An ambitious young Donegal student got a taste of life as Taoiseach when he won the opportunity to shadow Leo Varadkar for a day.

Charles John Gallagher from Dunfanaghy, who plans to be Taoiseach himself one day, was in Dublin on Friday for a packed programme of political engagements with Mr Varadkar.

Meeting Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, were just some of the highlights of Charles’ Taoiseach takeover.

The 18-year-old PCC Falcarragh student stepped into Varadkar’s shoes after winning a #KidsTakeOver competition run by UNICEF ahead of World Children’s Day on 20th November.

A normal Friday would see the Leaving Cert student in school, but Charles got to spend the day attending the British Irish Council at Farmleigh House in Dublin and meeting high-level politicians before travelling to Government Buildings to see the inner workings of the Taoiseach’s office.

Charles shares his views with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar

An Taoiseach and Charles Michel with Charlie Gallagher

Charles also had a private meeting with An Taoiseach to address issues around young people’s well-being in school. Charlies told Mr Varadkar how he believes that making changes in education would make a big difference in many areas, like global education, mental health and political and societal knowledge.

Charles also appeared in Varadkar’s weekly social media video, in which the Fine Gael leader said: “Keep an eye on this guy, there is a future Minister or Taoiseach here”.

I’ve been shadowed today by Charlie Gallagher from Donegal, as part of the @unicefireland #KidsTakeover. We had a really good chat earlier. Charlie is interested in issues like Brexit, education & mental health. But most of all he’s interested in taking my job!#FutureTaoiseach pic.twitter.com/nixk0YLUto

— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) November 15, 2019

Looking back on the day, Charles said the experience was “surreal” as he has a strong passion for politics. He cites Brexit as the main reason why he got into politics and greatly valued the opportunity he got to speak with Nicola Sturgeon on the matter, along with her own aspirations for Scotland.

Charles John Gallagher and Nicola Sturgeon

Charles also met Minister for Health Simon Harris, who is one of the politicans he looks up to. Charles made sure he got his message across during this meeting also, saying: “I talked to him about mental health and the urban/rural divide that can contribute to a negative mental health impact. He totally agreed with me and understood where I was coming from.”

Minister Simon Harris and Charles John Gallagher

On his private discussions with An Taoiseach, Charles said: “I talked to the Taoiseach about Mental Health, Global Education and the importance CSPE is to young people so they understand the problems that are going on in our country and world, as if not made aware can also have a negative impact on their mental health.

“The Taoiseach completely understood where I was coming from on these issues as a young person and as a member of a very rural part of Ireland, I made all these points and more to him in our general conversation.”

Charles admires a Michael Collins portrait in the Taoiseach’s office

The aspiring politican said he gained some valuable inspiration from his day as a young Taoiseach: “My overall experience is that it was an amazing experience and I would recommend anyone that has an interested in Children/Human Rights or politics to go for it in 2020 and it just goes to show no matter what part of Ireland that you’re from even if that’s the most rural parts of the coasts like me it’s still possible,” Charles said.

In shadowing the Taoiseach last Friday, Charles became part of an important youth-led project, according to UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power.

Mr Power said: “UNICEF believes in the child’s right to be heard, and to participate. We are delighted to facilitate a young person to engage with the leader of the country for the third year in a row. In doing so, Charles becomes part of a proud tradition of UNICEF youth activism.”

St Naul’s manager Barry Meehan had to admit this afternoon that his side were beaten by the better team in their Ulster IFC semi-final.

The team from Mountcharles lost out in Derry at Celtic Park against Galbally Pearses from Tyrone, who ran out comprehensive winners on a 1-22 to 0-11 scoreline.

Meehan spoke to Charlie Collins afterwards

Brendan McDyer almost got Naomh Conaill off to.a dream start in their Ulster Club SFC semi-final against Clontibret.

McDyer shot for goal in the first minute, only to be denied by the base of the post. However, Naomh Conaill were not to be denied in the end, as they ran out winners on a 0-12 to 0-9 scoreline and will now take on Kilcoo from Down in the final in two weeks’ time.

