Job Vacancy: A Manager/Coordinator vacancy has arisen at Ionad An Mhachaire in Maghery, West Donegal.
The role will involve managing the company’s ongoing Community Services Programme and to co-ordinate activities on other community development projects.
See job description and application details below:
A MAJOR extension will see the addition of 61 new bedrooms added to a Letterkenny hotel,
An Bord Pleanala has granted permission for the development at McGettigan’s Hotel at Main Street, Letterkenny.
The application, lodged in the name of Denis McGettigan, outlines the plans for the demolition and reconfiguration of building elements that previously formed part of the former Milan nightclub area of the hotel.
A new four-story side extension, with 35 bedrooms, is to be constructed while a new fifth floor, over the existing bedroom block, will provide an additional 26 bedrooms.
A spa facility will be provided at fourth-floor level.
Residents lodged an appeal against the decision of Donegal County Council to grant conditional planning permission for the redevelopment.
However, An Bord Pleanala determined that the development ‘would not adversely impact on the character or setting of the town centre, would be acceptable in terms of visual amenity, would not seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety’.
A number of conditions have been attached to the permission.
Works will only be carried out from 8am-7pm on Monday-Fridays, 8am-2pm on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays. Public lighting will be provided, which will include lighting along Speer’s Lane.
The developer is to lodge with the planning authority a cash deposit, a bond of an insurance company, or other security to secure the provision and satisfactory completion of roads, footpaths, watermains, drains, open space and other services required in connection with the development.
Glenfin Street in Ballybofey will be closed all day on Friday, with traffic lights in place in other areas, to facilitate council roadworks.
The road will be closed from Bonner’s Bar Junction to Jackson’s Hotel Junction in order to carry out road resurfacing works.
Traffic Lights/ Stop Go operations will be in place for the remaining patches towards “Little Stars Preschool”. The alternative route will be the Cappry Road.
Donegal County Council has said that traffic lights will likely be in operation on Monday and Tuesday next week.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
ST PAT’S, Cavan proved too strong for St Eunan’s Letterkenny in the Danske Bank Mac Rory Cup this afternoon.
St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny 2-9 St Pat’s, Cavan 3-11
By Charlie Collins in Dromore
Goals either side of half-time by Eoin Dowling and Shane Monaghan brought St Eunan’s back into the mix, but a third St Pat’s goal from Fionntain O’Reilly.
But was a fifth-minute goal by O’Reilly that sent St Pat’s on their way. O’Reilly finished off a great move to put them on their way.
Kevin McPhillips bagged a second goal for the Cavan side, after taking a super pass by Oisin Brady.
Dowling ignited St Eunan’s when he finished after Monaghan did the spadework, but St Pat’s led 2-8 to 1-3 at the break.
Monaghan shot home just three minutes into the second half when he fired beyond Brian O’Rourke. Shane O’Donnell provided the assist and Monaghan made no mistake.
However, St Pat’s struck again when O’Reilly arrowed to the top corner after a St Eunan’s defender slipped.
Three-in-a-row from Monaghan responded for St Eunan’s,but the bad start to the game cost the Cathedral Town scholars.
David O’Herlihy’s men gave as good as they got for the remainder and will take encouragement from their outing.
St Eunan’s College: Emmet Maguire; Conor O’Donnell, Jamie Grant, Kieran Tobin (0-2); Dylan Doogan, Jack Gallagher, Conal McDermott; Kealan Dunleavy (0-2, 1f), Eoin Dowling (1-0); Conor McGinty, Oran Winston, Darragh Ellison; Emmet O’Boyle, Jack Alcorn, Shane Monaghan (1-5, 3f). Subs: Shane O Donnell for McGinty (half-time), Sean Gallagher for Ellison (37).
St Pat’s Cavan: Brian O’Rourke; Conor Maguire, Josh Marsden, Eoghan Galligan; Cian Reilly, Oisin Brady, Colin McKiernan; Daniel Rowley, James McCahill: Jack Tully (0-1), Evan Kelly (0-1), Kevin McPhillips (1-1), Darragh O’Reilly( 0-02), Daryl McGurren (0-5, 3f, 1 ’45), Fionntain O’Reilly (2-0). Subs: Jarlaith Brady for Kelly (49), Ben Mooney for McPhillips (50), Michael Veale for Maguire (58) Jack Graham (0-1)for F O’Reilly (60).
Referee: Brian McCallion ( Tyrone).
