From Left: Ronan Doherty, Lecturer, LYIT; Mick Murphy, Donegal GAA County Board; Paul Hannigan, President, LYIT; Dr Lynn Ramsey, Head of Department of Law and Humanities LYIT; and Rodger Keenan, Ulster Council. PIC BY CLIVE WASSON

Donegal GAA has gone into the classroom for the first time!

Letterkenny IT is hosting a new Diploma in Performance for Gaelic Sports. This is the first time that this Level 3 Diploma has been held in Donegal.

“We are delighted to host the Diploma course at LYIT,” said Dr Lynn Ramsey, Head of Department of Law and Humanities. “It reflects the long-standing close relationship which LYIT has with the GAA.”

Currently, elite gaelic athletes are offered the opportunity to participate in the LYIT GAA Academy during their studies.

The Academy supports player development and helps prepare them for the new season. The hard work is paying off with LYIT Ladies and Men’s Gaelic teams doing very well this year, recently reaching the final in the National College Leagues.

Dr Ramsey adds, “We are delighted to be able support the development of coaching within the county. Our sports curriculum has always been informed by external coaching bodies including the GAA and we’d like to thank them for their valuable input.”

LYIT currently offers Degrees in Sports Coaching and Performance, Sports Development and Coaching, and a Higher Certificate in Sports Studies. To find out more about Sports Programmes at LYIT, visit www.lyit.ie.

The dead whale at Maghera Beach.

A dead whale measuring more than 20 feet long has been washed up off the coast of Co Donegal.

The massive creature, suspected to be a Sperm whale, was found at Maghera Beach at Ardara this morning.

It is not known if the animal was alive when it was washed up.

There are deep pools of blood surrounding the whale where it has been embedded in the sand.

Local amateur photographer Chris Patterson came across the whale after being told about it by a local farmer.

“I walk the beach a lot and I have never seen anything like this washed up before.

“I was told about it and I went over for a look. I couldn’t believe how big it was. It must be up to 23 feet long.

“There is a lot of blood coming out of it and I don’t know how long it has been dead or how it died,” said Chris.

Donegal County Council has been alerted to the incident and are expected to examine if action is needed to remove the creature form the beach.

Chris added “The birds have already been at it and although it doesn’t smell just yet, I think it will only be a matter of time.

“Thankfully the beach is quiet this time of year. If it was summer then this would have caused a lot of problems.”

 Typhoon Haiyan Fundraiser

In God’s Shoestrings Charity Shop, Doherty’s Lane, Port Road.

(The lane between Gleneany House and Port House)

All money from sales for the week 26^th – 30^th November

will go towards the relief efforts for the Typhoon victims in the Philippines.

So come along and pick up a bargain while also supporting a needy cause!

Donations also welcome.

The God’s Shoestrings Committee in the Philippines will be providing food, shelter and counselling for the Typhoon victims.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

For more information contact Martin on: 087 2185818

The Government’s refusal to analyse the impact of cuts to Farm Assist shows a total disregard for small farmers across the North West, according to Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue. 

Charlie McConalogue TD

The Fianna Fáil Deputy has accused the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton of targeting low and middle income farmers through “disgraceful and highly discriminatory” changes to the Farm Assist payment in Budget 2013.

“The changes to the qualification criteria for Farm Assist introduced in that year’s budget have had an enormous impact on the most vulnerable farmers in Donegal.

“It’s got to the point that for many, it’s simply not worth their while continuing to farm.

“These changes, which were introduced by the Social Protection Minister Joan Burton in Budget 2013, came into effect at the beginning of this year.

“The Minister has discontinued the 15% income disregard, after cutting it from 30% in the previous year.

“Many of the 1,554 farmers who depend on farm assist in Donegal have seen huge cuts in their income as a result.

“Donegal has the second highest number of farmers dependent on the Farm Assist payment in the country. Low-income farmers depend on this payment to keep their farms in business.

