EAMON MCGEE has been here before – and says Gaoth Dobhair must heed the lessons from Donegal’s run to the 2014 All-Ireland final.

Gaoth Dobhair beat a fancied Kilcar – unbeaten previously in League or Championship in 2019 – in the semi-final and are favourites to beat Naomh Conaill in Sunday’s final.

It feels oddly like five years ago for McGee.

In 2014, he was part of the Donegal team that shocked red-hot favourites Dublin in an All-Ireland semi-final. That defeat, five years ago, remains Dublin’s last in Championship football. 

Donegal, though, saw the roof cave in when they succumbed to Kerry in the final. 

The one that got away still bugs McGee – and he wants to make sure Gaoth Dobhair don’t make the same mistake against Naomh Conaill, who appear in their eighth final since 200

“Looking back, we mightn’t have treated the Kerry team with enough respect,” he said. 

“If we ever think about doing that to Naomh Conaill – who’ve been the most consistent team in Donegal this decade – our even think about a tiny bit of disrespect, they’ll turn us over. 

“We learned the hard way from the Dublin game and it’s a lesson to be learned.”

Listen to the full interview, with Ocean FM’s Paddy McGill, below …

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has raised the issue of the need for a new school building for Gaelscoi na gCeithrel Mhaistrí in Donegal Town with the Department of Education.

He said there is a clear and urgent need for a new school building for the Gaelscoil.

A delegation from the school previously met with officials from the Department of Education in the Dáil while Deputy Gallagher said he has raised this issue on a continuous basis with the Minister and his officials .

Pat the Cope said the reply from the Minister said the plans for the new school have been submitted.

The Minister replied “My Department recently received the Stage 2a submission from the Design Team, which is now under review.  Following the Department’s review of the submission, a Stakeholders meeting will be arranged, to which the school will be invited, and if there are no issues outstanding after the Stage 2(a) meeting the project can be authorised to progress to Stage 2b (Detailed Design Stage).  This stage includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Certificate, Disability Access Certificate and the preparation of Tender Documents. ”

Deputy Gallagher said that while he welcomes the progress to date on the Gaelscoil project, it must be admitted that actual progress is slow and extremely time-consuming.

He added “I am imploring on the Department that a fresh impetus and renewed determination is given to this project in order to quickly move it to the next stage.

“This project needs to get to actual design stage and a full planning application be lodged with Donegal County Council, until we get to this juncture in the project, we will not see the end line in sight.

“Therefore, I am requesting the Minister and the Department to finalise the current stage without delay, and to sanction the next step in this project .”

SHANE BYRNE didn’t spare his LyIT players following a disappointing home loss against IT Tallaght yesterday.

A Sean Quinn penalty midway through the second half gave Tallaght the win on a day when LyIT just didn’t come close to matching their opening day 5-1 win over Ulster University.

“Some of our better players didn’t turn up,” Byrne told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“We had a lot of possessions, but the movement and passing weren’t there. A lot of players just didn’t turn up.

“It was disappointing after playing so well in the first game. We made it easy for them. Imagination, movement and decision making were poor. Everything was done at a slow pace.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh has said the confirmation of a €2.5 million Government fund will drive LYIT’s ambition to become a university and intensify cross-border links.

The Minister said we all want to see LYIT grow and expand into a university and we all see the benefit in deeper ties across the border, including in education.

The €2.5m Government investment has been approved through the Landscape funding programme for Technological Universities and cross border links.

Minister McHugh said: “LYIT has been brilliant at building partnerships, whether that’s looking south to IT Sligo and GMIT or through our Donegal-Derry links and the border region with Ulster University at Magee, North-West Regional College and Donegal ETB.

“This is a phenomenal level of financial backing for further and higher education in the north-west from this Government. It’s also a solid sign of the priority placed on young people who are looking for new options and more modern courses and combinations of subjects as they leave school.”

The €2.5m allocation was made under the Higher Education Authority call for submissions for higher education Landscape restructuring, consolidation and collaborative projects.

Some €2m is being made available to progress the Connacht Ulster Alliance.

Another €500,000 is being invested in LYIT as part of its deepening links with Ulster University and the North-West College.

