There was another busy week of action for the Letterkenny Triathlon team at the Standard Distance National Championships. Full round-up below.

Club notes:

Just a week on from the National Middle Distance championships at our very own Sheephaven Half, it was the turn of Harbour man Triathlon in Wicklow to host the Standard Distance National Championships.

For the second year in a row, Harbour man Triathlon had perfect race conditions with competitors treated to flat calm seas, light winds and great temperatures throughout the day.

Just eight days after his age category winning performance John Connaghan was back in racing action. After a rolling swim start, John exited the water within a great time of 27:20.

As always John went on to have a strong bike split of 1:04:43 before finishing with a solid 10k time of 43:39. John crossed the line in a fantastic time of 2:14:48, placing 2^nd in his M55-59 age category- another fabulous result for John!

Natasha Kelly took part in last weekend’s Sheephaven Half as part of a relay team and her great swim set her up well to conquer the Wicklow waters.

Natasha had a brilliant swim exiting in 27:57 before completing the bike course in 1:11:02. Natasha is always super strong on the run leg and Sunday was no different, she finished with a superb 40:34 10k to cross the finish line in a total time of 2:21:22.

Sheephaven Swim 4k

Closer to home on Saturday, Portnablagh was the setting for the annual and very popular Sheephaven Swim. Organised by Gartan Open water swimmers this event has gone from strength to strength each year and bumper crowds took part in the 1.25k and 4k swims.

In the longer distance, our 24/7 member and Sheephaven Half race director Aidan Callaghan was in racing action. Aidan is on the road to recovery from a recent injury that forced him out of Ironman Cork but on Saturday he had a fantastic swim and was crowned overall winner of the 4k distance event in a superb time of 59:34.

Siobhan Brennan also had a fantastic swim and finished 2^nd female overall in 1:03:06.

Patrick Patton, just a week after his Sheephaven Half triumphs had a fantastic swim and finished the 4k distance in 1:19:24.

Niamh McDaid is a consistently strong swimmer and she clocked a brilliant time of 1:22:38. Margaret Kelly, back in action after winning her age category at the National championships in Sheephaven swam very well to finish in  1:30:12.

Tom Murray and Eamonn Patton are also upping the preparation for their upcoming Ironman in Copenhagen and used Saturday to get some swim miles in. Both swam very well with Tom finishing in 1:35:39 and Eamonn clocking a brilliant time of 1:47:49.

Feena McBride had a fantastic swim to finish in a brilliant 1:51:34. Karl Bonner also swam well and clocked a brilliant time of 2:05:50 for the event.

Sheephaven Swim 1.25k

In the 1.25k event, it was 24/7 Junior members to the fore. 2^nd Male overall in this distance was our club member Jack Nee, finishing in a very impressive       21 minutes. Adam McKinley also had a superb swim, finishing in a brilliant 22:22 ahead of his auntie Anne Robinson who completed the swim in a brilliant 24:30.

Brian Gormley swam very well clocking a time of 27:11. Just ten second separated Martina O’Donnell and Chairman Liam Tinney, both swimming brilliantly in 27:23 and 27:33 respectively. Marnie Duffy also had a fantastic swim clocking a time of 28:08 for the 1.25k event. 

Weekly 5k Roundup

Raphoe 5k

At last weeks Raphoe 5k Gavin Crawford got back to racing action after the recent disappoint of Ironman Cork, he had a great run and finished in 17:34.

Aidan McFadden also ran very well clocking 21:10 on the night. Terence Quinn had a fantastic run on home turf and crossed the line in 22:08. Niamh Gibbons had another brilliant 5k and clocked 22:17 on the 5k course. Keith Fletcher made a welcome return to racing and finished in a super 22:22.

Just 3 seconds separated Keith and Desiree Casburn who is ever improving after a return to running; Desiree crossed the line in 22:25. Raj Mehan also ran well finishing in 26:20.

Junior Update

On Monday night the club hosted a fantastic junior swim event. We were overwhelmed with the turnout on what was a wet and miserable night at Gartan Lake. Over 50 junior swimmers conquered swimming in Gartan Lake. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you and well done to Junior committee and everyone who helped in any way.

On Friday night we host the kids Junior Aquathon- everyone welcome- see Facebook for more information.

Quarterly Swim Prepayment

The Quarterly swim payment is now due for those that prepay for the Club Swim session- this can be paid at Wednesdays swim session.

Saturday Swim

There will be no Saturday Swim sessions due to numbers over the Summer months. Saturday sessions will recommence in September.

