The Finn Harps FC 5K took place recently with over one-hundred runners from across the north-west taking part in the local competition.

Full results below…

Finn Harps FC 5k 2019
Place Bib Name M/F AG Club Time
1. 177 Adrian McGowan m MO City of Derry 16:45
2. 169 Gary Scully m MO Nenagh 17:15
3. 176 Michael McGowan m MO 18:21
4. 242 John Mc Clafferty m MO 18:31
5. 224 Brian McCrea m MO FV 18:52
6. 173 James Donaghey m M40 Convoy AC 19:42
7. 196 Stephen Travers m M40 Tir Chonaill 20:13
8. 241 Darren Murray m MO Milford 20:17
9. 240 Michael Harkin m M40 20:24
10. 273 Thomas Moore m MO 21:20
11. 253 Niamh Ryan f FJ Finn Valley AC 21:22
12. 189 Gillian Marley f FO Milford AC 21:25
13. 188 Gerard Marley m MO Milford 21:26
14. 254 Shaun Ryan m MJ 21:57
15. 268 Thomas Healy m M40 22:00
16. 219 Paddy Hannigan m M40 22:04
17. 194 Paddy Doherty m M40 Finn Valley 22:09
18. 227 Andy Scanlon m M40 FV 22:10
19. 203 Owen Coyle m M40 Rosses 22:12
20. 172 Daniel McGavigan m M40 22:18
21. 183 Sean O Leary m M40 Finn Valley 22:21
22. 184 Mary Hippsley f F40 22:21
23. 197 Sharon Meehan m M40 Tir Chonaill 22:27
24. 222 Tom Maguire m MO Pro Fitness 22:34
25. 228 Connor Lyons m MJ Finn Valley AC 22:35
26. 175 Terence Lagan m M40 22:38
27. 206 Brendan Patton m M40 FVF4L 22:40
28. 166 Adele Tomiz f F40 Springwell Running Club 22:58
29. 214 Ramona Gallagher f F40 FVF4L 22:59
30. 221 Stephen Gallen m M40 Pro Fitness 23:08
31. 164 Alan McGinty m MO 23:14
32. 180 Patricia Patton f F40 FVF4L 23:22
33. 276 JJ Murphy m MO fvf4l 23:22
34. 207 Sean Lorinyenko m M40 Tir Chonaill 24:07
35. 261 aisling Gilroy f FO 24:11
36. 205 Bernie Martin f F40 KCR 24:14
37. 182 Ciaran Cullen m MO 25:02
38. 215 Michael Jordan m M40 Convoy AC 25:17
39. 244 Edward Crawford m M40 FVF4L 25:17
40. 165 Caroline McConnell f F40 Finn Valley Fit For Life (FVF4L) 25:30
41. 262 Mollie Friel f FO 25:32
42. 243 Seamus Wilkinson m MO 25:38
43. 181 Cora Harvey f F40 FVF4L 25:52
44. 171 Joseph Casey m M40 26:33
45. 204 Lorraine Graham f FO Finn Valley 26:48
46. 211 Carmel Doherty f F40 Convoy AC 27:06
47. 198 Lara Crane f FO PN Fitness 27:07
48. 178 Barry Gallagher m M40 Finn Valley 27:11
49. 179 Paul Patton m M40 27:13
50. 232 Hilary Pearson f F40 27:28
51. 278 Eugene Kelly m M40 Fvf4l 27:29
52. 213 Damien Alexander m M40 FVF4L 27:29
53. 190 Malcolm Houston m M40 FVF4L 27:30
54. 270 Frances Wilson f FO KCR 27:30
55. 248 Brendan Mc Shane m M40 27:33
56. 200 Matthew Marley m MO Pro Fitness 27:34
57. 249 Diane Mc Garrigle f F40 Finn Valley AC 27:37
58. 174 Mary Martin f F40 Finn Valley 27:50
59. 277 Emma Murphy f FO 28:11
60. 202 Kelly Costello f FO Pro Fitness 28:15
61. 201 Martin McDaid m MO Pro Fitness 28:16
62. 195 Edel Travers f F40 Tir Chonaill 28:21
63. 269 Karina McMenamin f FO profitness 28:31
64. 274 Clarah Quigg f FJ 28:38
65. 264 Aine Lynch f FO fvf4l 29:06
66. 250 Breege Duffy f F40 29:22
67. 257 Megan Ryan f FJ Finn Valley AC 29:37
68. 245 Mariosa Crawford f F40 FVF4L 29:41
69. 275 Maria Helguero Gomez de Dea f FJ 30:19
70. 252 John Griffin m M40 Finn Valley AC 30:55
71. 251 Edel Neely f F40 Finn Valley AC 30:55
72. 168 Delia McGinty f FO 32:52
73. 167 Laura McGinty f FO 32:53
74. 226 John Kerlin m M40 32:56
75. 191 Kathleen O Leary f F40 33:58
76. 192 Julie Mc Connell f F40 33:58
77. 199 Desmond Browne m M40 Lagan Valley 34:06
78. 231 Abigail Lyons f FJ Finn Valley AC 34:47
79. 230 Sharon Lyons f FO Finn Valley AC 34:48
80. 229 Michael Lyons m M40 Finn Valley AC 34:48
81. 187 Gavin Herron m MJ 34:50
82. 186 Jamie Browne m MJ 35:02
83. 185 Ciaran Browne f FO 35:06
84. 263 Marie McMullan f FO fvf4l 35:07
85. 259 Niall Ryan m MJ 40:30
86. 193 Joe Doherty m M40 44:41
87. 256 Kevin Ryan m MJ 46:26
88. 216 Aoife Jordan f FJ 47:14
89. 255 Emily Duffy f MO 47:18
90. 258 Philomena Ryan f F40 47:18
91. 217 Maureen Jordan f F40 47:30
92. 267 Loretta Patton f F40 47:35
93. 265 Celine Friel f F40 FV 47:35
94. 281 Denise Harkin f F40 48:21
95. 208 Jodie Doherty f FJ 48:29
96. 209 Daniel Doherty m MJ 48:30
97. 210 Katie Doherty f FJ 48:31
98. 212 Mary Gordon f F40 48:42
99. 272 Pauline Tourish f F40 51:09
100. 271 Bridie McHugh f F40 51:09
101. 247 Sharon McLAughlin f FO 52:17
102. 246 Sarah Gallagher f FO 52:18
103. 280 Sean Canning m M40 54:37
104. 279 Helena Canning f F40 54:38
105. 238 Ander Wald m MJ 57:09
106. 236 Annie Dympna Walsh Gallagher f FJ 57:10
107. 266 Peter McGinty m MJ 57:10
108. 220 Breege Doherty f F40 57:17
109. 218 Catherine Rose Hannigan f FJ Finn Valley 57:17
110. 234 Peter Walsh Gallagher m MJ 57:29
111. 235 Joseph Walsh Gallagher m MJ 57:42
112. 233 James Walsh Gallagher m MJ 57:48
113. 237 Dympna Wall f F40 57:56