Minster McHugh said: “The €2.5m also follows a €1.8m fund for significant upgrade at the LYIT’s School of Tourism in Killybegs and the planned new library. €250,000 was invested last year in LYIT as they set the ground for Technological University status.

“I know how keen LYIT president Paul Hannigan is to drive this Connacht Ulster Alliance forward. I want to bring the leadership of the three institutions together and see where else our best efforts can be focused to make our ambitions a reality.”

ONCE AGAIN, the man of the match in Sunday’s Donegal SFC final will receive the Peadar McGeehin Memorial trophy.

It will be the 12th time for the prestigious trophy to be presented.

Anne and Peter McGeehin, wife and son of the late Peadar McGeehin, were present at Monday evening’s press launch to unveil this year’s trophy.

In 2008, the 25th anniversary of St Eunan’s SFC win in 1983 – a team managed by Peadar McGeehin – the McGeehin family donated the award for the first time.

Brendan Devenney was the first recipient.

Leo McLoone, who will feature in Sunday’s final for Naomh Conaill, is a two-time winner, while Gaoth Dobhair star Odhrán Mac Niallais took the prize last year.

Peadar McGeehin Man of the Match Award winners

2008: Brendan Devenney (St Eunan’s)

2009: Ciaran Greene (St Eunan’s)

2010: Leo McLoone (Naomh Conaill)

2011: Michael Murphy (Glenswilly)

2012: Daragh Gallagher (Naomh Conaill)

2013: Michael Murphy (Glenswilly)

2014: John Haran (St Eunan’s)

2015: Leo McLoone (Naomh Conaill)

2016: Michael Murphy (Glenswilly)

2017: Mark McHugh (Kilcar)

2018: Odhrán Mac Niallais (Gaoth Dobhair)

Members of the Long Lane Area Residents Association have said community clean-ups in the area have helped ‘bring the community together’.

The group held their second of several community clean-ups planned for the area last weekend.

The initiative aimed to bring a sense of community by linking other residents together by improving the look of the area.

Committee member, Karen McCafferty Seagrave, said the outcome was what the association was looking to achieve.

“We met other residents we wouldn’t normally meet. One lady was going to a wedding and was all dressed up but even she took time to help out,” McCafferty said.

“Another kind resident came out to us with tea and sandwiches. This was more than just a clean-up and we are over the moon with it.”

Local Ard Na Ri resident, Louise Doherty, added: “I’m so happy with the number of people who came out (to help).

“I came down to Meadowbank for the first of the clean-ups and the favour was repaid tree fold. It’s so great to see the community pulling together.”

Over 10 young people aged 7-12 and another 10 adult residents from Ard Na Ri, including residents from Meadowbank, took part in a three-hour-long clean up of the estate.

Chairperson of the Long Lane Association, Finn O Donnell, said: “We believe in this community and changing the reputation of Long Lane.

“This simple team effort of what some may seem like nothing is something of a major step in the right direction.

“Our aim is the do a lot more than clean ups and we are determined to be no ordinary residents association because we are no ordinary community. We are something much more and today’s clean up has proved it.”

The residents association are planning a Halloween party on October 31st at Doorway Project from 4pm-6pm and will be holding their next residents meeting on November 4th, 7:30pm at Doorway Project.

Toby Burke is the sweetest hitter of a sliotar. He was Keady’s keeper on the Armagh side that robbed Setanta’s championship hopes in the O’Donnell Park on Sunday afternoon.

He made the ball do all the work as it left the most efficient part of his hurley so quietly and travelled the longest way through the O’Donnell Park on Sunday afternoon.

From Hurley to rallying I enjoyed watching a star in the making with the same understanding of efficiency and speed, that of Callum Devine leading from the start to finish ahead of a crop of talented local drivers to win the Harvest stages Rally.

Damien Gallagher and Mac Walsh who finished 9th overall on the Harvest Rally. Photo Brian McDaid.

His R5 Ford Fiesta never missed a beat and was the quickest out of the box, then paced himself with a very efficient driving style carrying his speed even in the wet opening stages in the Inishowen peninsula.

Only a few months ago this talented driver was on show as Devine lead on the opening stages of the Donegal International Rally, which also started in the Inishowen area in his R5 Fiesta with even world rally driver Craig Breen in a more powerful WRC Fiesta could not reply to Devine’s pace on the first stages of the Donegal.

