The month of December was a very busy time for the members of the Letterkenny Rotary Club as they hosted several events to support the community and help the less fortunate.

The Letterkenny Rotary Club once again hosted the annual Christmas Tree of Remembrance at the Letterkenny Shopping Centre.

The beneficiary charities for 2019 were the Donegal Down Syndrome Association, St Vincent de Paul and international Rotary Charities.

These Ribbons will now be blessed at an Ecumenical Service on Sunday, January 19, at 7pm in Conwal Parish Church at the Cathedral Square in Letterkenny as part of Christian Unity Week.

This Service is open to everyone to attend and supper will he served afterwards.

Also in December, the Club collected just under 100 bicycles for transport to Loughlan House in Co. Cavan.

The bikes had been collected during the Donegal County Council Recycle Month, in October, as part of the Bikes for Africa campaign.

These had been in storage pending available transport which was kindly provided FOC by K & F Woollen Products, Kilmacrennan.

Once the Bikes have been fully refurbished, they will be transported further to Gambia along with bikes from all over Ireland and the UK where they will eventually give needy students transport to and from school where many travel over 15k each way daily and often in searing hot weather.

The Saturday before Christmas was particularly busy as Rotarians visited, sang and danced with residents of Hillcrest and Archview Nursing homes.

Bri Carr and her hugely talented family including father, Barney McDaid, as well as some members of her School Choirs, made it a lively and enjoyable occasion for all.

Letterkenny Rotary Club would like to say a huge thanks to the Management of the Shopping Centre, the Volunteers from the various Charities, Divers Hyundai Garage for the sponsorship of the Christmas cards, the Transition Year Students from the local schools who helped with the Christmas Tree of Remembrance, Bri Carr and Magees Chemist for kindly donating gifts.

Two Donegal women enjoyed a proud day of celebrations after being conferred as Members of Accounting Technicians Ireland.

Aisling Byrne from Bruckless and Rachel McConnell from Raphoe both graduated with a Diploma for Accounting Technicians. The conferring ceremony took place in Titanic Belfast.

Rachel McConnell, Raphoe, who was conferred as a Member of Accounting Technicians Ireland at a ceremony at the Titanic Venue Belfast, as well as receiving her Diploma for Accounting Technicians from ATI President, Sinead Donovan. Picture: Lafayette Photography.

Aisling Byrne, Bruckless, who was conferred as a Member of Accounting Technicians Ireland at a ceremony at the Titanic Venue Belfast, as well as receiving her Diploma for Accounting Technicians from ATI President, Sinead Donovan. Picture: Lafayette Photography.

FORMER DONEGAL SFC-winning manager Barry Doherty is on the move after being confirmed as the new manager of St Naul’s.

Doherty ended his term as the Kilcar manager in December and has been replaced at Towney by John McNulty.

In 2017, Doherty was at the helm of Kilcar as they ended a 23-year wait and won then Donegal senior football championship. Their final win over Naomh Conaill was their first Dr Maguire win since 1993.

St Naul’s have swopped for Doherty as successor to Barry Meehan, the Letterkenny native who guided the Mountcharles side to Intermediate glory in 2019.

Meanwhile, Dougie Corbett has made a return to Naomh Brid for what will be his second spell at Trummon. Corbett spent the first part of the 2019 campaign at Naomh Colmcille before stepping down from the role.

Terry McCann will be in charge at Bundoran in 2019, while other new bosses for 2020 include Paul Rouse and Seosamh Mac Ceallabhuí at Sean MacCumhaills, Francie Friel in Termon, Gary Duffy (Buncrana) and Pauric Bonner (Glenswilly).

The Donegal U20 manager, SP Barrett, is expected to take charge of his native Milford for the 2020 season, although his focus for now remains the county U20s.

Managers like Richard Thornton (St Eunan’s), Gary O’Neill (St Michael’s), John Cunningham (Killybegs), Pat Campbell (Four Masters), Mark McGinty (Glenfin) and Joe Donaghy (Naomh Colmcille) are set to stay in their respective posts. 

PORTSALON Golf Club stalwart Tony Kingston enjoyed his first ever hole-in-one on Saturday.

Tony aced the second hole on the Old Tom Morris Links at Rosapenna on Saturday. 

Picture: Tony Kingston with Paddy Sheridan and Cathal Toland.

Tony has only been golfing for 49 years, so he wasn’t playing out of turn! 

