With the Christmas festive season upon us, it is more important than ever to be aware of your hearing health and those around you.

Those who suffer from hearing loss can feel isolated and avoid social situations around this time of year.

A leading audiologist from Specsavers has shared some advice to be proactive about your hearing health and put those with hearing loss at ease so everyone can be merry and cared for during the festivities.

Christmas is a time where family and friends come together, and a time of happiness.

However, if you have hearing loss, it can also be a time of the year when you feel overwhelmed and isolated. Being in rooms with loud background noise, music and people talking over one another, can make it difficult to keep up for some.

Recent research carried out about hearing loss in Ireland has shown that almost two thirds (64%) of adults claim hearing loss would impact on their attendance at social events, with a third (33%) claiming they would be less inclined to go to events as they’d be afraid they wouldn’t be able to hear people properly.

Audiologist at Specsavers, Orla Walsh, comments: ‘Hearing loss can be gradual, and many people may not notice that they are struggling. It’s important to keep on top of your hearing health and it is also important to be mindful of others. Research has shown that many people do not want to wear hearing aids as it will make them feel old, impact their appearance or they are worried they will be judged. We need to combat the stigma around hearing loss and the reluctance to wear hearing aids.’

With Christmas just around the corner, Orla Walsh has shared some of her expert advice below;
Make sure to visit your local Specsavers in the run up to Christmas. Our stores offer three-minute hearing screenings, available to anyone over 18 years old. Specsavers’ Audiopad technology is also available in-store. This is a 20-minute test that lets customers know whether they would benefit from a free in-depth hearing assessment, which would take an hour.

At Christmas gatherings, be sure to have the person’s attention before you start speaking. If you are hosting a Christmas get together and are aware of a guest with hearing loss, make sure to seat them in a position away from where the music is playing, with a wall behind them, so there is not noise coming from every direction.

If you are a hearing aid user make sure to always wear them! Keep your hearing aids out of reach or children and animals and avoid leaving them in a cold car as the hearing aid could start malfunctioning.

Be pro-active about your hearing health and ask a member of Specsavers staff about the extensive range of hearing aids available. Prices of hearing aids start from €300 with PRSI.

App-enabled hearing aids are available where the settings and volume can be altered on your phone, depending the given social situation.

*The nationally representative survey was conducted in March 2019 by Empathy Research through an online omnibus survey. A sample size of 1,000 was achieved with quotas set on gender, age, social class and region to achieve a sample aligned with national population. For more information, please visit www.specsavers.ie/hearing.

Plans to transfer long-stay patients from Lifford Community Hospital have been delayed after locals expressed their fear for the future of the facility.

The HSE this week confirmed that the two current patients, who were due to be moved to St Joseph’s in Stranorlar, will no longer be transferred in January.

The news has come as a relief to patients’ families. It follows a public meeting held in Lifford on Thursday when families, campaigners and public representatives gathered to discuss how they would fight to save the hospital from closure.

Friends of Lifford Hospital welcomed the latest confirmation from the HSE that long-term patients will not be moved. Talks are due to talk place between the patients’ families and the HSE at the end of January.

The HSE has confirmed that short term care will continue to be provided at the hospital.

In a statement, Friends of Lifford Hospital said they are committed to securing the future of the hospital: “The fight to save our hospital and our services in Lifford will continue until we have confirmation that our hospital is saved from closure and all beds are re-opened.”

Donegal TD and Leas Cheann Comhairle Pat the Cope Gallagher has expressed his profound sympathy on the tragic and untimely death of Mary Ellen Molloy who has died after a road accident in Melbourne.

Deputy Gallagher, a family friend of the Molloys, said there is a sense of numbness at the Ardara nurse’s death.

He said “When news broke last evening of her passing a deep sense of shock and numbness descended over Donegal

“Mary Ellen who comes from a highly respected Ardara family was an energetic, caring, compassionate and intelligent young lady who emigrated to Melbourne 16 months ago and has been home twice since.

“She made a profound impact on all who encountered her in her work at Melbourne hospital was the comment of the Director of Nursing with whom I spoke to today.

