Irish Water has announced an investment into a new fleet of water services vans for staff in Donegal.

Six new work vehicles were delivered to Donegal County Council last week. A total of 56 new vehicles will be delivered to Donegal over the coming three months.

Irish Water said the upgrading of the fleet in Donegal is part of an ongoing strategy to improve the service delivered to customers.

The new vehicles will be operated by Donegal County Council on behalf of Irish Water, and will be used for the maintenance and upkeep of the water networks across the county, in routine, reactive and emergency situations.

(L-R): Kevin Love, Irish Water; Paul Lyons, Donegal Co Co; Martina Fox, Irish Water; Donal Carron, Donegal Co Co; Kevin McGinty, DMG Motors; and Paul Mahon, Ervia Fleet Management.

Kevin Love, Irish Water’s Asset Operations Lead for Co Donegal, commented: “We are delighted to be in a position to hand over these new vehicles to Donegal County Council. This investment in modern, efficient vehicles will enable personnel to carry out their work in a safe and efficient manner, ultimately improving the service we offer to our customers.”

Paul Lyons, Senior Executive Engineer with Donegal County Council added: “We are very pleased to take delivery of these new service vehicles. Having efficient, modern vehicles will ensure that our staff can continue to provide top class delivery of water services to the people of Donegal.”

The Donegal Investment Group has announced the sale of its animal feed business, Robert Smyth & Sons Limited, for €17.25 million.

The business and its subsidiary companies were acquired by the UK-based Fane Valley Co-Operative Society.

It will be business as usual at Smyths Daleside Animal Feeds, as it will continue to trade under the same name and retain local management and staff.

Founded in 1865, Smyths is a leading provider of animal feed products and nutrition, located in Ballindrait in East Donegal.

The company generated a turnover of €35.5 million and profit before tax of €1.9 million in the year to the end of August 2018.

Strategically located near the port in Lisahally, Smyths supplies a broad range of ruminant and monogastric feeds to a diverse customer base across the North and West of Ireland.

Fane Valley’s acquisition incorporates Smyth’s subsidiary companies including Burke Shipping Services Ltd, based in Lisahally Port.

Donegal Investment Group, formerly Donegal Creameries, said the disposal of the business was in line with a strategic review of the Company’s various businesses and assets.

Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

Ian Ireland, Managing Director of Donegal Investment Group plc, said: “We wish the Businesses, their employees and management, and their new owners Fane Valley, every success in the future. We will continue to support the growth plans of our specialty dairy business Nomadic as well as continuing the strategic review of the remaining businesses and assets of the Company with the objective of maximising value for all shareholders.”

Trevor Lockhart, Fane Valley Group – Chief Executive commented: “We are delighted to be acquiring Smyths Daleside Animal Feeds. It has built a strong brand and reputation for premium feed products, flexible and innovative feed solutions and excellent customer service.

“The company will continue to trade under the Smyths Daleside name and day-to-day operational responsibility will remain with local management and staff. Customers can therefore be assured of a ‘business as usual’ approach in their dealings with the company going forward.

“The acquisition is a ‘natural fit’ for Fane Valley and presents an opportunity for the Co-op to further extend its catchment area for the supply of animal feed products and nutritional services. It will complement the Co-op’s £18m investment in a new feed mill in Omagh, Co.Tyrone in 2010 and demonstrates Fane Valley’s commitment to the future of livestock production in this region. The Board of Fane Valley acknowledges the support of Ulster Bank for the acquisition and for their on-going assistance to the Group”.

MYA ALCORN has been named on the Ireland Under-18 Women Sevens squad for the Paris World Games this weekend.

Alcorn, who plays for Letterkenny Rugby Club, will be part of an Irish panel that faces opposition from France and Canada.

The Termon woman was absent due to injury for a time last season.
Alcorn has previously turned out for Ulster at interprovincial level.

There are 12 players named on the Irish panel.

On Saturday, Ireland will face Canada’s NRU Thunder and Celtic Barbarians (kick-off, 11am and 2.20pm Irish time respectively).