With his confidence up, he then won the Sunday Members in Portsalon with a superb score of 45 points – a fine start to 2020.

Development Draw

Congratulations to Séana McCarron, Lisfannon, Fahan, Co Donegal who was the winner of the first prize in the Portsalon Golf Club Development Draw on Saturday night.

She is now the proud owner of a 2020 Hyundai Tucson; happy and safe motoring to you, Séana.

Thanks to each and every person that bought a ticket for the draw and also special thanks to those members that sold tickets and worked hard to ensure the success of the draw for the future of their golf club.

Portsalon AGM 2020

The Portsalon Golf Club AGM will take place in the Clubhouse at 8pm on this Friday 10th January.

The 2019 accounts have been emailed to all members and printed versions are available in the golf shop if any member wishes to get one.

Captain’s Drive-In

This Sunday 12th January is the Captain’s Drive-In for Stephen Connolly. 

The format is a scramble with shotgun start at 10.30am. Please enter names on the timesheet as normal and draw for partners will take place on Sunday morning. 

Festive Results

A hectic Christmas and New Year period saw plenty of golfing action with full results attached below. 

Friday 27^th December 2-Ball Scramble

Winners: Paddy Sheridan, Cathal Toland 68.7

Runners-Up: Noel Nicholl, Sarah Nicholl 69.1

Third: Marty McDermott, Kieran O Neill 69.3

Saturday 28^th December Open Singles

Winner: Dan Curran (17) – 38 pts BOT

Runner-up: Stuart Nicholl (19) – 38 pts

Gross: Joel McNeilly (7) – 29 gross pts

Sunday Members 29th December

Winner: Clive Davison (10) – 42 pts

Runner-up: Kevin McFadden (20) – 40 pts

Gross: Pascal Cullen (6) – 32 gross pts

Third: Craig Appleby (11) – 38 pts

Monday 30th December 4-Ball Champagne Scramble

Winners: Ronan McClafferty, Niall McClafferty, Stephen McLaughlin, Damian McClafferty -102 Pts BOT

Runner-up: Brendan Roache, Colm McConigley Ducky Callaghan, Eamon McConigley – 102 Pts BOT

Third: Billy Walsh, Davitt Walsh, Paul McDaid, Liam Walsh – 101 Pts

Wednesday January 1st Open Singles

Winner: Dermot Boyce (16) – 41 pts

Runner-up: Cathal Toland (12) – 40 pts

Gross: Pauric Dunleavy (6) – 34 gross pts

Third: Tony Kingston (14) – 40 pts

Lady: Sarah Nicholl (16) – 38 pts

Saturday 4^th January Members 

Winner: Kieran O’Neill (12) – 39 pts BOT

Runner-up: Mark Howard (7) – 39 pts BOT

Gross: Seamus Patton (6) – 33 gross pts

Third: Patrick McDevitt (13) – 39 pts

Sunday Members 5^th January

Winner: Tony Kingston (14) – 45 pts

Runner-up: Hugh McGinley (19) – 42 pts BOT

Gross: Eamonn ‘Beck’ McConigley (6) – 34 gross pts

Third: Denis Friel (19) – 42 pts

LADIES SECTION

Ladies AGM

The AGM of the Ladies Branch will take place this Saturday 11th January at 2pm in the clubhouse. 

Sunday Members Results – 5th January

Winner: Deirdre O’Toole (14) – 37 pts

Runner-up: Sarah Nicholl (16) – 35 pts

December Monthly 

Winner: Mary Barrett (18) – 74 pts BOT

Runner-up: Deirdre O’Toole (14) – 74 pts

Malin Head experienced the highest wind gust of last year when Storm Gareth lashed the west coast in March 2019.

The Inishowen weather station recorded a wind gust of 70 knots (129 km/h) on 12th March 2019.

Storm Gareth, the third named storm of 2019, brought heavy rain and damaging gusts to Donegal.

The Met Eireann report said that 2019 was the ninth consecutive year that temperatures were above normal. Rainfall was also above average at most stations. Malin Head’s annual rainfall values were 104% of the average and Finner recorded 106%.

Temperatures for the year were 0.5C above normal at Malin Head in 2019 and 0.4C higher than normal at Finner.

Malin Head recorded 1,204 hours of sunshine last year.

