A 14-year-old boy has been banned from entering the Aura Leisure centre in Letterkenny until he appears in court.
The boy, who cannot be named, faces a number of alleged burglary charges.
He appeared at Letterkenny District Court today accompanied by his mother.
The court was told the Director of Public Prosecutions is considering the various charges against the boy.
As well as warning the boy to stay away from the Aura, Judge Paul Kelly also informed him not to go near O’Donnell Park, which is adjacent to the leisure centre.
Garda Sgt Jim Collins told the court that he hoped the DPP will have a decision in the matter before January 20th next.
A Donegal man has been sent forward for trial over an alleged assault on a woman in Galway city last year.
David Molloy (40), of Churchtown, Kilcar, appeared before Galway District Court charged with assault causing harm under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.
The offence is alleged to have taken place at number 60 Lismore on the Cappagh Road in Knocknacarra on October 1 of last year.
The Director of Public Prosecutions consented to the matter being sent forward for trail on indictment before Galway Circuit Court.
Galway Daily report that onsent was also given for the case to be sent forward on assigned guilty plea, though the District Court heard that this issues was not arising at the moment.
Garda Noel Lydon presented the Book of Evidence in this case to the District Court, and Judge Mary Fahy cautioned Molloy that if he intends to offer an alibi he is obliged to inform the state within 14 days.
The court consented to Molloy being sent forward for trial at the next sitting of Galway Circuit Court sitting for criminal business starting on November 26.
There were double celebrations for a lucky family in Donegal who won €40,000 on Winning Streak, just four weeks after they welcomed a new baby boy.
Louise Mills, who is from Malin and lives in Culdaff, scooped a cool €40,000 on the RTE gameshow last Saturday night.
The cash windfall couldn’t have come at a better time for the family, as their newest arrival meant they needed a bigger car!
Louise and her husband Raymond have four boys and it was celebrations all round when her name was chosen for last weekend’s Winning Streak.
Louise was feeding her four week old last week while watching Winning Streak on TV when she had to pause the show. Her phone then rang and it was her mum, Eileen, who was frantic and screaming down the phone.
Louise thought something was wrong and waited for Eileen to compose herself and then she told her daughter she was going to be on Winning Streak. Louise quickly hung up the phone and fast forwarded the show to the point where Marty Whelan and Sinead Kennedy were drawing the players for next week and heard her name be called out!
Louise had a big support team of family in the RTE studio last Saturday to cheer her on as she played the gameshow and successfully bagged a €40,000 prize.
The winning ticket was bought from An Post, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Sinead Kennedy Winning Streak co-host; Ronan Leech, The National Lottery; Louise Mills, the winning player and Marty Whelan, Winning Streak Game Show co-host. Pic. Justin Mac Innes/ Mac Innes Photography
Donegal County Council gritters were dispatched early this Monday afternoon as another cold night lies ahead for the north west.
All main roads were gritted from 3pm this afternoon.
Temperatures will not dip to the same freezing levels as Sunday night, but it will remain chilly with lows of 1 to 3degrees Celsius tonight.
Met Eireann forecasters say: “Tonight will be mainly dry with clear spells, becoming cloudy in the west later with outbreaks of rain in Donegal by dawn. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 3 degrees with a light to moderate southeast wind.”
“Tomorrow outbreaks of rain in the west will slowly spread eastwards. Drier, brighter conditions following in to the west for the afternoon. Highest temperatures of between 7 and 9 degrees with moderate southeast winds veering southerly for a time.”
Over 200 people were treated to a magical night of Christmas music on Friday when Letterkenny teacher Anne Nicholls and guests launched a charity CD.
Music, stories and special moments were shared at the launch of Christmas Greetings from Letterkenny at Arena7 in Letterkenny.
The CD features local musicians and pupils of Scoil Mhuire gan Smál, who worked together to create a unique Christmas gift in aid of St Colmcille’s Homeless Hostel.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Sinéad Gibson, Anne Nicholls and Aisling Cheevers perform “Leitir Ceanainn” at the Christmas Greetings from Letterkenny CD launch on Friday at Arena7
Bishop Alan Mc Guckian S.J. officially launched the CD and spoke of how delighted he was to see such a large turn out for the event. He commented on how great it was to see people come together and use their talents to help others. He said he has enjoyed listening to the CD in his car and has learned a lot about the history of Letterkenny from the song Leitir Ceanainn. He urged people to buy the CD, (or to buy two!) for the benefit of the Homeless Hostel.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Bishop Alan Mc Guckian S.J. launches the CD “Christmas Greetings from Letterkenny” in aid of St Colmcille’s Homeless Hostel
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Ciarán & Mary Maquire who run St Colmcille’s Homeless Hostel at the launch of the CD in Arena 7.
