Sarah Jessica Parker has admitted that a lack of restaurants near her Donegal holiday home inspires her to get cooking in the kitchen.

Rural Donegal is far from the cosmopolitan world of New York City, where eateries are on every block. But when in Kilcar, Sex and the City star Sarah says she finds herself going back to basics, doing groceries and cooking.

Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick recently added a large extension to their holiday cottage in Kilcar, where they spent their first Christmas in Ireland last year.

Speaking to the Daily Mail following the launch of her own wine, SJP Sauvignon Blanc, Sarah said that the idea for her new venture with the Invivo wine company actually originated in Killybegs.

She said: “My husband and I had been buying Invivo wines in Ireland.

“Our local SuperValu has a really nice selection of wine and we had been purchasing Invivo wines and we loved them.”

Sarah added that she enjoys wining and dining with friends in her Donegal retreat:

“We can only cook when we’re in Ireland because there aren’t really restaurants where we are, so if people are at our home then we cook for them and serve them wine.”

Sarah, Matthew and their children are often spotted out and about in Donegal during their Irish breaks. Sarah is a keen promoter of Donegal designers and has given Kilcar company Studio Donegal some top endorsements this year.

Her praise for the Killybegs Supervalu’s wine selection could bring another local store a welcome boost.

Sarah is also listed as an ambassador for Donegal Connect, the 10-day project running from 27 September – 6 October to link the diaspora and showcase all that Donegal has to offer.

A man who kicked a priest’s car and then challenged Gardai to a fight has appeared in court.

Ryan Scanlon pleaded guilty to the attacks but said he simply could not remember anything that happened.

The 19-year-old was approached by Gardai after attacking the priest’s car at Cathedral Place in Letterkenny at 1.20am on June 22nd last.

The attack took place during the Donegal International Rally weekend and Scanlon had been drinking heavily.

Sgt Jim Collins told Letterkenny District Court that when approached by Gardai, Scanlon clenched his fists and invited Gardai to fight.

Defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher said Scanlon, of Meadowbank Park in Letterkenny simply couldn’t handle his drink.

He had since paid compensation for the damage to the priest’s car.

Although Scanlon claimed in court that he was trying to address his issues, Judge Paul Kelly said he had some doubts as he was laughing during the court case.

Scanlon, who is doing a FAS course, said he did not who to go to in an attempt to address his issues with alcohol.

Judge Kely adjourned the case until December 16th and ordering a community service and probation service.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, says the forthcoming budget should include specific financial aid for the agri-sector due to the adverse impact of Brexit.

He said the agri-sector needs aid like other areas set to be addressed in the Budget.

“The government should commit to supporting the agri-sector in the forthcoming budget. It is expected that other sectors will have financial supports delivered in the forthcoming budget. The agri-sector should be included in any Brexit minded budget.

“Brexit has harmed the sector like never before. Since May beef farmers have losses of €100m. These losses are set to continue and government intervention in this budget is needed.

“My colleagues and I have made the case to the government that our largest indigenous sector must be safeguarded from all Brexit scenarios in the upcoming budget.

“We must plan for all eventualities and have a mitigation fund. The government must deliver a sectoral fund in the budget,” concluded Deputy McConalogue.

GARBHAN Grant scored one of goals last night as the Republic of Ireland junior international team overcame Northern Ireland.

Grant netted a penalty as the Republic of Ireland defeated Northern Ireland 2-1 in Lecarrow, County Roscommon.

The Bonagee United forward drew the Republic of Ireland selection level after they had fallen behind.

Michael Henneghan bagged the winner as Ireland won the game played to mark the official opening of the John Sherlock Stand in Lecarrow.

Grant was joined in the starting XI by Cockhill Celtic’s Peter Doherty – who captained the Republic of Ireland selection – while Jimmy Bradley, Oisin McColgan (both Cockhill Celtic), Matthew Byrne, John Gerard McLaughlin (both Glengad United) and James Henry (Greencastle) all started for the Gerry Davis-managed team.

Greencastle goalkeeper Dylan Doherty and Laurence Toland of Cockhill were among the replacements.

A large delegation from the German town of Rudolstadt will visit Letterkenny this weekend marking one year since the official signing of the Twinning Agreement between both towns.

Fifty-one visitors will be welcomed by Mayor of Letterkenny Cllr. John O’Donnell when they arrive at a special reception on Friday night in the Radisson Hotel.

Cllr O’Donnell said he believes that “great progress has been made over the last 12 months in building strong connections with our partners in Rudostadt and I am looking forward to welcoming them back to Letterkenny and indeed Donegal on Friday evening.

“From the outset we were keen to see young people from both towns involved in the initiative and I am delighted with the progress that has been made on this front.  We have a number of young people visiting as part of this delegation and there will be an event for students and young people on Monday morning in the Co-Lab where they will get an opportunity to build friendships and learn about each other’s community and I hope that this will lay the pathway for a more extensive youth exchange programme in the near future.”

