A High Court judge has dismissed an action against a Letterkenny nightclub after a woman claimed she had slipped on a tiled area of the premises which had been wet with spillages.

The plaintiff, Grace Brown from Castlederg, suffered a double fracture to her leg following the accident three years ago at the Pulse nightclub.

Mr Justice Senan Allen heard that the accident had occurred at 2.53.a.m. on the date in question and the plaintiff had undergone three separate operations on her leg.

“She felt her foot slipping from under her,” Richard Lyons, S.C. for the plaintiff, stated, adding that there had been a “number of spillages” on the floor area where she had fallen. “She clearly had fallen on a wet floor,” he said in opening the case.

In her evidence to the court, the plaintiff, Grace Brown, who was working as a care assistant at a nursing home in Castlederg, recalled October 23rd, 2016, when she was among a party of thirty who arrived by bus for the 30th birthday celebration of her sister at the Pulse night club in Letterkenny.

They had pre-booked the V.I.P. area in the premises where another party, she believed, was also in progress.

She had been standing in the bar area “chatting and laughing” and was hugging another party-goer when she felt her foot slip from under her and they both ended up on the floor. Part of the floor area was carpeted while the area in the vicinity of the bar was tiled.

“I was screaming out in agony,” plaintiff declared. “I remember lying there for a long time and people shouting for an ambulance.”

Eventually, she had been carried over to the seating area by family and friends. Nobody from the nightclub staff had come near her, Ms Brown insisted.

When the ambulance arrived within the hour, the plaintiff had been helped on to the stretcher and taken to Letterkenny Hospital. She had undergone surgery the following day after suffering a double fracture to her ankle.

She had been forced to take time off work and told the court she still felt sore after a twelve-hour shift. She had also been left with a “big scar” which impacted on what she wore.

“In my career, it has set me back a lot,” she indicated.

Under cross-examination from senior counsel, Noel McCarthy, the plaintiff claimed that the two barmen on duty in the area and the bouncer had all declined to help her following her fall.

Defence counsel stated that she had told the ambulance men that she had “stumbled” and gone over on her ankle.

She had not initially informed anyone that her clothes were soaking as a result of what she had claimed was the floor being wet.

CCTV footage was shown to the court where the plaintiff was seen hugging one of the women at the party before the two of them fell to the floor.

Mr McCarthy pointed out that the owner of the premises, Mark Crossan, had been on the scene “almost within a minute” of the accident occurring.

Plaintiff, however, insisted that he had refused to get an ambulance and had done nothing to help her.

Asked if she had stated that she had slipped in the hope of getting some compensation, Ms Brown said: “No.”

Plaintiff was also asked why she had indicated in a statement that the accident had occurred at 12.20.a.m. when it had happened over two hours later at 2.53.a.m.

The plaintiff’s sister, Sinead Lynch said she had turned and saw that Grace had fallen to the floor. “She was in agony, she was in so much pain.”

Witness had got the feeling that the staff just wanted them out of the premises after the accident. Asked if any member of the staff had engaged in a conversation with her, she replied that nobody had.

Also giving evidence, Stacy Neeson, who had also attended the party, said she could not recall any member of staff cleaning up in the area during the night.

Kieran Gallagher, chartered engineer, said he had viewed the CCTV footage and there had been no evidence of anyone cleaning up with a mop or a blue paper.“There is evidence of drink being spilled,” he stated.

People could be seen in the dancing area of the VIP lounge holding drinks and spilling them.

Relating to the plaintiff’s fall, Mr Gallagher said there had been a “sudden movement” and her right foot had slipped prior to her falling.

The court heard that the premises had an accident prevention procedure document which indicated that the floor would be dried with blue paper every twenty minutes.
Pressed by defence counsel, the witness conceded that the CCTV footage did not include anyone pointing to liquid on the floor. He also agreed that the plaintiff had never said that her clothes were wet after the fall.

But stated Mr Gallagher: “I believe she slipped and fell. I don’t believe she stumbled.”

In his evidence, Mark Crossan, owner of the Pulse nightclub, said there had been 601 people in the premises on the night which was quiet for a Saturday. Between the two parties, there were approximately fifty in the VIP area.

Confirming that he was on duty on the night, he said he was normally in the camera room where there was a bank of ten screens. They operated sixty cameras in total in the premises.
It was while in the camera room that he became aware of the accident in the VIP area and he had made his way there. He had checked the tiled area and the shoes the plaintiff had been wearing. The floor area had been dry, he reported.

“I always check the floor,” said Mr Crossan who added that he was very conscious of claims.

He had called the ambulance on the night at approximately 3.20.a.m. and it had arrived close to 4.a.m.

