The Lagoon Donegal Mini Stages Rally that was planned for August 10th has been postponed, the Donegal Motor Club have confirmed. 

The decision was made as a mark of respect for the family and friend of the late Manus Kelly.

The former Fianna Fáil county councillor was killed in a crash last month on the third day of the Donegal International Rally.

Manus Kelly (41), one of Ireland’s leading rally drivers and a prominent businessman in the local area.

The Donegal Motor Club said they hoped to have the event rescheduled for the start of 2020.

Daniel O’Donnell said he is so proud that Ireland’s sense of community is greater than anywhere else in the world but appealed for people to look after our elderly.

The singing sensation was speaking at the expansion of ALONE’s services in his native Donegal today.

The charity, which helps support people to age at home by offering a range of services, has teamed up with Good Morning Donegal.

The Good Morning Donegal service provides daily phonecalls to the elderly to ensure that are feeling okay and to provide some social company.

Daniel’s own late mother Julia used the service and he said it is this kind of care which makes Ireland such a great place.

“I think the important thing is that in years past there was a great awareness of the community and I think that’s still here.

“I always think that Ireland has changed but there is still something here in Ireland that is not in many places.

“We still have a great community spirit and if somebody is in trouble then people rally,” he said.

Daniel said that it is not just rural Ireland which needs such services but in the larger cities such as Dublin also.

“I think it is important is a smaller community and I think it is important in the biggest city too. Because having people doesn’t mean that you have people with you.

“You can be living in a very built-up area and never see anyone so its important in the rural community but it is important in the city too.

“This is not something just for a county like Donegal because I think that an awful lot of the time we think that if we’re in a built-up area then somebody is going to be there but that’s not always the case.

“In a way in the rural community, you have more of a connection in the rural community. It is invaluable because people on their own might not see anyone but if they get that call then it really connects you,” he added.

The singer added that there are a lot of issues which have led to isolation but paid tribute to the volunteers who help Ireland’s older community.

“There’s a lot of issues that have caused this. But I think as long as there are organisations like this that have their finger on the pulse and you need your finger on the pulse to know how the blood is running,” he added.

Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said they are delighted to be expanding their services to people in Donegal with more than 15,800 aged over 65 in the county and with 6,500 of those living alone.

“He said “Our volunteers help to support older people by offering them a visit or a phonecall, having a chat and providing access to support. Often, they go on to make a friend for life.”

Cloughaneely followed up their recent key away win over MacCumhaills with a hard-earned home victory over Milford on Sunday. 

The victory in Falcarragh takes Cloughaneely four points clear of Milford Brian McCormick Sports and Leisure Division One league table. 

Reacting to the victory of his side after the game, Cloughaneely manager Michael Lynch spoke to Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub’s Charlie Collins.

Listen to the full interview below…

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The Carrickfinn Beach lifeguard station has been relocated in time for the remainder of the summer holidays, a Donegal County Councillor has confirmed. 

Concern was raised over the positioning of the lifeguard station previously due to its location on an EU designated site.

Cllr Michael Mac Giolla Easbuig told Donegal Daily that the structure had now been placed on an engineered frame of bespoke design, allowing the lifeguards a good view of the beach, sea, and bathers.

He said: “I am delighted that the council have decided to act on this and place the lifeguard station in an appropriate position because it makes it safe for everyone involved.

“The old hut was damaging the numerous sand dunes and erosion through the fresh cabin tidy and this new station will not affect the numerous sand dunes at all.

“But there has been a number of issues with the beach over the last couples of years and I have been very much proactive on these issues and it is certainly encouraging to see the council go-ahead with the project, it was much needed for this community.”

Disabled parking space has also been developed at the beach car park, but Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said there was plenty more to be done to improve the blue flag beach and other beaches across west Donegal.

He continued: “What we need on beaches that other regularly used by the public are water taps so that the public can wash off when they have finished using them.

“And the lack of dog waste bins is also a huge problem because everyone deserves to use the facility especially now in the summertime and in the good weather.