Mary Maguire, on behalf of the Colmcille’s Homeless Hostel, spoke of the growing number of people who need the services of the hostel. She told of how this week they were able to set someone up in their own home and help them buy everyday items that we all take for granted like a duvet. The charity are delighted to be receiving the funds raised by this CD.
The musical performances of the night began with Anne Nicholls’ rendition of her own composition “Leitir Ceanainn” accompanied by Sinéad Gibson on low whistle and Aisling Cheevers on violin. In the background the video which illustrates the history of the town compiled by Kieran Kelly played.
Then Mrs Millar’s fifth classes from Scoil Mhuire took to the stage to perform “Said the Night Wind”. Soloist Kyra Mc Bride sang the first verse and timed the echo to perfection as Aoife Mc Geehan, Cora Gordan, Cassie Campbell and Ida Kingue sang verse two. The rest of the class joined in and gave a fantastic performance. The girls were accompanied by Miss Anna Farren on keyboard, Ms Sinéad Gibson on low whistle and Mrs Aisling Cheevers on violin.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Miss Farren’s fifth class perform “Said the Night Wind” accompanied by Aisling Cheevers on Violin and Sinéad Breathnach on low whistle
Miss Anna Farren’s fifth class then performed the Christmas classic “Oiche Chiúin” in four different languages. Anne began with verse 1 in Gaelic and then harmonised beautifully with Thea Leadley as she sang verse two in French. Katie Bork, Antonina Cukras, Antonina Blasyzk, Julia Zebrowska and Natalia Wojcik sang verse three in Polish and the whole class joined for the last verse in English. The cuteness factor went into overload as Rionn Sibbald from Senior Infants sang the last line. The students were conducted by Ms Toni Harvey and accompanied by Miss Anna Farren.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Anne Nicholls and the students from fifth class Scoil Mhuire gan Smál perform “Oíche Chiúin” at the launch.
Next up was a little girl with a big future in the world of Music & Drama. Sadbh Breathnach performed “Child in a Manger Born”. Her brother Cormac then lit up the room with his performance of ‘Don Oíche Úd I mBeithil’ on the Uilleann Pipes as he and his mum Sinéad accompanied Anne on this beautiful traditional carol. Anne was then joined on stage by her son Pádraig Dunne as they performed Pie Jesu. A few tears were shed in the audience as mother and son dueted on this beautiful song from the musical Requiem.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Sadbh Breathnach performs “Child in a Manger Born”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Anne Nicholls and her son Padraig Dunne perform Pie Jesu at the launch
Anne was then accompanied on stage by Anna Farren on keyboard and Paul Gillespie on cello as she performed “In The Bleak Midwinter” and “The Christmas Song”. Emotions ran high in the room as Anne showed a video of herself and her late father Pat Nicholls performing “O Holy Night” in a Letterkenny Music & Drama Group’s Christmas concert from 1998.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Anna Farren, Anne Nicholls and Paul Gillespie at the launch of “Christmas Greetings from Letterkenny”
You can support the St Colmcille’s Homeless Hostel this Christmas by picking up a copy of the CD “Christmas Greetings from Letterkenny” by Anne Nicholls and guests. CD is available online at www.ceolmusic.ie or from local stockists.