They will close day one against ASS Sarcelles (4.40pm) before taking on Brest (11.20am) and Massy (3pm) on Sunday, with play-offs to follow later in the evening.

JOHN KELLY finished third in last night’s European Classic Grand Prix in Sweden.

The Finn Valley AC shot putter reached out to 17.66 metres.

All of the St Johnston man’s throws were in excess of 17m.

Kelly remained in Sweden following his exploits at the weekend when he broke the Finn Valley, Donegal and Ulster shot putt records when he threw 17.79 metres in Bottnaryd.

World Under-20 silver medalist Sommer Lecky was also in action last night in Karlstad.

Lecky jumped a best attempt of 1.77m.

The National Lottery has today revealed Ireland’s luckiest EuroMillion counties – with Donegal coming in at 17th place.

The list looked at new research on the number of top prize winners since the game was launched in 2004.

Ireland’s smallest county, Co. Louth, topped the table with the most EuroMillions winners per head of population.

Donegal winners have scooped €5,242,589 in EuroMillions prize wins so far, putting the county in the 17th spot in Ireland.

There were 19 top prize winners in Donegal since 2004. With a population of 159,192, that means there is one EuroMillions top prize winner for every 8,379 people in the county.

Notable local winners this year are Donegal pensioner Charlie Meehan, who won half a million in a EuroMillions Plus draw in February. Another man, who remained anonymous, picked up €500,000 in April after buying his lucky ticket in the Paper Stop in Glenties.

The luckiest county findings come as one lucky EuroMillions player in Ireland is guaranteed to win €1 million with this Friday’s (5^th July) EuroMillions ‘Ireland Only Raffle’.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: “This Friday’s EuroMillions draw will produce a guaranteed new millionaire in Ireland through the ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ draw. To be in with a chance to win this €1 million all you need is your EuroMillions ticket. Not only will the raffle see the creation of an instant millionaire, but all EuroMillions players in Ireland will also be in with a chance of winning the EuroMillions jackpot worth an estimated €75 million.

“Remember you don’t have to rush to Co. Louth to buy your EuroMillions ticket as chance has no memory and playing EuroMillions is purely a matter of luck, regardless of where you buy your ticket!”

Sinn Féin Deputy Pearse Doherty has repeated his criticism of the Government over its ‘bare-faced lies’ on the future of St Joseph’s and Ramelton Community Hospitals.

Speaking to Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Jim Daly, Deputy Doherty raised the issued of the government’s failure to approve the capital funding required to redevelopment St Joseph’s and Ramelton Community Hospitals.

The Donegal T.D. accused the government of acting in ‘bad faith’ and of ‘drip-feeding misinformation’ to both communities over the projects before condemning the fact that neither hospital has yet been allocated funding under the HSE Capital Plan.

He criticised the HSE of “squandering money” on minor upgrades in at Ramelton and Stranorlar to ensure both units adhere to HIQA standards by 2021, while funding that was promised for their redevelopment has not materialised.

Video via @PearseDohertyTD

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday, Pearse Doherty TD said: “Minister Daly you sat with myself and other Deputies as well as the hospitals committee members who travelled a long distance from Donegal to come to the Oireachtas on 7th November last and you told us, along with Department officials, that these projects were going ahead.

“You told us that there would be detailed design for these projects by 2019 and they would go to planning in early 2020 and that there would need to be sequencing in terms of patient transferring to Letterkenny while these works were ongoing – yet that is not happening.

“Your promise has been broken and there is deep suspicion in the communities involved over what government has told them because of this and because you have not given the go ahead for these projects to commence.”

Following the heated debate, Deputy Doherty is now urging the Government to change tack and to immediately sanction the finance required to proceed with the redevelopment plans and secure the long term future of the hospitals.

WHILE Frank Lampard is taking over as Chelsea manager, it is being reported that Shay Given won’t be joining him.