Featured image: Martina Gardiner’s Stormy Day at Malin Head photo, taken during Storm Gareth. The photo was the overall winner in the Clean Coasts Love Your Coast Photography Competition 2019

The Green Party has selected Letterkenny as the location for the party’s next National Convention, scheduled for June 2020.

The relaunched Donegal Green Party put a major effort into putting together a detailed submission to host the Convention and beat a number of other bids from around the country.

No other major political party has ever held their national convention in Donegal.

“Winning this bid reflects the Green Party’s commitment to rural Ireland and especially our understanding of the issues faced by Donegal and the North West,” says Michael White, Chairperson of the Donegal Green Party.

The event is expected to be a huge boost for the county.

It will bring upwards of 600 attendees who will be staying in local hotels, as well as national and international media.

The Government has deferred a planned commemoration of the place of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police in Irish history.

The event, which was due to take place on 17th January at Dublin Castle, was postponed following widespread criticism from public representatives and the public.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan made the decision to defer the event this evening.

He said the response to the event was ‘disappointing’ and that he was committed to proceeding with an alternative commemoration in the months ahead.

The Minister said: “As a government, we have at all times sought to have a national programme of commemorations that is authentic, sensitive and inclusive.

“However, given the disappointing response of some to the planned event on 17 January, I do not believe that the event, as planned, can now take place in an atmosphere that meets the goals and guiding principles of the overall commemorative programme. Therefore, I am announcing its deferral.”

Minister Flanagan outlined his next step, saying: “I will consult further with the expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemoration, with the all-party consultative group on commemoration and with other stakeholders, with a view to organising an event that is inclusive and fully respectful of all the traditions and memories on this island.”

The Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, T.D., has announced that a number of targeted payment increases and improvements introduced in Budget 2020 come into effect this week.

Budget 2020 included €171.2 million in additional social welfare expenditure, bringing the total social welfare spend to €21.2 billion for the year.

The payment increases and changes include:

· €5 increase in the Living Alone Allowance, from €9 to €14 per week, paid to pensioners and people with disabilities who are living alone – over 200,000 to benefit

· Weekly Fuel Allowance to increase by €2 to €24.50 per week – over 370,000 households to benefit

· €3 increase for qualified child dependants aged 12 and over in all weekly payments

· €2 increase for qualified child dependants up to age 12 in all weekly payments

· Working Family Payment thresholds increase by €10 per week for families with 1, 2 or 3 children. Some 55,000 families are expected to benefit, at a cost of €19 million

· Earnings disregard for working lone parents receiving One-Parent Family Payment or Jobseeker’s Transition Payment to increase by €15 to €165 per week- 16,900 families to benefit

· Jobseekers aged 25 years to receive full rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance

· Jobseekers under age 25 if living independently and in receipt of State supports (e.g. Rent Supplement, RAS, HAP) to receive the full rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance

· This week, the number of hours that carers can work or study outside the home has increased from 15 to 18 ½ per week

· Additionally, the National Minimum Wage is set to increase to €10.10 from 1 February 2020.

Ahead of the increases, Minister Doherty said “The increases – which come into effect this week – were introduced specifically to target those most in need. I was particularly pleased to be able to focus resources towards vulnerable children and older people.

Budget 2020 was about ensuring that we used the resources available to effect the best possible changes for society. I hope these changes will improve the position of as many families and vulnerable people as possible.”

Two of St Eunan’s former footballing greats have taken up key roles at the Letterkenny club.

By Ciaran O’Donnell

John Haran, the new St Eunan’s chairman and Conall Dunne, the club’s new treasurer, have a total of 14 senior championships between them – John has eight while Conall six.

John Haran (43) was vice-chairman for the last five years before taking over from Cathal Green at the annual general meeting at end of 2019.

“I suppose taking on the position of club chairman was the next natural step for me. Cathal did great work as chairman and I am looking to continue that,” John said.

“I have a young family and they are involved now, so it’s about giving something back.”

With 35 teams, St Eunan’s is the biggest club in the county.

“With a big club comes a big challenge,” John added. 

“The biggest challenge we have is to keep Gaelic games to the forefront. If we can manage to do that we will help keep St Eunan’s successful. 

“We are constantly competing with other sports, so we have to be at the top of our game. We also have to be able to offer the best facilities and the best opportunities possible.

“While our seniors will always be our flagship teams, they can’t be the be-all and end-all. 

