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Hunter on fire as Letterkenny Gaels take Region 1 title

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Lettterkenny Gaels had a convincing win over Junior B championship winners Urris in Burt on Saturday as they took the Yes Chef Catering Region 1 League title.

Letterkenny Gaels 2-14 Urris 0-9

The two sides recently met in the Junior B Championship decider but the Gaels were to the fore in this encounter. 

Corner forward Mark Hunter kicked nine first half points and added three more to his tally in the second half to give a Man of the match performance. 

The Glebe men got off to a flyer with two goals from the lively Ciaran Kilfeather in the opening four minutes while Alan Harrington pointed for Urris. 

Hunter then took over with eight points in a row (four from frees) by the 21st minute. 

Corner back Conor Walker then turned over a ball deep in defence and was on the end of the move to tap over the Urris bar on 24 minutes. 

Hunter and Charlie Creevy added two more points for Gaels while Tiernan McDonald responded for the Clonmany men.

With the aid of the wind in the second half Urris were much improved. Hunter added to his tally on 31 minutes while Harrington responded for the Urris men. 

Hunter was again on the mark on the 43rd and 53minutes of the game to complete a fine performance. 

Harrington (4) Niall McLaughlin substitution Ciaran Dillon added late scores for the Inishowen men before Referee Lee Jordan blew for time.  

Letterkenny Gaels: D Ferry, C Walker (0-1), S Crossan,N Diver, C Cullen, C Browne, A Stewart, G Gibbons, M Harte, N McGarrigle, C Creevy (0-1), J Doran, C Kilfeather (2-0), S Gildea, M Hunter (0-12). Subs: A Hanley, T Keys, D Hunter, A McDaid, C Coll, S McGilloway.

Urris: P McGettigan, J Devlin, B Grant, P Doherty, D McCarron, M Kelly, A Doherty, K Friel, L Devlin, R O Donnell, P Devlin, T McDonald (0-1), N McLaughlin (0-1), A Harrington (0-5), P McConalogue. Subs: B Friel, C Dillon,(0-2) J Harkin, N O Donnell, B Mullins

Referee: Lee Jordan (Four Masters).


Gallagher takes win at Tir Chonaill AC Rembrance 5k – where did you finish?

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NORTH Sligo’s Garry Gallagher won the Tir Chonaill AC Remembrance 5k this afternoon.

Gallagher led the way in 18 minutes and 32 seconds.

Tir Chonaill AC’s Dáire McDevitt (19:20) was second and home athlete Declan Gillespie (19:37) was third.

Kilcar’s Ciara Cunningham was the leading female, finishing in 21:54.

Tír Chonaill AC
Remembrance 5k 2019
Place Bib Name M/F AG Club GunTime
1. 403 Garry Gallagher M M40 North Sligo AC 18:32
2. 434 Dáire Mc Devitt M MJ Tír Chonaill AC 19:20
3. 429 Declan Gillespie M M40 Tír Chonaill AC 19:37
4. 411 Andy Gilchrist M MO Tír Chonaill AC 20:07
5. 386 James Donaghey M M50 Convoy AC 20:21
6. 417 Jason Graham M M40 Tír Chonaill AC 20:35
7. 398 Owen J Coyle M M60 Rosses AC 21:29
8. 421 Ciara Cunningham F FO Kilcar 21:54
9. 406 Dónal Haughey M M60 Tír Chonaill AC 22:02
10. 408 Richard Mc Carthy M F60 Tír Chonaill AC 22:25
11. 410 Sean Cassidy M M50 Tír Chonaill AC 22:56
12. 389 Sharon Meehan F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 23:05
13. 425 Nick North M M60 23:18
14. 433 Jason Mc Garrigle M MO Tír Chonaill AC 23:33
15. 426 Martin O Halloran M M40 Tír Chonaill AC 24:03
16. 420 Gerry Mc Cafferty M M50 Tír Chonaill AC 24:06
17. 404 Marie Rooney F F60 Tír Chonaill AC 24:11
18. 399 Philomena Gallagher F F50 Tír Chonaill AC 24:11
19. 409 Linda Ward F F50 Tír Chonaill AC 24:12
20. 397 Sharon Mc Gowan F F50 Tír Chonaill AC 24:16
21. 423 Ian Mc Garrigle M MO Tír Chonaill AC 24:23
22. 416 Darren Whelan M MO Tír Chonaill AC 24:29
23. 422 Edwina Sweeney F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 24:30
24. 387 Pauric Keenaghan M M40 Tír Chonaill AC 24:56
25. 440 Pat Byrne M M50 Killybegs Swanlings 25:16
26. 407 Peter Duddy M M40 Bruckless Road Runners 25:24
27. 428 Stephen Coughlan M M40 Tír Chonaill AC 26:45
28. 413 Thomas Mc Hugh M MJ Tír Chonaill AC 26:47
29. 432 Arlene Gallagher F FO 26:55
30. 431 Stephanie Brennan F FO Tír Chonaill AC 26:56
31. 401 Rachel Mc Gonnigle F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 27:25
32. 436 Martin Mc Devitt M M40 MSC Tri 27:26
33. 441 Phil Byrne F F50 Bruckless Road Runners 27:33
34. 396 Barry Kennedy M M40 27:46
35. 430 Colette Gallagher F F40 27:51
36. 388 Deborah Ferguson F F40 27:51
37. 435 Tanya Meehan F FO 27:53
38. 405 Rena Brogan F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 28:13
39. 412 Sarah Thompson Mc Hugh F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 28:48
40. 443 Noreen Kelly F FO 29:00
41. 439 Kian Mc Shane M MJ Tír Chonaill AC 29:45
42. 438 Amanda Mc Shane F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 30:03
43. 437 Émer Mc Devitt F FJ Tír Chonaill AC 30:32
44. 400 Eadaoin Mc Daid F FO Tír Chonaill AC 32:46
45. 442 Joanne Thomas F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 33:37
46. 394 Sabrina Quinn F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 33:42
47. 415 Kate Meehan F F50 Tír Chonaill AC 33:43
48. 392 Roisin Kennedy F F40 Tír Chonaill AC 36:00
49. 402 Agatha Mc Garrigle F FO 37:08
50. 393 Melissa Martin F FO Tír Chonaill AC 37:44
51. 390 Ann Gillespie F F50 Tír Chonaill AC 41:43
52. 391 Valerie Morrow F F50 Tír Chonaill AC 41:43
53. 419 Isobel Kerrs F F50 49:24
54. 418 John Kerrs M M50 49:26
55. 395 Sarah Mc Ginty F F50 53:13

‘Run in the Dark’ returns to Gaoth Dobhair

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Hundreds of people from Donegal will pull on their running shoes and flashing armbands and hit the streets for a ‘Run in the Dark’ on November 13. 

The people of Gaoth Dobhair and beyond will be joining in a pop-up edition of the fifth annual run, starting at 8pm from the Amharclann Gaoth Dobhair.

