A Donegal restaurant, a village gastropub and a local cafe all won top accolades in last night’s Food Awards Ireland.

The event is an annual celebration of those who work hard to provide us with delicious dishes and unique experiences when we visit their establishments.

Three excellent venues in Donegal celebrated success at the glamorous ceremony:

Chandpur Indian Restaurant in Donegal won Best Indian Establishment in Ireland. This is the third year in a row that they have taken home this title, which they will add to their numerous national awards.

Chandpur Indian Restaurant at the Food Awards Ireland 2019

Mickalene’s Bar in Ardara enjoyed a double win last night by scooping the Ulster Gastro Pub of the Year Award and the Overall title of Ireland’s Gastro Pub of the Year 2019.

Mickalene’s Bar at the Food Awards Ireland 2019

A popular Donegal cafe was also winning on the double – Thyme Out Cafe and Tearooms in Glenveagh Castle picked up the Cafe/Bistro of the Year Ulster prize and the Cafe/Bistro of the Year Overall in Ireland.

The Food Awards Ireland ceremony welcomed over 300 guests at The Crowne Plaza Hotel Dublin Airport on Monday.

A Spokesperson for the Food Awards Ireland 2019 said: “We would like to thank the public for making The Food Awards Ireland, the leading celebration of those who thrive in the country’s food sector.

“The awards celebrated everything related to food and provided a platform to thank those who have dedicated their whole career in providing us with great gastronomic delights. They also showcased amazing professionals that take our taste buds around the world by serving from Mexican and Italian to Oriental and the best of the East.

“We would like to congratulate all winners and finalists for their amazing achievements.”

Marty Boyle has been in and out of the Naomh Conaill side of late but his importance seems to be growing the longer the season goes on.

On Sunday, as he had been in the second replay of the Donegal SFC – the 0-8 to 0-7 win over Gaoth Dobhair – Boyle started, was substituted, before being reintroduced to shore up the back line late on in the 1-11 to 0-11 victory in Cavan against Castlerahan.

The 2012 All-Ireland winning medalist believes those three outings against last year’s Donegal and Ulster champions, as well as the one-point win over St Eunan’s domestically in the semi-final, stood to Naomh Conaill as they defeated Casterahan in the Ulster Club SFC quarter-final on Sunday.

Boyle spoke to Charlie Collins afterwards

A young student from Donegal has died following a kayaking accident in Co. Kerry.

Aisling O’Connor (21) from Ballyshannon tragically lost her life in hospital on Monday, two days after an incident on a university trip on Saturday.

Aisling was on a trip with the University of Limerick kayak club when the group encountered rough waters near Caragh Lake, Co Kerry.

Aisling’s kayak is understood to have overturned during the incident. She was one of two students rescued from the river. Her condition was critical as she was airlifted to University Hospital Kerry. A second student, a 21-year-old man, is said to be in a stable condition in hospital.

Aisling passed away on Monday, 4th November. She is survived by her mother Sorcha Begley, Ballyshannon and father David O’Connor, Cork, and her brothers Ciaran, Matthew and sisters Clodagh and Maeve.

Funeral arrangements are to be confirmed.

ST NAUL’S ace Peadar Mogan says his team just had to get past the first round of the Ulster club IFC on Sunday.

Mogan netted one of the goals as St Naul’s defeated St James, Aldergrove 2-10 to 1-10 at Corrigan Park on Sunday.

“It’s a great victory,” Mogan told Ocean FM’s Paddy McGill. 

“It’s not often a Donegal comes up here to win.

“They had a couple of really good players. It was tough and it was always going to be tough. We got out of here and that’s all we care about.”

Listen to the full interview …

Jason Gibson says he is encouraged by how his Bonagee United side have started the new Ulster Senior League campaign.

Last night, Darren McFadden’s header late in the first half secured a 1-0 win over Derry City that takes Bonagee on to three wins from three games.

“It’s good to get over the line again,” Gibson told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub. 

“We were holding on a wee bit. We were a bit stretched there on a heavy night. It’s good to hold on. We showed good character and that was a different battle there. 

“Derry had a lot of the ball, but we had the better of the chances. We could have had a second if we had been more clinical. 

“Derry stuck us late on last year, but we’re winning those games now, which is encouraging.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Gardaí are investigating a criminal damage incident where a construction lorry was set on fire in the early hours of Friday morning in Letterkenny. 

The incident occurred on November 1st between 1am and 1:45am in the Long Lane area of Letterkenny.

Both Gardai and Donegal Fire Service attended the scene.

It is understood that motor vehicle was very badly damaged with another lorry within close proximity of the blaze also catching damage.