Nobody in the party group had made a complaint to him, he stated.

Cross-examined by Miriam Reilly, S.C., who said the CCTV footage didn’t show him checking the floor for spillages, defendant said he would have “run my eye over it.”

When pointed out to him that there had been no evidence of any member of staff checking the floor, Mr Crossan said if they had observed a spillage they would have cleaned it up.

‘The system had completely fallen down that night,” it was suggested to him.
“I don’t agree,” said defendant. “I’m happy enough with the system. We’re a long time in business,” he added.

Further evidence was given on behalf of the defence by engineer, John Mooney who said he had carried out a slip test on the floor in both a wet and dry situation and it had been satisfactory.

Stating that he had viewed the CCTV footage, the witness said he could not agree that the plaintiff’s right foot had slipped. “The other person appeared to stumble,” he argued.

He told Mr Lyons, representing the plaintiff, that if somebody had been off-balance the floor surface would not have made a difference.

Dismissing the case against the nightclub’s owner, Mr Justice Allen said there had been no requests made by the birthday party guests in relation to drying the area of the floor where spillages were said to have occurred and nobody had pointed to the floor after the accident.

Critically, the case rested, he said, “almost exclusively” on the video footage which showed Ms Brown hugging another woman in the bar area. Plaintiff had been attempting to steady herself against the bar after being caught off balance when the two women fell onto the floor.

“I’m not satisfied that she slipped,” Mr Justice Allen indicated.

The nightclub’s protocol for drying the floor did not appear to have been adhered to but it had not been relevant in relation to the accident and Ms Brown had fallen on the carpeted area.

He subsequently dismissed the action.

A man who refused to pay for a taxi fare then urinated on the driver’s seat.

John McGinty appeared before Letterkenny District Court charged with the incident.

The court was told that the 42-year-old was taken to Drumkeen by the driver on October 26th last after being collected.

When he asked for the fare and was refused McGinty then urinated on the driver’s seat.

The driver then drove him to Letterkenny Garda station but McGinty refused to get out of the car.

The court was told the cost of the soilage to the taxi was €120 while the driver lost the €40 taxi fare.

McGinty was in court and told Judge Paul Kelly that he had given the taxi-driver €340 a couple of days after the incident.

Judge Kelly adjourned the case until December 9th to check of the money had been paid to the taxi-driver.

A growing number of people are requesting grass and hedge cutting compost centres, according to Letterkenny councillor Gerry McMonagle.

The council is being called on to provide composting facilities in local recycling centres or a stand-alone service to take in garden waste.

Cllr McMonagle said there is a demand for a service which would take in cuttings and turn it into mulch to sell back to gardeners.

Speaking at this week’s Letterkenny-Milford MD meeting, he questioned why there are no facilities to recycle garden waste for the benefit of helping gardens grow.

Currently, Donegal’s six public recycling centres accept garden waste at a cost of €2 per bag. The council also provides a subsidised rate of €13 on home composting units.

Cllr Donal Coyle, who seconded the motion, said that dumping is a problem in this area; “When grass is dumped in a particular spot the next thing is you see other rubbish being added to it.

“If there was composting at recycling centres it would cut out a lot of that.”

The Ramelton Mast Action Group have said they are “upset and dissatisfied” following the recent decision to grant the application for a 30-metre-high telecoms mast in Drumonaghan Woods. 

Members of the group said locals were left irate because permission had been granted, despite their objections to the development.

The group, which has the support of 400 signatories, said they feared the mast would have a huge environmental impact if erected.

It is understood that the telecoms mast will cover a wide area in the Milford area, including Drumonaghan Woods, Kilmarcrennan Road, and close to Ramelton Town.

It has also been reported that the telecoms unit will carry 10 radio antennas to provide additional facilities.

Releasing a statement to Donegal Daily on Thursday, the Ramelton Mast Action Group said “they felt let down” by Donegal County Council’s response.

It read: “The Ramelton Mast Action Group, would like to express our upset and dissatisfaction following the recent decision by the Donegal County Council planning office to grant the application made by Cignal for a 30-metre mast in historical Drumonaghan Woods.

“Despite our best efforts involving a communal objection co-signed with over 400 signatories, as well as individual objections by local residents, containing numerous points ranging from environmental impact questions to questions relating to the compromising of a public amenity, the council planning office still saw fit to grant the application without any explanation other than it is what the government sees as furthering the countries national broadband plan.

“As a group, we feel let down by this response and we’re shocked to learn that our local council are not even slightly interested in their citizens’ concerns.

“The group would also like to say we were disappointed that the efforts our local council representatives made were not successful in preventing the permission being granted.”