“I have known the Molloy family for many years and I know only too well the pain and sadness they are suffering at this very sad time.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to her parents Terence and Angela and to her siblings John Ross and Karl Joe, as well as her many aunts, uncles including Cllr Anthony Molloy, cousins and her extended family. Ar lámh dheis Dé a bhfuil sí.”

Council staff have this week embarked on a door to door campaign to raise awareness among householders of the importance of complying with the Smoky Coal ban in Letterkenny.

This is as a result of a stark reduction in air quality since the burning season began in October this year and is evident from the real time air quality information that has been derived from the air quality station recently installed by the Council as part of the EPA’s national ambient air quality monitoring network.

253 homes have been visited this week alone and Council Environmental staff are keen to raise awareness among householders of the harm that can be done by burning smoky coal and the impact it has on air quality in the town and that the burning of smoky coal in Letterkenny is illegal.

Suzanne Bogan, Waste Awareness Officer with Donegal County Council explained that “over 1,000 people in Ireland suffered premature deaths every year due to poor air quality and in Donegal the particulate matter coming from the burning of solid fuel for home heating is the main cause of poor air quality.  We have seen a noticeable decrease in the air quality in Letterkenny especially at weekends since October this year and are keen to highlight this to householders who may simply not be aware of the impact that burning smoky coal can have on their own families, neighbours and friends”.

She adds “when you tell people that they can make a real and meaningful difference over the winter burning season by using longer lasting low smoke fuels, such as low smoke coal or wood, kindling, fire logs, fire starter logs; or turf or turf products, it does have an impact and this is why we have taken this initiative to visit homes in the area”.

Householders are obliged to comply with the smoky coal ban when burning fuel and should discuss the many different types of low smoke fuels that are available with their local coal merchant.

Alongside this initiative the Council is continuing to work with the Revenue Commissioners, in a multi-agency enforcement initiative, focusing on the coal retail / merchant sector. This involves the inspection of delivery lorries and new legislation has also made provision for fixed penalty notices for breaches of the legislation within the coal sector ranging from €250 – €1,000.

“It is important to remember that the sole purpose of this law is to deliver cleaner air” says Suzanne Bogan and “it is only through the continued support of householders, coal retailers and merchants that improvements in air quality will continue”.

For more information or to report a breach of the law contact Donegal County Council on 074 9153900 or visit www.donegalcoco.ie or visit www.dccae.gov.ie .