Stockists include Mac’s Mace, Quiet Moment, Xperia, Magee’s Chemist, Amelia’s, O Hehir’s Bakery, Clarke’s newsagents, Blakes’s Bar, Gildea’s butchers, Station House Hotel, Oldtown Stores, Sonder, Moonshine, Mt Errigal Leisure centre, Linda Orr hairdressers, Brewery Bar, Arena 7 and Caisleain Oir (Annagry)
See more photos from the launch night below:
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Meadhbh Nic Fhionnaile congratulates Anne on her CD
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Anne with Noel Foley and Tommy Sweeney at the launch
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Roisín Doyle and Eibhlín Curran enjoying Launch Night in Arena
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Teresa O’ Malley, Noel and Carla Jordan at the launch of “Christmas Greetings from Letterkenny”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Connor Dunne helps out the launch of his mum’s CD “Christmas Greetings from Letterkenny”
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Enda Dunne and his sister Fiona helping to sell CDs at the launch
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Jim Nallen attends the launch
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Michelle and Philip Gillespie with their son Paul who plays the cello on the new CD
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Back Row Fidelma Mc Teague, Terese Mc Monagle, Bernie Cahill, Kate Mc Teague, Anne Marie Mailey, Ann Gallagher, Ger Mc Teague, Maureen Keogh, Brighdin Carr Front Row Margaret Rowland, Sinéad Gibson
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Aisling Cheevers, Rosie Houston, Toni Harvey enjoying the launch of the CD “Christmas Greetings from Letterkenny
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Martin Gallen and Caitríona Breslin enjoy the launch of the CD
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Pádraig Dunne, Dominic Ferry, Séan Harvey at the launch in Arena 7
The cameras have started rolling on a new thriller series set in Donegal and written by Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee and her actor-writer husband Tobias Beer.
The four-part drama, called ‘The Deceived‘, will be set in both Donegal and in Cambridge.
It was confirmed today that New Pictures (producers of The Missing and Catherine The Great) have started filming in Belfast ahead of a 2020 air date.
The story will be far from the witty comedy episodes of Lisa McGee’s Derry Girls, which was a record-breaking hit on Channel4.
The Deceived has been described as a compelling, sinister narrative of lust, manipulation and betrayal. The central character in The Deceivedis student Ophelia (Emily Reid – Curfew), who falls in love with her timelessly attractive and charismatic, but married college lecturer, Dr Michael Callaghan played by Irish actor Emmet J Scanlan,(Krypton, Peaky Blinders, The Fall,).
When their affair results in a shocking and tragic death, Ophelia finds herself trapped in a world where she can no longer trust her own mind.
Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee pens her first television thriller in The Decieved. A story of lies, jealousy, murder and betrayal… #VMTVupfrontspic.twitter.com/aDIMGBSLOn
The suspenseful thriller will have some great characters in Donegal, Lisa has said.
Catherine Walker (Shetland, Versailles) plays Dr Callaghan’s wife Roisin, a successful, award-winning fiction writer; Eleanor Methven (Little Women) plays Roisin’s devoted and sometimes overbearing mother Mary Mulvery;Ian McElhinney (Game of Thrones, Derry Girls) is Michael’s father Hugh fighting the oncoming tide of dementia; Shelley Conn (Liar) plays Roisin’s best friend Ruth, intelligent and loyal, and Dempsey Bovell (Patrick Melrose) is Michael’s confidante and biggest admirer, Matthew.
The Deceived will air onVirgin Media One and Channel 5 in 2020.
There were many proud moments for two Letterkenny students and their families at the UCD Entrance Scholar Awards on Thursday.
Diarmuid Ó Cathail and Aisling Ní Fhearáin, both past pupils of Coláiste Ailigh, were awarded entrance scholarships to the university for the new academic year.
Diarmuid received a scholarship under Scéim na Gaeilge and Aisling received an entry scholarship based on her fantastic leaving certificate results.
The students were joined by proud family members and Mícheál Ó Giobúin, the principal of Coláiste Ailigh, to celebrate the achievements.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Coláiste Ailigh principal Mícheál Ó Giobúin with Aisling Ní Fhearáin having received her entry scholarship to UCD.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Coláiste Ailigh principal Mícheál Ó Giobúin with Diarmuid Ó Cathail having received his scholarship under Scéim na Gaeilge.
A fabulous fashion show and afternoon tea fundraiser has raised almost €4,000 for two local cancer charities.
Stella McGroarty from Stella Boutique Donegal Town hosted a successful evening of style, sustainability and celebrations on Sunday 10th November at Harvey’s Point.
Up to 200 women gathered for the stylish affair and to support the charity causes. The gala event was held in support of Cancer Care West, while a raffle also took place for local woman Deirdre Dillon’s fund for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Breast cancer survivor and fundraiser Deirdre Dillon, Stella McGroarty and Grainne McGettigan from Cancer Care West at the Stella Boutique Charity Gala Fashion Show on Sunday 10th November 2019
The grand total raised was revealed last night – and a fantastic €3,890 will be donated for the benefit of local cancer patients and their families and for greater cancer awareness.
