Harvey’s Point Chef Chris McMenamin has won the coveted title of Best Chef in Ireland 2020.

The Donegal Town man, who is the Executive Head Chef at Harvey’s Point, won the Ulster and the All-Ireland award in the YesChef Ireland Awards in Sligo last night.

Chris’ career began in the Harvey’s Point kitchen at the young age of 13. He soon progressed from washing dishes to train in Killybegs Catering College before returning to Harvey’s, where he is now the Head Chef of Ireland’s number one hotel.

Chef Chris McMenamin presented with the Chef of the Year prize at YesChef Ireland Awards 2020. Photo: YesChef Ireland

The Harvey’s team celebrated Chris’ success and said: “With his excellent leadership and people skills, Chris inspires his team to work together to ensure excellence in all food outlets of the hotel. His philosophy is that everyone shares the same values of respect, manners and the desire to do a great job.”

Chris was one of many Donegal winners at the YesChef Ireland Awards.

Chandpur Indian Restaurant in Donegal Town picked up the award for Ireland’s Indian Restaurant of the Year 2020. Co-owner Susan Miah commented that she was “so so proud of our amazing team Chandpur.”

Chandpur Indian Restaurant wins Indian Restaurant of the Year at the YesChef Ireland awards 2020

Quay West in Donegal Town won Seafood Restaurant of the Year Ulster.

Ulster’s Country House Restaurant of the Year 2020 was the Red Door Country House in Fahan.

The Ireland and Ulster winner of the Street Food of the Year award went to Johnny’s Ranch in Ramelton.

Johnny’s Ranch at the YesChef Ireland awards 2020

Inishowen Councillor Jack Murray has urged the public to ‘unify’ and join widespread demonstrations along the Donegal-Derry border later tonight (Weds) ahead of a major EU summit tomorrow (Thurs).  

Border Communities Against Brexit will stage protests across the border on Wednesday night, with action simultaneously taking place in Bridgend, Muff, Killea, Clady, and Lifford.

EU and UK officials resumed Brexit talks today in the hope of reaching a deal that can be agreed by leaders at a key summit tomorrow.

Speaking to Donegal Daily before the protests, Cllr Jack Murray said it was ‘vitally important’ that people made their concerns heard.

He said: “The people of the border community will not tolerate a hard border because of the consequences would be absolutely devastating.

“Border Communities Against Brexit will be holding a protest along the 38 crossing points and it could be a very symbolic message that could unify the people of the border communities and one that could send a clear message to Brussels and to the British government.

“This has nothing to do with party politics, it is about the free movement of people across the border.

“I grew up outside Bridgend, only a couple of miles from the border, and people from the area and around Inishowen would be frequent visitors of Derry City, which would essentially be our local city

“A lot of people would socialise there, people work in the area and vice versa. It is just a way of life and people don’t even think about crossing the border in the way that they do.

“It has huge economic and social factors and if there was a hard border it would be catastrophic for the people of Inishowen and Derry.

“So, I would urge people to come out and support the rallies tomorrow night, which have been successful in the past because it is for the greater good.”

Babbling Babies a multi-lingual nursery rhyme and action songbook was launched in the Twin Towns Library, Stranorlar on Friday last.

This collection of traditional nursery rhymes has been developed by Lifestart Services, with the support of Donegal Library Service, the County Childcare Committee and HSE Health Promotion and Improvement Service.

An enthusiastic audience of adults and young children attended the launch which was held during Wainfest the Library Service’s annual Arts & Book Festival in October promoting love of books and reading in children.

Early Years practitioners, teachers and Language Therapists have expressed concern about young children’s lack of fluency in their speech and reduced vocabulary.

Child development experts have noted the fact that very many young children can no longer recite traditional nursery rhymes.

Yet the research tells us that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they are four years old, they are usually among the best readers in their class at age eight.

The aim of the booklet is to stimulate language development and promote the importance of reading to children.  Rhymes and songs in English, Irish, Polish, Romanian, Hindi and Kiswahili (Kenya) are included.

This is the second edition of the booklet and Arabic and Chinese rhymes been added.

Speaking at the launch Mary Walker Callaghan, Manager Lifestart Services, highlighted the benefits for children when parents read to them.

These include developing their understanding of how language works, strengthening the relationship between the parent and child and developing a love of books.

