REIGNING CHAMPIONS LEINSTER maintained their phenomenal record in this competition with a stunning performance on Sunday in the AUL Complex, Clonshaugh.

Rob Ellison’s side only required a draw in the tie to see them victorious. A goal in each half was enough to see off title contenders Munster in a really entertaining contest.

The outing demonstrated the pedigree of the Leinster squad thus ensuring their seventh title in a decade.

The Champions continued their 100% record in the series and put in a flawless display to notch up five goals in three games and maintain an impressive clean sheet among some tough opponents.

They emulated the success of the Under 18 Boys’ Leinster side following their win last week in the same venue, cementing an impressive double in the Interprovincial series.

MATCH DAY THREE

Abbie Larkin was industrious in the opening period and dragged an effort short of the far post a few minutes in. However LARKIN hit the back of the net with 11 minutes played when Aoife Kelly (Presentation College, Carlow) played a lovely ball to the feet of the Ringsend grad, who latched onto it from outside the box.

Leinster could have went 2-0 up just before the break as Eve O’Brien’s strike hit the crossbar.

Ellison’s side extended their lead nine minutes into the restart with O’Brien (Woodbrook College, Bray) showing some fancy footwork with both feet to slot past the diving Munster shot-stopper from distance.

Munster were plagued with injuries but kept looking for an elusive goal to bring them back into contention. However, Leinster’s defence were alert to the challenge and smartly saw the game out to ensure a worthy victory in the end. 

In the other outing of the morning, it was Rola Olusola that netted a brace to see off Ulster in their final appearance in the contest.

The Merlin College scholar hit two second half goals, the first coming four minutes in while Ulster equalised through an OG on 44 minutes with a delightful corner kick.

Connacht went ahead two minutes later with a brilliant finish from Olusola. 

MATCH DAY TWO

The Saturday afternoon fixtures saw Leinster claim the two points over Ulster. Larkin CC student Leah Tighe had her initial strike hit off the crossbar but Abbie Larkin (Ringsend College) was on hand to tap in at the far post on 17 minutes.

Their lead was doubled ten minutes from time when an audaciously high ball in the box was deemed to have crossed the line from an Eve O’Brien (Woodbrook College, Bray) attack.

While Munster and Connacht played out a five goal thriller in the later fixture.

Munster were two up inside thirteen minutes through Captain Heidi O’Sullivan. The Regina Mundi College scholar had some lovely passages of play with Shauna Pearson (St. Mary’s SS, Newport) to bag her brace.

However Connacht got a foothold in proceedings to bring the game level with two screamers from Isabella Fitzpatrick (Dominican College, Taylor’s Hill) ten minutes from time.

There was a serious injury to Meabh Russell (Loreto SS, Clonmel) which saw a lengthy delay and four minutes of injury time played.

Again it was a match winning performance from Captain O’Sullivan who popped up with a 35 yard free kick to win the game for Munster, thus securing her hat-trick with seconds left in the bruising encounter.  A wonderful showcase from both teams.

MATCH DAY ONE

A Leah TIGHE (Larkin CC) rocket nine minutes from time set up the defending Champions nicely against Connacht in the opening match, winning out 1-0 to Dom Coll’s crew. A really enjoyable test for both teams which may have merited a draw over the sixty minutes.

It was honours even in the second game of the evening with Munster and Ulster finishing one apiece.

Coláiste Ailigh star Erin Doherty hit the woodwork six minutes from the interval while Ellie LONG (Carndonagh CS) broke the deadlock five minutes into the restart.

Munster responded ten minutes later with Niamh COTTER (Coláiste na Toirbhirte, Bandon) equalising.

INTERNATIONAL SELECTION

As well as provincial honours this weekend, our International management staff use this tournament as the key recruiting tool for their Republic of Ireland Schools select.

Following the tournament this afternoon, an extended panel will be invited back for trial on Saturday, November 30 in FAI HQ, Abbotstown.

Richard Berkeley, teacher in Sancta Maria College, Louisburgh had a fabulous management debut in 2018 and this was followed up with another remarkable record last year retaining the Bob Docherty Cup and John Read Trophy in sunny Salou.

