The National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS) is issuing a final reminder to anyone resident in Ireland with a UK / NI driving licence to submit their applications to exchange it now as time is running out.

As it can take up to 10 days to process a UK / NI licence exchange, and there may be further delays caused by a last minute increase in applications, the NDLS cannot guarantee that any person applying in the second half of October will receive their Irish licence before Brexit day.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA), who manage the NDLS, is now warning that motorists who fail to heed their warnings to date and wait to submit an exchange application closer to the October Deadline risk not having their licence exchanged before the 31 October deadline.

Moyagh Murdock, CEO, RSA said: “We are advising that any applications received after Monday 14 October may not be processed in time. This will certainly be the case if there is a high volume of applications in the coming week and bearing in mind that it takes up of 10 working days to process a normal licence exchange.

“We urge UK and Northern Ireland licence holders’ resident here to exchange their licence without delay to ensure that they are legally entitled to drive on Irish roads if the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October.”

To exchange your licence you must complete a licence application form and present this, the correct fee and your UK licence at any NDLS centre.

You can make an appointment online at www.ndls.ie to attend any of the 36 NDLS centres.

Walk in applications are accommodated and people are advised to arrive early if they wish to avail of this option.

In anticipation of an increase in demand for UK / NI licence exchanges ahead of 31 October, the NDLS is offering some extra opening hours in addition to the normal hours in some of their centres.

More information including frequently asked questions on how to exchange your UK licence can be found at www.ndls.ie and on gov.ie/brexit, the Irish Government’s website to help businesses and citizens around the country to prepare for Brexit.

THE ANALYSIS feels, in so many ways, oddly like 2005.

Back then, Naomh Conaill were new and their experiences were new.

No-one gave them a chance and St Eunan’s would, simply, prove too strong.

And yet…

History was rewritten when Naomh Conaill took hold of Dr Maguire after a replay. Not even the missed boat in a drawn encounter denied them their day.

Tomorrow will be their eighth appearance in the final (or nine if you count the two in 2005) since those dizzying days when they broke the ceiling.

It perhaps feels strange – and maybe is a reflection on the standing of this Gaoth Dobhair squad – that no pundit has taken a punt on Naomh Conaill. 

All three predictions on this week’s ‘The Championship’ preview on Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub were for Gaoth Dobhair. The Donegal Democrat ran their annual ‘jury’ and it was 12-0 for Gaoth Dobhair, the defending champions.

Aaron Deeny and Eunan Doherty during the semi final. Photo Evan Logan

“We’ve lost a lot of finals, but been there or thereabouts,” says Naomh Conaill manager Martin Regan, who is in his fourth final as boss. Naomh Conaill lost to Kilcar and Gaoth Dobhair in the last two years.

“The finals we’ve lost, we lost to serious teams. There’s no real shame in that either.

“We have a couple of championships to show. It’s not that we never went in and were big favourites. There is no shame in losing to good teams. 

“The county final is where you wanna be involved in. We were well beaten last year and we have a bit of ground to make up on. Hopefully we’ll make a good go of it.”

Ciaran Thompson has established himself on Declan Bonner’s roster for the Donegal senior team and is one of the latest group to emerge around Davy Brennan Memorial Park.

“There are a lot of young players there, but they have a lot of Championships experience,” Thompson says. 

Ciaran Thompson in action against St Eunan’s in the semi-final

“The average age of the team was 25 for the semi-final so it’s a good, young side, but it has a lot of experience too.”

Ethan O’Donnell will play in his fourth final in six years tomorrow and is well aware of the task facing Naomh Conaill.

Gaoth Dobhair are also the reigning Ulster champions, having blazed a trail through the province after winning the Donegal SFC last October.

“When they smell blood they’ll go for it,” O’Donnell says. 

“Look through their starting fifteen. They have county seniors, under-21s and minors all over and county minors on the bench.

Naomh Conaill’s manager Martin Regan during Sunday’s semi final. Photo Evan Logan

“They have pace to kill.  They narrowly missed out on an All-Ireland final last year. Anything can happy on the day, but it’ll be a very tough test.”

The likes of Eoin Waide, Anthony Thompson, Brendan McDyer and Marty Boyle all played in 2005.

Leo McLoone was just 16, but featured in the drawn game 14 years ago.

Regan says the young players have led the way of late.

“Ciaran is only 23 and he’s driving things on,” the Naomh Conaill manager says. 

“He is a real leader and is equally as impressive a leader as Anthony ever was.