A deal agreed between the Letterkenny Institute of Technology and landlords to cap rent for students is working well and attracting more students to study in Letterkenny as it is more affordable.
With a 15% increase in students attending the LYIT in 2019/2020, there were fears there was not going to be enough accommodation available.
This problem was overcome as digs became available in Letterkenny and a new block of apartments opened in Ballyraine to accommodate the growing numbers.
Last year 80,000 students got the SUSI grant in Ireland. This year 10,000 less students will be receiving the grant.
The decline takes place as student numbers overall are increasing year on year.
Mary Hernandez is the VP of Welfare and equality in the LYIT. Mary attends training with the Union of Students in Ireland.
To make sure students in Letterkenny aren’t ripped off, Mary has agreed a deal with the landlords working alongside the LYIT.
“I have contacted each landlord one by one to agree a deal.
“We have agreed no accommodation should be higher than €320 a month.
“This includes all bills, electricity and heating for example. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it in the end,” she said.
Schools Engagement Officer Fiona Kelly says so many students attend the LYIT as Letterkenny is so affordable.
“Accommodation prices in Dublin are €700/€800 a month. Parents can’t believe how affordable accommodation is in Letterkenny,” she said.
THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association has confirmed a revamp of the 2020 TG4 All-Ireland Senior Championship structure.
The 2020 All-Ireland series will be consist of two groups, with six teams in each, and the top two teams from each group will progress to the All-Ireland semi-finals, following a minimum of five games.
The Provincial Championships must be organised on a knock-out basis, with the winners seeded in the draw for the All-Ireland series.
The bottom team in each group will contest a relegation play-off, unless they are a provincial winner, and thereby exempt from relegation.
There will be no Senior Championship in Leinster for 2020, and the groups for the All-Ireland series will be decided at the LGFA’s next Central Council meeting, and circulated thereafter.
Yes Chef Catering, well-known caterers throughout the north west and official caterers to the Donegal GAA, are giving you the ultimate gift this festive season.
A hassle free Christmas!
CHRISTMAS PARTIES at your workplace: you plan the party they bring the food.
CHRISTMAS DINNER: 3 courses with choices of starter, main course and dessert for only €26 per person.
CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP MENU: You can choose a pic n mix of what food you need for the family over Christmas and for the big day. This year why not get the Yes Chef team to cook the turkey for you? Who says you have to do everything yourself? There’s plenty of other things you could be doing and the Yes Chef team won’t tell a soul!
www.yeschefcatering.ie
They can cook your roast meats to perfection, with choices such as Roast Turkey, Glazed Ham, Sirloin of Beef or a delicious garlic and herb roast Leg of Lamb to choose from. With regards the seasonal vegetables who really wants to spend Christmas Eve standing by the sink getting them ready?
www.yeschefcatering.ie
Yes Chef can provide all the festive sides, such as buttered sprouts & lardons of bacon, creamy mashed potatoes, Honey & Thyme roast carrots and parsnips.
In addition they have a huge selection of trimmings for you: sage and onion savoury stuffing and homemade gravy made from stock just like granny used to make and lots more.
The Christmas desserts – well that’s another story entirely – with a choice of over 12 delicious homemade creations, to choose from, check out Yes Chef Catering Facebook to learn more.
The Yes Chef team really have it all wrapped up for you at a very affordable cost and no saucepans to wash up! Plus, they can deliver your order (conditions apply) or you can collect, the choice is yours.
Yes Chef have been part of the foodie celebrations of their customers for over 4 years, catering weddings, street food at festivals corporate catering and any family celebrations and will be moving to a brand new custom built catering unit in Raphoe very shortly.
Andy and Michael – The Chefs of Yes Chef Outside Catering
Michael McGettigan from Yes Chef told us: “We want to thank everyone for their support and helping us grow our business, while providing great, home made locally sourced food for any occasion. We have whatever you need for your Christmas food catering at home, order as little as the starter, dessert or the entire Christmas dinner and we definitely will let you take all the credit for it!”
For all Yes Chef Catering news and menus check out www.yeschefcatering.ie
Telephone 0876843311 and connect with them on their social media Facebook, Instagram and Twitter .
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture, Food, the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD says the Minister for Agriculture needs to explain why so many applications were rejected following the reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme last year.
A total of 75% of applications to the Organic Farming Scheme were rejected.
And Deputy McConalogue said the Minister for Agriculture needs to explain why.
