Students at Crana College are busy rehearsing for there upcoming school musical ’Hairspray’.
You can see the hard work being put in by the students and staff of the school in the video above.
The students have been rehearsing daily now for weeks and are putting the final touches to there preparations for the big musical.
Keep up the hard work guys.
A MULTI-DENOMINATIONAL Service of remembrance for families and friends bereaved by suicide will take place in Stranorlar on Sunday week, September 29.
This service, which has not been held in a recent years, is again being organised by a local woman, Angela Crawford, who lost her daughter to suicide.
A large turn-out is expected at the service.
The service takes place in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar, at 7pm and everyone is welcome.
Vocational school trials are being held on Thursday of this week at both the St.Eunan’s club pitch and also in Glenties. 
All schools are encouraged to send their best players along.
Players are asked to be there for 5pm.
A LABRADOR saved from the pound in Donegal just hours before he was due to be put down is now helping a young autistic boy.
The incredible turnaround in the fortunes of Goldie has also had the same heart-warming effect on the lives of little Isaac and his parents.
Goldie was noticed in the local dog pound by Donegal Pet Rescue’s foster co-ordinator Ryan Mc Cauley who saved her at the 11th hour and spared her life from the lethal injection.
After Goldie came out of the pound she was brought to a vet for a health check and to receive her injections.
Goldie was placed with a foster family and was described by her foster mother as a “very placid girl who is very eager to please.”
This statement set the wheels in motion and Ryan was in contact with Brian Curran from LK Pets in Letterkenny to carry out some basic training assessment.
After a very successful meeting between Brian and Goldie, Ryan proceeded to get in touch with Kate Mc Cafferty of Autistic Family Support Group.
Goldie was evaluated approved and sent forward to the training department of My Canine Companion who are always on the look-out for a dog just like Goldie. 
Before Goldie went forward to My Canine Companion she stayed with Kate Mc Cafferty of Autistic Family Support Group while recovering from her spaying operation.
From here Goldie went to stay with Lynda from My Canine Companion to prepare for her start in the training programme.
Over the next few months Goldie came on leaps and bounds in her training and returned to Lynda for her Christmas Holidays. 
At this stage everyone was delighted with the progress Goldie had made and held high hopes of her completing her training.
Goldie was back to training in January where she was put through numerous test in different circumstances and was ready to be placed in a family in June of this year.
My Canine Companion then set about finding the right home for Goldie. The family chosen was Maureen, Paul and son Isaac.
Isaac had a very irregular sleeping pattern and often kept his mother up most of the night. He would be very difficult to manage and would run away from her in the park or when out shopping.
This was a tremendous strain on the daily lives of the whole family.
Isaac attends a preschool for autistic children and 2 girls in his class have assistance dogs. This gave Maureen, Isaac’s mother the idea to apply for an assistance dog to try and help out with his condition.
Maureen was successful in her application and on the 19th of June she travelled to Cork and completed a 3 day course with Goldie before taking him home on the 23rd to meet Isaac.
It was an instant friendship as Goldie and Isaac became inseparable. Maureen, and Isaac’s dad Paul, are enjoying a better quality of life as Isaac is sleeping all night, is visibly calmer and relaxed and an altogether much happier child.
This is due to Isaac mimicking Goldie’s calm nature and all this from a dog that was hours from being put to sleep. 
Donegal Pet Rescue and the Autism Family Support Group are so delighted with the outcome of Goldie’s story that they are holding ‘’ GOLDIE’S GRADUATION BALL’’ in the Radission Blu Hotel Letterkenny on the 19th October 2013 to raise much needed funds and awareness for both charities.
On the night they will have a 4 course dinner and entertainment along with an auction and many raffle prizes up for grabs.
This will be a great chance to meet Goldie and her new family and hear the story first hand of how Goldie has changed this family’s life for the better.
Tickets are priced @ €25 and are available from the DPR Charity Shop, Foster homes and LK PETS or from any member of Autism Family Support Group.
“This story portrays how a dog that was due to be put to sleep has now made such an impact on a child’s life,” said Ryan.
