Bargain hunters rushed in their hundreds to Watson Hire in Letterkenny this morning for their massive ‘Fiver Friday’ sale.

The sale, which sees a huge amount of stock reduced to only €5, attracted queues from as early as 6am before the 8am opening time.

Fiver Friday queues at Watson Hire, Lisnennan Letterkenny

And the crowd wasn’t disappointed, as they picked up super deals, or ‘stocking fillers’ for some, for a fraction of their regular price.

The Fiver Friday sale continues all day today, so if you’re looking for DIY and homeware essentials, it’s well worth calling to Watson Hire at Lisnenan Letterkenny.

John Watson – Fiver Friday

Watson Hire Fiver Friday

The General Manager of Letterkenny University Hospital has apologised after failings during the birth of a baby boy caused life-changing trauma.

An interim settlement of €2.5million was approved today for Jack McGahern Donaghey, of Drumfergus, Killygordon, who suffered an irreversible brain injury and has cerebral palsy as a result of complications during his birth, RTE News reports.

The High Court heard that Jack suffered a lack of oxygen to his brain during his birth on 5th August 2015.

His parents Denise McGahern and Seamus Donaghey sued the hospital over the management of his birth.

They said there was a failure to monitor, read or interpret the CTG during labour and a failure to anticipate the need for resuscitation immediately after birth.

The court heard that Jack, now aged four, requires 24/7 care, has limited movement and speech, and needs help with feeding and dressing.

General Manager Sean Murphy issued an apology, which was read in the High Court. Mr Murphy expressed “sincere apologies for the failings that caused the injuries to Jack and the consequential trauma suffered” by him and his parents.

The letter added that the hospital “understands that neither this apology nor the financial compensation granted by the court can negate the continuing heartache that the McGahern Donaghey family must feel every day and appreciate that this continues to be a very difficult time for you.”

The HSE agreed to an interim settlement of €2.5m for a period of ten years for Jack’s care needs. Mr Justice Kevin Cross said the case would return to court to agree on an overall settlement in ten year’s time.

Read more at: www.rte.ie/news/courts/2019/1220/1102367-jack-mcgahern/

FINN Harps will begin the 2020 SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division season with a derby double.

Harps start the new season with a St Valentine’s Day derby at home.

Harps will welcome Sligo Rovers to Finn Park on February 14 before heading for the Ryan McBride Bride Brandywell Stadium to take on Derry City on February 21.

Three nights later, on February 24, Harps have what already looks like a potentially-crucially meeting with newly-promoted Shelbourne at Finn Park. 

The first round of the EA Sports Cup is pencilled in for Monday, March 9.

Harps a break from June 12 – when they are at home to Shelbourne – until June 26 and an away trip to Cork City.

The FAI Senior Cup is scheduled to begin on the weekend ending August 9, while Harps are at home to Waterford FC on October 23 in the last Premier Division game of the season.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL 2020 PREMIER DIVISION FIXTURE LIST

Christmas shoppers in Letterkenny had to do a double-take this morning when an eye-catching parade made its way down the Port Road.

Seven women, dressed in red robes with facepaint, staged a ‘Red Rebel’ performance protest as part of the Extinction Rebellion global movement for climate action.

The women acted out a silent demonstration outside An Grianan Theatre before making their way to Letterkenny Shopping Centre.

The XR ‘Red Rebel Brigade’ performance protest outside An Grianan Theatre, 20th December 2019

The peaceful protest is part of the Extinction Rebellion activist movement, which aims to call on governments and corporations to take urgent action against climate change.

An XR member told Donegal Daily: “It is really worrying and frustrating that as the climate crisis is getting more severe all the time, that neither governments nor corporations are giving it the energy and commitment that’s needed, so we are reaching out to alert more ordinary people to what’s happening and to hopefully get more people on board for participating in peaceful climate action in whatever shape they feel comfortable to. This is an emergency!”