Get Well Soon

We would like to wish club member Cathal Roarty a speedy recovery from his recent bike crash.

Club Notes

All members are encouraged to contact club PRO Fiona McDaid if they are competing in events and want to be included in club notes. It is great to see so many members take part in events each week so please submit your results. Results can be sent to 0879044287.

Club Training

Club training continues as follows:

Monday: Gartan Open water sessions. In the water for 6.30 SHARP. Please see email for more information on the rules of Open water sessions at Gartan.

Tuesday: Run sessions will take place predominantly in Letterkenny Town Park. Warm up at Town Park at 6.30pm; session starts at 6.50pm SHARP. Meeting point is the chapel at St. Conal’s.

Wednesday: Swim session- Novice 7-8pm, Intermediate/Advanced 8-9pm

Thursday: Brick/TT Session-11th^h July    Brick Session

Marshals: Labhaoise Maguire, Carol McCabe

Saturday: Club cycle from Aura at 8am- All members must have front and rear lights to take part in the club session.

Full Results

Base2Race Harbourman Triathlon

BMW Triathlon Ireland Standard Distance National Championships

John Connaghan                         2:14:48         2^nd M55-59

Natasha Kelly                               2:21:22

Sheephaven Swim 4k

Aidan Callaghan                          59:34             1^st

Siobhan Brennan                        1:03:06         2^nd Female

Patrick Patton                              1:19:24

Niamh McDaid                             1:22:38

Margaret Kelly                             1:30:12

Tom Murray                                    1:35:39

Eamonn Patton                            1:47:49

Feena McBride                             1:51:34

Karl Bonner                                    2:05:50

Sheephaven Swim 1.25k

Jack Nee                                           21:00             2^nd Male

Adam McKinley                            22:22

Anne Robinson                             24:30

Brian Gormley                              27:11

Martina O’Donnell                    27:23

Liam Tinney                                    27:33

Marnie Duffy                                  28:08

Raphoe 5K

Gavin Crawford                            17:34

Aidan McFadden                         21:10

Terence Quinn                              22:08

Niamh Gibbons                            22:17

Keith Fletcher                               22:22

Desiree Casburn                         22:25

Raj Mehan                                       26:20

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids this weekend, why not head to Lurgybrack Open Farm?

Lurgybrack Open Farm is a hidden treasure on the outskirts of Letterkenny on the Cullion Road. It has become a destination for families all over Donegal and beyond to visit and learn about animals while having fun in the fresh outdoors.

With lots to do and fantastic value for money, the farm is a brilliant day out for all ages. The centuries old farm building is home to a range of friendly farm animals that children can come face to face with.

Lurgybrack Open Farm

There is a large play area for kids and visitors can take a run on a tractor, enjoy the bouncy castles, zip wire, sand pit, waterslide, jumping pillow, indoor bouncy castles or take a leisurely stroll around the dusty trail walk.

Lurgybrack Open Farm

There is ample space to play safely, wander by the riverside, or just sit back and unwind with a tasty snack from our tearoom or have your own family picnic.

To plan your visit, contact: 

Lurgybrack Open Farm, Cullion Road, Lurgybrack, Letterkenny, Co.Donegal

Phone: 074-9122683

Mobile: 086-8212012

Email: lurgybrackopenfarm55@gmail.com

The Killybegs community and the wider Donegal GAA family is in mourning following the sad passing yesterday of Killybegs GAA president Pasty McGowan. 

The club have expressed their condolences to Mr McGowan’s wife Meave, children Stephen, Martin, Kevin, Catriona and Carolann.

An appeal has been launched to find two small pygmy goats that have gone missing from the Termon area on Wednesday. 

The family pets of two young boys are keen to see them returned home safely.

The family-owners fear the two could have been stolen.

A reward has been offered for their safe return.

If you have any information on the missing pair you can contact Kevin McCafferty on Facebook.

Donegal IFA has launched a fundraising drive throughout Donegal for Cancer Care West. 

Over the next three months, three major events will be held in the farming community to raise awareness and funds to highlight the vital work Cancer Care West undertakes for Donegal cancer patients.

The Cancer Care West support centre in Letterkenny provides support services for cancer patients and their families throughout Donegal.

Unfortunately, Donegal cancer patients must travel to Galway University Hospital for radiotherapy treatment. Whilst in Galway, Cancer Care West provides accommodation in their 33-bedroom lodge called Inis Aoibhinn. A family member can also stay.

All the services that Cancer Care West provide to Donegal cancer patients and their families are free of charge.

Cancer has affected many families throughout Donegal, this is an opportunity to contribute & generate much needed funds.