“It’s one story I’ll never tire of telling.”
Our columnist Nikki Bradley is stirring up the airwaves as a top radio DJ will soon have her on the air.
Nikki Bradley is on a mission to get fit to create awareness for Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
Her story caught the attention of Spin 1038 DJ Nikki Hayes, who will feature her on her show.
Hayes, who has Donegal connections through her fiancé Frank Black, has promised to help Nikki promote her cause. She arranged for Wicklow radio station East Coast FM to host Nikki next Monday, September 23, where she will talk about her fitness journey and awareness plans.
Hayes also contacted the director of Dundrum Town Centre, Don Nugent, who’s son Ross tragically died from Ewing’s Sarcoma in 2010. His parents set up The Ross Nugent Foundation, a Dublin-based charity set up to raise funds for equipment in oncology wards in Beaumont and other hospitals. The charity has agreed to help Nikki generate even more awareness for her goal.
MAKE SURE TO CATCH ‘NIKKI’S FIGHT FOR FITNESS’ COLUMN EVERY FRIDAY, ONLY ON DONEGAL DAILY
The last Sunday in September will see Glenveagh Castle opens its doors to one and all for a special evening of activities and entertainment.
Glenveagh Castle
To mark ‘The Gathering,’ the Castle is inviting families from across Donegal to come together and share in a range of fun, historical, cultural and outdoor events for all ages.
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Glenveagh Valley and as dusk falls, the evening will see the Castle and Gardens come alive with twinkling lights and glowing trails. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the grounds at this special time of day, while the air will be filled with the dance of the fiddle and the song of the flute, echoing from the castle. Traditional music lovers will be treated to a variety of Donegal’s finest performers and costumed characters of old will mingle with tales of life long ago in the Castle. Budding Artists can try their hand at sketching old artefacts from around the house in the Victorian Children’s Art Room and there’ll be plenty of space to relax in the Marquee if it’s all just too much to take in!
Families with children can enjoy a fun night time scavenger hunt around the gardens, and for those with children over 8yrs, there’ll be a unique opportunity to climb to the top of the view point trail with our guides, to enjoy to sights and sounds of an autumn evening in Glenveagh. For nature enthusiasts there will be the chance to go on a short bat walk, using bat detectors to learn about these incredible nocturnal mammals and the nature centre will be open with a night time wildlife slideshow.
And no Gathering would be complete without a tasty treat, so taste buds will be delighted with piping hot Irish Stew available in the Castle Tea Rooms, as well as the usual spread of delicious homemade goods.
Staff in the Park are working hard to make this the highlight of the year in Glenveagh and are looking forward to welcoming old and young from both near and far to what is sure to be a truly memorable night.
For more information and full programme go to www.glenveaghnationalpark.ie
A burst water main is causing disruption today across several villages in Northeast Donegal.
The major burst occurred in Fahan village at approx 6.45am.
Fahan, Inch, Burnfoot, Bridgend, Muff, Burt, Newtown, Carrigans, St. Johnston, and Manorcunningham have all been affected.
There is widespread traffic disruption as the council try to repair the damage.
Plans are in place to feed water from Northern Ireland into the affected areas.
The council has stated on their website that they hope to return normal water supplies by 4pm. They have apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Footballer of the year Karl Lacey has said he wants another All-Ireland medal and believes the current group of players in the county are capable of re-capturing the Sam Maguire cup in 2014.
Karl Lacey want’s another All-Ireland medal.
Lacey believes this current group of Donegal players are not content with one All-Ireland medal and feels when you win a top honour like Donegal did in 2012 it only gives you a greater appetite to get back there and win it again.
He feels the majority of the Donegal panel feel the same as him and believes the wheels are already in motion as Donegal plot to take Sam back to the hills in 2014.
Lacey said, “Winning an All-Ireland title only wets your appetite for more and I believe the majority of the Donegal team feel the same way.
“We got to an All-Ireland final last year and won it so there’s no reason we can’t do it next year.
“We blooded some new players like Ryan McHugh and Ross Wherity last year and that experience will help them improve next season.