Participants are invited to run, walk, wheel or do part of the route. Everyone is welcome to join in however they can, there will be two laps of the estate but participants can do one if they wish. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided afterwards.

All proceeds from the West Donegal run will do towards the Mark Pollock Trust and the Donegal-based No Barriers Foundation.

The Run in the Dark started as an idea on a notepad and has grown from several hundred people running around Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) in 2011 to a global event of 25,000 people.

Last year, the pop-up edition of the global fundraising movement in west Donegal raised over 350 in attendance and €2600 raised in total.

This year, there will be official Run in the Dark kits for distribution to first 20 finishers.

Suggested donation of 10 euro per adult and 5 per child with no families paying more than 20 euro.

The annual affair fuels the Mark Pollock Trust whose mission is to cure paralysis. Pollock suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury in 2010 when he fell from a second-storey window that left him paralysed.

Prior to the accident, Pollock had competed in ultra-endurance races across deserts, mountains, and the polar ice caps and was the first blind person to race to the South Pole.

Pollock recently told his story in a joint TED talk with his fiancée Simone George.

Every donation, every step, every study brings the Mark Pollock Trust closer to a cure for paralysis and enabling people to walk again.

Garda warning after driver caught speeding at 137kph in thick fog

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Gardai have issued a warning after a novice driver was caught speeding at 137kph last night in thick fog.

Members of the Buncrana Road Policing Unit detected the driver driving at a speed of 137kph in a 100kph zone on the Letterkenny to Derry Road.

The driver will appear before the local courts in the coming weeks.

A Garda spokesman appealed to drivers to take care, especially in challenging driving conditions.

“Please be careful on the roads. Road conditions from this time of the year onwards can be unpredictable.

“Please use the fog lights on your car in foggy conditions and most importantly…..adhere to the speed limit,” the spokesperson added.

Specsavers Donegal Town launch writing competition as part of the An Post Irish Book Awards

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Children in Donegal Town are being encouraged to enter Specsavers’ nationwide writing competition, which celebrates its sponsorship of the Junior and Senior Irish Children’s Book of the Year categories at the An Post Irish Book Awards.

Inspired by a cartoon drawing of a young boy and his dog who discover magic glasses, children in Donegal Town are being asked to create a short story, no longer than 500 words, beginning with the sentence; ‘I found some magic glasses…’

Speaking about the competition, store director at Specsavers Donegal Town, Eddie Dolan says: “We are delighted to, once again, sponsor the children’s categories at the An Post Irish Book Awards this year as well as launch this fantastic competition.

“It is a great opportunity for budding authors in Donegal Town to show their writing talents. Children have the most wonderfully creative imaginations, so we are very excited to see what corners of the universe their stories take us to this year.”

The competition is open to children and teenagers up to 16 years of age. The winner of each category will win €1,000 for their school library along with all of the shortlisted children’s titles for 2019 and will also win the shortlisted children’s titles for themselves.

Be sure to use as much creativity and imagination as possible and remember to give your short story a title, staple it to the application form and detail your name, address, age and a contact number for you and your guardian.

People with disabilities invited to tell their stories at research roadshow

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Are you a person with a disability? Have you experienced difficulty accessing services related to fertility, contraception, abortion, pregnancy, childbirth or parenting?

The Re(al) Productive Justice project wants to hear from you.

This project is setting out to highlight the reproductive experiences of persons with disabilities in Ireland.

Researchers are visiting Letterkenny Resource Centre on Friday November 22nd to record the personal accounts of persons with disabilities, over the age of 18, who want to talk about accessing reproductive services in Ireland. 

Dr. Áine Sperrin and Maria Ní Fhlathartha from the research team will be in Letterkenny to tell people more about the project, to record Oral History or Key Informant interviews or to take potential participants’ details to get in touch at a later date. 

The Re(al) Productive Justice project is based at the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUI Galway. Led by Prof. Eilionóir Flynn, the Research Team is comprised of Dr. Áine Sperrin, Dr. Jenny Dagg and Maria Ní Fhlathartha. The project runs from 2019 to 2022 and focuses on experiences across the Republic of Ireland. 

The researchers said: “We want to hear your stories about difficulties you have had based on your disability when you have used, or tried to use, reproductive services. Reproductive services include fertility and contraception – including surrogacy, abortion, pregnancy and childbirth, parenting – including fostering and adoption. Oral Histories will be recorded on a tape recorder. All Oral Histories collected can be anonymous if desired and will be archived for use by researchers in the future.”

Who can participate?

The project is open to people over the age of 18 who identifies as having a physical, intellectual, sensory or psychosocial disability.

Anyone who identifies as neurodivergent and users and survivors of psychiatry.

We are interested in people with disabilities who live in rural communities, are members of the Travelling Community, the LGBTQI Community, the Direct Provision community and people who have experiences with institutionalisation. 

“Key Informant interviews will determine the impact of legislation and policy on people working in the disability and reproductive services sectors.

“Do you work in the field of reproductive rights for persons with disabilities? 

“Are you a legal, medical or social work professional with experience of supporting a persons with a disability to access reproductive services?

“We also want to hear from you!”

The Re(al) Productive Justice project is coming to the Letterkenny Resource Centre on Friday November 22nd from 10am to 2pm.

For more information see www.realproductivejustice.com or contact the Research Team on realproductivejustice@nuigalway.ie or by calling 091 49 42 72

 

