A recent spate of burglaries in Letterkenny has residents on high alert and calls for increased Gardai presence on the streets.

Houses in the areas Wolfe Tone Place and Glencar were broken into at the beginning of this week.

Untold damage was done as invaders ransacked the unoccupied homes.

There are many elderly and vulnerable people living in these areas.

Letterkenny Town Mayor Pascal Blake called for more Garda patrols on the streets to catch the criminals out before another home is violated.

As cutbacks limit Garda resources and restrict overtime, it is unknown whether an increased street patrol system will be possible.

Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre Local Notes

• In the New Year we are hoping to run the ASIST programme (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) this is a two day skills building workshop in Suicide first aid delivered by the HSE. This course would be suitable for caregivers who regularly have contact with vulnerable groups in their work or role in the community. If you would be interested in taking part please contact reception on 074 91 41773!

• Mental Well Being Programme: This programme will run on a Monday Morning from 10.30-12.30 starting from 7th October-9th December. For more information contact reception on 074 91 41773!

• Self Management Course living a quality of life with a long term condition. Do you suffer from a health condition and would like to live a healthier lifestyle? If YES, this course teaches people the tools for management and self-core. It will cover for example, relaxation techniques exercise and healthy eating and much more. Courses are free of charge and are being held throughout the county. This programme will take place in Lifford on Wednesday 2nd October at 10a.m. For further information please contact Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre on 074 91 41773.

• Stress Management programme: This programme gives women the opportunity to share what they consider to be “Stress” as it relates to them and highlights the manifestation and impact of stress of the physical body. Participants will focus on their energies and will gain good tips and coping strategies on how to handle stress. This programme will run on a Thursday morning from 10.30-12.30 starting from 24th-28th October. For more information contact reception on 074 91 41773!

• English Language Classes: Learn to speak/improve your English language skills. This is an accredited on the National Framework of Qualifications. Minimum of 7 participants. This is supported by the Donegal ETB. For more information contact reception on 074 91 41773.

• Parent and Toddler Group: We are running a parent and toddler group on a Wednesday morning from 10.30-12.30 in the ABC Centre Lifford starting 2nd October 2013. All parents and toddlers are welcome to come and join the fun and activities.

• Friday Fun Klub & Lifford Youth Club Presents The Rose of Clonleigh. See our local Hunks as you have never seen them before, in the Fir Trees Hotel Strabane on Saturday 21st September 2013@9.00p.m. Music by: Men in Black. Tickets: €10. Tickets are available at Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre.

• Driving Theory, Advanced Photography, Basic Computers and Gardening: The following classes will commence in the next few weeks in Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre. If you would be interested in taking part please contact reception on 074 91 41773!

• Clothes Appeal: Blossoms charity shop is appealing for donations. We are looking for clothes, shoes, belts, bags, bric-a-brac, toys and books (in good condition). Items can be dropped into the Resource Centre when the shop is closed. “Many thanks”

• “Blossoms” Charity Shop: We are currently looking for volunteers for our local charity shop “Blossoms”. This shop generates much needed income to help the running costs of the Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre. Without the help of volunteers we would not be able to open the shop. The new opening hours of the shop are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12-4pm. If you have any free time to spare and would like to help out please contact reception on 074 91 41773.

• New weight loss class on Thuirsdays from 6.30-7.30pm in Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre €5.00 per class. There is no joining fee or no penalty fees. Weekly group meetings and weigh in. For more information contact Karen on 086 3470798 www.slimruswithkarenmcglinchey.com

• Good Morning Service: We are currently looking for volunteers for our Good Morning Service in Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre. Do you have a few hours per week to spare and would like to join our team of volunteers who make telephone calls to older people each week in their homes. Full training, Monitoring and support are provided for all volunteers. Contact us for more information on 074 93 21598.

• Astro Turf Pitch available for hire midweek and weekends (daytime only) for more information contact the centre on 074 91 41773.

• Counselling & Support Services: Free Confidential Counselling Support. You can avail of this service free of charge if you are 17 years or over, whether you are Male or Female. Service Available@ Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre, Castlefinn and Manorcunningham. Strictly Appointment Only. For Further information contact

44 784 9223 114.