“The young lads are driving things on really. They’re easy-come, easy-go. They’re laid back and enjoy their football. There is no fear in them. But Gaoth Dobhair are in the same boat.”

Successive final defeats have left empty feelings in Glenties over the last two winters. The favourites, Kilcar and Gaoth Dobhair, triumphed each time, but Naomh Conaill shook their heads clear and are back at the final furlong again.

Naomh Conaill celebrate their 2015 SFC win

“Any time you lose, you think what you could have done differently,” Regan says. 

“Even winning this year wouldn’t make up for the last two years, but we hope to put up a better show.

“We’re as ready as we can be. 

“We’re blessed to be in our third in a row. We have a bit of ground to make up. Hopefully we can make amends from the last two years. We went into the last two finals as big underdogs and lost. None of those were huge shocks. There are no massive regrets. We came up against two massive teams.”

As they did in 2005, Naomh Conaill must, as Ciaran Thompson noted this week, ‘just come out swinging’.

The Naomh Conaill captain says: “We came up a long way short last year, but we’ll try and bring something to the table. We’ll definitely go at it.”

If they do upset the odds, you wonder would it be as big a shock as it might seem at first glance …

SEAN MACCUMHAILLS had 15 points to spare as they cruised past Ardara and into the Under-21 Championship quarter-finals. 

Sean MacCumhaills 2-19 Ardara 1-7

By Chris McNulty at Sean MacCumhaill Park

Two goals in the space of a minute midway through the second half by Carl Dunnion and Chad McSorley added to an already-lopsided encounter.

Dunnion palmed home in the 46th minute after Padhraic Patton was denied twice, first by the underside of the River End crossbar and then by a goal-line block. Dunnion was quickest to react in the crowd to steer in.

That one had barely been digested when MacCumhaills hit a second goal as McSorley finished from Luke Gavigan’s centre. 

The game had become a procession before then with the home side dominating from the off and the winning margin by no means flattered the Twin Towns side, who were sent firmly on their way by Oisin Gallen’s  (pictured) handful of first-half points to give them a 0-14 to 1-3 lead at the changeover.

Gallen whizzed over a pair of points inside the opening 85 seconds and the tone was set.

MacCumhaills were 0-6 to no score in front by the tenth minute with Gallen adding another two to his tally before Johnny McHugh came up from corner-back to break the Ardara duck.

The ordeal could have been worse for Ardara with MacCumhaills’ Fintan Griffin and Jamie Keegan both having shots blocked on the goal-line.

With the hosts 0-8 to 0-2 ahead, Joel Bradley-Walsh had another sight of goal but he shot wide of the mark when he should’ve hit the target.

Gallen bent over a delicious point from the ’45 and Gavigan’s monster score came during a flurry of six quick-fire scores that opened up an 11-point deficit. 

Deep into added time at the end of the first half, Ardara narrowed the margin when Stefan Boyle smashed home from close-range after Niall McCrossan’s free dropped short. 

Bradley-Walsh, with a free and a ’45, kept the board ticking for the hosts after the re-start before the two goals hammered in the nails. 

Sean MacCumhaills: Jamie Bell; Jack Burke, Christopher Gallagher, Pete Byrne; Caelum Bonar, Aaron Gillooley, Luke Gavigan (0-1); Chad McSorley (1-0), Padhraic Patton; Carl Dunnion (1-4), Joel Bradley-Walsh (0-5, 2f, 2 ’45), Oisin Gallen (0-6, 2f); Fintan Griffin, Jamie Keegan (0-3), Rory Mulligan. Subs: Austin Duignan, Jack Duffy, Jack McGeehin Ciaran McMenamin. 

Ardara: Matthew McGlynn; Charlie Kennedy, Eoin Harkin, Johnny McHugh (0-1); Matthew Sweeney, Shane White, Zach Gallagher; Robbie Adair (0-1), Oisin Brennan (0-1); Daryl Maguire, Stefan Boyle (1-3, 2f), Johnny Sweeney (0-1); Brian White, Niall McCrossan, Callum Malley. Subs: Tony Harkin, Paul Walsh, Emmet Byrne, Gerard McHugh. 

Referee: Eugene McHale.

Inspired by the Irish word ‘Stór’, with a focus on restoring ourselves and recharging our businesses, Re-Stór is a business retreat with a difference.