Naomh Conaill comeback to pip Dungloe

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DUNGLOE   0-09   V    0-10   NAOMH CONAILL.                                                             When Dungloe ,who had led by two at half-time , doubled that lead to four in the 8th minute of the second-half it looked as if Naomh Conaill could be in trouble. However Senior squad members Nathan Byrne and Kieran Gallagher stepped up to share five points between them and full-back Odhran Doherty took advantage of Dungloe goalkeeper Jerome Boyle’s unwise solo run out the field to steer Naomh Conaill to a narrow one point victory and semi-final clash with Killybegs.                                                                                                                  After a slow start in terms of scores Naomh Conaill led by 0-03 to 0-01 after 17 minutes , Dylan Sweeney had opened for Dungloe but Paul McGuinness from play and two frees from Nathan Byrne had the visitors ahead. Dungloe lost Daniel Ward to a second yellow card in the 22nd minute but responded brillantly to that set-back with four points in a row , three from Ryan Conners including two frees and another free from Oisín Bonner to leave it 0-05 to 0-03 at the break.                                                      Charlie Collins reports from Rosses Park.                                                                 Sean McGee’s free made it a three point game in the 31st minute and Naomh Conaill were reduced to 14 men when Paul McGuinness got his second yellow two minutes later.                                                                                                                                                      The visitors full-back Odhran Doherty came forward to show his forwards how it’s done with a super point from distance  but two quick Oisín Bonner points had Dungloe four ahead in the 38th minute .                                                                                   Naomh Conaill hit back with points from play by Kieran Gallagher and Nathan Byrne and after a scoreless nine minute period the same players converted two frees to level the game up in the 50th minute at 0-08 apiece.                                                       Full-back Odhran Doherty gave the visitors the lead with another fine point after Dungloe goalkeeper had carried the ball way outside his normal territory and got turned-over and Noamh Conaill led by a point in the 58th minute.                                    Ryan Conners was just wide from a long range free but Oisín Bonner converted from close-in to square the game yet again. Three minutes into injury-time Nathan Byrne kept his nerve to knock over his 5th point of the game from a free on the right and that proved to be the winner.                                                                                                   In a final Dungloe push to send the game to extra-time Naomh Conaill’s Caolan McGill was black-carded for a trip tackle and following the melee that followed that incident,  Dungloe’s Ryan Conners and Matthew O Donnell  along with Noamh Conaill’s Shea McDevitt all received red cards from an overworked Referee Greg McCroary as the Glenties lads advanced to meet Killybegs in the last four.          DUNGLOE ; Jerome Boyle, Chris Boyle, Jason McBride , Matthew O Donnell, Dylan Boyle, Mark Curran , James McCole , Conor O Donnell, Ryan Conners ( 0-03 /2f’s ) , Daniel Ward , Oisin Bonner ( 0-04 /3f’s ),  Darragh Gallagher, Dylan Sweeney ( 0-01 ) ,  Sean McGee ( 0-01f ),  , Chris Greene.                                                                                                                        SUBS Darren O Donnell for Gallagher (47mins), Aidan McCole for James McCole ( 50mins), Michael Ward for Dylan Sweeney ( 60mins).                                                         NAOMH CONAILL ;  Jordan O Donnell, Cian Doherty, Odhran Doherty (0-02 ), Sean Roarty , Conor Doherty, Caolan McGill , Edward Moss , Kieran Gallagher (0-02 /1f ) , Tony Byrne, Leo Dunphy , Paul McGuinness ( 0-01 ),  Caolan McMonagle , Shea McDevitt , Nathan Byrne ( 0-05 /4f’s ),  Logan Quinn.                                                                                                                   SUBS ; Joseph Shankey-Smith for Dunphy ( 40 mins ).                                                  REFEREE; Greg McGroary.

Career Guidance with Rory White: Making sense of the CAO

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Career Guidance Counsellor Rory White begins his new column series on Donegal Daily this week, where he will be providing advice on college courses, career changes and further education. 

Rory has been a Guidance Counsellor at Finn Valley College for the past 10 years and is a member of the Donegal Branch of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. 

Applying for college or changing careers is one of the most important and exciting decisions someone can make, and Rory will be here to offer advice and top tips on the many options that are available.

First, we’ll start with CAO, what is it, how do you apply, and what are the key dates to remember:

by Rory White

There is a huge amount of information involved when it comes to thinking about moving into further or higher education and training.

The changing nature of life and the workplace means that the employment and education landscape is now a constantly evolving space. 

The myriad of different options available to you means that there really is something for everyone. School Guidance Counsellors are an invaluable source here for students when it comes to exploring all these options.

Over the course of the next few months I hope to shed light on some of the key areas that should be considered when thinking about and finding a course and career path that suits you.    

Applying to college.

In the Republic of Ireland the system used to apply to Higher education courses is the Central Applications Office, more commonly known as CAO.  

The CAO handles all the applications for the Universities and Colleges in the country (See below). CAO applications for September 2020 entry opened up this week.

The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is the system used to describe the levels of education available in Ireland.  It ranges from Level 1 which signifies initial basic learning, through the Junior Certificate at Level 3, the Leaving Certificate at Level 4/5 right up to a Level 10 PHD.

Higher education courses that can be applied to through CAO are ranked on the NFQ at-

Level 6 – Higher Certificate (2 years)

Level 7 – Ordinary Degree (3 years)

Level 8 – Honours Degree (Usually 4 years, sometimes 3)

All applications are made online at www.cao.ie.  

Applications cost €30 when made before January 20th 2020. (€45 before the February 1st deadline, €60 for late applications up until May 1st).  While your course choices do not need to be finalised at this time, it is important to note that courses marked as Restricted in the CAO handbook must be applied for by February 1st.  

A change of mind option opens in early May with the absolute deadline for your final choices then by July 1st 2020.  

Students can insert up to 20 course choices on their application – 10 on a Level 6&7 list and another 10 on a Level 8 list.  Students should always list their choices IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE. 

CAO will always offer the topmost choice that a student has gained entry onto.  

Therefore, if you decide that you actually prefer your 3rd choice more than your top one you will not be offered it.

 

Top Tips

A couple of tips I would recommend would be to back up a Level 8 choice with a corresponding choice in the Level 6/7 section.  

That way, if you do not gain entry into the Level 8, you have the fallback of the Level 6/7 choice which will, more often than not, lead onto the Level 8 anyway. 

I would also advise students when applying that, even if you feel your preference at this moment in time is to study away from home, you should also include a course closer to home as this is something that students often change their minds about.  

There is a useful demo facility on the CAO website where students can fill out a sample form online to become familiar with the process.  There are also a couple of handy videos-

http://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=demo

http://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=video&bb=parents

 

Gaining entry onto courses

Everyone knows about the ‘Points Race’ for college and you should be aware that points can either go up or down from the previous year.  A new grading and points system was introduced in 2017 that some people may not yet be aware of. (See table below) 

Students calculate their points from their TOP SIX results only.  A bonus 25 points are awarded for students achieving a H6 or above in Higher Level Maths while the grades achieved for students studying link modules are also different.

As well as needing points for entry many students often forget that there are also Minimum entry requirements that are needed to secure a place on a course.  

Standard entry requirements for most Level 6/7 courses are- Minimum of five O6/H7 to include F2/O6/H7 in Maths and O6/H7 in English or Irish

Standard entry requirements for most Level 8 courses are- Minimum of six O6/H7 to include O6/H7 in Maths and O6/H7 in English or Irish and a minimum of two H5 grades.  

However, there are many exceptions to these rules.  Many courses in the universities also require a ‘3rd language’, meaning Spanish, French, German or other. 

Some specific courses may also require grades in certain subjects, or a combination of subjects. (For example, a H4 in Gaelige is needed for Primary Teaching and Higher Maths for some Engineering degrees). 

There are simply too many variations of entry requirements to list off here so applicants should check these out with the relevant institution.

Finally, students who will be applying to SUSI for a grant, to HEAR or DARE, mature students or those who have an exemption should all tick the relevant boxes or fill out the additional section on their CAO applications at this stage. 


USL – Grant strikes late as nine-man Bonagee rescue a derby draw

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GARBHAN Grant rescued a point for nine-man Bonagee as he netted a last-gasp leveller against his former club in a dramatic derby.

Bonagee United 2 Letterkenny Rovers 2

By Chris McNulty at Dry Arch Park

It seemed as if BJ Banda’s second-half goal was set to hand Letterkenny Rovers all three points in the Cathedral Town derby – until Grant struck.