Stella would like to thank the following people and business for their kind support in donating raffle prizes:
Harvey’s Point Country Hotel
Sandhouse Hotel
The Olde Castle Bar & Restaurant
Hanna Hats
Blueberry Tea Rooms
Angela Ward School of Motoring
Masterclean
The House Gastro Pub
Dunleavy’s Gift World
Costcutters Ballybofey
Catch up on the fashion show on DonegalWoman.ie here, which was packed with sustainable style inspiration from Stella Boutique:
Arranmore pier tragedy victim Lee Early was brought home amid heartbreaking scenes this Monday evening.
Lee, who was 26 years old, was taken on his final sailing after tragically losing his life on Sunday. The popular islander died after his car slipped off the pier at Poolawaddy on Arranmore in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Lee’s body was escorted home by the Arranmore RNLI crew as they led two ferries from Burtonport this evening.
As the former ferry skipper and a volunteer with the local RNLI, Lee carried out a vital role in his community.
A touching tribute from the Arranmore RNLI described how he will be sadly missed: “He was a proud Lifeboatman, a skilled Skipper and a much loved friend to us all, he will be greatly missed by the whole community.”
“The Arranmore Community & diaspora, along with the RNLI and wider SAR community will stand with the Early family at this difficult time. Ar dhéis Dé go mbeidh a anam dilís.”
A book of condolence has been opened at The Arranmore Community Centre.
Lee’s funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday the 20th November at 12.00pm in St. Crones Church with burial afterwards at the adjoining graveyard.
Lee is survived by his dad Jimmy, mum Noreen, brother Adam and sisters Rachel and Laura.
Donegal’s famous baker Breezy Willow Kelly was overwhelmed by a surprise gift this week when a brand new oven landed at her door.
Breezy, the driving force behind the “Bake Bread for Peace”, was left speechless when Irwin Expert Electrical made a delivery of a new cooker last Friday afternoon.
With her own cooker a little worse for wear after so many uses, the brand new appliance was a thoughtful gift arranged by two good friends and neighbours who benefitted from Breezy’s wonderful attitude to life.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Breezy Willow receives a new cooker from Irwin Expert Electrical
As they say: “One good turn deserves another”, and even if the many good turns are so many that you have no meaningful way to repay them, Breezys good friends and neighbours, Anne Frances Long and Susan O’Donnell wanted to do something to repay kindness to her after she so kindly helped them over the past number of months.
Born and bred in Glenties, a baker, poet and story maker, Breezy started a worldwide movement three years ago which really rose in popularity. “Bake Bread for Peace” was a way she knew she could heal people in times of sorrow and in difficult times for families and local communities.
Anne Frances said: “Breezy came and with her good humour, cooking skills to make sure everyone was fed and she literally just kept everyone going. She always arrives and leaves quietly with no fuss, just there to help others.
“How do you ever repay that type of kindness and thank someone for that without being asked? I went around to her house to visit her to thank her personally and noticed that the oven that she uses to bake all day everyday had a broken door and she had a chair against it to keep it closed.”
Afterwards both Anne Frances and Susan contacted Irwin Expert Electrical in Letterkenny, told them their stories and all about Breezy and they were delighted to respond by saying of course they would help by supplying a new cooker for Breezy.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Breezy Willow receives a new cooker from Irwin Expert Electrical
Breezy herself had a difficult upbringing, and she said the only place she felt secure was in the kitchen when her mother was baking bread. Her mother was a master baker and the smell of freshly baked bread was the aroma of peace which made her feel safe. Breezy wanted others to feel this across the world, and so “Bake Bread for Peace” began. Now, people all over the world come together to spend some time in the kitchen, enjoying some therapeutic baking and time together.
Breezy’s aim was that no matter where you are in the world, just invite people to your home for an evening of baking and talking.
Now, with a brand new cooker installed in her own kitchen, Breezy will be able to enjoy even better baking.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Breezy Willow with her friends Anne Frances and Susa
There were hugs, laughs and tears last Friday when Breezy opened the door to see the Irwin Expert Electrical’s Van parked outside and the delivery man leaving off a large box wrapped in a big red bow.
Little did she know that for her, Christmas really could come early. She just couldn’t believe the kindness that her neighbours and Irwin Expert Electrical had shown to her.
Last week was ‘Stand Up Awareness Week’ – and students at Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny formed a human rainbow to mark the occasion.