Given was Lampard’s goalkeeping coach at Derby County, having been appointed last summer.

However, several sources cross channel suggest that the Liffordman won’t be making the move to Stamford Bridge.

Lampard is expected to appoint Jody Morris and Chris Jones – also with him at Derby – to roles at Chelsea.

Lampard was said to be keen to take Given (43) with him, but it now seems as if the former Republic of Ireland international will remain at Derby.

Given, a former Newcastle United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Stoke City netminder, is in his first coaching job at Derby.

It is believed that Philip Coco is to take over as Derby manager on a four-year contract.

Eight top-performing travel agents from China, India, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are enjoying an action-packed visit to Donegal after winning a trip through Tourism Ireland.

Their visit is the ‘grand finale’ of Tourism Ireland’s ‘Ireland Specialists’ online training programme – which is designed for travel agents and tour operators in emerging tourism markets, to help them sell holidays to the island of Ireland.

The travel agents all study six different modules on the island of Ireland, completing each module with a fun quiz. Travel agents who got full marks for each module received a special gold ‘Ireland Specialists’ certificate – and the chance to travel to the island of Ireland.

Their action-packed itinerary included a visit to Triona Donegal Tweed Visitor Centre, where they learned how to weave wool. They also enjoyed dinner and an overnight stay at Harvey’s Point in Lough Eske. The group are here as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

Travel agents from China, India, Qatar and the UAE with Tori Henry, Tourism Ireland (second left), in the grounds of Harvey’s Point Hotel.
Pic – Colette McNally

The travel agents have also been competing in fun challenges each day, with the overall winner crowned the ‘2019 Emerald Ireland Specialist’ during a networking event at the end of the trip.

“As a reward for excelling in their ‘Ireland Specialists’ training, we invited this group of travel agents to come and experience some of the many things to see and do in Donegal and elsewhere around Ireland,” said David Boyce, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Asia, Middle East and UK Inbound.

“Familiarisation trips such as this are extremely important, as influential travel agents get to experience at first-hand our superb tourism offering; our aim is to enthuse the travel agents about the destination, so that when they return home they will be even better informed to advise their clients when planning and booking their holidays.

 “We have an extensive programme of promotions under way throughout 2019, which includes working with key travel agents and tour operators in China, India, and the Middle East. Tourism Ireland is committed to growing visitor numbers from emerging tourism markets and familiarisation trips such as this play a significant role in helping us achieve this goal.”

Donegal chef Brian McDermott has won best cookery book in the world at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Macao, China.

Brian Donegal Table was recognised as the world’s best cookery book written by a restaurant chef.

One of nine shortlisted in the global category, Brian beat titles from Argentina, Spain, South Africa and Singapore to scoop the award.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards – which took place as part of the Macao International Book Fair – recognise global excellence in food writing.

Brian, who runs the Foyle Hotel in Culdaff, regularly appears on RTE and TV3.

He has made a name for himself across Ireland through his championing of local produce and his love of traditional recipes and is a firm favourite on the Irish festival circuit.

“It’s an absolute honour to see ‘Donegal Table’ recognised on the global stage,” said Brian.

“As a chef, all my inspiration comes from Donegal, from its traditions, its produce, and its people, and this award is above all a testament to them.

“I’ve spent my career trying to showcase the fantastic food we have in my home county, and I’m delighted – and very grateful – that the judges have recognised that we have something special here that deserves worldwide recognition.”

Last year there were entries from more than 200 countries, and more than 100 prizes were awarded which recognised the best writers, publishers and tourism promoters and providers in the food industry worldwide.

Ivan O’Brien, managing director of The O’Brien Press, said the award was a well-deserved victory for Brian.

“From the first time I met Chef Brian McDermott at the Frankfurt Book fair it was clear what a passionate and inspiring cook he is,” he said.

“Deeply rooted in his family and all things Donegal, these combined to provide the inspiration for Brian McDermott’s Donegal Table. His dedication to sustainability and respect for local, natural produce is clear.