Maureen Kerr, Donegal Library Services said: “I am delighted to launch this second edition of Babbling Babies. The first book proved so popular that had it not been given free, it would have topped the bestseller list for several months following publication.

“The book is important for many reasons. It helps children develop language skills. When parents read to and teach rhymes to their children it enhances the bond between the child and parent.

The book in sharing nursery rhymes from around the world and honouring other languages helps promote inclusion.

“I thank all the Council’s partner organisations for their hard work on bringing this lovely booklet to completion. I know it will be enjoyed by families throughout Donegal in the weeks and months to come.”

Babbling Babies is part of a series of actions designed to improve children’s educational outcomes. The Library, Lifestart, County Childcare Committee and Health Promotion partnership is a Working Group of the Donegal Children & Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC).

To date, they have introduced the Bookworm Babies library card for children 0 -3 years. This year the Word Monsters library card has been introduced for children 4 – 6 years.

The Lifelong Readers workshops have been rolled out for Early Years Practitioners and Parent & Toddler groups. Future plans include Ag Léamh le Chéile workshops in primary schools and the introduction of the Ready Readers library card.

Our communities in Donegal are very fortunate to have a high-quality library service with a staff of committed librarians who are always ready to welcome parents and children, teachers and classes to the libraries.

In addition to Wainfest, activities for children are held regularly throughout the year – and best of all the library service is free!

So do go along to your local library and pick up a copy of Babbling Babies for your favourite small people. Check out the books for big people too!

There is a book there for everyone -from the latest books on the best-seller lists to the Healthy Ireland section where you will find advice and guidance on themes including Eat Well / Think Well / Be Well.

As Albert Einstein said – “The only thing that you have to absolutely know is the location of the library.”

People in Inishowen have been urged to have their say on the proposed upgrade of the Coyles Bridge between Quigley’s Point and Carndonagh. 

It is proposed to extend the bridge on the downstream side using precast concrete box culverts and to realign the northern and southern approaches to eliminate this pinch point and improve the horizontal alignment of the road in this area.

The bridge is a single-span bridge which carries the R240 between Quigleys Point and Carndonagh in the townland of Meenavanaghan within the Inishowen Municipal District.

There is a pinch point which reduces the carriageway width from 6.5m to 5.4m at the bridge.

Closing date for submissions is before 5pm on Friday, 22 November 2019.

There is a happy ending to the tail of a little dog who was at the heart of his own Paw Patrol drama in Letterkenny Garda Station.

An appeal was launched this morning after a dog decided to em-bark on a new career and join the Letterkenny gardaí.

The lost pup was allowed to stay in the barracks overnight, but gardaí were recluctant to collar him so they launched a search to fetch the owner.

It took just a few hours for the story to come to a furtunate end. The owner has been found through social media and the dog will soon be happily patrolling his own home again.

THREE Donegal boxers get their 2019 National Senior Championship bids underway this weekend in Dublin.

Illies Golden Gloves trio Michael McConigley, Oran Shields and Matthew McCole are all in action in preliminary bouts on Saturday at the National Stadium.

Middleweight Shields, recently crowned Ulster Senior Champion when he beat Jack Doherty in Belfast, faces Adam Farrell from Fr Flanagan’s.

Heavyweight Michael McConigley, who was beaten by Dungloe’s Denis O’Donnell in his Ulster final, goes against Athlone puncher Marcin Skalski.

Dungloe welterweight McCole enters these Championships under the Illies banner and he meets Christian Preston from Docklands.

Illies welterweight Caroline Gallagher is already through to a semi-final with a date against Celtic Eagles’ Karolina Jaglowska to come on November 1. 

The winner will take on Rosie Doherty from St Francis in the November 8 final.

The annual Newmills 10k hosted by LAC took place in perfect weather conditions on Sunday morning. As always there was a large 247 contingent competing on the day.

Michael Black was the first club member to finish in a superb time of 34:28. Hot on his heels was Peter O’Donnell, just 17 seconds later in a fantastic 34:45, super time from Peter ahead of Dublin marathon in a few weeks’ time.

Brendan McBride was testing the legs after his recent Ironman debut and what a test it was- Brendan had a superb run to finish 2^nd M50 in a brilliant 42:18.

Brian Gormley also had a very impressive run and looked comfortable throughout to finish in a fantastic 43:25.

