A man is recovering after his car was struck by a van which drove off without stopping.

The incident happened on Saturday evening close to Nena Models in Stranorlar.

The van pulled out of Dunwiley and struck the passing car.

The driver of the car, which had a 5 year old passenger on board, was left with broken ribs and a lot of bruising.

The van failed to stop and drove off following the incident which took place around 8pm.

The van, which was white in colour, struck the car so hard that it forced it into a spin which knocked down a nearby wall.

The man’s partner, Louise Thompson, has appealed for anybody who may know who was driving the van to contact Gardai.

Louise said ” Thankfully no one is too badly hurt but what kinda person does this? The car is written off and claiming off our own insurance hardly seems fair. The guards say more than likely someone was drunk or with no insurance. That’s no help to us. If we claim off our insurance it’ll probably go up €2000 at least a year. We have already paid over €3,000 for the insurance for the year.

“Anyone with any information please get in contact with me or guards.”

Gardai have confirmed they are investigating the hit and run.

EOIN WAIDE has been here before.

Waide was just a teenager in 2005 when Naomh Conaill won their first Donegal SFC title.

That was a replay win over St Eunan’s and Naomh Conaill have a second bite at the 2019 silverware after yesterday’s draw with Gaoth Dobhair.

“Gaoth Dobhair were on top of us for a spell and were slow enough starting,” Waide reflected.

Naomh Conaill came from two down to draw the game late on.

Waide told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub: “We were in the ascendancy at the end. We knocked a couple of scores. We could have won it at the end. We could have stolen it. Both teams will be happy enough to get a second bite at it.”

Listen to the full interview below …

TWO GAMES in the Donegal Under-21 Football Championship were decided on penalties this weekend.

Burt and Naomh Colmcille both won their Under-21 ‘C’ quarter-finals on penalties.

Burt defeated Red Hughs on Saturday. Extra time couldn’t find a winner and Burt prevailed 5-4 on penalties to qualify for the last four.

It was the first time a Championship game in Donegal was won on penalties.

That was quickly followed by a second. Naomh Colmcille and Naomh Bríd/Pettigo played out a cracking draw, 2-13 to 3-10, at Pairc Colmcille. 

Even the penalty shoot-out was lengthy with Naomh Colmcille emerging the dramatic 9-8 winners.

Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh, joined students and representatives of the global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie at a special educational event at St Naul’s National School in Inver today.

The visit marked the official launch of the company’s Back to School for STEM programme, a schools’ outreach which promotes the job opportunities widely available in Ireland for those holding STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) qualifications.

Employees from AbbVie’s five Irish offices and manufacturing plants will visit schools, including those they themselves studied at, to talk about the difference that those working in STEM can make for wider society.

Minister McHugh said: “This programme is about opening young minds to the possibilities that can be unlocked with expertise in STEM.

“Fifth and sixth class students in St Naul’s – and at the other primary schools which will be visited by AbbVie employees – will hopefully soon have the opportunity to select science, chemistry, physics and other STEM-related subjects as subject options.

Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, tries out an experiment with school principal Rory O’Donnell and Frances Doherty, Robert Love and Caroline of the global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie at a special educational event at St Naul’s National School in Inver, Donegal today. (North West Newspix)

“Ireland is a global hub for life sciences and technology, so STEM education is crucial to continued future economic success. I commend AbbVie for their community commitment in working with schools.

“It’s crucial we all encourage young people’s interest in STEM. Programmes like this can spark a love of science in children and put them on a path to incredibly rewarding lifelong careers,” he added.

Columba McGarvey, Site Director at AbbVie’s manufacturing plant in Ballytivnan, Sligo, and a native of Teelin, spoke to the students about the wide-ranging and exciting career opportunities a STEM-focused career in the biopharmaceutical industry can offer.

AbbVie recently announced a €113 million expansion in oncology-focused manufacturing technology at their Ballytivnan site in Sligo. The company also has a second plant in the town. The investment will create approximately 100 new jobs over the course of three years in a variety of technical and manufacturing positions.

Mr McGarvey was responsible for managing AbbVie’s plant in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria devasted the Caribbean island.

He told the young students that successfully studying STEM subjects could literally open up a world of job opportunities.

“A career in STEM offers so many possibilities – ones that are fulfilling personally but, crucially, opportunities to positively affect communities and wider society at a time when multiple challenges face us. STEM can help you make a difference whether that be in helping to address climate change or being part of teams developing new treatments for cancer,” he added.

Frances Doherty, a Biologics Technician at AbbVie’s Ballytivnan site in Sligo, who is originally from Coolboy outside Letterkenny, gave students her view on the benefits of working in a STEM job.

Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, pictured with staff and students and members of AbbVie durng the global biopharmaceutical companys special educational event at St Naul’s National School in Inver, Donegal. (North West Newspix)

It is an important perspective at a time when, according to new research[ii], 64 per cent of girls in Irish secondary schools say they don’t know enough about STEM while 26 per cent of all students believe there are easier ways of getting CAO points than choosing to study STEM.

“One of the biggest misconceptions about STEM subjects is that they are too difficult to get into, and that they can hinder your progress. The truth is that studying STEM subjects strengthens your options and can set you up for multiple life-long career paths.

“If you are strong in these areas, you really do have the chance to change the world for the better. For example, Ireland is a global pharmaceutical manufacturing leader. Ten of the world’s top ten companies are based here, producing life-changing medicines that are distributed to people in need around the world. This is just one example, from just one area, of the many rewarding, challenging and interesting careers that studying STEM can help to unlock.”

Students on the day in Inver had the opportunity to participate in a number of STEM-related activities and experiments which helped to outline the key skills that students can acquire by studying STEM subjects.

School Principal Rory O’Donnell thanked AbbVie for organising the initiative and paid tribute to Minister McHugh for attending the event and taking time out of his busy schedule to meet and encourage local students.

Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD, with school principal Rory O’Donnell and pupils with Robert Love, Columba McGarvey and Caroline McClafferty of the global biopharmaceutical company AbbVie at a special educational event at St Naul’s National School in Inver, Donegal today. (North West Newspix)

“Role models are vital if young people are to be inspired and encouraged to consider committing to STEM educational pathways and potential careers. Students that develop an interest in STEM in secondary school are more likely to study STEM subjects in college. This programme helps open up their imagination to what’s possible before they have to make those subject choices, and that’s a good thing,” he added.

The STEM Gap in Ireland

According to the most recent Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) ‘Science in Ireland Barometer: An analysis of the Irish public’s perceptions and awareness of STEM[iii]’, 70 per cent of students believe STEM is too specialised for them, and 52 per cent of respondents were deterred from studying science and maths at third level, largely due to the way in which these subjects were taught at primary and secondary level.

AbbVie recently announced that it will be the main corporate sponsor of Sligo Science Week for the next three years. This commitment underlines the company’s continued support of science education activities in the wider North West region.

A tractor run in memory of Killygordon woman Elaine McGlinchey has raised a staggering €14,323.

The event in memory of Elaine raised the funds for the Sperrin Unit, North West Cancer Centre.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) gratefully acknowledged the wonderful donation.

Elaine had received treatment in the Sperrin Unit as she battled the disease.

Elaine’s husband John, son JJ, family and friends presented the cheque to Dr Lucy Jellett, Consultant Oncologist and staff members from the Sperrin Unit including Rachelle McMenamin, Roisin Herron, Charlotte McGrory and Michelle Duffy.

The emergency services are at the scene of a two car collision in Letterkenny.

The crash happened just after 2pm outside the Letterkenny Skip Hire premises near Ballyraine.

The emergency services are at the scene.

It is not known if anybody has been injured at this stage.

Gardai have appealed to the owner of a purse which was found in Buncrana to come forward.

The ladies purse was found outside Supervalu on the Cockhill Road, Buncrana on Saturday last.

The purse contains a sum of money. If you believe that it may be your purse then please call Buncrana Garda Station on 074-9320540 and quote incident no. 16967319.

Job Vacancy: The award-winning Costcutter on Main Street Ballybofey are now recruiting for the role of part-time deli assistant.

The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for food and cooking. 

Experience is preferable but not essential since full training will be given. 

Flexibility is essential since daytime, evening and weekend shifts are required.

If you are ambitious and dedicated and want to join an award winning team submit your C.V. with cover letter to Colin by Friday 8th November 2019 to: ccballybofey@gmail.com

DONEGAL HURLER Danny Cullen has been selected as one of the 45 nominees for the 2019 ‘Champion 15 team’.

Cullen is among the players nominated based on their outstanding performances in this year’s Ring, Rackard and Meagher Hurling Championships. 

The Champion 15 selection will be awarded as part of the PwC All-Stars event in Dublin’s Convention Centre on Friday 1st November.

Setanta star Cullen is the only Donegal player on the list.

Paul Flynn, Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players Association, said: “Congratulations to all 45 nominees for their stellar performances on the pitch this year.

“It’s been a truly memorable year of hurling so it’s important that we recognise the talent that these players have and worked hard for. Well done to everyone involved and congratulations also to all of the hurlers nominated for a PwC All-Star Award for 2019.” 

This is the first year that a selection of 45 players has been chosen from the Ring, Rackard and Meagher competitions. The new selection process has introduced player and coach feedback and has been finalised by an independent selection committee of journalists and referees. Players competing in the Joe McDonagh Cup were considered in the PwC All-Stars for the Liam MacCarthy.

he Champion 15 Nominations are listed below.