• Young parents Pathways programme Start date to be confirmed: This programme is open to Young parents that would like to learn: Parenting Advice, Personal Development, Health Awareness, Paediatric First Aid and IT Qualification. Also enjoy Fun days out for parents & children, Visits to health spas. All expenses are covered by this programme at no cost to the individual. There is also childcare supplements and free travel available. For further information or to receive an application form Contact 04882 250 962 /0749141773.

• Writer’s Group: will be starting back on Wednesday 18th September from 2.30-4.30.

• Knitting group: will be starting back on Wednesday 11th September from 8.00-9.30.

• Just 4 Me Group: every Monday from 12.45-2.45.

• 50+ groups: every Tuesday from 11.30-1.30.

• Friday Club: every Friday from 11.00-1.00.

Former county stars Damien Diver and Paddy Campbell have both been strongly tipped to become a part of Jim McGuinness’s backroom staff for the 2014 season following the shock departures of Rory Gallagher and Maxi Curran. 

There is speculation linking both men to the vacant positions on the Donegal management staff.

Both men are former playing colleagues of McGuinness and know him well.

Diver played alongside McGuinness for Donegal for the best part of a decade while Campbell is a fellow clubman of McGuinness at Naomh Conaill and the pair played both club and county together for years.

Both men would be seen as fantastic additions to the backroom team with both boasting a wealth of experience behind them.

Diver was regarded by many as one of the finest players Donegal ever produced and the news is a welcome positive following the shock dismissals of Rory Gallagher, Maxi Curran and Francie Friel from the county set-up.

The first event on the 6th October for Even Ages and Novice will take place in the Rosses, a welcome return to the area on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Rosses club.

Set against the Atlantic Ocean in one of the most picturesque parts of the country, this race proved most popular in terms of welcome, organisation and participation the last time the event was held here a few short years ago.

Similarly, the race for Uneven Ages and Masters to be held in Castlefinn on the 13th October follows on a hugely successful first time hosting last year.

Again, for hosting, organisation and an excellent course, Castlefinn will be another welcome return this year.

With athletics currently riding on the crest of a wave both in terms of competitive and recreational running, the County Board welcomes athletic clubs from Donegal and further afield to take part in these events.

While the races at Juvenile level and Masters are open races, the Novice event is only open to Donegal club athletes.

Medals for Juveniles/Masters will be awarded based on 1st,2nd, 3rd finishers and 1st,2nd,3rd Donegal Championship finishers.

For many individuals viewing this, you have been attending road races across the county during 2013, experiencing the buzz, excitement, and personal satisfaction of all that athletics has to offer.

In the athletics calendar, this autumn/winter period is cross country season and provides for a different type of running experience and ensures a different type of challenge.

For many athletes involved in recreational running, Fit4Life Groups, etc, this can be the next step to raise the bar in terms of personal challenges and achievement.

Club athletes who started out in Fit4Life Groups achieving personal bests in 5k’s, 10k’s, etc are now important scorers in Novice and Masters club teams.

If you’re already in a club, try to take the next step – you might even surprise yourself.

If not in one of our registered clubs (Cranford, Finn Valley, Inishowen, Lifford, Letterkenny, Milford, Rosses, Sliabh Liag, Tir Chonaill), just get in touch asap.

We look forward to another hugely successful Cross Country in Donegal in 2013.

Finn Harps will look to put the disappointment of Monday night’s FAI Cup exit at the hands of Drogheda behind them when they host Mervue United at Finn Park tomorrow night.

Harps were defeated 2-0 in Monday night’s replay against the Louth side after coming agonisingly close to dumping the Premier Division side out of the cup the previous Friday.

A combination of terrible refereeing and an individual mistake at Finn Park cost Harps dearly, the club should be looking be looking forward to a home cup semi-final against Dundalk but despite the disappointment of Monday the club hope to end the season strongly.