Rudolstadt, Germany

The delegation will have an opportunity to participate in some of the planned Donegal Connect initiatives this weekend including the Donegal Bay Drive Tour where delegates will have an opportunity to visit Hanna Hats and Magees of Donegal Town before experiencing the highest seacliffs in Europe at Sliabh Liag along with a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village.

On Sunday the group will travel north visiting Creeslough and Dunfanaghy before travelling to Ramelton to enjoy a jazz music session.

A delegation from Letterkenny visited Rudolstadt in March this year and Chief Executive of Donegal County Council Seamus Neely hopes that this return visit will be an enjoyable experience for the delegates and that they will get a sense of the scale and diversity of County Donegal while continuing to build strong meaningful linkages with Letterkenny.

Mary Daly, Donegal County Council, Karol Kerrane, Cllr. Ian McGarvey, Mayor of Letterkenny MD and Jorg Reichl, Rudolstadt Mayor at the official signing of Twinning Agreement between Letterkenny and Rudolstadt in Letterkenny Public Service Centre on October 2nd, 2018. Photo Clive Wasson

An important part of the visit will be exploring opportunities to further develop commercial linkages and with that in mind the delegation will be visiting a number of businesses including Kinnegar Brewing at K2 in Letterkenny on Monday morning and will visit Donegal County Museum on Monday afternoon.

The visit will conclude on Tuesday morning with a formal meeting between the delegates and members of Donegal County Council and businesses represented by the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce.

DECLAN KERR has stepped down from his role as Finn Harps media officer and vacated his seat on the Club’s Board of Directors.

In a statement this morning, Kerr confirmed that he has resigned ‘in light of negative comments from sources within the club’ – and has warned that he is considering legal action against ‘three individuals’.

Kerr, in his statement, claims that he has been ‘subjected to an ongoing social media campaign of personal attacks over the past year by three individuals.’

He said: “I wish to remind those who’ve posted these comments on social media sites about my professional and personal integrity that such remarks are subject to the same legal rigours for libel content, such as  that pertaining to the print media, and are likely to be a matter for court proceedings.

“In that regard, I have been tracking these comments for consideration by my legal advisers with the objective of having those who’ve made them being held to account for their actions.”

Matters raised their head earlier this week in response to an article posted on the official Finn Harps website, www.finnharps.com.

A report about Harps’ draw against Cork City last Friday night, which was accompanied by the by-line ‘By Declan Kerr, Finn Harps Media Officer’, read: ‘Fans can see the work being put in by Hogan (sic) and Paul Hegarty on a small budget and appreciate the efforts of the players and back room team who have stuck together through very difficult periods this season. They have ignored the baffling negativity from a small element, some of whom actually call themselves Club volunteers.’

The last line, in particular, appeared to be a tipping point for many.

On social media, several high profile Harps volunteers, including the Supporter Liaison Officer Aidan McNelis, and Diaga Design, said they had withdrawn their services from the club.

Kerr had served as Finn Harps’ Media Officer since July 2016 and was a nominee for the Soccer Writers Association of Ireland (SWAI) ‘Press Officer’ Award.

Although not included in the list of the club’s Board of Directors, it is understood that Kerr joined the Board earlier this year.

Statement of Declan Kerr in full

“I am stepping down as Media Officer with Finn Harps FC in the light of negative comments from sources within the club in relation to my coverage of a recent away match.

For some time it has been my view that I do not have the full support and positive reaction needed to report and comment in a manner that is in best interests of promoting Finn Harps in a proactive way. I have also been subjected to an ongoing social media campaign of personal attacks over the past year by three individuals.

I wish to remind those who’ve posted these comments on social media sites about my professional and personal integrity that such remarks are subject to the same legal rigours for libel content, such as  that pertaining to the print media, and are likely to be a matter for court proceedings.

In that regard, I have been tracking these comments for consideration by my legal advisers with the objective of having those who’ve made them being held to account for their actions.

I have been forced to consider my position over a number of months in the hope that the issues arising could have been resolved and it is with much regret that I am now taking this course of action to step down as Finn Harps Media Officer and from the Club’s Board.

Despite this very difficult time for me personally, I have been fundraising over the past week to help Finn Harps through a challenging financial period and I will be presenting the proceeds to the Club in the coming days.

I am proud to have served in the Media Officer role for the past three years. It was very rewarding also for me personally that my work was recognised by being nominated twice in three years for the Irish Soccer Writers Association Media Officer Award.

I trust that my work has been of real benefit to Finn Harps in promoting the Club teams at both senior and underage level.

Finally, I want to wish Finn Harps Football Club, their hundreds of volunteers and supporters all the best in the future. Hopefully the senior team can retain their place in the Premier Division for next season and the underage sides can achieve success in their respective competitions in the coming weeks.

Anthony Foy and Ruby McCandless are two young Donegal people who have overcome the odds to become role models in their communities.

And their strength in the face of obstacles has proven that positive outcomes can arise from life’s biggest challenges.