Simon Doherty Armagh (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Dean Gaffney Armagh (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Caolan Rice Armagh (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Diarmaid Carney Cavan (Lory Meagher Cup)

Brian Óg McGilligan Derry (Christy Ring Cup)

Sé McGuigan Derry (Christy Ring Cup)

Danny Cullen Donegal (Christy Ring Cup)

Stephen Keith Down (Christy Ring Cup)

Dáithi Sands Down (Christy Ring Cup)

Eoghan Sands Down (Christy Ring Cup)

Caolan Taggart Down (Christy Ring Cup)

John Duffy Fermanagh (Lory Meagher Cup)

James Burke Kildare (Christy Ring Cup)

Jack Sheridan Kildare (Christy Ring Cup)

Darren Crowley Lancashire (Lory Meagher Cup)

Ronan Crowley Lancashire (Lory Meagher Cup)

Greg Jacob Lancashire (Lory Meagher Cup)

James Glancy Leitrim (Lory Meagher Cup)

Declan Molloy Leitrim (Lory Meagher Cup)

Enda Moreton Leitrim (Lory Meagher Cup)

Liam Moreton Leitrim (Lory Meagher Cup)

Gavin O’Hagan Leitrim (Lory Meagher Cup)

Shane Lawless London (Christy Ring Cup)

David Buckley Longford (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Darren Geoghegan Louth (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Shane Boland Mayo (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Shane Brennan Meath (Christy Ring Cup)

Sean Geraghty Meath (Christy Ring Cup)

Damien Healy Meath (Christy Ring Cup)

Keith Keoghan Meath (Christy Ring Cup)

Jack Regan Meath (Christy Ring Cup)

Shane Whitty Meath (Christy Ring Cup)

Fergal Rafter Monaghan (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Cathal Dolan Roscommon (Christy Ring Cup)

Pádraig Kelly Roscommon (Christy Ring Cup)

Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch Sligo (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Keith Raymond Sligo (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Joe Starr Sligo (Nicky Rackard Cup)

James Weir Sligo (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Damian Casey Tyrone (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Tiernan Morgan Tyrone (Nicky Rackard Cup)

Willie Allen Warwickshire (Nicky Rackard Cup)

John Collins Warwickshire (Nicky Rackard Cup)

John Henderson Wicklow (Christy Ring Cup)

Stephen Kelly Wicklow (Christy Ring Cup)

As part of Social Inclusion week 2019, Donegal Local Development (DLDC) hosted an information and networking breakfast morning ‘Enterprising Communities’ to showcase the work of Social Enterprises in Donegal.

Social enterprises are businesses whose core objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact. Like other businesses, social enterprises trade in goods or services on an ongoing basis. However, any surpluses they generate are re-invested into achieving a social impact.

‘Enterprising Communities’ was an information and networking breakfast morning to promote and celebrate the achievements of local social enterprises and to acknowledge the social benefit and social impact they provide.

It created the opportunity for representatives to meet & network with their peers and to benefit from shared learning. While celebrating the successes of social enterprises DLDC also highlighted the need for a strategic approach in addressing the many challenges.

DLDC information and networking breakfast morning ‘Enterprising Communities’

The event also provided the opportunity for the DLDC team to meet with representatives from local social enterprises, to further promote the launch of the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019 – 2022 and to update attendees on the core objectives of the policy.

This policy document is long overdue, however DLDC welcome the strategic approach it contains and the commitment to providing supports for the Community & Voluntary Sector which will help social enterprises reach their full potential. The launch of this policy marks the start of a new phase in the development of social enterprise in Ireland.

The speakers representing local social enterprises were selected randomly and invited to come along to share their stories. Although from different geographical locations throughout Donegal, the challenges they face are very similar and the need for additional supports are common to all. The contribution from the social enterprise representatives was key to the success of this event. They are the volunteers & managers who deliver a positive response to social and societal issues and DLDC commends them on their great work.

DLDC information and networking breakfast morning ‘Enterprising Communities’

DLDC information and networking breakfast morning ‘Enterprising Communities’

DLDC information and networking breakfast morning ‘Enterprising Communities’

Keynote Speaker was Patsy McGonagle, founding member of the Finn Valley Club and current Chairperson of Donegal Local Development CLG.

MC was Andrew McNulty from the Community Development team at DLDC and Speakers on the day included:
• Margaret Larkin, DLDC, who gave an overview of the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019 – 2022
• Karen McCormick – LYIT – Restart+ Programme
• Mick Quinlivan – Cairde Le Cheile, Letterkenny
• Mary Coyle – Ionad Naomh Pádraig
• Michael Travers – Bundoran Community Centre
• Tracy Peoples – Premier Services, Milford

DLDC information and networking breakfast morning ‘Enterprising Communities’

DLDC information and networking breakfast morning ‘Enterprising Communities’

The Donegal Domestic Violence Service is set to benefit from a €500 donation from the Scotsman’s Bar in Donegal Town.