Residents and businesses have been ‘assaulted’ by an overwhelming smell in South Inishowen, according to Donegal Senator Padraig MacLochlainn.

The issue of the smell emanating from Grianan Estate in Burt was brought before the Seanad yesterday, as Senator MacLochlainn said there is ‘absolute outrage’ over recent developments.

Senator MacLochlainn urged the Minister for Agriculture and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to intervene and make legislative changes to address the problem.

He said that everybody’s home is ‘devastated’ by the smell that has come from the spreading of digestate at the farm.

“A confirmation day was totally ruined in the local hotel because the smell was utterly overwhelming and suffocating. We had a situation recently where somebody was holding a wake for their loved one and the house was overcome,” Senator MacLochlainn said.

The Sinn Fein Senator said that the wider community is outraged by the dramatic change to the landscape in a much loved area.

“Rural people who live in these areas are used to slurry spreading and farming practices going back as far as anybody can remember. They are not people who would have any difficulty with that. However, the smell of ammonia is just an assault on a large area of south Inishowen,” he said.

Senator MacLochlainn called for official action on the issue: “The Ministers have to pull together with the EPA, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Donegal County Council to solve this problem on behalf of the local community and hold this business to account for what is an assault. It might be technically legal to do what they are doing but it is utterly unethical to do what they are doing right now and it has to stop.”

Meanwhile, a public meeting is taking place in Burt Hall this Thursday (11th July) at 8pm for local residents to express their views.

Local communities and business are being urged to get in touch with the new Donegal County Council led Trail Gazers Bid project which is set to help communities maximise the potential from the growing trend in walking and hiking trails.

Loretta McNicholas, Project Manager with Donegal County Council believes that this project provides exciting opportunities for local and regional stakeholders including citizens, community groups, small businesses, tourism providers, schools, environmental agencies and public authorities to come together to collaborate on how to maximise the potential of walking trails in rural areas.

“The last number of years has seen a growth in experiential travel, with people preferring to spend their holidays seeking out more meaningful and personal experiences in beautiful locations that are often perceived as ‘off the beaten track’ rather than in conventional or popular holiday destinations” says Loretta.

“Travel is now more about appreciating the way of life these hidden gems can offer; learning about local history, cultural and natural landscapes and embarking on voyages of self-discovery that will stay with the person long after the holiday has finished”.

She adds “research also indicates that local people are also using these amenities to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing, meet up with their friends and simply to enjoy all that outdoor life can offer”.

Loretta McNichols believes that the growth in walking and recreational activity has huge potential to generate income for rural areas, helping to create more jobs in the hospitality and leisure sectors, whilst also enhancing the attractiveness of these regions as places to live, work and thrive.