This is a time for second-level schools in Ireland to join BeLong To and take a stand against homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.
The week is an opportunity for schools to look at how they can make them safe and supportive places for LGBTI+ students.
Belong To ran a nationwide incentive inviting school communities to come in.
The hashtag #comein was created by BelongTo for Stand Up weekbecause ‘no one would have to come out if everyone else chose to come in’
On Friday the Loreto school community was invited to come in.
Each group represented a different colour of the rainbow and over 900 staff and students united to form a human rainbow.
The rainbow was a symbol of the support our school extends to the LGBTI+ community.
“Staff and students displayed that we are allies, that our students are there for their LGBTI+ friends and that our staff are supportive of our LGBTI+ students,” Loreto said.
“We all deserve to feel safe, welcome and accepted within our school community and Loreto Letterkenny strives to make this a reality for all our students.
“We hope that our inclusivity demonstrates to all our students that our school is safe place to be yourself and that you will be treated with dignity and respect regardless of how you identify.
“Loreto Letterkenny is a place where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.”
EVEN with the temperatures plummeting, Jamie Brennan already finds himself eyeing up the new season.
The closed season seems to be shortening. Donegal will begin ‘next year’ before the page of the calendar turns with the McKenna Cup to begin in late December.
Bundoran forward Brennan speaks with a buzz even now at the prospect of a new season.
“When it comes to it, you want to be on for every minute,” Brennan told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub at the launch of the new Donegal jersey at the Abbey Hotel.
“Even in the McKenna Cup, you want to get out there and express yourself.
“It’s hard to beat the games. You want out there as much as possible. We train long enough, I just want to get out there as much and get the rustiness off.”
Brennan was nominated for a GAA/GPA All-Star in 2019, but admits that he was disappointed with his Super 8 performances after some scintillating displays as Donegal retained their Ulster title.
Brennan said: “I have standards that I set for myself. I didn’t reach them in the Super 8s. Everything was going well in Ulster, but I didn’t carry that on. I have to reflect on that and build to become a better player in 2020.”
DECLAN Bonner expects to get a definitive answer – one way or the other – on Odhrán Mac Niallais’s return to the Donegal panel within the next ten days.
Mac Niallais opted out for the 2019 season, but has spoken to the manager about coming back into the fold.
“I have had a number of discussions,” Bonner said of Mac Niallais at the launch of the new Donegal jersey yesterday.
“Nothing has been finalised. It will probably be a week to 10 days before we get closure on that.”
So far, only Frank McGlynn has retired from the 2019 panel while Neil McGee has indicated that he will be back in the mix.
Bonner said: “It is a serious commitment now but there will be up to 10 or 12 new faces coming in.
“Frank is a loss. There is no doubt about that with the experience he brings to the set-up. He is a loss but Frank has come to a stage where he knows the body is not going to take it.
“It is going to be a very competitive National League, we have Mayo first in Ballybofey and we have all the top teams coming along with a couple of road trips to Dublin and Kerry thrown in there.
“It is going to be difficult but our aim is to remain there and stay in Division One.
“I think that is vitally important for Donegal, we have to be in Division One and then we are into championship and we can’t look past Tyrone on May 17th.”
The regional final of the Europe Direct Information Centre annual Soapbox Competition was held in the Central Library Letterkenny on November 7.
The theme of this year’s debate was ‘Climate change is not my problem’. The Soapbox competition is an annual event hosted by the Europe Direct information Centre Donegal and Gaeltacht based in the Central Library Letterkenny.
The centre provides information on the work of the European Union and answers questions for citizens on EU law.
There were 19 contestants on the night and each gave a speech for or against the motion. The speeches were marked by a judging panel of Caitlín Uí Chochlainn, Deirdre Hines local author and poet, and Robyn Cleary EU Career Ambassador for LYIT.
The winner in the under 18 section was Iseult Ní Mhathúna and the winner in the over 18 section was Mark McDermott who each received an iPad as a prize sponsored by the European Commission.
The two winners will both go forward to represent Donegal at the national finals taking place in the Royal College of Physicians on November 20th.
Donegal’s Mica Action Group have stepped up their campaign and are now actively been engaging with banks and financial institutions who hold mortgages on mica properties.
The group are making a conserted effort to gain their support for families across the county affected by the defective blocks issue.
Joe Morgan, a new MAG committee member, is spearheading the engagement between MAG and the financial institutions.
