

Chloe and Sam Magee are through to the quarter-finals of the Spanish International after overcoming Rodion Kargaev and Olga Morozova. 

The Raphoe pair saw off the Russians 21-13, 21-19 on Friday morning as they prepare for the European Games in Minsk, Belarus next week.

But the Irish number one pair will turn their attention to quarter-finals on later today against Scottish competitors Adam Hall and Julie Macpherson.

Cllr Kevin Bradley has been elected as Deputy Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford District.

The Letterkenny bakery owner was appointed to the role at his first AGM of the local electoral area today.

Cllr Bradley, an Independent, was formally proposed for the role by Cllr Michael McBride. Cllr Ian McGarvey seconded the proposal.

Cllr Bradley said it was an honour to accept the position.

Cllr Bradley will work alongside newly appointed Mayor John O’Donnell for the next year.

Councillors of the new Letterkenny-Milford Electoral Area

Irish Water has announced a number of minor changes to the current upgrade projects that have caused gridlock in Letterkenny in recent months.

There have been calls for the disruptive works on Pearse Road to stop this week as local businesses suffer loses of up to 30%.

Irish Water revealed new traffic management plans at a meeting with Letterkenny municipal district councillors this morning.

The authority said that the left hand turn from Paddy Harte Road into the Pearse Road will not be reinstated until mid—July.

Works on the sewer upgrade will also be extended to Saturdays.

They confirmed that the project will cease for the Donegal International Rally and the weekend of July 12.

Irish Water has apologised for the inconvenience of works and thanked the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, traders and elected officials for the ongoing engagement throughout the project.

They said they will also continue to work with An Garda Siochána to facilitate the free movement of traffic around the town.

Letterkenny businesses call for roadworks to stop as jobs threatened

Chloe and Sam Magee are through to the semi-finals of the Spanish International after seeing off Scottish pairing Adam Hall and Julie Macpherson on Friday afternoon. 

The Raphoe siblings beat the Scots’ 21-19, 24-22 and are through to the next stage where they will play Russian or Danish opposition.

The Irish number one pair are working hard ahead of the start of the European Games 2019 next week in Minsk, Belarus.

‘Lap Of The Map’ Runner Mary Hickey is back in the north west for a week of cycling as part of her second all-Ireland adventure in aid of the RNLI.

Many will remember Mary from her 2018 run around the whole coast of Ireland. The Wicklow woman visited many local RNLI stations, schools and communities along the way and was an inspiration force to many.

The 66-year-old’s first epic fundraiser raised €77,500. Now, Mary is back for a second lap of the map on the bike.

Mary Nolan Hickey

The experienced athlete started her journey on the 14th of April. After taking one week off, she is back on track in Donegal, travelling south to north before getting the ferry from Moville to Derry on 21st June.

Mary has already visited Bundoran and Killybegs today (Friday). You can follow her route on the Garmin Tracker or on the timetable below.

Mary is hoping that this year’s run can bring her fundraising total to €100,000 in support of the life-saving services of the volunteers in the RNLI.

To support her journey, visit the donation page here: https://live.everydayhero.com/page/7cHmTAAFQACAAAAAAC4a6A.html

Patsy McGonagle will be signing copies of his new autobiography tomorrow in Letterkenny.

The former Irish athletics team manager launched his book ‘Relentless: A Race Through Time’ on Monday night at the Finn Valley Centre.

World Championship gold medallist and Olympic bronze medallist Rob Heffernan, who worked under McGonagle from the late 1990s, was the special guest for the launch.

‘Relentless: A Race Through Time’ was written by Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Sports Editor Chris McNulty.

Tomorrow from 1-3pm, McGonagle will be in Easons, Letterkenny Shopping Centre, signing copies of his book, which makes for an ideal Father’s Day present!

\Finn Harps suffered a fifth consecutive Premier Division loss as Jake Walker broke Donegal hearts in Inchicore tonight.

St Patrick’s Athletic 1 Finn Harps 0

Under-19 attacker Walker came off the bench to net his first senior goal as St Patrick’s Athletic took a narrow win over Ollie Horgan’s men.