McDyer spoke to Charlie Collins afterwards

The Simon McBride Memorial Tractor Run has raised a fantastic €24,099 in aid of the Donegal Hospice and Cardiac Unit Letterkenny University Hospital, it was revealed this weekend.

The charity event took place in Raphoe in September, with large crowds turning out to support the cause in memory of a much-loved local man.

Simon, who has been described as a big character and someone who lived their life to the fullest, passed away suddenly late last year aged 47. His family and friends came together this year to do something special in his memory.

The Tractor Run was hailed as a great success and a presentation dance and raffle took place in Biddy Friel’s on Saturday night before the final total was revealed.

There were great celebrations when it emerged that both the Donegal Hospice and Cardiac Unit Letterkenny University Hospital would benefit from cheques of over €12,000 each.

Well done to all involved and all who supported the fundraisers.

Isobel Rodgers, Donegal Hospice and Tracy Johnston Wilson, Representing The Cardiac Unit Letterkenny University Hospital receiving over €12,049.00 each from the McBride Family and friends raised at the Simon McBride Memorial Tractor run and Charity Auction and Dance in Biddy Friel’s Drumoghill on Saturday night last. Photo Clive Wasson

Letterkenny AC runners were to the fore in Sunday’s Finn Valley AC Remembrance 10K. 

Danny Mooney was 2nd in 33.17. Philip McHugh was the next runner across the line, in a time of 35.06. Ciaran Crawford ran well and finished in 38.00. Kevin Ferry has made a good recovery from the recent Dublin Marathon and clocked 38.13. Conor Gallagher’s time was 39.18. Liam Ferry has also shown excellent form since the Dublin Marathon and had a time of 40.17. Michael Harkin finished in 41.14. Husband and wife duo, Gary and Marie Kearns, crossed the line in   44.12 and 44.16 respectively. Paul Harris finished  in 45.08. Ciaran Liddy and Naoise Enright  clocked 48.40 and 48.48 respectively. Teresa Wiseman’s time was 51.12. 

The very well supported event, which had more than 600 finishers, was won by Foyle Valley AC’s Chris McGuinness in 32.26. 

Liam Ferry’s fine Letterkenny parkrun form continued on Saturday morning. He finished his 35th parkrun in 19.52 and was 3rd. Liam was also the leading  M40 runner. Garvan Mulligan was 4th, and 2nd M40, in 20.22. 

Paul Lee marked his 60th Parkrun by finishing first in the M50 category in 22.37. Noel Lynch showed that he has made a complete recovery from the exertions of the Dublin Marathon. His time of 22.38 was the fastest of all the 31 Parkruns he has done to date. He was the 2nd M50 finisher. Cathal Roarty was the leading M55 runner in 23.43. 

Dara Dunne was the first W50 runner in a time of 24.24. Anthony Farren reached a quarter century of parkruns by finishing in 24.39. James McBride was the first M65 finisher in 26.09. Peter McLean, closing in on the 100 mark for parkrun participation, clocked 28.53. Conor Murray was first across the line, in 19.24. 

A very well attended function, organised, jointly, by Letterkenny Athletic Club and Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club, was held in  ‘The Kitchen’ (Letterkenny Retail Park) on Friday evening. 

The two clubs had raised in excess of €5000 in sponsorship thanks to the efforts of the Dublin Marathon runners and their generous sponsors. A cheque to the value of €5088 was presented to Conall Shiels and his family. Conall’s father, Ciaran, expressed his appreciation of the efforts of the 2 clubs. 

There were 2 strands to the evening. The presentation of medals was made to runners who had been successful in the recent Dublin Marathon. This Marathon doubles up as the Irish Marathon Championship. Paddy Ward was presented with his gold medal for winning the M65 championship. Paddy’s  athletic ability belies his 66 years; many runners half his age would be delighted to run the 3.05.38 that he ran in Dublin. 

The women’s team were presented with the National Marathon medals they had won by  being the first team. The team  that achieved this excellent result comprised Ann-Marie McGlynn (2.32.54), Caitriona Jennings (2.37.57),  Monica McGranaghan (3.10.04) and Marie Boyle (3.17.41).

 Ann-Marie and Caitriona were also presented with their individual medals. Ann-Marie was 2nd in the Irish Championship and Caitriona won the F35 category. 