The standard of football has been immense this year and Berkeley and his management team will be looking to capture an elusive three in-a-row when the squad travel to Manchester at Easter to compete in the Home Nations tournament.

The 68 players lined out this weekend will be hoping for a call-up in a fortnight’s time as Berkeley’s title defence will be on the line.

ULSTER: Leah McLoughlin, Rachael Friel (Mulroy College, Milford), Ella McHugh, Shania McMonagle (Deele College, Raphoe), Niamh Harkin, Jodie Loughrey (Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana) Ellie Long (Carndonagh Community School) Erin Doherty (Coláiste Ailigh, Letterkenny) Stranorlar) Erika Gallagher, Nicole McDaid, Hannah Hopkins, Darcey Kelly (Loreto Convent, Letterkenny), Ciara Molly (Gairmscoil Chú Uladh, Ballinamore), Sarah McGinley, Emily Irwin, Siobhán Cameron (Loreto Community School, Milford), Claire Diver (Rosses Community School, Dungloe)

Management: Bridgeen Harley (St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar), Emma Duffy (Loreto Convent, Letterkenny), Karen Henry (Mulroy College, Milford), Paddy McDaid (Finn Valley College, Stranorlar)

AT THE British and Irish Masters Cross Country at Aintree, Liverpool at the weekend, there were medals for Rosses AC’s Emer Magee and Helen McCready.

Emer won a team silver with the F50 team with Emer having a superb run to get third scorer for the team.

There are team gold medals for Helen McCready and her team as she was part of the winning Irish F35 Team. 

These are brilliant results in an international race and both girls have represented their club, county and country with huge pride. 

A nice surprise also was that proud club member Michael O’Donnell who lives in the UK came and ran the open race (8k) today and having a really strong performance in the M55 category. 

At the Remembrance 10k in Ballybofey on Sunday there were loads of PB’s and congratulations to everyone on  great runs. 

Congratulations to Owenie Sharkey, Neily Sharkey and Claire Sharkey on completing the first of their Born 2 Run races for this series. 

On Saturday morning, Rosses AC club hosted the Donegal Cross Country Development Squad Day and a huge thanks to all the athletes, parents, coaches and committee who made this Donegal Development Squad Day a success. Special mention to local club partners Naomh Muire Íochtar Na Rosann who allowed the use of their facilities and the strong partnering and quality of facilities was commented by all. 

This Friday night sees the biggest night of the year – the Rosses AC Juveniles Awards night this Friday night in Caisleain Oir starting at 7pm. A

fter another hugely successful calendar year for Rosses AC juveniles participating in indoors, sportshall, track and field and cross country it is time to let down the hair and have a party night! 

DJ Jack Frost will be on hand spinning the decks and in between we will present medals and awards from the year past and enjoy some food and surprises.

Note that the Adults presentation night is scheduled for December 6th in Caisleain Oir in Annagry also.

FORMER Finn Harps right-back Ethan Boyle has signed for Irish League champions Linfield.

Boyle played for Harps in 2016 and 2017 before moving to Shamrock Rovers.

Following his release from Rovers, Boyle had been linked to Derry City, with the Candystripes having had talks with the Wexford man.

However, Boyle – capped by Ireland at U21 level – has joined Linfield.

“It’s an exciting new challenge for me and I want to thank my advisor Martin Dunphy for his assistance in this matter,” Boyle said.

“I’m delighted to be joining Linfield. The manager and Willie McKeown have made me feel very welcome and at home here.

“The facilities are really impressive and I’m really looking forward to getting started when the transfer window opens in the new year.

“Linfield are a very big club on this island and I expect in the new year the team will be challenging for major silverware and I just want to contribute to what I hope will be a successful end of the season for the club.”

Boyle will not be eligible to play until the opening of the Irish League transfer window in early January.

Linfield manager David Healy said: “I know our supporters will give Ethan a warm welcome to the club and I look forward to working with him when he joins up with us for training.”

Ireland biggest private home Christmas lights display are set to dazzle once again when special guest Santa turns them on this Friday.

Mary Whoriskey and husband Michael have been lighting up the townland of Gortcally outside Kerrykeel for the past 16 years.

And they’ve raised almost €60,000 for charities including Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and support organisations for people battling cancer, depression and Alzheimer’s.