He said “With the announcement in May of this year that there is a requirement for homeowners to contribute 10% towards the cost of the remedial scheme for the repair of their homes, MAG are bringing to the attention of the banks the absolute necessity for them to step up to the plate and support homeowners across the county.
“We are reiterating that financial institutions are also stakeholders in this crisis; they potentially have thousands of homes on their books which are currently valued way in excess of the real market value due to the defective blocks issue. It is only following the repair of these homes (through accessing the redress scheme), that this higher valuation can be reinstated.”
He added that without the scheme, many of these homes will never return to their former market value.
Due to the requirement on homeowners to make a 10% contribution, MAG feel that this scheme will be out of reach for many families without a direct contribution from the lenders, in circumstances where the families cannot make up the 10% private contribution.
Mr Morgan added “It is clear that it is also in the lenders interest to ensure homes with financial agreements secured against them (i.e. loans or mortgages) are returned to market value. If families without the means to contribute the 10% private contribution are not supported, these homes will continue to deteriorate year on year. This will lead to those families leaving their home and moving into rental accommodation. Mortgage default and repossession proceedings will follow. This is not what the homeowners want and it is not what lenders want. It is I no-one’s interest to let this happen.
“In addition to this direct engagement with lenders, and following a meeting with Minister Joe McHugh on Oct 22nd, where a commitment was given by Minister Mc Hugh to seek a joint supporting statement from The Department of Finance & The Central Bank to ask for unique financial measures from the major lenders in Donegal, last week we again wrote to Minister Mc Hugh (Minister for Education), Minister Eoghan Murphy (Minister for Housing) and Minister Pascal O’ Donoghue (Minister for Finance) asking for their respective updates on this offer of support.
The lenders themselves have stated a common approach would be very beneficial and have welcomed a supporting position from The Central Bank and Government. MAG have led discussion and debate to date and have been successful in generating significant engagement within the major lender headquarters in Dublin. They now need help from Government to bring the full circle and to exert pressure from all sides.
“In the interim, MAG are continuing to lobby the major lenders and have requested written positions from each lender by the end of November. Lender’s positions will be made public in early December, in order for families to be aware of the support mechanisms in place for them.
“It is crucial therefore that the key lenders in the county have indications of support from Government and The Central Bank ahead of this milestone. It is our intent to follow this publication with a Financial information event in Late January 2020 in Letterkenny to support active engagement between the lenders/banks and their customers impacted by the Mica crisis.”
Donegal Minister Joe McHugh has said the 12 rural spots to host special new hubs for broadband across the county will be a game changer.
The Minister for Education and Skills revealed the locations after a Cabinet meeting where his Government colleague and Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Energy Richard Bruton got sign-off on the National Broadband Plan.
Minister McHugh said: “High speed Internet in rural areas is investing in people and communities for the future.
“It will help people work from home, access services and generally make lives easier.”
The National Broadband Plan kicks off in the new year with work to connect fibre optic cables to broadband connection points in community settings such as GAA clubs, community centres and public libraries. The community hubs will all be connected by the end of next year.
In Donegal about €128m is being invested to connect 32,130 homes, farms and businesses thanks to the National Broadband Plan.
Minister McHugh said: “Twelve of the special hubs are in Donegal. They will give people in rural areas access to free broadband while they await a high-speed connection to their own home or business.
“They will make a tremendous difference to life in rural Donegal – in homes, schools, businesses and farms and in healthcare and other day to day services. They are a real signal of intent by this Government to support and sustain rural life and to help communities thrive.”
The 12 locations in Donegal for the special rural broadband hubs are:
* Carnowen Presbyterian Hall, Raphoe
* Cranford Coole Community Centre, Cranford
* Dunree Military Museum, Fort Dunree, Buncrana
* Glenveagh National Park
* Leghowney Community Centre
* Malin Head
* Meenreagh Hostel, Killygordon
* Rathlin Knitwear, Glenn Cholm Cille
* Ray Athletics Club, Ray, Milford
* Amharchlann Ghaoth Dobhair
* Comharchumann Oileán Thorai
* Westbic, Ballymoon, Kilcar
Minister McHugh said: “The National Broadband Plan is an investment for the future. In the coming years small and rural schools up and down the county will see a massive difference. It will allow teachers access to materials and information in a way that was not possible before.