Peter Hutton said Monday night was disappointing for the team but said he was proud of the effort of the players, he also said it’s important the team maintain the high standards they have set for themselves in recent matches and that they finish the season out strongly.

Hutton said, “We as a group are bitterly disappointed to have lost to Drogheda on Monday night.

“We went into the game confident we could get a result but unfortunately that wasn’t to be the case.

“First half we were reasonably comfortable and kept our shape and discipline well and could even have taken the lead through Keith Cowan’s header from a corner,” said Hutton.

“Early into the second half though we had a lapse of concentration at the back and failed on at least two attempts to clear our lines and got punished for it.

“We regained our composure though and were again holding our own, then came the dismissal of Damien Mc Nulty, which certainly didn’t help our cause.

“Whilst I can sympathise with Damien’s instinct to support Michael Funston who had received a hefty challenge he was already on a yellow card and should have been more sensible and not got involved in such a situation.

“I had warned the players both prior to the game and during halftime to stay focused and not get involved in any skirmishes but we didn’t learn from Friday and our task was then made much harder.

“To their credit though the players gave it a go and the commitment and desire shown by each and everyone of them was magnificent.

“The players, although naturally disappointed, should take great heart from their performances and take that into the remaining League games.

“They have now set a level of performance that they should try to emulate for the remainder of the season.

Harps host Mervue on Friday night and will be hoping they can gain revenge on the Galway side after they inflicted the heaviest defeat of the season on Harps following the 4-0 defeat in July.

Kick off is at 8pm and fans can choose who they think has been the club’s Young player of the year and Player of the year.

Following the incredible success of last year’s extravaganza, the Four Masters Ladies have joined with Breast Care Clinic Letterkenny to bring “The Ultimate Ladies Day out” back to the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town. The event will be taking place on Sunday 13th October from 1-6pm.

The event promises to have everything a woman needs with beauty, pampering, hair and fashion suppliers all offering their services free of charge or at a reduced show price as well as numerous pop-up shops selling fashionable items on the day. Added to this throughout the day there will be talks and fashion shows to keep you entertained, this includes a motivational talk as well as a talk on image, hair and make-up.

Nicola Dunnion, one of the organisers commented, “tickets went on sale on Friday 13th and are priced at only €25, which is great value for an amazing day out, there really is something for everyone and it will be a great fun filled day out. All proceeds are in aid of Breast Care Clinic Letterkenny and Four Masters Ladies GAA. The first 400 tickets sold obtain a goodie bag to the value of €20 as well as being entered into a competition to win a make-over to the value of €700! Last year was such a huge success and this year promises to be even bigger and better. We also have a surprise or two up our sleeves to keep you amused! We promise it will be an event that you will not forget. Any businesses who would like to get involved are more than welcome to contact any of the organising committee to arrange having a stand on the day”.

Tickets went on sale from Friday 13 September. They can be purchased from the Abbey Hotel, Pure Indulgence and BFit, Donegal Town, as well as through any of the organising committee. For further information please contact Nicola Dunnion (087)2449129; Kelly Lacey(087)9919035; Louise Jordan(087)2970956 or Karla Gallagher(087)3899965.

Ultimate Ladies Day Out 2013

Former All-Ireland winner Martin McHugh has expressed his shock and sadness following the shock departures of Rory Gallagher and Maxi Curran from the Donegal management staff and says he’s disappointed at how everything has turned so sour in the last 12 months.  

McHugh has two sons on the current county panel and is better placed than most to know the effects the shock departures of Maxi Curran and in particular Rory Gallagher’s will have on the current county panel.

Gallagher has played a crucial role in the development of Donegal over the years, but while McHugh is saddened by the departures he is also dismayed at how things have turned so sour since 12 months ago when the county was buzzing with excitement for the All-Ireland final.

McHugh said, “Go back 12 months and this was a special time for Donegal football. The county was absolutely buzzing with excitement ahead of the All-Ireland final against Mayo.

“Everyone was on the hunt for tickets, people were travelling from all corners of the world to attend the game, there was a real sense it was Donegal’s time.