The statement goes on to urged elected representatives to delay this decision “until further research is carried out”.

“As of yet, there are no studies confirming 100% that there are no natural or biological issues caused by telecom’s masts and the government’s reluctance to approve sites near schools prove that they too have concerns.

“However, as this mast is out of sight, out of mind then they believe we are foolish enough to allow its construction.

“We will continue to fight it’s construction and will not cease to do so until our views are taken into consideration.”

Cllr Ian McGarvey attempted to bring an Emergency Motion to the Letterkenny-Milford council on Tuesday to ask the Planning Section to revoke the application granted to Cignal Infrastructure Ltd.

The executive ruled that the motion could not be raised or discussed as the window for appeal had not passed.

The family of an elderly Buncrana man have thanked everyone for their help in locating their elderly father.

Barry Stevenson Snr went missing last night around 10.45pm.

He went to buy cigarettes at the Apple Green store but had not been seen since leaving the store.

The missing man’s family were understandably very upset and anxious and are desperate to locate their father.

Mr Stevenson was driving a Toyota Verso car registration number 131 DL 233.

The family have since revealed that Mr Stevenson has now been found safe and well.

During the week, a study from SafeFood stated that the main ingredient in almost 40% of protein bars was chocolate and that most of them had a similar calorie content to a regular bar of chocolate.

They also went on to say that many were also high in saturated fat and contained added sugar and salt.

The research also stated that 37 per cent of people believed protein bars were “healthy”.

So, what is the deal with protein bars?

Are they something that you can have in your diet or are they a glorified bar of chocolate?

First things first.

Protein bars are a convenience food.

They are there for you to get some protein in If you struggle to hit your daily protein needs from your diet.

Unfortunately, like protein shakes before them, people tend to have an over reliance on convenience foods and tend to put more emphasis on them than they do on their diet.

You diet should be 80-90% wholefoods and that is where you should be getting the majority of your food intake from.

This will ensure that you are getting enough micronutrients, macronutrients and enough calories to suit your goals.

If this is not in place, no amount of protein bars will help.

You may think that you are doing the right thing by having your daily protein bar, but if your diet as a whole is a disaster, you are wasting your money.

You are putting a BandAid on a gunshot wound and hoping for the best.

But this is what people tend to do.

They focus on the small things that they think will make big differences and then wonder why they aren’t getting any results.
Setting up your diet is like baking a cake.

The cake body is your vegetables, your healthy carbs, your protein intake from lean cuts of meat and your healthy fats from olive oil etc.

The Icing around the cake is your training, getting your water in, taking your vitamins.

The sprinkles on top is things like your protein bars.

You can’t make a decent cake with just sprinkles and you will never get any results with just protein bars.

There are also many other ways to get protein when it comes to snacks.

• Greek Yogurt
• Quark
• Biltong
• Jerky
• Eggs
• Tuna Pots

They are simple ‘grab and go’ snacks that you can use, and all will allow you to get the same amount of protein in as one of those bars, but you will be getting it from a better source.

The article recommended nuts for a protein source, but they aren’t a great source due to the high fat and calorie ratio to protein you get.

So, the short and long of it is this;

You do not need to take protein bars if your diet is set up properly.

They are simply a convenient way to get some protein in if you are caught out that day.

Do not over rely on them.

Don’t use them as your sole snack each day.

The second thing I want to go over is the claims that was made about protein needs and the harmful effects that a higher protein diet may have.

It was stated that people are getting more than enough protein and don’t actually need any more.

It stated that a male with a 2500cal daily intake only needs 56g of protein per day and a female with a 200cal daily intake only needs 47g of protein per day.

If you are someone who doesn’t train and inactive, then this may meet your needs.

The World health Organisations recommendations for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

Which means a 70kg person would only need 56g of protein per day.

This RDA is the amount of a nutrient you need to meet your basic nutritional requirements. In a sense, it’s the minimum amount you need to keep from getting sick — not the specific amount you are supposed to eat every day. Source Harvard health

So, the saying that people are getting enough each day is a bit of a loose statement.

The research on people who are active and on those who are training shows different intake levels.

It falls between 1.6 – 3g/kg of bodyweight depending on your goals and activity levels.

So, the same 70kg person (who is active or training), can go between 112g – 210g of protein per day without any issues.

In an RTE article reporting on the protein bar usage, claims were also made to do with high protein use and health effects.

“The evidence we found showed that there may be some short-term weight loss and muscle gain from high protein diet, but no consistent evidence that this is maintained in the long term. In fact, a very high protein diet may be associated with liver disease, kidney disease and vascular disease.”

This however is no longer a ‘fact’ and there have been several studies that has debunked this.