The incredible light display – featuring 20,000 light bulbs and hundreds of different configurations – attracts visitors from all over Ireland and Britain. The display covers more than an acre.

“It really is magical,” said retired shop assistant Mary – dubbed ‘Mary Christmas’ by locals in the north Donegal village.

“We’ve been told that it can be seen on a clear night by trans-Atlantic passenger planes overhead.

“It started as a bit of fun and it has just grown from there and we thought we’d use it to raise money for charities and over the years people have donated €57,000 to good causes.”

Mary admitted she gets more excited every year.

“It’s a magnificent display. We literally have people coming from all corners of Ireland and from further afield too,” she said.

“It’s brilliant for children, especially younger children. I get so much pleasure in seeing how much they enjoy it.

“And of course the adults enjoy it too.”

Beneficiaries of this year’s donations are the Donegal Hospice and the local Mevagh Voluntary Fire Service.

Friday’s events start at 7pm with carol singing with Santa due to land at 7.30pm. The lights will remain on until January 6.

The lights display includes a life-size crib, reindeer, snowmen, Santa’s magical grotto where Santa will meet children on Friday night, and where people attending will be treated to hot chocolate, mince-pies, and children will receive a Santa goodie bag.

The Minister of State for the Gaeltacht is being called upon to visit flood-hit families in Gaoth Dobhair who lost a bridge to their homes.

The extended O Duibhir families from Bunbeg have been relying on a temporary footbridge to access their houses after their original bridge was swept away by the River Clady in August.

But the replacement bridge is so unsuitable that an ambulance was unable to access the home of one ill family member, who is 79 years old, and paramedics were forced to wheel him to the road.

Mr O Duibhir at the ambulance.

Local councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig is now calling on the Gaeltacht Minister of State, Sean Kyne TD, to visit the O Duibir homes when he visits the area next week.

“It is very difficult for the families to get on with their lives when they cannot get their bridge rebuilt. The council’s response is that this is a private bridge, but if you look at LIS roads, they are all private roads funded through the State. So why wouldn’t this bridge be funded?,” Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said.

“Myself and Pat the Cope Gallagher TD have been fighting for these families. As a councillor I appreciate that this is a private bridge, but at the same time the State should look after the wellbeing of all its citizens.”

The homes of three families in Gweedore including a wheelchair bound resident who are trapped after flooding demolished the bridge into their homes. (North West Newspix)

Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said he hopes that Mr Kyne TD could find a way of identifying funding sources if he saw the reality of the family’s circumstances.

He said: “The Minister will be in Gaoth Dobhair on the 26th, a half a mile from where the families live, and I have invited him to meet the family and see how the situation affects them.

“The family has been left in limbo. One man had to get the ambulance called twice since the bridge collapsed and every time he has to be carted from his house. This is not acceptable. It’s very difficult for families to get on with their lives, the oil lorry can’t even reach them.

“Next week is a great opportunity for the Minister to meet the family and to help them.”

The North West region’s unique strategic cross border location with a foothold in both EU and the UK and its pipeline of talent was the key message shared with potential investors in both Philadelphia and Boston last week as part of the Ireland North West trade delegation that travelled to the US.  
 
A number of focused engagements with industry specialists, FDI executives and venture capitalists took place throughout the week in both cities.

The events were part of the Trade and Investment mission led jointly by Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, showcasing the compelling investment proposition that the northwest city region has to offer.
 
Potential investors heard how they could take advantage of the unique combination of benefits that the Northwest region has to offer including an accessible, connected and business friendly gateway region with a compelling vision for greater international impact.
 
Investors learned that companies and businesses are attracted by a talented and educated workforce, the value balance, the superb quality of life and the supportive business environment.  
 
The delegation also met with the Mayors of Philadelphia and Boston who both outlined their commitment and support for the work being done by the two Councils.
 
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh spoke about the strong ties he has with the North West and outlined his commitment to build on the positive work being done to promote strong communities and shared prosperity for all.

North West Trade and Investment Mission 2
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Nicholas Crossan with Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Michaela Boyle meeting with Mayor of Boston Marty Walsh during the North West Trade and Investment Mission to the US last week.