“We are very proud to have worked with him to bring these recipes to thousands of home cooks of all ages. Congratulations Brian: you really deserve this.’’

Brian McDermott is an award-winning chef and owner of the Foyle Hotel and Bistro by Brian McDermott in Moville, Co Donegal.

Brian McDermott’s Donegal Table took its inspiration from Brian’s childhood memories of sitting at the kitchen table in the family home in Burt, Co Donegal, and sharing his mother’s cooking.

Brian believes that tasty, healthy food based around local produce is something every family can enjoy, and Donegal Table showcases the best of his home county’s warmth and traditions through a collection of achievable, affordable and accessible recipes.

This weekend, The Traveller’s Inn, Milford will officially open its newly revamped Beer Garden with a state-of-the-art Pizza and Burger Bar.

The Beer Garden Launch Party takes place this Saturday, 6th July from 8pm and all are welcome to come along and enjoy live music and complimentary stone-baked pizza slices. 

The Traveller’s Inn, Milford will officially launch its new Beer Garden this Saturday 6th July from 8pm and all are welcome. The new beer garden includes a Pizza and Burger Bar which will open daily from 4 – 9pm during the summer season.

As well as a fully stocked outdoor bar with draft Rockshore and Orchard Thieves, the new Beer Garden will be open daily from 4 – 9pm so customers can enjoy the long summer evenings with delicious pizzas, burgers and light bites.

Owner of The Traveller’s Inn, Michael McBride says he’s delighted with the finished beer garden:

“We’re always looking for new ways to improve our overall experience for our customers and each year we try to add something new. Late last year we started our stone-baked pizzas which are going down a treat and we also started doing full Irish breakfasts, which are very popular for lunch time throughout the weekend.

“Our beer garden has always been a sun trap in the evenings, so this renovation was something we’ve wanted to do for a few years, and we’re delighted with the finished version.

“It’s ideal for people who would like to wind down after work in a casual environment and it’s perfect for families to stop in with their kids and enjoy a tasty burger or stone-baked pizza in the cosy outdoor setting.”

The Traveller’s Inn Milford is open daily for food from 12 – 9pm and was recently certified by The Food Coast, Donegal’s Good Food Initiative. The cosy pub and restaurant is famous for its Sunday Lunch roast dinners. Pictured is owner Michael McBride.

Michael added: “Our restaurant will remain open daily for the summer season from 12 – 9pm with our full menu available for sit-in and take-away. We’ve also got a busy summer schedule starting from Monday 8th July and we’ve already had requests from people looking to book pizza parties for birthdays and wedding after-party celebrations!”

The jam-packed summer schedule kicks off this Monday, 8th July and customers can enjoy Monday nights with Pizza and ‘Prinks’ in the outdoor bar from 9pm ‘til 11pm and can get great value with the Thursday Steak Night Special. For just €16.95, steak lovers can enjoy a 12 oz sirloin steak served with creamed mash, chips and all the trimmings.

Every weekend, the centrally located pub and restaurant has live music in the lounge and winner takes all runs every Saturday and Sunday night.

The Milford venue is also famous for its weekly traditional Irish music sessions which run every Wednesday at 9.30pm and are so popular that they’ll run every Wednesday and Friday for the summer season. The trad sessions are open to everyone and new musicians and singers are welcome to join in.

Michael McBride of The Traveller’s Inn along with his daughter’s Aoibheann and Aíne McBride and staff member Darren Greene.

Located on the Wild Atlantic Way and Mulroy Drive, The Traveller’s Inn is the perfect pit-stop to refuel after a busy day exploring the best of Donegal.

For more information on The Traveller’s Inn or to make a reservation, contact Michael and the team on 074 91 63499 or follow them on Facebook @michaeltraveller.

Traveller’s Inn Pub

Glenmore Generation Ltd currently have a vacancy for an Experienced Articulated Truck Driver based out of their Bio Gas plant at Ballybofey, Co Donegal.

Duties:

The primary responsibility of this position is the safe and efficient operation of the articulated truck.