A strong second-half performance which saw them outscore their opponents by 1-07 to 1-02 gave Four Masters a much deserved victory in this Division One League Final at Hibernian Park in Burt.                         Indeed Termon’s second goal came deep into injury time in a game that they never really showed the form that has brought them championship success in Donegal and a place , after two victories . in the semi-final of the Ulster Minor Championship against Kilcoo in Belfast on St.Stephen’s Day.                                                                                                                      Termon got the perfect start with a goal in the opening minute , Mark Gallagher blasted to the net after a super fetch by Bobbie McGettigan and pass from Aaron Gallagher.                                                                                                                             Killian Faulkner , who was impressive throughout,  opened Four Masters account in the 4th minute . We then had a long delay in play after Four Masters forward Carl McCarry fell awkwardly and twisted his knee , after medical attention Carl was removed on a stretcher  and replaced by Mark Jordan.          Eoin Gorrell pointed for Masters to leave a point in it in the 18th minute and then we had to wait until well into injury-time before Termon’s Ryan McFadden kicked two excellent points to make it 1-02 to 0-02.                                                However Four Masters had the final say of the extended half when Killian Faulkner hammered to the net after Termon keeper Emmet McGuire had save brillantly to deny Mark Jordan but could do nothing to prevent Faulkner’s follow-up and finish , at  half-time it was 1-02 apiece with both teams guilty of two many wides and balls landing in the keeper’s arms .                                                         Charlie Collins was in Hibernian Park                                                                 Termon almost repeated their first-half start with a goal inside a minute , Ryan McFadden’s long ball found Bobbie McGettigan on the edge of the square but his fisted effort came back off the crossbar.                                                                         A minute later Shay Travers free gave Four Masters the lead for the first time in the game , a lead they would never lose.                                                                   Another fast moving Termon attack looked as if it could produce a goal but Four Masters Captain Brian Peter Gallagher made a vital interception to deny them.   The action swung quickly to the other end and Killian Faulkner reacted quickest when a shot hit high up on a post but his piledriver hit the inside of the far post when a goal looked certain.                                                                                              Faulkner and Joe Leape then kicked fine scores from play for Masters , Ryan McFadden replied quickly for Termon and at 1-05 to 1-03 it was still anyone’s game.                                                                                                                                             The winning of the game was confirmed in a two minute spell from the 52nd minute as Shay Travers , Joe Leape and Alex McCalmont all kicked excellent points from play to give Four Masters a five point lead , a huge advantage given what had gone before .                                                                                                                       Jamie Grant pointed for Termon but Travers replied and then Mark Jordan set up midfielder Richard O Rourke to blast the ball low past Emmet McGuire in the 59th minute , 2-09 to 1-04.                                                                                                     Termon kept trying and were rewarded with a Jamie Grant goal in injury-time but it was too little too late on a day when even if they didn’t bring their best game they were beaten by the better team on the day.                                                  They will be looking for a much improved performance against Kilcoo in the Ulster Semi-final in Belfast on Thursday next.                                                               This was both an excellent performance and result for this Four Masters squad which team captain Brian Peter Gallagher pointed out had achieved nothing of note at Under-Age level until the management of John and Kevin Sinclair and their back-room team came on board.                                                                                   With only five of the squad over-age for next year we will be hearing more from this Four Masters group of players .                                                                                            Four Masters  ; Oisín Bryson,  Christopher Gallagher , Diarmuid O Donnell , Brian Gallagher , Ultan o Grady  , Darragh Geary , James McHugh , Senan Quinn , Richard O Rourke ( 1-00 ) , Carl McCarry , Alex McCalmont ( 0-01 ), Eoin Gorrell ( 0-01) , Joe Leape ( 0-02),  Shay Travers ( 0-03 ), Killian Faulkner ( 1-02).                                                                                                                                                                       Subs ; Mark Jordan  for McCarry ( 14mins ) , Kyle O Neill for Leape ( 55mins ).             Termon ; Emmet McGuire , Evan Coleman ,  Jamie Grant ( 1-01 ),  Mark Toye ,  Conor Black , Caolan Gallagher , Conor McFadden , Jack Alcorn  , Ryan McFadden ( 0-03 ) , Bobbie McGettigan  , Steve McDaid  , Aaron Gallagher , Mark Gallagher ( 1-00 )  , Stephen Black , Conor Cassidy.                                                                                                                                                                                     Subs ;  Luke McGarvey for Aaron Gallagher ( 33mins ), Manus O Donnell for Conor McFadden ( 42mins ), Aaron Reid for Ryan McFadden ( 56mins).                                                                                                                                                                                     Referee ; Shaun McLaughlin.

A number of familiar faces will be on our TV screens this Monday when a new documentary on the pastime of card-playing airs on BBC.

Cuideachta na gCártaí pays homage to the people to keep the card playing tradition alive in Ulster, meeting the people who play for prizes and for charity.

Regardless of the reason, card-playing remains a particularly unique form of social gathering where cheek, chance, mental agility and lady luck all merge in the moment.

This observational documentary gets into the hearts and minds of the people with this common pastime. Cuideachta na gCártaí, produced by Imagine Media for BBC Gaeilge, with support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, is on BBC Two Northern Ireland on Monday 23 December at 10pm.

Playing cards has always been a big part of life for Rann na Feirste actor Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh, and the programme follows Niall and friends for his annual Christmas progressive card drive where he keeps some of the older traditions alive. With a Christmas turkey, bottles of whiskey and boxes of biscuits all up for grabs as prizes, it’s all to play for.

Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh

Other contributors include long distance lorry driver Liam McGee from Donegal, and newcomer Eamonn Óg Ó Cnáimhsí Ó Gallchóir who has been learning how to play 25 from his grandfather Fred. 

Elsewhere, young university students and first cousins – Sorcha Ní Dhubhcháin from Donegal and Fionn Palmer from Armagh – are adapting to city life in Belfast and are looking for ways to broaden their circle. They have decided to attend the card playing classes in the Cumann Chluain Árd. The pair have another reason to learn the tricks of card playing as they plan to surprise their granny Nóra Frank Chonaill with their new skills. 