“The team of course delivered but fast forward to a year later and everything has turned sour, and there is now a negativity back around the county panel and it’s desperately disappointing.

“A Ulster final defeat to Monaghan and a crushing defeat to Mayo has left many scratching their heads as to what has gone wrong.

“The news Jim was staying on was absolutely fantastic but now following the dismissal of Rory, Maxi and Franice a cloud has been drawn over the whole set-up again.

“It’s sad the way things have worked out but people can’t lose sight of the bigger picture and that is that the greater good of Donegal football matters and nothing else.

“Gallagher played a massive role in winning back to back Ulster titles and an All-Ireland and that should never be forgotten.

Alison Duffy, her mother Louise and Principal Liam Galbraith

The hard work of a Donegal student has paid off as she received impressive Junior Certificate results last week.

Crana College student Alison Duffy from Lisfannon earned 10As in the Junior Certificate exams. She took all higher level subjects.

The bright student was congratulated by Principal Liam Galbraith for her achievement.

A Donegal man who invited Gardai for something to eat and refused to leave the scene of a disturbance has been fined €250.

Kevin McGinley, from Churchill, was out drinking three days before Christmas last.

An altercation took place between the accused and another man and Gardai ordered both to leave the area.

They did but when Gardai returned, they found McGinley back in the area and he was intoxicated.

He refused to leave the area again and was arrested.

Lettekenny District Court was told today that when approached by Gardai, McGinley told them “I’m not going anywhere. I’m getting food. Do you want some?”

The court heard that McGinley, who is 30, is now living in America where he has found work.

Solicitor Patsy Gallagher told the court that his client had been at a funeral that day and he went for few drinks and then found him in a state.

The court that McGinley had previous convictions but they dated back to a decade ago when he was just 17.

Judge Paul Kelly said he would give McGinley a chance and ordered him to pay €250 to the Donegal Hospice and adjourned the case until October.

Champagne flowed at National Lottery offices today as the Co. Donegal syndicate from Carrick collected Ireland’s latest multi million Euro Lotto prize.

The happy group, who wish to remain anonymous, hit the jackpot on Saturday night and together will share over €2.9 million.

“We can’t believe our luck,” said one of the syndicate members. “We must’ve checked the ticket a thousand times. We were sure we’d missed a number or something but now that we’re sitting here in National Lottery offices, it’s starting to feel real.”

The group have been playing Lotto for a number of years.

They haven’t made any plans for the windfall just yet but are looking forward to thinking about all the nice things they can now buy.

They picked their own numbers and bought their €8 ticket in John Quinns, Carrick, Co. Donegal. It’s the first time the store has sold a National Lottery top prize winning ticket.

This is the 84th Lotto jackpot win for Co. Donegal. Jackpot winners from the county have taken home over €26.1 million in winnings.

Arlene gets gold!

Arlene Crossan a student at Loreto Convent ,Letterkenny posted an impressive series of results to win the Ulster Schools Multi events at the recently refurbished Mary Peters track in Belfast.

She returned the following marks – hurdles 12.48;long jump 5.11m;high jump 1.51m a pb; shot with 3.25kg  - 7.64.

She was all set for the final event the 800m trailing by 40 pts in her quest for gold.

Well she nailed it at 2.30 odd for a win and a total of 2904.

It was a good day’s work and next time she could head for 3000 plus.

A big thanks to Sharon Bradley and Mum Bernie who travelled with her to Belfast and of course coach Shauna Carlin.

FÁS in Donegal will provide a range of programmes in the autumn for jobseekers interested in improving their skills and gaining a recognised qualification. 

As well as a suite of full time day programmes FÁS also provide evening training options in our four catchment areas of Donegal including Letterkenny, Gweedore, Inishowen and south Donegal.

As well as our current range of courses we also have a number of new programmes which will run subject to sufficient demand. Places are still available on the following programmes.

Introduction to Training, FÁS Gweedore, FETAC Level 3 Major award. Full time 20 weeks. Training in Sport and Leisure, Catering or Construction Skills.