The new Trial Gazers projects will examine the contribution that investment in walks and recreational infrastructure makes to the local economy and develop new and innovative ways to encourage visitors off the paths and into the surrounding local and rural communities to immerse themselves in new cultural, culinary and life experiences.

Loretta explains that “this is a new EU Interreg funded Atlantic Area Project with 10 partners from different regions in Ireland, the UK, Spain, Portugal and France and all are passionate about examining how the right type of investment in walks and recreational trail can grow small rural communities, increase the number of visitors and future proof destination management places to protect the area’s natural and cultural assets”.

“We are keen to hear from local communities, businesses and any interested parties on how we can work together to introduce new initiatives that will encourage visitors off the trails to explore what the wider hinterland has to offer such as cafes, craft shops, artisan foods, hotels, pubs and historical places of interest and create new virtual tourism initiatives that will showcase all that the regions natural and cultural assets to wider audiences.  We also want to look at introducing sustainable destination management plans that will protect the very assets that visitors come to see.”

If interested in finding out more about this project or how to become involved please contact Loretta Mc Nicholas, Trail Gazers Bid at lmcnicho@donegalcoco.ie or call 074 91 72569.

This project is co-financed under Priority 4 ‘Enhancing biodiversity and the natural and cultural assets’; Programme Objective 4.2 ‘Enhancing natural and cultural assets to stimulate economic development ‘of the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund.

Conor Ó Gallchóir won last Sunday’s competition with a great score of 40pts with a great front 9 of 24pts at Cloughaneely Golf Club. Full round-up below…

Club Notes

The in-form Owenie Pro McGee finished 2nd on 38pts and in 3rd was Stephan McCafferty on 37pts. The Wednesday Open on 3rd July was won by Brian ‘bomber’ McGee with 37pts.

John McGinley was 2nd with 36pts. 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. The Competition this Friday is a 9 Hole Singles Stableford play anytime entry €5 open to all.

Our Saturday and Sunday Competition is an Open Singles Stableford.  Enda McMonagle’s 2019 Captain’s Prize is on Saturday 27th July more details to follow.

We welcomed Buncrana Golf Club to Cloughaneely in the Junior Scratch Matchplay competition last Sunday.

All golfers enjoyed the fine weather and the golf course was in great condition. A special compliment to Philip and his team on the condition of the greens they really are rolling very well.

The result ended up 5-2 with good wins for Chris McCallion, Mark McGinley, Seán Ó Gallchóir, Francis Boyle and John McGinley. We play Buncrana away with a tough battle ahead of us in a few weeks!

Daniel O’Donnell has admitted that he has never watched huge television hit Love Island and doesn’t even know exactly what it’s all about.

The Donegal singing star says he watches lots of television but Love Island isn’t his thing.

Instead, the 57-year-old millionaire entertainer says he loves quiz shows and similar programmes.

And instead of watching Maura in a bikini by the poolside, he prefers to watch brainbox Anne Hegerty on The Chase which he revealed is his favourite show.

He told Donegal Daily “I am not watching Love Island at all, is it good? I do watch television but I love quizzes. They are my thing.

“I watch The Chase and all these kind of things. I love The Chase and it’s probably my favourite.”

But Daniel said he hasn’t got around to watching the show that is topping all the ratings.

He added “I haven’t watched Love Island at all. There’s a lot about it and I know there is an Irish girl in it, isn’t there?

“To be honest I’m not even sure what it’s about. Is it couples? I would watch it but I just haven’t got around to it.”

A young couple have appeared in court following a raid on a Letterkenny shop earlier this week.

Stephen Stokes and Sarah McKay appeared before Judge Paul Kelly at Buncrana District Court.

McKay, 21, was remanded on bail to appear at Letterkenny District Court tomorrow having been charged with handling stolen goods.

Ms McKay is to appear in court to clarify an address.

Gardai this morning objected to bail in the case of Stokes, aged 26, and he has been remanded in cistody to appear at a later date.

The pair appeared in court following a hold-up at Kernan’s Spar at Lower Main Street on Monday night.

Gardai said a man armed with a knife held up staff and escaped on foot with €600 in cash and cigarettes.

Donegal woman Grainne Gallanagh is set to be the first Irish model to feature in Miami Swim Week when she takes to the catwalk today.

The Buncrana woman is in sunny Florida for her last official role as Miss Universe Ireland.

Miami Swim Week is the world’s premier event for the swimwear fashion industry. 

And Grainne’s big moment will be this Thursday evening when she appears on the runway for the Liliana Montoya Swim brand.