There were excellent speeches on the night from Liam Tinney, representing Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club, Mayor Councillor John O’Donnell  who did the presentations, organiser of the night Ciaran O’Donnell, LAC club coach Teresa McDaid and LAC Chairperson, Aidan McKenna. 

Letterkenny Athletic Club’s annual and very popular Turkey Trot will take place on Sunday December 1st, starting at 11.30am. The unique aspect of the race is that the winners of the 5K are not necessarily the fastest runners. 

Turkeys will be won by the 10 runners who can match their finishing time with their pre race prediction. 

Full details will be provided in next week’s notes. 

The owners of a hostel on Arranmore Island have offered a hand of friendship and comfort to those traveling for the funeral of tragic Lee Early.

The popular 26-year-old ferry skipper died after his car slipped off the pier in the early hours of yesterday morning.

A passenger in the car, a man in his 30s, managed to escape from the car and was unhurt.

The death of the popular single man, who was also a volunteer with the local RNLI lifeboat crew, has rocked the tight-knit island community.

A post mortem is due to be carried out on Lee’s body today at Letterkenny University Hospital to determine an official cause of death.

His funeral details have yet to be announced.

However, the local Arranmore Hostel has opened up its doors to anybody touched by Lee’s death and who may be traveling to the island for his wake and funeral.

A spokesman for the hostel confirmed “For anyone who may be travelling to Arranmore for the wake and funeral of Lee Early and needs somewhere to stay, there are plenty of beds in the hostel free of charge.”

Tributes continue to flow in for Lee who is survived by his dad Jimmy, mum Noreen, brother Adam and sisters Rachel and Laura.

Lee was working with the Arranmore Red Ferry who paid this tribute to him.

It stated “Today we woke to the terrible news that our Skipper Leigh Early had lost his life in a tragic accident.

“The day has been filled with immense sadness along with so many condolences all of which referred to Leigh as a gentleman and a highly competent skipper who excelled at his work despite his young age.

“We as a crew are devastated to have lost such a special friend and colleague. Leigh was a pleasure to work with and he has left a void in our work family that will never be filled.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to his parents Jimmy & Noreen, his brother Adam and sisters Rachael and Laura. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Members of the Arranmore Blue Ferry recalled how Lee broke so much ground at such a young age as a ferry skipper.

“It’s a very sad day for our island today as our former crew member, skipper and friend, Lee Early tragically lost his life this morning.

“While working with us the very talented Lee, became the youngest commercial passenger ship skipper in the country, at the young age of 20.

“Our deepest condolences to his sister Rachel, our Office Manager, parents Jimmy & Noreen, brother Adam, sister Laura and all the extended family & friends. Lee will be sorely missed by us all at the Blue Ferry.”

FINN Harps have been rocked with the news that two prominent coaches are to leave their roles in the club.

Joe Boyle and Declan Boyle are to step down from their posts as managers of the Harps Under-19 and Under-17 teams.

The news comes as a blow given the recent success of Harps’ underage development.

Both men are former Harps players who had been in those positions since 2015.

Joe Boyle has previously served time with Republic of Ireland underage teams and had been interviewed for the Harps senior job in 2013, when Ollie Horgan was appointed. 

School principal of Deele College in Raphoe, Joe Boyle had also looked after Finn Harps Reserves in the Ulster Senior League. However, he has been absent from the dugout for their last two USL outings.

Eloka Asokhu and Dessie McGlinchey had the reins for yesterday’s 2-2 draw at Letterkenny Rovers.

Declan Boyle had a successful spell as Harps’ Under-17 boss and his tenure included the 2018 season when his team won the SSE Airtricity Under-17 League and Mark Farren Cup double.

Motorists are being advised to take extreme care this Monday morning after a sharp frost has left some roads in an icy condition.

Temperatures dropped to as low as -4C in parts of Donegal last night and freezing fog is lingering in areas this morning. A Status Yellow Low Temperature warning is place until 10am.

Motorists around Buncrana, in particular, are being told to take care due to ice.