Horticulture, FÁS Gweedore FETAC Major award level 5, Full time 30 weeks.

Social Media For Business, FÁS Letterkenny, Full Time 20 Weeks, Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma.

Business Management, FETAC Level 6 major award. 30 Weeks.

FÁS in Gweedore will also offer the following programmes in the Irish language subject to sufficient demand.

Cúrsaí Lae tré Ghaelige

•Cúram agus Oideachas na Luath-Óige 41 Seachtain FETAC Leibheal 4

•Tógáil Cloich Traidisiúnta 25 Seachtain FETAC Leibhéal 5

•Togáil Ballaí Teichnealafocht, Faisnéis agus Cumarsáide 20 Seachtain FETAC Leibhéal 3

•Riarachán Gnó 40 Seachtain FETAC Leibhéal 5

FAS are also planning to run a 48 week full time Beauty Therapy Diploma level programme in Gweedore commencing in October 2013.

The programme covers Skincare and Eye Treatments, Make up, Manicure and Pedicure, Waxing, Professional Conduct and Business Awareness, Anatomy and Physiology, Holistic Massage, Epilation and Facial Electrical Treatments.

It is certified through ITEC – the International Therapy Examinations Council based in London. For further details contact your local FAS Office”.

For further information on these courses as well as our full suite of programmes please contact our centres on the numbers below or visit www.fas.ie for further details.

FÁS Letterkenny: 0749120500

FÁS Gweedore: 0749560500

Social media outlets Facebook and Twitter have been inundated with messages from those paying their respects to tragic teenager Conor Boyle.

Tragic Conor

Friends of Conor have taken to social media to express their grief at the loss of their popular friend who has been taken from them far too soon.

“Can’t believe it.. It’s been great knowing you we man.. Always a smile on your face.!! You’ll be greatly missed.. Rip buddy..x

Conor Greene

Worst news to wake up to lad, your gona be missed big time but i know youl be up there watching over us. One of the nicest funniest and most genuine people i know, heartbroken right now. Love and miss you Conor Boyle, Sleep tight buddy xx

Curtis Heath

The support off the whole community the past few weeks shows how well thought of young lad you were!Rest in peace conor, my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this time x

Maighread Dickey

We may have prayed everyday and willed the young man through, but every so often God takes a very special person to heaven, and today he chose Conor. Rest In Peacexxx.

Shane Rodgers

If tears could build a stairway and memories build a lane, I’d walk right up to Heaven and bring you home again. Absolutely heartbroken and devastated buddy. Love you Conor Boyle , Sleep tight x

Michael Monaghan

Grew up at school together, I still can’t believe this has happened, I guarantee you will never be forgotten.. Never think its gonna happen to the people your closest to. RIP up there buddy.

Patrick Gillespie

To the wee man that never stopped smiling , and had a great out look of life … Its hard to say this but conor R.I.P ….. You will be missed by so many but never forgoten sleep tight wee man </3 xx — with Conor Boyle.

James Harkin

Lost a true friend today in complete bits..rest in peace buddy you will always be are youngfella xx

Shane Neely

Worst news ever to wake up to.. Rest in peace Conor Boyle u wee ledgend! ;( Gonna be greatly missed! Sleep tight buddy! x

Bridget Mary Gallagher

Can’t believe the terrible news, words can’t describe what a legend you were. R.I.P Conor Boyle you will never be for got ting. Thaughts and prayers with all the Boyle family.

Donal Byrne

you lived and died a fighter. you will be in our hearts for ever Conor Boyle. you are and always will be a credit to your generation! you will always be our youngfella!!xxx

Ethan Croke

We were all in your corner conor, unfortunaly it didnt go how we all prayed for but i just hope your at rest now darling! I cant get my head round it, only the good die young conor ! We have you looking down on us now,  you’ll be greatly missed! Lots of love mate… Xxxxx

Aine Dickey

Heaven has truly gained an angel. Rest in Piece Conor, thinking of all the Boyle family X

Shauna Bonner

We all love free stuff, whether it’s cheese on a toothpick at the grocery store or a bag of make-up samples with a purchase.