View this post on Instagram

Thank you everyone who has helped us get here! @zeroonesalon @makeupforeverirl @greatlengths_ireland @officialbunnylashes @prioritystrength @dundrumcosmetic #Repost @ggallanagh ・・・ A wee #bts of my first shoot in Miami for the fab @lilianamontoyaswim Miami swim week here I come #miami #miamiswimweek #bikinishoot #missuniverseireland #swimwear

A post shared by MISS UNIVERSE IRELAND (@missuniverseireland) on Jul 9, 2019 at 4:19pm PDT

Ahead of the trip, Grainne told her Instagram followers: “I will be one of the first born and bred Irish models to ever walk in swim week. If you were to tell me last year that I would be walking in the biggest bikini show in the world I would have lolled.”

Grainne, aged 25, is the ninth Irish woman in history to make it to the final round of Miss Universe. She secured a place in the top 20 when she represented her country in Bangkok, Thailand last December.

View this post on Instagram

Queen GG @ggallanagh competing in the @missuniverse Preliminary competition at IMPACT Arena wearing @sirivannavari_shop @chihaircare @oandb_official . . . . . #missuniverse2018 #missuniverseireland #missireland #confidentlybeautiful

A post shared by MISS UNIVERSE IRELAND (@missuniverseireland) on Dec 14, 2018 at 7:40pm PST

Grainne has enjoyed major success in modelling since taking the Miss Universe Ireland crown and winning approximately €70,000 in prizes. She recently signed with London Modelling agency, BMA Models.

At the same time, Grainne has championed women’s issues and women’s empowerment through her public role and through her work as a nurse in London.

An Bord Pleanala has refused planning permission for a new Supermacs takeaway in the heart of Letterkenny.

An application on behalf of parent company Atlantic Enterprises had originally been made to Donegal County Council in December 2017.

However, there had been a number of objections to the restaurant.

In January last another application was refused but an appeal to the decision had been lodged by the fast-food giant.

The two-storey outlet with 25 car parking spaces and a drive-thru facility had been planned for the Port Road close to the entrance to the Letterkenny Shopping Centre.

Now An Bord Pleanala has refused planning permission for the site this week.

Any appeal to this latest refusal has yet to be made.

Up and coming hit DJ Ois Bosh is back with an electrifying new release this week.

The 17-year-old dance music maestro from Muff has just launched “Show Me How” on iTunes and Spotify.

The new track is a house dance mix with vibes resonant of Dutch producer Mike Williams, and Ois (Oisin McLaughlin) is excited to see the reaction from fans.

He said: “I incorporated piano on the track as piano is a big in my family, and it is good to stay true to your roots. I am excited to hear what people think of it, I think it is my best work to date”. 

DJ Ois Bosh

It’s been an incredible year for DJ Ois Bosh, a regular in local venues in Donegal. He played in Ireland’s top venue, the 3Arena back in May, and Festival Republic’s new festival, Kaleidoscope in Wicklow just last weekend.  

Now he has set his goals a bit higher, “I am in negotiations with some of Ireland’s biggest promoters to bring my set to bigger festivals and bigger audiences. I will be able to announce some of these over the coming weeks, I am excited about the future and determined to get my music out there.”

Fans can catch Ois Bosh this summer at his upcoming gigs at OTB Festival 2019 – Buncrana and Teen Kix Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

“Show Me How” is available to download on iTunes and for streaming on Spotify. 

There was a glamorous night of celebration for Gairmscoil Chú Uladh as the boys and girls from the Ballinamore vocational school attended their annual prom.

The glamorous event took place on Wednesday 11th July, where students gathered for food, music and fun at the Silver Tassie Hotel.

A great and memorable night was enjoyed by all.

Photographer Clive Wasson was there to picture all the stylish scenes, check out the photo gallery below:

Friends enjoying the Gairmscoil Chú Uladh prom in the Silver Tassie Hotel on Wednesday night last. Photo Clive Wasson

Odhran McGlynn and Lilly McCallaig at the Gairmscoil Chú Uladh prom in the Silver Tassie Hotel on Wednesday night last. Photo Clive Wasson

Michael McGlynn and Caoimhe Gallen at the Gairmscoil Chú Uladh prom in the Silver Tassie Hotel on Wednesday night last. Photo Clive Wasson

Caolin O’Donnell and Daragh Murphy at the Gairmscoil Chú Uladh prom in the Silver Tassie Hotel on Wednesday night last. Photo Clive Wasson

Martin McCormick and Lisa Gallagher at the Gairmscoil Chú Uladh prom in the Silver Tassie Hotel on Wednesday night last. Photo Clive Wasson

Saoirse Campbell, Lisa Moore, Katelyn Lafferty Merritt, Katelyn Scott McBride and Mary Martin at the Gairmscoil Chú Uladh prom in the Silver Tassie Hotel on Wednesday night last. Photo Clive Wasson

Motorists in Letterkenny are being urged to leave extra time for their journeys this Thursday evening due to slow moving traffic.

Traffic gridlock has been reported on the Paddy Harte (Loop) Road, the Port Road, Neil T Blaney Road and many other connecting routes at 5pm this evening.

It is particularly slow on all approaches to the Polestar Roundabout.