“It is these simple things that can improve our beaches and I get these requests all of the time as a local councillor and so it was good to see the council moving on these issues.”

The inaugural meeting of the Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO1) Island Project Group took place on Arranmore Island today. 

An overview of life on Tory Island and Arranmore Island, including the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Islanders, was provided.

Addressing the meeting, John McCafferty, Manager, Comharchumann Forbartha and Fostaíochta Árainn Mhór, said: ”Comharchumann Forbartha and Fostaíochta Árainn Mhór are delighted that the HSE have begun to implement the recommendations of the Primary Care Island Services Review.

“There are many points included within the review which will have a significant impact on the community of Arranmore Island going forward, and we welcome the opportunity to be a party to the future-proofing of healthcare on the island.”

The HSE Primary Care Island Services Review Report (2017) was formally launched in November 2018 and has led to the establishment of the HSE Primary Care Island Services Project.

The review focused on the provision of health services to the population of almost 3,000 who lived on 18 islands off the coast of Ireland, that are not connected by a land causeway with the mainland.

Marjorie Carroll, Comharchumann Thoraí Teo, in her address to the meeting said: “We welcome the establishment of the CHO 1 Island Services Project Group.

“The isolated geographic location of Tory Island presents unique challenges that must inform how health services will be provided in the future.

“We look forward to working with the HSE and other agencies in improving access to health services for those living on Tory Island and in ensuring the voice of the Islanders remains central to this work”.

Island Services Project Groups have been set up in collaboration with the Islander’s and other interagency groups, tasked with the implementation of the recommendations set out in the report.

Speaking also at the meeting, Dr Kevin Quinn GP Arranmore Island said: “I have worked for 35 years as a GP on Arranmore and know that services work well when communication is good and we have a common vision.

“We must continue to maintain and improve services and this will require continuous support to both primary healthcare providers and voluntary community groups.

“The project is to be welcomed and I look forward to its implementation.”

John Hayes, Chief Officer CHO 1 and Chair of the Island Services Project Board, highlighted the importance of collaborative working with the Island communities and local interagency groups in addressing the recommendations contained in the report.

He added: “Recently formed structures in Community Health areas, the Department of Health and Emergency Management will advance this work.

All of these groups will partner with and include representatives from other agencies such as the Councils, Island Communities and so on.

“I welcome the establishment of the CHO 1 Island Services Project Group and the opportunity to hold this first meeting on Arranmore Island.

“There is a significant amount of work to be undertaken over the coming months and years, to ensure high-quality sustainable health services for the Islands population.

“However despite the challenges, the HSE is committed to ensuring this work is progressed in a coordinated manner, with the voice of the Islander’s central to the process,” he said.

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the journey toward the provision a fair, high quality and sustainable Primary Care services to Island communities in Donegal and I wish the members of the Island Services Project Group every success in their work.”

Photos: Clive Wasson

Daniel O’Donnell was on hand to help launch ALONE’s new services in Donegal.

The singer joined forces with the charity to announce details of the plan in conjunction with the Good Morning Donegal service.

Daniel joined with the charity’s CEO Sean Moynihan to raise awareness of the charity’s services.

Mary Mc Glinchey, Geraldine Gill, Eileen McKee, Mary Noone Patrica McIntyre pictured with Daniel at the ALONE launch in Donegal. Photo Brian McDaid

Daniel O’Donnell pictured with the local Garda at the ALONE launch. Included are Graine Doherty , Micheal Rafferty Terri Lenahan and Superintendent Seamus Mc Gonagle.

Daniel O’Donnell sings happy birthday to Philomena Gilespie who had a chance meeting with her idol which on holiday in Donegal form her home in Castlebar. Co Mayo. Photo Brian McDaid.

Sabrina Kee and Rosemary Mc Grory at the ALONE launch at the Raddison Hotel.

Annemarie Shovlin, Bred Baska and Frank Campbell from Dungloe and Kincasslagh pictured with Daniel O’Donnell at the launch of ALONE .