• Some high-protein diets restrict carbohydrate intake so much that they can result in nutritional deficiencies or insufficient fibre, which can cause problems such as bad breath, headache and constipation.

• Some high-protein diets include foods such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, which may increase your risk of heart disease.

• A high-protein diet may worsen kidney function in people with kidney disease because your body may have trouble eliminating all the waste products of protein metabolism.

source the mayo clinic

Protein is not harmful, and you don’t need to be wary of taking in too much.

It is one of the main macronutrients in your diet and as long as you are getting it mainly from wholefood sources and not from convenience foods and supplementation, you will be fine.
#leanin2019

Donal Kelly, the father of the late Manus Kelly is to be forwarded to take his son’s seat on Donegal County Council.

Mr Kelly Snr, a well-known figure in the Glenswilly area, is expected to be nominated at a Fianna Fail party meeting next week.

The late Manus Kelly was a hugely popular figure in Donegal due to his rallying and business exploits.

There was huge sadness across the county when the father-of-five was killed at the Donegal International Rally in June last.

He had just been nominated a month previously to Donegal County Council for the first time.

His seat is now expected to be taken by his father Donal.

Once forwarded and agreed upon, Mr Kellys Snr is expected to be formally co-opted onto Donegal County Council later this month.

The Letterkenny-Milford council is being asked to ensure roadside trees are sufficiently cut back following a recent incident outside Ramelton.

The side curtain of a lorry was ripped after it hit a low-hanging branch on the Race End Road in Ballyare.

Repairs to the tear came as a costly expense to the owner, Cllr Michael McBride told the local authority this week, as he called for action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

“A lot of lower bushes on this road are cut back, but it was a stump of a high branch that caught it (the side curtain) and it was a significant expense to the person,” he told the council.

Cllr McBride asked for hedge cutters to be vigilant for high sided vehicles.

He said: “I would hope that we have people out hedge cutting and for any branches up high that they would mark them and get people who cut trees to come back and get them.

“We know that curtain sides are very expensive.”

Donegal people earn the lowest average weekly earnings in the country, new CSO figures reveal.

The average household in Donegal takes in €473.12 weekly, which is 36.5% lower than the median weekly earnings for Dublin at €645.78.

Overall, across the country, the average weekly earnings were €740 in 2018, an increase of 3.4% on the previous year, according to new statistics released by the Central Statistics Office.

However, those on higher than average salaries can skew the numbers and the CSO pointed out that 63% of workers earn less than the average while 37% earn above the average.

Recent figures also revealed that the average household in Donegal takes in €32,259, which is €12,000 below the national average.

Donegal also has the lowest income per person among the working population, where the average pay is €24,626 a year.

Commenting on the publication, Statistician Morgan O’Donnell said: “After a period of relatively stable earnings from 2011-2015, there have been steady increases in earnings in each of the last three years. Median weekly earnings increased by 1.7%, 2.8% and 2.9% in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively.”

In contrast, one in five households in Donegal received the majority of their income from working-age social welfare payments.

The geographical study looked health, wealth and education, finding that Donegal had the highest proportion of medical cardholders in Ireland. Nearly half (48.4%) of people in Donegal had a medical card in 2016.

Looking at the impact of education on income, the study found that people with an honours degree education in Donegal also earned some of the lowest wages in the country.

Donegal people with an honours degree qualification as their highest level of education had the second-lowest earnings at €34,537 per year. Carlow was the lowest at €34,326.

Eamon Giles of Cranford AC was inducted into the Ulster Athletics Hall of Fame last night, while Brendan Boyce was named as Ulster Athlete of the Year. 

Eamon took his place in the pantheon at the Ulster Athletics Star Awards presentation, which took place in the Bay View Hotel, Killybegs.

He set up Donegal’s first athletic club in Cranford in 1961 and has been ever present in the Donegal and Ulster scene ever since.

The Cranford club attracted athletes from all over the county and within eight years of its formation, three Cranford athletes Paddy Marley, Hugo Duggan and Danny McDaid were representing Ireland at senior level.

As well as his work as a coach and motivator he was a very accomplished sprinter and was Ulster Senior 100m and 200m champion on seven occasions.

He is still the joint Ulster Record holder – along with Paul Dolan and Hugo Duggan – for 100m having run the distance in 11 seconds at the Ulster Championships in Newry in 1967.

Milford native Boyce was award the Ulster Athlete of the Year gong following his recent sixth-place finish at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha. A stunning performance in searing heat saw the Finn Valley AC man come sixth in the men’s 50k race walk.

In November each year the Ulster Athletic Council presents awards to four athletes from each of the nine counties based on their achievements in the Ulster Championships during the year.