Jack & Jones is one of the best selling brands at Evolve Menswear. Jack & Jones is an exciting, affordable and fashionable brand, catering to a wide spectrum of customers.

Evolve Menswear in the Letterkenny Retail Park have a great deal on today that you won’t want to miss – with every two Jack & Jones items purchased, you will get a third item free. (Cheapest Item Free)

Call into Evolve Menswear today to avail of this offer and to see what other styles might grab your attention.

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Web Developer in a fast growing, Letterkenny based software company.

3D Issue, an international market leading developer of digital publishing software, is seeking a web developer to join an innovative and fast growing development team in enhancing and maintaining our web presence.

The ideal person will have at least experience coding in the web environment, developing and maintaining time web-based systems and applications.

The ideal candidate should also be proficient in some of the key web development technologies with some experience with web server configuration in a Linux environment.

Skills and experience

o Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from a Third level Institution

o Proficient in the use of web development technologies such as CSS, HTML, JS and PHP

o Proficient in the use of SQL and working with a MySQL database

o Experience maintaining PHP based CMS system (such as WordPress)

o Experience working with Linux based web servers such as Apache and Nginx with some knowledge of Microsoft IIS servers

Responsibilities

o Maintain and extend our existing website CMS

o Maintain web server configurations

o Enhancing and optimizing existing website

o Maintaining and updating MySQL database

o Implementing new styles, pages or themes in the existing websites.

o Applying updates to existing CMS and web servers and ensuring minimal downtime

If you are an enthusiastic , entrepreneurial and creative developer who loves working and developing with new technologies then please forward your CV to jobs@3dissue.com

Henry McGarvey

The former Chief Exectuive of Pramerica Letterkenny has landed a top position at IT Sligo.

Henry McGarvey from Milford has been appointed Head of Department of Computing and Creative Practices in the college.

He has more than 20 years experience in multinational organisations in Ireland and abroad. As Chief Executive of Pramerica Systems Ireland in Letterkenny since 2002, Henry grew the organisation from 100 to more than 1000 professionals.

On his appointment, Henry said that it is an exciting time to join IT Sligo as higher education is going through major changes.

“Education is the key to unlocking potential in both students and in our region and it will play a critical role in the recovery of our economy,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with a dynamic group of staff and students in the Department of Computing and Creative Practices and in working with our stakeholders to ensure that our course are producing graduates with the skills that they need,” he said.

Donegal County Council has reacted angrily to reports that it hosted a conference in a five star hotel.

Solis Lough Eske Castle

A conference was held at the Solis Lough Eske hotel recently by the council on the SailWest Initiative, now branded as Malin Waters.

But the council today issued a press release denying that it wasted money on hosting the conference.

The council says that proper procurement procedures were followed which resulted in awarding the conference to the Donegal Town hotel.

The following is a statement issued by Donegal County Council today in relation to these reports.

“Since 2007, Donegal County Council has led out on the SailWest Initiative, now branded as Malin Waters, which is a €7 million EU Transnational project to develop and promote the potential of marine tourism as a driver of economic growth.

“In addition to infrastructure, branding and marketing, this project included the hosting of a major international conference, which could have been hosted in any of the partner jurisdictions including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Donegal.

“Donegal as lead partner was glad to be in a position to host this conference and in line with required EU Procurement requirements, the successful venue for this conference was Solis Lough Eske Hotel, Donegal Town.

“Donegal County Council has worked with various hotels in all parts of the county over the years in respect of various conferences and events and the Council will continue to do so in the future, in order to develop and promote the county’s tourism industry by supporting hotels in the county and in recognising this sector as a vital part of the local economy.

“The County is fortunate to have a stock of hotels that reflect very positively the quality of the accommodation and hospitality sector and the Solis Hotel, Donegal Town, in the context of this conference, delivered a superb experience of quality and service at the event to the many International, National and local attendees.

“Donegal County Council is disappointed with the direction and tone of the report itself and the comments and insinuations put forward by Donegal News in relation to this event. For instance, no Donegal County Council staff or members stayed in the Solis Lough Eske Hotel.