The BBC Gaeilge programme will explore why card games are such a draw to the players and why they are determined to keep the games alive. The film weaves its way through a diverse set of card players’ lives, looking at the cross-generational and continuing love affair with card games.

Producer Hannah Ní Dhubhcháin says, “It was great to work on a film such as Cuideachta na gCártaí to gain an insight into how it is important to tell the story of card-playing and keeping the tradition alive. We all know how to play different card games, but it was endearing to learn more about the traditional games such as 25, 45 and Whist and how they are able to bring old and young together.”

Seeing is believing when it comes to the Annual Poor Farmers Association (P.F.A) Charity Auction in Ardara.

Every Christmas for the past 14 years, the local farming community has come together to hold one of Ireland’s most bizarre auctions.

Sheep, chickens, silage – You never know what lots will appear in Teague’s Bar on the night, but the one thing that’s promised is great craic.

The 2019 P.F.A takes place in Teague’s Bar, Ardara, Co. Donegal on Saturday the 28th December 2019 at 9pm.

 To date, the event has raised an astonishing €316,749.00 for local charities.

This year the funds raised from the PFA auction will be distributed between the Downstrands counselling services and Pieta House. Downstrands counselling services relies heavily on public donations to provide a vital service to the Ardara Rosbeg, Portnoo and Glenties communities. 

This year the P.F.A. is delighted to be supporting their local counselling services.

What happens at the P.F.A.?

The stage is transformed into a bidding table for the auctioneer taking charge of proceedings over the usual dance floor which also morphs, on the night, into ‘the mart ring’ with livestock auctioned in bar… but seeing is believing so be sure to make your way to Teague’s Bar on the 28th Dec. 2019.  

In the past, lots auctioned have included sheep, heifers, bags of turf, chickens, gates, bags of nuts and bales of silage to name but a few.

Here is just a taste of the auction back in 2008: 

Organisers said: “We’ve lots flying in as we speak. And we’re expecting a wide and varied range of items to be in place by the time the night comes around. If you’ve never been to the event, then you should make the effort this year as it’s truly a unique night that will live long in your memory – it’s crazy – but it’s all for such a great cause!”

“The Poor Farmers Association (P.F.A.) would like to thank everyone involved in the last 14 Auction’s which raised a total of €316,749.00 THANK YOU ALL”

Anyone looking to donate items or place a reserve bid is asked to contact anyone of the organising committee before 27th December to be in the catalogue,

Cathy Boyd – 087 613 3085

John Breslin- 087 826 5334

Gerard McHugh- 087 648 8628

For updates follow us on Facebook.www.facebook.com/TeaguesBarArdara

Where did the Poor Farmers Association come from? Here’s the funny story: 

“He’ll find it for you, but when you do find it make sure you throw a few coins into the box.” 

Anyone in who has visited Teague’s Bar in Ardara and have had the pleasure of being served by the lovely Eileen Teague will have heard her say this now-famous phrase ( well, Famous in Teague’s Bar)

The Poor Farmers Association and subsequent Poor Farmers Auction was established on a cold wet night in the winter of 2005, where a couple of locals were sat at the bar counter in Teagues Ardara putting the world to right.

The St Anthony box on the counter was in tatters and needed a new cover, Eileen was giving out that it needed to be fixed up, “How could you expect anyone to throw a few coins into the box when you couldn’t see St Anthony on it,” she said.

Lord knows Poor St Anthony was owed a small fortune, what with all the things he had located in Teague’s…Car keys, mobile phones….to name but a few.

The barman Paul Molloy decided to cover the St Anthony box with an Ardara GAA lotto envelope but instead of writing St Anthony’s name on it, he wrote “The Poor Farmers Fund”, to the amusement of his customers.

Around a hundred euro was raised in the St Anthony Box and it was decided the money would go to the Donegal Hospice. The idea was given legs and grew and grew it was discussed at length to hold a livestock Auction for the Poor Farmers in the Bar, with all the proceeds going to the Donegal Hospice. 

So, the Poor Farmers Association was formed, the Livestock Auction was to be held that Christmas in Teagues.

Fourteen years later, the committee with all the original members are continuing to go from strength to strength, raising huge amounts of money for local charities.