Galway and Mayo IFA have already run successful events for this worthy charity.

The plan for Donegal is:
A tractor run and Dyno Test Day followed by a BBQ on the Saturday 24th August in East Donegal
Hold an Auction of donated livestock (sheep & cattle) in Ballybofey/Stranorlar mart on Friday 20th September
A final event of a buffet supper & auction of other donated goods and services on Friday 18th October in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny

Farmers at the launch of the Donegal IFA fundraising drive throughout Donegal for Cancer Care West from left are Charlie Doherty, Paddy Robb, Michael Chance, Ciaran Robb, Liam Robb and Peter Lynch. Photo Clive Wasson

All money raised and donated will go directly to Cancer Care West to provide vital services and support in Donegal.
Any help or contributions from farmers. Agribusinesses or anyone else for any of the events listed above would be greatly encouraged and appreciated.

IFA branch chairman, the county officers, or any of the organising committee listed below can be contacted for more information:
Michael Chance (Chair)- 0868031858
Marion Boyce (Secretary)- 0872789528
Email – donegalifaccw@gmail.com

Find us on Social Media…
“Like” our Facebook Page Donegal IFA for Cancer Care West
Follow us on Twitter @donegalifaccw (Donegal IFA for Cancer Care West)

There were celebrations in Donegal on Tuesday evening as one BoyleSports shop customer collected a handsome amount of €33,001 after placing a small bet on the EuroMillions, costing €1.

The anonymous punter called into their local BoyleSports betting shop and selected numbers 7, 29, 36, and 41 for the EuroMillions draw that evening.

When all four rolled out of the machine, the celebrations started in the county as the fortunate punter had defied massive odds as big as 33,000/1 to land the big prize.

An accomplished Donegal woman has been honoured this week during the 60th Anniversary celebrations of women joining An Garda Síochána.

Veteran Garda Kathleen Kelly (nee McFadden) from Gaoth Dobhair was one of the first 12 females to join An Garda Síochána 60 years ago this week.

Garda Kathleen McFadden. Photo: Garda Síochána Donegal

In July 1959, following a long-running campaign by civic groups and with the support of the then Garda Commissioner and Government, 12 women joined An Garda Siochana and were allocated to Pearse Street Station. Since then, women have made a crucial contribution to the organisation as well as society.

Kathleen’s trailblazing policing career led her to meet her husband, retired Chief Superintendent Tim Kelly. Together they have five children.

A special commemoration took place in Dublin today to celebrate the women who have served in An Garda Síochána over the last 60 years. The event was attended by some of those first 12 female Gardaí, but Kathleen Kelly received a special surprise in her home instead.

Donegal Garda members, including Inspector Shaun Grant, Sergeant Elaine Gordon, and Gardaí Martina Fowley and Grainne Doherty, visited Mrs Kelly and her family to present her with a commemorative gift. The visit was a chance for Kathleen and members to look back on her many years in the force and to pay tribute to the precedent she has set for many local women.

Kathleen Kelly honoured on 60th Anniversary of Women Joining An Garda Síochána. Photo: Garda Síochána Donegal

Photo: Garda Síochána Donegal

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has today praised the first cohort of female gardaí as brave and inspiring pioneers.

Speaking at the event in Dublin, Commissioner Harris said: “Sixty years ago these pioneers of policing in Ireland took the brave and honourable step of becoming a Garda and, in doing so, not only helped protect the communities they served, but also inspired many other women to follow in their footsteps.”

There are currently 3,780 females making up 27% of Garda members. This is above the European average for female representation within police services. In addition, 26% of the Garda reserve are female and 76% of Garda staff are also female.

Commissioner Harris added: “We have come a long way since the first 12 women joined An Garda Síochána in July 1959. Female representation within the ranks of An Garda Síochána is strong. Women perform duty across the whole range of operational units and bureaus. Every day the women of An Garda Síochána make a positive difference to individuals and the communities this organisation serves across the country and further afield.”

As part of this, Commissioner Harris said An GardaSíochána would be establishing a Women’s Network to support and encourage women in the advancement of their careers in the organisation.

A large number of homes and businesses in Lifford are without power following a major fault.

The electricity outage has been reported in many areas in and around the town this Wednesday afternoon.

ESB Networks has said that repair crews are currently working on the issue.

It is expected that customers will have power supplies restored by approx 6.30pm this evening.

DONEGAL forward Geraldine McLaughlin has been honoured with The Croke Park/LGFA Player of the Month award for June.  

