A woman who was caught with a number of forged €20 notes claimed they belonged to her ex-boyfriend.

Courtney Coyle, aged 22 was stopped by Gardai in Co Donegal on June 14th last after a counterfeit note had been passed at a shop.

Eagle-eyed staff at the shop took her car registration number and Gardai stopped her at Townsparks in Convoy.

When stopped a total of ten €20 forged notes, all with the same serial number were found in a purse in the middle of the car.

Solicitor for Ms Coyle of Summer Meadows Manor, Waterside in Derry, Mr Donagh Cleary said the notes belonged to her boyfriend but she had taken responsibility for them.

Judge Paul Kelly asked if the accused had helped Gardai with their investigation and was told she had not.

Mr Cleary added that the forged notes were technically in her possession because they were in her car but she had since split with her boyfriend and has no previous convictions.

Letterkenny District Court heard that Ms Coyle is due to start work with a private ambulance company.

Judge Kelly said that if Ms Coyel paid €200 to the Letterkenny Youth group he would dismiss the charge.

Residents in Council Housing estates across Donegal are being encouraged to enter this year’s Best Kept Council Housing Scheme competition.

“We have over 200 Council housing estates all over Donegal and there are lots of residents living in these estates that do a tremendous job year in and year out keeping their estate in tip top shape” says Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Nicholas Crossan.

“This competition is about acknowledging the great work that they do. This year we are also keen to encourage more and more estates to enter the competition. The competition is organised on a Municipal District basis with a substantial prize fund to be won. Prizes are awarded for schemes of 20 houses or less, schemes of between 21 and 50 houses and schemes of 51 houses or more.”

The competition is easy to enter and is currently open for applications. Adjudication will take place during August. Marks will be awarded for effort involved; absence of litter; planting trees, shrubs, flowers and gardens; colour and colour harmony; condition of houses in the scheme; absence of unsightly objects and other special factors.

Cllr. Crossan believes that this is a great way for communities to come together to make their own estate a great place to live in and to bring up their families. “Each year I have the pleasure of seeing first-hand the work that is done by residents groups in these estates where people are working together, creating a sense of pride and community spirit in their own areas and we are keen to recognise their achievements.”

To qualify for the competition at least 20% of the total number of dwellings in an estate must be in the ownership of the Council. To enter the competition simply submit an entry form signed by two tenants of the Scheme on behalf of the residents.

Competition entry forms are available from the Housing Section in any Council Office or by calling (074) 91 53900. The latest date for receipt of entry forms for the competition is Friday 26th July 2019.

A woman has appeared in court in Co Donegal in connection with 40 charges of sexual abuse against children.

The woman, who cannot be named, appeared at Letterkenny District Court today.

The offences are alleged to have happened between 1986 and 1989 at various locations across Donegal.

The accused woman, who is in her 50s, did not speak during the short hearing.

Garda Sgt Jim Collins said the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented for the woman to go forward for trial at the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The woman was released on her own bail of €250 to appear at the next sitting of the circuit court later this month.

An investigation has been launched following a single vehicle road traffic collision in Fintown on Monday morning. 

A man and women, both in their 20s, crashed into a wall while travelling towards the Donegal village at around 8am this morning.

Both passengers have been taken to hospital but their condition is not yet clear at this stage.

Gardaí in Donegal continues to investigate the incident.

There were dramatic scenes at Fort Dunree in Inishowen this morning after a fire broke out at the military museum. 

The alarm was raised at 9.45am, when staff at the museum noticed smoke coming from one of the outbuildings. Large flames soon emerged under the windy conditions.

The Buncrana Fire Service arrived quickly on the scene and had the situation under control within minutes.

Video via Fort Dunree Military Museum

The building, which was a former Officers’ Mess, was unoccupied at the time and there were no injuries from this morning’s incident.

Firefighters have cordoned off the area and the Fort Dunree museum is open to the public as normal.

The abandoned outhouse is one of many buildings which have been preserved from an immensely important time in Donegal’s history. The Fort Dunree military museum is a popular tourist destination on the Wild Atlantic Way, with many military memorabilia and artefacts on site.

A spokesperson at the museum expressed their thanks to Buncrana Fire Service for extinguishing the fire.

“A big thank you to the fire brigade, we really appreciate them coming so quick.”

A 14-year-old boy has been ordered not to contact a young girl again after he appeared in court charged with pulling her hair.