A fund to help a Donegal nurse killed in a freak accident in Australia has reached a staggering €63,000 in less than 24 hours.

Mary Ellen Molloy was killed when a tree fell on the taxi she was taking in Melbourne on Friday.

The 26-year-old from Ardara travelled to Australia sixteen months ago and was loving life Down Under.

However, Mary Ellen, from a well-known GAA family including her uncle and All-Ireland GAA winning captain Anthony Molloy, died just days before Christmas.

Now her local GAA club in Melbourne, St Kevins GAC, have organised a Go Fund Me page for Mary Ellen and her two friends, Sarah Fitzpatrick and Aoife Sheridan and who were also in the taxi.

All three are members of the club. Sarah was injured while Aoife thankfully managed to escape without any injuries.

The fund has received donations from around the globe.

Just a short time ago the fund had reached a staggering €64,000 and it is getting larger all the time.

A spokesperson for St Kevins explained “On the 20th of December three of our club members of St Kevin’s GAC were involved in a horrific car accident in Melbourne, Australia.

“The three girls work as nurses together and are close friends. We are devastated to learn that Mary Ellen Molloy has lost her life, Sarah Fitzpatrick has been injured and requires surgery and fortunately, Aoife Sheridan has been unharmed.

“We are setting up this page to assist the families in this heartbreaking time. The funds will go towards supporting the families and to help alleviate the financial pressure.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the girls and their families.”

A huge amount of work is being carried out behind the scenes in a bid to repatriate Mary Ellen with her family back in Co Donegal.

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.

One theory being examined is that the large part of the tree which fell on the girl’s taxi may have been very dry because of Australia’s recent record-breaking dry period.

Hollywood star Sarah Jessica Parker and her family are planning to spend Christmas in their luxury Donegal hideaway.

The Sex in the City star, her film star husband Mattew Broderick and their children will spend the festive season in Kilcar.

The couple completed the renovation and extension of their former holiday cottage which Broderick’s family bought 40 years ago.

And now the celebrity family have been spotted making their way to their beloved Irish holiday home.

The couple enjoyed breakfast at Hotel Kilmore in Cavan after the flew into Ireland from New York on Saturday morning.

SJP and her family mixed with diners but politely declined requests for pictures saying she was jet-lagged.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s renovated home in Kilcar. Pic by Northwest Newspix.

However, she told other guests how she was so looking forward to spending Christmas in Donegal saying it was a “beautiful place to spend Christmas.”

This is the second year in succession that the famous Hollywood couple has chosen to spend Christmas in Ireland.

Donegal locals couldn’t believe their eyes last Christmas eve when the star appeared at the local supermarket.

SJP shocked the residents of Killybegs when she popped into a supermarket to stock up on last-minute groceries.

The actress, who was accompanied by her husband Matthew Broderick, twin daughters Marion and Tabitha and son James, also bought presents in Donegal Town.

Locals rarely bother the couple apart to ask for the odd photo.

One woman in Kilcar said “They’re such a lovely family and they love that nobody bothers them. They pop into the shops for Christmas essentials like everybody else.

“They have no airs and graces and you wouldn’t think they were Hollywood celebrities. When they’re here they’re just another family looking forward to spending Christmas together.”

SEAN MacCumhaills have announced a new management team for the 2020 season.

Tyrone native Paul Rouse will be joined by Glenties man Seosamh Mac Ceallabhuí at Sean Mac Cumhaill Park next year.

Rouse, is the Head of Gaelic Games Development at Ulster University, Jordanstown. 

In 2018, he was part of Cathal Corey’s backroom team with the Sligo footballers while he has also worked with Moy, Dungannon, Dromore and Ardboe.

Mac Ceallabhuí was most recently manager of Red Hughs, who he led to the Ulster Junior Championship title in 2018.

Bernard McGeehan was in the MacCumhaills hotseat for the last two years. The Twin Towns club will play in Division 2 of the All-County League in 2020.

RAPHOE overcame reigning Premier League champions Instonians at the Royal and Prior School on Saturday.

Raphoe 2 Instonians 0

Simon Goudie and Georgie Patterson netted as Raphoe claimed a superb three points.

With confidence built from their meeting a fortnight ago Raphoe set out to frustrate the Belfast side and look to create on the counter attack. 