With a minute remaining, Michael Funston beat Emmet Friel in an aerial tussle and his flick on sent Grant through. With the space closing around him, Grant tucked home past Letterkenny goalkeeper Rory Kelly.

Banda’s 65th minute strike looked to have been enough for Rovers to hand Bonagee a first defeat of the season.

Ryan Rainey had only just cancelled out Ryan Lonergan’s early opener when Banda struck. Banda tapped home from close range after the ball came back off the post into his path following Declan Sharkey’s initial work on the right side.

Bonagee finished the game with nine men after a card-riddled encounter.

Bonagee lost Jordan Armstrong to a second booking in the 44th minute and a similar fate befell Sean Hume 14 minutes from the end.

In all, there were 10 cards, eight of them yellow

Rovers hit the front after only seven minutes. Gary Merritt and Hume contested a cross and the ball landed invitingly into the air space over Lonergan. With the hosts static, Lonergan perfectly placed a neat header across Eugene Ferry into the far corner.

Lee Toland had fired an earlier warning just over the crossbar. The former Finn Harps left back took aim from the left-hand side and saw his attempt zip narrowly past its target.

Toland curled wide with an almost carbon copy later in the half. 

Rovers had the better of the play in the first half with Bonagee struggling to create, although Micheál Doherty did signal some intent when his low cross was cut out for a corner.

Darren McFadden – who netted the winner for Bonagee in Monday’s 1-0 win over Derry City Reserves – had a half chance when he met Hume’s delivery, but Rory Kelly was able to easily gather. 

Just before half-time, Bonagee were rocked when they went down a man. Armstrong, already booked for an earlier foul, went to ground under a tangle of legs in the area. Referee Michael Connolly showed the Bonagee frontman another yellow for simulation and Armstrong’s afternoon was over as he made the long walk back to the dressing rooms.

Michael Funston and Banda had efforts saved at either end and Bonagee began to have a spell of pressure. Rainey was unable to connect properly with one shot after Doherty’s clever ball around the back played in the scampering Mark Harkin.

On 61 minutes, Bonagee drew level as Rainey smashed to the top corner after Doherty carved out the opening on the right channel. The ball fell a little awkwardly, but Rainey made no mistake as he thundered home.

Within four minutes, though, Rovers were back in the driving seat when Banda pounced. 

Hume was on the tightrope from a caution early in the second half and the defender was dismissed on 76 minutes following a foul on Lonergan.

Kelly was forced to claw away, at full stretch, a header from Gareth Breslin, as nine-man Bonagee sought to preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign.

As darkness fell, the floodlights came on and Bonagee saw light at the end of the tunnel with Grant firing home a dramatic equaliser. 

Bonagee United: Eugene Ferry; Mark Harkin, Gareth Bresin, Sean Hume; Michael Funston, Daniel O’Donnell, Deano Larkin (Peter Carr 72), Ryan Rainey, Micheál Doherty (Duncan Patterson 78); Jordan Armstrong, Darren McFadden (Garbhan Grant 74).

Letterkenny Rovers: Rory Kelly; Ciaran Kelly, Connor Gormley, Dan O’Donnell (Emmet Friars 57), Lee Toland; Ryan Lonergan (Jack Dwyer 83), Chris Malseed, Jonny Bonner, Declan Sharkey (Kevin McGrath 72). BJ Banda (Davitt Walsh 78), Gary Merritt.

Referee: Michael Connolly.

USL – McBride nets early as Harps Reserves have measure on Fanad

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COREY McBride’s goal after just four minutes settled a keenly-contested Ulster Senior League game between Finn Harps Reserves and Fanad United, which was switched to Traigh-a-Loch.

Finn Harps Reserves 1 Fanad United 0

These two predominately young sides showed plenty effort throughout the game but chances were at a premium. 

The only goal of the game arrived in the fourth minute. When Harps were awarded a free kick 25 yards out, Corey McBride stepped up and scored with an excellent shot into the corner of the net. 

Five minutes later Ria Aithipitani did miss a chance to extend the lead for Harps when he found room in the box only to see his shot well saved by Oisin Cannon. 

Fanad did settle into the game after that and had 2 half chances in the 13th minute when Matthew McLaughlin seen his header well saved by Jamie Bell and when the rebound fell to Dean McCarry on the edge of the box, his shot went well over the bar. 

McCarry came a lot closer to an equaliser on the half hour mark when his superb dipping volley from 30 yards went just over the bar.

Five minutes later Corey McBride broke into the Fanad box but he fired into the side netting. Fanad were left frustrated in the closing stages of the half when Eddie O’Reilly was taken down from behind in the box but the ref waved play on.

The second half continued in the same vain as the first with neither side creating many clear chances.

Seven minutes into the half, Stephen Doherty fired wide of the Fanad post after a flowing move the length of the pitch. 

In the 65th minute Corey McBride cut in from the left and his curling right footed effort seemed to be bound for the top corner only for Oisin Cannon to produce a superb full length fingertip save. The last 20 minutes didn’t produce many chances although with ten minutes remaining, Martin McElhinney seen his shot in the box deflect juts wide of the Harps post.

Finn Harps Reserves: Jamie Bell, Rory O’Donnell, Darragh Ellison, Ciaran Farren, Joel Bradley Walsh, Jack Doherty, Ria Aithipitani, Darren McElwaine, Gabriel Aduaka, Stephen Doherty, Corey McBride. Subs Used: Ronan Gallagher, Jordan Gallagher

Fanad United: Oisin Cannon, Oisin Langan, Conor Duggan, Peter Curran, Patrick McGinley, Johnny Logue, Matthew McLaughlin, Paul Bradley, Dean McCarry, Keelin McElwaine, Edward O’Reilly. Subs Used: Martin McElhinney, Dylan Dorrian

Referee: Martin McGarrigle

Inishowen League teams win three from four – here’s a full FAI Junior Cup roundup

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IT WAS A case of three out of four for the Inishowen League today in the FAI Junior Cup.

Buncrana Hearts, Cockhill Youths and Greencastle all took victories against Donegal League opponents. 

Kildrum Tigers will carry the Donegal League’s flag into the national phase of the Cup after their penalty shoot-out win at Carndonagh.

 

Buncrana Hearts 2 Castlefin Celtic 1

The first half was a very entertaining affair and on 8 minutes Ronan Tourish for the visitors was denied by the legs of Eoghan O’Doherty. 

Buncrana replied with Eoin Murphy finding John Timlin on the right but his effort was superbly saved by Christopher O’Donnell.

Tourish then fired over from twenty yards before the visitors took the lead midway through the half after a defensive error allowed McKinney to slot past O’Doherty. 

Buncrana upped the tempo and Gerard Mclaughlin should have got the home side back on terms but from a superb Declan Fullerton cross he headed straight at O’Donnell. 

Immediately they were caught on the break with Tourish breaking clear but firing into the side netting. 

Buncrana replied and Fullerton’s corner was met by a superb glancing header from Gerard Boyle  to bring the sides level. 