McLaughlin, 26, from the Termon club, has been acknowledged for a series of sparkling performances for in-form Donegal recently.

McLaughlin was in brilliant form throughout the TG4 Ulster Senior Championship campaign in June, as Donegal claimed a third successive provincial crown.

Leading overall scorer in the 2018 TG4 Senior Championship, McLaughlin collected 2-4 in the opening round victory over Tyrone, including a penalty goal and four pointed frees.

In the gripping Ulster semi-final win against Cavan, McLaughlin bagged an incredible haul of 0-14 in total, including 11 points from play, and seven points in extra-time.

And when Donegal claimed the three-in-a-row in Ulster against Armagh, McLaughlin contributed 2-4, with all but a point coming from play.

Donegal’s thoughts now turn to the start of the TG4 All-Ireland series, where they’re in Group 4 alongside Tyrone and Mayo.

Donegal will commence their round-robin series on Saturday, July 20, when they take on Tyrone at TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar.

A week later, Maxi Curran’s charges will be up against Mayo at Bord Na Móna O’Connor Park, and both of Donegal’s group games are LIVE on TG4.

Geraldine was presented with her award by Alan Smullen, General Manager, The Croke Park, Dublin.

HUNDREDS TURNED out to say a final farewell to much-loved Donegal priest Rev Joseph O’Donnell.

The popular priest (55), most recently the Parish Priest of Ballintra, passed away in the early hours of Sunday following a battle with an illness he bore with great dignity and faith.

“Stories of his kindness are in the hearts of so many people,” The Bishop of Raphoe, Alan McGuckian SJ, the Chief Concelebrant at this afternoon’s funeral mass at St Eunan’s Cathedral Letterkenny said.

“A woman said to me with great feeling on Monday: ‘Ah, Fr Joe, sure he was a wee dote’.

“Fr Joe would’ve hated to be described as a ‘wee dote’, but that comment summed him up. People ‘doted’ on him.”

Bishop Emeritus of Raphoe, Dr Philip Boyce and a vast number of priests from across the Raphoe Diocese and beyond, as well as parishioners from all corners of Donegal, where he had served, left the Cathedral close-to capacity. 

Also present were Rev Brian Russell, the Rector of Drumholm, Kilbarron and Rossnowlagh and Rev Canon David Crooks, Rector of Taughboyne.

On Monday, Fr Joe’s remains lay in repose at St Brigid’s Church, Ballintra and yesterday he rested at St Eunan’s Cathedral.

Thirty-one years ago last week, Fr Joe’s hands were annointed with chrism before the same altar of St Eunan’s Cathedral by the then Bishop of Raphoe, Seamus Hegarty, at his ordination on July 3, 1988.

Among the many priests at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass was Rev Dr Niall Coll, a fellow St Johnston native ordained to the priesthood on the same day.

“When he was at St Eunan’s College as a student, he used to say that he escaped to St Johnston, where it rained less,” Bishop McGuckian said.

“Niall Coll remembers sitting on the bus to Letterkenny with Joe. When they got to Drumardagh and got the first glimpse of the Cathedral, Joe would say: ‘Ah, it’s raining again in Letterkenny.’

“What an irony, then, that he would spend so many happy years in Letterkenny and fell in love with the people and the place.”

He had been mentored by the then Parish Priest in St Johnston, Dr Cunnea, having been taken by a homecoming ceremony to honour the newly-ordained Fr Oliver Oliver McCrossan, just a couple of doors up in his native St Johnston some years previously.

“Children in those days used to play Mass and Joe was always the organiser,” Bishop McGuckian said.

Educated at St Baithin’s NS, Johnston and St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, Fr Joe trained to become a priest at St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny from 1981-87 and later at All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin from 1987-88

He was Curate in the Cathedral Parish from 1988-96 before moving to become Curate in Convoy, a position he held from 1996-98.

For 16 years, he served as Curate in the Aughaninshin Parish from 1998-2014, when hundreds turned out to a farewell function at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny.

After a brief spell as Curate in Mountcharles, Fr Joe was Parish Priest of Drumholm (Ballintra) and Chaplain of Abbey Vocational School from 2016 until his passing on Sunday.

“The faithful from all of his parishes, his friends from all other faiths are gathered in great sadness to remember Fr Joe, someone who was very dear to all of us” Bishop McGuckian said.

‘Steely’ was among the words used by Bishop McGuckian to recall Fr Joe, who he said had been a ‘delicate child’ who suffered with asthma and diabetes.

Fr Joe also served as the Vocations Director of the Raphoe Diocese for many years and was also Diocesan Master of Ceremonies. 