The AA is advising drivers to leave extra time for their journeys and to slow down: “Leave plenty of extra time to de-ice your vehicle before you set out. When driving on icy roads, remember it takes longer to stop so slow down and keep further back from the vehicle in front. ”

Donegal County Council gritters were dispatched to all main routes from 6am.

The following routes are being gritted, but drivers are warned to assume that no road is ice-free:

ALL routes will be gritted from 6AM on Mon. 18/11. Donegal gritting route index as follows:

• 06: Inishowen West
• 04: Inishowen South
• 01: National Primary North
• 02: National Primary Central
• 03: National Primary South
• 07: Milford South
• 08: Milford North
• 09: Cill Ulta East
• 10: Cill Ulta West
• 11: Na Rosa
• 12: Binswilly
• 13: Stranorlar North
• 14: Stranorlar East
• 15: Stranorlar West
• 16: Donegal West
• 17: Donegal North
• 18: Donegal South
• 19: Donegal National Secondary
• 05: Inishowen East
• BT: Buncrana Town
• LT: Letterkenny Town

COCKHILL Celtic player-manager hailed his charges as they showed their worth with a slender win over in-form Bonagee yesterday.

The defending Ulster Senior League champions handed a first defeat of the campaign to Bonagee, as Stephen Duffy netted the only goal of the game 11 minutes from the end.

The victory means Cockhill are three-from-three so far this season.

“It’s a big victory,” Cullen told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“For a lot of our young players, it was a different game. A lot of them matured today out there. They have been getting better. There is no doubting their quality. 

“We’re still down a lot of bodies, but I was really, really pleased with our performance. I thought we controlled a lot of the game and we were very good on the ball. 

“I was very pleased in possession and we could have been more ruthless in the final third. We could have put that game to bed earlier.” 

Listen to the full interview below …

THERE HAS been plenty of action at Dunfanaghy Golf Club in recent times – here are the latest results from the club’s competitions:

Gents Mini Hamper – Stroke (Golfer of the Year)
Sunday 10th November 2019
1st   John Chambers (9) 63
2nd William McCallion (7) 65
Gross: Daniel McColgan (4) 77
3rd Tony McGilloway (10) 67
Front Nine: Paul Smyth (12) 30
Back Nine:  Brendan Kelly (7) 33
CSS: 68

Gents Open Single Stableford – Saturday 9th November 2019
1st   Mark Donnelly (18) Moyola 40 pts  BOT
2nd Willie Wilkin (17) 40 pts
Gross: Adam Moore (6) Moyola 32 pts
3rd  Eamon McCay (19) Strabane 38 pts
CSS: 37 pts

Gents Open Stableford – Wednesday 6th November 2019
1st   Don Sheridan (13) 42 pts
2nd Anthony Gallagher (11) 41 pts BOT
Gross: Robert McElhinney (5) 30 pts
3rd Colin Higgs (11) 41 pts BOT
CSS: 37 pts

The 10th annual Cara Bundoran Run is set to be staged next year with up to 2,500 athletes to compete in the 5k, 10k and a 10-mile run.

The event, which will take place on the 13th and 14th of March 2020, is a firm staple in the athletics calendar for both amateur and professional runners. Many use it as a benchmark for future events during the year.

Joint managing director of title sponsors Cara Pharmacy, Canice Nicholas said “It’s a great testament to the support of everyone who takes part that the event is still running 10 years later. Little did we think in 2010 that it would turn into the success that it has become.

“We are also delighted to have supported so many charities over the years with well over €100,000 contributed locally and nationally.”

Applications will open shortly for the 2020 charity partners and any registered charity wishing to apply should contact Sarah at Cara Pharmacy Head Office on 071 9822002.

Registration for run participants is now open online at www.carabundoranrun.com.

There are discounted rates for those who register before December 31^st and places are filling up fast.

The event, which has been growing and growing for the last number of years, will once again be capped so early registration is advised to avoid disappointment.

Race Director Eamon Harvey of Tir Conaill Athletic Club added: “Now’s the time to start the training and building up the mileage so you’re comfortable running the 10 miles (or 10k) when the time comes.

“Take it gradually and work up the distance and if you can join a group of runners then it becomes a little bit easier as the support and encouragement will be there too.”