“And I am using this hugely important decision by Government to call on multinationals, tech companies and other employers in big cities and urban areas to start planning now for bases in the regions.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to bring new industry and enterprise to Donegal over the next five years, to complement the hugely successful homegrown industries and fin-tech services that are employing thousands. And they can do this with the knowledge of first class, fibre optic, futureproofed broadband.
Minister McHugh added: “When you break it down into the 300 areas where the Government is stepping in to invest in high speed internet, the reality is that it’s hugely beneficial and a solid investment in communities of the future.
“It is a good deal for rural Ireland. It’s a powerful investment for the next generation and generations to come. It’s going to be life changing, just like rural electrification. And it’s going to provide new opportunities for people living and working outside our main towns and villages.
“It’s quite simply a game changer for rural Ireland and I am proud to be part of the Government that’s delivering it.
“People will see the difference that it’s making when they begin to see the hubs opening and they begin to use the high speed broadband. And that will happen in the coming months.”
IT’S hard to argue that triathletes are in the off season – over 20 hardy members of Letterkenny 24/7 toed the line on a crisp Stranorlar Sunday morning to take on the challenge of the annual Remembrance 10k Road Race at the Finn Valley Centre.
Over 700 participants took to the start line to both run and race but also remember and reflect.
For 24/7 the race was the culmination of a number of month’s hard winter training under the guidance of club athletics coach Ciaran ‘Duck’ O’Donnell.
Monday sessions since the race season finished have been geared toward this event so hopes were high even if expectation is a little trickier to gauge!
Paul Cullen tore over Navenny Street like a man showing all the signs of the mission he was on – an absolutely blistering 35.23 seeing Cullen smash his PB & taking take 5th prize overall.
Next, in hot pursuit with an assured 35.45, was club stalwart Gavin Crawford showing the early duathlon season work is already paying dividend.
Despite racing into the season Brian Gormley (42.53) showed no sign of holding back –– as he led a posse of 24/7’s all in quick succession.
Matthew McKinley (43.12 PB) is fast losing the tag of cyclist as he continues to knock lumps off his best times in the trainers.Joe Doherty, a first year member who would be forgiven for only yet finding his feet instead took the race by the scruff of the neck, demolishing his previous best as 43.48 winked up from the Garmin!
Ciaran Doherty booted his way around to a mighty 44.24, with this year’s try-a-tri revelation, Mickey Crossan snapping at his heels with a booming 44.29.
Margaret Kelly, the deserved 2019 Female Triathlete of the Year showed again why she’s held in such high esteem with a superb 44.37.
Daylight barely split the next three club members: Paul Budis O’Donnell (44.39), Philip Robinson (44.41) & Garrett Doherty (44.45) all ran unbelievably well carving chunks off-of previous best times too.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Two more men who deservedly enjoyed their Sunday lunch were Lee Haughey and Conor McGlinchey (45.24 & 45.33).Brilliant races from a pair of fellas only beginning to show what they’re capable of.More PB’s in the bag – 2020 an exciting prospect for both.The same for Aidan McFadden – even at the tail-end of a long year’s training Aidan McFadden managed to find a brilliant 46.09.
In 2019 Paddy Doherty has been ever present whether on the training or racing scene!With a powerful 47.09.He’ll be keeping the cards close to his chest now until he welcomes the blow-ins up the Long Mile at the Kilmacrennan 10km!!!!
Emmet McClafferty was like a dog after a bone all day.From the start line up to careering around the final bend on the track with the same grit as he started.47.25 a brilliant PB.
And another PB – this time the unflappable Rachel Stilvern (48.15).2019: Marathon?Check.Half-Ironman?Check.Taking an early break for Christmas?Nope!Gave it absolutely everything.Got it across the line!
That Eamon Patton had any soles left on his running shoes after the year he’s had is truly amazing (from try a tri to FULL Ironman), the 24/7 2019 Best Male Newcomer of the Year bounded across in a commanding 48.15.
Danny McDaid’s hard work was rightly rewarded.At 49.35 not alone was he seconds inside his original target, he was minutes inside.Amazing progress.
Another with a long and highly achieved year under her belt – Anne Robinson knocked minutes off her last run on this course.
The 2019 Senior Female Athlete of the Year powered her way from Railway Road to right down Millbrae with an impressive 49.37.
Noelle Parker took to the start line having only more recently gotten back to competitive sport.Some would allow a little time to get back into the swing of it – but not Noelle!Absolutely trouncing her pre-race target, a top-class 50.12.