“When Joe did a job, he did it well,” Bishop McGuckian said.

“He could also relax and enjoy life. There are memories of holidays enjoying London and being a big child at Euro Disney.

“He enjoyed listening to Tom Petty, Queen and he followed Leeds United through thick and thin. He would have needed the concentration on good music to deal with the turmoil of being a Leeds United fan.

“For someone delicate, he was very sporty. He played tennis and set up a tennis court at the back of the family home. He played with his older brother, Seamus, and he was a very bad loser!”

A native of Main Street, St Johnston, Fr Joe was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Eileen, and is survived by brothers Seamus and Jude, and sister Elaine

After Requiem Mass at St Euan’s Cathedral, Fr Joseph O’Donnell was interred at Conwal Cemetery.

JAMIE BRENNAN insists he is mindful of the importance staying at the top of his game.

The Bundoran man was named as PwC GAA/GPA Players of the Month for June after a superb Ulster campaign for Donegal.

He kicked 1-04 in their final win over Cavan which secured back-to-back Ulster titles for Declan Bonner’s side last month. 

His goal came at a time when Cavan were threatening a fightback in Clones, finding the net with less than an hour played to put the contest beyond doubt, having netted in the semi-final win over Tyrone.

“I’ve settled in a bit more,” Brennan said. 

“It takes time. I’ve been part of the senior panel for three or four years now. It doesn’t happen overnight. You feel like you’re playing with a club here, we have that sort of confidence.”

Brennan has been winning rave reviews, but isn’t getting tied down by the accolades and adulation.

He said: “I’m not too big on social media and I try to stay away from it.

“I don’t look into it too much. I just zone out and try to relax after games. 

“I was listening to Jonny Sexton on Off The Ball. He was on about the hype after they beat the All Blacks and then it didn’t go to plan this year. It’s such a fine line from a kick in the back side and a slap on the back. We have to be mindful of that.”

Residents in South Inishowen are being urged to attend a public meeting on Thursday to voice their opinions over the ongoing stench coming from the Grianan Estate.

Concern has been raised in recent weeks over the continued spreading of digestate in the 2,500-acre area with home and business owners suffering as a result.

It is understood that hundreds of homes in the area have been affected by the smell and resident have decided to take matters into their own hands by calling a meeting in Burt Hall on Thursday at 8pm.

Inishowen councillor, Jack Murray said the current situation was far from acceptable and that it was about time the spreading of digestate in the area was stopped completely.

He told Donegal Daily: “I think the people in South Inishowen have really reached the end of their tether because the spreading had only stopped at the weekend temporarily for a funeral.

“What these people are forced to endure is disgraceful, to say the least,” he added.

“I had a woman on to be this morning who has cancer and is currently receiving treatment and she said once that smell returns she has no appetite and she feels much sicker.

“I’ve had another resident, who is a parent and has a child with lung problems, and they can’t let their child outside to play, they are locking their windows and doors and it is still getting through to the house and that child is feeling ill.

“It much more than an inconvenience at this stage, it is affecting peoples lives.”

Murray said the current aim was to stop the smell in the region completely, with the Finn Valley company having applied for machinery that would turn the digestate into pellets – eliminating the smell.

The Inishowen councillor continued: “I think the companies current plans will be a solution but I think at the moment they just need to stop spreading.

“I think the people in that area need that commitment. I understand that they have a solution and that is great but, at the minute, this is affecting peoples lives.”

The Sinn Fein councillor has urged residents to attend the meeting on Thursday and make their views known on the matter.

“There are hundreds of families that have been affected by this and I think people need to come out and voice their anger.

“I have been bombarded with people contacting me and I would encourage them to come out and voice their frustration with this issue, it must be stopped at this stage.”

The iconic Mourne Antiques store is moving premises in Letterkenny – and owner Frances Spears needs a hand with the packing.

There is a lot of interest in the new location – because it’s the former bank across the road.

Proprietor Frances Spears has had her leading antiques store in Letterkenny for over 22 years now.

The past five years have been at 38 Upper Main Street, which always has an eye-catching window display. But this month Frances is moving on to bigger and better places at the former Bank Building on the corner beside Dillon’s Hotel. 

The new shop will open on the 19th of July. 

Frances Spears at the soon-to-be-former Mourne Antiques store

The new Mourne Antiques on Main Street Letterkenny – beside Dillon’s Hotel

Before: The new space at Mourne Antiques all ready to be filled with goods for the opening on 19th of July.

Frances is hoping to make her packing work easier, so she is hosting a huge half price sale to lighten the load. 