Mary Kate O’Donnell, Bernadette O’Donnell, Anna Mc Ginley and Anne Thomas pictured with Daniel O Donnell at the ALONE launch. Photo Brian McDaid.

The Law Society of Ireland has commanded Pearse Doherty for his ‘exposure’ of insurance companies on the island. 

Pearse Doherty called out insurance firms for not reporting suspected bogus claims to gardai – despite one firm believing 20% are fraudulent.

The Donegal TD was speaking at an Oireachtas committee meeting alongside CEO of AXA Phillip Bradley, Allianz chief Sean McGrath, and FBD Ireland’s Jackie McMahon and Fiona Muldoon.

Sinn Féin Finance spokesperson @PearseDoherty has called out the insurance industry for magnifying the scale of the issue of fraudulent claims in order to justify their high premiums and increases. pic.twitter.com/jaR5kH2dFr

— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) July 5, 2019

Responding to Pearse Doherty TD’s detailed questioning of the insurance sector in recent days, Law Society of Ireland Director General Ken Murphy said: “Deputy Doherty is to be commended for devastatingly exposing the soaring super-profits insurance companies are enjoying.”

“The Law Society echoes Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan’s praise for Deputy Doherty’s cross-examination of insurers, and his call for the industry to do more to reduce costs.

Mr Murphy continued: “Pearse Doherty’s questions laid bare the insurers’ distraction technique of blaming false and exaggerated claims, rather than their own profiteering, for the excessive premiums that threaten the survival of so many Irish businesses.”

“It is now clear that insurers are making enormous profits while Irish businesses struggle to pay exorbitant premiums,” Murphy added.

“We are glad to see political recognition that it is insurance companies, themselves, not the victims of accidents, the judiciary or the legal profession, who must answer for the incredibly burdensome premiums they are choosing to charge their customers.”

“It is also clear that a primary source of false and misleading claims in this public debate is the insurance industry itself.

“In the light of what Deputy Doherty’s fearless and forensic questioning has exposed about false and exaggerated claims, should the insurers not report themselves to the Gardaí?”

Donegal ETB has made six senior appointments to its team of Principals and Deputy Principals in four of its post-primary schools across the county for the next academic year.

Donegal ETB is the largest education and training provider in the county and manages fifteen out of the county’s twenty-seven post-primary schools.

In Carrick two appointments have been made to Coláiste na Carraige with Seán Mac Suibhne appointed as Principal for the incoming session and Caroline Uí Ghallchóir appointed as Deputy Principal.

In Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny, Rose McLaughlin has been appointed Deputy Principal. Coláiste Ailigh is an all Irish medium school, while Coláiste na Carraige has committed to providing education through Irish on a phased basis.

In Milford, Séan McFadden has been appointed Deputy Principal in Mulroy College for the 2019/20 school session, while in Donegal ETB’s largest school, the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town, Clive Monahan has been appointed Deputy Principal and Michael Leyden has been appointed Deputy Principal for the 2019/20 school session.

Speaking about the appointments, Donegal ETB’s Director of Schools Dr Martin Gormley said, “Congratulations to the new appointees. I’m delighted they have joined the senior ranks of our post-primary management team and I very much look forward to supporting them in their new roles in the four schools over the coming year.”

In the previous academic year 2018-2019, over 5,000 students attended Donegal ETB post-primary schools.

Chief Executive Anne McHugh said, “We very much welcome these appointments to our four schools. Their contribution to the management of this provision is central to our delivery of a quality, learner-centred education and training service.”

The new appointees take up their positions on resumption of the school year and can be contacted directly at each of their schools.

Job Vacancy: Sharkey Waste Recycling Ltd are looking to recruit an experienced, reliable and punctual HGV Driver for our Waste Collection company based in West Donegal. 

Job Requirements: 

• Over 25 years of age
• Full clean C Licence.
• Experience Essential
• Up to date CPC
• Self motivated early starter
• Good knowledge/driving experience in the local area an advantage.