While Philadelphia Mayor Senator Jim Kenney spoke of the honour of hosting the delegation and hearing at first hand about our ambitious growth plans and vowed to continue to work with the region to celebrate our connections and build on the existing strong relationship.

An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Nicholas Crossan led the delegation along with Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Michaela Boyle.

He was very positive about the visit saying he believed the collaborative approach in promoting the region was key to success.

He said: “The strength of the region is underpinned by the strong collaborative approach which sees industry, government at both central and local level, and further and higher education institutions from both sides of the border working together to fuel further economic growth and prosperity. This is something that investors value greatly in terms of facilitating ease of access to supports in the region.”  

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Michaela Boyle said the visit was a huge success, not only in raising the profile of the region as an investment location, but in making new contacts and learning about the potential for further business engagement opportunities.
 
She said “Getting key influencers and potential investors in a room and showcasing what the North West region has to offer and sharing with them our vision and ambition as well as the practical supports and assistance available to businesses in the region is vital if we are to stimulate growth and investment. There is real value in having face to face engagements if we are serious about building meaningful connections and relationships that will benefit the region.”
 
Local businesses from a range of sectors across both Council areas also participated in the mission meeting with potential clients and business partners with a view to increasing sales and expanding their businesses.  
 
Derry based Humanity Cosmetics participated in the mission and brought their high-end male skincare brand of naturally based ingredients to Philadelphia and Boston in an effort to tap into the US market.
 
Company co-director Christopher Reid said the trade mission was a fantastic opportunity to build on his own research, visit stores and meet potential clients gaining a deeper understanding of what exactly the customer is looking for. 
 
He said it also allowed him and his co-founder partner Gerald Floyd to get an insight into the potential costs associated with exporting and logistics assisting in finalising price points for trading.
  
The trade and investment mission also involved engagement with educational institutions from across the region including Donegal ETB, Ulster University, North West Regional College and Catalyst Inc.
 
The week also saw the official launch of the exciting research project with Harvard Graduate School of Design, exploring how the cross-border northwest city region could potentially be shaped in light of the economic, political and social realities of Brexit. The project was led by Assistant Professor Gareth Doherty in Harvard GSD, who is originally from Carndonagh in Donegal and is expected to be exhibited in the North West region in Spring 2020.
 
Speaking after the trip, Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council, John Kelpie said: “This Trade and Investment Mission is part of the ongoing positive work being done by both Councils. We are committed to continuing with the positive work we are doing to drive forward our economy and to maximise the opportunities we have as a cross border gateway to both the UK and EU markets.  
 
“We have longstanding connections with Philadelphia and Boston and these connections transcend economic, cultural and political linkages. The Golden Bridges conference has provided the Northwest region with an important platform in the that region allowing us to reach out, connect with and form meaningful relationships and collaborations with stakeholders in various sectors that have been instrumental in progressing growth and prosperity in the region.”
 
Reflecting on the visit, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council Seamus Neely said “It takes time to make connections, develop relationships and build trust.  

“This trip has been a great opportunity to showcase our talent, skills and entrepreneurship along with our ICT strengths, well-established eco-system and quality of life.  

“There is a strong partnership between local government, education and businesses in the North West City region and this was a key selling point during the trip and I believe that our direct approach of travelling to the US, making those connections and building rapport, really works.”

The trade mission was funded by The Executive Office and the Irish Government.

For more information on the trade mission visit www.irelandNW.com and follow the hashtag #IrelandNW19.

A school assembly at St. Safan’s National School was full of surprises when a star guest arrived to present a massive €10,000 cheque for a new kitchen!

TV personality and entrepreneur, Aoibhín Garrihy, arrived at the Castlefinn school to surprise staff and pupils after they won the Gala Gifts for Schools competition.

A ‘Gala’ Gift of €10,000 for St. Safan’s National School – Paul Harkin, Harkins, Gala Ballybofey, Tony Cluskey, Marketing and Ambient Trading Manager at Gala Retail, Aoibhín Garrihy, Tracy McBride, Principal, David Mayne, Area Manager Gala with the grand prize of €10,00 presented to the school yesterday. Photo Clive Wasson

St. Safan’s N.S. was named as the winner of the ‘Best Health & Wellness Project’ category in the competition, following the school submitting a 60 second video on how they would spend a ‘Gala Gift’. The video focused on the school’s dream of creating a school kitchen where its pupils can learn about nutritional health and develop practical cooking skills that will help them to prepare healthy and wholesome meals for themselves and their families.