Mickey Crossan was the next club member to cross the finish line, clocking a brilliant 44:09. Keith Fletcher’s long miles and training ahead of Dublin marathon are certainly paying off.

Keith clocked a super PB time of 44:23. Anne Robinson is just going from strength to strength this season and on Sunday she ran a very impressive 45:50 to finish on the podium as second female; just reward for her dedication to her training.

Not to be forgotten her partner in crime Karol Harvey once again PB’d- another one to add to the 2019 list. Karol ran a superb time of 46:23, knocking over 2 and a half minutes off his previous best.

There was also a PB for Eugene O’Donnell, who ran brilliantly to clock a time of 47:59. Terence Quinn, proudly wearing the 247 colours had a very impressive performance and ran a brilliant PB time of 48:27 PB.

Martina McDaid is heading for her 3^rd Dublin Marathon on the trot and ran very well to finish in a time of 52:46. Patrick Patton has made some huge improvements in the running scene in 2019 and on Sunday he had another fine performance to cross the finish line in a brilliant 55:14.

Miami Half Marathon

Meanwhile, in Miami, club member found time on his honeymoon to take part in a half marathon in Miami. Paul had a fantastic run and finished in 1:41. Enjoy the rest of your break Paul!

Donegal Novice Cross Country 2019

The 2019 Donegal Novice Cross Country Championships took place in Mullaghaderg. Natasha Kelly, representing FVAC had a scintillating run and was crowned 2019 champion when she finished 1^st place in 11:35 with 27 seconds to spare over 2^nd place. FVAC ladies teams were outright winners on the day. Fin Begley was also in action. Representing LAC Fin had a brilliant run finishing in 14:38.

Ben Carr was part of the winning FVAC men’s team and ran very well clocking a brilliant time of 21:30. Club member Gavin Ward, representing Rosses AC also had a fine run finishing in 23:23.

AGM Notice

The Club’s AGM will be held this Friday 18th of October in the Mulroy room at the Education centre in Saint Conal’s hospital at 7.30pm. We would love to see as many members attend as possible.

Nominations are invited for Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, PRO and eight committee members.

Please email nominations to club secretary Anne Robinson (secretary@letterkenny247.com) by Wednesday 16th October. Any motions to be discussed at the AGM must also be sent in by this date.

The club are also seeking new members for our 2020 Race and Junior Committees, please also email Anne if you are interested.

10^th Birthday Bash & 2019 Awards Presentation

Save the date- The club’s 10^th Birthday Bash and 2019 Awards presentation will take place on Saturday 9^th November at 7.30PM in McGettigan’s Hotel, Main Street, Letterkenny. Tickets €25. Tickets will be on sale at upcoming Monday and Wednesday swim sessions or from any committee member. Last day for sale of tickets is Wednesday 30^th October.

2020 Club Membership

2020 Club membership is now live on the Triathlon Ireland website for anyone wishing to join. 

Wednesday Swim Sessions Update

We are delighted to confirm that we have been able to add an additional lane for 14-16yr old club members to our 7pm Wednesday swim sessions.

Please note same rules as our Saturday session apply- MUST be accompanied by a parent.

Club members who are currently in the 8pm session must remain in this session. Sessions are determined by TT times to ensure you are in the correct session- please adhere to this and attend your allocated session only. Additional Lane will be in place from Wednesday 19^th September.

Club Notes

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

Club Training

Club training continues as follows:

Monday: Run sessions the Track at Aura Leisure Centre .Warm up leaves Aura Foyer at 6.30 to be on the track for 6.45pm.

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

Additional Lane for 14-16-year-old will be in place at 7pm sessions from Wednesday 19^th September.

Thursday: Long run Thursdays leaving from Aura 6.30pm. Everyone welcome

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

Saturday Swim sessions 6pm. Additional lane added for 14-16yr old club members- MUST be accompanied by a parent (please note prepayment does not cover Saturday swim).

Full Results

New Mills 10k

Michael Black                                        34:28

Peter O’Donnell                                   34:45

Brendan McBride                                42:18 2^nd M50

Brian Gormley                                       43:25

Mickey Crossan                                    44:09

Keith Fletcher                                       44:23 PB

Anne Robinson                                     45:50 2^nd Female

Karol Harvey                                          46:23 PB

Eugene O’Donnell                               47:59 PB

Terence Quinn                                      48:27 PB

Martina McDaid                                  52:46

Patrick Patton                                       55:14

Miami Half Marathon

Paul O’Donnell                                     1:41

Donegal Novice Cross Country 2019

Natasha Kelly                                        11:35 1^st

Fin Begley                                                 14:38

Ben Carr                                                    21:30

Gavin Ward                                             23:23

AFTER AN UNBEATEN start to their new season, Ryan Rainey hopes – and believes – that Bonagee United can kick on.