To Apply:

If you wish to apply for this role, please forward your CV to info@sharkeywaste.ie

Sharkey Waste Recycling Ltd has been collecting household and commercial waste from households and commercial premises since 1969.

MICHAEL MURPHY can remember a time when it wasn’t like this.

The Glenswilly man has captained Donegal to a fifth Ulster title. First drafted into a Championship panel 12 years ago by Brian McIver, Murphy actually waited until 2011 and the arrival of Jim McGuinness to savour a win in Ulster.

The All-Ireland in 2012, the Ulster U21 crown in 2010 and a pair of Division Two titles have also been lifted by Murphy.

“Now you’re in the middle of it, you want to go and get more,” Murphy says ahead of Sunday’s clash with Meath in Ballybofey. 

“That’s just the nature of the beast. You just want to push on. You’re happy with Ulster, so what’s next? The Super 8s. To get better than last year, you have to get out of the group. 

“We had plenty of opportunities last year to get out of the group and we failed on that. Our goal is to get out of the group now.”

Donegal soared to the Anglo Celt this year after impressive wins over Fermanagh, Tyrone and Cavan. 

Before the final, Declan Bonner, the Donegal manager, noted that his team didn’t get the credit they deserved in 2018, but now Donegal are cited as genuine All-Ireland contenders and the main threat to Dublin’s five-in-a-row crusade.

“That’s why we’re here, otherwise we’d pack the bags and stay in Donegal Town,” Murphy says.

“But, we have three Super 8 games to play before you’d even have an All-Ireland semi-final so I’d be foolish to start speaking about an All-Ireland. 

“Yes, you dream about it. There is a hell of a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and an All-Ireland final. We just take one week and one game at a time. There’ll be ups and downs, teams hitting form, and it’s vital that we look at the first game and try to improve our performance.” 

Last year, and the way it ended, hurt Donegal.

Michael Murphy shakes off the attentions of Meath’s Conor McGill during the Div 2 final. Photo Evan Logan

It’s clear that Murphy remains stung by the events of that August Sunday when a late Tyrone salvo ended Donegal’s campaign. A first defeat in League or Championship football in Ballybofey left a deep gash.

Donegal meet Meath by the Finn on Sunday in a repeat of this year’s Division Two final, when Donegal came from eight down to overcome the Royals.

“We have plenty of motivation ourselves,” Murphy points out. 

“We got beaten by Tyrone in our last Championship game in Ballybofey last year. That is still fairly raw in the group. 

“It was in front of our own people, in front of our own supporters. That’s something that we’ll be hammering home. It’s there in the back of the memory and the group will know that. We want to put that right, no matter who the opposition is.”

A few moments in Murphy’s company is enough to see how and why he’s seen as a leader of men within the confines of the dressing room.

Murphy has scored more than any other Donegal player in history, though his own game has evolved so much from the full-forward that burst onto the scene over a decade ago. He looks now at the emergence of a host of young players, like Stephen McMenamin, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Michael Langan, Jason McGee and Jamie Brennan and wonders of the possibilities.

Michael Murphy lifts the Anglo Celt. Photo Evan Logan

“The younger lads have come up through underage teams that were winning Ulster games,” Murphy says. 

“They grew up with that mindset and being a team that can compete at latter stages. 

“When they come into the senior team then, the normality of it is that they expect to compete.  It doesn’t always work out like that.”

Murphy talks of the ‘dark days’ before the arrival of Jim McGuinness and notes how Donegal’s players ‘fronted up’ in 2017 when heavy defeats at the hands of Tyrone and Galway left many wondering if Donegal’s day in the sun had ended.

He says: “The influx of young lads with belief has helped us have another tilt.

“The two or three coming in is the gold standard of what you’d want. Everyone kept fronting up and trying. 

“If we keep putting in that two or three and the rest of us keep improving too, then that’s something that the management keep harping onto us – every one of us has something to improve on.

“By God, we have a lot to go after as individuals and as a team from our Ulster final performance to go into the Super 8s. That’s what we’re held accountable for every night we’re in training.”