“If the structures are right and underage level, then hopefully we will have enough players coming through the system that will leave us is a position to be challenging for silverware.”

At 36, Conall Dunne called time on his playing career at the end of last season.

“Once I made that decision, I felt it was only right that I try to give something back to the club,” Conall commented. 

“The previous treasurer, Niall Doherty, who did a lot of good work in his term as treasurer, had indicated that last year was going to be his last. 

“I’m an accountant with a background in finance, the club needed someone in that area and I was happy to step up.

“I’ve been part of the club all my life. I’ve had great times and made great friends over the years. 

“The one thing I have realised since becoming part of the club’s administration is how important it is for us to be able to offer good value for money. It’s also important that the club invests its resources in the best areas for the future.

“Investing in the youth is the big thing and we are looking to encourage participation and involvement from non-GAA people in St Eunan’s GAA Club. 

“We are a big club, yet I think we are also a small club in a big town. So it’s important that we reach out to people from other backgrounds and communities and increase the level of diversity within our club.”

The new treasurer explained that the club was preparing a number of sponsorship packages for the new season.

H said: “We are also looking at the naming rights of O’Donnell Park and the possibility of the ground being named by a major sponsor. 

“We have seen this happen at a number of grounds around the country and it is something we are keen to tease out.”

FINN HARPS are waiting in the wings with Barry McNamee’s future still up in the air. 

McNamee is a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Derry City in November.

Harps are understood to have met McNamee and tabled an offer in an ambitious attempt to lure Derry’s 2019 captain to Finn Park. 

A number of clubs, including Irish League champions Cliftonville, are keen on McNamee, with Larne and Coleraine also keeping close tabs on developments. 

Harps survived in the Premier Division via a play-off win over Drogheda in November and manager Ollie Horgan is eager for a blue-chip signing as he aims to push the Donegal club’s ambitions.

Dave Webster and Ryan Connolly have already been added by Harps, who have also taken Adrian Delap on loan from Derry.

Derry manager Declan Devine suggested last month that McNamee had lined out for the last time in the Candystripes.

While negotiations have been ongoing, Devine this week told the Derry Journal: “Barry hasn’t decided what he’s doing in his career at this moment in time. I don’t know if he’s taking a bit of time out or if he’s going to try his luck elsewhere at a different level. I don’t know.”

Although Cliftonville, managed by former Derry player Paddy McLaughlin, looks tempting, Harps are said to be pulling all the stops in their bid to add McNamee to a roster that already includes his brother, Tony. 

Harps’ part-time status and their proximity are likely to be plus points in the talks.

Harps assistant manager Paul Hegarty worked with McNamee during his time as part of Derry’s backroom staff.

The 27-year-old has also attracted attention from St Patrick’s Athletic, but a move to the Dubliners appears unlikely at this point.

Gardaí in the north-west are urging people to be aware of online and phone scams following a number of cases over Christmas. 

The scams relate to fraudsters attempting to gain a person’s bank account details over the phone or online.

Commenting on one local case, Sergeant Jim Fox, crime prevention officer in Sligo/Leitrim, said that one “poor lady” lost money after meeting somebody online through the Tinder dating app.

As a result, the woman took out a loan of €5,000 and gave it to the person who she had never met.

Speaking in today’s Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal community Garda bulletin on OceanFM, Sgt Fox urged the public not to engage with scam callers and scammers online.

Many cases involve people receiving unsolicited phone calls from scammers who say there is a problem with the person’s computer or bank account. The aim of the call is to gain the receiver’s bank details, “and they will clean out the account if they get the opportunity,” Sgt Fox said.

The public has been warned to always check with a bank directly if a caller asks for bank details. 

SOME 14 juvenile athletes from Rosses AC competed recently at the North West Games. 

Johnson Bangura was in fine form returning home with Gold, Silver and Bronze in 60m, long jump and 400m respectively.

Johnson now looks forward to the Ulster Indoors in February. 

Rachel Boner took home Gold in the Junior 400m running a strong race. 

Una Richardson competed in u12 long jump, 60m and High jump securing bronze in a highly competitive long jump event. Una also competed in high jump for the first time setting a PB of 120cm. Much more to come from this young lady. 

Sisters Amber and Sheila Gallagher narrowly missed out on podium finishes in u14 and u16 Shot Putt and also look forward to the upcoming Ulster’s. 