The boy, who has just completed his Junior Certificate, appeared at Letterkenny District Court along with his mother today.

The court heard that the boy, then aged 13 years, went to the then 12-year-old girl’s house in Letterkenny on August 27th, 2017 and they had a disagreement.

She claimed that he pulled her hair and then kicked her.

However, solicitor for the boy Mr Michael Shiel said his client denied he had kicked the girl.

He said there had been a boyfriend and girlfriend situation going on between the youngsters and added to Judge Paul Kelly that it would not have happened in their day.

The judge had previously adjourned the case to hear a victim impact statement from the girl as well as a probation report on the boy.

Judge Kelly had asked the boy if he had apologised to the girl and was told he had after he met the girl again at a teenage disco.

The court heard how the boy’s family had now moved to another part of Donegal to live.

Having viewed the report Judge Kelly said it didn’t appear like the pair were the best of friends.

The victim impact statement from the girl was handed into court along with the probation report.

Judge Kelly told the boy that it was clear from the victim’s statement that she did not want to have any contact with him.

He said he agreed with the proposals of the probation Report in the case.

He told the boy “You let her get on with her life and you get on with yours. You are not to communicate with her,” said Judge Kelly.

He added that this included social media and that he was not to post anything about the girl.

He asked the boy how he had done in his Junior Certificate and the boy replied “good.”

Judge Kelly added, “Good luck with your results and I don’t want to see you here again.”

One of Oakfield Park’s most popular summer events, the Teddy Bear’s Picnic, takes place this Wednesday 3rd July and annual pass holders go free – there’s still time to get your annual or gold pass HERE.

Annual and Gold Pass holders can attend this event for free.

The Teddy Bear’s Picnic promises to be a great day for all the family with train rides, music, crafts, free face-painting and teddy bear hunts in the park. Children are invited to bring their favourite teddy and check into the Teddy Hospital, where they’ll meet the Oakfield Teddy and his friends including Peppa Pig.

Oakfield Park’s Teddy Bear’s Picnic takes place this Wednesday, 3rd July.

There’ll also be a barbecue outside Buffers serving a selection of delicious food and picnics will be available to purchase on the day. Families are also welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy in the park. 

Upon completing the Teddy Bear Hunt, every child will also receive a bag of gummy bears. Families can also explore the park’s 100-acre wood, visit the Faerie tree and navigate their way around the hedge maze.

Children can check into the Teddy Hospital and meet the Oakfield Teddy and his friends.

Trains will also be running throughout the day and are one of the best ways to experience the park. There is no extra charge for this event (normal entrance fees apply) and there’s no need to purchase tickets in advance. 

Enjoy the Buffers Barbecue or picnic in the grounds this Wednesday.

Oakfield Park is open daily for the summer season from 11am – 6pm and the best and most efficient way to enjoy the park is to purchase an Annual Pass or Gold Pass. All summer long, Gold Pass holders receive VIP access to the park, unlimited train rides and complimentary gifts. 

Here are 6 great reasons to buy an annual or gold pass this summer. https://oakfieldpark.com/make-it-a-summer-to-remember-with-oakfield-parks-annual-and-gold-passes/

For more information call the Oakfield Park office on +353 (0)74 9173068 or email gardens@oakfieldpark.com.

Donegal teacher Elaine McConnell has been inspired by her late uncle to take on a mighty adventure this week with her beloved pooch Lucy.

Elaine will be pushing herself to the limit as she takes part in a solo 145km three-day ‘Home to Home’ fundraising walk from Belfast to St Johnston in Donegal.

The challenge, which begins this Friday, aims to raise awareness and much-needed funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland.

Elaine works as a behaviour support teacher in Longstone Special School in Dundonald, Belfast. She will be leaving her home in East Belfast at 7.00am on Friday, 5th July and plans to arrive in her family home for a special barbecue with family and friends in St Johnston, Co Donegal on Sunday evening, 7th July. Her canine companion Lucy will be keeping her company during the cross-border trip.

Elaine McConnell and her dog Lucy

Dementia is very close to Elaine’s heart and she was inspired to organise this solo adventure by her uncle, Bill McVitty, who lived with dementia for 10 years. Bill was always trying to ‘go home’ which is where the idea of ‘Home to Home’ came from. Bill sadly passed away in May after being cared for at home by his wife, Doreen, for many years.