DYLAN Browne-McMonagle had mixed fortunes on Saturday at Carrickadawson. 

He started the day in good style as Unhinged dotted up in the 143cm and then quickly doubled up aboard the flawless Five Stone Of Lead in the 148cm.

The Letterkenny jockey was then on the evens favourite Hes Got It in the two mile open but unfortunately it slipped up on the bend heading into the back straight final time and after the tumble he stood himself down for the rest of the weekend. 

Luckily, he should be fine for Bundoran on Saturday.

Sam Ewing continues his great form by recording a Treble on the day firstly guiding Whacky Three Fingers home in a thriller in the 153cm and his double came when easily taking the second divide of the open mile on Derrys Pride.

The Co Antrim jockey chalked up the treble in the 10 furlongs as he got a great tune out of By Polar Blondie swooping late to beat Who Knows on the shadows of the post then Sam had a red letter day in Co Mayo the next day Sunday by booting home a five-timer bringing his tally to eight for the weekend.

Fintown rider Paul Mc Gill had a day to remember as he gave his own horse Cool The Jets a fine ride in the two mile open leading from a long way out and kept going  for a stylish win.

Dara McGill got himself back in the winners circle as he gave The Quiet man a confident ride to take the first division of the open mile while Co Cork maestro Daniel King got up in the dying strides on board the debutant Will I Am in the 12 furlong open.

Ryan Sexton got his first win of the season in what can only be described as the race of the century at flapping while four horses almost crossed the line together but it was Not Today who came from different parish to put nose in front right on the lollipop stick for a head success.

Kian Mc Nally is a jockey who you will be hearing plenty about in the coming seasons took the local race aboard The Sinful Man while Letterkenny jockey Brandon Wilkie had a memorable day in Co Mayo on Sunday steam rolling home on top of Silver Dollar in the 11 furlongs.

Racing takes place this Saturday at Finner Camp Bundoran starting at 3.30pm and the feature race will be the Sean McEniff Memorial.

ALL THREE Donegal teams have been drawn away from home in the first round of the 2019 FAI Senior Cup.

Finn Harps, Letterkenny Rovers and Glengad United were all paired with away draws.

Harps have been given a stern assignment away to Shamrock Rovers in the only all-Premier Division tie.

Ulster Senior League outfit Letterkenny Rovers were second out of the drum and will travel to face Harps’ Premier Division relegation rivals UCD at Belfield.

Glengad, who were FAI Junior Cup semi-finalists earlier this year, will have a repeat of that last four encounter when they head to face St Michael’s, who defeated them 2-0 in that last meeting.

Glengad are in their first ever FAI Senior Cup campaign and in April overcame Home Farm on penalties at The Crua.

FAI CUP FIRST ROUND

• UCD v Letterkenny Rovers
• Shamrock Rovers v Finn Harps
• St. Patrick’s Athletic v Bray Wanderers
• Cobh Wanderers v Limerick
• Maynooth University Town v Waterford
• Lucan United v Killester Donnycarney
• Bohemians v Shelbourne
• Cabinteely v Cork City
• Cobh Ramblers v Dundalk
• Crumlin United v Malahide United
• Collinstown v Galway United
• Longford Town v Athlone Town
• Glebe North v Sligo Rovers
• Derry City v Wexford
• St. Michael’s v Glengad United
• Drogheda United v Avondale United

 

A number of homes and businesses in the Glencar and Long Lane areas of Letterkenny are without water this Tuesday due to a burst.

Irish Water are working in repairs to the burst water main, which may cause supply disruptions to Circular Road, Oatfield Terrace, Muchish Avenue, Long Lane, Slieve Snacht, Errigal Road, Meadowbank, Hazelbrook, Manorview, Fairgreen and surrounding areas.

Works have an estimated completion time of 5pm on 9 July. The public is advised to allow 2-3 hours after the estimated restoration time for supply to fully return.

A traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the works.