The Inishowen TD said “The scheme reopened in a thirty-day window in 2018 with 255 total applications. It is utterly baffling that 75% of applications would be turned down. Of these numbers 34 have appealed their application decision.
“The Organic Farming Scheme is an important payment to farmers with roughly 1,550 in the scheme. It is a vital scheme for those who do produce organic products.
“It also seems highly unlikely the money assigned to this scheme under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will be used in full. Of the €56m budgeted for the scheme only €26m has been spent with just one year left.
“The Minister needs to urgently explain the astronomically high rejection rate on applications, how the appeals process is being handled, and detail a timeline for appeals so farmers are given a fair hearing.
“Minister Creed owes answers to the high volume of applicants who have had their application turned down.”
Donegal’s top chef Brian McDermott is to take his love of Donegal food to the Taste of Dublin Food Festival.
The Festive Edition of the famous food event is coming to the RDS this November 28th to December 1st and is gearing up to be Ireland’s ultimate winter food festival.
This festive event is brought to you by the team behind the popular Taste of Dublin summer festival that has taken place in the city for the past 14 years!
Chef Brian Mc Dermott will bring his passion of Donegal to the event as he headlines the list of Irelands top chefs
Taste of Dublin: Festive Edition will offer many of the iconic features enjoyed by visitors at Taste of Dublin… but with a Festive twist.
With celebrity chefs, Ireland’s best restaurants, cooking & baking demonstrations, masterclasses, live entertainment plus more. To find out more and book your ticket visit www.tasteofdublin.ie
The indoor event at the RDS will set you up for the 2019 season in style!
Brian and many more will take to the Taste Chefs’ Stage to share their Festive entertaining secrets and tips.
Get all the insider hints to make this the easiest and tastiest Festive season you have ever had. With specialists in baking, butchery and vegan dining, there will be something for everyone to learn from and enjoy.
A vital upgrade to the Greencastle public water supply is now complete, Irish Water has confirmed.
The project, which involved a €6 million investment from Irish Water, has altered the treatment of water from the Eddie Fullerton Pollan Dam to ensure better quality for the people of Greencastle.
The Greencastle water treatment plant will be decommissioned and water from the Eddie Fullerton Pollan Dam will now l be treated at the Illies Water Treatment Plant before being delivered into the network supplying Greencastle and East Inishowen.
The change will deliver better quality and a more reliable supply of water to the Greencastle supply, which is currently on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Remedial Action List (RAL) for elevated levels of trihalomethanes (THMs).
Diane Carroll, Irish Water explained further the scope of the project: “The upgraded water supply scheme will safeguard the water supply to homes and businesses currently served by the existing Greencastle Water Treatment Plant. The supply from this plant will be replaced by the supply from the East Inishowen Regional Water Supply Scheme (RWSS). This has been enabled by an extension of the Pollan RWSS to East Inishowen, allowing the East Inishowen RWSS to now supply Greencastle.
“The scope of works completed included the laying of over 10km of new water main, the construction of a new reservoir and associated booster station. This transfer of supply from the Greencastle Water Treatment plant to the Illies Water Treatment Plant will provide a more robust treatment system.”
CIARAN Thompson has described himself as ‘over the moon’ as he gets ready to be the fourth recipient of Gradam Shéamuis Mhic Géidigh.
The Naomh Conaill captain was chosen as this year’s winner after a stellar campaign for the Donegal SFC winners and Ulster finalists.
Thompson was superb as Naomh Conaill beat Gaoth Dobhair in a three-game marathon in the Donegal final.
He has now been honoured by being named as the player of the Donegal Championship – selected by a committee of 12 sports journalists in the county, chaired by Damien Ó Dónaill of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.
“I’m absolutely privileged,” Thompson told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.
“Seamus was such an honourable man in Donegal GAA. He did a lot of incredible work.
“The last recipients have all been top, top players. I’m delighted to be a part of that list. I’m over the moon.”
Thompson will follow Michael Murphy, Mark McHugh, and Odhrán Mac Niallais in collecting the award when he is presented with the prize tomorrow night at the annual Donegal GAA banquet.
Broadcaster Séamus Mac Géidigh was synonymous with Donegal GAA, and the voice of Gaelic Games in that county until his untimely death in 2016.
Listen to the full interview below …
A DONEGAL man is to travel to officiate at an international boxing tournament in Dubai next week.
Carrigart’s James McCarron will go to Dubai with the Ulster High Performance squad on November 26.
McCarron will be a referee and judge for the international tournament.
The well-known official has been a judge since he was 17 and he took up refereeing a short time later.