Rainey is enjoying a rich vein of form with the Dry Arch Park side and has been named as the Watson Menswear Player of the Month for September.

Picture: Ryan Rainey receives his Player of the Month Award from Marty Fagan of Watson Menswear

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers prospect returned to his home club during last season and is really beginning to find his form again.

In late September, Rainey scored twice against Fanad United in a 4-1 win to open up the new bmcsports.ie Ulster Senior League season. He played a big part in a 3-0 away win over Cockhill in the Donegal News USL League Cup, a result that booked a semi-final slot for Bonagee.

“It’s been a good start,” Rainey says. 

“We thought this year we have a good chance to go for everything. To start and be unbeaten in the first few games is very pleasing.

“You can’t lose any early or you’re out of rhythm. To win the games and win them quite comfortably at times is quite pleasing for us as a team. Hopefully we can keep that going.”

Rainey was also on the mark on Saturday night last as Bonagee crushed Donegal League champions Castlefin Celtic in the Knockalla Caravans Senior Cup and scored a late equalising goal for the USL select against Connacht at the FAI Intermediate Inter-Provincials in Dublin.

Rainey says: “I’m enjoying it. I’m playing more up the pitch. 

“Dan (O’Donnell) is in there and helping me and Deano (Larkin) push on to get more goals.

“I always did play more defensive and played more in the backline. I’m playing forward now with freedom and am enjoying it. Chipping in with goals is important. I want to help the team as much as I can.”

Under Jason Gibson’s management, Bonagee won the Knockalla Cup last season and it was a campaign that offered optimism.

Rainey says: “We drew last year with Harps and we drew with Derry, but if we had won those we might have done better. There is no room for error and we need to win those kind of games this season. A big club like Bonagee should be winning trophies. 

“Winning the Knockalla was pleasing, but hopefully we can win more now. Hopefully we can give it a good crack. We have a good squad.

“I don’t think last year was luck. We put in a lot of work and maybe we should have done better.”

Bonagee are back on home soil again this weekend when they face Fanad United in the FAI Intermediate Cup. A place in the open draw awaits the winners and, after a heavy home loss to Midleton last season, Rainey is aiming for better fortunes this time around.

He says: “We didn’t do so well against Midleton last year. Fanad will be a tough test and they’re hard to break down. We do want to get a wee run in the Intermediate, but it will be challenging.”

In the other FAI Intermediate Cup clash on Sunday, Cockhill Celtic are at home to Letterkenny Rovers in a heavyweight tussle at the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds.

Elsewhere, action in the bmcsports.ie Ulster Senior League continues when Derry City Reserves host Finn Harps Reserves at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium at 12 noon on Sunday.

FIXTURES

Sunday, October 20

FAI Intermediate Cup (2pm), extra time and pens if necessary

Bonagee United v Fanad United

Cockhill Celtic v Letterkenny Rovers

bmcsports.ie Ulster Senior League (12 noon)

Derry City Reserves v Finn Harps Reserves

An Inishowen community group has hit out at dumpers who vandalised a community clothes bank in the area. 

The Fahan Community Group said bags filled with garden cuttings and household waste had been dumped in the clothes bank at the Fowler Hall in Tooban over the summer – only to be found when the recycling company came to collect.

The local group receives a couple of hundred euro each time a full clothes bin is collected.

The Heritage group, who use the money to put back into the local community, are currently working on the Fahan graveyard project where work on the restoration of the 7th century Mura’s Cross is continuing.

It is understood that those involved left behind identifiable materials, a matter a group spokesperson said would be taken further if they didn’t stop.

A spokesperson for the Fahan Community Group said: “We’re are asking the people involved to stop or the matter will be taken further.”

A batch of Birds Eye Chicken Nuggets is being recalled over fears they may contain small pieces of plastic.

The Food Safety Authority has issued a recall notice today for a batch of Birds Eye 50 Chicken Nuggets with Golden Wholegrain.