The XR ‘Red Rebel Brigade’ performance protest outside An Grianan Theatre, 20th December 2019

As Michael and Martin of ‘Helping Hands’ deliver the last of the Christmas hampers and gifts, Cara House wishes to thank all the businesses in Letterkenny that have helped to support the Letterkenny Community throughout the year.

Helping Hands is a special initiative at Cara House which helps all age groups of the community. If you are unable for any reason to complete those small jobs around the house (indoors or outdoors), you can let the Helping Hands team do them for you at a reduced price.

A special thanks goes out to:

• G8 Fitness
• Optum and Pramerica volunteers
• Letterkenny Lions Club
• Aldi
• Lidl
• Chill Out Cafe
• Peggy’s Cafe
• Station House Hotel
• Dillon’s Hotel
• Marks and Spencer’s
• Wholegreen Wellness Centre
• Zona Dance.

Cara House would also like to thank all the volunteers in the Befriending, Dancing and Afterschool Services – not forgetting the staff!

They wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Fifteen local projects have successfully secured a share of €820,000 approved for Donegal under the LEADER Programme. 

Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has this week approved funding for projects ranging from self-catering accommodation, supporting small SME’s, village development initiatives, water quality improvement, supporting family resource services and development of new tourism facilities.

Donegal LCDC is supported by Donegal County Council and is tasked with the delivery of the LEADER Rural Development Programme in Donegal under the Local Action Group or LAG.

The LEADER Programme runs from 2014 to 2020 and aims to improve the quality of life in rural areas encouraging diversification of economic activity in rural areas with almost €13m allocated to Donegal under this Programme.

In Donegal the programme focuses on a number of key areas including Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation, Social Inclusion and Rural Environment.

Cllr Martin McDermott, Chairperson of Donegal LCDC praised the work of the LCDC and its implementing partners in supporting a diverse range of strategic projects in the county saying: “I am delighted to see this level of funding being allocated to a range for strategic projects across the county.

Cllr McDermott continued: “These projects will have an important role to play in creating jobs, promoting economic development while at the same time meeting the needs of the people living in various parts of the county and I am encouraging local community groups and small business owners to come forward with ideas and proposals for funding under the programme by contacting their local implementing body.”

This funding programme is administered by four implementing partners in Donegal including Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC), Inishowen Development Partnership, Údarás na Gaeltachta  and Comhar na nOileán and the final decisions on project funding rests with the Donegal LCDC Local Action Group supported by Donegal County Council.

Two people have been hospitalised as a result of a crash in Portnablagh in North Donegal.

The two-car collision occurred on the main N56 road this Friday afternoon.

Two people were taken to hospital with minor injuries, according to Gardaí.

The road is now open after emergency services attended the scene, however gardaí are warning motorists to take extra care due to oil on the road.

Meehan’s Carpet Centre & Elegant Rooms in Mountcharles, Donegal, are now recruiting for a Sales & Store Assistant in their busy on going shop and warehouse.

Job details: 
– Full Time Position Available
– Experience in sales preferable
– Must have knowledge of Store and Stock Control
– Must be a suitable candidate to undertake out of office jobs e.g. Estimating and measuring.
– Training will be provided for this job
– Must have a full valid Driving License

To apply: 

Please email your Curriculum Vitae to meehanscarpets@gmail.com or telephone 074 97 35550

Donegal man John Downey, who stands accused of the murder of two UDR soldiers, has been granted bail today in the Belfast High Court.

Downey, 67, with an address in Creeslough, was granted bail on condition that a cash surety of £225,000 is provided and that he lives in a pre-agreed address in Belfast under curfew, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

Downey was ordered to surrender his passports and is banned from leaving Northern Ireland.

Downey is charged with murdering two British soldiers in an IRA bomb attack in Enniskillen in 1972. He was extradited to the UK after handing himself into gardaí in October.

A renewed application for bail in November heard that £225,000 in cash and a further £500,000 in equity was proposed as sureties. Downey’s defence also said he proposed to live in a property in Belfast belonging to a Sinn Féin Councillor.