The generous donation was made by the bar owners Joseph Breslin and John Mc Groary this week on behalf of the Donegal Town Women’s Group.

The group gathered at the pub last Friday for a special morning with Donegal Domestic Violence Service Manager Marie Hainsworth. The event was an opportunity for the women and the Scotsman’s team to present the cheque and to learn more about the charity.

Ms Hainsworth was delighted with the donation and added that the funds will be used to support their 24hr refuge accommodation service and helpline. Women or agencies can contact the service and receive support and advice on 1800 262677.

Plunging temperatures on Friday night means that Donegal could experience the first snow of the winter.

But there’s a snowball chance in hell that kids will be having snowball fights as a result.

Some amateur weather forecasters have claimed that Donegal will experience some snow before Halloween.

But Met Eireann has poured cold water on the freezing forecast.

An update from Midland Weather Channel suggested that Ireland could get a touch of the white stuff.

“As the very warm and moist air comes into contact with the bitterly cold Arctic air its expected to generate some intense precipitation leading to a flooding risk in the southeast of the country at present, whereas along the northern and northwestern edge of the rainfall its expected to turn increasingly to snow,” said a forecaster with the online site.

However, a spokesperson for Met Éireann said they weren’t expecting any more than “10 minutes of snow on the north-most hills of Northern Ireland.”

“While there is a possibility of snow falling, the chance of us actually getting to see any of it is “nil.”

THE DONEGAL County Board have confirmed reduced ticket prices for Sunday’s Donegal SFC final replay.

The second instalment of the Gaoth Dobhair v Naomh Conaill final takes place on Sunday at Sean MacCumhaill Park.

Adult tickets for the replay will cost €12 – a drop of €8 from yesterday’s 0-8 apiece draw.

OAPs and students will pay €10 while juveniles will get in for free.

Sunday’s replay will be preceded by the Division 5 League final between Glenfin and St Eunan’s.

Coláiste Ailigh in Letterkenny will present an evening of “Ceiliúirach” or celebrations in An Grianán Theatre on Thursday 24th of October to begin the celebrations of the school’s 20th year.

This show will showcase the talent of the students across all years and will see almost 75% of the school’s students take to the stage to perform a variety of Song, Dance, Drama and Music in all of the school’s languages.

The staff of the school have a full year of celebration planned, with details of more events to be released soon, but with a history of school shows which are of exceptional quality, the obvious place to begin the celebration is on the theatre’s stage.

The talented students of Coláiste Ailigh, with many all-Ireland champions among them, rehearsing for what promises to be be a fantastic show.

Ceiliúirach rehearsals at Coláiste Ailigh

Micheál Ó Giobúin said: “Mar céiliúirach ár mbreithlá 20 bliain a cheiliúradh, tá muid ag súil go mór leis an ocáid seo. Is iomaí cúis cheiliúrtha agus cúis bhróid a bhí againn le 20 bliain anuas. Beidh tallanna na ndaltaí agus na múinteoirí le feiceáil go soiléir ar an Deardaoin agus tá ticéidí ar fáil.”

“Coláiste Ailigh was established in September 2000. We are delighted to be celebrating twenty years of success in the areas of education, sport, drama, art, music, business, fashion, creativity and science. I am very proud of all our students, past and present and I really appreciate the opportunities afforded to them by our very committed and professional staff who are led on this occasion by Maistreás Uí Róis.”

Ceiliúirach rehearsals at Coláiste Ailigh

Coláiste Ailigh (Letterkenny) have been announced as this year’s winners of Donegal ETB’s Enterprise Day for schools and Youthreach centres.

The event took place in Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) on Wednesday, October 16. 

Second place went to the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town, while Mulroy College in Milford came third.

Two hundred and forty students from twenty post-primary schools and Youthreach centres across the county participated in the event, which involved each team developing a product on which they were judged in a Dragon’s Den-type setup. 

Teams were given a business mentor and an LYIT business studies student to guide them throughout the day.

 Ramelton based entrepreneur Seamus McDaid, of McDaid’s Football Special fame, spoke to the students in the morning about his entrepreneurship journey.

Seamus has recently returned from the United States where he was the founder of McDaid’s Beverages USA and spent eight years there as the company’s US Business Development Manager. 

Having worked before this in Australia, he has returned to Ireland to run the family business, working as the company’s Business Development Manager from their headquarters in Ramelton. 

He had lots of entrepreneurial experience and tips to share with the couple of hundred young people who participated in the day. 

After teams pitched their ideas to the judges, the final three teams then pitched to all participants. 

The judges found it very difficult to pick an outright winner due to the high standard of the enterprising ideas presented to them.