Fan club

In another Cork registered Ford, a Moville crew complete with their fan club, waiting at the first junction on the first stage of the day. Car number 103, a Mk 2 Ford Escort driven by Daniel and Eamonn Mc Gonagle.

“That’s them now, ah nah it’s not ours, it has blue on the bottom.

“Is that them this time, aye it is….. woooooooo- hooo.

“Nah that’s not them either, they will be next,” – then a beautiful unarched white Mk2 with the word McGonagle on the sun visor and that blue on the bottom signature arrives on the first run through the very shinney and slippery surface and the McGonigle fan club start a fit of cheering as they start waving with one hand while trying to record the rally car on their phones with the other hand.

“Did you get them?”

“Nah, them old round bales were in the way, We’ll move up a bit for the next time through.”

Meanwhile, another McGonagle, Joseph from just down the road in Muff looked the most aggressive though our junction in his WRC Mini.

The Mc Gonagle Crew on the limit much to the enjoyment of their fans club at this junction on The Harvest Rally. Photo Brian McDaid.

That was the stage he knew the best but it was the other two stages that he would record the fastest times on.

Himself, fellow Donegal man Donagh Kelly and late entry Josh Moffet, both in new R5 Polo’s would battle it out all day for podium places.

Brilliant stages

On Saturday our viewing point at a staggered country crossroads junction transform perfectly, thanks to the marshals to a brilliant viewing point for spectators.

We could watch the cars on the limiter on a long downhill straight before they navigate their way around bale chicane into a sharpe left at the junction.

Most of the spectators were happy to sit it out between stages because of this good viewing point and wait the hour for the next loop if stages to arrive.

Christy Gallagher and Lee Cullen Illistrin, Letterkenny.1st in class 11R. Photo Brian McDaid.

Old and new friendships were replenished and for some of us, the late Manus Kelly’s old rally car a yellow Toyota Corolla registered, 85 CE 888 passing us on the stage reminded us of just how difficult a year we have travelled through.

As our mobile phones roamed across Lough Foyle to pick up a network connection, our conversation roamed chatting about everything from Costa Coffee to Rural Electrification.

On Saturday, I met up with two school classmates Martin and Antony Kelly and also met Mac Walsh.

The four of us all had something other than rallying in common. My father Fred McDaid, Anthony and Martin Kelly’s father Gerry Kelly and Mac’s grandfather Martin Scanlon all travelled the same country roads in Inishowen that we did, sixty years before us all as workmates together with the ESB’s rural electrification taking power to Inishowen for the first time.

Grand National

The battle in the nation was just as fierce with three Donegal drivers all looking for honours.

Pettigo’s Kevin Eves would have looked the favourite in his Corolla but it was the engine builder in his Darrian T90 that was the man on the pace right from the start in his unique looking rear-wheel drive, rear-engine rally car, complete with the latest in Rathmullan technology a KGP engine, a 2.7 litre power plant.

The other Donegal man up there challenging was Damien Gallagher and Mac Walsh but had to settle for fourth overall in the nationals and 9th overall in the rally.

Indeed the Letterkenny crew reminded me what local one-day events are all about.

Alister Glenn and Andrew Gillespie 1st in class 4 inter EVO 9. Photo Brian McDaid.

I met this crew that competed in a full day’s rallying who then stepped into their road car and hooked up a car transporter loaded their red number 7 on behind and headed home after the event, with a stop off, them still in their cream rally suits to Doherty’s chipper in Bridgend for a well deserved bite to eat as the rally car sat outside the door.

Top of the class

Christy Gallagher from Illistrin with Lee Cullen calling the notes were class winners in this Toyota Starlet even though they had a gearbox change and release bearing issues Litermacward crew Adrian Cannon and Aidan Gannon also were class winners on one of the high revving Honda Civics that took part in the rally over the weekend.

Paddy Walker and Stephen Diver from Carndonagh were the local crew that won their class with Lifford’s Alistair Glen and Andrew Gillespie wrapped up the Donegal crews to finish first in their class on the weekend event.