Read more at: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/john-downey-granted-bail-on-condition-of-225k-surety-38802662.html

Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow Fog Warning for tonight as dense fog is expected to develop over all parts of the country.

The warning is in place from 4pm on Friday until 10am on Saturday.

The national forecaster states that mist and fog during the night will form with some dense pockets of fog developing later.

It will also be a cold night with lowest temperatures of  0 to 3 degrees with some frost risks.

AA Roadwatch is warning motorists to be on alert: “Drive with extra care, using fog lights, but don’t forget to turn them off when they’re no longer needed.”

DERRY City have failed in their bid to join the ranks of the Donegal Schoolboys League.

Clubs in the Letterkenny/North West rejected the advances of the Candystripes on Wednesday night when a vote on the application was conducted.

The submission to play in the 2020 season was roundly defeated by 13 votes to 3 with one abstention.

Derry City Academy Director Paddy McCourt and senior assistant manager Kevin Deery attended Wednesday’s meeting in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.

Last month, Derry City representatives met with the Donegal Schoolboys League executive before the matter raised its head at the League AGM.

The proposal was given a cold reaction at the AGM with clubs who spoke on the night not in favour.

Derry requested that their Under-14 be allowed to play ‘development matches’ within the Letterkenny/North West Division, while they also sought to join the Donegal Youth League.

The AGM decided to leave the decision in the hands of the participants of the Letterkenny/North West League, into which Derry would’ve been placed had their proposal been successful.

McCourt addressed Wednesday’s meeting, but clubs voted firmly against the idea.

‘This course changed the way I think’ – says SITA Senior Manager Vincent Kennedy after completing the Executive Master of Business in Innovation & Leadership at Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Vincent is the Director of Software Development at SITA in Letterkenny, and the company lead in Ireland.

With a team of approx 130 people to manage, Vincent enrolled in the highly-regarded MBS at LYIT to gain specialist leadership knowledge. This two-year part-time programme is focused on equipping people in senior business roles with the skills to make an impact in their organisations and become champions for change.

Participants are senior and middle managers from across a diverse range of organisations, multinational and indigenous SMEs, who put their studies into practice in their workplace through action learning.

Some of the most valuable skills Vincent gained was how to understand other people’s motivations, he said: “Through the MBS course there are many skills that can be learned and developed. However, one of the areas that resonated with me most, is the area of Emotional Intelligence. Understanding the individuals and teams we work with, their expectations, needs and perspectives is important as a leader, especially in times of uncertainty.”

Vincent Kennedy, (SITA) – Donegal ICT/FinTech Working Group Chairperson.

Progression, innovative thinking and advancement are at the heart of the programme, which Vincent said was an eye-opening experience: “This course changed the way I think in many aspects of my working life. It has really helped me develop my business acumen and opened my mind to new ideas and techniques when leading teams.”

Originally from Inver, Vincent now lives in Donegal Town with his wife and two young children. Balancing a busy work and family life with his studies was surprisingly easy thanks to the flexibility of the Masters course and the fact that Letterkenny isn’t a long journey away.

“LYIT were very accommodating and supportive to me. In the end I found the learning experience throughout the MBS course actually helped me manage my workload better. LYIT showed great flexibility with timelines and other work challenges like business travel etc.,” Vincent said.

LYIT Master of Business Innovation & Leadership

Vincent found that the programme had many rewarding aspects, “but working closely together as a student group and supporting each other was very rewarding. I have made some really good friends through the MBS.”

Since graduating, Vincent seized the opportunities his studies have presented and moved to a new role in SITA. 

For people looking to develop their own leadership potential, he said: “I believe the quality of the course is right up there with the best. From the module content, the guest speakers and the people you study with, the entire experience was excellent.”

If you wish to apply for the Executive Master of Business in Innovation & Leadership please visit https://www.lyit.ie/CourseDetails/D401/LY_BINOL_M/Innovation&Leadership/ for further information.