” I meet local farmers every week who have felt the full impact of the changes and are genuinely fearful about their livelihood.

“It’s unacceptable that Fine Gael and Labour are refusing to acknowledge the impact of their cuts on farming families.

Perhaps it’s a case that Dublin Minister Joan Burton does not understand the devastating impact that this cut is having on the farming community in Donegal.

“If that is indeed the case, it’s simply not good enough for her and her Government colleagues to ignore calls for a full impact analysis of their cuts.

“The Government representatives here in Donegal, including Minister Dinny McGinley and Deputy Joe McHugh must see just how harmful this is to the local agriculture industry.

I am appealing to them to stand up for the farmers they represent and ensure that this harmful cuts are immediately reversed.”

Donegal Daily columnist Nikki Bradley has appeared on Ireland AM on Tv3 this morning in which she gave an emotional and detailed account of her on-going battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma. 

Donegal Daily readers will be familiar with Nikki’s story with her  hugely popular weekly blog ‘Nikki’s Fight for Fitness’.

Each week Nikki reveals the nature of the different challenges she undergoes under the guidance of Fitness guru Michael Black who runs the popular gym Optimal Fitness.

Her campaign to raise awareness on the illness has gained national attention and you can watch her brilliant interview on the link below.

Just click on the link and enjoy.

Well done Nikki.

http://www.tv3.ie/ireland_am_video.php?locID=1.65.74&video=72179

Promoted Post

Donegal TV is back on the airwaves with the first show being screened on Sky Channel 191 commencing at 8pm this Friday 22nd.

The series of programmes will run every Friday for six weeks and the presenter is Andrea Gilligan whose voice will be very familiar as she is a regular newsreader on Newstalk and Today FM.

The first show will have a special report by Chris Ashmore on Letterkenny man Brian O’Reily who was one of the infantry who provided the guard of honour at President John F Kennedy’s funeral and will include footage of Brian at President Kennedy’s graveside.

In addition Sean Perry will present a feature on the Tip O’Neill diaspora awards which were held in Buncrana and will include an interview with his son Tom.

The highlight of this weeks show will be extensive coverage of the homecoming of boxer Jason Quigley to the Twin Towns following his silver medal at the World Championship with an interview with the man himself and reaction from family and friends who attended the event.

Charlie Collins brings his own unique style to this facinating feature.

Sky channel 191 is a freeview channel but if you dont have access to this network dont worry as there will be a simultaneous broadcast on donegaltv.ie at the same time.

Donegal Senator Brian O Domhnaill is backing a Fianna Fail plan to revive town centres across the country.

Ó Domhnaill said the plan aims to tackle exorbitant rates & rents and bring people back into towns

The Bill establishes a Town Team in each local authority to implement a town revitalisation plan.

It’s part of a wider Fianna Fáil policy strategy published in May, which sets out a bold new vision on reviving town centres and supporting local businesses across the country.

Senator Ó Domhnaill said; “The sad reality is that town centres, which were once the vibrant heart of the community, are under threat. Crippling rents, unsustainable commercial rates and the continued credit crisis is strangling local businesses and forces many to shut down or lay off staff.

“Meanwhile, high parking charges in the centre of town, large shopping centres on the outskirts, and the cuts to local services and amenities are keeping people away from the traditional town centres.

“Radical action is needed to revitalise our local towns and encourage people back into the town centre. The Bill being debated in the Dáil today is one aspect of our larger vision to revitalise struggling town centres. It seeks to establish a Town Team in each local authority to oversee ambitious revitalisation plans.”

This Town Team will oversee:

- Revamping the Commercial Rates system

- Changes the parking charges structure

- Greater flexibility on building use, including an ‘Empty Shops Intiative’

- Changes to planning laws to encourage town centre development

- New cultural initiatives to keep main streets busy

- Abolition of upward only rent reviews

- A new Purple Flag Strategy on anti-social behaviour

- Community engagement on planning strategy in towns

- New financial tools for local authorities to invest in urban renewal.