This year the Donegal recipients were Riona Doherty from Ballybofey, and Eoin Boyle from Portnoo in the Under 16 category and Cassie Lagan from Finn Valley and Chris Kearns from Carrick in the over 16 category. 

Each of these were high achievers in the All Ireland championships as well as in the Ulster Championships.

DONEGAL jockey Oisin Orr heads to Australia this weekend for the latest voyage in his promising career.

Orr recently ties for the champion apprentice title with Andrew Slattery on 43 winners for the year.

Orr was two behind Slattery heading into the final day at Naas. A win aboard Tide of Time saw him inch closer but, with a race to go, he was still behind. However, in the final race, Orr won aboard Maria Christina to complete a 40/1-plus double and share the title.

Orr was previously the champion apprentice in 2017.

Now, the Rathmullan man has taken up the offer to ride for Chris Waller in Australia, where he will spend the next three months.

Orr has been quite prominent for Dermot Weld this year.

“He’s been a joy to have riding for me all year and is a very talented guy,” Weld said of Orr. 

“I know he struggles with his weight, nine stone is just about what he does, but he gets horses to relax and is a real professional.

“He has a lovely job for the winter and goes to Chris Waller in Australia on November 15. I had a long chat with Chris and he’s delighted to have him.

“He hopes to have plenty of rides for him for three months. I think that will be a big help to him.

“The standard of young riders we have in Ireland at the moment is superb.”

A 5-a-side soccer tournament will be held over Christmas to raise money for Letterkenny Educate Together National School.

The tournament will have a €500 prize fund and takes place at the Letterkenny Community Centre on Saturday, December 28 from 11.30am-3pm.

Any combination of eight adults are permitted.

Teams can register by calling into LETNS or contacting any staff member by December 6.

Email sports@letterkennyetns.ie for further information.

All proceeds will go towards LETNS PE fund.

Drivers who dangerously overtake cyclists on the roads face a fine and penalty points under new laws passed this week.

Drivers who do not overtake at a safe distance of at least 1-1.5 metres will now incur an increased fixed charge penalty of €120 and three penalty points.

The law took effect at midnight on Tuesday and is expected to be highlighted by the rollout of new signage warning motorists to allow adequate space when overtaking cyclists.

The signage includes providing for a one metre distance overtaking space (in locations with speed limits less than 50km/h) and 1.5 metre distance (where speed limit exceeds 50 km/h).

Chief Superintendent Paul Cleary said: “Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable road user groups and tragically this year there have been 9 cyclists killed on our roads, compared with 8 at this point last year.

“An Garda Síochána therefore welcomes these new measures which increases the penalty for drivers that put cyclists at risk and also the suite of educational measures to change driver behaviour. Drivers must give cyclists room to cycle safely, especially when overtaking.”

The people of Buncrana are getting competitive this Christmas!

Locals have launched a campaign to fundraise for lights to brighten up the town.

And their goal is to have the greatest town display in Ireland by next year.

A GoFundMe page was set up by Buncrana native Fiachra O’Flaherty and his group of organisers who want to keep it as sweet and as easy as possible for people to help them out.

The target has been set at €2,000 and they are almost a quarter of the way there thanks to kind donations.

“Our goal is to have one of the best Christmas lights displays in Ireland by 2020 and we are close to reaching that goal,” said Fiachra.

“Every penny counts.”

Click here to visit the fundraising page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/buncrana-christmas-lights

The Letterkenny-Milford council is being called on to deal with the high number of derelict properties in many areas of Ramelton.

Cllr Ian McGarvey said that the number of empty buildings has been a major issue for some time at The Mall, Bridge Street, Castle Street, Town Hall and the Quay.

He said the problem has affected Ramelton over the years and it can also be a liability to property owners.

Letterkenny-Milford Mayor John O’Donnell backed Cllr McGarvey’s motion and said: “We definitely need to take the lead on this as the local authority.”

He said he thinks it’s “a shame” to see derelict properties all over the town.

In response, the council said that there has been a limited application of the Derelict Sites legislation across the country due to the likely review of the legislation flagged in discussions under the Rebuilding Ireland initiative.

Meanwhile, Ramelton is due to be examined under work programme of the council’s Regeneration and Development team.

DANIEL O’Reilly has become the latest player to depart Finn Harps.

The 24-year-old defender has signed for newly-promoted Shelbourne, who were First Division winners in 2019.

O’Reilly had a superb year for Harps and was named as the Dublin Finn Harps Supporters Club’s Player of the Year.

The player lost his place in the team for the promotion-relegation play-off having had to serve a suspension towards the regulation Premier Division series.

Ian Morris, the Shelbourne manager, has coaxed O’Reilly – who commuted from Dublin to Donegal during this year – to making the move to Tolka Park.