The alert relates to 790g packs of the products which have a ‘best before’ date of October 2020 – with batch code L9208 Z V124.

The danger relates to the possible presence of small pieces of plastic in the nuggets. Customers who have the product are being told not to eat them and to return bags to stores for a full refund.

Point-of-sale notices will be displayed in affected retail stores that are selling this brand of chicken nuggets.

“No other batch codes or Birds Eye products are known to be affected,” the Food Safety Authority of Ireland said.

One of Donegal’s best-known figures in knitting will be featured on RTE’s Nationwide tonight in celebration of National Women in Enterprise Day.

Knitwear Designer Edel MacBride, who is based in Stranorlar, will be stitching together the story of her business for tonight’s show.

Over the past 30 years, Edel has brought a love of textile, craft and cultural tradition to her fashion collections.

She is passionate about wool, especially local and Irish spun products but her pieces have a modern appeal and are collected internationally.

Tonight’s Nationwide will look at some of Edel’s creations, which are crafted to the highest quality, as well as looking at her business story, which will no doubt be full of interesting yarns and twists.

Tune into Nationwide on RTE One at 7pm to see the programme.

Letterkenny Gaels GAA Club will kick off an eight-night run of the Joyce Minford comedy play The Quare Gunk tomorrow (Thurs) at the club room at Pairc na nGael, Thorn Road, Letterkenny.

This will be the fifth comedy play hosted by the GAA club in as many years and promises to be a sell-out over the eight nights.

Due to the success of previous years, tickets are in high demand for this year’s show.

“The cast and crew have been working really hard over the last few weeks and are really looking forward to presenting the play to an audience,” Director Anthony Delap said.

“We’re had two dress rehearsals on Sunday and Tuesday and everything went to plan”. We have few last-minute glitches to iron out and we’ll be good to go.

“I have to say it’s a really funny play and the cast themselves have really enjoyed the practice sessions over the last few months.”

Anthony continued: “If you’re looking for a good night out, get your tickets early as when word gets out, we’re expecting the show to sell out fast”. “And don’t forget the box of tissues!”.

This hilarious comedy will run for eight nights over two weekends from Thursday 17^th to Sunday 20^th and Thursday 24^th to Sunday 27^th October in the Letterkenny Gaels Club room on Thorn Road.

Tickets can be bought at the Arena 7, George Sweeney’s Shop, Kelly’s Centra Mountain Top, from members of the cast or Letterkenny Gaels committee members. Contact Conor Crossan (087) 133 2680 for ticket information.

A leading Donegal Garda station which has been without a patrol car for almost a year is to get a new vehicle.

Officers at Ballybofey Garda station have been forced to use their own private cars for many journeys in recent months.

But the Government has announced that a new car is on the way to the Twin Towns as well as Milford.

However, Donegal’s Garda Represenattaive Associuation member Brendan O’Connor has said the situation with resources for Gardai ijn the county is still farcical.

He told Donegal Daily “We would welcome the allocation of these vehicles but the situation is still farcical overall.

“Would you expect to get a new PC if yours broke down at work. Of course you would or you would not be able to do your job properly.

“The same goes for comapnies like An Post – if a van breaks down in their fleet then it is replaced. That’s not the case with An Garda Siochana.”

Garda O’Connor said there are simialr situation over the lack of vehicles at many other stations in Letterkenny, Ballyshannon and Buncrana.

He added “A huge portion of our bduegt was spent on the Trump viist and that is just not on.”

SEAN QUINN’S penalty, on 68 minutes, proved the difference for IT Tallaght on a frustrating afternoon for Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology 0 IT Tallaght 1

By Chris McNulty at LyIT

Quinn slotted home 22 minutes from the end to give the Dublin students the win.

LyIT endured an agonising afternoon as they struggled to break down Pat Scully’s well-organised visitors.

IT Tallaght seemed content to put the shutters down for a draw, but that all changed midway through the second half. Tallaght caught LyIT out on a counter-attack and, after goalkeeper Jamie Bell, was adjudged to have fouled Glen Hollywood, referee Michael Connolly pointed to the spot.

Quinn stepped up to fire to the bottom corner.

Shane Byrne’s LyIT had the better of whatever half chances were doing the rounds in the first half.

BJ Banda fizzed wide from 25 yards while Sean McBride couldn’t keep his effort on target.