Anthony (19), is a mental health campaigner from Letterkenny, and Ruby (13), is helping to create inclusive activities for teenagers with disabilities in her native Carndonagh.

The two amazing teens are among the 20 Irish people chosen to feature in ‘Facing Change’, a video and portrait exhibition which celebrates inspiring people across Ireland who have been supported to overcome challenges and lead a life of their own choosing in the community.

Anthony and Ruby’s portraits will be on display at Donegal County Museum when the exhibition comes to Letterkenny from 4th to 19th October. Afterwards, it will visit Galway and Brussels throughout the rest of 2019 and early 2020.

Facing Change Ruby McCandless on the family farm in Co Donegal – Photograph Ruth Medjber

Ruby was pictured smiling in her favourite place: the cowshed at her home farm. 

The Inishowen girl has lived with cerebral palsy all her life and requires 24/7 support. She has a wicked sense of humour, loves listening to music, hanging out with her friends and her most important possession is her phone. She also enjoys helping her Dad and her Uncle out on the farm.

Ruby has a lot of friends at mainstream school, but her access to activities outside of school is very restricted. The local social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt changed Ruby’s life. Through the group, she joined a social club for children with disabilities, which has also greatly benefitted her parents Chrissy and Alan.

Ruby is currently working with Spraoi agus Spórt to develop a programme for teenagers with disabilities and is helping staff to identify and develop appropriate activities.

Chrissie McCandless said that Spraoi agus Spórt opened up a whole new world for Ruby: “She has developed strong friendships in the community and gained independence, as she now goes on the bus without her mam and dad. 10 years ago, these types of support would never have been available in this part of Donegal. As a family we no longer feel alone and have a strong network of support.”

Facing Change portrait of Anthony Foy at Glenveagh National Park – Photograph Ruth Medjber

Anthony Foy’s portrait was captured in Glenveigh National Park. A typical teen who loves soccer, rap and tattoos, he has also experienced mental health difficulties since his early teens. He struggled in school and spent some time in a mental health unit in a Galway hospital.

He eventually connected with local youth mental health services and this has helped him build his confidence and community connections. 

Anthony is passionate about encouraging people to talk about mental health and wants to use his experience to help others. Now, he is a member of the HSE’s youth-led mental health strategy for Donegal. He is also being supported by the HSE to train in peer mentoring so that he can help other young people going through similar experiences.

Speaking about his experience participating in the exhibition, Anthony Foy said; “I really want people to know it’s okay not to be okay. I’m putting myself out there, my mental health out there for everybody to know about it, so that other young people can feel okay about it too. Now I’m sitting at the table with the HSE helping to design mental health services for young people in Donegal.”

‘Facing Change’ marks 10 years of collaboration between Government and Genio, to help bring about positive and lasting change in the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

To date, projects to the value of €3.6m have been funded through Genio in the Donegal and surrounding north-west healthcare area (contributed to by the Department of Health; the HSE and the Atlantic Philanthropies). 

The Facing Change exhibition will run from 4th – 19th of October at Donegal County Museum, Letterkenny and coincides with Donegal Social Inclusion Week. Admission is free.

A Buncrana family were forced to pay €450 for replacement flights home after holiday operator Thomas Cook went bust, it has emerged.

Sean Tolley, his wife Maureen and their eight-year-old daughter Lily May were hit with the heartless demand after the collapse of the British travel company.

The family were halfway through their €1400 holiday in Lanzarote when news filtered through that their return flight to Belfast International Airport was in jeopardy.

Turning to the hotel reception in search of a longer stay at the premises they were told that the hotel was ‘completely booked’.

The family group were told the Civil Aviation Authority would arrange a new flight but that fell through as well, forcing them to fork out the last of their cash on flights home or face sleeping in the street with their young child who suffers from autism.

Thomas Cook went under on Monday when they unable to secure the extra £200 million needed to keep the business afloat following a full day of crucial talks with the major shareholder and creditors.

Meanwhile, the Irish Travel Agents Association believes only a small number of people from the Republic of Ireland were affected by the collapse.

Thomas Cook pulled out of the Irish market a number of years ago, so the ITAA said any bookings by Irish people would have been made directly through the firm and would have involved flying through the UK.

And while Mr Tolley and his family had return flights into Northern Ireland for today, he was forced to pay almost €500 yesterday (Weds) for a Ryanair flight into Dublin Airport when they recieved no response from Thomas Cook.

The Tolley family, who travelled to the Canary Island last Thursday, says they checked their situation immediately, but no information had been updated since Monday, despite five other flights due to arrive in mainland England today.

Sean said the whole situation has been ‘deeply distressing’ for his wife and his young daughter.

Speaking to Donegal Daily from Lanzorate on Wednesday night, Tolley said: “There is no information at all for us, we have been kept in the dark completely and when we have checked online it says ‘information to be updated’.

“I went up to the reception at the hotel on Tuesday and I asked them if the worst-case scenario happens, would we be able to stay in our room or would they be able to move us to another room and they told us that it was completely booked because there is a wedding here on Thursday.