“This is the time we didn’t have last year and we can use it to start planning now. Jim will already have plans in his head to start getting us ready.
“I’ve spoke to a good few of the boys in the last couple of weeks and everybody is really keen to give it a right good rattle again next season. Nobody is content with one All-Ireland.
“Last year we weren’t as ready as we should have been but this year we won’t make the same mistakes again. Jim staying is massive everybody is delighted he has committed for another year.
“I want another All-Ireland and so does everyone in that squad.
Gardai are hunting vandals who destroyed more than €10,000 of boats off Downings Pier last night.
Scene of the crime at Downings Pier.
The thugs cut the mooring ropes of two boats setting them adrift.
The boats then floated across the bay and ended up being smashed up on rocks close to the Rosapenna Hotel.
The boats, which were used for fishing, were completely destroyed and debris has been floating in the area.
The boats, a wooden boat and another fiberglass boat, were owned by two local men but were completely destroyed.
Gardai are now viewing CCTV footage from the pier in an effort to identify the culprits.
One car was spotted just before 2am with its headlights off.
And even worse news for the owners is that neither of the boats were insured.
Gardai have asked anyone who may have witnessed people acting suspiciously to get in touch.
Sports Pundit Charlie Collins has been nominated for the Best Independent Podcaster prize in the 2013 Realex Fire Web Awards.
Since leaving Highland Radio in June this year, he has brought his match analyses and news roundups online to charliecollinstalkingsport.com
The “Charlie Collins Talking Sport” podcasts are uploaded weekly to his website, where listeners can download or stream them online.
Charlie’s podcasts cover a range of sports like GAA, Athletics and Tennis, with special guests each week, such as Jim McGuinness and John Joe Doherty.
The website was recognised by 2013 Realex Fire Web Awards, along with 15 other nominees in the category.
The winner of the award will be announced on November 6 in the Four Seasons, Dublin.
A difference of opinion on training schedules for the 2014 season led to the shock departures of the Donegal GAA team’s backroom team.
The trio overlook the warm up prior to the Ulster championship clash with Down earlier the season.
There was shock amongst GAA fans yesterday when assistant manager Rory Gallagher, video analyst Maxi Curran and kit-man Francie Friel were told they would not be part of the management team next season.
It came days after Jim McGuinness said there would be no changes following his decision to remain on as Donegal manager for the season ahead.
However within 48 hours the sensational news broke that the trio had all stepped down citing personal reasons such as work and family commitments.
Then there was another twist in this sensational story however when McGuinness issued a statement last night through the county board.
The trio overlook the warm up prior to the Ulster championship clash with Down earlier the season.
In the statement it said ”CLG Dhún na nGall were informed by Senior Football Team Manager, Jim McGuinness of his intention to make changes in his management & support team.”
Donegal fans are now scratching their heads in dismay at the decision to dismantle his backroom staff and there is differing opinions across the county as to why the trio were sacked by McGuinness.
Donegal Daily has learned that Gallagher and Curran didn’t agree with McGuinness’s blueprint for the season ahead and wanted the manager to go down a different route than that of the previous three years.
It is understood Gallagher and Curran felt several players on the current panel had a lot of mileage on the clock and they needed to be trained differently than some of the younger members of the panel.
The duo felt that the punishing training regime could be too much for some of the players in the 28-31 age brackets in the squad.
However McGuinness dismissed the views of his backroom staff and after a short consultation with them it was decided they would part company.
The news has stunned supporters in Donegal. It is not yet known if Maxi Curran will continue as Donegal U21 manager.
Reports are linking Gallagher to the vacant positions in both his native Fermanagh and Sligo.
A Burnfoot man has been fined for clocking and reselling second hand cars.
He had been buying used cars and repairing them, before altering the mileage and selling them on, Limavady Magistrate’s Court heard.
Michael Gahan, Garveahy, Brae Rd appeared before the court for 13 charges carried out between September and December 2010
The court heard how Gahan (25) had changed the mileage of cars to figures as much as 100,000 miles fewer than the actual reading.