Elaine now wants to complete the challenging walk in Bill’s memory.

Elaine will be joined by friends and family members at various points along the way and she is encouraging others to follow her progress on social media or make a donation online (click here to donate)

All the money raised will be split evenly between The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland.

Elaine said: “Dementia is a cause close to the heart of my family and many others. I have witnessed how devastating and heart-breaking this condition can be on a family. My uncle Bill had dementia and we were all impacted by his journey with the condition so I am going to do this for him, his family and everyone else out there who is affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“I am really looking forward to raising awareness and funds for these great charities north and south of the border to show people who are caring for people with dementia in particular that there is support out there and to raise the importance of people talking and seeking help and advice. I also want to highlight the issue of caring for the carer who do so much work and are heroes in our own communities.”

Elaine McConnell and her dog Lucy

Elaine added: “The generosity and support that I have received so far from family, friends, colleagues and members of the public has been fantastic. Little things like people offering their support, leaving messages, people making donations both large and small and even the offering of services and company during the walk has been absolutely phenomenal. I have been taken aback by the reaction to this walk and the public’s support.”

The teacher has been taken aback by the support that she has received so far – with one hotel, the O’Neill Arms Country House Hotel in Toomebridge in Antrim, offering a free stay for her first night on the road.

Graham/Farrans Construction Joint Venture has gone out of their way to allow Elaine access to the site of their almost completed 7.3km of new A6 dual carriageway that will allow Elaine to walk safely, traffic free from Randalstown to the Toomebridge bypass and Charles Hurst, Belfast have generously donated a minibus for three days to act as a support vehicle that can transport any volunteer walkers back to their cars if they have joined Elaine for a stretch.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides numerous services to help the 2,000 people with dementia and their families in Donegal including Day Care, Social Clubs, Alzheimer Cafes and Home Care and also has an active Donegal Branch Office. Full details on www.alzheimer.ie

Members of the public can make online donation to Elaine HERE.

A SCORELESS draw against Cork City tonight moved Finn Harps four points clear of UCD in the battle for Premier Division survival.

Finn Harps 0 Cork City 0

By Chris McNulty at Finn Park. Pictures by Joe Boland

This result, coupled with Sligo Rovers’ 5-1 win over UCD – including a goal from Ballybofey’s Johnny Dunleavy – means head for Belfield to face the Students on Friday night with a four-point buffer.

Harps might have won this one ten minutes from the end, but Mark Timlin – a half-time replacement for Harry Ascroft – curled a delicious effort narrowly wide of the far post after stepping into position on the edge of the area.

Ascroft came in for only his second start since his pre-season signing. The injury-troubled Australian has been blighted since his arrival in Ballybofey, but was included from the off here. Ascroft was penciled into the notepad of referee John McLoughlin for a rash challenge on Gary Boylan in the 19^th minute.

Ascroft’s evening ended prematurely as he was replaced by Timlin at the interval.

Niall Logue was also elevated to the starting XI, with Raffaele Cretaro and Keith Cowan making way from the team that defeated Sligo Rovers 2-0 on Friday night – a win that hoisted Harps off the foot of the table.

Cork suffered a heavy 4-1 beating at the hands of Derry City on Friday and the Rebels showed four changes. Colm Horgan, Gary Boylan, Darragh Rainsford and Ronan Hurley all began as the Rebels sought an instant response.

They might have hit the front a quarter-of-an-hour in when Gearoid Morrissey’s shot, after a Rainsford pass, careered off Daniel O’Reilly and out for a corner.

Cork went close after the half-hour mark, with Boylan riffling over the top after Harps failed to clear a Conor McCormack free kick.

When Buckley went down under a trailing leg of Mark Russell late in the first half, hearts were in the mouths, but the referee waved away Cork’s appeals for a penalty.

Harps survived in added time when Mark Coyle was caught out as he broke away from the penalty area and finally Harps cleared their lines as a Boylan cross caused panic.

Morrissey, who scored a pair of crackers in March when Cork held sway by the odd goal in seven, tried his luck from distance early in the second half, but he was unable to keep it on target.

Harps fashioned a big opening nine minutes after the re-start, but Caolan McAleer’s shot flashed just wide of Mark McNulty’s left-hand post, while Rainsford fired over when Harps dithered on the hour.