“Baring in mind that my wife is deeply distraught by this whole situation,” he added. “She has been up checking since the small hours to see if the flight information had been updated and when I got out of my bed this morning (Weds) she was crying her eyes out.

“And we have an eight-year-old autistic daughter and if we were to go to an airport full of queues everywhere, she would go into a meltdown.

“We’ve had to literally go online today (Weds) and buy the last three seats available on a Ryanair flight that will fly us into Dublin.

“Now we live in Buncrana and we flew to Lanzorate from Belfast and I have my car parked in Belfast,” Sean explained.

“But I had to secure the fact that we are going to get out of here on Thursday because it is putting my family through a terrible time and we’ve heard nothing from anybody.”

Sean said that the entire ordeal has overshadowed what was supposed to be a family-fun and relaxing holiday.

He continued: “Now on the first day this all happen, they instructed us to update our personal information online and they would keep us informed.

“But not one person has contacted us, not one person, and my wife was on the phone today again and we were informed that there was nothing that they could do for us.

“It’s terrible, it’s absolutely terrible,” Tolley said. “We have been left in a situation where we would have been turfed out on the street or book additional flights, writing them ones off, and spending additional money to get us home.

“It has spoilt the holiday because, since Monday, when all of this came out, we’ve done nothing but worry.

“My wife, Maureen, has been walking around worried, thinking about what we are going to do and how we are going to get home.

“We’ve paid all this money after saving all year to come out and enjoy our holiday with the family and it has totally been overshadowed by the collapse

“And the fact we have an eight-year-old autistic daughter, who is now seeing her mother being distressed and asking why her mother is upset, it hasn’t been nice, to say the least.”

A local fishing crew caught a lot more than they bargained for when they caught a glimpse of a humpback whale in Donegal Bay on Tuesday.

The mighty creature was spotted off South Donegal among schools of dolpins and bluefin tuna.

The whale wasn’t shy either, as it surfaced only a few feet away from the fishing boat.

The amazing marine moment was caught on camera and shared by the Donegal Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, but viewers are advised that the video contains expletives:

Video: Donegal IWDG

These events follow another sighting of a humpback whale off St John’s Point on Sunday. Sightings are expected around the Irish coast at this time of year as whales come to their seasonal feeding grounds. However, two whales in Kerry baffled researchers after returning to the region together 20 years after their first recorded sighting.

The Donegal branch of IWDG advised that there is a good chance of seeing the humpbacks off the north west coast at St John’s Point, Sliabh Liag and Carrick.

If you do see the whales, the public is asked to report all sightings to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.

A BUSY WEEK of Cross-Country finished with the McGonagle Champions Cup event hosted by the Finn Valley AC on Sunday.

Excellent organisation yet again from club members and students from the Finn Valley College.

Pictures by Dermot McGranaghan

Team competition was close in many sections across all age groups.

Clubs from across Donegal and as far away as North Leitrim and Tuam came to take part.