Deputy District Judge Peter King ordered Gahan to pay victims £5,500 in compensation for three of the clocked cars. He was sentenced to 100 hours community service and fined a further £1,100.
THEY’VE become the lifeblood of many GAA clubs and the weekly lotto draw throws up a jackpot winner every now and then.
This week’s celebrations are at St Eunan’s.
Jack McLaughlin is pictured receiving his cheque after scooping the St. Eunan’s GAA Club Lotto.
Jack matched all 4 numbers and won €3,650. He is pictured receiving his cheque from the seller of the winning ticket, Adrian Shiels. Also included are Paul Carr (Chairman), Charlie McAteer (Secretary) and Elaina Gallagher (Treasurer).
Time to hit the surf as summer returns briefly to Donegal
IT may well be a miserable September Thursday today with loads of rain – but don’t worry another blast of summer is on the way for this weekend.
Forecasters say temperatures could top 20C this weekend in County Donegal as hot air from a Florida storm centres over Ireland…without the storm!
Met Eireann and independent weather websites reckon Donegal will start to warm up on Saturday and steadily increase through Sunday.
And then we could see temperatures into the low 20s for the WHOLE OF NEXT WEEK!
Peter O’Donnell from Irish Weather Online says we’re getting another 2013 warm spell….in the autumn.
“This may not prove to be the best summer/early autumn ever, but it has provided its share of fine weather and another pleasant spell is foreseen for part if not all of next week,” he said.
“Highs could reach the lower 20s inland. Extensive fog and coastal low cloud may accompany this spell due to light or even calm winds under high pressure.”
Met Eireann agreed.
It says: “The trend for early next week is for mainly dry, warm weather, by day, with sunny spells at times most days. Temperatures should be in the high teens and occasionally 20 or 21 C. But the nights will be cool, with occasional mists and fog.”
Should save on the coal, turf and oil for a few days!
The consortium bidding against Highland Radio for the upcoming radio license has scored a major blow by scooping one of its leading contributors.
Professor Roy Greenslade
Professor of Journalism Roy Greenslade is a well-known voice over the local airwaves on the Shaun Doherty Show.
But the former Daily Mirror editor, who has a house in Ballyare, has joined rival Charlie Collins’ Donegal Commercial Radio Broadcasting Ltd as an independent director.
The new signing will be seen as a huge feather in the cap of the rival group who, along with Highland, must submit their application to the Broadcasting Association of Ireland by Monday next.
Greenslade, who divides his time between Brighton and Donegal, is an international media commentator and columnist with The Guardian.
The Tirconail Tribune reports that he joins other big hitters on the board of the new consortium including businessmen Paddy Simpson and US-based Danny Doohan.
They will have to put together an impressive package together if they are to oust Highland who are the most successful local radio station in the country.
It is thought that the BAI will opt for an oral hearing from both groups which will be heard in Co Donegal before Christmas.
FORMER PRAMERICA boss Henry McGarvey has taken on a new challenge – helping in the continued regeneration of Derry City.
The Donegal man has accepted a position on the Board of ILEX, the company delivering new ideas to the Maiden City.
Derry is currently the City of Culture and has had a hugely successful year with a series of events including the Fleadh.
The events have had a massive financial spin-off for Donegal with millions of extra euro pouring in from tourists combining visits to Derry with holidays here.
Mr McGarvey has taken an active role in a number of positions and sits on the board of LYIT.
His position – along with three others – were approved last night by joint northern first ministers Martin McGuinness and Peter Robinson.
Arena7 have confirmed their line up for Christmas 2013 and again it promises to be the best Christmas Night out in Town. Due the popularity of last year’s Tribute Acts, the Entertainment Complex have once again secured some of the top tribute acts in Ireland. 
Arena7 will welcome back 2012 favourites Elvis and Gareth Brooks (who sold out very fast last year) and have added the best Neil Diamond Tribute Act in Ireland to the list.
Also appearing this Christmas is a duo called Star Tribute Acts who perform tributes to Tina Turner, Robbie Williams, Katy Perry and more in full costume to make for a great nights fun
Arena7’s 4 course Christmas dinner is only €24.95 which includes complimentary bowling and a guide to the dates are below so choose your night and book early to avoid disappointment.