Traffic is heavy approaching Lower Main Street due to roadworks.

Some special dogs will be fetching plenty of attention at the launch of the Donegal branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind this Friday in Letterkenny.

A big paw-ty will take place in Letterkenny Shopping Centre from 10am to celebrate a new era for the organisation in Donegal.

Shoppers will get the opportunity to meet two ambassador dogs and Sybil, the guide dog of Buncrana woman Jennifer Doherty, will also be in attendance.

The Donegal branch of Irish Guide Dogs has been set up to connect current clients, raise awareness of the organisation and fundraise for the training and care of life-changing dogs.

There are 14 working dogs in Donegal – seven assistance dogs for children with autism and seven guide dogs for people with visual impairments.

The newly launched branch will be led by Jennifer Doherty, Lesley Newberry and Michelle Healy. 

Lynda Foley, regional fundraising coordinator said the branch is about bringing a community together: “It is important to have a hub to link clients in the county. The Irish Guide Dogs HQ is in Cork, so having a branch in Donegal will help to link the 14 clients here and encourage social interaction and the sharing of information.”

“We have a lot of clients in Donegal, so this is about increasing the visibility of the organisation.”

Friday’s launch at Letterkenny Shopping Centre will be an op-paw-tunity for the public to meet staff, volunteers, guide dog owners and the dogs. Merchandise will be on sale along with fundraising raffle tickets. There will be volunteer sign-up sheets if anyone wishes to support the cause.

People will also be able to book a visit and talk for their workplace or school/ college.

“With 70 branches in the Republic of Ireland, we have a large volunteer community of like-minded people. It is perfect for dog lovers and people who want to get involved in a community project,” Ms Foley added.

Check out the Facebook page for more info: Donegal Branch of Irish Guide Dogs

A new bill which will reform insurance contracts in favour of the consumer has been brought a step forward today. 

The Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill, which was introduced by Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty in 2017, has passed Committee Stage in the Finance Committee.

The legislation would modernise insurance contracts and prevent insurance companies refusing a claim when it has not received a full and complete disclosure from the customer, even in a situation where if this information had been disclosed, it would have had minimal or no impact on the decision to provide cover in the first place.

Sinn Féin Deputy Doherty has welcomed today’s progress on his “pro-consumer and pro-transparency” Bill and hopes to see it on the statute book as soon as possible.

He said: “My Bill replaces the one sided nature of contracts by putting a duty on the insurer to ask for all information it considers relevant. The onus is shifted onto the insurer to ask the right questions rather than on the consumers to guess which information they should provide.

“The consumer is of course required to answer honestly and fully.

“In cases where there is a lack of full disclosure the Bill allows for a partial payment to be paid rather than the situation before when the insurer could simply refuse all payment.

“In another important step policy holders will have to be notified of claims made against them.”

Deputy Doherty added that the Bill also empowers the consumer by ending the strict ability of an insurer to not pay out because of conditions to the contract that have no bearing to the insurable event.

He gave an example: “Currently as the law stands if your house burns down but your burglar alarm is broke then the insurer can avoid, in theory, paying out because you are deemed to have broken the contract which stipulated conditions about the alarm.

“The Bill would change the law so that such irrelevant things are not grounds for avoiding the paying of compensation. The small print conditions should not be used as an excuse anymore.”

Deputy Doherty concluded: “This Sinn Féin Bill is about levelling the playing field and closing down the loopholes insurers can squirm through. I hope to see the Bill on the statute book as soon as possible.”

Donegal’s newest bridal boutique has opened in Letterkenny to offer an exclusive experience for brides-to-be and their parties.

Anyone looking for their dream wedding dress knows the importance of attention, guidance and care when they are having a fitting.

Something New, located on the Port Road, makes sure every bride has an exclusive and private consultation while they try on the store’s stunning designer gowns.

The store is a labour of love of Clare Grealis from Dungloe, who opened just months after her own wedding last summer.

“I’ve always loved wedding dresses. I was getting married myself and I was obsessed with wedding dresses and everything related to weddings,” Clare told Donegal Daily.

Clare Grealis, proprietor of Something New bridal boutique, Port Road, Letterkenny

Clare also has a beautiful range of wedding decor for hire under the name ‘Something Borrowed’. With wedding dresses, bridesmaid gowns and decor, the new Letterkenny boutique is a real one-stop shop for unique finds.

Visits to Something New are by appointment only to ensure every woman gets their privacy to browse the designer dresses.

Something New bridal boutique, Port Road, Letterkenny

Something New bridal boutique, Port Road, Letterkenny

Clare’s main goal is to help brides in every way on their search for a dress.

“My main aim is to make the bride feel special.

“I love helping brides, I come in to work everyday happy.

“And we know brides don’t want to spend extortionate money. Our average dress is around €1,500 – €1,600 and our most expensive is about €2,000,” Clare adds.