McBride had a free kick, just before half timed, parried away by IT Tallaght ‘keeper Daniel Butler. A little earlier, Butler clawed away from a tester by McBride.

Last week, LyIT scored a fine 5-1 away win at Jordanstown when Banda bagged a hat-trick. Banda tried his luck here again, 12 minutes into the second half, but his attempt flew wide.

Even Quinn’s penalty didn’t spark LyIT into life, although Corey McBride did get a sight of the target in added time, be he riffled over the crossbar.

The hosts’ afternoon went from bad to worse when defender Kieran Farren was sent off after the final whistle.

LyIT are back on home soil next Tuesday when they face Carlow IT.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology: Jamie Bell, Lee McLaughlin, Kieran Farren, Keelan McGill, Connor Gormley, Corey McBride, Stephen Doherty, Pat Loughrey, BJ Banda, Sean McBride. Subs: Gabriel Aduaka for Banda (67), Liam Walsh for McBride (67), Davitt Walsh for Doherty (80), Joel Bradley-Walsh for Gormley (85).

Tallaght IT: Daniel Butler, Adam Maher, Cole Omohiovan, Adam Towers, Daniel Ridge, Craig Canty, Glen Hollywood, Sean Quinn, Amos Sholainke, Ola Laurell, Yoma Agaga. 

Referee: Michael Connolly.

The Donegal Bay and Blue Stacks Festival Carnival Parade was a great success this year with a helping hand from returning Donegal natives who came home to join the spectacle. 

This month’s annual parade in Ballyshannon was all the more special after organisers reached out to the Donegal Diaspora to join the event, which took place during the Donegal Connect initiative.

Carnival coordinator Maura Logue says the team always involves lots of volunteers in their preparations but they made a special appeal this year for those with Donegal roots to get involved.

“We wanted to reflect the Donegal Connect message so we adopted the theme of ‘Coming Home’ this year. Carnival is a natural Homecoming event and it dovetailed smoothly with the Donegal Connect vision to gather Diaspora home.”

Valerie Cullingford getting carnival ready. Pic by Catriona Bonner

Maura says that the carnival starts offering diverse Arts workshops offered free to community youth and adults about a month in advance of carnival. “Be it in Samba, Street Theatre, Carnival dance, Prop making, or just walking and smiling as you go, carnival has a place for all.”

“Our COMING HOME is a call to those who were involved or viewed carnival in past times, to come and be part of the parade fun. We know that some families come back to view the carnival each year.  We wished to connect with those loyal carnival attendees and fans and invite them on board.”   

Maura says their responses were a great surprise. “They included performing arts students from Donegal studying in Sligo, eight Irish American gap year students looking for their ancestors, and a woman from England who left Ballyshannon when she was only 10 years old.”

“Our Carnival Poster Girl, Rhiannon Kerrigan, has been returning to Ballyshannon each year post leaving cert to be in carnival.  She also is doing performing arts in NW Institute Derry as a direct result of training in carnival and street theatre skills, with Dark Daughter productions.”

Australia-bound girls leaving Ballyshannon Workhouse during the Carnival

Others returning here include a young mother from Co Fermanagh and was in carnival when she was just 15 years old and an Omagh woman who was in the Carnival 3 years ago, says Maura. “It’s great to welcome them all back.”

“This is heralding our BIG SHOUT OUT next year, our 20th year, when we hope to extend the ‘welcome home and come on board with carnival’ call.   

This year has showed us it has possibility indeed. We of course would not be in a position to do what we do, without the continued support of Donegal County Council.”

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.

IT WAS A busy week for sport in Donegal – and we have seven nominees for this week’s Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub Sports Person of the Week, in association with O’Reilly’s.

Each weekly award winner will receive a kitbag, a jacket and a bobble hat, supplied by O’Reilly’s.

The award winner will be chosen via a public vote from a shortlist selected by our panel.

O’Reilly’s Sportswear was founded in 2017 by well-known Twin Towns sporting brothers Steven and Martin O’Reilly.

This week’s poll closes at noon on Friday – cast your vote! Please note that our voting system allows only one vote per IP address.

CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE

Daniel Brennan (St Naul’s)

St Naul’s ended their Intermediate Championship hoodoo on Sunday as they defeated Cloughaneely 1-10 to 0-10 in the final. Daniel Brennan arched over two superb points at the end to seal the deal. It was Brennan who scored the first half goal that ultimately proved the key score in the game.