Aoibhín Garrihy was joined by representatives from Gala Retail at the recent presentation celebrations at St. Safan’s.

Known for community-focused convenience retailing, Gala Retail has donated €30,000 to Primary Schools in the 2019 Gala Gifts for Schools initiative, which follows last year’s competition in which a further €20,000 was gifted to three primary schools, marking the Group’s 20th birthday.

Tony Cluskey, Marketing and Ambient Trading Manager at Gala Retail adds: “The creativity and innovation shown in the videos that we received from Primary Schools across Ireland was outstanding. It was extremely hard to judge the competition based on the calibre of entries, however the video from St. Safan’s really stood out thanks to its story, the clear message of how a Gala cash gift could really benefit the school, and of course, its pupils being the stars of the show in the video!

“We look forward to following the progress and development of the school’s new kitchen and most importantly, how it’s benefitting the pupils’ education on the role of food and nutrition as part of overall health and wellness.”

The Alcohol Forum is a national charity that believes in an Ireland where every child, family and community is free from the harmful effects of alcohol.

We are inviting applications from suitably qualified individuals for the post of:

Outreach Youth Worker Donegal Reach Project

(11 month contract with the possibility of extension – 35 hours per week)

Salary Range €30,000 – €36,000

About the Project:

Alcohol Forum’s Donegal Reach Project is an individually tailored personal development programme for young people aged between 14 and 16 who are impacted by a parents/guardians or siblings alcohol or other drug use. The Youth Worker will also support young people experiencing difficulties with their own alcohol or other drug use. They will be responsible for the co-ordination, development and delivery of the project and identifying young people who would benefit from the programme through our existing family programmes and with our partner agencies.  

Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates in Youth Work, Community work, Education, Social work, or Psychology.

Detailed Job Description and Application Form are available to download on our website www.alcoholforum.org and on request from info@alcoholforum.org

Closing date for all applications is Sunday 8th December 2019 (6pm)

Interviews will take place on Tuesday 17th December 2019

Short listing will apply.

The Alcohol Forum’s Donegal Reach Project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland’s Personal Youth Development Programme (PYDP).

Donegal County Council has announced its fleet of gritters will be out across the county tonight (Tues).

As temperatures plunge once more the gritters will be deployed from 7pm this evening.

All primary routes will be covered.

A community alert has been reported in the Glenties area of Donegal today over alleged door-to-door salespersons.

The public is being advised to keep a lookout for a white Mercedes van with people attempting to sell LED lighting.

The suspected salespeople are said to be calling from door to door in the Glenties area.

The van is described as a white long wheel base Mercedes van with a possible English registration.

Gardaí are urging the public to be aware and to contact Glenties Garda Station on (074)9551080 wth any sightings.

A Ballybofey teenager who sustained life-altering injuries after he was hit by a van as he crossed a road in Dublin city centre has settled his High Court action for €9.75m.

Joshua Sweeney who is now 22 years of age, Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told, is non-verbal and has to use state-of-the-art eye gaze technology to help him speak. He has to use a wheelchair and needs 24-hour care.

Plumber’s assistant and secondary school student Joshua Sweeney was crossing the road near Bus Aras in Dublin city centre on March 18, 2017, when he was knocked down.

Interested in gaming and computers he had earlier in the day attended a gaming conference in the capital and was planning to get a bus home to Donegal. He suffered a skull fracture, a brain injury and other injuries and later had to have surgery.

Joshua Sweeney (aged 22) of Eoghasel, Stranorlor, Ballybofey, had sued the driver of the van John Paul Maguire, Kerlogue Road, Irishtown, Dublin and the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland.

He alleged that suddenly and without warning he was struck and knocked down as he lawfully crossed the road.

He claimed against the driver that there was an alleged failure to keep any or any proper lookout and an alleged failure to take any effective evasive action. The claims were denied.

The young man was rushed to hospital where he underwent an operation which involved intra-cranial pressure and monitoring.