Coláiste Ailigh came up with an innovative product called ‘Sea Wear’, a biodegradable, foldable Tupperware piece created from seaweed which can fold out as a plate and aimed at the restaurant/takeaway market. The team was supported by mentor Amy Harkin from Lottie Dolls.

Speaking about the Enterprise Day, Donegal ETB Chief Executive Anne McHugh said: “This is now our sixth year to host this brilliant event.

“We’re pleased to see so many schools and Youthreach centres joining us. 

“It’s an enjoyable day for the students and hopefully it will inspire their innovation and creativity. 

“We would like to thank the Letterkenny Institute of Technology for the use of their facilities and their students for helping as mentors. 

“The keynote address from Seamus also resonated with the students and all the employers made enthusiastic contributions as business mentors.”

The participating schools and Youthreach centres were the Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town; Crana College, Buncrana; Deele College, Raphoe; Errigal College, Letterkenny; Finn Valley College, Stranorlar; Moville Community College; Gairmscoil Chu Uladh, Ballinamore; Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Arranmore; Loreto Community School Milford; Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny; Mulroy College, Milford; Magh Ene College, Bundoran; Carndonagh Community School; St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny; St Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs; Royal and Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe; Coláiste na Carraige, Carrick; Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny; St Columba’s College, Stranorlar; Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana and Youthreach Gortahork.

Donegal ETB and the organising committee would like to extend a huge thank you to all the students, their teachers and LYIT for participating in, assisting with and supporting the day.

Particular thanks are extended to the business mentors and judges who gave up their day to support the event, including Leonard Watson, Watson’s Menswear; Jimmy Stafford, Bank of Ireland; Lucia McCauley, Bank of Ireland; Mary Crawford, The Right Angle; Richard Finney, The Counter Deli; Louise Hayden, Focus Fitness; Sarah-Marie McDevitt, Pinehill Studios; Florentine, Patrick Gildea Hairdressing; Paul Logue, McElhinneys; Clare Ryan, ITUS Secure Technologies; Kelda Kelly, Fusion; Ursula Donnelly, Enterprise Ireland; Anthony Boyle, Tax Assist; Alexandra Manning, Occasions Event Management; Patricia Hill, Stateside; Geoffrey Browne, Rossmore Manor B&B; Toni Forrester, Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce; Ian Harkin, Lottie Dolls; Amy Harkin, Lottie Dolls; Stephen McGuire, Donegal Daily; Cuin Varughese, Aaron Rajan Paul and Fiona Kelly, all LYIT; Shauna Devenney, Ciaran O Brien, Paddy Muldoon, Mairead McFadden, Marie Donnelly and Deirdre Bonner all Donegal ETB. Thanks also to Valu Centre, Letterkenny for sponsoring the bottled water provided on the day.

This year’s event saw an increase in the number of entries from 2018. Further information and photos of the day can be found on Donegal ETB’s website (www.donegaletb.ie), Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts (@DonegalETB) through #ETBEnterprise19.

Getting their invention ready at the Donegal ETB Enterprise day on Wednesday at LYIT.

Pupils from Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana enjoying themselves at the Enterprise Day at LYIT with Mentor, Anthony Boyle on Wednesday.

The St Eunans College team at the ETB Enterprise Day on Wednesday at LYIT.

The winning Colaiste Ailigh, Letterkenny team receive their award from Donegal ETB CEO, Anne McHugh on Wednesday.

The Abbey VS team receive second place on the day from Anne McHugh, Donegal ETB CEO.

The Mulroy College team receive 3rd place on Wednesday from Anne McHugh, CEO of Donegal ETB.

Guest Speaker, Seamus McDaid of Donegal Special, pictured with Geoffrey Browne (Chairman Donegal ETB) and Anne McHugh (CEO Donegal ETB)

The Royal and Prior Raphoe team with teacher, Davina McCandless at the Donegal ETB Enterprise Day on Wednesday at LYIT.

A race to the stage on Wednesday as Lee Gooch gets the crowd warmed up at the Donegal ETB Enterprise Day.(John/jmac.ie)

The judging panel keeping a close eye on things at the Donegal ETB Enterprise Day at LYIT.

Guest Speaker, Seamus McDaid of Football Special speaking to the crowd on Wednesday at the Donegal ETB Enterprise event.

LYIT Business Studies Students who Supported Student Teams at the Donegal ETB Enterprise Day in LYIT.

Business People from around the County who Mentored Student Teams at the event on Wednesday in LYIT

Pupils from St Columbas College with teacher, Karen Diver at the event on Wednesday at LYIT.

Pupils from Deele College Raphoe with teacher, Orla Gallagher at the event on Wednesday at LYIT.(jmac.ie)

Errigal College Students with their teacher, Ms Sarah Quigg.

Pupils from Coliste Na Carraige with their teacher, Emma Kane on Wednesday at LYIT.