“It appealed to me that they don’t want to just cement a Premier Division place, that they want to push on,” O’Reilly said.

“It’s very promising for me as a player to be apart of that and there’s a lot of good players involved in the squad.

“It’s a nice balance between youth and experience in the squad and there’s a lot of quality.”

Harry Ascroft, Harps’ play-off hero, has confirmed a return to Australia, while Nathan Boyle, Jacob Borg and Mark Russell are all said to say their respective farewells.

Veteran forward Raffaele Cretaro has confirmed his intention to retire from League of Ireland football.

Harps remain in talks with Ollie Horgan, who has yet to agree terms for next season.

BUNCRANA’S quest to make it a three-in-a-row for Donegal with success in the Ulster Junior Football Championship fell short when a substandard second half saw Blackhill Emeralds take the crown to Monaghan, writes Alan Foley

Buncrana  0-9  Blackhill Emeralds  1-11

The Buncrana side managed by Malachy McCann had hoped to follow in the footsteps of Red Hugh’s last year and Naomh Colmcille in 2017 to win provincial successes – Donegal hadn’t so much as a single one till that point.

This evening in the chill and lingering fog at Healy Park in Omagh, Buncrana were four points in front midway through the first half and three up at the break, only to miss out having scored just a point after half-time.

Tommy Geehan scored a goal with the last kick of the game to put Buncrana out of their misery. Blackhill thought their way back into things after a difficult start and were deserving of their triumph.

Ryan Bradley made a telling introduction in the penalty shoot-out semi-final win over Tyrone’s Rock St Patrick’s and the 2012 All-Ireland winning wing-forward was in from the off to provide presence in the full-forward line alongside Campbell, with Darach O’Connor more than willing to pick up the pieces.

After 10 minutes, Buncrana’s support would’ve been more than satisfied with the start they had, with a 0-4 to 0-1 lead manufactured. Bradley and Campbell joined Caolan McGonagle and Jack O’Loughlin on the scoreboard, after the opening score had come from Paul Finnegan.

With goalkeeper Harry Doherty suspended following his cameo in a late semi-final melee at Celtic Park, Sean Parker took up position between the sticks.

He was given something of a tester on 13 minutes with a dropping ball in and opted to punch. His purchase wasn’t bad, although it fell to Finnegan, whose shot went past Parker but not Matthew Mulholland was saved on the line.

Another score came from Buncrana, this time it was Aeden Campbell from his spot at No3, and it was 0-5 to 0-1. Blackhill, though, tweaked and put Shane Courtney in front of O’Connor and they began to claw their way back into things.

Aidan McCabe saw his team get back to 0-6 to 0-5 as the first half drew to a conclusion, with four points from play on the bounce from Tommy Geehan, Hugh Byrne, Andrew Burns and Finnegan.

Buncrana’s only score in the sequence between the 15^thand 28^thminute was a Campbell free. However, the Buncrana full-forward added another before and break and O’Connor’s stylish effort made for a three-point half-time lead for Buncrana at half-time – 0-8 to 0-5.

Buncrana’s Oisin Doherty and Blackhill’s James Daly during Sasturday’s Ulster final. Photo Evan Logan

Buncrana had defeated Letterkenny Gaels to win Donegal and then got the better of Collegeland 1-13 to 0-9 at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh in the Ulster quarter-final, prior to the 1-14 to 2-11 extra-time draw against Rock in the semi-final, which they won on penalties 4-3.

Tommy Geehan scored the first point of the second half and two frees from Dermot Daly brought the sides level by the 38^thminute and then Michael Geehan continued the impressive run to edge Blackhill in front, 0-9 to 0-8.

Buncrana’s change was becoming unhinged and they needed to get their challenge moving again. Campbell was out of luck when he hit the upright about a foot over the crossbar when shooting for goal. O’Loughlin had provided the chance although the Buncrana players did feel that Anthony Courtney had pulled Campbell as he tried to get his shot off.

The opportunity, though, did provide evidence of what might happen if Buncrana went long, a practice that had served them well early in the first half.

Blackhill were content to run and run they did, with purpose. And with a lead their defence were tigerish. Buncrana had scored just once from play between the 14^thand the 52^ndminute.

Michael Geehan of Blackhill doubled the lead before O’Connor broke the Buncrana duck, so with just eight minutes to play it was 0-10 to 0-9 for Blackhill.

Caolan McGonagle, with a mazy run from back to front, set up O’Connor who skipped inside only to see his shot low at goal turned around the post by a superb save from goalkeeper Michael Shevlin. Only five minutes were left to play.