McCarron has been refereeing in the Irish Elite Championships since 2006 and also officiated at the 2014 European Junior Championship in Russia.
The 34-year-old is a son of Carrigart ABC founder Thomas McCarron and is currently the Vice President of the Ulster Boxing Council.
DAVID O’Herlihy says St Eunan’s College got a lesson in fine margins as they lost out to St Pat’s, Cavan in the Danske Bank Mac Rory Cup yesterday.
St Eunan’s went down 3-11 to 2-9 in Dromore on a day that left O’Herlihy encouraged and frustrated all at once.
“Effort-wise, we weren’t found wanting,” he told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.
“We’re very disappointed to give away three poor goals. If you give away three goals, you’ll struggle to win a match.”
Eoin Dowling and Shane Monaghan netted the goals for St Eunan’s, who had too much to do when 2-8 to 1-3 behind at the break.
O’Herlihy said: “The mountain was just too high.
“We gave away a soft free and we missed a free ourselves. Ill-discipline cost us one time in the first half. These are fine margins – and there are three points that were completely avoidable.”
Listen to the full interview below …
Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle had strong words to say in Dáil Éireann about the overcrowding crisis at Letterkenny Univerity Hospital.
Lashing out about the trolley numbers, delayed admissions and waiting times, he said the situation is “f*cking ridiculous”.
Letterkenny University Hospital was one of the most overcrowded hospitals in the country in October 2019. A total of 693 emergency patients were either on trolleys or waiting on wards in the hospital. There were 19,108 people awaiting inpatient or outpatient treatments at the end of June. A total of 1,783 women are waiting for a gynaecologist appointment at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Speaking in the Dáil on Thursday, Independent TD Thomas Pringle said that cutting budgets is not going to solve the health crisis in Irish hospitals.
“The recruitment embargo has prevented management at Letterkenny University Hospital from recruiting the nurses, doctors and support staff required to reopen the hospital short stay ward fully,” Deputy Pringle said.
“In Letterkenny University Hospital we also have an ambulance service that is run for a big county but where most of the ambulances are sitting at the hospital waiting to discharge patients into it.
“That is fucking ridiculous.”
The solution, according to Deputy Pringle, is funding, which is not forthcoming.
“This has gone on and on and we are here all the time talking about it. It should not continue but the Minister is not dealing with the problem properly because the problem is a funding issue and that is where the solution will be.
“If the Minister is constantly talking about doing more for less, he will do less for less. That is the reality of the situation and that is all that will happen.”
The Government is planning to house more than 750 asylum seekers in the North-West region including Donegal, Cavan, Sligo, Leitrim and Monaghan in the coming years.
There are plans to house nearly 5,500 asylum seekers in new direct provision centres across the State at a cost of more than €320 million over the coming years.
The Irish Times reports that contracts for direction provision centres in Donegal and the rest of the North-West is valued at €46 million and would last for between two and four years.
Tender documents show the Department of Justice is seeking providers to operate centres in eight regions covering the 26 counties.
Aidan O’Driscoll, the department’s secretary general, has said a programme of engagement will be carried out with communities as the locations of the centres are finalised.
It is understood that the department will begin analysing the bids for the contracts in the coming weeks.
The department has been under pressure to find accommodation for asylum seekers following 3,762 applications in the first nine months of this year, the highest level since 2008.
There was a 20 per cent increase in demand for direct provision accommodation last year and this is expected to rise further this year.
A direct provision centre at a hotel in Moville has still not opened after it was the subject of an arson attack before it was due to open.
A Garda investigation into the attack is still ongoing.
Donegal County Council is to increase its budget by 6% to more than €154,400,000 for 2020.
The council will meet today to discuss the budget for the year ahead with an increase in spending of more than €8M on last year’s figure sought.
The council’s CEO Seamus Neely will outline the council’s plan for the spend and where the money will come from.
A draft budget plans shows that €118,576,123 of the budget needed will come from Local Property Tax, rents, fees, charges, loan repayments, grants and certain reserves.
The council has also outlined where it plans to spend the budget in the coming year.
A total of €20,649,032 will go on housing a building but more than double this, €48,199,128 will go on road transport and safety.
The council does not propose to commercial rates on top of the rate revaluation which will not start until 2022.
The wage bill for the council for 2020 is coming in at just over €72m.
Just under 2,000 students attended Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s open day yesterday with a total of 57 post-primary schools attending.
Schools Engagement Officer, Fiona Kelly, was there to inform students on the courses available at the LYIT.