Participants from Youthreach Gortahork at the Enterprise Event in LYIT on Wednesday last.

Lee Gooch quizzing some of the students on Wednesday at the Donegal ETB Enterprise event in LYIT.

Rose Stockdale (Teacher) with St Catherines team 2 on Wednesday at LYIT. (John/jmac.ie)

Rose Stockdale (Teacher) with St Catherines team 1 on Wednesday at LYIT. (John/jmac.ie)

Karen Stewart (Teacher) with participants from Mulroy College on Wednesday at LYIT.

The Magh Ene College team hard at work on Wednesday at the LYIT Enterprise day.

The team from Ga8irmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Arranmore with their teacher, Lisa Brennan.

Fionan Bradley (Teacher) with pupils from Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana at the Donegal ETB Enterprise Day at LYIT on Wednesdy.(jmac.ie)

Pupils from Crana College with their teacher, Ms Aine Gallagher at the event on Wednesday at LYIT.

Pupils from Carndonagh Community College at the Donegal ETB event on Wednesday at LYIT.

Pupils from Moville Community College at the Enterprise Day at LYIT on Wednesday.

The teams hard at work on Wednesday at the Donegal ETB Enterprise day at LYIT.

The brown bear is back in Ireland for the first time in thousands of years, thanks to a new wildlife sanctuary in Donegal. 

The Celtic Tiger is back too, but this one is a beautiful lynx called Naoise and she has been warmly welcomed.

Lynx, brown bears, wolves, deer and wild boar are just some of the animals that have made Donegal their home recently. 

They are the residents of Wild Ireland – a 23-acre sanctuary in Dundrain, Burnfoot which will open to the public this Friday.

Having bears in such a landscape has never been done before in Ireland and it’s set to be a truly unique attraction for the Wild Atlantic Way.

Wild Ireland is the dream project of legal eagle Killian McLaughlin, a solicitor and zoologist from Buncrana who has a lifelong passion for rescuing and rehabilitating animals.

Wild Ireland owner Killian McLaughlin with the three Wolves pictured at his reserve in Donegal. (North West Newspix)

Killian has spent over six years transforming the site into the perfect habitat for the return of some of Ireland’s most unique native animals.

The animal lover made it his mission to fill the sanctuary with animals that had been rescued from dangerous or unsuitable places.

“I worked with three major international charities to find the animals that needed rehoming,” Killian told Donegal Daily.

“Our brown bears were kept in horrendous conditions in Lithuania. The charity Bears in Mind confiscated them from a private mini-zoo where they were being kept behind bars in a small dirty concrete cage. 

“We’ve created a fantastic home for them with a forest and pool and they have adapted beautifully.”

Wild Ireland owner Killian McLaughlin with the only Brown Bears in Ireland picture at his reserve in Donegal. (North West Newspix)

Killian continued: “Naoise the Lynx had never felt grass under her paws before. When she came out of her box she was totally overwhelmed. The lynx was the original Celtic tiger. They are magnificent cats but they were all hunted out of Ireland’s forests.

“It’s been really emotional releasing all these animals back into nature. It took the bears 45 minutes to come out, they had never felt natural substrate before. Now they are free to run, swim and play in our specially designed enclosure,” he said.

Naoise, a young rescued Lynx enjoying the freedom at Wild Ireland. (North West Newspix)

Killian has a degree in zoology and husbandry alongside his law degree. With a combination of animal expertise and legal insight, he was able to carefully plan the sanctuary and get all the necessary permissions to make his dream a reality in his home county.

“All these animals were native to Ireland, but they were hunted to extinction or went extinct due to habitat loss,” he said.

“Ireland is in the temperate rainforest belt. A lot of people do not know that it used to be a rainforest. The trees are gone, but the rain is still here. So it is one of the rarest habitats in the world and the climate is perfect for the animals,” he said.

Ferrets, swans, ducks, geese and other wildlife also roam the space. The only non-natives are five barbary macaques, who enjoy frolicking around their own monkey island in the sanctuary. Some monkeys came from the circus while others were rescued from abuse in the illegal pet trade. 

One of a family of Barbary Macaques on their island at Wild Ireland. (North West Newspix)

Killian said: “The barbary macaques fit in with the climate perfectly. They are living well in a family group. They were being looked after by the AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) but now it’s up to us to continue that rehabilitation,” Killian said.

As Donegal locals prepare to flock to the sanctuary this weekend, Killian is hoping that a visit to Wild Ireland will be an educational and entertaining experience for everyone about animal welfare and conservation.

“It strikes me that people will sit at home in their big comfy armchairs and say poaching is disgraceful. But we have killed off these native species in Ireland. Wolves went extinct 300 years ago and we are down to an impoverished list of animals. Conservation should still be important to everyone,” he said.