“Donegal County Council did pay, as part of conference costs, for 4 bednights for international speakers who attended the conference. A further 17 rooms were booked by attendees at the conference who covered their own costs. Further visitors to the conference stayed in other hotels in the area, visited restaurants and had a positive economic impact during their attendance at the event.

“The Council will continue to work in collaboration with all 20 transnational project partners on the SailWest Initiative so as to continue to realise the potential of the marine tourism sector as a driver for economic growth in this region.

“Furthermore, the Council will continue to maximise all opportunities available to it by proactively developing initiatives and projects to support the economic, cultural and social development of the County.”

Finn Harps stars Kevin McHugh and James Doherty have taken their first steps in to management when it was announced the duo would take charge of the Donegal Schoolboys U12 side for the forthcoming season.

McHugh scored for Harps

Club captain and Finn Harps legend McHugh has previously managed underage sides in Killea while Doherty has been coaching underage sides in Kilmacrennan for the last couple of years.

The move has been seen as a great appointment by the Donegal Schoolboys league and seen as a step forward to lure two players currently playing in the League of Ireland football to develop the best talent in the county.

The duo will hopefully inspire the next generation of Donegal footballers and provide them with the correct platform to improve and develop as players as they prepare for next year’s Kennedy Cup competition.

Jim Doherty

The Labour Relations Commission has decided in favour of the former manager of Inishowen Community Radio in a case he brought against the station.

Jim Doherty was manager at the local community station for more than 12 years and was instrumental in setting it up.

Mr Doherty and the station parted company in 2012 amid confusing and conflicting circumstances.

He made no comment either at the time or since about the matter but it is known that the station was experiencing financial and industrial relations difficulties for several months before his departure.

The LRC found that the company had failed to pay Mr Doherty monies due to him for salary and holiday pay and directed that these be paid immediately.

Jim Doherty said that while he welcomed the news it wasn’t the end of the matter.

“I’m delighted with the decision but I’ll probably never see a cent of it. As far as I know the company doesn’t exist anymore and whatever assets it had are probably long gone.

“The principal is more important than the money though. This is only the first of two cases I had to bring against the station to clear my name and defend myself,” he said.

Mr Doherty has a case against ICR coming up in the Employment Appeals Tribunal soon but is reluctant to give more detail about it.

Caption – Johnny McCollum presenting Letterkenny Athletic Club Chairman Brendan McDaid with a copy of a DVD chronicling the history of the club. Also included are committee members Neily McDaid, Danny McDaid and Bernie Walsh along with juvenile members. 

The annual presentation night takes place in The Station House Hotel on Friday, September 27th at 8 pm and not Friday, September 20th as previously reported.

Tickets are €20 per adult and €10 per child. The DVD of the history of Letterkenny AC will also be launched on the night.

The club hosted the Donegal 5K road championship on Sunday and the event was a great success, with 278 taking part. Peter Gibbons was the best of the black and amber vests when finishing in seventh place in 16:32. The race was won by City of Derry’s Conor Bradley in 15:42, with Finn Valley’s Mark Hoy second in 15:45 and Gerard Gallagher, also of Finn Valley, third in 15:48. The senior women’s race was won by Theresa McGloin of Finn Valley in 16:56, with Letterkenny AC’s Fionnuala Diver second in 18:16 and Finn Valley’s Catriona Devine third in 19:03.

The next race on the local circuit takes place on Saturay morning when Milford stage a 10K road race. This race has an 11 o’clock start and entry fee is €10.

Training for the juveniles has resumed for the new season, with sessions each Tuesday and Thursday at the Danny McDaid Track at the Aura Centre at 6.30 pm.

Caption – Johnny McCollum presenting Letterkenny Athletic Club Chairman Brendan McDaid with a copy of a DVD chronicling the history of the club. Also included are committee members Neily McDaid, Danny McDaid and Bernie Walsh along with juvenile members. The DVD will be launched at the club’s annual presentation in the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny on Friday, September 27th