“The LYIT offer 54 CAO courses such as Business, Design, Computing, Tourism, Law, Culinary Arts, Sport, Engineering, Health Studies, Nursing and Science.
“They also offer 33 Masters and Post Graduate courses, along with PHD’s in Science, Engineering and Computing,” she said.
The LYIT are not only looking for students who complete the Leaving Certificate in 2020, they especially welcome mature students and second chance learners.
They provide courses to meet everyone’s interests.
Stalls were set up around the college to inform students of the courses available.
Current students and lecturers were on hand to answer any questions.
Demonstrations also took place throughout the college to give the students a taste of what to expect from the courses.
If you are interested in studying at LYIT visit: www.lyit.ie
The virtual world and the real business world merged today when over150 people from local small and medium sized businesses gathered in Letterkenny for a Boost with Facebook event.
Facebook experts and like-minded business owners were in town for the event to give one to one training and advice on how to use Facebook’s tools to grow their business. Entrepreneurs participated in breakout sessions and talks which provided training on how to build effective online advertising strategies, create engaging ads for mobile and find new customers on Instagram.
Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook. Photo Clive Wasson]
As highlighted in a recent Seanad Report on Small and Medium Sized Businesses in Ireland (published in May 2019), the SME sector is vibrant and diverse, accounting for 99% of active enterprises and 65% of all employment in Ireland – in excess of 1 million people nationwide and over 75,000 in the North West alone. This shows the huge importance of SMEs to regional economies. The same report notes, however, that SMEs have not yet fully embraced digital technologies with just 30% of SMBs selling products and services online.
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business Lisa Boyle, I Do WoW Weddings, and Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook and Caitlin Foley, Magee1866. Photo Clive Wasson
At the event Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group at Facebook highlighted the benefits of adopting digital technologies like Facebook and Instagram into businesses: “There are 46 million people around the world connected to a business in Ireland on Facebook. Through Facebook, small businesses now have access to affordable marketing tools to grow their business and strengthen their communities. Through events like this, we want to help businesses unlock the potential of the global market and understand how tools like international Lookalike Audiences and multi-city targeting can enable them to connect with new customers, grow awareness of their brand, drive new sales and see their business flourish.”
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny Local Enterprise Office Staff Eileen Kelly, Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook, Grace Korbel and Joanne Kilmartin. Photo Clive Wasson
Demonstrating how Donegal businesses can be successful online, panelists from Magee 1866 and I Do WoW Weddings shared their experiences and practical advice on how they have leveraged Facebook and its tools to grow their businesses on a local, national and international stage.
Lisa Boyle, Business Owner at I Do WoW Weddings, told attendees how integral Facebook has been to the success of her business, “Facebook has provided me with a platform to reach new customers and to showcase my work. I set up the company in Donegal over 2 years ago, initially as a side venture. However, the business grew so quickly I left my role as a solicitor to focus on the business full time. I have always had a passion for creativity and was often told I had a talent for decorating. 90% of my client base is Facebook sourced and managed. With over 7,400 followers on Facebook and Instagram, my followers engage with me on a daily basis, by commenting, liking, sharing posts and leaving positive reviews. If it wasn’t for Facebook my business wouldn’t have grown the way it has.”
Llocal business owner Boyd Robinson, Robinson Estate Agents, Michael Mac Ginty, MeanIt and Patrica Hill, Stateside Restaurant. Photo Clive Wasson]
For businesses looking to attend future Boost with Facebook events, the next event is on the 6th of December at the Nuremore Hotel & Country Club in Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. Registration for this event is open now – go to Facebook Ireland page for more information.
See all the photos from the event here:
Seamus McNulty, FPS Tech, Luke Hoffman, Champion Travel and Luke McGrory, Guest Diary.com Photo Clive Wasson
Brian Higgins, ABC School Supplies, Toni Forrester, CEO Letterkenny Chamber, Mark Bundschu, ABC Schools Supplies and Patrica Hill, Stateside Restaurant. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner Louis Boyce, Begin Coding, Anna Campbell, Bogman Beanie and Michael MacGinty Mean IT. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business Patrica Greene,, The Web Club and Sahron Hearty, Lough Derg.Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owners. Photo Clive Wasson]
Local business owner Lisa Boyle, I Do WoW Weddings, and Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook and Caitlin Foley, Magee1866. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are Toni Forrester, CEO Letterkenny Chamber, Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook and Christine McGonigle, Women In Business Network. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner Catherine Bond and Anne Marie McGee, Simming World.Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner Michael MacGinty, MeanIt and Boyd Robinson, Robinson Estate Agents Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner Amanda Clarke, Travel Donegal and Donon Harvey, Cathedrial Quarter. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business Lisa Boyle, I Do WoW Weddings, and Helen Smyth, Head of Ireland, Global Business Group, Facebook and Caitlin Foley, Magee1866. Photo Clive Wasson]
Pictured at the Boost with Facebook business training event at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny are local business owner John McPhilimey and Stephen McPhilmey, JMP Furniture. Photo Clive Wasson]
St. Aengus NS, Bridgend claimed the first Roinn 1 Donegal Cumann na mBunscoile title over a gallant Scoil Mhuire Stranorlar.