Walker’s goal, seven minutes from the end, consigned Harps to defeat after a decent display at Richmond Park.

Walker latched onto Dean Clarke’s pass and struck beyond Mark Anthony McGinley for the winner. The goal, and the win, gives Pat’s a big boost as they look forward to Tuesday’s Europa League draw in Nyon.

Harps had earned a 0-0 draw on their previous visit to Inchicore earlier in the season.

There were moments of panic early on when McGinley spilled a Simon Madden cross, but Ian Bermingham, Mikey Drennan and Gary Shaw all saw shots blocked.

Nathan Boyle (pictured) might have put Harps in front, but Brendan Clarke advanced to block with his feet.

Drennan headed at McGinley while Boyle fired over with a volley at the other end for the visitors.

Pat’s upped the ante after the break and McGinley brilliantly turned over from Kevin Toner.

Bermingham went close again, but his shot, from a Madden delivery, was too high.

Daniel O’Reilly had a half-chance for Harps, but Toner thwarted his efforts.

Just when it seemed as if Harps would hold on for a point, Walker struck gold for Pat’s and it might have been two only for McGinley saving superbly from Drennan in the last minute.

St Patrick’s Athletic: Brendan Clarke; Ciaran Kelly, Kevin Toner, Lee Desmond; Simon Madden, Cian Coleman, Rhys McCabe (Conor Clifford 23), Chris Forrester (Dean Clarke 76), Ian Bermingham; Mikey Drennan, Gary Shaw (Jake Walker 61)

Finn Harps: Mark Anthony McGinley; Daniel O’Reilly, Keith Cowan, Sam Todd; Colm Deasy, Gareth Harkin, Tony McNamee (Caolan McAleer 86),Raffaele Cretaro (Mark Timlin 71), Mark Russell; Mikey Place; Nathan Boyle (Sean Boyd 82).

Referee: Neil Doyle

The people of Arranmore have taken an unusual route to attract more residents to live and work on the island. 

Threatened by depopulation, the Gaeltacht island off West Donegal is calling out to the people of the United States and Australia to make the island their home.

Arranmore is home to 469 people and measures just five by three miles. But it recently acquired uncontested 100MB high-speed internet to make it an attractive destination for remote workers.

Open letters were issued from the island’s Community Council to invite the world to take advantage of the low-cost housing, broadband as fast as any office in New York, and the Wild Atlantic Way of life.

Beaver Island Monument on Arranmore Island marks the relationship between the island and families who moved to Lake Michigan in the 1800s

The letter to the US outlines some tempting elements of the island: “Your commute, no matter where you are, will only ever be five minutes. You’ll have the best diving in Ireland on your doorstep and seafood to rival the tastiest New England chowder. There are fewer people here than would fit in a couple of Amtrak carriages, but enough musicians and good Irish whiskey to keep the party going well into the night.”

The letters outline the great community, excellent schools, and scenery on offer on Arranmore.

The letter to Australia invites natives to “swap brown snakes and great whites for acres of open (and safe!) space.

“On Arranmore you’ll have secluded beaches all to yourself. The little pubs here don’t have schooners, but they do have Guinness on tap that will blow them out of the water,” it said.

Open letter issued to Australia from Arranmore Island

Anyone wishing to connect with Arranmore’s community is being asked to send them a message via their Facebook page or email cominghome@arainnmhor.com

A Letterkenny man who dragged his partner along the ground in a local shopping centre in front of children has escaped with a warning.

John Joyce of 30 Solomons Hill, pleaded guilty to the charge before Judge Paul Kelly arising from an incident at Letterkenny Shopping Centre on March 15.

Sgt Jim Collins Letterkenny District Court that gardai received reports of a male “roaring and shouting abuse” shortly after 6pm.

He said that the defendant was dragging the female along the ground and was shouting obscenities.

He added that there were a number of people present while this was happening, including young children.

The court also heard that Joyce did not appear to be under the influence of any substance or alcohol. He said that the female did not wish to give a statement.

Barrister, Ms Laura Byrne, representing the defendant, told the court that her client was aged eighteen and wished to apologise to the gardai, the security staff and patrons of Letterkenny Shopping Centre.