Race Results

Under 9 Girls

Place Name Club

1 Kayla Tonner Finn Valley

2 Lucy Campbell Olympian

3 Eileen Lougue Rosses

4 Lucy Sweeney Letterkenny

5 Niamh McGrenra Olympian

6 Saorla Gilligan Finn Valley

7 Ailbhe Breen Olympian

8 Darcy Clark Lifford

Team Result

1 Olympian

2 Finn Valley A

3 Finn Valley B

Under 9 Boys

Place Name Club

1 Nathan Kearns Finn Valley

2 Evan Ward Rosses

3 Evan Cunningham Tir Chonaill

4 Dylan Curley Olympian

5 Patrick McNulty Finn Valley

6 Harry McGlinchey Finn Valley

7 Jason Murrin Rosses

8 Eanna Byrne Finn Valley

Team Result

1 Finn Valley A

2 Rosses

3 Finn Valley B

Under 10 Girls

Place Name Club

1 Niamh Duggan Rosses

2 Niamh McGlinchey Finn Valley

3 Ruby McGee Rosses

4 Katie McGlinchey Finn Valley

5 Andrea Reid Finn Valley

6 Katriona Deuherst Tir Chonaill

7 Cabrinee Payne Lifford

8 Jessica Rafferty Finn Valley

Team Result

1 Finn Valley A

2 Rosses

Under 10 Boys

Place Name Club

1 Scott Williams North Leitrim

2 Mark Alexander Finn Valley

3 Jack Byrne Finn Valley

4 Daithi Cullen Leitrim

5 Matthew Dowds Finn Valley

6 Joshua O’Donnell Finn Valley

7 Peter Bradley Inishowen

8 Oisin Monelly Tuam

Team Result

1 Finn Valley A

2 Finn Valley B

3 Rosses

Under 11 Girls

Place Name Club

1 Faela Houston Rosses

2 Cliodhna McBride Cranford

3 Sarah Mulvaney Kelly North Leitrim

4 Mia Byrne Finn Valley

5 Rebecca Moynahan Tuam

6 Ava Lougue Rosses

7 Holly McNulty Finn Valley

8 Adrianna McGlinchey Finn Valley

Team Result

1 Finn Valley A

2 Rosses

3 Tuam

Under 11 Boys

Place Name Club

1 Doabs Tarvids Enniskillen

2 Mark Wilkinson Finn Valley

3 Odhran Rodgers Rosses

4 Prioncais McElhill Finn Valley

5 James Scullion Carmen AC

6 Oisin Mullen Finn Valley

7 Shay McNulty Finn Valley

8 Niall McBearty Finn Valley

Team Result

1 Finn Valley

2  Milford

3 Rosses

Under 12 Girls

Place Name Club

1 Anna Russel Olympian

2 Erin Friel Olympian

3 Aine Branagan  Tir Chonaill

4 Gemma Casserly Tuam

5 Ailbhe Doherty Tir Chonaill

6 Clodagh Falton Tuam

7 Savannah O’Callaghan Tuam

8 Sarah Heartness Tuam

Team Result

1 Tuam

2 Olympian

3 Finn Valley

Under 12 Boys

Place Name Club

1 Jack McGlinchey Finn Valley

2 Odhran McBearty Finn Valley

3 Paraic McGettigan Finn Valley

4 Daniel Byrne Tir Chonaill

5 Conor Gallagher Finn Valley

6 Mark Hazett North Leitrim

7 Conor Lyons Finn Valley

8 Caolon Byrness Finn Valley

Team Result

1 Finn Valley

Under 13 Girls

Place Name Club

1 Mia Fletcher Cranford

2 Eva Burke Tuam

3 Moiya Gallagher Tuam

4 Danielle Moyanahan Tuam

5 Abigail Boyd Enniskillen

6 Cara Skillen Carmen

7 Aobhinn Cally Enniskillen

8 Ellie McFadden Cranford

Team Result

1 Tuam

Under 13 Boys

Place Name Club

1 Caolon McFadden Cranford

2 Finley Boyne Loughview AC

3 Shaun Gallagher Finn Valley

4 Harry Gallagher Finn Valley

5 Caolon Kilbride Tir Chonaill

6 Luke Fitzmorris North Leitrim

7 Ethan Dewherst Tir Chonaill

8 Dalton McCauley Milford

Team Result

1 Finn Valley

Under 15 Girls

Place Name Club

1 Elsa Moore Lifford Strabane

2 Sara Alexander Finn Valley

3 Hannah Murray Finn Valley

4 Ella McGlinchey Finn Valley

5 Clodagh Neilly Cranford

6 Murrin Duffy Enniskillen

7 Jessica Cullen Cranford

8 Grainne Duffy Enniskillen

Team Result

1 Finn Valley

2 Enniskillen

3 Cranford

Under 15 Boys

Place Name Club

1 Kyle Thompson Loughview AC

2 Conor Murphy Finn Valley

3 Patrick Murphy Finn Valley

4 Michael Houston Spartan

5 Patrick Williams Enniskillen

6 Darragh McDevit Tir Chonaill

7 Finton Dewherst Tir Chonaill

8 Rudy Mayne Loughview AC

Team Result

1 Finn Valley

2 Tir Chonaill

Under 17 Girls

Place Name Club

1 Ciara Doherty Olympian

2 Nuala Bose Olympian

3 Eimear O’Brian Finn Valley

4 Ava Thompson Enniskillen

5 Joanne Cockeran Unattached/Armagh

6 Dalia Mattar Suarez Tuam

7 Ailbhe McCrossan Tir Chonaill

8 Irene Lopez Tuam

Under 17 Boys

Place Name Club

1 Jack Holiam Letterkenny

2 Oisin Toye Finn Valley

3 Oisin Kelly Cranford

4 Jack Kelly Tir Chonaill

5 Odhran McMenamin Cranford

6 Paul Hannigan Olympian

7 Darragh Mitchell North Leitrim

8 Honor Houston Rosses

The race is on for secondary school students to apply for this year’s Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards – one of Ireland’s largest youth recognition programmes.

The 14th Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards were launched today at Pramerica in Letterkenny to shine a light on the commitment and dedication of young people’s volunteering efforts across Ireland by encouraging students to apply for their 2020 awards.

One of Ireland’s largest youth recognition programmes, the initiative aims to give young people a voice who are making their communities a better place to live while inspiring others to take action. The top 20 honourees each receive €500 with two finalists winning €1,000 for their preferred charity and a once in a lifetime trip to Washington, D.C.

Run in partnership with the National Association of Principals & Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), the awards celebrate youth volunteers who are passionate about a range of topics including homelessness, mental health, disabled rights, animal cruelty, caring for the young and elderly, plus many more.

Pictured at the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards launch are Naomi Hegarty, Executive Sponsor, Spirit Student Ambassador David Giles and Nikki Bradley. Photo- Clive Wasson.