GEMMA MCGUINNESS came on as a late substitute as Team Ireland’s Women’s Football Team reached the semi-finals of the 2019 FISU Summer Universiade after a 4-1 penalty shootout victory over China.

Greencastle woman McGuinness, who plays for Derry City, came off the bench as Ireland recorded their latest win in Naples.

After the game finished 0-0, goalkeeper Amanda McQuillan was the hero as she scored the first penalty and saved the third Chinese penalty from Ruonun Yin. 

Eleanor Ryan-Doyle stepped up and netted the subsequent spot kick to send Ireland to their first semi-final of the Universiade since 2007 and only the second time the team has reached that stage. 

Letterkenny Institute of Technology students Zoe Green (Illies Celtic) and Zoe McGlynn (Sion Swifts) are also a part of an Irish squad that is now guaranteed to play a match for a medal.

They face North Korea in Wednesday’s semi-final.

OISIN MERRITT was among the goals as  the Republic of Ireland CP team got off to a stunning start to their IFCPF World Cup campaign.

Merritt netted one of the Irish goals in a 10-0 victory over Finland in Seville.

Captain Gary Messett and Cherry Orchard’s Dillon Sheridan netted a hat-trick each with Merritt, Aaron Tier, Ryan Nolan and a Finnish own goal rounding up an impressive victory for Paul Breen’s side.

Ballybofey United man Merritt was selected as part of the 14-man Irish squad by manager Breen.

Last year, Ireland were bronze medallists at the European Championships with Merritt also involved.

Merritt had to have part of his skull replaced after a fall from a balcony in Spain in June, 2014, but in April 2017 he was given the go-ahead to return to competitive sport.

Merritt was dubbed ‘The Miracle Man’ by doctors at Son Espases Hospital in Palma after a fall that saw him suffer a broken skull, a broken bone at the top of his neck, five breaks in his jaw, a broken cheekbone, a ruptured spleen and permanent deafness in his left ear.

Yesterday, Ireland were three goals up by half time with Messett getting two and Rathmichael FC’s Ryan Nolan finding the target. 

Knowing that goal difference could be a factor to seal qualification from the group, Ireland went on the hunt for more goals and they did so in devastating fashion. 

Sheridan hit a second-half hat-trick as they scored a further seven to open their World Cup campaign in style. 

Next up for the Boys in Green is one of the tournament favourites Iran and head coach Paul Breen warned his side will face a much different test. He said: “I’m delighted with the win and I’m pleased with some of the football that we played. Gary (Messett) was central to our creativity and that allowed others to go on and score. 

“This is a very tight group and it could come down to the USA game on Friday and so the players were fully aware that goal difference could be a factor. There was no let-up in the second half from the lads and it’s the best possible way to start a World Cup.

“Iran are a very strong team and it will be a totally different challenge to Finland. We know that and it’s down to us to go out there and show what we can do.”

The HSE has confirmed that the discovery of medical files in a park and on the streets of Letterkenny happened after a break-in to a medical records
centre.

The private file of an elderly woman was found in a Letterkenny park by a family out walking on June 9th last.

A number of other letters and files were also found in separate incidents over a number of weeks.

The letters also included two lists of 33 patients which had been found by litter wardens in Letterkenny in both March and May of this year.

Now the HSE has admitted that storage containers at St Conal’s medical facility close to Letterkenny University Hospital was broken into.

A lock on the container was smashed open and an undisclosed number of files taken.

The files at this particular centre relate to the records of deceased patients as well as secondary notes on patients.

A spokesperson confirmed that steel cages have now been fitted to locks around the cages on the medical records storage containers.

“A thorough investigation was carried out following the most recent incident and as a result steel door cages have been ordered for all doors for the ground floor of St Conal’s.

Bernard McGlinchey Town park in Letterkenny where medical files were discovered. (North West Newspix)

“All containers have been fitted with lock boxes to prevent a reoccurrence of the recent breach where the lock had been broken to gain access to one of the containers.

“The loss of patient files were not as a result of negligence but as a result of theft so there will be no sanctions on staff,” said a statement.