Last year the van driver, John Maguire, who has epilepsy was jailed for three-and-a-half years after he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to Mr Sweeney.

He also pleaded guilty to driving while suffering from a disease or mental disability which would render him a danger to the public. He had no previous convictions.

In the Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martin Nolan heard doctors had warned Maguire not to drive for a year after his last epileptic seizure, just two months before the accident. Maguire later told gardaí he had no recollection of the accident as he was having an epileptic fit at the time.

Passing sentence and disqualifying Maguire from driving for six years, Judge Nolan said a fine young man had been left dependent for the rest of his life.

The judge told Maguire despite the clear mitigating circumstances in the case, he had a “serious moral culpability” by ignoring an obvious risk.

The court heard evidence from a witness to the accident that when the vehicle stopped he saw the driver frothing from the mouth and lying down in the passenger seat.

In the High Court, Michael Byrne SC for Mr Sweeney told the court Joshua is cared for by his mother and it is their wish he can now be looked after at home.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Cross said Mr Sweeney had suffered a life-altering accident. He said the settlement was a good one and the man’s legal representatives had done a very good job for him.

The Sweeneys were not in court for the approval of the settlement.

THE winter weather gave its full effect last weekend for Sheephaven Sub Aqua Club divers, with a combination of very cold air conditions and a generally northerly air flow that brought rough conditions out to sea.

As these seas have stirred up all the dive sites the Sheephaven divers were in training mode, with the club instructors taking the new trainees though their classroom work in preparation of the forthcoming pool work. 

But there was still time and opportunity for the divers to get into the water, with the Sunday morning snorkel putting to sea in reasonably challenging conditions outside the harbour. 

Water temperature has now begun to be effected by the frosty conditions, now below 10 degrees and likely to remain there for quite a few months before they show any sign that they will come back up again. 

Undeterred by the cold one club member has chosen to swim with the Gartan Swimmers and without the comfort of a wet suit  –  fair play to Ryan Ward for keeping the Sheephaven side up.  

FRANCIS Boyle is playing some good golf recently and won last Sunday’s competition at Cloughaneeluy Golf Club.

Boyle won with a super score of 43 points off 11 – great shooting. 

In second was Seán O Gallchóir (8) on 41 points. In third was Hugo Cannon (11) on 41 points with Philip McGeady (12) 41 points also shooting a great round.  

The golf course and greens were in great condition credit to Philip and his team considering the recent wet weather. 

The Winter League is going really well with a lot of good matches and interesting results. 

In Group D the inform pair of Dan Mulhern and Patsy McVicar stormed to the top of the table with two victories to their name.  

Neil McMullan and Shane Corless produced an impressive comeback victory in Group C whilst Sean McGeady and Stephen McCafferty shared the spoils with Dan Doohan and Ciaran Rodgers on Sunday morning. 

In Group B it seems Kevin Boyle threw John McGinley on his back yet again and carried him to victory for the second week in a row.  

Group A saw the first outing for a number of the club’s low men with Francie Boyle and Paul Doherty and Seán Ó’Gallchóir and Joe Terry both securing hard fought wins.  

Golf Membership for 2020 is open all new Members are welcome to Cumann Gailf Chloich Cheann Fhaola. 

The Club AGM is pencilled in for Thursday 5th December at 8pm in the clubhouse. 

Deánann muid comhbhrón le Clann Uí Dhubhcháin agus go hairithe le Tony ar bhás a ndeirfiúr Bridie le gairid.

A Letterkenny woman will have her Christmas shopping all wrapped up at Aldi after winning a wonderful €5,000 in vouchers.

Yasmin Sparks was the lucky winner of the ‘Tell Aldi’ competition, which invites customers to take a short survey on their recent shopping experience.

This year is Aldi’s 20th anniversary, so the prizes were raised higher for four lucky customers to win vouchers worth €5,000 each.

Yasmin recently stopped by the Aldi Letterkenny store to collect her winnings and was warmly congratulated by Store Manager Jessica Duff. With €5,000 to spend in the supermarket, the staff will be seeing a lot more of Yasmin on her many future shopping sprees!