The visitors enjoy a spell of possession before the home side created a few half chances. Tom Eaton won the Donegal men’s first penalty corner. 

Visiting keeper, Sam Brown, did well to save Simon Goudie’s drag flick.

Raphoe withheld a nervy period just before the 1/4 time whistle. From Instonian’s first penalty corner ‘keeper Davy Moore saved well from William Robinson’s drag flick, the rebound fell nicely to the Instonians captain whose goal-bound was brilliantly saved by Alan Meehan on the line to keep it scoreless.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern but Raphoe grew more in possession. Lee Stewart, Ian McGonigle, Keith Meehan and James Wilson kept the ball ticking over in midfield with George Patterson and Tommy Orr a constant menace to the Belfast side. Raphoe managed to hold on, with relative comfort, when Stewart was given a two-minute suspension.

After half-time, Raphoe grew into the game and capitalised on the few chances that came their way. Raphoe won their second penalty when former Raphoe man, Andrew Corry, fouled George Patterson as he was advancing on the circle. From the resultant corner Raphoe put the ball in the net but it was rightly ruled out for dangerous play.

Nonetheless, shortly after, Simon Goudie converted a brilliant drag-flick, mid-range into the Instonian’s net, after Tommy Orr had won the penalty corner. 

Goudie was Raphoe’s best outlet from defence with his aerial balls throughout the game. Raphoe managed the rest of the third quarter unscathed.

The final quarter saw a gigantic effort from the Raphoe men. Johnny Long, Zack West and Gavin Lecky dug deep and covered a lot of ground before Raphoe got their second goal. 

George Patterson capitalised on a loose ball in the circle and finished on the second time of asking to send the Raphoe fans into delirium with 13 minutes to go.

Instonians tried to come back into the game and apart from a magnificent save from Moore they would have reduced the deficit to one. 

Raphoe went on to keep their clean sheet, which was well deserved.

Raphoe’s next fixture is a tough game against Cookstown on the 4th of January.

Raphoe: D. Moore, T. Eaton, S. Goudie, E. Lyttle, A. Meehan, Z. West, J. Long, L. Stewart, I. McGonigle, J. Wilson, G. Patterson, T. Orr, J. Watt, G. Lecky, K. Meehan.

WITH pre-season training just a couple of weeks away, Finn Harps have launched a preseason draw to help kick start preparations for the 2020 campaign.  

Club chairman Sean Quinn said: “With the fixtures out now we’re on the countdown to the start of the new campaign.  

“It’s an expensive time of year as we look to give Ollie and Paul the resources they need to assemble a new squad and prepare them as well as possible for the coming season.  

“By supporting this fundraiser fans can help us hit the ground running for 2020 and set us up for a successful year”

Entry to the draw costs €10 and the first prize is €5000 in cash.  

Other prizes are a €1000 Shopping Voucher for McElhinney’s, two nights B+B in the Mill Park or Park Hotel a pair of Season Tickets and a Club Shop voucher. 

The draw will take place at the Finn Harps v Shelbourne game on the 24th of February.  

Supporters looking to sell tickets should contact harpsmail@gmail.com

Tickets can be purchased online via finnharps.ie.

RONAN Curtis insists he is happy at Portsmouth, although the St Johnston man is expected to have no shortage of suitors once the transfer window opens in January.

Curtis bagged his sixth goal in seven games yesterday to give Portsmouth a 1-0 win over Ipswich.

The in-form Curtis has found the high gears again in recent weeks with the former Derry City man already having been linked to a number of Championship sides.

“I’m happy to play for Pompey,” Curtis said.

“I love living in the city and I love the club.

“The gaffer (Kenny Jackett) gave me a chance by signing me here and I’m happy to have been able to pay him back.

“I’m not worried if any transfer comes in, if I go, if I stay, contracts or whatever. I’ll just focus on myself and my own game and I’ve just got to carry it on now.”

Curtis drove home four minutes into the second half and the strike from the Republic of Ireland international was enough to give Pompey the win.

A Christmas cracker from Ronan Curtis gave @Pompey all three points against Ipswich!