Wild Ireland has created jobs for the locality through the animal operations and a shop and cafe.

The building of the space was also a unique task for local businesses. 

Killian said: “People told me it would be impossible to do this in Donegal. But everyone has been really supportive.

“Con Lynch from the Lynch Brothers North West Plant Hire said anything is possible.

Crana Engineering, Samuel Buchanan and all the team of people that have worked here have been unbelievable. You need that. It’s a beautiful place.”

The gates of Wild Ireland will open for the first time on Friday 25th October at 10am. As word spreads on social media, the park is already looking like it will be one of the north west’s most exciting attractions.

THE Competitions Controls Committee (CCC) have announced the finalised fixture list for this week.

The Donegal SFC final replay takes the stage on Sunday in Ballybofey at 3pm, but there are also quarter and semi-final games in the Under-21 Championships.

The quarter-finals at U21 A and U21 B levels will be played over the Bank Holiday weekend with the U21 C semi-finals pencilled in for Saturday. 

Michael Murphy Sports & Leisure Senior Football

Sun, 27 Oct, Venue: Mac Cumhaill Park, (Final Replay), Gaoth Dobhair V Naomh Conaill 15:00, Ref: TBC

Under 21 A

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: Father Tierney Park, (Ceathrú Ceannais), Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon V St Eunan’s 13:00, Ref: TBC

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: Kilcar, (Ceathrú Ceannais), Kilcar V Four Masters 13:00, Ref: TBC

Mon, 28 Oct, Venue: Sean Mac Cumhaill, (Ceathrú Ceannais), Sean Mac Cumhaill V Killybegs 13:00, Ref: TBC

Mon, 28 Oct, Venue: Dungloe, (Ceathr?º Ceannais), Dungloe V Naomh Conaill 13:00, Ref: TBC

Under 21 B

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: C.L.G. Bun Cranncha, (First Round), Buncrana V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 13:00, Ref: TBC

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: Gaelic Park, (Ceathrú Ceannais), Bundoran V Glenfin 13:00, Ref: TBC

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: Termon, (Ceathrú Ceannais), Termon V Fanad Gaels 13:00, Ref: TBC

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: Pirc Gearid O’Gallachir, (Ceathrú Ceannais), St Naul’s GAA Club V St Eunan’s 13:00, Ref: TBC

Under 21 C

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: Carndonagh, (Leath Ceannais), Carndonagh V Burt 13:00, Ref: TBC

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: Robert Emmets, (Leath Ceannais), Robert Emmets V Naomh Colmcille 13:00, Ref: TBC

Division 3 Reserve

Mon, 28 Oct, Venue: TBC, (Final), Red Hughs V Fanad Gaels 13:00, Ref: TBC

Division 4 Reserve

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: TBC, (Final), Letterkenny Gaels V Urris 13:00, Ref: TBC

Division 5

Mon, 28 Oct, Venue: TBC, (Final), Glenfin V St Eunan’s 13:00, Ref: TBC

County Minor League Division One

Mon, 28 Oct, Venue: TBC, (Semi Final), Four Masters V Naomh Muire Lower Rosses 13:00, Ref: TBC

County Minor League Division Two

Mon, 28 Oct, Venue: TBC, (Semi Final), Glenswilly V Kilcar 13:00, Ref: TBC

Go Power County Under Fourteen Division 2B Championship Section A

Sat, 26 Oct, Venue: TBC, (Shield Final), St Michael’s V Naomh Columba 13:00, Ref: TBC

The final competition  of the year, the Minor League second leg against Portsalon, was played in Letterkenny Golf Club on Saturday. 

Letterkenny were 5 games and 20 holes down going into the match making it a very difficult task for Bobby Mullally and his team.  

All the matches were fairly even, no one match going ahead any significant number of holes, until Portsalon on the  first four ball out won four up on the 14th which made the game dormy, giving Portsalon a draw which is all they required to win the final.

While Letterkenny’s two previous encounters with Portsalon this year were successful in the finals, to win three finals out of three was just not to be for Letterkenny.  

Presentations were made to Portsalon Team Captain Patrick Kelly by President Brian O’Reilly in the clubhouse afterwards.  

Congratulations to the Minor League panel who stuck at it this year, it was a great achievement to reach the final.

There was a good turnout for the  Wednesday Open.  

Don Ponsonby (5.7) who is playing consistently good golf was the winner with 37 points (bot). Don had a birdie on the 18th along with 12 pars. Donie Costigan (18.6) was runner up and Eugene O’Donnell (9.8) was third with 36 points.

The Zeus Open was played on Saturday. 

Oliver O’Dowd (11.7) was the winner on the day with 38 points. He had a birdie on the 4th with 6 pars making up his score. Don Ponsonby (5.5) was runner up with 35 points and Graeme Donnell was third with 35 points (bot).