If anyone has any information about the incident, please contact the Gardaí in Letterkenny on 074-9167100 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.

Gardaí are investigating two suspected arson attacks in Letterkenny in the early hours of Friday morning last. 

The first fire took place at a construction site in the Long Lane area between 1am and 1:45am, while a second blaze took place on Glencar Irish between 1:30am and 1:45am.

At the Glencar Irish incident, a shed, which was close to a nearby home and containing a car, was set ablaze.

Gardaí and the Donegal Fire Service both attended the scene.

A male has been observed on CCTV in the area at the time with Gardaí now appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 074-9167100 or the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.

A Donegal-based Garda has been awarded €18,000 in compensation after witnessing her colleague being killed by a car in Letterkenny ten years ago.

Garda Robbie McCallion died after being struck by a vehicle while investigating an attempted robbery of another car at Tara Court in Letterkenny 2009.

Another garda at the scene that night, Garda Joanne Doherty of Bundoran Road, Kinlough, Co Leitrim said she suffered severe PTSD following the loss of her lifelong friend. 

The Irish Times reports that Garda Doherty told a garda compensation hearing in the High Court that she kept reliving the incident in her head and she did not think she could come to terms with the life-changing events.

“I felt guilty and blamed myself that Robbie was dead and I didn’t have a scratch on me,” Garda Doherty said.

Mr Justice Michael Twomey awarded Garda Doherty €18,000 damages, commenting that it was “a very sad case for the McCallion family and for Garda Doherty”.

Read the full report on: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/high-court/garda-awarded-18-000-for-post-traumatic-stress-after-colleague-s-death-1.4071938

Gardaí in Milford are appealing for witnesses after vandals damaged a rear patio door at a home in Carrigart on Sunday last. 

The incident on November 3rd between 7am and 1.20pm, with Gardaí unclear at this time whether it was an act of criminal damage or an attempted burglary.

The glass on the doot was smashed, however, entry was not gained to the home.

Gardai have appealed for anybody who knows about the incident or who may have seen anybody acting suspiciously near the home to contact Milford Gardai.

Gardaí at Letterkenny Garda Station are seeking witnesses to an unauthorised taking of a vehicle in St Johnston. 

The incident occurred in the Church View area of St Johnston between November 1st and November 2nd.

The black Volkswagen Passat with a registration of PK60NBM was parked on the driveway of the home when stolen.

The timeframe for the theft of the car was between 7:30pm (Fri) and 11am (Sat).

Gardaí are urging anyone who witnessed anything that might assist with our enquiries to call Letterkenny Gardaí.

Any sightings of this car should be reported immediately to Garda’s confidential line on 1800 666 111.

Motorists have been warned to expect some delays after Donegal County Council announced it is to carry out drainage roadworks in the heart of the N15. 

The council have been urged motorists to allow extra travel time for their journey’s as essential drainage works commences between Stranorlar and Killygordon from tomorrow (Weds).

From Wednesday 5th November, a traffic light control system will be placed between the two Finn Valley areas.

This is expected to last two days until Friday, November 7th.

Traffic lights will be in place daily from 8.45am-4.30pm.

A Donegal woman is planning a big refurbishing job on her new home after winning a cool €26,000 on Winning Streak last Saturday.

Louise Kelly from Pettigo was delighted with her haul of €26,000 in cash won on the RTE gameshow.

Her Winning Streak luck could barely have come at a better time as Louise has just bought a house in Pettigo.

Louise describes it as a fixer-upper which needs a bit of work but her winnings from the show means that she can start the work earlier and therefore move in a lot earlier than originally planned.

Marty Whelan, Winning Streak co-host; Louise Kelly the winning player; Declan Murray, National Lottery; Liz Forde, National Lottery ticket selling agent, Gallagher’s Post Office, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal and Sinead Kennedy, Winning Streak co-host. Pic. Robbie Reynolds / Mac Innes Photography.

Being selected for the National Lottery show came as a big surprise to Louise. She was busy at home two Saturday evenings ago when her phone beeped a few times. When she eventually got the chance to check her messages she was taken aback that they were all congratulations messages. It didn’t really make sense to Louise until she opened a video message where Winning Streak Presenters Marty and Sinead called her name out. Then it hit her – she had completely forgotten that she had sent her Winning Streak scratch card with three stars on it into the National Lottery a few days before.

Louise bought her lucky ticket in Gallagher’s Post Office, Pettigo.

After the news sank in and her phone stopped ringing she sat down with her parents and began planning their trip to Dublin for the following weekend!