Yasmin Sparks, from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, winner of the ‘Tell Aldi’ competition with Jessica Duff (Store Manager) of Aldi in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, who was on hand to congratulate her on her win!

JASON Quigley (16-1, 12KOs) will return to action on December 5 and the Irish middleweight aims to end 2019 on a winning note.

Quigley will be back in California to face Abraham Cordero (13-4-2, 7KOs) in an eight-round middleweight fight.

Quigley takes on Cordero, of Guadalajara, Mexico, as part of a Thursday Night Fights card at The Hangar at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, California.

“I am really looking forward to putting in a performance to finish the year off with a good victory,” Quigley said.

“I’ve been itching to get back into the ring ever since my last fight. I want to push on in 2020 and getting a victory on December 5 is the next step on that road.”

Golden Boy Promotions boxer Quigley recently changed trainer and is now honing his skills under the guidance of former world middleweight champion Andy Lee.

Quigley said: “I’ve learned a lot. Andy has a wealth of intelligence – inside and outside the ring.

“Every session that I go into, I feel that I come away with something and that’s why I’m really looking forward to the the fight.”

Cordero is fighting for the first time since a decision loss to Alexis Salazar in Las Vegas in May.

Quigley, managed by the Los Angeles-based Sheer Sports Management, said: “He has a winning record and this is no easy way back for me. I’ll be in against a very tough opponent and I’ll have to be at my best.”

The card headliner sees Yves Ulysse Junior (18-1, 9KOs) face Ismael Barroso (21-3-2, 20KOs) for the WBA Gold Super Lightweight title. 

In the co-main event,D’Mitrius Ballard (20-0, 13 KOs) takes on Yamaguchi Falcao (16-1, 7 KOs) in a 10-round fight for the vacant NABF Middleweight title. The belt was previously held by Quigley and has since been vacated by Tureano Johnson.

Ballard-Falcao brings together two contenders who developed under the Golden Boy banner, but only one will move forward to a world title shot.

Edgar “Kid Neza” Valerio (13-1, 8 KOs) will fight Diuhl Olguin (14-12-3, 9 KOs) in a six-round featherweight clash; George Rincon (8-0, 5 KOs) will meet Antonio Flores (8-1, 2 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight fight; and Rianna Rios will make her professional debut in a four-round featherweight fight.

 The fights will be streamed live DAZN, and on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

The Donegal Centre for Independent Living (DCIL) require a Services, Support & Development Officer.

This is a fixed term contract (FTC) for one year to co-ordinate and ensure the delivery of a high quality Personal Assistant support service to DCIL Leaders, whilst also playing an integral part in the development, negotiation and nurturing of future projects and services within the organisation.

JOB DETAILS

Contract Type: FTC for 1 year – 39 hour week

Location: Based at DCIL Headquarters at Ballymacool House, Letterkenny, County Donegal

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• A 3rd level qualification to degree level and

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working a similar service/organisation

• Applicants must have a full driving licence or have access to transport

• Knowledge of current disability issues/challenges within the Disability Sector/Service locally and nationally

DESIREABLE

* Experience in the provision of services under a HSE Service Level Agreement

TO APPLY

CV and Cover Letter to be submitted by email to: bernie.walsh@donegalcil.com or posted to our offices to: Bernie Walsh, HR Officer, DCIL, Ballymacool House, Ballymacool, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday 28th November 2019 @ 1pm.

Due to the anticipated volume of applicants shortlisting will apply. DCIL is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Please note interviews are scheduled week beginning 2nd December 2019.

The Ulster Council have confirmed details for Naomh Conaill’s quest to become Ulster Club SFC winners for the first time in their history.

The Glenties-based club take on Kilcoo from Down in the showpiece on Sunday week, December 1, at 2pm at Healy Park in Omagh. It’s the same venue that Martin Regan’s team overcame Clontibret from Monaghan in the semi-final on Saturday last and also where Gaoth Dobhair won the provincial crown last year.

Naomh Conaill were beaten finalists in Cavan in 2010 against Crossmaglen Rangers. In the IFC decider, Magheracloon from Monaghan face Galbally Pearses of Tyrone on Saturday, November 30, at 7pm at Armagh’s Athletics Ground.