“There is a new generation of young people who are taking a stand for what they believe in and empowering others to take positive action in areas that they are passionate about,” said Naomi Hegarty, vice president, Risk Management, Pramerica Systems Ireland during the launch event.

“There is so much amazing volunteering work going on in communities across Ireland and we want these brilliant young people to enter the awards to get the recognition they truly deserve.” 

“At Pramerica we are committed to supporting youth volunteers and we want to acknowledge and reward those who continuously and unselfishly sacrifice their spare time in order to make a positive impact through their actions,”

Hegarty added: “Small contributions can make a big difference, sometimes the smallest deeds like spending time with an elderly neighbour can have the biggest influence on someone’s outlook and our awards programme is about making sure these acts don’t go unnoticed.” 

The 2020 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards are split into two categories including the Junior category, for students under the age of 16, and the Senior category, for students under the age of 19. Applications are now open at www.pramerica.ie/spirit.

Students must register and apply via the online system by 24th October 2019 and their completed application is then submitted to their principal for review/submission with a deadline of 8th November 2019. All students who submit an application will receive a Certificate of Merit.  

A judging panel, including people from charitable organisations, education and Pramerica, will select 20 Finalists and the two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year which will be announced on 5th February 2020. 

The race is on! Pictured at the launch are Naomi Hegarty, Executive Sponsor, Spirit Student Ambassador David Giles and Nikki Bradley. Photo- Clive Wasson.

EPISODE Four of ‘The Championship’, our weekly Donegal club championship show, is now available to watch, listen or download!

This week on ‘The Championship’, host Charlie Collins was joined by Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Sports Editor Chris McNulty as well as Termon coach Francie Friel and St Eunan’s man John Haran, who was a member of the Donegal team that won the All-Ireland Masters title last weekend.

‘The Championship’ is brought to you in association with Kelly’s Centra, Mountain Top, Letterkenny and will air each week across the various Donegal Daily and Donegal Sport Hub social media platforms and websites.

‘The Championship’ is produced by Full Tilt

Watch episode four here:

Listen or download episode four here:

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has accused the Minister for Education of dragging his heels on the construction of a new school to replace St Mary’s in Stranorlar.

The issue is expected to be raised in the Dail again next week.

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher said the school must to immediately tender claiming there are inordinate delays since pre-qualification stage of contractors and in the meantime, nothing has occurred.

He said “I have raised the need for a new School at Stranorlar on a continual basis since my election in 2016, and especially because the previous Government of  2011-2016 having removed the school from their Capital Building Programme , the decision of that government has caused major delays to the sanctioning of the school.

“It is in this context of continual delay and time delays within the Department, that I am forcing a decision on this school, it is a full 12 months since the school was progressed to pre-qualification stage, normally it should move to tender stage within 5 months maximum added Pat the Cope

“I have already decided that a motion must be put before the Dáil in order to progress this project. No further delays can be allowed to occur.

“The reality is that planning permission will expire on this project by 2022, and bearing in mind the project still has to be fully tendered for, we run the serious risk of letting this project’s planning expire before we get it off the ground, stated Pat the Cope

The new building will comprise of 24 new mainstream classrooms, PE Hall and a suite of resource rooms and the new school will be situated on a 5 acre site.

The current enrolment of the school stands at 448 pupils and the new school building will allow for further expansion in enrolment up to 720 pupils.

The new school building will be state of the art in design and layout and will serve the needs of the school community for many generations ahead.

Deputy Galagher said he is directly challenging the Minister to take action and progress this project.

He added “You have allowed excessive time delays at the current stage notwithstanding the removal previously of the project from the capital programme. Now, is the time to progress this project and allow it to proceed to construction or face the wrath of further scrutiny on the floor of Dáil Éireann and your poor management of this project thus far.

The new school will without doubt, inject a new lease of life to the school going population who depend on St Mary’s for their primary education.

“Our children deserve the best possible opportunities when they are in our educational system and having the necessary school building and facilities is an essential part in insuring they get every possible opportunity in their school going years.”

CHLOE and Sam Magee pushed the world number threes all the way, but ultimately bowed out of the Korean Open.

At the Incheon Airport Skydome, the Raphoe siblings took Sapsiree Taerattanachai and Dechapol Puavaranukroh to three sets.

However, it was the Thailand pair who came out on top to win 21-8 20-22 21-10.

The Magees, bronze medalists at this year’s European Games in Minsk, defeated Chinese pair Ou Xuanyi and Feng Xueying in straight games, 21-18 21-18, to advance to today’s round of 16.

DYLAN BROWNE-McMonagle finished second at Gowran Park today in his first race under rules this afternoon.

The Letterkenny teenager recently linked up with Joseph O’Brien’s stable in Kilkenny.

In the mile apprentice handicap at Gowran, Browne-McMonagle was second on Harvey Specter, sent away priced at 7/1.

The race was won by Lady In Lavender, the 4/1 favourite.

McMonagle and Harvey Specter came second, five lengths behind.