As Arena7 also have two stylish function rooms with private bars for larger parties arena7 can cater for any company who wish to avail of a private room. 
Kelly’s Corner can accommodate up to 60 people while the Brunswick room can hold up to 140.
For more details on this or any of our facilities contact Arena7 on 0749128853
Entertainment over Christmas
Friday 29th Nov: Neil Diamond Tribute
Sat 30th Nov: Neil Diamond Tribute
Friday 6th Dec: Star Tribute Act
Sat 7th Dec: Star Tribute Act
Fri 13th Dec: Elvis Tribute
Sat: 14th Dec: Elvis Tribute
Fri 20th Dec: Gareth Brooks Tribute
Sat 21st Dec: Gareth Brooks Tribute
Mairtin Kelly
A BUSINESSMAN has launched a new fuel price war.
From 9am today, Mairtin Kelly is cutting five cent off the price of both petrol and diesel at the Centra station at Mountain Top in Letterkenny
It will make his fuel up to 8 cents per litre cheaper than other garages in the town.
It’s understood the price cut will last for several days, with the cut price fuel available until midnight on Saturday.
Mr Kelly was unavailable for comment this morning.
However we understand that prices will be pinned back to 145.9c for diesel. Petrol will sell for 155.9c.
Prices may come down even further in the weeks ahead if a deal over the arms crisis in Syria holds.
The price of crude oil has fallen again as a result of a deal brokered between America and Russia over the destruction of Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal.
We hear all the time that the natural resource we have in Donegal is simply spectacular and world class. The beaches, the mountains, our lakes, rivers, the coastline, endless green landscape, we really have it all here. But do we experience it?
To travel from one end of the County to the other can take more than two hours. Awful if it’s for work, but great if it’s for a weekend break!
Rock & Roam is a weekend break in the Gaeltacht, a concept developed by www.mng.ie. and in association with Unique Ascent and Walking Donegal.
An active weekend break with 2 activities; rock climbing and hill walking over 2 days for from €60.
The idea behind Rock & Roam is, you don’t have to go very far to feel like you’re in a different place and get everything you need from a weekend break; activities, culture, fresh air, time to relax, local seafood and a good night out.
The Gaeltacht is perfect for that, and ticks all the boxes without costing a fortune.
Rock & Roam is available the last weekend of every month and is already proving a hit with Donegal people.
So far, groups have come from Letterkenny, Inishowen, Ballyshannon, Strabane and Derry saying things like;
“Thanks for organising the Rock-climbing with Ian and the Hillwalking with Seamus throughout this weekend we really enjoyed Rock & Roam.
“It was wonderful and brilliantly organised from start to finish. Such a great night at the Cabaret Craiceailte on Saturday to top it all off!
“Will deffo be back, keep me posted of future events!! (Sally Murphy, Letterkenny)
Hailing from Donegal myself I was a little embarrassed to discover that we had such amazing outdoor adventure opportunities on our doorstep that I was unaware of!
All credit to www.mng.ie. for developing local and national tourism with Rock & Roam sa Ghaeltacht.
A really fun weekend that I would highly recommend!! (Roxanne Keaney, Letterkenny/Dublin.)
I am not an adventurer nor a gaeligor but I had a fantastic time rocking and roaming in the Gaeltacht with mng.ie. everything was organised really well and Seamus gave me a big stick to get up the hill.
I felt like an adventurer by the end and got some gaelige on my tongue too. Go Raibh Maith Agat! (Louise Ozbay, Strabane.)
Now also part of Donegal Flybreaks from Dublin and Glasgow, here’s 10 reasons to come on a Rock & Roam weekend:
1. See Donegal
To experience the crisp clean air and dramatic landscape of the Donegal Gaeltacht, rain or shine you will feel immersed in the mountainous landscape, the culture, and the Atlantic coastline. (Only one days’ rock climbing was cancelled due to the weather this year).
2. Brush up on your Gaeilige
If you have a “cúpla focal” and would like to practice, the walking guide is fluent and will amuse you with local folklore in Irish and English.