BALLYRAINE FC have launched their annual Christmas Draw as part of fund-raising drive for the development of their new pitch at Orchard Grove, Letterkenny.  

Club founder Andy O’Boyle and secretary of the Letterkenny and District Schoolboy League Gerry Gallagher joined club coaches and players at the launch in Arena 7 on Monday lunchtime.

The old Ballyraine pitch at Orchard Grove, Letterkenny is currently being upgraded to a state-of-the-art sports field.  The Ballyraine Community was successful in securing funding for the project from the LEADER European fund, administered by the Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC). 

The development work has been ongoing all year with most of the work now complete and the pitch will be ready for use in the latter part of the 2020 season. 

Enda Nicholls vice chairman at Ballyraine FC explained: “The club has set the target to raise €50K of matching funding for the pitch development last year

“We have 8 great prizes in the draw this year and the tickets are very reasonably priced at €10 each.  

“The prizes include three cash prizes totalling €2,500, an LED Smart TV, VIP tickets to the All-Ireland Football Final, a Christmas Hamper and a €200 voucher for Arena 7.  

“We appreciate the support the club has received from local businesses. Schoolboy football clubs such as Ballyraine FC would not be here without the support of local businesses.”

Tickets are now on sale and and ca be bought from player or member of Ballyraine FC.

Gerry Gallagher, secretary of the Letterkenny and District Schoolboys League attended the Christmas draw launch and said: “On behalf of the league we would like to wish Ballyraine FC all the best with the draw. 

“I was up at the pitch recently and it’s looking great.

“We are delighted to see clubs such as Ballyraine FC develop state-of-art facilities and we fully support their efforts”.  

Tickets for the Ballyraine FC Christmas Draw can be purchased in Arena 7 or from any Parent, Coach or Committee member of the Club.  

The draw will take place on Thursday 19th December 2019.

DONEGAL Under-20s have been drawn against Monaghan in the 2020 Ulster Under-20 Football Championship.

Shaun Paul Barrett will be in charge of the Donegal Under-20s in 2020 after the Milford man’s recent appointment as Gary McDaid’s successor.

The draw was made last night for the 2020 Eirgrid Ulster Under-20 Championship by the Ulster Council’s CCC.

Donegal avoided the preliminary round – with Derry and Fermanagh getting proceedings kick-started. 

Donegal have been drawn on the home side with the winner of Donegal-Monaghan to face Cavan or Down in a semi-final.

Tyrone will face Armagh with Antrim awaiting the victor of Derry and Fermanagh.

Dates for these games have yet to be confirmed.

Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has called on the Government and the Department of Communications to give priority to the border counties including Donegal during the broadband roll-out.

He said these are areas which are within or between existing fibre areas and rural areas that are urgently requiring broadband services.

Over 32,000 households and premises are without high speed Broadband at present in Co Donegal, and the Department estimates the costs of connecting these premises at €128 million.

Deputy Gallagher said what is most concerning is that it is projected to take 7 years to complete this plan as currently proposed added Pat the Cope.

He said “It is essential that rural areas are given priority, and especially in the context of the looming threat of Brexit, and the massive pressure border areas will be under with the ongoing uncertainty.

“I am calling on the Government to immediately put in place a comprehensive schedule of works, so that each area will know exactly when they are to be connected to the national broadband network.

“This plan has the potential to solve all over fibre broadband needs and current problems, but unless it is properly managed it will drag on and areas will be left waiting for years before they actually get connected.”

He added that border counties will be under serious pressure in the coming years with the ongoing Brexit uncertainty , that will directly impact business, employers and the broader community, it is therefore imperative that our competitiveness and business & employment supports are fully in place, and nowadays high speed Broadband is critical piece of such infrastructure.

He said “Donegal needs to be actively and positively discriminated towards, this will involve the Donegal voice been heard at Government level, this needs for Donegal to be put first on the list – priority status, today as the plan is launched nearly every county is mentioned bar Donegal, even though it got the fourth highest level of premises awaiting connection for broadband.

“Plans alone will not deliver broadband to Donegal on time, what is needed in this instance is a real commitment to make areas in Donegal the priority they deserve , that priority status needs to be underpinned by the Government, otherwise areas in Donegal could potentially be left without broadband for up to another 7 years.”