The two-day event forms part of the Discover Bundoran Calendar of Events for 2020 and falls just ahead of St Patrick’s Day (Tuesday 17^th of March) so provides an ideal opportunity for participants to take a few days away.

Full details on registration, route and tips can be found on www.carabundoranrun.com

The Letterkenny IFA held their 51st annual dinner dance in the Clanree Hotel Letterkenny on Friday night last.

Clive Wasson was there to capture the special occasion as members and guests of the Committee turned out for a brilliant night’s fun.

See some of the best moments below:

Victoria Smyth, Lesley Smyth and Evelyn McGinley at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

At the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last are the Letterkenny IFA Committee Members seated Adrian Gallagher and Marion Boyce. Back from left Joe Moore, David McCauley, Lexi Robb, Frank McCelan, Paddy Gildea and Alan Baxter. Photo Clive Wasson

Charlie Doherty, Christine Doherty, Marion Boyce, John Kelly and Seamus Quinn at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Marie Monagle and William Monagle at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Guests at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Brendan McLaughlin and Breid McLaughlin at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

William Graham and Marion Boyce at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

At the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. seated from left Michael Boyce, Alice McMenamin, Joyce McNutt and Caroline Neely. Back from left John McCauley, Michael Boyce and Robbie Burns. Photo Clive Wasson

Thomas and Kathleen Murphy at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Margaret Stewart, John Stewart, Mary Callaghan and Terence Callaghan at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Carol Bonner, Thomas Bonner, Jimmy Gibson and Marion Bonner at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Adrian Gallagher, Letterkenny IFA Chairman and Nigel Renaghan, IFA Ulster/North Leinster Regional Chairman presenting Marion Boyce with the Ernest Speer Memorial Cup at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Nigel Renaghan, IFA Ulster/North Leinster Regional Chairman at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Letterkenny IFA Chairman Adrian Gallagher speaking at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Adrian Gallagher, Letterkenny IFA Chairman and Carmel Gallagher at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Nigel Renaghan, IFA Ulster/North Leinster Regional Chairman and Adrian Gallagher, Letterkenny, IFA Chairman at the annual Letterkenny IFA Dinner Dance in the Clanree Hotel on Friday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Farmers will not have the wool pulled over their eyes by the latest Fine Gael stoke on Mercosur, warns Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue.

The Donegal TD has claimed that Fine Gael is “playing politics” after it was confirmed that the government-commissioned economic impact assessment on the Mercosur trade deal will be completed by Summer 2020.

Deputy McConalogue said the timing is an attempt to avoid any negative coverage by a potentially damaging report before a general election. He is calling for the publication date to be brought forward before Irish voters go to the polls.

He said: “The government have let down beef farmers horrendously in the run up to the Mercosur political agreement and failed to put up any fight with like-minded countries in acquiescing to the EU’s increased offer of 99,000 tonnes of beef access for South American countries.

“This deal will likely reduce beef prices further, farm incomes and damage the environment. It undermines EU climate change policy with large volumes of South American beef entering the EU market from less carbon efficient production models

“Government must oppose any ratification of the Mercosur deal due to the fact the full impact of Brexit is still unknown, given half our beef exports transit to the UK with no instant alternative markets available.

“The Fine Gael led government must stop playing politics with the impact assessment. For full farmer transparency, they must bring forward the publication date before the Summer so there is full disclosure before the next election,” concluded Deputy McConalogue.

THE preliminary round of match play in the Owen McDaid (Roe) Winter League took place last weekend and there was some great golf played. 

Paul Eccles and Kevin McDermott beat Gary Doherty and Michael Sweeney, Carlo Mc Laughlin and Kevin Monaghan beat the father and son combination of Karl and Michael King while Ciaran Bradley and Caolan McHugh beat David Henry and Eoghan McColgan. 

The draw for the  first round proper of the match play is posted on the clubhouse notice board with all matches in the qualifiers and non-qualifiers sections to o be played on or before Sunday November 24 with no exceptions. 

Competition

There was an 18 hole Open Stableford sweep last weekend and the best score over the two days was returned by 8 handicapper Niall McLaughlin. 