For further information please contact Patricia Doherty@lyit.ie, Head of Department of Business Studies, or Lisa.Devlin@lyit.ie, Programme Administrator, School of Business, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, 00353(0)74 9186210

Letterkenny woman Nuala Carr is the Cool Planet Champion for Donegal, and this month she is sharing her top tips on how to have a climate-conscious Christmas:

Nuala Carr

Christmas is fast approaching. The excitement is building, as kids (and adults) eagerly await Santa’s arrival. It is easy to get caught up in the commercialisation of Christmas without stopping to think about the true meaning of the festive season and the celebration of the birth of our Lord. It’s a time to spend with family and friends, to slow down and recharge our batteries!

This Christmas, if you are giving presents, think of gifts that can reduce the commercialisation of Christmas and reduce unnecessary packaging and waste. This may not work for all the presents you want to give, but it may work for some.

Why not try these alternative gift ideas?

Graph inspired by justlittlechanges.com – check out this website for many more tips. 

For sustainable Christmas present ideas, check out a great local company –  www.thenaturalcompanyireland.com

Nuala Carr has many years of experience in industry as an environmental consultant, having trained as an ecologist in the University of Ulster, Coleraine. She has worked as a project manager for engineering companies, managing the environmental impact assessment and planning stages for infrastructure projects, such as onshore wind farm developments.

Nuala is now carrying out research on the social acceptance of marine renewable energy through Queen’s University Belfast.

Should anyone wish to learn more about climate change, please contact Nuala to arrange an informal talk or presentation for your local school, community group, business or organisation.  Email: nuala.carr@gmail.com

It’s last-minute shopping time, but there’s no need to panic when there are gift ideas to suit everyone at Irwin Expert Electrical Letterkenny and Buncrana.

It’s time to wrap up our All I Want for Christmas video series with a look at super presents for everyone on your list.

Whatever your budget, there are great gifts at the Irwin Expert showrooms at unbeatable prices.

The stores are both open this Saturday and will be open from 1pm-5pm this Sunday 22nd December. They are also open this Monday and until 1pm on Christmas Eve.

And if you really can’t decide, why not let your loved one choose their own gift with an Irwin Expert Gift Voucher – available in store and accepted in both Letterkenny and Buncrana. One for All vouchers and ShopLK gift cards are also accepted.

Check out the top Irwin gift ideas this Christmas:

Dyson Airwrap Complete

Apple iPad

Apple iWatch

JBL Bluetooth Speakers

Sonos Speakers

Kenwood KMIX Mixers

Kenwood Chef

Ninja Foodi Multi Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer

Ninja Air Fryer

Shark Duo Clean Cordless Vac

Tassimo Coffee Machine

Nespresso

LG TVs

Panasonic TVs

Irwin Expert Electrical Gift Vouchers

We have Gift Vouchers now available at our#Letterkenny & #Buncrana Showrooms – Someone special in your world deserves one.

Google Nest Mini

Google Home

Fitbit Watches

Garmin Watches

Irwin Expert Electrical’s Christmas Gift Experts will be delighted to help you choose the perfect Gift. They also accept SHOP LK vouchers.

They are so thankful to their customers for shopping local and choosing Irwin Expert Electrical as their preferred Home Appliance, TV, Computer Centre & Household Electrical Retail Store for in the North West.

Irwin Expert Electrical Letterkenny Showroom – Port Road, Letterkenny (Behind Browne Printers – Opposite Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
Irwin Expert Electrical Buncrana Showroom – Maginn Avenue, Buncrana.
Follow Us on Facebook : www.facebook.com/irwinexpert

Letterkenny University Hospital’s youngest patients received a wonderful surprise today when two Donegal GAA stars came for a Christmas visit.

Senior footballers Michael Murphy and Ryan McHugh took some time out this Friday to meet some brave little heroes at the LUH Paediatric Ward.

Donegal’s Michael Murphy and Ryan Mc Hugh with staff members of the Paediatric Ward at Letterkenny University Hospital. Photo Geraldine Diver

Michael and Ryan had a present for every child, kind words to share and brought joy to all families and the hard-working staff in the lead up to a difficult time for those who are ill.