A perfectly executed knee slide too #PoweringBritishFootballpic.twitter.com/46wnX2Pdj4

— Utilita Football (@UtilitaFootball) December 22, 2019

Finn Harps have announced the first six players who have joined the club ahead of the 2020 Under-13 National League.

Harps have confirmed the additions of Ruairi Connaghan (Kilmacrennan Celtic), Jack Mawditt (Swilly Rovers), Oisín McHugh (Milford United), Fintan Hasson (Illistrin FC), Pádraig McBride (Gweedore Celtic) and Colm Ó Dochartaigh (Gweedore Celtic)

Head of Finn Harps Academy, Kevin McHugh spoke about the influence of the League on player development. 

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for these boys to come and play in the national league, the highest level at this age group in the country,” McHugh said. 

“We seen last year from the 20 competitive games how much it progresses the players development wise.

“A lot of the boys in this squad are from local clubs which is great to see them lining out for Finn Harps. 

“The boys are coming to us at such a good level and that’s testament to their previous clubs and coaches who have brought them this far.”

Harps have said that further announcements will be made in the coming days. 

FOUR MASTERS managers John and Kevin Sinclair hailed their squad’s turnaround after they defeated Termon in Saturday’s Minor League final.

The Donegal Town side had goals from Killian Faulkner and Richard O’Rourke for a 2-9 to 2-4 success over Ulster semi-finalists Termon.

“Going into it, we fancied ourselves to give anyone a rattle,” Kevin Sinclair told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“The talent was there, it was just getting the right focus. They pulled it together themselves and we just guided them. We’re delighted to get there, finally.”

Termon bagged a goal in the game’s opening minute, but a strong performance thereafter gave Four Masters their moment.

And as John Sinclair revealed, the success of this group was in marked contrast to their prior experiences.

He said: “We had these boys at under-13. They were getting defeats by 12 and 15 points. We took them to a stage where they were getting beaten by five points. They progressed on through the ranks. 

“This is the first year we’ve had them since. We couldn’t believe that some of them had never won a game, never mind a trophy.”

Listen to the full interview below …

The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI have called on the public to pay particular attention to their personal safety when engaging in any water-based or coastal activities over the Christmas and New Year period.

The two organisations have also issued a joint thank you to their nationwide search and rescue teams for their work during the past twelve months and paid tribute to the men and women who keep our waters and coastal areas safe.

In Donegal there have been several tragedies this year but there could have been many more but for the brave service given by these organisations.

The following is the advise issued by the RNLI and the irish Coast Guard service.

Christmas/New Year Swims:

Swimming in open water is very different to swimming in a pool. Unseen currents, cold water and waves make open water swimming more challenging. Even the strongest swimmers can tire quickly in the sea.

Never swim alone. Always try and take part in an organised swim with safety cover nearby.
Consider wearing a wetsuit and bright coloured hat for longer swims.
Check weather and tide times before you set out.
Always swim parallel to the shore and not straight out. Cold water and currents can tire you out quickly and make it harder to return to shore.
Never swim under the influence of alcohol
If you see some in trouble, or think they are in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard

For coastal walkers:

Stay Back – Stay High – Stay Dry; when engaged in coastal walks and avoid any unfamiliar routes and be mindful of changes caused by coastal erosion and the risk of trip, slips and falls.
Ensure that pets are kept under control in case they get into difficulty and cause owners to risk their own safety in attempting to rescue them.
For leisure boaters or small fishing boat operators:

Remember to carry a suitable means to call for help such as mobile phone, vhf radio or Personal Locator beacon
If engaged in any boating activities wear an appropriate personal flotation device – it could save a life.
Before proceeding, tell someone ashore your plans and what time you expect to be back.
Always check the weather and take heed of any warnings.

Irish Coast Guard Head of Operation, Gerard O’Flynn said that as we move past the shortest day of the year, everybody looks forward to getting out and about.

He said “Please be safety conscious, plan your activity carefully and always advise friends and colleagues of your plans and intentions. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Centres at Malin, Valentia and Dublin will be fully staffed over the Christmas period as will our day and night Helicopter Search and Rescue services.’ He reiterated his thanks to volunteer members of the RNLI and Coast Guard who will continue to be available to respond over the holiday period.

RNLI Lifesaving Manager Sean Dillon added, that this Christmas and New Year we will have over 1,500 lifeboat volunteers ready to drop everything if a call for help comes in.