The position involves delivering gas from our plant outside Ballybofey to our customers throughout Ireland.

Requirements:

• Minimum two years HGV/Artic driving experience
• Full HGV EC Licence
• Up to date CPC card
• Current Digital Tachograph Card
• Valid ADR (Tanker) Licence
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Good customer service and interpersonal skills
• Flexible – available for early starts and late finishes when required
• Previous experience with dangerous goods would be an advantage

To apply please forward a CV to  transport@glenmoreestate.com or send a letter to the Transport Manager, Glenmore Estate Farm Ltd, Aghaveagh, Cloghan, Co Donegal. F93 Y6YW.

An unexpected water outage is affecting homes in North Donegal this Thursday night

A burst water main is reported in the Magherabeg area, while properties on Inch Island and surrounding areas are also without water.

Irish Water has scheduled works on the fault in Magherabeg. It is expected that supplies will be restored by 3pm on Friday, July 5.

Meanwhile, the Magherabeg fault remains under investigation.

Culdaff made the long trip to Fanad and came away with a resounding victory against an out of sorts Fanad United.

Fanad United 2 Culdaff 7

Fanad had a chance to open the scoring in the second minute when Rachel Sweeney closed down the Culdaff keeper but her shot rolled just wide of the post.

Culdaff took the lead in the 8th minute when Tara O’Connor scored with a good finish over the top of the Fanad ‘keeper Rosheen McGinley.

Five minutes later O’Connor doubled the lead when she capitalised on a defensive mix up to finish onto the bottom corner.

Culdaff extended their lead in the 20th minute when Tara O’Connor turned provider as her cross from the right was finished to the net by Erin McLaughlin.

Two minutes later Fanad full back Michelle McDevitt seen her shot form 30 yards fly just over the bar.

Fanad were putting on pressure and Keri Sweeney was unlucky to see her shot go over the bar after a fine run.

In the 28th minute Culdaff keeper Danielle Houghton produced a fine save with her legs to deny Orla McGonigle.

On the half hour mark Fanad did pull a goal back when Amanda Callaghan struck an excellent free kick from 25 yards into the top corner.

Culdaff got their fourth of the evening five minutes from half time when Shauna Ruddy scored with a fine effort from 20 yards.

Fanad got another goal back in the 47th minute when Keri Sweeney showed persistence in the box to finish low into the bottom corner.
Culdaff extended their lead 10 minutes into the half when Shauna Ruddy scored with a superb shot from 25 yards into the top corner.

Ten minutes later Niamh Callaghan got Culdaff’s 6th when her low shot from the edge of the box nestled in the bottom corner.

Five minutes after Fanad were unlucky not get another goal back when Julie Trearty hit the crossbar with a fine effort.

Culdaff completed the scoring with 20 minutes remaining when Erin McLaughlin’s cross/shot from the edge of the box found the top corner.

Fanad United: Rosheen McGinley, Roisn McElwaine, Michelle McDevitt, Eimear Sweeney, Niamh McDevitt, Lisa Friel, Amanda Callaghan, Lauren Carr, Keri Sweeney, Orla McGonigle, Rachel Sweeney.Subs used: Lauren McBride, Kelly Ann Buchannan

Culdaff FC: Danielle Houghton, Cliona Gibbons, Katlyn McDaid, Aoife Bell, Mary Jane Doherty, Aisling Gibbons, Tara O’Connor, Erin McLaughlin, Niamh Callaghan, Shauna Ruddy. Subs used: Beibhinn McClure, Cathy Doherty, Mirah Doherty, Ellen Ruddy

Referee: Liam McLaughlin

Siobhan Sweeney struck a dramatic winner, four minutes from the end, as Bonagee United defeated Greencastle.

Greencastle FC 2 Bonagee United 3

After leading 2-0 inside 17 minutes, Bonagee allowed their hosts to draw level.

Kate McClenaghan’s brace had the Greeks back on an even-keel only for Sweeney to strike the winner.