She added: “This should never have happened. He went down the wrong path and has no excuse for his behaviour. He has indicated his remorse and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.”

Ms Byrne also told the court that Joyce had just become a father and has a one-month-old baby and “wants to be a good parent”.

Judge Kelly asked if the young woman involved in the shopping centre incident was the mother of the defendant’s baby and he was told that she was.

“This is not the sort of example you want to be setting for your child,” Judge Kelly told the defendant.

He concluded by giving the defendant the benefit of the Probation Act, meaning a conviction will not be recorded against him and stated: “Hopefully he’s as good as his word”.

More than 20 people were involved in a day-long altercation at Canal Road in Letterkenny last Sunday, a court has heard.

Tommy Connors of 4 Canal Road was arrested at Letterkenny University Hospital on Sunday for his part in the fracas and gardai objected to bail being granted.

Gardai outlined that on Sunday afternoon, Connors used a rope with hooks attached at the end to break three windows in a violent incident at Canal Road. He was also in possession of a steel bar.

The court heard that a number of witness statements were taken and gardai are seeking further more serious charges in relation to this matter.

Garda McLaughlin told Judge Paul Kelly that bail was being objected to on a number of grounds. These included the fact that Connors could interfere with witnesses and would not turn up to court to answer the charges against him.

He confirmed that Connors was not the only person involved in this altercation and there were up to 20 persons involved throughout the day and there is an ongoing garda investigation in relation to it.

Solicitor for the defendant, Mr Michael Shiel, asked Judge Kelly to grant bail and said his client had lived at that address for more than ten years.

He said he has been in court on a number of occasions since then on public order charges and has had no warrants issued in the last five years.

Mr Shiel suggested that Connors could provide an alternate address at which to reside but Garda McLaughlin said this would not change his view on the objection to bail.

“I still believe that he would return to his brothers at 4 Canal Road,” said Garda McLaughlin.

Judge Kelly noted that there was another incident recently involving parties related to the defendant at the same location and said he was refusing bail on the basis of possible interference with witnesses.

The eagerly awaited Colgan Heritage Weekend is right around the corner as Inishowen gets ready to celebrate it from June 28 – June 30. 

This event celebrates the towns most famous scholar John Colgan and the heritage of the town through song, informative talks, walk, exhibitions, book launch, drama, gala concert and much more. An energetic committee have compiled an interesting programme of events.

On the opening night, National Ploughing Championships’ organiser, Anna May McHugh, will open the event followed by a wine and cheese reception.

Dessie McCallion will lead a heritage walk on Saturday, while journalist Kathy Donagh and Catriona McLaughlin will speak about the weekend theme and about life on the peninsula.

William McElhinney will talk about a range of different wild and seafoods following a panel discussion on Sunday afternoon about the First Dail.

The tenth Colgan Heritage Weekend truly has something for everyone. So make your way to Carndonagh at the end of June for a fun filled entertaining and educational weekend that celebrate Carndonagh and the peninsula.

Tonight is the last chance to see Workhouse Theatre Company’s new drama that is sure to open up discussion about an event that has touched many lives.

The brilliant cast brings humour, sorrow and raw emotion to the production with an authentic script that left the audience wanting another chapter.

This performance deserves an audience and it’s a great honour that they have chosen Letterkeny to debut the drama.

Director Iarla McGowan deliberately withheld the story behind the new production but it is a story that will stay with you.

Don’t miss the last night of the run at An Grianán Theatre at 8pm tonight.

The Brand New Work by Workhouse Theatre Company is suitable for ages 16 and up. For further details contact www.angrianan.com Box Office: Tel: 00353 74 912 0777. Tickets €15

Mark Dorrian will referee the 2019 Leo Murphy final between Donegal and Cavan on Saturday, June 15.

The game will take place at Athletic Grounds in Armagh

Dorrian, 26, is in his ninth season as a referee at senior level.

The Fhánada Gaeil’s club man has previously taken charge of minor, U21 and Junior A finals at County level.

The game is currently underway.