Everything remaining at Mourne Antiques is now 50% off. Apart from the jewellery which is 10%, because Frances says she can carry that herself!

This is the perfect opportunity to visit the Mourne Antiques shop and browse Frances’ amazing finds for a fraction of their price.

Experienced jeweller Keith Stevenson at Mourne Antiques Letterkenny – All jewellery is 10% off in store until Wednesday 17th July

Mourne Antiques Letterkenny – All stock in store is 50% off until Wednesday 17th July (10% off Jewellery)

The shop always has an eclectic mix of stock for one-of-a-kind gifts and homeware. So why not go and bag a bargain – and give Frances a helping hand with the big move.

The new location at the Bank Building will have many benefits for Frances, Keith and the team. Customers will love the extra space and private parking – making collections and deliveries much easier.

Frances says she has always admired the building across the road, which was most recently the ACC bank before closing 14 years ago.

The main advantage of moving, Frances says, is “the shop will be larger and a better shape, almost square, showing off my pieces better – and hopefully not getting too crammed so my customers aren’t afraid to move!”

Frances Spears making the move across the street to a new Mourne Antiques store

The building is almost an antique in itself – with its banking history going back around 100 years.

“It has some delightful original features, particularly the entrance – I can’t wait to open the doors,” Frances said.

Make sure to call into Mourne Antiques over the next week to bag yourself a bargain and enjoy the 50% off sale until Wednesday 17th July. And don’t miss the opening of the new store on 19th July!

Visit: www.mourneantiques.com

www.facebook.com/mourneantiques

HUGH MCFADDEN says Donegal have had to be ‘real’ since retaining their Ulster title last month.

The Killybegs man has had a fine summer so far in a deep-set role as Donegal swept to a second Ulster crown in a row.

But as they head for the Super 8s and a home tie with Meath on Sunday, McFadden insists that Donegal aren’t buying any of the garlands that have been flung at them in the weeks since they took receipt of the Anglo Celt again.

“We’re on a high after a few successful weeks, but there is realism in the squad too,” McFadden told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub. 

“We know we have to perform on the national stage, but we still have last year’s disappointment lingering over us. There has been improvements a bit of maturing. Last year, we had come off the back of a very difficult 2017. 

“Yes, we’ve been somewhat impressive, but we have to be at our best in the coming weeks.

“We can’t have any excuses. We have to make foot of the early games and the home advantage at the weekend.”

Listen to the full interview below …

GIDEON KIMOSOP was the winner of last night’s Lifford-Strabane AC 5k.

Kimosop finished in 14 minutes and 42 seconds, ahead of City of Derry Spartans’ Luke McCarron (15:10) and Finn Valley’s Gerard Gallagher (15:24).

Lifford-Strabane’s Claire McGuigan was the first female home, finishing in 16:54.

There were over 200 participants. 

Minister for Education Joe McHugh has said he hopes to bring a memo to Cabinet next week to outline the Government’s response to a judge’s findings that a scheme set up to compensate survivors of child sexual abuse was unfair and illogical.

Speaking in the Dáil, Minister McHugh acknowledged again that the State scheme “simply did not work”.

Earlier this week a judge said the State has misinterpreted a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and in doing so has denied victims of child sexual abuse access to a redress scheme to which they are entitled.

Minister McHugh was speaking after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar apologised yesterday on behalf of the State to victims of historic child sexual abuse in schools.

He confirmed that a condition requiring a prior complaint of abuse against an applicant’s abuser would now be dispensed with, and that the redress scheme would be reopened.

He said his department and the Attorney General are examining the scheme in light of this.

The Minister said he was “determined to get it right”.

He acknowledged, however, that “words are probably useless today to the survivors”.

Mr McHugh said he would meet a group of Limerick men who suffered abuse as small boys at their Christian Brothers school in Creagh Lane.

The men are hoping that the State will now compensate them.

Fianna Fáil’s Willie O’Dea asked would other barriers facing many survivors now also be removed.

He referred to another condition, which requires that proceedings had to be initiated and discontinued within a specific timeframe – known as the statute of limitations.

Mr O’Dea said that many survivors had not taken cases within the given time limit for financial or psychological reasons, or because the prevailing view at the time, based on court rulings later upended by the European court of Human Rights, was that they would have no case.

Letterkenny man Michael Cliffy Kelly is well-known across Donegal and always has a smile for people he meets. He is Business Development Manager with Eir Business. This is his My Donegal.

Where is your favourite place in Donegal and why?