Conor McCarthy almost caught Mark Anthony McGinley, the Harps goalkeeper, out with an audacious long-range attempt, but his shot, taken from inside his own half, dropped over the crossbar.

It was a game of few clear-cut chances, but every point is precious for Ollie Horgan’s men and this represents a significant marker ahead of Friday’s trip to the capital.

Finn Harps: Mark Anthony McGinley; Sam Todd, Niall Logue, Harry Ascroft (Mark Timlin half-time); Daniel O’Reilly, Jacob Borg, Mark Coyle, Gareth Harkin, Mark Russell; Caolan McAleer (Mikey Place 85); Nathan Boyle.

Cork City: Mark McNulty; Conor McCarthy, Dan Casey, Sean McLoughlin; Colm Horgan, Conor McCormack, Gary Boylan (Gary Comerford 67), Gearoid Morrissey, Ronan Hurley; Garry Buckley, Darragh Rainsford (Karl Sheppard 84).

Referee: John McLoughlin.

Dylan Browne-McMonagle made the long trip to Shanahoe in Co Laois on Sunday and the Letterkenny jockey continued in his rich vein of form with another five-timer bringing his total to 30 wins for the season.

Dylan got of the mark in the 143cm but he had to get serious cajoling Unhinged to a head success. He quickly doubled up on the locally trained Waratah and this time he had a much easier victory in the 148cm pony race.

Browne-McMonagle then trebled up when Four Stone Of Lead ran his rivals ragged in the 153cm and his four-timer was completed as Bypolar Blondie made it three straight wins in the ten furlong open.

Derrys Pride made it another fine afternoon for the talented 16-year-old bringing his total wins to five but he had to be his very strongest to get a renewed effort inside the final furlong for a narrow victory in the one mile non winners.

Sam Ewing is another top jockey going the right way as he scored a fine treble firstly guiding the consistent Omega over the line in the one mile open. His second successful came aboard the fine strapping Mr James in the 12 furlong open.

Ciderman gave the Co Antrim maestro his treble in the feature race of the day the two mile open as he raced to a facile win and put him self clearly in the Dingle Derby picture come August time.

Rory Mulligan continues to impress as he steered Where It Began to an all the way win in the 128cm and Danny Gilligan had mixed fortunes as he took the 138cm aborad Little Mainne and later took a tumble and was stood down for the rest of the afternoon.

Connor Walsh who hails from Co Wexford gave Call The FBI an enterprising ride to win the second division of the ten furlong open and is another rider going the right direction.

The racing fraternity would like to wish Danny Gilligan and Ben Mulligan speedy recoveries after there respective tumbles on Sunday.

Racing continues this Saturday 6th July at Carrickadawson with a 2pm start. 9 race card on the day. Bookmakers and refreshments on course.

JOHN KELLY was in record-breaking form again at the weekend.
The Finn Valley AC man broke the Ulster and Donegal shot putt record.

Competing in the Swedish village of Bottnaryd, Kelly reached out to 17.79 metres.

The St Johnston man is aiming to break 18 metres soon.

Kelly’s throw placed him in fifth spot. The event was won by Mesud Pezer of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who threw 20.69m.

Estonia’s Kristo Galeta was second with a 19.97m mark and in third was Sweden’s Arwid Koskinen’s 18.31m.

At the same meet, Daniel Stahl improved his Swedish record in the discus by 57 centimetres, propelling himself from ninth to equal fourth on the world all-time list.

Stahl improved his national record of 71.29m – which was set exactly two years ago today – to 71.86m at a small meeting in the village of Bottnaryd where the world and European silver medallist was watched by around 500 spectators.

Stahl goes alongside Yuriy Dumchev on the world all-time list with only three Olympic champions Gerd Kanter (73.38m), Virgilijus Alekna (73.88m) and Jurgen Schult (74.08m) ahead of him.

John Kelly @finnvalleyac out to a new @athleticsdl @ulsterathletics record 17.79 in Bottnaryd Sweden yesterday at a meet where Daniel Stahl returned a 71.86 discus pic.twitter.com/94ZSZb165z

— Patsy McGonagle (@patsyfinn) June 30, 2019

Well-known Donegal couple Maria and Danny Ryan are on a mission again.

It’s a mission with two aims – to help people stay active and fit and to allow them to discover the beauty of one of Donegal’s most beautiful places, Innishboffin island.

The couple, along with their family, have once again organised a 5k fun run or walk on the island this Saturday.