Among the other information found on the street in Letterkenny were letters relating to a woman from Inishowen who was having tests for cancer.

On another occasion, a member of staff left a medical file belonging to a patient in a “public premises”, according to the HSE.

The HSE admitted the lapse in security when questioned by County Councillor Gerry McMonagle at the Regional Health Forum West.

He asked how many locations were used to store sensitive patients files and what security measures were in place to safeguard the files.

He was told that medical files are currently held in up to seven different facilities including the St Conal’s Building, a store in Glencar, Letterkenny University Hospital, Scally’s Outpatient Facility in Letterkenny, Harley’s Stores as well as five containers at St Conal’s.

A response from the HSE said, “All locations where charts are stored are locked when unoccupied.”

Councillor McMonagle said he was satisfied that the centres being used to store the medical files had had their security upgraded since the security breach.

“However, I would question the cost of having a number of storage facilities around Letterkenny as well as staff time being used to travel to them and access them,” he said.

Donegal County Council has been hailed for its spending and time on promoting the message of road safety.

Figures just released have revealed the spent €521,648 from 2014 until 2018 on road safety and anti-drink-drive artwork, marketing and training.

In some cases, Donegal’s spending on road safety has been almost 27 times more than similar counties.

Donegal had 10 deaths on its roads last year, spending 27 times Tipperary’s €18,919.89, which had 11 fatalities on its roads in the same time period.

Both counties have a similar population of around 159,000 people.

When presented with the figures, the Irish Road Victims Association said it “welcomes Donegal’s efforts and financial investment in trying to prevent death and injury in the county, which has suffered greatly”.

Cork County Council spent €73,181, seven times less than that of Donegal, and the county had 16 road deaths in 2018.

Donegal spends as much as Clare (€60,249), Tipperary (€18,919.89), Monaghan (€9,459.76) and Cork (€73,181) put together in the years 2014-2018.

Larger county councils such as Dublin and Galway spent €3,397,651 and €2,806,356.79 respectively.

Donegal’s battle with road safety has been well-highlighted in recent years following multiple accidents in recent including the Buncrana road tragedy in which eight people died and this year’s tragedy in Gortahork in which four young men lost their lives.

Spearheaded by Donegal’s road safety officer, Brian O’Donnell, Donegal County Council has been proactive in their approach to road safety.

These measures include continuous safety campaigns, road safety roadshows as well as the setting up of the Donegal Road Safety Working Group.

“Reducing the number of deaths and injuries on Donegal’s roads is a responsibility we all share and Donegal County Council through the Donegal Road Safety Working Group (DRSWG) is committed to continuing to work with all our partners to achieve this aim,” a spokesman said.

Rhys Irwin headed to race in World Superbikes this weekend in Donington Park as part of the British Talent Cup Road to Moto GP team.

The Kilmacrennan man continued his amazing form with P2 in the first Free Practice session going on to qualify on the front row.

With the competition at its usual World Class level he was strong at the front were he was pipped for the podium on the last bend.

Heading into Sundays race he again started from the front row showing great form had another strong finish in the points in both races leaving just a few points separating the top riders for the Championship.

“It’s just mega being here at the World Superbikes sharing a paddock with the likes of World Champion Johnathan Rea,” Irwin said.

“The atmosphere is just amazing and a wee bit overwhelming. I’m just delighted with my pace and starting from the front of the grid. I scored well this weekend which leaving me strong for the overall Championship.”

Irwin travels next to Snetterton, UK in two weeks’ time for Round 4 of the British Talent Cup Road to Moto GP Championship.

OISIN ORR RECORDED the 30th winner of 2019 yesterday evening in Roscommon.

Orr guided the John Kiely-trained Forest View to victory in the Budweiser Maiden.

Orr and Forest View had almost three lengths on the 8/15 favourite Jerandme after hitting the front two furlongs from the post.

The four-year-old Forest View galloped home to give the on-form Orr his latest landmark win of what has been a standout year so far.

THE DARK clouds lifted momentarily over Glenswilly on Wednesday evening.