The village of Church Hill. My wife Bernie runs Mary Alice’s Tea Room in the village and there is a great community spirit there. Both myself and Bernie’s family have strong family roots in the Church Hill and Glenswilly area so it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to open a business here. It is such a beautiful and tranquil place with loads for everyone to do with the new playground, The Glebe Gallery, Gartan Outdoor Centre, The birthplace of St. Colmcille to name just a few. It really is the scenic route to Glenveagh.

Where in Donegal do you call home?

Born and raised as a townie in Letterkenny but married to Bernie with two beautiful daughters Lauren and Shannon in beautiful Dunfanaghy for the last 17 years.

Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?

My father Hugh Kelly. A hard-working man all his life with over forty years on the road for Ever Ready batteries and the father of six children which was not always easy for him. We never went without. If I can be half the man and father that he is, I will be a very content man.

What do you think is Donegal’s best tourist attraction?

Glenveagh National Park. Don’t go the main road. Go the scenic route via New Mills Flax Mill, Church Hill and Gartan. Sure you can stop off for a wee cuppa in Mary Alice’s when you’re passing

Do you prefer Donegal summers or Donegal winters?

Donegal Summers. The best County in Ireland when the sun is beaming down

What would you do on your ideal day out in Donegal?

Anywhere along the Wild Atlantic Way but in fairness when you live Dunfanaghy or have a business in Church Hill your ideal day out is on doorstep anyway.

What is your favourite Donegal-made product?

It’s hard to beat a nice fresh steak from Paddy Gildea’s farm. You know what you are getting and where it came from when you order at the counter at Gildeas Butchers at the foot of the town. You might even get a wee discount from Lee if Glenswilly won at the weekend.

Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?

Daniel O Donnell. He is known worldwide and is always promoting Donegal. I have met him a few times and he is always a gentleman. Always very accommodating. I had a recent charity auction and he donated two tickets for his concert as a prize.

Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?

In my opinion, it has to be Patrick J Doherty (Falcarragh or better known now as a Gweedore man) A true gentleman and entrepreneur who has changed the landscape, economics and fortunes of many towns in the County and has created untold employment. An unsung hero.

Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?

Michael Murphy. Another unassuming gentleman who just gets the job done. The current level and talent of football in Donegal today is all down to him and the achievements and rewards that he brought back to Donegal. Not only at County level but also at club level. Ask any child in the County today which who their favourite GAA player is……..Answer Michael Murphy

What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?

Kellys Diner at the mountain top. The “best wee diner this side of El Paso” Always great food and service and is very family-friendly.

If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?

Bring the railway back. It has to be the worst decision ever made to rip it up and sell it off. A serious loss to the wee County.

What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?

My granny Daid from the foot of the town used to have a wonderful saying every time we sat down at her kitchen table to eat:

Eat you fill now, when you’re fills at you,
You’ll get more wee filly more,
When you’re done with whats that

Which basically means eat it now when you’re hungry and you’ll get more if you’re still hungry. I still repeat it to this day to my own children when we sit down to eat.

What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?

Brexit. Don’t even get me started on this one.

What is your favourite Donegal food?

Tough one this but it has to be the mini sliders at Backstage beside the cinema or the homemade scones at Mary Alice’s

Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?

It’s not promoted enough to the visitors from abroad who land at Dublin airport and are directed to the South of the country. Although it has changed slightly with likes of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Open at Ballyliffin, Sliabh League Cliffs, Glenveagh Castle etc I believe more can and should be done to highlight all that is good in this wonderful county. Up here it is different. It’s better.

Do you have a favourite local band?

Ego Minefield

If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?

I would invest the whole lot in Church Hill. It’s worth every penny

Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?

Daniel O Donnell

Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?

I am proud of my wife Bernie and children Lauren and Shannon for all the hard work that they put into Mary Alice’s on a daily basis. I work full time during the week as a BDM for Eir business and only get the chance at the weekends to be there. Without them there would be no Mary Alice’s. I am proud that we have a family business in the village as Bernie’s grandmother was from Corderry in Glendowan and the tea room is named after her. I’m proud to call Donegal my home.

PETER MCGEEHIN says that St Eunan’s Under-16s had to adapt after poor early season form – and bad timing – left them in the Division 1B Championship.

On Sunday, St Eunan’s recorded a lopsided 5-16 to 0-8 win over Malin in the final at Convoy.

“There are ifs, buts and whats,” McGeehin told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub after the game.

“Timing is everything. The League started very early and if you didn’t finish in the top four, you were out of the A Championship. 

“At the start of the year, we struggled with players away and others were unable to commit.