Louise works as a caretaker in her local health centre and had been saving for her new house. The sale completed just a few weeks ago. She was planning on working on the house over the next few months but a handy Winning Streak cash injection may mean that she can start the work earlier and therefore move in a lot earlier than planned.

Louise was supported in the RTÉ audience by her parents, Willie and Bernie, and her brothers Kevin and Donal. She was also cheered on by a few close friends.

FRANK MCGLYNN has confirmed his retirement from inter-county football.

The Glenfin man made the announcement in a statement posted on the Donegal GAA website this morning.

McGlynn was appointed the principal of Drumkeen National School this summer and has a young family.

The 2012 All-Ireland winner also helped Donegal to win five Ulster titles and was a member of the 2007 League winning squad.

The 32-year-old was an All-Star in 2012 when Donegal won Sam Maguire and was a Footballer of the Year nominee the same year.

“Having taken some time to consider my inter-county future I feel it is the right time to announce my retirement from the Donegal Senior Football Team,” McGlynn said. 

“It has been an absolute honour to have worn the Donegal jersey for the past 14 seasons.

“I have experienced so much during my career and I will be forever grateful for this. From great victories to heavy defeats, I have enjoyed every minute of it. I have shared a dressing room with some of the best Donegal players ever. There are memories both on and off the field that I will never forget.

“I have gained so much from Gaelic football and I’m grateful to the coaches and managers that gave me the opportunity to play for my county. 

“I would like to thank the many supporters who followed us through both good and bad times. It has been a privilege to represent them on the field of play.

“I thank everyone in CLG Gleann Fhinne who put me in a position to represent my county and I look forward to a future of playing and coaching in the club where it all began.

“I thank my parents and family for their constant support and encouragement. To my wife Diane and my three children Harry, Gracie and Lucas, who have made many sacrifices to allow me to pursue an inter-county career. It has been an unbelievable journey and one that I feel blessed to have shared with my family.

“Finally, I would like to wish Declan Bonner and Donegal of 2020 the very best of luck. I look forward to supporting them in their quest for further Ulster and All Ireland success.”

Job Vacancies: A Buncrana-based fuel and oil trading company are seeking staff to join their hard-working team.

Coyle Coal Donegal are recruiting for an experienced Delivery/Lorry Driver.

Applicants must have a full clean driving licence, relevant certificates and experience in a similar role. Applicants must be over 25 years of age.

A book of condolence has opened for late broadcaster Gay Byrne at the Dungloe Ionad Teampall Chrione.

The legendary broadcaster, who hosted ‘The Late, Late Show’ for 37 years, died on Monday after a long illness.

Gay had a keen fondness for Co. Donegal, where he and his wife Kathleen bought a holiday home near Dungloe more than 40 years ago. He was a popular ambassador for Donegal tourism and helped launch the Go Visit Donegal brochure in 2015.

In a statement yesterday (Mon), his family said: “It is with sadness that Kathleen, Crona and Suzy wish to announce that their beloved Gay has died peacefully at home today, surrounded by his family.

“We wish to thank everybody for their love and support during Gay’s illness. Particularly the wonderful teams in the Mater Hospital, St Francis Hospice and the Irish Cancer Society”.

Divers Hyundai will hold their open weekend this Saturday and Sunday 9-10 November at their Canal Road, Letterkenny premises as part of Hyundai’s National Event.

The weekend will see the official launch of the Kona Hybrid that will compliment the already popular Kona petrol, diesel and electric that has made the Kona a most popular model in the Hyundai family.

The all new full electric IONIQ will also be launched, this stylish car combines effortless elegance with cutting edge technology, a truly stunning car.

New Hyundai Kona Hybrid

Before Christmas they will have in stock the all new Hyundai i10 that is certainly going to be another best seller.

What can one say about the Tucson that hasn’t already been said. This week four years ago the Tucson was launched and since then it has taken the motoring world by storm and continues to be a best seller.

This year saw the Tucson getting a facelift that has just taken it to another new level. The range also includes the ever popular i20: i30: i30 Fastback and our classic 7 seater the Santa Fe.

201 DL 4U
Are you thinking about a new Hyundai for 2020? The sales team at Divers Hyundai will be on duty from 10am on Saturday morning 9th November until 5pm Saturday evening and again on Sunday 10th November from 11am to 4pm to discuss your own individual requirements for your new 201 DL registration.

New 2020 Hyundai i10

Let us arrange your Finance
Talk in confidence to the team at Divers Hyundai about your finance requirements and they will put together a package that will suit each individual requirement.