Hopefully, they’ll be blessed with some good weather and all details of the event including boat times, etc are contained in the accompanying poster.

Gardaí in Donegal were called to sixty-two incidences of domestic violence in Donegal this June, it was revealed today. 

There were 36 incidents of domestic violence in the Letterkenny district last month, 8 in Buncrana, 15 in Ballyshannon and 3 in Milford.

Donegal Domestic Violence Liaison Officer Garda Michelle Kelly says these numbers are in line with monthly averages.

In the past 20 years, 225 women and children were killed nationally as a result of domestic violence. 88% of females knew their killer. 

In the resolved cases, 98 women were murdered by a partner or ex-partner (56%). Another 20 women (11%) were killed by a male relative. From those cases, sixteen women were killed by their sons (80%).

Garda Michelle Kelly has issued a Community Garda notice today to tell the public about a new app which supports victims of domestic violence.

BrightSky is a free app providing information on domestic abuse, sexual violence and consent, stalking and harassment, created in partnership with UK-based crisis support charity Hestia, Women’s Aid and An Garda Síochána.

The app, the first of its kind in Ireland, enables users to locate their nearest support centre by searching their area, postcode or current location and gives them access to a range of useful tools and supports.

A short questionnaire will help users assess the safety of a relationship while also providing information about different forms of abuse such as sexual violence, stalking and harassment.

The app also highlights the types of supports available, steps to consider if leaving an abusive relationship and how to help a friend affected by domestic abuse.

The app contains a ground-breaking feature designed to log incidents of domestic abuse without any content being saved on the device itself. It enables users to record incidents in a secure digital journal, using a text, audio, video or photo function. Evidence collated through this function will enable Gardaí to intervene and can help secure prosecutions.

The public can download Bright Sky for free on both iOS and Android devices on the App Store and Google Play Store.

Garda Michelle Kelly can be contacted in confidence at Letterkenny Garda Station on +353 74 9167100

Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline: 1800 341 900

Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian SJ, has announced several clerical appointments for the diocese this summer.

The following changes will be made during the months of July and August:

Rev Danny McBrearty, CC of Clar, will retire after 43 years service to the Diocese. 

Rev Stephen Gorman CC (Catholic Curate) of Convoy and Drumkeen will become CC of Milford and Kerrykeel. 

Rev Liam Boyle, CC, Arranmore Island has been appointed to the role of Chaplain at Letterkenny Institute of Technology and Priest in Residence Convoy.

The outgoing LYIT chaplain Rev John Boyce will take on the role of CC at Arranmore Island.

It was also announced that Rev Luckasz Przewieslik, of the Society of Christ Fathers for Poles Living Abroad has been recalled by his Religious Order.

Rev Pat Davis, SJ will become Assistant Priest pro-tem in Tamney.

Bishop McGuckian has wished every blessing on those who have received new appointments.

A jeep which was stolen in Castlefin yesterday has been located.

A public appeal was launched after a burgundy and silver Suzuki Grand Vitara was taken from a local property on Monday afternoon.

Gardaí confirmed at 11.30am this Tuesday that the vehicle has been found in Northern Ireland.

Gardaí in Donegal are warning phone users to be aware of a scam text in circulation.

The unsolicited messages claim to be from Revenue and direct people to visit a convincing website to collect a refund.

“If something sounds too good to be true then it usually is!,” said gardaí this morning.

The text messages contain sender details displaying as ‘REVENUE’ and the message outlines that a refund is available and is allegedly sent by the ‘ROS.Team’.

When the injured party clicks the Hyperlink embedded in the text message they are brought to what appears to be a legitimate ROS (Revenue Online) website and there are numerous text boxes seeking the injured parties’ details including Name, DOB and Bank Details. 

The fraudulent website is well made with all associated colours, images and text as used in the legitimate ROS website.

An Garda Síochána have advised the public: “DO NOT click the hyperlink and delete this message from your phone.”

Almost a third of septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems in Donegal failed inspections between 2017 and 2018.

The EPA has revealed that there was a failure rate of 29% out of the 230 inspections carried out in Donegal from 2017-2018, posing a risk to human health and the environment.

A new report on Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems has found that nearly half of the systems across Ireland failed inspection because they were not built or maintained properly.

The EPA is warning that faulty systems can contaminate household wells and pollute rivers.