16 counties compete

Along with all the competitors on the day the other winners were the Motor club and the team that run the event, the people of Inishowen who welcomed both local competitors from Donegal on no less than 16 counties from both southern and Northern Ireland to come and compete in our wee county at the weekend.

Kevin Gallagher and Gerry Conway Rathmullan. First in the Nationals in the Harvest Photo Brian McDaid

Even the local competitors that didn’t do the Harvest were out in big number marshalling setting a wee crop of winter points that might yield results at entry time come Donegal International in 2020.

And finally our fan club who cheered the Moville crew through each of the loops of the rally on stage one, four and seven were rewarded with a fourth in class for Daniel and Eamonn Mc Gonagle, with just some minor trips off the tar much to the cheers to their fan club to put a great finish to a great day.

Woooooooo-hoo!

Happy motoring folks

Laura Bonner is drinking in the success of her latest accolade having secured the Ulster Business Woman of the Year title at the prestigious Graham Norton Gin Inspiring Awards 2019.

The Inishowen based entrepreneur behind Donegal premium craft drinks business The Muff Liquor Company said she was extremely proud to be named as one of Ireland’s most inspiring women in recognition of the success of her craft potato Gin and Vodka products that have been taking the drinks industry by storm across the world.

The announcement was made on Saturday, October 12th, 2019 at the Clayton Silversprings Hotel when 500 guests took part in the glamorous event hosted by RTE’s Miriam O’ Callaghan and Bibi Baskin.

Miriam O Callaghan and Laura Bonner, receiving the Ulster Business Woman of the Year Award at the Graham Norton Gin Inspiring Awards 2019

Speaking after the awards ceremony Laura said she was over the moon at securing the award and thanked everyone for their support.

“I was in total shock when they read out my name, it was an amazing surprise. I feel so honoured to have won the Graham Norton Inspiring Women Awards, Ulster Business Woman of the Year. To be in league with such amazing women in leadership across the country, only makes me want to strive for further success.”

This accolade comes just weeks since the company’s success when they secured the People’s Choice at the Irish Gin Awards. Laura commented: “This award was particularly special to us because it’s the ‘People’s Choice’ and is a real endorsement from our loyal customers. We enjoy great success at blind-tasting competitions, so for the public to vote for us in this hugely significant competition is a real coup. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved since our company was established in early 2017. ”

Laura Bonner – Muff Liquor Company

Looking ahead, Laura says the The Muff Liquor Company is currently in the process of crowdfunding via crowdcube to enable the company to expand the business into the Asian market.

“It’s an extremely busy time for us but it’s also really exciting. We are travelling all over the world promoting our products and showcasing our business model to a wider audience and endorsements like the Graham Norton gin awards, really give us the confidence to move our business forward and explore new markets. We are confident that the Asia market will embrace the innovative craft distilled spirits that have taken Ireland and the UK by storm and take us to a new level with our business.”

Laura explained: “2019 has been really busy for us at The Muff Liquor Company. It has involved a lot of travelling and attending a lot of showcases and events but we have a fantastic team behind us who are really supportive of our product, our brand and our company ethos.

“Being recognised at these awards is very important to us, it is indicative of the work we are doing and the confidence we have in our products. We are very much committed to further developing our plans for our own distillery and creating jobs in the local area but most of all we hope that our customers will continue to support us and enjoy our unique products.

“Key to our success to date is testament to the commitment of all our staff and the huge level support from family and friends in making our company a success,” Laura concluded.

A Brexit deal has been agreed between UK and EU negotiating teams before a meeting of European leaders in Brussels.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “We’ve got a great new deal that takes back control.”

The two sides have been working on the legal text of a deal, but it will still need the approval of both the UK and European parliaments.

The DUP has cast doubt on its sign off, saying they still cannot support it.

The Northern Irish party earlier released a statement saying they could not back proposals “as things stand”, and – after the PM’s announcement – said their statement “still stands”.

The number of new homes built in Donegal has risen by more than a fifth in the last year, according to new statistics.

There was a 22% increase in new builds completed in 2018 compared to 2017.

In 2018, there were 445 new single dwellings, scheme builds and apartments built in Donegal – up from 364 builds in 2017.

The figure has risen significantly from the 290 homes completed in Donegal in 2016.