With a get-well wish for everyone, Michael and Ryan gave all the children a great boost during the heart-warming visit.

Geraldine Diver was there to capture the memorable moments for this picture special: 

Michael Murphy and Ryan Mc Hugh with Thomas Lucas during their Christmas visit to the Paediatric Ward at Letterkenny University Hospital. Photo Geraldine Diver

Donegal’s Michael Murphy and Ryan Mc Hugh sign an album for Thomas Shaw from Ardara during their visit to the Paedriatric Ward at Letterkenny University. Photo Geraldine Diver.

A happy Thomas Shaw after getting his Jersey signed by Michael Murphy during the Donegal players Christmas visit to Letterkenny University Hospital.

Kim Hamilton from Castlefinn with Michael Murphy and Ryan Mc Hugh during their annual Christmas visit to Letterkenny University Hospital. Photo Geraldine Diver.

Donegal GAA players Ryan Mc Hugh and Michael Murphy with Bryanna Mc Govern during their visit to Letterkenny University Hospital. Photo Geraldine Diver

Mark Mc Bride along with his parents receive a christmas gift from Michael Murphy and Ryan Mc Hugh during their recent Christmas visit to Letterkenny University Hospital. Photo Geraldine Diver

Donegal Captain Michael Murphy and Ryan Mc Hugh with baby Michael Darragh O Donnell and his parents Kevin and Lisa during the GAA players’ Annual Christmas visit to Letterkenny University Hospital.

Hannah and Kelly Chen with Donegal’s Michael Murphy and Ryan Mc Hugh at the Paediatric Ward, Letterkenny Hospital. Photo Geraldine Diver

Michael Murphy, Brenda Mc Kelvey and Ryan Mc Hugh at the Paediatric Ward in Letterkenny University Hospital.

Ryan Mc Hugh with Lisa and baby Michael O Donnell.

Paediatric Nurse Eilish Breslin with Michael Murphy and Ryan Mc Hugh.

Michael Murphy, Mary Crawford and Ryan Mc Hugh.

A young Donegal woman has died in Australia today following a tragic accident.

The woman, who is from South Donegal, suffered fatal injuries when a tree fell on a taxi.

It is understood that the woman was a passenger in the car and was travelling home from work.

The name of the woman has not yet been released to ensure that there is adequate time for family to be notified.

Council gritters have been dispatched to treat a number of routes in north, west and south Donegal this Saturday morning.

The call-out follows an ice alert from the council, advising motorists to drive with extreme care as temperatures dropped lower than forecast at the Gweedore and Bundoran Stations.

“Never assume any road is ice free,” said the council notice.

Meanwhile, a status yellow fog alert remains in place for all counties until 10am.

Met Eireann forecasters say that any frost will clear later this morning but fog may linger through the day. Saturday is expected to be a largely dry day with some sunny spells and just the odd shower. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees.

The following routes will be gritted from 6AM on Sat. 21/12:

• 03: National Primary South
• 07: Milford South
• 08: Milford North
• 09: Cill Ulta East
• 10: Cill Ulta West
• 11: Na Rosa
• 16: Donegal West
• 17: Donegal North
• 19: Donegal National Secondary

Check Donegal County Council’s interactive map for gritting routes
Assume that no road is ice free.

Three remarkable people with spinal injuries impressed Letterkenny shoppers last weekend as they completed a three-hour charity walkathon.

Bridget McGinley, Anita Jackson and Conor Connolly, who are all wheelchair users, used a revolutionary exoskeleton to walk around Letterkenny Shopping Centre last Saturday to raise awareness and funds for the No Barriers Foundation.

All three exercisers are weekly users of the No Barriers robotic suit, which enables people with spinal injuries to stand up and walk. During the event, they each had another person wheel their chair alongside them to show the public what the suit means for those using it.

€709 was raised during the No Barriers walkathon, which was a fun, festive and informative event for all. Shoppers were invited to speak to the team and learn about the benefits of the crowd-funded exoskeleton suit, which has been available for public use in the north west since 2018.