Dr. Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said, “If you do not maintain your septic tank, it can contaminate your own or your neighbour’s well or your local stream, putting your health at risk and that of your family and neighbours. You can take simple steps to maintain your septic tank by making sure it is not leaking, ponding or discharging to ditches and by cleaning it out regularly.”

One-fifth of systems that failed inspections during 2013-2018 are still not fixed in Donegal.

The EPA said that authorities need to take appropriate measures to ensure householders fix systems that fail inspection. Householders should avail of the proposed expanded grant scheme when it becomes available, to address malfunctioning septic tanks.

Noel Byrne, Senior Scientist in the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said, “It is important that householders fix systems where problems are detected. To improve water quality, the government’s proposed expanded septic tank grant scheme, due to be launched later this year, will increase the maximum grant aid available to €5000 and remove the means test requirements.”

It was standing room only on Friday night in the Corebox Sports Arena in Randolph, Boston when the Donegal Boxing Team faced the cream of fighters from the Boston Boxing Academy.

The home team were under the guidance of former Buncrana boxer Mark Porter. There were 12 quality contests down for decision in weights ranging form 88lbs up to 165lbs.

And the lads from Tir Chonaill came away with a very convincing 10-2 victory.

The opening bout of the evening was a very worthy curtain-raiser for any major tournament with Dunree’s stylish Matthew Carlin paired with Jose Lopez at 88lbs.

This was an action packed three rounds with the Inishowen puncher recoding a worthy 5-0 points win, much to the delight of the Donegal supporters in the capacity crowd.

In bout two, Raphoe’s 103lbs puncher Aaron McDaid was was up against Brady Magais and the Strabane based schoolboy was hot favourite on the night as he went out a deserving 5-0 points win at the close of three very absorbing rounds.

Contest number three brought together Donegal’s joker on the team, talented southpaw Josh McDonagh, Dunree, who locked horns with Alex Borzel at 90lbs.

McDonagh turned in a veteran’s display of fight craft and his deadly accuracy and fancy footwork was a delight to watch. He also recorded a 5-0 points win for the Donegal team.

Bout four brought together St. Bridget’s, Clonmany’s ever improving Daniel Campbell and the highly rated Boston puncher Bryce Littevio in a match made at 152lbs.

This was to be a hard fought edge of the seat contest from the first bell to the last with Campbell punching the air with joy when his hand was raised as a 4-1 points winner. That result put the visitors 4-0 in front on the night.

Contest five was made at 100lbs and seen Letterkenny’s Paddy McShane and Boston’s Francis Scatia, a beaten finalist at this year’s Golden Gloves Championships, collide.

This was McShane at his very best as the former four-time National Champion showed all his guile and skill. His quick fire fist action was superb as he took another bout in Donegal’s favour by 4-1.

Fight six was a real battle of guts and courage at 130lbs when Carndonagh’s granite jawed Dean Doherty was up against the hammer handed Antonio Osorio.

And it was the Boston southpaw’s pinpoint accuracy that proved to be the telling factor in this contest as he recorded Boston’s first win on the night with a 5-0 points win.

In the 145lbs division, Liam McMonagle faced the rugged Issiah Cruz. The Lifford student used his height and reach advantage to good effect as he recorded a 5-0 points verdict.

Bout eight brought together Carn’s talented Andrew Cunningham and Boston’s Mickey Vasquez at 138lbs and again, it was non-stop action for all of the three very hard rounds.

The Carn puncher went on to record a deserving 5-0 points victory.
Contest nine was Dunfanaghy’s powerful Oisin Wallace crossing paths with big Boston student Marcus Kabucho at 160lbs and both boxers gave it their all for three very close rounds.

At the final bell it was the Donegal man that took a split decision verdict 3-2.

In the 130lbs division, Clonmany’s Adam McDaid was up against Boston’s Keno Luna.

McDaid turned in a vintage display of accurate counter-punching on his way to a 5-0 points win.

The first and only stoppage of the night came when Cillian Boyce locked horns with the much talked about Kevin Rodriguez at 132lbs.

The ever reliable Letterkenny lad was always in command and when his opponent received his third standing count in round 3, the referee stopped the contest to save the gutsy Boston boxer any further punishment.

The final contest of the evening brought together Convoy’s four-time national champion Bryan McNamee and the US marine Mike Fontanez at 165lbs.

Both boxers exploded into action at the sound of the first bell.