Over the course of one day, in the stunning surrounds of Rathmullan House hotel and with lunch included, you will get the chance to work with experts in the area of business storytelling and communications, digital strategy and financial best practice.

You will learn practical skills and gain a new perspective on how to stay both mentally and physically well in a world that offers increasing distractions, burn-out and overwhelm.

Re-Stór is for entrepreneurs and business owners who long for a brief escape from their ‘Customer To-Do Lists’ to focus on what they want in business for a change. 

Co-founders Shane Breslin and Sally Murphy will lead the day. Business owners and entrepreneurs, they consult in digital, storytelling, marketing and communications with people all over the world, in industries from blue-chip technology giants to boutique drinks start-ups.

For this event, they are delighted to introduce their Donegal audience to guest speaker Conor Devine. Conor is a Belfast-based entrepreneur, investor and author, who through several business interests has assisted business owners throughout the finance spectrum — from debt mediation on one end to alternative finance and investment on the other.

Conor is also a Multiple Sclerosis survivor and plant-based wholefood Ironman triathlete! He will share his phenomenal personal and business experience, astutely linking the health of our minds and bodies to the health of our finances and businesses.

In this one day retreat we will explore topics like:

• What’s going on in business and communications? How did we get here? And where should we go next?!
• How can we tell our stories with honesty in a way that helps us connect with our ideal customers?
• Can we grab the digital opportunity and the best of the internet – without falling victim to overwhelm?

Here’s the truth. If the only thing you got from the Re-Stór retreat was that you walked away feeling nourished, like you had learned something worthwhile, got great value for money and made connections to support you going forward then it would be worth it.

The reality is that the Re-Stór business retreat will give you all that and much, much more.

You will leave the room with a clear sense of how to nourish your health so that you can grow your business, what your totally unique story is and, what digital strategies you will embrace!

What other people have said about Re-Stór –

“It was a great experience to take a day out of my business and reassess a few things. It helped me to have another look at the big picture of what I am trying to achieve and how I am going to do it in an energised and savvy way. Hearing other people’s stories also helped to get ideas and to reaffirm my own path. This is something all business owners should take part in, both for connecting with a fab community as well as the well-needed recharge.”

Tickets available via this link

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/re-stor-a-one-day-retreat-to-radically-recharge-your-business-your-life-tickets-71342638753

Further Info see: www.restor.ie

Contact: Sally Murphy, sally@murphycommunications.ie, T: 0871476339

Police in Northern Ireland are urging the public to be vigilant after a Derry woman lost more than £20,000 in an online romance scam.

The report was made to police on Tuesday, October 15.

It was reported that the woman met the man, who claimed to be a soldier, online and after a period of time he asked her for money claiming his account was frozen.

The conman subsequently persuaded the woman to give him her online banking details, which he used to send money to various individuals.

The fraudster also persuaded the woman to give him other personal details so he could obtain further money from her.

In total, the woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, lost just over £20,500.

Enquiries are continuing to establish what, if any of this money, can be recovered.

Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said: “No matter how big or small the amount of money is that a victim loses, every loss is felt by those targeted.

“However, this scam, where a victim has been swindled out of a significant amount of money, shows why it’s so important for people to be vigilant.

“This woman trusted this man who unfortunately was only after one thing – her money.

“That is devastating for her.

“If anything, this is a stark reminder of why it is so important for families to have conversations with their loved ones about scams.”

AMERICAN defender Joshua Smith toasted his first Finn Harps goal last night – and has vowed to ‘do everything’ to keep the club in the top flight.

Smith headed home an early goal to secure a 1-0 win over Waterford that was Harps’ first win in eight on a night when their play-off place was mathematically secured. 

“It felt great and it’s a great privilege to play for the Harps at home,” Smith told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“I told Harry (Ascroft) to do the run. He laughed at me so I did it. It was a great ball by Mark Timlin and all I had to do was get my head behind it.

“It’s good for the morale, but we have to do it in the play-offs. Our goal is to stay in the Division and we;’ll do everything to secure that.” 

Listen to the full interview below …

Boris Johnson has said he will press on “undaunted” with Brexit on 31 October, despite losing a crunch Commons vote.

The PM must now ask the EU for an extension to that deadline after MPs backed an amendment aimed at ruling out a no-deal Brexit, by 322 votes to 306.

But he told MPs: “I will not negotiate a delay with the EU and neither does the law compel me to do so.”

He vowed to bring in legislation on Monday to implement the deal he struck with Brussels this week.