With the clock showing 86 minutes, substitute Lyndsay McElchar won a ball back for Bonagee.

McElchar off-loaded to Sweeney (pictured), whose effort to the far post looped beyond Georgia Rudden and into the net.

Bonagee hit the front after only 57 seconds as Chantelle Grant’s corner was crashed home by Claire Orr.

The Dry Arch side doubled the advantage when Denise McElhinney fires in from close range following another Grant set play.

Bonagee had chances to put the game to bed in the opening half, but couldn’t find the killer touch.

Natalie McFadden fired wide of the far post and Grant warmed the palms of Rudden from outside the box.

McClenaghan’s searing pace was proving to be a real thorn for Bonagee.

And it was McClenaghan who pulled one back when she beat the offside trap to finish low into the far corner.

The seeds of doubt crept into Bonagee’s play and McClenaghan steered home an equaliser for the Chapel Lane team.

Kathy McLaughlin started the move from deep and McClenaghan made no mistake.

Alice Diver, starting to come into the game, shot at Rudden before turning provider for Denise Doherty, whose shot was too high.

Eimear Friel added a new impetus to the Bonagee attack when introduced.

Maria Carr’s steadying influence made sure Bonagee didn’t wilt and they played the get out of jail card thanks to Sweeney’s last-gasp strike.

Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh has announced that Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town has been approved for works to improve access at the school.

“This is a really important change for any students or staff in the school that have special needs and the extra room that it will provide will make a difference every day,” Minister McHugh said.

“I am delighted that Abbey Vocational has been approved for the works to ensure universal access.

“It will help any students who are using a wheelchair or others with needs or disabilities. These are very important differences to the daily life of a child.”

The project has been approved under the Emergency Works programme in the Building Unit in the Department of Education and Skills.

Minister McHugh added: “It is a great boost for the school, for the students and staff who need it most and credit to principal Geraldine Diver and all her team in the school for applying for the works.

“The Emergency Works programme is regularly making a difference in schools up and down the county and helping to improve facilities from boilers to roof works to windows and doors. It is a fantastic scheme and I look forward to seeing more schools get these relatively small works approved.”

Owenie McGee did the double last week winning the Wednesday Open and then the Sunday Singles too.

Club notes:

Well done Owenie now down to 15! Last Sunday’s Competition was won by Owenie McGee with a score of 39 points.

He was followed by young Ryan McCallion with 36pts and Stephen McCafferty 3rd with 35pts. Cloughaneely Golf Club are running a weekly Open Singles Stableford every Wednesday.

The entry is only €10pp for Visitors. GUI and ILGU qualifying open to Ladies and Gents.

This really is a great value, our greens are rolling excellent and are well worth a visit. Owenie Pro won last Wednesday with Conor Ó Gallchóir second with 36pts.

The Competition this Friday is a 9 Hole Singles Stableford open to all. We welcome Buncrana Golf Club this Sunday at 11.30am in the Junior Scratch matchplay.

Seven matches will tee-off at home in Cloughaneely best of luck and all support welcome. The weekend competition is a Singles Stableford golfers are encouraged to play anytime on Saturday or from 8-9am or after 2pm on Sunday.  Our Open Week will run from 16th to 21st July more details to follow next week.

New Members for 2019 are always welcome: Beginner Gents €200, Beginner Ladies €150, Juniors €20 please see our club facebook page for more details or call us on 074 9165416.

Beidh fáilte romhat go Cumann Gailf Chloich Cheann Fhaola.

An Inishowen man has been fined €400 and banned from driving after he refused to hand over the car keys when he was arrested for drink driving in Moville.

David McLaughlin, 37, of St. Boden’s Terrace, Culdaff, faced a series of charges, including obstruction, drink driving and no insurance, on July 1, 2017, at Glencrow, Moville.

He pleaded guilty to all charges when he appeared before Carndonagh District Court.