By the time that had elapsed, the fourth official Sean Hurson signaled eight minutes in injury time. Seconds later, Buncrana’s deficit was doubled as substitute Burns had posted his second point.

Buncrana laid siege in the depths of injury time but couldn’t find a way through. O’Connor was sent off late on for a foul and a second yellow on Tommy Geehan.

Blackhill had defended well and when they won possession, didn’t lump it clear and maintined possession well. From one such break in the 10^thminute of injury time they scored the only goal of the game as Stephen Courtney laid it on for Tommy Geehan to slot past Parker.

Buncrana:Sean Parker; John Paul McKenna, Aedan Stokes (0-1), Conor Grant; William McLaughlin, Bruce Waldron, Odhran Doherty; Matthew Mulholland, Caolan McGonagle (0-1, 45); Oisin O’Flaherty, Darach O’Connor (0-2), Ryan Bradley (0-1); Jack O’Loughlin (0-1), John Campbell (0-3, 2f), Adrian Doherty. Subs: Noel McLaughlin for McKenna (47), Ben Bradley for Odhran Doherty (50), Ryan McElhinney for O O’Flaherty (55), Oisin Doherty for W McLaughlin (60+2)

Blackhill Emeralds:Michael Shevlin; Ryan Courtney, Donal Courtney, Thomas Courtney; Jason Daly, Shane Courtney, Anthony Courtney; Hugh Byrne (0-1), Dermot Daly (0-2, 2f); Hugh Byrne, Dermot Daly (0-1); Philip Donnolly (0-1), Gerard McArdle, Tommy Geehan (1-2, 1f); Paul Finnegan (0-2), Ciaran Courtney, Michael Geehan (0-2). Subs: Andrew Burns (0-2) for Donnolly (22, black card), Stephen Courtney for McArdle (50), McArdle for Finnegan (60).

Referee:Kieran Eannetta (Tyrone).

Two clubs. One town. One cause. Friday evening was a rather special occasion in a number of ways.

Firstly, Letterkenny Athletic Club and Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club came together to present a cheque for the sum of €5,088 for Conall Shiels which was raised by members of both clubs who ran the Dublin Marathon three weeks ago.

Conall’s father, Kieran, gave a lovely speech of appreciation of the efforts of both clubs to raise funds for five-year-old Conall who needs 24-hour care.

All pictures by kind permission of John Hughes

It really brought home the great sense of community, which contrary to what some might say, still exists in Letterkenny. It was great for both Letterkenny clubs to support a local charity.

Letterkenny AC’s senior women’s team who won team gold in the Dublin Marathon, with Letterkenny MD Mayor, Cllr John O’Donnell. Included are Marie Boyle, Monica McGranaghan, Ann Marie McGlynn and Teresa Jennings, who accepted the medal on behalf of her daughter, Caitriona.

Secondly, the night also gave an opportunity to acknowledge the achievement of Letterkenny AC’s senior women’s team, and also Paddy Ward. Letterkenny AC has a great history in the national marathon and Friday night was an acknowledgement of another chapter in that proud history.

Letterkenny AC’s women won the national marathon title in some style. Members of the team were: Ann-Marie McGlynn (who finished second overall) Caitriona Jennings, Monica McGranaghan and Marie Boyle.

The club was also delighted to present Paddy Ward with his over-65 medal. Paddy ran the second fastest marathon time ever by a runner from the Republic of Ireland at this year’s Dublin Marathon. As they say – some man for one man.

Letterkenny AC’s Paddy Ward, national marathon championship o-65 winner, with Cllr John O’Donnell, Letterkenny MD Mayor.

Paddy is a Burtonport man – but he is regarded by his club mates as an honorary Letterkenny/Mac’s Deli man.

Letterkenny AC Chairman, Aidan McKenna and Letterkenny 24/7 Chairman, Liam Tinney, spoke on behalf of their respective clubs, while Letterkenny AC coach, Teresa McDaid talked about the success of the medal winners.

Letterkenny AC coach, Teresa McDaid, addressing the presentation ceremony on Friday night.

Thanks are extended to all club members from both Letterkenny AC and Letterkenny 24/7 who came along on the night.

Thanks also to Pat and Amanda for the use of The Kitchen and for the great coffee, and to Letterkenny Municipal District Mayor, Cllr John O’Donnell, for making the medal presentations.

Members from Letterkenny AC and Letterkenny 24/7 at the presentation function in The Kitchen on Friday night.

Members from Letterkenny AC and Letterkenny 24/7 at the presentation function in The Kitchen on Friday night.

Letterkenny AC Chairman, Aidan McKenna, speaking on Friday night.