MPs could also be given another vote on the deal on Monday, if Commons Speaker John Bercow allows it.

The Commons defeat is a major setback for the PM, who has repeatedly insisted that the UK will leave at the end of the month come what may.

Under the terms of the so-called Benn Act, passed last month by MPs determined to prevent a no-deal Brexit, he has until 2300 BST on Saturday to send a letter to the EU requesting an extension.

Mr Johnson said he was not “daunted or dismayed” by the Commons defeat and remained committed to taking Britain out by the end of the month on the basis of his “excellent deal”.

A new charity appeal will see a large number of schoolbags being delivered from Donegal to Dublin this winter to help people experiencing homelessness.

The charity project, which started just a week ago, has received overwhelming support from kind-hearted Donegal people who want to offer comfort to people in need.

The idea began with Annagry woman Linda Ní Ghallchóir, who saw an appeal from a homeless charity on Facebook and wanted to make a difference.

With over 10,000 people homeless in Ireland, charities are in need of all the support they can get.

Linda decided to start a school bag appeal for Donegal – where people can fill bags with essential items to help people who are living on the streets or in emergency accommodation.

#oneactofkindnessdonegal

Clothes, toiletries, first aid kits, dry foods, batteries and Christmas cards are just some of the items that are being added to the schoolbags so far.

Linda has arranged drop off points all around the county for the schoolbags to be collected before 14th November. They will then be checked and delivered to Dublin for distribution by volunteers with the Homeless Mobile Run.

“We had an amazing response, and so many offers to help and so many businesses going to do the collections,” Linda told DW.

“I’m also in contact with the North West Simon Community. There are thirty people who are homeless in Donegal so we are going to get bags sent to them too.”

The bags should be suited to adults, Linda said, as she is in contact with some local schools to prepare separate gifts for children.

If you would like to donate a bag to the charity project, here are some suggestions for what to pack:

• Please ensure bags are in good condition, no holes, straps in good condition and zips working.
• Toiletries – toothbrush and paste, hand sanitizer, hand creams, roll-on deodorant, large bandaids, harsh weather creams, lip balm, mini sudocrem .. (nothing with alcohol, no aerosols or things that are messy or could burst in the bags. )
• A toiletries bag (even a good-sized pencil case)
• Mini sewing and first aid kits.
• Nail clipper, comb/brush
• Reusable Water bottle
• Clothes – Socks, gloves, hat, scarves, thermals.
• Foods like beef jerky, granola bars, chocolate, mints, sweets (nothing overly chewy please)
• Torch or head lamp, some spare batteries
• Christmas card and anything else you think might be useful.

**Please don’t include money, medications like pain killers etc, alcohol, personal information, or anything dangerous.**

“Everyone has an idea of what their own comforts are, so if they want to put those items in the bags, it will mean so much to someone on the streets,” Linda said.

“The Homeless Mobile Run are always looking for volunteers in Dublin too, they meet on a Wednesday night on Grafton Street if anyone wants to offer their time.”

Collection Points: (Please drop bags before 14th November)

• Rosses CDP Dungloe (Main gathering hub)
• Pobail Le Chéile Falcarragh,
• Kelly’s Furniture, Falcarragh
• Dunlewey Community Centre.
• The Country Roads Inn Rossnakill.
• Sweeney Hardware & Plumbing Gaoth Dobhair.
• An Craoibhin Termon
• Cope Bar & Niteclub Killybegs
• Rachel Leeper’s Hair & Makeup Raphoe.
• Ulster Tyres Letterkenny And Ballybofey
• Autoclean Detailing Ballybofey.
• Finn Valley Centre Stranorlor
• Strand Hotel Ballyliffin

Please visit the School bags for the homeless. Donegal to Dublin Facebook page for more updates or for any questions.

AN IMPRESSIVE Killybegs powered away from St Michael’s in the second half to advance to the last eight in the Under-21 ‘A’ Championship.

St Michael’s 0-13 Killybegs 3-14

By Charlie Collins at The Bridge

They had Jack O’Donnell’s goal to thank for a 1-6 to 0-6 half-time lead and the Fisherman hit some high gears in the second half.

Six minutes after the break, Shaun Gorrell hammered in their second goal with a third added by Jack McSharry in added time.

O’Donnell fired home in the 10th minute after a neat four-man move.

Conor Cunningham (2) and McSharry added quick points as Killybegs opened up a 1-4 to 0-2 lead.