“A few days we went out and we underestimated teams and got beaten. You’re never entitled to win, just because you’re St Eunan’s.” 

Listen to the full interview below …

Two Chinese tourists apologised for being lost in Letterkenny recently at Boyce’s corner.

With more English than I had Chinese and the help of their phone, they tried to explain that they were trying to find the bus station.

Simple I thought, as I pointed across the roundabout to the Bus Eireann station, sitting right behind them.

Then one of the two of them started waving their hands in protest: “No, no, no, bus Johnnie McGinley!”

Then I pointed past a line of taxis to a single bus shelter along the side of the road, “JOHN… McGinley,” I suggested.

They both smiled in agreement, but with a tinge of uncertainty.

Byways of trying to reassure them that a bus would arrive at this lone bus stop, I asked them where were they heading to.

They searched on their phone and showed me Tory Island on a map.

I was going to tell them that John McGinley could probably see Tory Island out the sitting room window of his own home in Magheroarty, near Gortahork, but thought that would confuse these tourists completely.

After we departed their company, I thought on their journey from their home in China and how someone could come from the other side of the world, maybe by train, then by plane, and then bus to get as far as Letterkenny.

So, in an effort to try and visualise their onward journey from Letterkenny to Tory Island, I decided to do what they had done and Googled their journey from Letterkenny to Tory Island.

My first attempt returned a journey time of 19 hours and 19 minutes!

That’s what Google figured it would take me to travel the last leg of the Chinese tourists’ journey in Donegal, which included four different transport services operators.

They included the Letterkenny Town bus to get me as far as Mr Chippys, then advised me to take the John McGinley bus to Lough Altan Hotel in Gortahork before travelling on the Local Link Donegal to get me as far as Magheroarty.

From there, Google told me to get aboard a Donegal Coastal Cruises ship for the final leg of the journey to Tory Island.

In contrast to this, I Googled how long it would take for me to go from Letterkenny to Dublin and it came up with four hours and the only service provider for this journey was Bus Eireann, no mention of John McGinley bus, which could have taken these tourist straight to Gortahork and only a few miles up the road was Magheroarty where they could have got a ferry across to Tory.

At 19 hrs and 19 minutes to complete the journey by bus, I decided to check the flight time was Ireland to China and found that could be achieved in as little as 12hrs and 36 minutes.

The map by google from Letterkenny to Tory Island 22hrs and 24 minutes. Photo Brian McDaid.

I know that the journey from Letterkenny to Magheroarty Pier will take you approximately one hour in your car and is just short of 30 miles in distance going over Muckish and even if you went around by Cresslough and Dunfanaghy it would only add less than half an hour to your journey and an extra 10 miles in distance

So my question is this: Why does Google only know the likes of John McGinley is available for only part of the journey to Donegal?

But is unaware of their existence in the part that Bus Eireann is operating in? Once Bus Eireann go to the furthest point in the North West of Ireland, Letterkenny, the service terminates the Galway express, terminate the service in Derry, and private bus services that transport the most passengers out and in of Donegal all year round is not recognised outside its county by an information giant like Google.

Everyone knows that it would never take 22 hours to get from Letterkenny to Tory Island, no matter who was driving the bus, and at different times of the day and even longer journey via Dungloe to Tory Island can be achieved by Local Bus Donegal in under 12 hrs.

But in my opinion, those times are still sending out the wrong messages for anyone that is thinking of visiting our county and it will surely put them off.

On the run-up to the recent local election, calls were made by councillors for a proper bus hub to be created in Letterkenny to cater for all the buses from all the private operators that make their stop at Mr. Chippys in Letterkenny.

A better option could be an online transport hub dedicated for Donegal to included all the bus services public and private sectors included would be of more benefit to both the tourists that are making the effort to come as far as Donegal.

And it would also help the tourism industry in Donegal, which in my opinion is suffering badly these last few years.

The chartered tours may well take a lot of this bother out of a holiday, but God knows how many other tourists are giving up as soon as they Google Donegal, which looks as if it has no transport service at all.

But if all the operators were included in the one online transport hub made just for Donegal, it would surely improve our fading tourist trade.

Happy Motoring folks.

Gardaí are investigating the theft of building materials from a site in Carndonagh last weekend.

The discovery was made at Magheranett when workmen came to work on Saturday morning and realised that boarding and barriers had been taken.

The theft is believed to have occurred between 5pm on Friday 5th July and 7.30am on Saturday 6th July.

Gardaí are urging anyone with any information that may assist with the investigation to please call Buncrana Garda Station on 0749320540 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.