Buncrana were the stronger side then with Shane Dillon heading just over, Boyle denied by a good save before Mikey Friel had another effort well saved by O’Donnell as the half ended.

Buncrana started the second half well with Timlin firing wide before Friel saw an effort crash off the post. On 65 minutes Timlin then had another effort turned round the post by O’Donnell. 

In a rare foray into the home area Tourish saw an effort in a crowded goalmouth drift just wide. 

On 75 minutes the Hearts got what turned out to be a deserved winner when a superb Eoin Murphy cross picked out Mclaughlin whose excellent downward header beat O’Donnell. 

Castlefin tried to exert pressure but from their corner Kevin O’Loughlin headed clear and broke onto the ball to release Friel but he fired wide. 

Castlefin substitute McNamee went close in injury time when he headed over from a corner but was under huge pressure.

 

Bonagee United 0 Cockhill Youths 5

Click here to read Chris McNulty’s report from this game

 

Carn FC 2 Kildrum Tigers 2 (Kildrum win 5-3 on pens)

Kildrum had an early chance after Conor Crossan released Kevin McHugh but he shot high and wide with Daniel Houghton to beat. 

Carn then took the lead on 15 minutes after Brandon Browne released Cade Cooke and his cross was slotted home by Gert Dzerins. 

Carn should have doubled their lead after Shane Doherty intercepted and sent Browne clear but with only Rory Carr to beat he fired wide from 15 yards. 

Kildrum had the final chance of the half when Gareth Colhoun broke on the right and crossed for Luke Toland  but he headed wide from twelve yards. 

Kildrum equalised in fortuitous fashion after a McHugh corner on 55 minutes rebounded off Houghton to the net. 

Houghton then denied McHugh with a good save after good approach play by Oran Higgins. Carn responded and when Cooke’s free broke on the edge of the area Browne fired just over. 

Kildrum scored what looked like the winner on 87 minutes after Colhoun broke, cut inside a defender and drilled low past Houghton. 

Carn rallied and on the stroke of full time substitute Christy McDaid collected Browne’s pass and crossed for Dzerins to slot low past Carr. 

Kildrum had the only chance of the second period with Colhoun beating a defender and finding Toland who drilled low but his effort drifted just wide. In the shootout Kildrum converted all five spot kicks to advance to the next round.

 

Greencastle FC 5 Donegal Town 3

Greencastle started this game well and took the lead on 5 minutes after Nigel McMonagle retrieved the ball and crossed for Conor Gillen to slot home. 

On 15 minutes they made it two nil after James Henry had an effort well saved by Eamon McGinley but McMonagle pounced to drill home.

But the visitors reduced the deficit when Zhagi had an effort parried by Dylan Doherty  and Diarmuid Spratt headed the rebound home. 

Greencastle regained their tow goal cushion when James Henry played a one two with brother Michael before seeing his cross swept home by Gillen from six yards. 

Again the visitors gave themselves a chance when a Joe McIntyre corner  was volleyed home by Stephen Culeen from six yards to leave the half time score three two in favour of the home side. 

In an explosive start to the second half the home side increased their lead after a superb low cross from McMonagle found the inrushing Jason Dickson to slot home from close range. 

Within a minute the visitors were awarded a penalty at the other end after Oisin Roper had been upended and McIntyre confidently fired to the top corner. Grencastle made the tie safe on 69 minutes after Darragh Brown released James Henry who beat two defenders before lifting the ball over the top for McMonagle who controlled, sidestepped a defender and fired high past McGinley.

Donegal Town had a late chance but a Roper header was tipped onto the bar by Doherty who recovered to gather the rebound.

USL – Bradley on the mark as Cockhill claim narrow win in Derry

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JIMMY Bradley’s first-half goal secured a vital win for champions Cockhill at Derry City Reserves.

Derry City Reserves 0 Cockhill Celtic 1

Bradley netted 16 minutes into the game for what proved the sole strike.

The experienced midfielder’s goal ensured that Gavin Cullen’s team left with all three points.

Derry City Reserves: Oisin Gibson, Jack Parke, Brendan Barr, Mark McFadden; Kyle McCann, Jack Coyle, Michael Harris, Ronan Boyce, Ronan McAleer, Matty Walker, Adam Curran 

Cockhill Celtic: E Jordan, J Breslin, L McColgan, O McColgan, P Doherty, R Doherty, D Doherty, S Duffy, C Farren, B Callaghan, J Bradley 

Donegal League – Here’s a full roundup from today’s League action

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THERE was a programme of games today in the Donegal Junior League with Cappry Rovers claiming a big 4-2 away win at Drumkeen in the Premier Division – here’s a full roundup of the action.

Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division

Drumkeen United 2 Cappry Rovers 4

Cappry Rovers were the visitors to a bitterly cold St Patrick’s Park on Sunday afternoon.  

Cappry took an early lead from a Sean Mc Bride free kick. Drumkeen had a great opportunity to equalise shortly after that but Jamie Gallagher saw his effort saved by Cappry keeper Brendan Gallen. The home team did get back on level terms when they were awarded a penalty which was well dispatched by Lee Guthrie. 

Dean O’Donnell added a second for Cappry to give them a 2-1 half-time lead.

 Drumkeen had to play the second half with 10 men after their keeper Paul McCauley was sent off. 

Young Aidan Martin went into goals and acquitted himself very well. 

Cappry quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage when Alan Gethins scored their third goal early in the second half. At that stage it looked like it could be a long second half for the home team but the ten men did well and actually played some good football at times. 

They were awarded another penalty which once again Lee Guthrie tucked away to reduce the deficit to just one. Their joy was short lived however as almost immediately.

Cappry added a fourth through Calvin Bradley. The home team kept going though and Cappry ‘keeper Brendan Gallen was called into action a few times in the last quarter as Drumkeen tried their best to get a goal to get them back within touching distance. 

Unfortunately for the home team there was to be no third goal and no late comeback and it was the visitors who claimed all three points.

Keadue Rovers 3 Milford United 1

Keadue Rovers moved off the bottom of the table following this all important victory over Milford United at a very cold Central Park on Sunday. The visitors were the brighter of the two in the opening minutes, forcing a few corners. 

On five minutes Keadue had their first chance of the game when David Ward’s effort was saved by the keeper. The game began to get a bit scrappy after that, with both teams trying to get their first points of the season. 

On 18 minutes a misplaced bass by Keadue keeper Danny Rodgers left an open goal but Milford could not capitalise on this and two minutes later, following good work from Jack Boyle on the right wing, Aidan McHugh’s shot was saved. The game was opening up with good chances falling to both Jack Boyle and Shaun Yank Boyle before a Milford chance came on the half hour with their striker just lobbing the ball inches over the bar. 

On 32 minutes, following a free kick of Adam Neely’s which was blocked, the rebound fell to David Ward whose shot trickled into the left bottom corner after passing through several players. 

Three minutes later Jack Boyle took on the defender and was upended in the box and David Ward coolly slotted home the penalty kick. 