The CSO’s latest statistics found that Dublin had the most new dwellings completed in 2018, while Leitrim (67) and Longford (66) both had less than 100 dwellings completed last year. Nationally, there was a 25% increase in new dwelling completions in 2018.

And in the first six months of 2019, the CSO reports that 196 new dwellings were completed in Donegal.

Concerns have been raised that children as young as four could be taught sex education in Donegal under new proposals.

It is claimed by worried parents that the new programme could include a learning curve of knowledge about pornography, the Tirconaill Tribune reports.

Earlier in the summer, a draft review of sex education in schools saw 20 focus groups with teachers take place around the country.

A further 1,333 teachers submitted their views online, along with 512 young people and 4,038 parents.

Principals were also interviewed and the views of 70 contributors were also collected as part of the draft review, which is now open for submissions from the public until October 25th.

Carried out by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the draft review forms the first major overhaul in 20 years of how sex education is taught in schools.

A specific focus was placed on developments in contraception, LGBTQ+ relationships, consent, positive sexual expression, and social media and its effects on self-esteem.

Meetings have already taken place nationally and in Letterkenny as a review is ongoing into the parental preferences for the new programme.

Cllr. Michael McBride is Chairperson of the Kilmacrennan NS Board of Management and Manager of An Chraoibin in Termon.

He has expressed his own personal fears that children at creches may be included under the new regulations and he has called for a full disclosure of plans by the Dept. of Education.

Cllr. McBride said that any such survey being conducted online should be rejected and he claims there was no official oversight to prevent individuals from making multiple entries.

The Letterkenny Councillor added as far as he is concerned there is a good reason to believe there is an agenda being put forward to allow children attending creches to be part of this new programme and this is totally unacceptable.

A spokeswoman for Parents Right said: “We believe that these texts are wholly incompatible with the stated aim of ensuring the new curriculum is age-appropriate for all students, much less appropriate for children who have special educational needs.”

ST EUNAN’S Reserve captain Conor Harley says they’re not paying much notice to their billing as red-hot favourites for Sunday’s Senior B final.

St Eunan’s meet Kilcar in the curtain-raiser on Sunday in Ballybofey with the black and amber aiming to retain the title they won 12 months ago.

The likes of Sean McGettigan, Sean Ryan, James Kelly, Brian MacIntyre and Eoin McGeehin graduated from the 2018 reserve-winning side to become key players in the senior side.

“We’ve looked at the reserve team as a sort of development squad,” reserve captain Harley told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub. 

“The evidence there with the players who have progressed. What we have been doing has been working perfectly so it’s without doubt beneficial.”

Harley missed last year’s final through injury and says St Eunan’s aren’t taking Kilcar – who surprised Naomh Conaill in their semi-final – lightly.

He said: “We’re going about minding our own business.

“We had two close games with Kilcar in the League and people forget about that.  Kilcar shocked Naomh Conaill, they’re here on merit and whoever we’d play it would be a big game.”

Listen to the full interview below …

An Garda Síochána will conduct a national speed enforcement operation “Slow Down”, supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) tomorrow (Fri) and Saturday.

The operation will last for a 24 hour period between 7am on Friday 18^th October to 7am on Saturday 19^th October 2019.

 The aim of “Slow Down day” is to remind drivers of the dangers of speeding, increase compliance with speed limits and act as a deterrent to driving at excessive or inappropriate speed.

The overall objective is to reduce the number of speed related collisions, save lives and reduce injuries on our roads.

In terms of road safety, 2018 was the lowest on record with 142 road deaths, however it is still 142 road deaths too many. We can never be complacent about road safety.

Excessive and inappropriate speed is a contributory factor in approximately one third of fatal road traffic collisions.

The higher the speed, the greater the likelihood is of a collision happening and the more severe the outcome of that collision. As a general rule a 1% reduction in average speed will bring about a 4% reduction in fatal collisions, and this is why reducing motorists’ speed is essential to improving road safety.

Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary, Roads Policing Bureau said: “This is the second Slow Down day of 2019 and it could not come at a more appropriate time.

“Roads deaths are significantly higher than this period last year and with the darker, wetter weather approaching, vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists will be at higher risk over the coming months.