St Michael’s responded with Colin McFadden, Eoghan Kelly and Edward O’Reilly on the mark.

However, Gorrell and Seamus Óg Byrne helped move Killybegs three ahead at the short whistle.

Gorrell and Cunningham tacked on frees after the re-start before Gorrell bagged the second goal for the visitors.  Another fine move ended with Ryan Cunningham giving the final pass for Gorrell to finish.

Eight up, Killybegs were well in front and they made no mistake from there to the finish.

Carlos O’Reilly, Lee McColgan and Edward O’Reilly kept up the fight for St Michael’s, but Killybegs had too much to spare.

St Michael’s U21

After Corey Byrne, the Killybegs goalkeeper, saved an Eoghan Kelly penalty in the final minute, Killybegs hit goal number three from the breakaway with McSharry’s brilliant finish sealing a 10-point win.

St. Michael’s: Dan McColgan; Dara Breen, Patrick McGinley, Liam Kelly; Hugh O’Donnell, Ruairi Friel, Eoghan Kelly (0-1f); Kyle NcGarvey, Colin McFadden (0-1); Lee McColgan (0-3f), Shane Langan, Conan Brennan; Edward O’Reilly (0-4, 3f), Odhran McFadden, Carlos O’Reilly (0-4, 3f). Subs: Daniel Ferry for Brennan (58), Mickey Harkin for O.McFadden (59), Aidan McFadden for McColgan (60), Lorcan McFadden for McGinley (60), Charles Roarty for E.Kelly (60).

Killybegs: Corey Byrne; Michael O’Callaghan, Cillian Gildea, Eoin McGing; Niall Campbell, Seamus Og Byrne (0-1), Ryan Carr; Jack McSharry (1-1), Michael Statham; Rory Coyler, Ryan Cunningham ((0-5, 4f), Jack O’Donnell (1-0); Conor Cunningham (0-2, 1f), Shaun Gorrell (1-3, 1f), Daniel O’Keeney (0-2). Subs: Timmy Gorrell for O’Donnell (40), Charlie Breslin for C.Cunningham (40), Calum Quinn for R.Cunningham (58), Dylan Doogan for O’Keeney (60).

THE DRAW for the inaugural North West of Ulster Intermediate Cup was made this afternoon in Dungiven.

The innovative Cup competition is a collaboration between the Ulster Senior League and the NI Intermediate League.

Picture caption: Ulster Senior League representatives Niall Callaghan, Jason Gibson and Mark Duffy with Terence McMacken and Jerry Stewart from the NI Intermediate League.

Dates for the games will be confirmed in the coming days.

The new competition – which sees six teams from the USL and seven from the NI Intermediate League take part – is the first of its kind as a cross-border format at intermediate level.

A group of six and a group of seven will play off in the first phase of the competition. 

Three Ulster Senior League teams will be drawn in each of the two groups and teams from the same League will not play against each other in the group phase.

“This will freshen things up for our Leagues and all of our clubs are excited about the new competition,” said Ulster Senior League secretary Niall Callaghan.

“There will be some great games in store and it will be a good standard. Something like this is just what our League needed and the clubs from the NI League feel the same. 

“Both Leagues are in similar positions at the moment and we are delighted to get it over the line.”

The USL Secretary acknowledged the support of the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish FA in enabling the commencement of the competition. 

Group 1

Newbuildings

Finn Harps Reserves

Strabane Athletic

Bonagee United

Ardstraw

Fanad United

Group 2

Maiden City

Letterkenny Rovers

Dungiven

Cockhill Celtic

Newtowne

Derry City Reserves

Magherafelt Sky Blues

OPENING FIXTURES – Dates to be confirmed 

Group 1: Newbuildings v Finn Harps Reserves; Strabane Athletic v Bonagee United; Ardstraw v Fanad United

Group 2: Maiden City v Letterkenny Rovers; Dungiven v Cockhill Celtic; Newtowne v Derry City Reserves

HOT ON the heels of last night’s 95/1 double in Dundalk, Donegal jockey Oisin Orr took another win this afternoon.

Orr took Amma Grace to victory for Dermot Weld in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown.

Orr had nearly a length to spare on the 2/1 favourite.

Roca Roma (11/4), under the direction of Colin Keane, was in second.

The win means that Orr is now level with Andrew Slattery in the race for the Apprentice Jockeys’ Championship.

Dylan Murray is a well-known Magician from Burtonport and two-time winner of Magician of the Year. Dylan, who won Derry’s Got Talent in 2016, has an upcoming show on October 31st in the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny. 