Clare Grealis in the Something Borrowed Decor Display room of Something New on Port Road Letterkenny

2020, Clare says, is going to be a huge year for weddings. And this summer she is giving all her bridal customers and extra gift as they will get a free voucher for the Seascape Spa in the Silver Tassie Hotel when they Say Yes to the Dress during the months of July and August.

Saying Yes to the Dress is always an unforgettable part of a woman’s wedding journey. To add to this, Clare makes every visit to Something New a special party for the bride and her guests. Prosecco, lemonade and sweet treats are provided for all and the elegant boutique rooms are luxurious and spacious for a great get-together.

Something New bridal boutique fitting room

Something New bridal boutique fitting room

Something New bridal boutique, Port Road, Letterkenny

And if you say yes in Something New boutique you also get 15% off any of the decor packages from Something Borrowed!

If you’d like to book a private consultation then don’t hesitate to get in touch by Facebook message or calling Clare on 0749124552 

www.somethingnewbridalboutique.net

Clare Grealis, proprietor of Something New bridal boutique, Port Road, Letterkenny

An appeal has been launched for information following a burglary at a home in the Newtowncunningham area this morning.

Thieves entered a house at Monfad between 10am-11am this Thursday (11th July).

The home was ransacked, but the thieves did not manage to find any items of high value.

A Garda investigation is underway and forensic examinations were carried out at the property this afternoon.

Anyone who saw anything suspcious or who has any information is asked to call Letterkenny Garda Station on 074-9167100 or ring the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

IT WAS another eventful night on Thursday in the North West Women’s Super League.

Fanad United 2 Illies Celtic 2 

Fanad United and Illies Celtic Ladies played out an entertaining two-all draw at Traigh-a-Loch on Thursday evening. 

Fanad were quickest out of the traps and took the lead in the second minute. 

When an Amanda Callaghan corner caused confusion in the box, the ball fell to Eimear Gibbons who finished into the net. 

The lead only lasted five minutes however as Illies equalised. When Paula McGrory done well to turn the defender on the edge of the box, her shot found the bottom corner of the net. 

Illies took the lead three minutes later when Danielle Doherty fired home an excellent shot from the edge of the box. 

In the 25th minute Danielle Doherty was unlucky not to get her second when her curling shot flew just wide of the post. The rest of the half was end to end with neither side creating any clear cut chances. 

Fanad had a chance to equalise three minutes into the second half when Amanda Callaghan crashed a free kick from 25 yards off the crossbar. 

Both sides enjoyed spells of pressure in an entertaining game. In the 65th minute Paula McGrory fired a fine shot from 20 yards just wide. 

In the last 15 minutes Fanad started to apply pressure and got their reward with 8 minutes remaining with an equaliser. 

When Niamh McDevitt sent a free kick form her own half forward, sub Caoimhne Herron done very well to hold off the attentions of the defender to fire high into the net. 

The last chance of the game fell to Alison McGonagle for Illies who shot over the bar when well placed. 

Fanad United: Rosheen McGinley, Eimear Gibbons, Michelle McDevitt, Eimear Sweeney, Niamh McDevitt, Lauren Carr, Amanda Callaghan, Orla McGonigle, Keri Sweeney, Lauren McBride, Hannah Shiels. Sub used: Caoimhne Herron

Illies Celtic: Kerry Kelly, Alana Doherty, Teresa Marie Coyle, Aisling Dunlevy, Noreen Doherty, Niamh McDaid, Danielle Doherty, Alison McGonagle, Rachel McLaughlin, Paula McGrory, Emma Doherty. Subs used: Michelle Kearney, Nadine Doherty 

Referee: Dessie McLaughlin

Lagan Harps 0 Bonagee United 9

BONAGEE United overcame derby rivals Lagan Harps on Thursday night at Orchard Park to move out on their own at the top of the table.

Lyndsay McElchar came off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick for the Dry Arch Park side.

McElchar’s treble helped Bonagee to a comfortable win.

Denise Doherty hit two goals in the first half and Chantelle Grant was also on the mark to put Bonagee – who gave a senior debut to 15-year-old Caitlin Hume – 3-0 up by the break.

Bronagh Gallagher warmed the palms of Bonagee ‘keeper Clare Friel with a dipping effort, while Danielle McDevitt kept up the fight for Lagan in the engine room.

Lagan netminder Niamh Monaghan saved well from Natalie McFadden, Grant and Denise McElhinney.

McFadden scored twice in the second half, including a penalty, while Amy Boyd got in on the act with a deserved goal, but the night belonged to McElchar, who toasted her first ever hat-trick.

Greencastle FC 5 Swilly Rovers 1

SHANNON McLaughlin scored a brace as Greencastle saw off Swilly Rovers at Chapel Lane.

McLaughlin netted twice as Paddy Keys’ team bagged the points from their latest home tie.

Emer Gillen, Danielle Barr and Danielle McLaughlin also registered for the Greeks.