Senator Ó Domhnaill continued, “Irish towns have lost many local services and amenities recently, including local garda stations, bank branches, libraries and local shops. Now, small schools and post offices are also under threat. We need to start supporting our local towns, instead of just undermining them. It’s time for town centres to fight back. I am urging the Government to back our constructive proposals to support and promote our towns.”

Letterkenny General Hospital

AN illegal immigrant who should have left Ireland in 2010 has appeared in court on a number of charges.

The 34-year-old, originally from Kenya, was arrested at Letterkenny General Hospital on Wednesday night, the town’s District Court was told.

She faces a number of charges of loitering and failing to give correct details to Gardaí.

She is also charged with failing to have documentation allowing her to stay in the Republic of Ireland. She appears, the court was told, to have two different names.

The court heard that nursing staff at the hospital called Gardaí on Wednesday night.

Her solicitor Patsy Gallagher said he was unable to get proper instructions from his client due to her medical condition.

“Her instructions were limited; she denies all knowledge of the offences and  denies being at Letterkenny hospital last night,” said Mr Gallagher.

“There has been a medical intervention from a local GP who has made certain observations.”

The woman stood and sat down on a number of occasions during the hearing as she was flanked by two Gardaí.

Judge Paul Kelly ordered that the woman be taken into the care of the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin and ordered a medical inquiry regarding her fitness to understand the charges.

He adjourned the case for mention on November 25.

Every week we will be giving away a FREE family pass (one adult and three children or two adults and two children) to Century Cinemas in Letterkenny.

All readers have to do is to email the answer to a simple movie-related question.

The question is “Which film would you need 3D glasses for currently at Century Cinemas.”

The answer could well be on the Century Cinemas website below!

Email your answer with your name, address and mobile phone number to admin@donegaldaily.com before midnight tonight.

The winner will be announced tomorrow morning (SAT).

And don’t worry if you don’t win this week – we have lots of FREE family passes available in the coming weeks.

Quality food and drink does not necessarily mean inflated prices.

And Letterkenny’s newest arrival in the world of artisan food and wine, www.thecounterdeli.com, certainly proves that.

Owner Richard Finney has a wealth of experience in knowing that little extra special treat people want at Christmas – but at the right price.

And so it’s no wonder that his hampers at www.thecounterdeli.com are becoming Christmas favourites even before a decoration has been put up in most houses this festive season.

Donegal Daily has teamed up with www.thecounterdeli.com to offer one lucky reader a chance to win a FREE hamper each week for the next four weeks.

There are no trick questions or expensive phone textlines.

All you have to do is to like and share this post on Facebook and visiting the www.thecounterdeli.com Facebook page certainly won’t damage your chances!

Meanwhile, why not browse down through this article and see all the delightful goodies www.thecounterdeli.com has on sale.

You’ll be surprised at the range but even more delighted at the value!

BREAKING NEWS: A number of homes have been evacuated after an undercar booby-trap car bomb exploded in Letterkenny.

Gardai have sealed off the scene of the incident at ManorView Park off the Long Lane in Letterkenny.

A number of homes have been evacuated and residents forced to stay with friends while the security operation continues.

Nobody was hurt in the incident but Gardai at the scene now say they are searching the area for secondary devices.

The Army Bomb Disposal Team are on their way to Donegal from Athlone to help Gardai with the operation.

Speaking at the scene, Detective Inspector Pat O’Donnell told Donegal Daily “I can confirm there has been an explosion under a vehicle in this area.

“We have sealed off the scene and we have asked for the assistance of the army technical officers in case there are secondary devices in the area.

“I would ask anyone who may have information on what happened here this morning to contact Gardai at Letterkenny.

“We are currently carrying out house to house enquiries and I can tell you that there is some CCTV footage in the area which we are also studying,” he said.

Naomh Muire GAA Club are seeking applicants for the position of Senior Team Manager for the 2014 season.  

Naomh Muire enjoyed a fantastic season this year capturing the Intermediate championship for the first time in 15 years.