This is Dylan’s ‘My Donegal’

Emmanuel Payton inspired LYIT to their fourth win in as many starts as the Donegal side overcame Sligo All Stars by 94 to 83 at the Foyle Arena in Derry today.

Niall McDermott’s side have looked impressive so far this season with a mix of international and local players.

LYIT looked impressive at times and led the Sligo side by 19 points at one stage in the third quarter.

Much of that third and fourth quarter dominance was due to Payton who was in fine form.

Supported by local players including Andrew McGeever (Letterkenny) and Charlie McKinley (Omagh), the Donegal outfit rarely looked like letting their lead slip completely despite Sligo pulling it back to 61-59 at one stage.

Special mention has to go to LYIT’s Spanish ‘Elasticman’ Mario Garcia whose athleticism knows no bounds.

It’s a great start for LYIT but they know they’ll have tougher tests throughout the season.

Letterkenny singer Sinead Black has been announced as one of this year’s hopefuls in TG4’s hit county music contest – Glór Tíre.

Sinead (27) is well-known in the local country and wedding scene, but now the national stage awaits as she enters an exciting singing battle.

Glór Tíre is a popular country music talent show which puts six up and coming talents head-to-head to sing in televised concerts. Contestants perform under the mentorship of some of Ireland’s biggest country music stars and Sinead has been paired up with Monaghan’s Ciarán Rosney for her competition journey.

Speaking to DonegalWoman.ie, Sinead said she can’t wait to get on the stage.

“I’m just delighted to be a finalist and to get this opportunity to reach new audiences and get into a different performance side of music,” Sinead said.

The first concerts will be recorded next week at The Quays in Galway, but Sinead’s supporters will have to wait until the New Year before they can see her on television and start the voting process.

This is Sinead’s first time singing on television, but the nerves are not a problem, as she has been singing since she was three years old and is an experienced performer – often appearing alongside her dad Alex Black over the years.

“I’m not one bit nervous. I’m just excited to get stuck in, get dressed up and get performing with the band,” Sinead said.

Sinead, who recently graduated in Business and IT, will be spending the next few weeks recording the series, being in the TG4 studios and travelling around Ireland with Ciaran Rosney.

Glór Tíre is set to bring a great boost to Sinead’s career, while she continues to be in demand for wedding singing.

“It’s always been my goal to get on Glór Tíre for the experience, to meet new people and get into the country music network.”

More weddings, concerts and guest appearances are all in Sinead’s sights, while the campaign for Glór Tíre glory will begin in earnest in 2020.

CONOR HARLEY savoured the sweet taste of victory as he captain St Eunan’s to victory in the Senior B final this afternoon.

Harley had to sit out last year’s final through an injury, but skippered the black and amber to a four-point win over Kilcar today.

Picture: St. Eunan’s captain Conor Harley receives the reserve trophy from Donegal county chairman Mick McGrath. Picture by Evan Logan

“I’m delighted to be able to lift the Cup there,” Harley told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“I just about made it. It’s great to be involved. For us, it’s been great and we’re undefeated in League and Championship.”

St Eunan’s have been talked up all year and Harley admitted that the pressure was felt this week.

He said: “It was almost as if the story was there for Kilcar to come and top us. It was all about keeping the heads and doing the right thing.

“There are some serious players coming through and long may it continue.”

Listen to the full interview below …

The 100th Donegal SFC final takes place this afternoon at 4pm as Gaoth Dobhair take on Naomh Conaill. Alan Foley will be providing live updates from MacCumhaill Park.

You can follow the action here …

by Michael Vaughan

Halloween is coming again and Temple Street is calling on everyone in Co. Donegal to host their own spooktacular ‘Trick or Treat for Temple Street’ party and raise vital funds to help sick children.

Broadcaster, model and mum, Glenda Gilson, helped get Temple Street into the Halloween spirit as she launched the hospital’s annual ‘Trick or Treat for Temple Street’ 2019 campaign. 

As this year’s launch ambassador, Glenda is calling on everyone from individuals, community groups, schools, crèches and workplaces alike – to host their very own ‘spooktacular’ Halloween party,  get the party ‘startled’ this October and help raise vital funds for sick children.

Glenda Gilson is pictured with Fiadg Donne (age 4)from Summerhill Co Meath for the launch of this year’s Trick or Treat for Temple Street campaign proudly supported by MiWadi.