Orlaith Connolly hit the Swilly goal.

Irwin Expert Electrical in Buncrana is celebrating a major achievement after being named Store of the Year 2019.

The management and staff at the Buncrana showroom were thrilled to hear that they were not only selected, but won Store of The Year. The newly renovated Electrical Appliance Showroom was voted No. 1 out of 67 Expert stores throughout Ireland.

Speaking on behalf of the team John Gill, long standing manager at Irwin Expert Electrical commented, “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. Out of 67 Stores nationwide, we had no idea that we would be voted no. 1 Store of the Year. It’s just fantastic for Buncrana and for Inishowen”.

Declan Irwin (Irwin Expert Electrical Letterkenny & Buncrana), John Gill (Manager Irwin Expert Electrical Buncrana), Peter Sweeney (Sales Executive Irwin Expert Electrical Buncrana) Tony O Loughlin (Sales Executive Irwin Expert Electrical Buncrana).

Mr Gill continued: “It’s a testament to our staff and to our customers that we are in business here for over 45 years and this award has just topped off another great year for us. 

“We service the entire Inishowen Peninsula and our loyal customers have been coming here for years. We provide an excellent customer service and stock the biggest brands and can compete with anyone locally or nationally due to our membership of the Expert Group, which are the largest electrical group in Ireland. We are in the heart of the community here for a very long time, we are well known and those who we have helped and supported through the years never forget.”

“It’s a privilege to come from a community like we have in Inishowen, the people and the other retail stores all appreciate the hard work that our local Chamber of Commerce are doing to encourage more people to continue to Shop Local”, concludes John.

Mark Briscoe (Chairman, Expert Ireland), Declan Irwin (Irwin Expert Electrical Letterkenny & Buncrana), Ciaran O Reilly (CEO Expert Ireland), Ruth Rooke (Marketing Executive Expert Ireland) Tony Murphy ( Commercial Director Expert Ireland)

Irwin Expert Electrical’s Summer Sale and Back to School Sale is in full swing with lots of discounts. Call in, they would be delighted to see you. 

They also have an instore promotion happening, when you make a purchase instore you will be automatically entered into a draw to win a Whirlpool 9kg 1400spin washer worth an amazing €499.  Now you don’t want to miss out on that prize!

www.facebook.com/irwinexpert

Donegal Minister Joe McHugh has welcomed €5,000 funding for the Spraoi agus Spórt Family Centre in Inishowen.

“From an idea of a parent and toddler group, Spraoi agus Spórt has grown into to a truly valuable local community group in Carndonagh,” Minister McHugh said.

“They offer hundreds of places for families every week and are doing tremendous work on a social enterprise front.

“The community is at the heart of this idea and it’s at the heart of everything they do. It is great to see the Government supporting their work and long may that continue.”

The €5,000 grant was sanctioned through the Department of Justice and Equality under the 2019 Communities Integration Fund.

Minister McHugh added: “Volunteers are key to all the projects that are being supported by this fund and I hope that it provides Spraoi & Spórt with a little bit of a boost in their good community work.

“One aspect of the Communities Integration Fund is to support the integration of migrant and host communities. It’s a real sense of inclusion and it’s community spirit at its best, with groups having to show how they will involve both migrant and host communities in their activities.”

Residents and business owners filled Burt Hall to full capacity on Thursday night to express their views over the ongoing smell in South Inishowen. 

Further meetings are now being sought to mount pressure on Glenmore Estates, with the aim of an organised action group for the community being set up to tackle the issue.

Concern was 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.

In an interview on Wednesday, Cllr Jack Murray told Donegal Daily how the stench was hugely affecting people’s lives, including cancer victims and young children. 

And while two members of the Finn Valley company were in attendance, Murray, who also attended the meeting on Thursday, said a full commitment was needed to stop the spreading of the digestate permanently.

He told Donegal Daily: “I think it was a massive step forward for this community in the right direction.

“I believe that the community showed that they are not going to be pushed over on this and they stand totally united in bringing an end to what is an environmental assault on the South Inishowen area.

“I am glad there was representation at the meeting from Glenmore Estates and I know that they left that meeting, without any doubt in their minds of how strongly the community are going to fight this,” Murray said.

“They gave a commitment to engage with the community but there is no commitment yet to ultimately stop the spreading of this toxic substance.

“This issue is far from over and I am certain that this won’t be the last public meeting over this issue in Burt.”

A loophole in current legislation leaves the company within their rights to continue the activity in the area, despite the recent and ongoing push back from the community.

And Murray said the ‘unmoral’ loophole had to be looked at again at on a national level.

“There seems to be a legislative loophole which makes this legal and they are within their rights to continue to do this,” he added.

“But, as I said at the meeting last night, it doesn’t make it right, it doesn’t make it moral, and it certainly doesn’t make it acceptable to the people and we’ll fight and work for change on this loophole on a national front.