Winning the Intermediate championship means that Naomh Muire can now compete in the Senior championship in 2014.

They also secured their Division Two status after an excellent win over Mac Cumhaills.

Suitable candidates are invited to apply by December 13th to;

Club Secretary c/o Naomh Muire GAA Club, Kincasslagh, Co Donegal.

Kind-hearted members of Raphoe Town Football Club have revealed this week that they are getting set to donate one week’s club lotto proceeds to Donegal Hospice. 

Club secretary Majella Friel explained that all proceeds from the club’s lotto on the week ending 8/12/2013 will be donated to the hospice.

“Our club is a real community-based club and while we are always trying to raise funds to keep our own various teams going, we know that there are many other charities and organisations out there trying to raise money for their fantastic work.

“We decided that coming up to Christmas it would be a nice gesture on our behalf to help one of those charities and we feel that everyone in the county has a respect and empathy for our chosen charity – the Donegal Hospice.

“There has been a fantastic response already to the news that we are going to donate our week’s lotto proceeds from the week ending 8th December to the Hospice.

“We are always grateful for the support we get from the club members and local community and I’m sure that will continue.

“Our lotto’s are available from all club members and we really hope that everyone gets behind us for this.

It’s not the first time the Raphoe club has raised money for other charities and in recent times they have raised funds for different charities including the Haiti Earthquake Appeal fund and the local Community Playground.

Donegal County Council have issued a stark warning to businesses in Donegal after a pair of callous fraudsters claiming to be council officials tried to collect payment rates from a business in Lifford. 

Donegal County Council received reports of the bogus collectors in the Lifford area yesterday evening, after the pair claimed they were acting on behalf of the council.

A Donegal County Council official told Donegal Daily, “A man and women entered a business premises in Lifford between 6 and 7 pm seeking payment of rates.

“They did not have identification badges but had a letterhead with the Council Crest.

“No money was paid to them. We have asked the business concerned to report the matter to the Gardaí.

“We are asking all business owners to be vigilant of this type of activity.

“Council staff carry identification badges at all times and it is only in limited circumstances that staff will call to business owners without a prior engagement or appointment.

Letterkenny Town councillor Gerry McMonagle has condemned those who planted a bomb under a car in a local housing estate this morning.

Gerry McMonagle

Nobody was hurt after a booby-trap style device was planted under a jeep in Manor Park View around 4am.

Gardai have sealed off the area and a number of houses have been evacuated.

Cllr McMonagle, who lives locally, says he does not understand why the device was planted.

“The reality is that this is a housing estate and totally innocent people including schoolchildren  could have been killed.

“I am not sure for the reasons behind it but such actions cannot be justified.

“We hear of these things happening in the north but not in Co Donegal and not on a busy housing estate in Letterkenny.

“I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact the Gardai,” he said.

Due to extra demand for tickets to attend the Arena7 Christmas party nights an extra night has been added.

Arena7 are delighted with the response to their Christmas Party nights and have added an extra night due to the demand for the 8 nights they organised have so far.

Thursday the 19th of December will see Pat Gallagher from The Goats Don’t Shave take to the stage to get everyone in the Christmas mood.

Places are starting to fill already so if you would like a delicious 4 course meal with complimentary bowling and music by an Irish legend for €24.95 then contact Arena7 on 0749128853.

Entertainment over Christmas at Arena7

Friday 29th Nov: Neil Diamond Tribute

Sat 30th Nov: Neil Diamond Tribute (Sold Out)

Friday 6th Dec: Star Acts Tribute Show (Robbie Williams, Tina Turner and More)

Sat 7th Dec: Star Acts Tribute Show (Robbie Williams, Tina Turner and More) (Almost Gone)

Fri 13th Dec: Elvis Tribute

Sat: 14th Dec: Elvis Tribute (Sold Out)

Thurs 19th Dec: Pat Gallagher from Goats Don’t Shave

Fri 20th Dec: Gareth Brooks Tribute

Sat 21st Dec: Gareth Brooks Tribute

Don’t forget our Christmas lunch menu available Mon to Fri for only €18. Book today and enjoy a fantastic meal for great value at Arena7.