Browne-McMonagle had a glittering pony racing career.

A two-time National Field champion, he had a total of 218 wins and he won the Dingle Derby in 2015 when he was only 12 years old.

He closed his five-year pony riding career last month with a six-timer at Carrickadawson,

Fellow Donegal man Oisin Orr was ninth on Scorpion Black, the 6/1 shot for Dermot Weld.

Job Vacancy: Spar Glencar, an award-winning store in Letterkenny, is currently recruiting for full-time and part-time deli assistants and shop assistants to join their hard-working, dynamic and friendly team.

Management is seeking motivated individuals, preferably with experience in a similar role.

Deli assistant requirements:

• Experience is preferable but not essential as full training will be given
• Have a flair for food and have good presentation skills.
• Be customer orientated
• Be flexible in regard to working various shift times, including weekends.
• Be qualified in HACCP and food safety

Shop assistant role requirements: 

• Experience is preferable but not essential as full training will be given
• Be customer orientated
• Be flexible in regard to working various shift times, including weekends.

Unfortunately, these hours will not suit students as flexibility is a must 7 days a week.

To apply, please forward your CV and state which role you are applying for to hrglencar@gmail.com

Chef Ciaran Sweeney will be going back to his roots to celebrate Donegal food in his appearance on RTE’s popular new food series, Beyond the Menu, this Monday.

Sweeney, from Downings, is an award-winning chef and keen promoter and developer of Irish cuisine.

As Head Chef of Forest & Marcy in Dublin, he is one of Ireland’s exciting food champions.

And he will be bringing his enthusiasm for food and Donegal produce to our TV screens on Monday 30th September for his feature on Beyond the Menu on RTE One at 7.30pm.

Chef Ciaran Sweeney from Downings

The food series is hosted by Chef Mark Moriarty, who steps into some of Ireland’s most exciting kitchens to meet the young chefs at the helm.

This week Mark will travel to North Donegal with his former mentor and colleague Ciaran Sweeney to visit Breac House, a stunning modern retreat outside Dunfanaghy. There, they will celebrate some of the best local producers around during their special pop-up evening.

Breac.House in Dunfanaghy

The programme will also explore the positives and negatives of Ciaran’s life in Dublin and the great changes that have happened since he became a father two years ago.

Having worked in some of the best restaurants in Ireland and the UK, Ciaran is looking to the future and the next step. The episode will find out how Ciaran wants to head home to Donegal to live the simple life and set up his own restaurant.

The programme is set to provide a unique insight into Ciaran’s life as a young chef, and there will be plenty of Donegal interest as cameras go inside the amazing Breac House kitchen.

Watch Beyond the Menu at 7.30pm on RTE One, Monday 30th September.

THERE IS widespread sadness following the death last evening of Paul Dillon, the Newtowncunningham man who lost his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.

Paul (45), of Ballybegley, Newtowncunningham, passed away surrounded by his loving family, following an illness he bore with tremendous courage and bravery.

A butcher in Kernan’s shop in his home village, Paul was a bubbly figure whose infectious smile and sometimes mischievous persona made him a popular figure with the scores of customers.

Paul was an athlete with Lifford-Strabane AC who ran all distances from 5k locally to marathons. His last race was the North-West 10k in May, 2018.

Earlier this month, a team of 15 of his friends and family took turns to push Paul, who used a wheelchair for several months, around the 13.1-mile course of the Waterside Half Marathon. The charity fundraiser helped gather over €8,000 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).

A former player and long-time underage coach at Naomh Colmcille GAA club, Paul was diagnosed with MND in January of this year.

“We got the news that nobody wanted to hear,” he told Donegal Daily in an interview earlier this year. “It was devastating. The whole world was falling apart. You learn to do things differently.”

A committee, led by Councillor Paul Canning, ran a weekend-long series of fundraisers that raised €85,000, which helped make the family home wheelchair accessible.

In June, Paul, his wife Emma and their children, Lilly, Heidi and Daisy, went to Disneyland for a memorable family holiday.

Funeral arrangements will be confirmed later.

This Monday 30 September from 10.30am to 1pm at the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny will open its doors to an event not to be missed.

If you’re interested in living and working in Donegal and are keen to network with employers and education providers, then you should add this date to your diary.

The focus of this event is on career and employment opportunities in the region. Attendees will be able to talk to companies that are currently recruiting and get advice from education, training and apprenticeship providers about the various routes to upskilling or returning to full-time education.

Attendees will be treated to a panel discussion that will feature stories of individuals who have returned to the region and established their own companies; people that have up-skilled through the support of local further and higher education training providers and secured fantastic employment and careers in the county.

The MC for the morning panel session is Stephen Maguire, editor of the county’s biggest online news website, Donegal Daily.  A native of Dublin and an entrepreneur in the region, he also knows first-hand what it’s like to make the move to Donegal.

The Radisson Blu in Letterkenny.

“Moving to Donegal made me realise that there was life outside of the bigger urban areas, be that Dublin, Belfast or New York or London for that matter.