They tested the weight of each others punches as both boxers traded some hefty combinations.

There was no reverse gear in either fighter as they gave it their all right up until the final bell with the Boston puncher recording a 4-1 points verdict.

When both fighters left the ring they received thunderous applause.

For their outstanding bout, they each were presented with ring size trophies after this clash was declared the Fight of the Night.

There was disappointment for Convoy schoolboy boxer Pearse McBride whose opponent failed to make it to the venue on the night and Odhran McGinley, Dunfanaghy, who couldn’t be matched with a suitable opponent.

The Donegal Boxing President, Peter O’Donnell, was high in his praise for all the boxers, coaches and officials.

He said to travel to the US with 14 boxers and get 12 quality contests was very impressive. And to come away with 10 wins to 2 over a star-studded Boston Academy side was a brilliant feat.

He said: “I would like to extend a special thank you to the Donegal County Council who made this trip possible for the Donegal Boxing team.

“To Marty and Stephen O’Reilly, who supplied the gear for the boxers and officials, thank you. Thanks also to the local press for all their excellent coverage.

“This was a trip of a lifetime for all the young boxers who did their county proud inside and outside of the ring. To our good friends in Boston, Mark Porter, Timmy Staunton and Patrick Bradley, a sincere thank you for everything you’ve done for the team.”

NICOLE MCLAUGHLIN says this year’s Ulster title means more to the Donegal ladies.

Donegal overcame Armagh on Sunday, in a repeat of the 2018 final, to win a third successive provincial crown.

After losing a host of players over the winter months, Donegal have come back in some style.

“It was brilliant,” McLaughlin told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“People say about our high score last year, but that was a better feeling.

“People wrote us off because of all the big names gone, but it’s a year where the new girls really came in and stood it.

“We had to stand up then. It all came together, thank God.”

Listen to the full interview below …

KILMACRENNAN’S Richard Kerr had his best weekend to date riding in the Supersport class at the British Superbike Championship (BSB) at the weekend.

Kerr, onboard the Campbell Motorsport triumph, went into rpund 5 of the series full of confidence after scoring top tens placings every race so far in 2019 in only his second year in the class after stepping up from the motostar class at the beginning of last year.

Richard took free practice one steady and qualified 10th of the supersports and followed that up with another improvement in free practice two, posting the 7th quickest time.

Qualifying took place in dry cloudy conditions and the young Kilmacrennan man ended the 30 minute session in a fantastic 6th place and less than a second of the pole setter and Championship leader, Dubliner, Jack Kennedy.
Race one and Kerr made his customery good start and was running inside the top 8.

Kerr was involved in a fantastic battle for 5th position with local rider Rory Skinner, who is the current British Talent Cup champion, and the vastly experienced Ben wilson, a 12-times winner in the class.

Richard settled for 6th and more valuable points in the bag.

Race two was a longer affair and would be a 26 lapper around the physically demanding short and twisty Scottish circuit.

Richard lined up on row two beside North West 200 record holder Alastair Seeley after setting the 6th quickest lap in race one.

Kerr again made a great start and was involved another battle with Wilson, Jamie Perrin and mason law both on Moto two machines.

Richard had a difficult first few laps and found himself in 10 th position after the opening laps but soon settled into his rhythm and the lap times where coming down.

Richard was looking at a career best finish of 4th in the class after local favorite Skinner’s bike unfortunately broke down and promoted Seeley to third followed by law, Perrie, Wilson and a fast catching Kerr.

Richard got past Wilson and had the gap closed to Perrie and Law.

Perrie crashed out with 5 laps remaining and Kerr clipped his machine as he was hot on his heels and was lucky not to come down himself but he did bend the footpeg on the bike, so rode the last four laps with some difficulty as the peg was bent right back.

His lap times dropped by almost a second.

Law pulled clear and Wilson got past but Richard somehow managed to make it to the chequeerd flag less than a second ahead of Wilson’s team mate on the gearlink Kawasaki Ross twyman and finished a career best 5th in the Supersport class.

A fantastic weekend again for the consistent Kerr and the result now leaves Richard in 6th place just four points off fourth place.

The top three have broken clear but it is very much game on for that fourth spot in the championship and the young Kilmacrennan man has it firmly in his sights.

Richard would like to thank all his sponsors as always and is looking forward to the 6th round in Snetterton in three weeks’ time.