Century Cinemas this weekend are screening two very special shows, on Saturday evening at 7:50 pm they are proud to be showing the 50th Anniversary episode of Doctor Who: ‘The Day of the Doctor’.

Century Cinemas will then on Sunday afternoon at 3pm present “King of Waltz” André Rieu with his spectacular Christmas Concert, Home for Christmas.

Doctor Who: The Day of the Doctor 3D

Doctor Who was first broadcast on BBC One at 5.15pm on Saturday November 23, 1963. When the First Doctor William Hartnell wanted to leave the series after three years, the idea of renewing their leading man was born.

To mark the success of the worlds longest running and most successful science-fiction series.

The Doctors embark on their greatest adventure in this 3D 50th Anniversary Special which stars the current Doctor Matt Smith and also sees the return of fan favourite David Tennant.

In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London’s National Gallery, in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England, and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion.

André Riue: Home For Christmas + Q&A 

André Rieu’s “Home for Christmas”concert is filmed primarily at Rieu’s home, a romantic medieval castle in his hometown of Maastricht in The Netherlands.

Together with his Johann Strauss Orchestra, soloists and choir, André performs 26 holiday classics in his snowy, beautifully decorated garden and Saint Pierter Church across the street from his home.

‘Home for Christmas’ includes special guest performances by The Royal Choir Society Mastreechter Staar, The Sjamaes Children’s Choir and 10 year old ballerina Rosa.

For this very special cinema event André will be answering your questions as he takes you on a tour of his castle, direct from Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Please send in your questions to andrerieu@cinemalive.com with your name and the cinema that you will be attending and listen out on the night to see if André chooses you!

To avoid disappointment please be advised to book early as tickets are limited. For more information and to book your tickets please visit www.centurycinemas.ie or call 074 9121976.

For all press enquiries please contact Fiona Fagan on pr@centurycinemas.ie or call 074 9121976.

The Army Bomb Disposal unit has arrived from Finner Camp to deal with the jeep which was targeted in this morning car-bomb in Letterkenny.

The unit has pushed back the cordon surrounding the area even further for safety.

Garda Inspector Pat O’Donnell told Donegal Daily earlier that they want to make sure there are no other devices in the car or in the locality.

A number of army experts are currently examining the jeep at the centre of the alert.

The front of the vehicle is badly damaged and it’s two front tyres and blown up.

Senior Gardai oversee the investigation after a bomb exploded in Letterkenny this morning. Pic copyright Donegal Daily

The Army Bomb Disposal Unit has just left the scene of this morning’s bombing in Letterkenny.

The unit took away a number it items of interest including debris from the scene.

There is not believed to be any other suspect devices at the scene.

A Garda forensics team under the supervision of Inspectors Pat O’Donnell and Goretti Sheridan are now overseeing the fingertip investigation of the scene.

Gardai are examining the Mitsubishi Pajero jeep which took the full impact of the blast.

No other vehicles or property was damaged in the attack and nobody was hurt.

IT is understood the incident took place just before 4am.

Gardai are looking to speak to the owner of a silver car which was in the area of Manor Park View at the time.

It’s very cold outside but The Cope Dungloe are trying to bring a bit of winter warmth by having a sensational One Day Winter Sale tomorrow!

On Saturday November 23rd you can save up to 75% in ALL Cope Departments, with savings on products from Clothing to Builders Providers, Bicycles to Laptops, Footwear to Furniture.

Save, save, save & just in time for Christmas!

You can avail of all these wonderful offers on a vast range of products tomorrow morning as the sale starts at 9am.

So get up early and get shopping at The Cope Dungloe you might even get the opportunity to meet some of the superstars amongst the staff who completed a Mizen to Malin cycling challenge last week.