THEY put their supporters through the mill, but LYIT Donegal maintained their fine start to the new season with a nervy win over Portlaoise Panthers at An Danlann.

LYIT Donegal 79 Portlaoise Panthers 74

By Chris McNulty at An Danlann

With two minutes to go in the second quarter, LYIT Donegal led 43-23 and the game looked up.

However, by the close of the third, LYIT Donegal were ahead by the minimum, 55-54 and for a brief few moments of a pulsating fourth period, they even fell behind.

But the big players came good when LYIT Donegal needed them most. Manny Payton – a closed season recruit from Framingham State University – top scored with 23, taking his season’s total to 243 in the process.

13 of Payton’s tally came in the closing seven minutes as LYIT Donegal stay right in the hunt at the upper end of Basketball Ireland Men’s Division One.

The excellent Kareem Davis popped the Panthers in front with two superb three-pointers early in the fourth quarter.

LYIT Donegal shook their heads clear.

A Payton free-throw levelled the game up with 6:43 left on the clock.

German giant Dominique Uhl had another fine game for the home side. The towering Uhl, standing at 6’9”, was at the hub of much of the positive plays for LYIT Donegal while Letterkenny man Andrew McGeever put five between the teams with a neat three-pointer to settle the nerves.

James Phealan narrowed the margin again, but LYIT Donegal found the top gears to close out the win.

A couple excellent baskets from Payton lifted the home support, who watched through the gaps in their fingers during the third quarter as their advantage was eroded.

Successful free throws from McGeever and Uhl took LYIT Donegal to their latest win – it’s now seven wins from eight League games for the Niall McDermott-coached side.

That record represents their best-ever start to a campaign.

Last weekend, they overcame IT Carlow 86-76 away from home and this was their first home game in a month.

They began here with a real purpose and were double scores, 22-11, ahead by the end of the first quarter, with McGeever landing a couple of beauties and Payton’s late dart put them firmly in command.

A quick-fire start to the second period opened up a 19-point advantage with McGeever, Uhl and Charlie McKinney on the board.

Sean Condon spurned four free throws for the visitors as LYIT Donegal opened up a big lead – one that looked unassailable.

Yet, the Panthers hit back to outscore their hosts 23-12 in the third quarter, when they drew level on two separate occasions, inspired by Davis and the classy Phealan.

It was Davis who put the Panthers in front early in the fourth, bu Payton’s free throw was the catalyst for LYIT Donegal to return to some form – just in the nick of time.

McGeever – back with his hometown after a four-year stint at Killester – landed a delicious three-pointers as LYIT Donegal re-asserted their dominance. 

Payton was given a two-minute rest at the start of the fourth, but came into the fold to inspire a vital win ahead of next week’s trek to Division leaders, Ballincollig.

LYIT Donegal scorers: Manny Payton 23, Dominque Uhl 21, Andrew McGeever 18, David Curran 6,  Mario Garcia 4, Aaron Temple, Charlie McKinney 3,, Edjer Aukoc, Mark Cannon 2,

Portlaoise Panthers scorers: Kareem Davis 22, James Phealan 17, Sean Condon 13, Kyle Burke 10, Trevor Swayne, Gary Morrissey 6

FOUR of the biggest and very best live tribute shows in Ireland and the UK will come together to take the stage under one roof in just one weekend!

‘TRIB BASH’ comes to the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny on the 14th & 15th February 2020. Tickets are out now from the Clanree Hotel reception desk and online at Eventbrite.

Trib Bash will showcase four of the most elite tribute shows touring the country and beyond at the moment which will include:

• Queen (Qween),

• Johnny Cash & June Carter (Cash Returns),

• Abba (The Bjorn Identity)

• Garth Brooks (Trevor Smith – Friends in Low Places)

The weekend’s award winning lineup consists of four acts which are currently touring the nation and further afield and are blowing audiences away with their spectacular authentic shows. Each of the acts are without doubt the closest thing you will get to their original counterparts, each with live performances and vocals that will blow the most ardent of music fans away.

Never under one roof in one weekend has a live music event like this taken place – being the first of it’s kind Trib Bash promises to be one of the most exciting music spectacles in 2020 which will cater for music fans of all genres.

TRIB BASH 2020 LINE UP

FRIDAY 14th FEB

Garth Brooks: ‘Friends in Low Places’

Johnny Cash & June Carter: ‘Cash Returns’

SATURDAY 15th FEB

Queen: ‘Qween’

ABBA: ‘The Bjorn Identity’

Both Trib Bash Single-day tickets (€30) and Weekend tickets (€50) are available now from the Clanree hotel reception desk and online at eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/trib-bash-2020-letterkennytickets-74792011921

* All B&B weekend packages have now been sold out *