A few minutes later Keadue had a chance to make it three when once again the excellent Jack Boyle was taken down but this time David Ward’s kick was well saved by the Milford keeper. At the start of the second half the home side forced a few free-kicks, both of which went wide. Milford had a header cleared off the line in the fiftieth minute and for the next ten minutes they put the home defence under considerable pressure and had a good chance of fifty-eight minutes with a header which went narrowly wide.

Keadue were absorbing the pressure and hitting on the break with Luke Neely and Shaun Yank Boyle showing well. 

On 63 minutes Aidan McHugh went on a fine run but his shot was saved by the Milford keeper and Calum Boyle was wide with the rebound. Keadue’s Barry Curran was unlucky with his long-range strike hitting the crossbar on eighty minutes following a fine move and just when it looked like Keadue were strolling home, a defensive mix up lead to the concession of a penalty and up stepped Mark Flood to coolly tuck it away for 2-1. 

Despite mounting pressure from Milford, they couldn’t breach the Keadue back line and four minutes from the end unselfish work from Shaun Yank Boyle on the break created a chance for Adam Neely who slammed it to the net from the edge of the area. A good result for Keadue bringing them up a few places in the Table while for Milford it was a decent team performance. Best for Keadue on the day were David Ward, Jack Boyle and Shaun Yank Boyle. 

Referee: Mick Lagan.

Kilmacrennan Celtic 4 Cranford United 1 

The game had a frantic start as both sides created chances in the opening ten minutes. Cranford were unlucky not to go a goal up with a Naoise Cullen header which was brilliantly saved by Shane Graham.
Soon Kilmacrennan started to pass the ball well and finally cracked the away side’s defence when Christy Connaghan put Dillon through on goal, he calmly put the ball past Jason Hegarty. Kilmacrennan went two up just before half time when Dillon’s quick feet put Mark Friel through to smash the ball into the net.
Michael Mc Laughlin made it three on the 50th minute mark. 

Then ten minutes later Dillon got a second. Cranford got a consolation goal when Lorcan Connor chipped the Kilmacrennan goalkeeper in the dying moments of the game.

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One

Glenea United 0 Ballybofey United 3

Ballybofey ran out comfortable winners in the end, but Glenea must be kicking themselves at the missed chances they had. Damien Glackin had a good strike go close in the 6th minute for Ballybofey, while Michael Barry, Ryan Mc Fadden and Shaun Curran all had good chances for Glenea in the first half.
Glenea started the second half with Darren Ferry and Mc Fadden going close. 

Ballybofey opened the scoring in the 55th minute with a great strike from Calvin O’ Brien, picking out the top corner from 25 yards. 

Ten minutes later Brian Lafferty put Ballybofey two ahead, with a quick free kick over the wall while Glenea were still getting organised. Damien Glackin made sure of the points in the 80th minute with a good finish, low to the corner giving the keeper no chance.

Gweedore Celtic 0 Drumoghill F.C. 0

Drumoghill perhaps were the happier of the two teams with this result especially as they had to play the final quarter with ten men and having seen Gweedore squander several chances that would have clinched a home victory. 

Those chances were all created in the second half as both teams found it difficult to master the windy conditions of the first half. It was a first half mostly dominated by Drumoghill, without creating any clear-cut openings against a home defence well marshalled by keeper Micheal McKelvey. 

Gweedore had two chances to grab all the points. The first fell to Liam Mc Fadden but Toner, in goals, denied him with a great save. 

Minutes later Micheal Roarty found himself in a scoring position but he shot narrowly wide. 

McKelvey then made a fantastic save from a Richie Moore goal-bound shot. Donal Mac Giolla Bhríde and Eugene Ferry were best for the home team. Good overall team effort from Drumoghill. 

Referee: Sean O’Donnell.

Kerrykeel ’71 F.C.  3 Convoy Arsenal 1

Kerrykeel ‘71 welcomed Convoy Arsenal to a cold Rab’s Park for a top of the table clash and it was the home side who took all three points. Both teams started well with Kerrykeel going close through Sean Little and JP Malley close for Convoy.

 The ‘71 lost winger Evan Hewitt mid-way through the first half through injury and he was replaced by Michael Sweeney who would make a real impact later in the game. Kerrykeel deservedly took the lead on 35 minutes when a Marty McAteer free was half cleared and the ball fell to Conor McGonigle who drove home from 15 yards into the roof of the net. 

The second half started with both teams having chances but it was Kerrykeel who doubled their lead on 60 minutes when Michael Sweeney cooly chipped the advancing keeper after a great ball from captain McAteer. 

Convoy were then reduced to ten men when Gleeson was sent off for a second bookable offence on 70minutes. 

This really got Convoy going and they had the home side under a lot of pressure with McElwaine and Malley testing the keeper. 

Malley then got a goal back for them on 74 minutes. Eddie Boyce made an outstanding save on 80 minutes to keep his team in front. 

He somehow tipped over a Brolly header that was destined for the top corner. Big Sweeney then made the points safe after good build up play, he found himself one on one with the keeper, stayed cool and finished from a tight angle after rounding the keeper.

Letterbarrow Celtic 2 St. Catherines 3

Letterbarrow started strong with James and Brian McGroary along with Kevin McBrearty linking up well but a mistake at the back gave Killybegs an early lead. Letterbarrow responded well and equalised with a header from Brian McGroary. 

When Ciaran Gildea went off injured Mark Mc Hugh volunteered to go in goal but he also came off injured after a collision in the box. Killybegs capitalised and scored a penalty before adding a third. Ryan O’Brian scored to give Letterbarrow a sense of hope but too many injuries meant for a difficult day for the home side. Wishing both Ciaran Gildea and Mark Mc Hugh speedy recoveries.

Lifford Celtic 1 Rathmullan Celtic 5

(No Report Submitted)

Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two

Deele Harps 8 Glenree United 0

(No Report Submitted)

Gweedore United 2 Curragh Athletic 2

The home side will probably feel this was two points dropped after their dominance in the second half. The visitors took the lead in the in the 12 minute with Gary Doherty finishing well from a penalty. Curragh extended their lead in the 29th minute with a back heel and good finish from Paddy Kelly deceiving the United defence and keeper. 

The home side made a few changes on the half hour and dominated from then on. 

United missed a penalty in the 32nd minute however pulled one back in the 38th minute when Ronan O’Donnell finished well following good work from Stephen Doyle McFadden. United continued to dominate possession in the second half with chance after chance, however the Curragh ‘keeper and defence did well to keep them out. In the 63rd minute United thought they equalised but a well worked goal was adjudged to be off-side to the surprise of the home support. It was 2-2 in the 69th minute when Ronan O’ Donnell flicked the ball onto Stephen Doyle McFadden to finish well. 

The visitors were reduced to ten men with 15 minutes remaining and United pushed them hard but it ended 2-2. Conor McFadden, Ronan O’Donnell and Stephen Doyle McFadden played well for United with Marc Storrie and Keelan McGill playing well for Curragh on the day. 