The funds raised during this ‘hair-raising’ campaign will have a direct and positive impact for sick children in Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Temple Street, by funding vital, life-saving equipment for the hospital’s wards, theatres, departments and Intensive Care Unit. 

Temple Street Foundation and MiWadi are calling on the public to register at www.templestreet.ie/trickortreat to receive a free party pack, which includes Trick or Treat posters, stickers, balloons and much more.

Glenda said: “As a new mum, Trick or Treat for Temple Street is a campaign very close to my own heart and I’m truly delighted to help spread the word about this fantastic campaign, which is once again supported by MiWadi. I encourage everyone to get involved by registering for a free party pack and hosting a Trick or Treat for Temple Street Halloween party, to help raise the vital funds for such a worthy cause.”

“Despite having raised over €2.1million for Temple Street to-date, every year our fundraising targets grow in ambition, as we see the difference it makes to children and families across Ireland,” said Claire Lynch, MiWadi Brand Manager.

To register for your free Trick or Treat party pack call 01 878 4344 or visit www.templestreet.ie/trickortreat.

The coast guard rescued six divers off the coast of Donegal earlier today (Sun).

The volunteer crew of the Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat was requested to launch a dive boat which had broken down off St John’s Point on Sunday afternoon.

Receiving the call from Malin Head Coast Guard shortly before 1pm, the lifeboat crew, who had just returned from exercise, set out for the scene at the Bullockmore west cardinal marker just west of St John’s Point.

Arriving around 1:15pm, they found that the main dive boat had broken down and was unable to recover six divers who were in the water.

To assist with the operation Killybegs Coast Guard boat was also tasked to the scene as was the Sligo based Rescue 118 helicopter from Strandhill.

Four divers were recovered onto the Bundoran lifeboat with 2 recovered to the Killybegs Coast Guard boat with those two subsequently transferred to a passing fishing boat who had responded to the Coast Guard’s initial call for assistance in the area.

In total 8 divers were accounted for and safely transported back to Killybegs.

Commenting on the callout, his first as a qualified helmsman, Rory O’Connor said: “we are delighted that there was a successful conclusion to this shout.

“Thankfully once the dive boat realised that there was a problem they contacted the Coast Guard immediately and got ourselves, Killybegs Coast Guard Delta and Rescue 118 launched.

“We would always encourage all boats to check in with the Coast Guard before setting out.”

FOR THE first time since 2005, the Donegal SFC final will have to be replayed.

Gaoth Dobhair 0-8 Naomh Conaill 0-8

By Chris McNulty at Sean MacCumhaill Park. Pictures by Evan Logan

Naomh Conaill came from two points down with six minutes left as Eoghan McGettigan, with his fourth of the day, and Ciaran Thompson, with a fabulous ’45, tied it up.

In front of 4,800 at Sean MacCumhaill Park, Naomh Conaill might have sneaked a win at the end, but efforts by John O’Malley and Dermot Molloy trailed wide.

Naomh Conaill, semi-finalists at least in each of the last six years, were appearing in their third successive final. 

With the pain of defeats at the hands of Kilcar and Gaoth Dobhair etched in their minds, Naomh Conaill grew into this and Eoghan McGettigan’s third free of the day gave the Glenties men a 0-5 to 0-4 lead at half-time.

Kieran Gillespie, who has only just back after a long absence following the injury he sustained in the Ulster campaign last year, pulled up in added time at the end of the opening half in a big blow for Gaoth Dobhair, the defending Ulster and Donegal champions.

Gaoth Dobhair Dáire Ó Baoill and Naomh Conaill’s Ethan O’Donnell. Photo Evan Logan

Gillespie had to be withdrawn with his latest ailment and his replacement, Christopher McFadden, lasted just six minutes before he, too, had to hobble off.

With just 15 seconds gone in the second half, Charles McGuinness – a nephew of former Donegal manager Jim – put Naomh Conaill two ahead. 

The pendulum swung again when Neil McGee fired over under pressure, just after Eamonn Collum chipped wide when Naoise Ó Baoill’s fine play had created the opening. 

Gavin McBride, just after coming in as a replacement, boomed over to put Gaoth Dobhair two up, but Naomh Conaill – who were 23 minutes without a score – managed to get level again when captain Thompson delightfully clipped over a ’45 with only three minutes of normal time left.

It was the last score of a tense and rugged afternoon by the Finn and they’ll play it again next Sunday afternoon.