A spokesperson for No Barriers said “We would like to thank all those who came to speak to us and donated on the day.

“We were delighted with the feedback we got from the public. The support we’ve gotten since launching No Barriers has been amazing and it was lovely to see people witness what the machine can do first hand.”

No Barriers Foundation Walkathon, Letterkenny Shopping Centre 14th December 2019

Anita Jackson at the No Barriers Foundation Walkathon, Letterkenny Shopping Centre 14th December 2019

The No Barriers Foundation, now based at FitHub Letterkenny, leads unparalleled rehab therapy with an Eksobionics robotic exoskeleton, alongside inclusive exercise training for people with disabilities.

Visit NoBarriers.ie or visit the Facebook page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/The-No-Barriers-Foundation-1734652206857645/

A man accused of dangerous driving causing the death of another man at Bridgend almost two years ago has been sent forward for trial in Letterkenny.

Daniel McCafferty, 34, who has an address in Derry, was charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Emmett McClelland at Bonnemaine, Bridgend at March 3, 2018.

Detective Garda Jason Conroy told Buncrana District Court last Thursday that he served the Book of Evidence on Mr. McCafferty at 10.46am that morning.

Garda Inspector Siobhan Mollohan said the DPP consented for the accused being sent forward for a criminal trial before the Circuit Court. The next sitting commences on January 28, 2020.

Meanwhile McCafferty has also been charged with driving while under the influence of an intoxicant, namely cocaine, at the same location on the same date.

Inspector Mollohan asked that those matters be adjourned for a short time to allow them to be added to the indictment in the Book of Evidence.

Judge Paul Kelly agreed and informed Mr. McCafferty of what would happen next. He said if he wished to rely on an alibi as part of his defence he must inform the prosecution within 14 days.

Furthermore Judge Kelly extended the Derry man’s bail and granted legal aid to Mr. Herron solicitor, two counsel and an engineer.

A young Donegal nurse killed when a tree fell on a taxi she was travelling in Australia has been named locally.

She was Mary Ellen Molloy from Edergole in Ardara.

The 26-year-old, who was working at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, died instantly in the freak accident which happened about 4pm Irish time yesterday (Fri).

Another young woman in the taxi, also believed to be from Co Donegal, was also injured in the tragedy but her injuries are not understood to be life-threatening.

Ms Molloy is from a well-known family and her uncle is Donegal’s All-Ireland winning GAA captain and Fianna Fail county councillor Anthony Molloy.

Her parents Terence and Angela Molloy, as well as her brothers John and Karl, are being comforted by family and friends.

A full investigation is being carried out by Australian police into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

A family friend who asked not to be named said “Mary Ellen was doted on. Terence and Angela were so proud of her and very proud that she had qualified as a nurse and was living in Australia.

“She came back whenever she could but always kept in touch.

“As you can imagine their whole lives have been turned upside down. It is just a very freak thing that has happened but so hard for them to accept.

“The entire community is in shock at what has happened and especially coming as it does at Christmas time.”

A spokesperson for the Royal Melbourne Hospital said they were shocked by the loss of Mary Ellen.

“We send out deepest sympathies to the nurse’s family and friends, who are grieving over this heartbreaking loss.”

A spokesperson for Ardara GAA Club also posted a message of sympathy on the club’s Facebook page.

The statement says “We awaken today as a Parish, numbed by the news from Australia of the death of Mary Ellen Molloy in Melbourne yesterday evening. Mary Ellen was a beautiful girl with a permanent smile who lit up every room she walked into.

“Her love for her family was always so evident whenever they were together, and we can only imagine the grief that Terence, Angela, John Ross, Karl Joseph and the Molloy and Gillespie families are feeling at this time.

“As a community we have lost yet another shining light and as ever, We will do whatever we can to assist them at this terrible time. God Bless everyone who knew and loved the beautiful girl from Edergole. God Rest you Mary Ellen x.”

Arrangements are being made for the return of Mary Ellen’s remains for her funeral.