He added “There are many people who are spending Christmas with loved ones this year thanks to the actions of RNLI and Coast Guard crews and for that we are grateful to the men and women who give their time to keep people safe on the water. However, we know that not everyone can be saved, and our lifeboat crews are as busy as ever. Following simple safety advice before you set out can prevent a tragedy and give you valuable time to wait for help, if it is needed.’

SAM TODD has pledged his future to Finn Harps for the 2020 campaign.

The centre-back has signed a new deal at Finn Park, which will keep him at the club for a third season.

Todd initially joined Harps on loan from Derry City in 2018, when he helped Harps to win promotion to the Premier Division.

In 2019, Todd started 37 games in all competitions as Harps preserved their top flight status.

“Sam took the step up well and the fact he played 37 games shows that,” Harps manager Ollie Horgan said. 

“There was probably a bit of a steep learning curve at first but he’s been an important member of the squad for the past couple of seasons and we’re delighted he’ll be back with us for next year.”

Todd joins Gareth Harkin, Mark Anthony McGinley, Mark Timlin, Mark Coyle, Ruairi Harkin, Tony McNamee, Stephen Doherty and Kieran Farren in re-signing with the club.

Harps have also added Adrian Delap on loan from Derry City.

It’s an outside chance but there is an outside chance of a white Christmas, according to latest forecasts.

New weather charts show a “risk of sleet and snow” for parts of the country on Christmas night.

Plunging temperatures on Christmas eve mean it will be a crisp and bright Christmas Day.

However, rain is forecast later in the day suggesting a chance of snow.

Weather Alerts Ireland have flagged a chance of snow with their social media followers.

They wrote on Facebook: “Could there be snow overnight Christmas Night into Stephen’s Day??

“The ECMWF models is showing rain push into South of Ireland overnight Christmas Night with a low pressure system.

“This looks to turn to snow for some parts of the South of the country.

“The amount on this model show over 20cm of snow in parts which is quite a substantial amount and unrealistic I would think but time will tell!

“But this is the only model showing snow at this time.”

LETTERKENNY Athletics Club held their annual awards night on Friday in Arena 7.

A number of presentations were made to athletes who excelled in 2019.

Ann Marie McGlynn was named as senior female athlete of the year and Eoin Hughes was awarded senior male athlete of the year.

The performance of the year went to the senior women’s team who took silver medals at the national cross-country championships. Ann Marie McGlynn, Nakita Burke, Niamh Kelly and Caitriona Jennings were the scoring members of that team.

Tina Page was named as Club Person of the Year.

CHARLIE McConalogue has welcomed news from An Tánaiste, Simon Coveney, that the government is working on a visa process with the United States.

The Fianna Fáil TD stressed work must also continue to make progress for the undocumented Irish there.

Deputy McConalogue raised the issue in the Dáil last week, and acknowledged that the effort to make progress on the undocumented in the United States is being made against a difficult political backdrop at present. 

“I know it is a difficult situation at the moment, but the Government needs to ensure every effort continues to be made to try to make progress in this regard,” he said.

Deputy McConalogue was told that the government is presently trying to make progress on the E3 visa process, a facility available to Australian nationals that enables them to get visas to work and live in the United States.

Deputy McConalogue said: “I was informed that there is an allocation each year and Irish officials are working with friends in Congress and the Senate to try to allow Irish people to use unused visas, of which there are between 3,000 and 4,000 and sometimes more each year.

“The Tánaiste confirmed continuing efforts to progress legislation that would give Irish people who want to travel to the United States the opportunity to be able to do so with the new visa entitlement, with reciprocal arrangements for US citizens who want to come to Ireland.

“Many people in County Donegal and every other part of the country have loved ones who have been abroad for many years and are unable to come home. 

“This problem becomes particularly acute when Irish people who are living overseas lose close family relatives in Ireland.   It is also particularly difficult at times such as Christmas.”

The Donegal TD said he is aware that immigration is a hugely divisive issue in American politics, but he stressed the need to keep the matter to the forefront at every opportunity

He added: “While any new visa opportunities are most welcome, it is important that we work just as diligently to make progress on finding a solution for the many undocumented.”