Dylan Browne-McMonagle (Letterkenny)

AT Navan last Wednesday, Letterkenny jockey Dylan Browne-McMonagle bagged his first track winner when he guided 20/1 shot Jumellea to victory. Browne-McMonagle followed that up on Sunday by taking 5/4 Njord to a win at the Curragh.

Natasha Kelly (Finn Valley AC)

At the Donegal Novice Cross-Country Championships last Sunday in Mullaghderg, Finn Valley AC won the individual and team events in the male and female categories. An impressive display by Natasha Kelly saw her win the women’s race and also lead the way for her team.

Evelyn McGinley (Termon)

AFTER a four-year absence, Termon are back in the Ulster senior final again after eking out a 1-9 to 2-5 win over St Macartans on Sunday at The Burn Road. Geraldine McLaughlin did the bulk of the scoring, with a deadly 1-8, but Evelyn McGinley had a powerful hour in the maroon. McGinley had an excellent hour, constantly driving Termon forward.

Caolan McGonagle (Buncrana)

BUNCRANA came from four points down to defeat Letterkenny Gaels in Saturday’s Junior final in O’Donnell Park. Caolan McGonagle led the comeback for Buncrana. The Donegal player landed a couple of majestic scores at critical times and it was his lung-bursting run that teed up Darach O’Connor’s goal in added time.

Caroline Sharkey (Naomh Muire Ladies)

It was a historic Sunday at The Banks as Naomh Muire defeated Con Magees from Antrim to reach the Ulster Junior Ladies final. It will be Naomh Muire’s first time at provincial final level and the Lower Rosses side had to do it the hard way as they needed extra time. Caroline Sharkey scored one of the extra time goals and also hit the net in normal time.

Susanne White (Killybegs)

ALTHOUGH Killybegs lost out to Milford in Sunday’s minor ladies semi-final, Susanne White had the shooting boots on. White scored a stunning 3-11 for Killybegs. While Milford won 6-6 to 3-14, White’s tally was one of the weekend highlights.

CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE

DAIRE Ó Baoill says Gaoth Dobhair have been ‘well warned’ by their senior players not to get ahead of themselves.

Gaoth Dobhair, the defending champions, face Naomh Conaill, in Sunday’s Donegal SFC final in what is the third Championship meeting in a row of these teams.

Naomh Conaill came back from the brink to win a semi-final two years ago before Gaoth Dobhair took the prize last year.

“It’s exciting times,” Ó Baoill told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“We’re lucky to be heading into our second final. We’ve been well warned by the older boys that this doesn’t come around too often. You could go ten years without another final.”

Listen to the full interview below …

A FAMOUS win was almost in their palms, but Letterkenny Institute of Technology conceded two late goals to fall to defeat against Queen’s in the Ryan Cup tonight.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology 1-11 Queen’s University 3-12

By Chris McNulty in Convoy

A goal from Liam Jackson had LyIT right back in a tie that seemed long gone when they trailed by six points just five minutes into the second half at the Donegal GAA Training Centre. 

Yet, with eight minutes to go, Michael Murphy’s men – spurred by the introduction of Peadar Mogan off the bench – were level.

And then the sucker punch.

A sweeping Queen’s move, after LyIT coughed up possession, ended with Darragh McGurn slapping home at the far post.

And then the killer blow.

Again, LyIT gave up the ball and Tiernan Bogue beat home ‘keeper Michael Lynch with a tidy finish to the bottom corner.

After their opening game last Wednesday against Ulster University, Jordanstown was abandoned in the early moments due to floodlight failure at The Scarvey, it was a belated start for the Port Road students.

They were on the ropes early on when Fermanagh senior panelist McGurn hammered to the net after Eamonn Fyffe’s effort was blocked on the line.

Daniel Guinness added a point and Queen’s had a four-point advantage.

LyIT registered seven wides in a sometimes wasteful opening passage, but three frees from Paddy Dolan kept the board ticking. Darragh Black drilled over from the right-hand side at a time when LyIT needed to stem the flow.

But McGurn sailed over from a tight angle and the visitors had a 1-7 to 0-5 cushion when Guinness nailed another fine effort. 

Fyffe – who scored 2-3 against the Donegal minors, including Mogan, for Antrim in 2016 – put the margin to six with a fine kick from the left not long after the re-start. 