Labhoise Maguire blew the barndoor right off the hinges crossing the line with a massive PB (51.00), another with a Dublin Marathon miles in her legs but showing no signs of slowing.
Club Treasurer Amanda McNulty is another who transferred good work in training into racing with a determined and well-earned 51.08.Just behind, Patrick Patton 55.18 ran a strong race, another who’ll have his Christmas dinner able to reflect on a great year’s racing.
Eunan Russell’s triathlon career began with the try a tri in April and what progress he’s made!With 56.09 showing on the clock he’ll know there’s even more to come!
Fiona Temple’s race showed absolutely no signs of the heavy legs that someone with all the recent running would be entitled to mention.Another with an assured performance, clocking 57.28.
Mary Harkin has scaled all kinds of sporting heights this year – appropriately the 2019 Most Improved Female athlete – 57.38 further evidence of her ability to deliver.
The highways & byways of Finn Valley will be familiar to Carol McCabe after her recent half marathon there.At 59.05 she’ll be happy to keep racing there too!
All the ‘dual-citizens’ had superb races also:Ben Carr (Finn Valley) ran a subline 37.29.Another welcome sight, Terence Quinn and Raj Mehan (as part of an aptly well supported Raphoe Road Runnerscontingent) ran well together.A familiar sight in triathlon over the years, it’s good to see the boys giving the fans what they want!
Training Survey
The club will shortly be issuing a survey to all club members to gather feedback on club training sessions and how we can seek to improve.
Training Sessions
Monday: Run sessions the Track at Aura Leisure Centre.Warm up leaves Aura Foyer at 6.30 to be on the track for 6.45pm.
Additional Lane for 14-16-year-old will be in place at 7pm sessions from Wednesday 19th September.
Thursday: Long run Thursdays leaving from Aura 6.30pm. Everyone welcome.
Saturday: Club cycle from Aura at 8am- All members must have front and rear lights to take part.
Saturday Swim sessions 6pm. Additional lane added for 14-16yr old club members- MUST be accompanied by a parent (please note prepayment does not cover Saturday swim).
2020 Membership
2020 Club membership is now live on the Triathlon Ireland website for anyone wishing to join. https://www.triathlonireland.com/
Club Notes
All members are encouraged to contact club PRO Karol Harvey if they are competing in events and want to be included in club notes. It is great to see so many members take part in events each weekso please submit your results. Results can be sent to 087 374228.
THE FAI Post Primary Schools Ulster Futsal Finals for first year boys and girls took place last Wednesday in the Aura Centre, Letterkenny.
The youngsters from Patrician High School, Monaghan (Boys) and Scoil Mhuire Buncrana (Girls, pictured) will both carry the hopes of an Ulster victory into the National Finals on Thursday, December 5 in the WIT Arena, Waterford.
There was great excitement in the air as the winners of Donegal, Inishowen, Monaghan and Cavan regions, descended upon the Letterkenny venue to compete for provincial honours.
Two schools had their boys and girls teams lining out which was a fantastic achievement for Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana and Royal School, Cavan.
In the boys section, there was a tightly contested battle among Patrician High School Monaghan, Royal School Cavan, St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, and Scoil Mhuire Buncrana, setting high expectations of one another to advance to the day’s final.
The group decider was claimed by Patrician High School, who defeated Donegal representatives, St. Eunan’s College to the joy and celebration of the players.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
St Eunan’s College
St. Eunan’s had battled back after a slow start to take the runners-up spot in the group. Royal School, Cavan clinched third place and Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana finished in fourth position.
In the girl’s section, there was no shortage of talent with St. Louis Secondary School, Monaghan, Royal School Cavan, Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana and local outfit Loreto, Letterkenny all in the hunt for silverware.
The tournament was extremely entertaining in this division. It went down to the last game to decide the victorious school.
Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view.
Girls Runner Up Loreto, Letterkenny
Scoil Mhuire Buncrana were in devastating form in their opening games and that continued with a 4-2 win against Royal School, Cavan in final game. If the Cavan girls claimed the victory it would have meant a three way tie for top spot.
In the end the runners up position was filled by Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny, Royal School, Cavan had to settle for third place and St. Louis Secondary School, Monaghan finished in fourth.
All eight teams who took part on the day represented their school with pride as Schools Futsal continues to grow and thrive across Ulster.