Referee: Seimí Ferry.

Raphoe Town  5 Dunkineely Celtic 0

Raphoe got off to a great start when Corey Gillen headed home a Conor Friel cross at the back post after ten minutes. 

Raphoe doubled their lead on the half hour after a great pass from Zak Brolly found Conor Friel on the right. Friel went past two defenders before drilling home a great finish. 

Keelan Bogle scored Raphoe’s third goal in the 50th minute with a left foot shot from 20 yards straight into the bottom corner.DJ Kelly then scored the fourth with a diving header from a Christy Bogle cross. Conor Friel scored his second goal and Raphoe’s 5th goal in the 65th minute. 

Paddy Kelly nearly scored the 6th goal when his curling shot from 25 yards came off both posts. A spirited team performance from a young Dunkineely side. Best for Raphoe: Zak Brolly. Referee: Tony McNamee

Swilly Rovers 3 Lagan Harps 1

(No Report Submitted)

Bereaved parents offered support ahead of festive season

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Anam Cara is hosting an event in Donegal to support bereaved parents as they face one of the most difficult times of the year after the death of a child.

Anam Cara Donegal is an organisation who, through their established 12 groups in 32 counties, offers information and support to all bereaved parents. They will be hosting a Bereavement Information Evening in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town 19th November at 6.50pm.

As the dark evenings draw in and the festive season starts to make its presence felt, this is one time of the year most bereaved parents wish they could forget about. Many will say they want to bury their heads until it’s all over or go to bed and get up in January. Sadly, over 2,000 families will have lost a child this year and will face many firsts without them, including their first Christmas.

During the Anam Cara Bereavement Evening, mothers and fathers will have the opportunity to hear a bereavement specialist speak about different challenges that will face them on their journey after the loss of their precious son or daughter. They will also have the opportunity to meet other bereaved parents who understand the intense grief, pain and devastation they are experiencing after the death of a child.

Anam Cara will provide a safe and comfortable space for you to remember your child with other bereaved parents.

One bereaved mother recently commented:

“When I met other parents the sheer isolation lifted. For the first time I understood that what I was experiencing was normal”.

This event is open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age of your child or the circumstances of their death.

Bereaved parents can also visit their website www.anamcara.ie, where in their own time they can watch short videos with testimonies from bereaved parents and couples who have attended Anam Cara events. The videos, which are just four minutes long, show parents interviewed on topics like ‘A Dad’s Grief’, ‘Sudden and Traumatic Death’ and ‘The Grieving Family’.

On their website, you can also access information about other events in your area and Anam Cara resources. These include the Anam Cara Information Pack (eight leaflets) developed by bereaved parents and the Anam Cara videos on ‘A Dad’s Grief’, ‘Sudden and Traumatic Death’ and ‘The Grieving Family’.

All Anam Cara events are provided free of charge for as long as necessary.

Gritters sent out as heavy sleet hits Donegal

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Donegal County Council has sent out their team of gritters tonight as heavy sleet falls across the county.

This picture was taken at Meenaroy this evening by Michael Friel Coaches.

It shows a heavy fall of sleet.

Plunging temperatures are forecast for the rest of the week with snow forecast for Wednesday by Met Eireann.

Donegal County Council sent out their team of gritters tonight at 8pm with all main primary routes to be treated.

 

 


TV documentary follows turbulent times on Tory Island

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A new TG4 documentary will air this month highlighting two recent times of great upheaval on Tory Island.

Toraigh: Creag Bheag i Lár na Farraige looks back on the sudden death of the King of Tory Patsy Dan Rodgers in 2018 and the controversy over of the island ferry service.

Cameras followed members of the Gaeltacht community last year to see how they dealt with their loss and faced challenges in their fight to preserve their unique way of life.

The documentary will be shown on TG4 on Wednesday 20th November at 21:30.

A special screening took place on Friday 1st November at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in Dublin.

Toraigh: Creag Bheag i Lár na Farraige

The two main characters featured in the documentary are the late Patsy Dan Rodgers and Marjorie Uí Chearbhaill, manager of the co-op on Tory.

The programme explores the islanders’ tradition of electing a king and hears from Patsy himself as he talks about the community’s resilience.

Diagnosed with cancer as filming begins, Patsy reflects on the 1980s, when it was state policy to evacuate the island, and the people fought hard to retain the right to remain, to obtain improved facilities, and preserve the island way of life.

Toraigh: Creag Bheag i Lár na Farraige

Looking at modern life, the documentary depicts a precarious time for young people on Tory. There are few jobs to be had, and EU imposed restrictions have put an end to a centuries-long salmon fishing tradition on Tory and other islands.

Cameras follow Liam and his girlfriend Lauren, who both want to work on Tory, but the young couple finds that island life may be too uncertain for settling down.

Meanwhile, Marjorie – who manages the community co-operative, faces a major issue when the Tory island ferry contract comes up for renewal.

When the new contract is announced, it involves a much older boat than the existing ferry, and the islanders are very upset – they feel they have been ignored, not for the first time. They decide to fight the decision and start a campaign to reverse it, with Majorie and others at the helm.

While the island is united in opposition to the new ferry service, how best to respond gradually causes a deep split in the small island community.

Old divisions from the past re-emerge, and through it all viewers see Patsy’s health decline, as the spirit of the island deteriorates.

Patsy dies quite suddenly while on the mainland for treatment. His funeral is large, and focuses national attention on the island once more – but the division on the island remains hidden from view, as Tory faces into an uncertain future.

The eye-opening documentary will focus on the isolation and vulnerability of the island community as they feel they are at the mercy of decision-makers in Dublin.

With or without a King, questions surround the future of Ireland’s most remote inhabited island.
And this documentary is set to be a fascinating glimpse into the real experiences of a strong community on the very margins of Ireland and Europe.

 

Donegal apprentices celebrate at annual graduate ceremony – Pic Special

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Graduating apprentices from Donegal, who recently completed their apprenticeship, were presented with their Advanced Certificate Craft by Minister for Education and Skills, Joe McHugh TD on Friday.

The event was co-hosted by SOLAS, Donegal ETB and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim ETB.

Speaking at the presentation, Minister McHugh noted the growing demand for people with vocational skills and praised the high quality of the Irish apprenticeship system and its success in developing highly skilled workers, like those receiving the Advanced Certificate.

He said: “The skills learned through an apprenticeship are invaluable and offer real job opportunities. Businesses need employees with strong practical skills, and apprenticeships and vocational training are key to delivering these.”

Andrew Brownlee, CEO, SOLAS, spoke of the apprenticeship programme and drew particular attention to the calibre of the Irish apprenticeship system which is recognised nationally and internationally.

“You have completed a comprehensive apprenticeship that is recognised at home and abroad as one of the best in the world. An example of the standards achieved by apprentices during their apprenticeship is the success obtained by the Irish Team at successive World Skills Competitions. This is a remarkable achievement and it proves beyond doubt that our apprenticeship system and our apprentices are among the best in the world”.