“In my opinion, the only regret people have of either returning to Donegal or setting up life here is why they didn’t do it sooner.

“From the people to the scenery to the quality of life and job opportunities, if things aren’t quite how you like them in Donegal then you can be assured that there are always people there to help out.

“Donegal and its people possess a rare ‘can do’ approach to life while not forgetting to live life to the full,” he said.

The overall theme of this event is to support people interested in making the move back to Donegal. However it will also be of benefit to anyone looking for employment, routes to education and may be particularly useful for those who are interested in returning to work or changing career or taking up an Apprenticeship.

In the afternoon, from 2pm to 4pm, there will be a complementary event focused on providing practical support designed to tackle key questions people may have about moving back home or relocating to Donegal. Issues which may be raised include residency for spouses or partners, buying a home in Donegal, getting a driving licence, health care entitlements and much more.

Both sessions are free to attend, however, pre-booking your ticket is essential. To book a place in the morning session click HERE and to secure a place in the afternoon session click HERE

About Donegal Connect

The event is one of fifty events taking place across the county during ‘Donegal Connect’ an initiative that runs from Friday 27 September to Sunday 6 October. Donegal Connect is a Donegal County Council initiative in association with the Donegal Local Enterprise Office, Donegal Diaspora, Donegal Tourism, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Údarás na Gaeltachta, IDA Ireland, Donegal Food Coast, Pramerica, Abbots Diabetes Care, Randox and Donegal Global Irish. Donegal Connect is part funded by Fáilte Ireland under the Global Irish Festival series. For more information on the wide range of events taking place during ‘Donegal Connect’ visit www.donegalconnect.com/

SIX DONEGAL footballers have been nominated for PwC GAA All-Star awards.

The list of nominees was released this morning and Donegal has the highest representation outside of the All-Ireland finalists, Dublin and Kerry.

After winning five-in-a-row, Dublin have 13 nominees while Kerry have nine and Dublin have a clean sweep of nominees for Footballer of the Year.

Donegal are well placed.

Captain Michael Murphy and Ryan McHugh, both who are two-time All-Stars, are included on the list.

Shaun Patton is nominated with Dublin’s Stephen Cluxton and Shane Ryan of Kerry for the goalkeeper’s position.

McHugh is joined by Stephen McMenamin in a defensive nomination while Murphy, Jamie Brennan and Patrick McBrearty are among the 18 forwards on the list.

The PwC All-Stars are chosen by a committee made up of members of the national broadcast, print and digital media. The final selection of 15 players will be made late next month and all players will be honoured at a gala black tie banquet at Dublin’s Concention Centre on Friday, November 1 – an event which will be shown live on RTÉ TV.

Football / Peil – 2019

Goalkeepers

1Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)

2Shaun Patton (Donegal)

3Shane Ryan (Kerry)

Defenders

1David Byrne (Dublin)

2Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)

3James McCarthy (Dublin)

4Mick Fitzsimons (Dublin)

5John Small (Dublin)

6Paul Murphy (Kerry)

7Tadhg Morley (Kerry)

8Tom O’Sullivan (Kerry)

9Colm Boyle (Mayo)

10Paddy Durcan (Mayo)

11Chris Barrett (Mayo)

12Stephen McMenamin (Donegal)

13Ryan McHugh (Donegal)

14Donal Keogan (Meath)

15Conor McGill (Meath)

16Conor Moynagh (Cavan)

17Ronan McNamee (Tyrone)

18Niall Daly (Roscommon)

Midfielders

1Brian Fenton (Dublin)

2Michael Darragh Macauley (Dublin)

3David Moran (Kerry)

4Aidan O’Shea (Mayo)

5Jarlath Óg Burns (Armagh)

6Bryan Menton (Meath)

Forwards

1Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)

2Brian Howard (Dublin)

3Paul Mannion (Dublin)

4Dean Rock (Dublin)

5Con O’Callaghan (Dublin)

6David Clifford (Kerry)

7Paul Geaney (Kerry)

8Seán O’Shea (Kerry)

9Stephen O’Brien (Kerry)

10Jamie Brennan (Donegal)

11Michael Murphy (Donegal)

12Paddy McBrearty (Donegal)

13Cathal McShane (Tyrone)

14Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)

15Conor Cox (Roscommon)

16Rian O’Neill (Armagh)

17Brian Hurley (Cork)

18Jamie Malone (Clare)

County by county breakdown:

Dublin 13, Kerry 9, Donegal 6, Mayo 4, Tyrone 3, Meath 3, Armagh 2, Roscommon 2, Cavan 1, Clare 1, Cork 1.

GAA GPA Player of the Year 2019 Nominees

1Stephen Cluxton (Dublin)

2Jack McCaffrey (Dublin)

3Con O’Callaghan (Dublin)

GAA GPA Young Player of the Year 2019 Nominees

1David Clifford (Kerry)

2Seán O’Shea (Kerry)

3Rian O’Neill (Armagh)