HYUNDAI OFFERS FOR 2020
When purchasing a new car you can choose from 5 Years Free Servicing: Scrappage up to €5,000: or 3.9% APR Finance. You also automatically qualify for the following 3 benefits as standard: 5 Years AA Roadside assist: 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty: 5 Years Complimentary Health Check.

Hyundai offers Irish motorists the best of all world’s with five driving options. From a superior choice of petrol models, innovative diesel models featuring the latest euro 6 technology and the choice of Hybrid, plug-in Hybrid and Full Electric, Divers Hyundai welcomes customers old and new along to our Open Weekend this weekend.

Visit www.facebook.com/divers.hyundai or www.diversgarage.ie

A LETTERKENNY man has been given a prison sentence after appearing on court on charged connected with two separate incidents.

Boyle was before the Court charged with criminal damage and of theft.

Keith Boyle (22) of 11 Derryveagh Avenue, Letterkenny appeared at a sitting of Letterkenny District Court over an incident at 13 Burnside, Letterkenny on October 16, 2017.

Sergeant Jim Collins said Gardaí received report of criminal damage at Burnside. 

Boyle refused to leave the apartment and the woman was ‘distressed and crying’.

Boyle, the court heard had called the woman  ‘a rat’ and punched the 42-inch television, smashing the screen.

Boyle was also charged over an incident on August 13, 2018.

Staff at the Glencar Inn reported that Boyle had entered the off licence at the premises and stole a case of Bulmers and a bottle of Druids cider. 

After a member of staff attempted to stop Boyle, he dropped the Bulmers and left in a taxi. 

Last week, Boyle was given a two-and-a-half year sentence, with the last year suspended, at Letterkenny Circuit Court, where he appeared on charges of assault causing harm and making off without payment. 

Mr Kieran O’Gorman, solicitor for Boyle, said his client allowed himself to be involved in ‘the most ridiculous and silly situations’.

“Every problem has been related to drink, but he wants to try and move forward,” Mr O’Gorman said.

Judge Paul Kelly imposed a total of four months imprisonment on Boyle.

A cloud of grief has descended on Ballyshannon following the tragic death of Aisling O’Connor – a much-loved young woman who gave so much to her local community.

Aisling, 21, passed away two days after a kayaking accident in Co. Kerry. A fun trip with friends in the Univerisity of Limerick Kayaking Club turned into a devastating tragedy on Saturday when two students got into difficulty near Caragh Lake.

Aisling was airlifted to University Hospital Kerry, where she sadly passed away on Monday. The second student, a 21-year-old young man, is said to be in a stable condition in hospital.

As news of Aisling’s death reached Ballyshannon, a sense of shock and heartbreak hit the town.

“She was one of those girls who made an instant impression wherever she went,” said local Councillor and neighbour Barry Sweeny.

“It is so devastating for the family. She will be sadly missed. She was so well-loved among her circles of friends. She had so much more to give.”

Aisling was in her third year of a degree in Industrial Biochemistry at UL. Before university, she attended Colaiste Cholmcille in Ballyshannon and completed her Leaving Cert in the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal, where her mother Sorcha Begley is a teacher.

As a granddaughter of historian Anthony Begley, Aisling had a keen interest in the heritage of Ballyshannon and volunteered in the local tourist office.

“She was a kind, bright spark who was so willing and helpful,” Cllr Sweeny said.

“She was so eager to help with the Ballyshannon Regeneration Group, for a young person to be so interested in the community and do something good for her town shows the kind of person she was and the type of family she came from.”

Aisling is the second eldest of five children. She is survived by her mother Sorcha Begley, Ballyshannon and father David O’Connor, Cork, her older brother Ciaran and younger siblings Matthew, Clodagh and Maeve.

“She left her mark wherever she went,” Cllr Sweeny said, and that is evidenced by the Discover Ballyshannon website, where much of the information on display was compiled by Aisling as part of her voluntary work.

Cllr Sweeny said today is a “dark day for Ballyshannon” as the town comes to terms with the loss of a popular young lady.

“My sympathies go out to both the Begley family and the O’Connor family in Cork. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

Dr Des Fitzgerald, the President of the University of Limerick, also expressed his condolences following Aisling’s untimely and tragic death.

In an email sent to all UL students, Dr Fitzgerald said: “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Aisling’s family especially her parents Sorcha Begley and David O’Connor, her brothers Ciaran, Matthew and her sisters Clodagh and Maeve.  We will work to support Aisling’s friends, class mates and club mates here at UL in coming to terms with this loss.”

Students affected by the loss are being encouraged to contact the university’s Chaplaincy, the Eist counselling service and the student’s union for support services.

Funeral details will be announced later.