The scene was set. Weather was perfect for this hurling decider and Burt GAA pitch was a hurler’s dream.
Both teams had come through their sections and earned the right to become potential county champions. Neither school had won this coveted trophy before. We were in for a cracker.
The ball was thrown in and you just knew this was going to be a titanic struggle. Ryan Clarke (Joint Captain) from St. Aengus opened the scoring with a free and St. Aengus quickly raced into a three-point lead with scores from play Kyron McColgan (Joint Captain) and Clarke again.
This kicked the Stranorlar side into life with two magnificent scores from play the brilliant Stranorlar captain Dan Donnelly and Barry McMenamin. The game ebbed and flowed over the next few minutes and the skill level of blocks and high fielding were a joy to watch.
St. Aengus Goalkeeper Adam Diver made a crucial save from Doneely and that seemed to swing the balance of power back to the Bridgend men.
Up stepped the brilliant forward line of Darragh Donaghey and Lee Callaghan to wrestle control of the game and score a quick-fire 1-3, Callaghan with a classic poacher’s goal. The score at half time was 1-6 to 0-2 at half time but there was all to play for yet.
The opening minutes of the second half was a tight affair and Barry McMenamin gave hope to the Stranorlar men with a brilliant score. It was back to the walls stuff for Bridgend. Captain Donnelly was becoming more and more influential for blue and whites.
This was the time for the backs to shine and with Aidan Porter leading his troops of Oisin Arbuckle, Kyron McColgan and Shane Clarke-Doherty the St. Aengus backline held firm.
St. Aengus half-forward line of Eoin McDaid and Daniel McLaughlin started to take the game by the scruff of the neck and were becoming more and more influential. Both scored cracking goals to take control of the game.
Back came Stranorlar again and were very unlucky not to narrow the gap with a couple of narrow wides from their big players, Donnelly and McMenamin. With the game becoming further stretched St. Aengus top scorer Darragh Donaghey scored two further goals. Rory Doherty replied with a brilliant late goal but time was running out.
The strength of St. Aengus’ panel was evident when they were able to bring on Ryan Featherson, Oisín Barr, Ciarán McDaid, Darragh McCauley, and Oisin Callaghan.
St. Aengus saw out the remaining minutes and the final whistle was greeted with great cheers.
THE Communities of Glenties and Fintown are in mourning after the death of noted GAA stalwart Jimmy McKelvey.
Jimmy was the President of the Naomh Conaill GAA club and he served for many years as an administrator at club and County Board levels.
Jimmy, late of Beaghmore, Fintown, has been Naomh Conaill’s President for a number of years until the time of his passing. It will be an emotional week for the club as the recently-crowned Donegal SFC winners are preparing for Sunday-week’s Ulster senior club final against Kilcoo at Healy Park.
Jimmy is a former Chairman of the Donegal Hurling Board and he also served as the Vice Chairman of the Donegal County Board.
Naomh Conaill player Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí is a grand-nephew of Jimmy, who drove a lorry for Donegal County Council for many years and was a popular figure.
Naomh Conaill was Jimmy’s big passion and, although in ill health, attended a breakfast morning at Davy Brennan Memorial Park in the lead-up to the Donegal senior football championship final, while he was a strong supporter of the Scór competitions.
Club members from Naomh Conaill formed a guard of honour as Jimmy’s remains were brought to his home this afternoon and will again pay their tribute on Sunday at his Funeral Mass.
Predeceased by this wife Bernadette, Jimmy is survived by sons Seamus, Tommy, Martin, Damien and daughters Collette and Marie.
Jimmy’s funeral mass takes place at 1pm on Sunday at St. Colmcille’s Church, Fintown, with burial afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.