Garda Inspector Seamus McGonigle told the court that on July 1, 2017, Gardaí received a report from a female that a suspected drink driver had hit a ditch at Glencrow.

“Gardaí went to the scene and saw a VW Passat pulled in,” Insp. McGonigle said.

“They knew the driver, Mr. McLaughlin, whom they had suspected had been in involved in a separate incident earlier that day. Upon speaking with him Gardaí smelt an intoxicating liquor so he was arrested for drink driving.”

Insp. McGonigle said they asked Mr. McLaughlin to hand over the car keys but he refused, saying ‘you’ll get no f***ing keys from me’.

“He got very aggressive and pepper spray had to be used. He then attempted to start the car on several occasions but he was unable. There was a genuine fear that some of the Garda members present could have been harmed during the incident,” Insp. McGonigle added.

“He continued to be aggressive but the guards eventually got the door of the car opened and Mr. McLaughlin was handcuffed. After a few minutes he eventually calmed down.”

The Garda Inspector said Mr. McLaughlin admitted having two glasses of wine earlier in the day and when tested he provided a breath alcohol reading of 24mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. Insp. McGonigle said McLaughlin was being prosecuted as a specified driver because he has no driver’s licence.

Currently the drink drive limit for a fully qualified driver is 22mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, but the limit for a specified driver is 9mg per 100ml of breath.

Insp. McGonigle said Mr. McLaughlin has no recorded previous convictions, but he added that he ‘didn’t know if that was the case or not’.

Defence solicitor Roisin Doherty said Mr. McLaughlin apologised for his actions, adding that he had fallen out with a neighbour earlier that day. She said the Culdaff man had been on strong painkillers for a medical condition and this had affected him.

Ms. Doherty said Mr. McLaughlin is now a married man with three children and has had no difficulties with Gardaí since this incident in Moville.

She said she has met Mr. McLaughlin on several occasions recently and has been ‘very impressed by his attitude’.

“In his words he said he never wants to see me again,” the Carn based solicitor said.

“I’ve been really impressed by him and he is working fulltime now as a fisherman. I know his employer and I know he is the type of man to keep him on the straight and narrow.”

Judge Paul Kelly fined McLaughlin €200 for drink driving and banned him from driving for six months. He also fined him a further €200 for no insurance but added no disqualification on that charge as it was his first offence.

The remaining charges he struck out as the Culdaff man pleaded guilty

More than €1000 has been raised by the Letterkenny Institute of Technology Student Union for two Donegal charities. 

A number of recent events and campaigns including the Student Achievement Awards and the Formal Ball have raised a grand total of €1080.00 for the two worthy charities.

At the start of each academic year, two charities are chosen by the students.

The charities chosen this year were Multiple Sclerosis Ireland (Donegal Branch) and the Donegal Hospice.

Earlier this week, the two charities were presented with a total of €540.00 each.

LYIT Student Union thanked the students and staff members who contributed in any way, throughout the academic year, for the two charities.

Josephine Wilson, Student Union Administrator LYIT. Grace Boyle, Donegal Hospice. Kathleen Harkin, Donegal Hospice. Paul Lynch, LYIT SU President.

William Daly, LYIT SU Welfare Officer. Charlie McLaughlin, MS Ireland (Donegal Branch). Josephine Wilson, Student Union Administrator LYIT.

A number of Letterkenny homes and businesses have been hit with low water levels this Friday morning due to a burst water main.

The outage is affecting areas around the Ramelton Road and Port Road.

Supply may not be fully restored until Saturday afternoon, according to a notice from Irish Water.

The service update has said that repairs are underway and the works have an estimated completion time of 2pm on 6th July.

Emergency services are at the scene of a two-car collision in Letterkenny.

The accident occurred on the Port Road before 2pm this lunchtime.

Ambulance personnel are currently assisting those involved.

Traffic is moving slowly on both lanes of the Port Road near the Value Centre and Tesco turn-off.

The one-way lane from Tesco/Letterkenny Shopping Centre is blocked by one of the vehicles involved in the crash.