There was a good turnout for the Sunday Members Open  

Cian Page (15.5)  turned in a good winning score of 39 points (bot). Cian had a birdie on the 11th with an additional 6 pars helping to make up the winning score. Patrick McGrath (25.4) was runner up with 39 points (bot) and in third place was Gary Loveridge (11.3).

Members are reminded that presentations are now on Thursday nights for the winter period and also the 25 Card Drives are also now on Thursday Nights.

Hugh McClafferty will be commencing the popular Winter Quiz on Friday night the 8th November.

 Club Members are invited to participate and also non-members are welcome to join in.

The quiz has become very popular over the winter months for a bit of crack with some very interesting questions.

CALLUM DEVINE, the winner of the recent Donegal Harvest Stages Rally has secured one of the biggest opportunities of his career.

The county Derry rally driver has been given a priority entry by Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing in the final round of the FIA European Rally Championship, Rally Hungary, at the wheel of a Hyundai i20 R5.

Devine (25), and his co-driver, Brian Hoy, from Fermanagh, will drive the car in the prestigious event next month. 

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy have arranged for the car to be managed and run by Philip Case and his team at PCRS, with support of Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing.

The event will give Devine, the winner of the 2017 Billy Coleman Award, a chance to demonstrate his ability in one of motorsport’s biggest rallying series outside of the World Rally Championship.

“I’m really excited about this opportunity and seeing what myself and Brian can achieve in an R5 car outside Ireland,” Devine said. 

“I’m not one to shy away from a challenge and yes, while this will be a great experience, I want to be competitive at this level. 

“Between the Junior World Rally Championship and the Irish Tarmac Championship, I’ve built up plenty of international and R5 experience over the last two seasons and I see this as chance to step up a level.”

Hot from his recent win on the Donegal Harvest Stages Rally, Devine has spent the last two years proving why he is one of Motorsport Ireland’s elite drivers. 

This year alone, he has enjoyed many impressive outings in his first full season in an R5 car – including podium finishes at the Rally of the Lakes, the Donegal International Rally and the Ulster Rally, as well as winning the FIA Celtic Trophy.

The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy has developed a strong relationship with Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing over the last year, which has seen some of our best young rally talent take advantage of the opportunity to not only drive a top spec i20 R5 car but also to experience what it is like to be involved with a professional rally team.

Andrew Johns, Customer Racing, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, said: “Having Callum in the car for Rally Hungary is a good opportunity for both him and Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing. For Callum it’s an opportunity to show his capabilities in front of an international audience, but it’s also to chance to have an i20 R5 competing in the European championship – one of the most competitive series for in the R5 category. 

“With PCRS, Callum will be working with one our top customer teams, who have shown the good performance with the car all season in Britain and Ireland, including running Tom Cave to third in class at Wales Rally GB.”

The Rally Academy has been set up to encourage young rally drivers to follow a clear pathway to success from competing in the junior entry level classes right up to experiencing world class competition cars like the Hyundai i20 R5.

Rally Hungary takes place between 8th and 10th of November and consists of 14 stages totalling more than 200km.

Work is almost complete on a new walking trail in West Donegal, it has been revealed. 

A community group in the area have been working on the project for several weeks with the aim of opening a near 20-mile trail to help outdoor enthusiasts explore the landscape and heritage of the west Donegal area.

The walking trail, which intertwines along Dungloe, Burtonport, Kinclasslagh, Anngaire and Loughanure is said to be near completion with a view of opening the trail before the end of the year.

The aim is to promote existing paths and tracks more widely to encourage local people and visitors to the area.

The project was made possible by a local community group from Dungloe, Cllr Michael Mac Giolla Easbuig and Donegal County Council.

A west Donegal community group in Dungloe have spearheaded the project

Speaking to Donegal Daily, local county councillor Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig, said: “What is interesting about this walking trail is that it intertwines in three parishes, Dungloe, Acres and Kincasslagh.

“The public will be able to spend whatever amount of time on it.

“The community group and I have had a really constructive meeting with Donegal County Council walking officier, Francis Cunningham, and we are moving on very well.

“I suppose for the objective here is to open up the area outside of Dungloe to more people.

“It is a beautiful scenic walk up through the boglands of west Donegal and we are hoping by Christmas that it will be opened up to the public.”

It is understood that direction signs will be installed in the near future before advertising of the walking trail beginning soon afterwards.

“They are bog roads, so there is not a lot of infrastructure work to be done,” he added. “Obviously there is work to be done, like drainage and surfacing, but it is nothing that is beyond us.

“As a local councillor that has been asked to engage with the community group, it is very exciting for the people in west Donegal and for future visitors.

“I am a massive walker myself on a daily basis and it is fantastic,”  Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig added. “It will be good for cyclists, walkers, families and hopefully we will be working towards accommodating those of all abilities.”