Gaoth Dobhair’s Naoise Ó Baoill and Naomh Conaill’s Ethan O’Donnell. Photo Evan Logan

Gaoth Dobhair had been given the fright of their lives in the quarter-finals, when they needed extra time to get past Bundoran in a game they led by eight points with the home stretch in sight.

Without hitting the upper gears, Gaoth Dobhair had come out of the ‘group of death’, a pot that also included St Eunan’s and St Michael’s, but it was in their semi-final against Kilcar their intent was signalled.

Kilcar, the 2017 champions, were unbeaten in League or Championship until Gaoth Dobhair took an efficient 3-8 to 0-12 win a fortnight ago. 

A pair of Eoghan McGettigan frees cancelled out early points by Collum and Cian Mulligan, with Gaoth Dobhair on top in the opening exchanges before Naomh Conaill settled into the task.

Stephen McGrath, the Naomh Conaill goalkeeper, saved well from Odhrán McFadden-Ferry, who broke through in the eighth minute. Mulligan did power over from the rebound, but it was a reprieve for Naomh Conaill.

Daire Ó Baoill looked as if he had opened up a 0-3 to 0-1 lead in the 17th minute, but was blown for over-carrying just as he tucked over, after evading Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí and Ethan O’Donnell.

McGettigan – who was drafted into the Donegal senior panel this summer – soon had the sums levelled up again with a free.

Gaoth Dobhair’s Michael Carroll breaks past Naomh Conaill’s Anthony Thompson.

Odhrán Mac Niallais pointed a 40-metre free after he was fouled, to restore Gaoth Dobhair’s advantage.

Naomh Conaill, though, hit the front for the first time in the 25th minute as Brendan McDyer – one of the survivors from their maiden capture of Dr Maguire in 2005 – tucked over.

Three of the last four points in the first half went the way of the men in blue, McGettigan’s third successful free inching them in front by the skins of their teeth after a brilliant run from deep by Ethan O’Donnell drew a foul.

When Gaoth Dobhair hit four-in-a-row to take a two-point advantage, the champions would’ve been confident of seeing it out, but Naomh Conaill hit back to seal another bite.

In the last replay, 14 years ago, Naomh Conaill defeated St Eunan’s to win their first title. They’ll have to repeat the trick again next weekend.

Naomh Conaill: Stephen McGrath; Ultan Doherty, AJ Gallagher, Kevin McGettigan; Ethan O’Donnell, Anthony Thompson, Eoin Waide; Ciaran Thompson (0-1 ’45), Leo McLoone; Brendan McDyer (0-1), Eoghan McGettigan (0-4f), Eunan Doherty; Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí (0-1), Charles McGuinness (0-1), Kieran Gallagher. Subs: Nathan Byrne for McGuinness (43), Dermot Molloy for Gallagher (43), John O’Malley for McDyer (54).

Gaoth Dobhair: Christopher Sweeney; Gary McFadden, Neil McGee (0-1), Kieran Gillespie; Niall Friel (0-2), Dan McBride, Daire Ó Baoill; Michael Carroll, Eamon McGee; Odhrán McFadden-Ferry, Odhrán Mac Niallais, Naoise Ó Baoill; Cian Mulligan (0-1), Kevin Cassidy, Eamonn Collum (0-2f). Subs: Christopher McFadden for Gillespie (half-time), Seaghan Ferry for C.McFadden (36), Gavin McBride (0-1) for Collum (43), Peter McGee for N.Ó Baoill (56), Ethan Harkin for McBride (black card, 62).

Referee: Enda McFeely (St Mary’s, Convoy).

The Donegal SFC final ended in stalemate in Ballybofey today, as Gaoth Dobhair and Naomh Conaill played out an 0-8 to 0-8 draw.

Gaoth Dobhair, Ulster champions last year, were 0-5 to 0-4 down at half-time against the team from Glenties, with Eoghan McGettigan scoring three first half frees. However, Gaoth Dobhair managed to get into a two-point lead with Neil McGee and Gavin McBride scoring before McGettigan and a Ciaran Thompson 45 levelled it up.

“None of the teams deserved to lose. Both teams left everything out there,” Kevin Cassidy said. “Whether it got away from us, it’s hard to know. Both had chances to win it, but the draw is the fairest result. We were very lucky to be only two down after ten minutes and we really struggled with the kick-outs. They had a serious press on us.
“It looked like it could get away on us, but we dug deep and we responded well.”

Here’s what Cassidy made of it …