Plus, most people you meet will speak the lingo. A class can easily be arranged as part of your Rock & Roam weekend.
3. Best climbs in Ireland
Northwest Donegal has some of the best rock climbs if the not the best in Ireland, according to Iain Miller of Unique Ascent “there is more rock in Donegal than anywhere else in Ireland”. Another claim to fame for Donegal.
4. World renowned history
Seamus Doohan from Walking Donegal knows every route in the locality and will be happy to tailor a walk to bring you to archaeological sites, legendary folklore landmarks, ancient graveyards, no shortage of local history.
5. Golden Eagles
One of the most popular walks is Poisoned Glen, Dunlewey, where there are two resident Golden Eagles and a new addition of late.
You can often see them flying above which is a spectacular sight.
6. Accessible
Getting to these parts of Donegal is easy by car or by coach (Mc Ginley coaches from Dublin via Monaghan or Tyrone, Mangan Tours from Letterkenny twice daily, Bus Feda from Galway via Sligo or Patrick Gallagher from Belfast via Derry, via public transport, transfers can be easily arranged).
Donegal Airport operates from from Dublin, Glasgow and recently London. Check out www.DonegalAirport.ie/specialoffers for Rock & Roam Flybreaks, with special group offers.
7. Nightlife
There is some of the best Irish music nights in the country here, including Caberet Craicailte (Electric Picninc, EAF).
Teach Hiudaí Beag is renowned for having the best trad seisiúins in Ireland. Many cosy drinking holes with friendly folk ready to tell a story or sing a song
8. Party time
It’s a unique stag and hen alternative, with plenty of time to party in between activities. Email us if you would like help with organizing this.
9. Local Seafood
After the activities you can head for Sean Ógs/Teach Sheain Óigs for some of the best Seafood chowder ever, among other culinary delights. This is a great venue for a party too and great for catching the match.
Always a warm welcome and a good time had at Sean Ógs.
10. Relax
If one of your group would rather do something relaxing there is a spa nearby at An Cúirt. Other activities can be easily arranged, such as a day’s sailing with Selkie sailing/Seoltóireacht Selchie, our local sailing gurus. Or chill at the lovely Caife Kitty with a hearty breakfast.
Arrive Friday evening or Saturday morning, leave Sunday night feeling completely refreshed.
Or extend your stay. There are many people living here, who came and never left and say there is something about this place that makes you want to stay.
Bígí linn le Rock & Roam sa Ghaeltacht.
If you have a tourism related business and would like to develop a similar concept, email moira@mng.ie.
Further info, booking form, testimonials and images are available on www.mng.ie. Support to find accommodation that will suit budgets and group size is also available on request.
Minimum group of 6, special offers for larger groups, and max group size 20.
Cllr Ciarán Brogan has called for support to tackle escalating waiting lists at Letterkenny General Hospital.
Cllr Ciaran Brogan
Cllr Brogan, a member of the Regional Health Forum, said help is urgently needed to ensure al services are fully restored.
“Since this disaster hit Letterkenny Hospital in July, I have been working to ensure that all services at Letterkenny General Hospital are fully restored to the best possible standard.
“The management and staff have worked tirelessly over the past month and a half to get the hospital back up and running as quickly and as safely as possible. It is vital now that no hurdles are put in the way in returning Letterkenny to its status as the key health service provider in the North West region,” said Cllr Brogan.
He added that he was delighted that the Chairman of the Group Noel Daly, CEO Bill Maher and National Director Tony O’Brien confirmed this week that all resources will be available to make Letterkenny General Hospital a top class facility serving the needs of the region.
“An immediate concern is the lengthening waiting lists at the hospital, and management must be given extra support in dealing with the backlog and ensuring that all patients get the care they need within a reasonable length of time.
“What happened in Letterkenny on 26th July cast a dark cloud over health service provision in this region. But the community pulled together and staff worked day and night in extremely difficult circumstances to put the patients first at all times.
“The priority now is to move on from this terrible incident and ensure that services at Letterkenny Hospital are better than ever,” said Cllr Brogan.