Niall played some great golf to shoot a 70 gross score which gave him his winning total of 40 points. Niall will be hoping to carry this form into the match play stages of the Winter League over the coming weeks.

‘Twenties’ Competitions

The winner of the 9 hole ‘Twenties’ last week was Martin Doherty (13) with a great score of 24 points. 

The 9 hole Stableford ‘Twenties’ competitions will continue over the next few months and will give members the opportunity to play competition golf throughout this period. The cost will be €3.00 to entry and will run until 20 competitors play with the prize being won at this stage and a new competition will start straight away.

Find the Joker Fundraising

The ‘Find the Joker’ is up and running again with a Jackpot of €1,000.00, lines only cost €2 each and this draw is open to members and non-members alike. Lines can be purchased in the clubhouse or through chief seller Oliver Doherty. 

Membership

There is a great membership deal at present anyone who joins now can play the remainder of this year and all of 2020 for the normal rate of membership. That’s 15 months for Male €350.00, Lady €232.00, Beginner Male €260.00 and Lady Beginner €190.00 all fees inclusive of G.U.I. / Insurance.

Christmas Hamper 

Qualifying for the Annual Christmas Hamper has commenced and the format is as follows; 7 handicaps up 21 points to qualify and 6 handicaps down 20 points to qualify. Cards can be taken in conjunction with other competitions and the Christmas Hamper will be played weekend of December 7 and 8.

A rare chance to see one of Ireland’s greatest ever treasure finds awaits visitors at Donegal’s County Museum this week.

The Tullydonnell Lower Gold Hoard will go on display at the Letterkenny museum between Tuesday 19 November and Saturday 30 November.

This exceptional gold hoard, dating from the Late Bronze Age (1200 to 800BC), was discovered by chance in June 2018

It was found when local farmers took the opportunity of a dry summer to improve drainage at the base of a field at Tullydonnell Lower in East Donegal.

They uncovered a small pit covered by a boulder which contained four solid gold overlapping rings. Together these objects weigh over 4kg (8.8lbs)

They are the heaviest intact prehistoric gold hoard ever found in Ireland.

Gold artefacts, Tullydonnell Lower, Co. Donegal. Image: National Museum of Ireland

The Gold Rings will go on display in Donegal County Museum for two weeks, from Tuesday 19 November at 10am.

A spokesperson for the museum said “We encourage you to take the opportunity to view these National Treasures.

“The display of the Gold Rings has been part-funded by the Creative Ireland programme and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Admission is free and all are welcome but group bookings are required
Opening hours are from 10am-4.30 pm Monday- Friday but the museum is facilitating special openings on Saturday 23rd 11am – 4.30pm and on Sunday 24th 1-4.30pm.

For further information contact Donegal County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal or at museum@donegalcoco.ie; 074 9124613

A consultant at Letterkenny University Hospital has warned the public of the importance of using antibiotics correctly.

Dr Michael Mulhern, Consultant Microbiologist, said the Donegal public needs to be aware that powerful antibiotics will not help a cold or flu.

He was speaking on European Antibiotic Awareness Day (EAAD) which is today.

Letterkenny University Hospitals is highlighting awareness and knowledge around the correct use of antibiotics.

Winter is the prime season for respiratory infections, colds and flu and so it is important to be able to identify illnesses where antibiotics are NOT the answer.

Dr Mulhern said that taking antibiotics you don’t need can make you sick.

Like all medicines they can have side effects. This means that it is safer not to use them except when we need them.

They can cause skin rash, diarrhoea, thrush or other side effects. If you don’t need an antibiotic you take the risk of side effects for nothing. Antibiotics can also interfere with other medicines such as cholesterol-lowering tablets, blood thinning tablets so always check with your doctor or pharmacist. Antibiotics are priceless for serious bacterial infections but antibiotics do not work for colds or flu so doctors prefer not to give you an antibiotic when it can’t help you.

Dr Michael Mulhern added “Antibiotics are not effective for the treatment of viruses – they only kill bacteria. Most patients coming to see their GP with symptoms of infection such as temperature, coughs, sore throat, ear ache, stuffy noses, sinus symptoms, flu, aches and pains, rashes, vomiting and diarrhoea have viral, not bacterial, infections.