At the most recent World Skills Competition held in Russia in August, four gold medals, one bronze medal, a Best of Nation medal and seven Medallions for Excellence were achieved by the team of 17 young apprentices, trainees and students who represented Ireland.

Among the team of 17 were Donegal apprentices, Christopher Kehoe and Jack O’Donnell. Christopher Kehoe completed his final training in Letterkenny Training Centre under the direction of Welding Instructor and World Skills Expert Cathal McGee.

Cathal also accompanied the Irish Team to Russia as their World Skills Expert in Welding. Jack O’Donnell completed his final training in Gaoth Dobhair Training Centre under the direction of Plumbing Instructor John Sweeney. Both Christopher and Jack won Medals of Excellence at the championships.

The Advanced Certificate Craft is at Level 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications and is an internationally recognised qualification.

There has been an increased focus on Apprenticeships in recent years. Apprenticeship in Ireland has traditionally been the path to skilled occupations in a range of sectors such as construction, engineering, motor and electrical. However, under the guidance of the Apprenticeship Council, the apprenticeship system in Ireland is expanding.

Things are changing, with an expanded model of apprenticeship, in which a wider range of occupations are attracting more people into apprenticeships.

New apprenticeships have been launched in sectors such as auctioneering and property services, finance, biopharma, ICT, logistics and hospitality with more in development across a range of sectors. Alongside this, we are seeing an increase in the number of new apprentices being registered across all of the current trades. This is a testament to the high regard which the apprenticeship system in Ireland is held. It has long been respected as a comprehensive and successful career and education route for people of all ages.

Representing the Education and Training Boards, Anne McHugh, CE, Donegal ETB said “We are delighted that so many young people have received their Advanced Certificate Craft here today. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the young people, their families, the companies with which they work with and of course, the staff in our Training Centres who support and work so hard with them during their time with Education and Training Boards.

Both Donegal and Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim Education and Training Boards are delighted that Government policy is so strong in the area of Apprenticeship and we are very much committed to working with SOLAS to promote the development and growth of apprenticeship activity both regionally and nationally.

Also, as part of our future plans, we intend working closely with employers and other bodies to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people”.

Donegal and MSL ETB are currently rolling out a new training initiative across the Northwest. Skills to Advance which was developed by SOLAS, is aimed at upskilling people in employment.

An example of this is the development of a strategic partnership between Donegal ETB and a national health services innovations company where the ETB are currently running a Diploma in Professional Administration (Level 6) to upskill operational staff within the company with a view to ensuring the sustainability of the Donegal base.

Evening course provision in both ETBs is also being utilised to provide Skills to Advance training for many workers in counties Donegal, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim.

Concluding the ceremony, Andrew Brownlee congratulated the apprentices who received their Advanced Certificates Craft on their achievement of being recognised as highly skilled craftspeople and wished them every success in their careers.

Huge international interest expected for LYIT’s Green Day

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With over 20 exhibitors already secured, Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s (LYIT) Green Day is once again set to be of huge interest to businesses, households and students from all over Donegal, Derry and Strabane.  

Green Day will take place in LYIT on Thursday 28 November from 9.30am to 2.30pm and along with the extensive range of exhibitors, it will include a seminar hosting an international panel of experts looking at how renewable energy can help achieve Ireland’s Climate Action targets.

This is LYIT’s fourth year to host the Green Day at their campus and Mary Daly, LYIT’s Estates Manager is delighted to be joining up with the multi-national EU funded SMARTrenew project led by Dr. Nick Timmons, Principal Investigator of LyITs WiSAR Lab.

This strategically important €1.6m project partly funded by the Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) Interreg programme consists of an international consortium of partners from Finland, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands together with Donegal County Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council and LYIT.

“We are building on the success of last year’s event” says Mary Daly.  “This year we are adding a further dimension with SMARTrenew hosting a panel of international experts, including an energy consultant from Denmark and a SMARTrenew partner from Iceland, to share with us their experiences, insights and learning on how they have embraced smart renewable energy technology, including smart energy storage in batteries and heat extraction from the sea.”

Speakers will include Alan Ryan from SEAI, Ireland, Ragnar Ásmundsson from HeatRD in Iceland Eddie McGoldrick from Power on Technologies in Northern Ireland and Magda Kowalska from PlanEnergi in Denmark. The seminar will be of interest to businesses operating in this area, public sector organisations, policymakers, learners and lecturers.

Alongside the seminar will be a range of exhibitors including the OPW Optimising Power initiative, recycling demonstrations with Voice Ireland, local suppliers of energy efficiency technologies and electric vehicles, information on Green Mortgages, reusable cup promotions, health & fitness checks, display of student projects and opportunities to meet the Green Campus team and learn more about the SMARTrenew project.

“With the increased focus on meeting our commitments as a society to the challenges around climate change and adaptation, this is a great opportunity for businesses, homeowners, public sector organisations, students and others to call in and see what is on offer and to learn a bit more about what they can do at home or at work to assist in helping us meet our obligations to the challenges around climate change” says Mary Daly.

“If you want to find out more about how to get the most out of your recycling efforts or about electric cars or energy efficient products that can help increase your homes energy rating or if you are looking for a mortgage and would like to see how you can avail of a ‘green’ mortgage, then we would encourage you to come along on the day.”

The event will take place in the Main Campus from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Thursday 28 November and admission is free.

Listen: Johnny McLoone relieved as Naomh Conaill U21s find a way

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Naomh Conaill U21 manager Johnny McLoone was content with his side’s narrow win over Dungloe on Sunday.

Nathan Byrne’s late point sealed a 0-10 to 0-9 quarter-final win over their neighbours to book a spot in the semi-finals.

Naomh Conaill had to come from 0-8 to 0-4 behind to carve out the win.

“It was looking poor,” McLoone admitted to Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub. 

“They’re a tough team and this is a hard place to come.

“We were down three players and the squad was stretched, but we’re happy to come out of it. The boys we were missing are big, physical lads, but we came through it well.

“I would have taken a one-point win all day.”

Listen to the full interview below …

Listen: Michael McHugh notes Bonagee ‘character’ after dramatic draw

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MICHAEL McHugh pointed to a never-say-die attitude that saw nine-man Bonagee earn a dramatic derby draw against Letterkenny Rovers on Sunday.

Bonagee were trailing 2-1 and were down Jordan Armstrong and Sean Hume, both sent off, as Sunday’s bmcsports.ie Ulster Senior League game headed for the dying moments.

But Bonagee managed to maintain their unbeaten start to the new term as Garbhan Grant’s cool finish brought them level.

“It shows the character of the team,” Bonagee assistant manager McHugh told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub. 

“We had a lot of chances but we definitely are showing that never-say-die attitude. It says a lot of their fitness and their willingness to keep going and stick together. 

“When you go down to nine men and get a point out of the game, you’re delighted. It keeps us unbeaten, which  is a really good thing. We’re looking to build on that momentum.”

Listen to the full interview below …

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