The comeback was started when Louth native Jackson finished superbly after a good move by the hosts and Caoimhinn Marley followed it up within a minute with a soaring point from long range.

Mogan and Dolan hit points to tie things up heading into the final quarter, only for Odhrán Eastwood to restore the advantage for Queen’s, who introduced St Eunan’s forward Eoin McGeehin in the second half.

Jackson, after Langan won a kick-out to set him on the way, tied the sums again, but Queen’s hit those pair of late goals to condemn them to defeat.

Next up are a pair of tricky away ties, to Jordanstown on Monday and St Mary’s on Wednesday. 

Letterkenny Institute of Technology: Michael Lynch; Aaron Gillooly, Mark McAteer (G), Nathan McElwaine; Bryan McNamee, Matthew Duffy, Christian Bonner; Michael Langan (0-1f), Caoimhinn Marley (0-1); Ryan McFadden, Liam Jackson (1-1), Paddy Dolan (0-6f); Mark McAteer (F), Johnny Toye, Darragh Black (0-1). Subs: Peadar Mogan (0-1) for Toye (38), Mark Mooney for McAteer (50), Daniel Brennan for McNamee (54), Liam Kelly for Jackson (58), Edward O’Reilly for Gillooley (60).

Queen’s University: Eoghan Mulholland; Brendan Gallen, Sean McCarthy, Peter Feger; Daniel Guinness (0-2) Cieran Higgins, Patrick Finnegan; Gareth Kripallen, Emmett Deane; Callum O’Neill, Eamonn Fyffe (0-2), Tiernan Bogue (1-0); Darragh McGurn (2-1), Odhrán Eastwood (0-4, 1f), Connor Cullen. Subs used: Conor Traynor, Aiden Fullerton (0-1), Eoin McGeehin, Peter McKenna, Fintan Canavan, Oisin Donnelly (0-1).

Protests have been staged at border crossings along the Donegal-Derry border tonight (Weds) amid ongoing efforts to reach a Brexit deal.

The Border Communities Against Brexit (BCAB) Group held the silent action as hundreds of local people from both sides of the border came together along 38 of the 200 different border crossings.

Protesters held candles and posters to indicate their opposition to the uncertainty created by Brexit.

Anti-Brexit protests held along Irish border on Wednesday night (Pic: Cllr Gerry McGonagle)

An exciting six months lie ahead for the eight successful Donegal entrepreneurs who have earned a coveted place on the ACORNS initiative for women-led start-up businesses.

The businesswomen all battled strong competition to gain a place on the peer-led support network for rural Ireland.

Donegal has the highest number of female entrepreneurs on ACORNS this cycle, who will be benefiting from the expert support of Deirdre McGlone.

Inishowen is well represented with two participants running their business from the peninsula. The places went to Avril McMonagle founder of Meantóir,  a specialist training and professional support service for early childhood education; and Carlene Lyttle of Sailespin a specialist business support service for companies looking to foster growth.  

The mantle for the south of the county is being carried by Joanne Butler of OURganic Gardens – a garden project combining education, tourism and community based in beautiful Gort a’Choirce and Meg O’Gara of Megnificent Creative based in Kilcar offering graphic design and creative illustration. 

Bundoran also features well with Nicola Gavigan from the unique experience Seclusion Spa at Ardfarna and Sinead Fox from the already award-winning Salty Fox Coffee Shop. 

Marie Hutchinson from the well-being focused Mojo Yoga and Wellness Studio in Donegal Town and Sue Glackin of Donegal Food Tours based in Letterkenny complete the Donegal posse of entrepreneurs embarking on this exciting opportunity.

Built on a belief that entrepreneurs learn best from each other, the ACORNS initiative is facilitated by ‘Lead Entrepreneurs’; women who have started and grown successful businesses in rural Ireland. 

The Donegal Acorns group is led by successful businesswoman Deirdre McGlone, former ‘Donegal Person of the Year’ and President of the Donegal Women in Business Network. Over the next six months Deirdre will work with the eight women-led businesses to maximise their business through peer-support, mentoring, and networking. 

The businesses supported by the previous Acorns initiative recorded a 43% increase in turnover. Access to finance and marketing were the barriers to developing businesses in rural Ireland, as identified by the participants, which ACORNS aims to address over the next 6 months. 

ACORNS is funded under the Rural Innovation and Development Fund through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. For more information, see www.acorns.ie.