“Lowering speed is crucial for reducing injuries in the event of a collision and keeps everyone in the community safer.

“Please check your speed and support Slow Down day, not only on the day, but every day.”

All speed enforcement zone locations are available on the Garda website. The penalty for speeding is 3 penalty points and an €80 euro fine if paid within 28 days.

A drunk-driver who spat in the face of a Garda outside a shopping centre at 8.30am has been ordered to keep the peace.

Michael Gamble appeared at Letterkenny District Court today charged with assaulting and refusing to give a sample.

Garda Neil Murphy told the court that on December 27th last at Glencar Shopping Centre in Letterkenny, they came across Gamble.

They spoke to the 52-year-old whom they suspected of drink-driving.

Gamble of Ballyboluder, Trentagh, refused to comply with Garda Murphy and his colleague Garda Finn.

He resisted arrested and when he was retrained, handcuffed and was being put in the Garda patrol car, he spat in the face of Garda Finn.

He was taken to Letterkenny Garda station where he continued to be aggressive and refused to give a sample.

Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client had been at a friend’s house all night and it had been a “long night.”

He said his client was apologetic and was embarrassed and remorseful.

He said his client was now 52 and had only one previous conviction and this was when he was aged 18 years.

Judge Paul Kelly told Gamble that what he did to Garda Finn was disgusting.

He added that Gardai had a difficult enough job without this “wild behaviour.”

He said he had Garda Finn to thanks and he was very fortunate that the Garda was “magnanimous and gracious” in his approach to the case.

He ordered him to enter into a peace bond for one year on the charge of the assault and he fined him €150 and banned him from driving for four years for refusing to give a sample.

The President of the Letterkenny Institute of Technology has warmly welcomed today’s announcement that €2.5 million funding will be granted to progress LYIT’s drive for university status.

President Paul Hannigan said that the investment is a strong endorsement for the LYIT as it deepens partnerships in the Connacht-Ulster region and on a cross-border level.

The funding was announced by Minister Joe McHugh, who said €2.5M was a “phenomenal level of financial backing for further and higher education in the north-west”.

Some €2m is being made available to progress the Connacht Ulster Alliance.

Another €500,000 is being invested in LYIT as part of its deepening links with Ulster University and the North-West College.

Mr Hannigan said: “LYIT is delighted with the funding announcement today from Minister McHugh. 

“Two weeks ago the Minister launched our Strategic Plan 2019-23 which clearly articulates our ambitions to achieve technological university status with our partners in IT Sligo and GMIT and also shows our commitment to cross-border collaboration within the North West City Region with Donegal ETB, North West Regional College and Ulster University.

“This funding is a strong endorsement of the Institute’s strategic direction and will help us continue the significant momentum evident in both initiatives at this time.”

Mr Hannigan outlined how the funding means that LYIT will be at the centre of many future developments in education: “The €2m for the Connacht Ulster Alliance will allow the Institutes to continue their drive towards achieving the criteria for technological university.  The announcement in Budget 2020 that €90m will be committed to technological universities over the next three years has shown the Government’s commitment to the development of this sector and LYIT will be at the heart of these developments.”

He added: “As the BREXIT negotiations continue, the necessity to support successful cross-border initiatives has never been more important.  The cross-border further and higher education alliance comprises LYIT, Donegal ETB, North West Regional College and Ulster University and has worked to ensure a seamless cooperation among these four bodies in the North West City Region. 

“This allocation of €500k a really important statement in supporting this strategy and will support the social and economic development of this region.”

DONEGAL forward Jamie Brennan has welcomed the addition a new partnership Donegal GAA and the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town.

Upgraded gym facilities at Abbey VS – through the help of sponsorship from Liam Clancy of the Abbey Hotel – will be provided to Donegal GAA teams for usage.

“It’s a great addition,” Brennan said. 

“It’s the focal point now for south Donegal and we have easy access. 

“It’s brilliant, not just in terms of being conditioned, but with rehab and recovery.”

The new partnership was launched on Tuesday afternoon. 

Donegal senior players Brennan, Paddy McGrath and Hugh McFadden were present along with Donegal GAA Games Development Manager Aaron Kyles, County Chairman Mick McGrath, representatives from the Abbey Hotel, Abbey VS Principal Geraldine Diver and students.