For the last fortnight, the small Donegal parish has been in an emotional vice grip following the tragic death of Manus Kelly.

Tens of thousands streamed to the home of the 41-year-old father-of-five and much-loved rally driver, politician, businessman and GAA clubman, who was killed while competing in the Donegal International Rally.

On Wednesday night, Glenswilly defeated Sean MacCumhaills in the Donegal Northern Board Under-14 League final. 

It was a poignant occasion as Glenswilly were captained by Mandy Kelly, Manus’s eldest son, who was Man of the Match.

The late Manus Kelly, RIP.

The dressing room was missing one figure, though. 

Manus Kelly, among his many roles, was also a mentor with the Glenswilly Under-14s.

“Manus was always there for the last couple of years,” says coach Gerard McGrenra. 

“After the semi-final in Cloughaneely, Manus took the boys all into McDonald’s for a treat. 

“He was great with the boys. They could all relate to him and the stories about how he won rallies on the last stage – it was great if we were trying to win a second half!”

McGrenra is involved with the east Donegal Under-14 Development squad and tells the story of a game in Inishowen just a few weeks ago.

“The boys were wrecked and Manus landed with bananas, jelly sweets, jaffa cakes and sandwiches,” he says.

“That was just Manus.” 

Michael Murphy, the Donegal captain, only learned of the tragedy after leading Tir Chonaill to victory over Cavan in the Ulster final. 

“It just hit me,” Murphy says.

“The emotions, when I was told, just drained away and changed completely. 

“It just wasn’t nice. It changed the whole outlook.

“You feel pity and sorrow for everyone and you feel a certain sense of guilt, playing a game, celebrating, lifting a cup, without knowing about it.”

Murphy watched as Mandy Kelly led the way for Glenswilly from centre-back, just six days after burying his father.

Bernie Kelly, with her son, Mandy

McGrenra, who is aided by Lee Gildea and Sean Bonner, says: “Mandy was always in the forward line, but went to Cloughaneely for the semi-final, he went into centre half-back and he was outstanding.”

A handsome eight-point lead for Glenswilly was eroded, but a late score by Michael Doherty won it 1-11 to 2-7.

“Sometimes, it’s just meant to be and you’re not going to lose,” McGrenra says.

“It was about a bit of enjoyment. We got the players before the game and told them to go out and enjoy the football.

“We all had a tough week, but we couldn’t imagine what Mandy and the Kelly family went through.

“We were just so happy for them to win it and put a smile back on some faces again.”

On Saturday, Charlie Kelly – another son of Manus – aided Glenswilly to victory at the Go Games in Buncrana.

A newly-elected County Councillor, who won the Donegal International Rally in each of the previous three years, Manus Kelly was one of Donegal’s favourite sons.

An estimated 30,000 flocked to his home for the wake. 

The county seemed to stand still for the funeral. 

Murphy, like his clubmates, donned a steward’s bib for the wake.

“He was always at games and was always in with a text before games,” he says. 

“The family has always been a big part of the club. Manus was just always there. 

“He was just ‘Manus’ to us, but the sheer enormity of last week and the sheer outpouring, you realise that he was more than just ‘Manus’. 

“It was difficult to see the sadness of all the characters in the area. They’re still down.”

Glenswilly’s senior squad – including León and Caolan Kelly, two of Manus’s brothers – returned to League action on Saturday night. They lost to Naomh Conaill in a game that felt less about the result and more about a bigger process.

Members of the Kelly family watched from the banking having accepted a generous donation by Naomh Conaill’s players beforehand. At the outset, the two teams – the most fiercest of rivals – linked arms for a poignant minutes’s silence. 

Football has already provided some modicum of comfort.

Bernie Kelly watched proudly on Wednesday – and again on Saturday at the Scarvey – as her son walked up to accept the silverware for his team at O’Donnell Park.

“They’ve won a lot this wee team,” McGrenra says.

“They’re a competitive bunch. We rotate the captain’s role, but there was only one man for the job this week.”