“Antibiotics will do nothing to help the symptoms of viral infections. They will not make you feel better. They will not reduce a fever; they will not relieve a cough; they will not relieve pain. 1 in 10 patients will have a side effect such as nausea, stomach upset and in some cases serious illness from taking an antibiotic.

Your own immune system can fight viruses if you give it chance. Rest, take plenty of fluids and use paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat fever and pain symptoms.

“However it is still important to get checked by your GP if you are worried especially for very young children, elderly patients and those with chronic medical conditions or whose immune system is suppressed to decide it they have a viral or bacterial infection. But remember being advised you do not need an antibiotic on this occasion is a positive outcome of a visit to the doctor.”

· Antibiotics don’t work for colds or flu. If you have a cold or flu, visit www.undertheweather.ie for advice on how to help yourself get better and ask your doctor for advice if you are concerned

· Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed – at the right time for the right duration

· Never share antibiotics or take them without prescription

· If for any reason you have antibiotics that you did not take ask your pharmacy if they can dispose of them safely for you.

Remember to help prevent infections by making sure you and your loved ones get all the recommended immunisations available. Stop infections spreading by coughing or sneezing in to your elbow or a tissue, washing your hands regularly and staying at home from crèche, school or work until you feel better.

Letterkenny University Hospital is Ireland’s second most overcrowded hospital today after 51 patients were recorded waiting on a bed this morning.

The INMO trolley watch figures showed that 17 sick patients were awaiting admission on trolleys and a further 34 were waiting in overflow wards.

The hospital’s Emergency Department has seen significant overcrowding in recent weeks, with the Full Capacity Protocol implemented on numerous occasions.

The University Hospital of Limerick was Ireland’s most overcrowded today, where 60 people were recorded waiting on beds.

The AFL and the GAA have today confirmed that two, two-test International Rules Series will be played in both Ireland and Australia.

The first series will be played in Ireland in November 2020 with a return two-test series to be played in Australia in 2022.

The provisional dates for next year’s games are Sunday November 15 and Saturday November 21 and venues and match arrangements will be confirmed in due course.

The IRS matches will be the first played since Australia reclaimed the Cormac McAnallen Trophy after matches in Adelaide and Perth in 2017.

The AFL also confirmed the Australian team will again conduct a training camp in New York prior to the matches in Ireland.

GAA Director General Tom Ryan said: “We are pleased to announce the return of the International Rules Series in 2020 and look forward to re-connecting with our friends and colleagues in the AFL, both on and off the field.

“The series offers our players the chance to wear the green jersey and represent Ireland and it also provides them with an opportunity to pit themselves against the best from another code while showcasing the best skills of Gaelic football.”

AFL General Manager Football Operations Steve Hocking said players named in the 2020 Virgin Australia All-Australian team will be the first qualify.

“We want to take the best of the best to the two-Test series in Ireland next year and our All-Australian players will be the first players selected,” he said.

“The IRS tests allows players from both codes the only opportunity to represent their countries and have traditionally been great contests that have showcased their athleticism.

“We saw in 2017 two high standard matches that drew great attendances. I look forward to the rivalry continuing when the test series returns next year.”

DONEGAL MANAGER Declan Bonner insists that he and his players will aim high again in 2020.

Bonner has guided Donegal to back-to-back Ulster titles, but admits that not progressing to an All-Ireland semi-final has been a source of disappointment.

With the new season just around the corner – Donegal will be in McKenna Cup action at the end of December – Bonner says they’re targeting big things again.

“We have the nucleus of a very good squad and we’re always looking for players to come in and make a difference,” Bonner told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub at the launch of the new Donegal jersey today.

“We always aim high. We have been disappointed not to progress out of the Super 8s. We had two big opportunities, but the reality is that we didn’t make it into the last four.”

Donegal’s jerseys are again made by O’Neill’s Sportswear with KN Group and Abbey Hotel remain on board as sponsors.

Bonner said: “We get good support from within Donegal and we need that. It’s a big business now to compete at the top level. 

“We need to be dining at the top table. It takes money and it gets more difficult every year, but we have good sponsors in Donegal. We continue to seek and look for new sponsors.”

Listen to the full interview below …