“The legislation seems to not exist or has been closed in England and in the six counties and just because it doesn’t exist here yet doesn’t make it acceptable.

“I would appeal to the goodwill and the conscience of the owners of the company to stop this.

“They have heard how much of a health impact this has on the community and they need to recognise the massive impact they are having on people.”

However, Glenmore Estates issued its own statement on Friday, refuting claims it is using legislative loopholes to spread digestate in South Inishowen.

It read: “Further to last night’s meeting at St. Mary’s Hall in Burt, Co. Donegal, Glenmore Estate Farms wish to provide clarification on a number of points raised and the associated reporting of.

“Glenmore Estate Farms operate an organic dairy farm at the An Grianán farm near Burt. In
accordance with the nutrient management plan in place for the farm, digestate which is a renewable organic fertiliser is applied to lands as a substitute to chemical fertilisers.

“Glenmore Estate Farms wish to clarify that they do not spread “chicken excrement” to lands. The digestate fertiliser used at the An Grianán farm is produced in accordance with strict EU and National standards at the Glenmore Biogas Plant. Digestate is an excellent and safe fertiliser containing all macronutrients and micronutrients necessary for modern farming, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

“The material is a product of the anaerobic digestion process at the Biogas Plant. Digestate is pasteurised, which eradicates animal or plant pathogens, and is then tested in an approved laboratory for a wide range of parameters including nutrients, metals and microbes. Glenmore Estate Farms refute the allegation of the company using “legislation loopholes” in respect of their activities and seek further clarification on this.

“Glenmore Estate Farms wish to thank the organisers of the event and those who attended and participated. Glenmore Estate Farms look forward to meeting with the Local Action Group when formed and are committed to working with the local community to resolve concerns expressed.”

Glenmore Estate refute ‘loophole’ claims as action group is established in South Inishowen

The Mica Action Group (MAG) are to hold their first public meeting since the announcement in October last year of the Mica redress scheme for homeowners in Counties Donegal and Mayo.

This meeting will be held on Wednesday July 24th 2019 from 8.00-9.00pm in An Grianan Hotel, Burt.

Ann Owens Chairperson on the Mica Action Group said since the announcement in October 2018 that the government will support the rollout of a redress scheme to fix the homes affected by defective blocks, homeowners have waited patiently for more information.

She said the Mica Action Group (MAG) have continued to engage with Government officials at both national and local level to request further clarity and to stress the importance of launching this scheme without further delay.

“There has been progress in the form of Cabinet approval in May 2019 through significant support from Minister Joe McHugh’s office – which was a huge step forward in illustrating Government commitment to the issue.

“However, aside from being told that the scheme will be administered by Donegal County Council (DCC), information on the scheme and how homeowners can apply for this redress has not been officially released and MAG and all affected homeowners are getting increasingly frustrated at the stalemate.

“Therefore MAG are hosting this information evening in order to provide homeowners with as much information as we can at present. We have also asked a number of people who are instrumental in rolling out this scheme to attend and to speak at the event.

“Damien Mc Kay, Consulting Engineer from Letterkenny is one of these key speakers. Damien was one of the first people who raised this issue in late 2013 after seeing a pattern of unusual cracking in more and more homes across the county. Damien has since undertaken assessments on hundreds of homes across the county and has acted as a spokesperson on the mica issue at Government level over the last number of years. He most recently trained and certified the newly formed cohort of engineers through Engineers Ireland who will form a key aspect of the redress scheme process.

“Councillor Martin McDermott will also speak on the evening. Martin is a member of the newly formed mica steering group at Donegal County Council. This mica steering group will become more and more important over the coming months and years due to DCC’s key role in the scheme’s implementation. Martin will give an update on where DCC are with regard to the scheme.

“Finally, a panel of key stakeholders including MAG, Damien McKay and Councillors; Martin Mc Dermott, Bernard McGuiness, Albert Doherty and Martin Farren who are all members of the DCC mica steering group, will be available in a question and answer session where questions will be taken from the audience. The information evening is open to everyone. This event will be followed by a (members only) AGM from 9.00-10.00pm. We would hope that these events will get a large turnout and will hopefully answer some key questions for affected homeowners on what to do next.

“It is time for some real action and to see this scheme prioritised by all those tasked with its rollout. In the meantime, people are still living in fear. We need to see those in the most urgent need prioritised now without any further delay.”

For further information please contact The Mica Action Group on micaactiongroup@outlook.ie or by telephone on 086 8648888. Media enquiries to Eileen Doherty, Mica Action Group on 087 2910106/ email eileendoherty1972@gmail.com

Background: The Mica Action Group is a voluntary group formed in early 2014 by individuals whose own homes are cracking due to defective blocks. The objective of the group is to seek redress for homeowners affected by this issue. The group has engaged with government on a local and on a national level to determine the exact scale and the cause of the problem in the county.