Listen to the full interview below …

Gardaí have issued speed warnings after a motorist was caught going more than twice the 100kph speed limit on a Donegal road, it has emerged. 

The driver was nabbed going 223kph in a 100kph zone on the N15 near Ballintra.

The detection came on a GoSafe safety camera, in which 29 million vehicles are checked on a 24/7 basis.

The news comes as speeding across the country has increased by 15% with 95,998 motorists caught speeding on Irish roads between January – August 2019.

The penalty for speeding is three penalty points and an €80 euro fine if paid within 28 days.

An Garda Síochána will conduct a national speed enforcement operation “Slow Down”, supported by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) tomorrow (Fri) and Saturday.

Motorists are being urged to ‘take their time on the roads’.

Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary, Roads Policing Bureau said: “Whilst most drivers abide by the speed limits, there has been an increase of 15% in detections to date in 2019 compared to 2018.

“It is also very disappointing to see some drivers detected driving considerably over the speed limit. Our social media accounts are full of such examples.

“Each time a driver chooses to drive at an excessive or inappropriate speed is potentially a serious or fatal collision.

“Please don’t be one of the driver’s detected speeding on Slow Down day and make that choice to drive safely every day”

Ms. Moyagh Murdock, Chief Executive, Road Safety Authority added: “Excessive and inappropriate speeding is the biggest killer behaviour on our road, it’s a contributory factor in a third of all fatal crashes.

“Remember the two-second rule, or four in wet conditions, that’s all the braking space you will have if you need to stop in a hurry.

“What a driver considers small increases in their speed could be the difference between life and death for such vulnerable road users.

“A pedestrian or cyclist hit by at 60km/h will only have a 1 in 10 chance of survival, however, if hit at 30km/h, 9 out of 10 will survive.

“This is especially true in vulnerable roads user rich environments like towns and cities.

“So please support ‘National Slow Down Day’ and every day by reducing your speed. Not only will you save lives you will also save money by being more fuel-efficient.”

MICHAEL MURPHY says that Donegal teams have to keep aiming high – and try to break down the barriers.

Murphy is manager of the Letterkenny Institute of Technology team, who lost their opening Ryan Cup game to Queen’s University last night in Convoy.

LyIT were level with eight minutes left before Queen’s pulled away in the closing minutes for a 3-12 to 1-11 win.

“It gives experience of what it’s like at that level,” Murphy told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub. 

“Sometimes looking from afar in Donegal, we think that everything is new, blue and better in other places. 

“When you try to break down the barriers, you put in the work, you get a committed group who enjoy it, maybe the gulf isn’t what we think.”

Liam Jackson’s goal in the second half helped bring LyIT back into a game that looked gone when they trailed 1-7 to 0-5 at half-time.

Murphy said: “We were really brave and that got us back in the game. The tide started to turn and we got a couple of big scores. 

“We had the ball when the tide was turning, but lost the ball in contact. Getting caught on the break was the story of the day.

“We had a great, positive response. I’m delighted with the attitude of them. It’s a big step up from the Trench Cup level.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Concerns over safe wheelchair access on footpaths have been resolved following a commitment from Donegal County Council.

South Donegal Councillor, Barry Sweeney, expressed concern that a walkability audit proposed by the Council would further delay the installation of access measures in the area.

However, it is understood while Donegal County Council will carry out the audit, it will not wait on the audit to install new measures for wheelchair access.

Some of these scheduled works were carried out earlier this year and the remaining works are expected to take place later this year and early 2020.

The works also include measures such as tactile paving at crossing points to make the footpaths more accessible for all users.

Speaking to Donegal Daily, Donegal County Council said: “Donegal County Council have a programme of footpath repair works in Ballyshannon that has been agreed by the local Councillors.

“However, it is important to note that Ballyshannon is built on a hill and is one of the oldest towns in Ireland and has in many locations steps built into the footpaths to facilitate the gradients and the entrances to properties and this makes it very difficult for wheelchair users.

“Donegal County Council is proposing to undertake a walkability audit in Ballyshannon to help identify problem areas and the findings from this audit will help guide and inform the additional works required and will be used to help source additional funding to carry out these necessary works.”