Other competitors on the day were Aine and Pat Boner, Erin Gallagher and first time competitors in a Rosses vest were Maria Ní Ghallchóir and Aine Ní Dhomhnaill u14 and Ciara Duffy, Robyn Curran Aoife Ní Dhomhnaill, Deirdre De Burca u12. 

All competed well in their respective events and they gained a lot of experience competing against a high standard of competition. 

2020 started with the Mullaghduff Annual New Year’s Day 5k. 

A brilliant run, well organised with a big crowd of 170 runners & walkers. Charlie Postie won the race overall with a time of 17.07. Mark Ward was 2nd in 18.19 & Manus McHugh 3rd in 18.21. Helen McCready was 1st lady followed by Denise Mc Cann and Cathy Breslin, with a great start to the year in 3rd.

Last Saturday, Cathy Breslin completed her 50th Parkrun where Helen McCready and Amy Greene hit Parkrun PBs, using what is a brilliant amenity in Dungloe for a training session- 9.30 every Saturday morning – free and welcoming to everyone, Make it your thing for 2020. 

There was also a charity 8K Fun Run / Walk on Saturday 28th at Tech Jack Glassagh – Declan Ferry and Kathleen Rodgers came home in the top spots and the real winner was Crumlin Children’s Hospital as €380 was raised. 

2019 Darren Mills Memorial Run/Walk, Thursday 26 Dec- there was a fantastic turnout of over 130 runners and walkers for the event, run in glorious conditions. 

Charlie Postie O’Donnell was the overall winner covering the beautiful 6k course in 20:30. Charlie wasn’t the only winner with Rosses Athletic Club and North West Simon Community the two beneficiaries from the run. 

Over €1300 was raised on the run/walk alone with an evening raffle to follow to bump that up considerably. 

A mention to Patrick Trimble on winning the St Nauls 5k that morning before going onto run the Darren Mills 6k – That’s a tally of 4 races from Boxing Day to New Years Day!

A computer science student who developed a gambling habit has appeared in court after snatching a handbag from a 72-year-old pensioner.

Louis Ogbomo appeared at Letterkenny District Court in Co Donegal charged with robbery on June 2nd last year.

The court heard the 21-year-old approached the elderly woman around 9.30pm as she was walking from the bus stop at the Station Roundabout in Letterkenny to her car which was parked behind An Grianan Theatre.

The accused man had been in a casino on the Port Road and was later seen on CCTV following the woman to her car.

She placed her personal items on the passenger seat and as she went to get into her car, the accused snatched her handbag.

The bag contained €200 in cash and a mobile phone valued at €250 while the bag itself was valued at €100.

Ogbomo, with an address at Boyce Court, Drogheda, Co Louth, was subsequently arrested and detained by gardai and initially gave them misleading information.

Eventually, he provided them with the correct information and made admissions. During a search at Letterkenny Garda Station he was also found to be in possession of a small quantity of cannabis which he said was for his own personal use.

Solicitor for the defendant, Frank Dorrian said that his client had been in Letterkenny studying computer science at the time of this offence.

He said Ogbomo had developed a gambling habit and returned to the casino after he had taken the bag.

Mr Dorrian said Ogbomo’s parents have taken a very dim view of their son’s behaviour.

“His parents came here from Nigeria 17 years ago. They are very hard-working people, his father is a taxi driver and his mother is a health care assistant. They had been very proud that Louis was in third-level education.”

Mr Dorrian continued to outline that these matters before the court have been “a rain cloud over his existence” and he has since dropped out of education.

He added “He has previously suffered from anxiety and depression and his mother tells me that this incident brought a veil down over her son. He ceased his studies and had been in part-time employment but was made redundant. There is a cathartic element to his tendering a plea.”

Mr Dorrian said Ogbomo is thoroughly ashamed that he has brought himself and his family through this.

He said he had €200 by way of restitution in court.

“He is no longer gambling. It is a very corrosive addiction. He is otherwise an excellent young man who wants to try and return to education and put this behind him,” concluded Mr Dorrian.

Judge Kelly adjourned his finalising of the case until March 2 to allow for the preparation of various report from the Probation and Welfare Service, including a community services suitability report.

The Church Lane Heritage Regeneration project Letterkenny has been shortlisted for the Irish Planning Awards 2019/2020.

The innovative town centre project has been nominated for a ‘participation and engagement’ award from the Irish Planning Institute.

The Church Lane in Letterkenny has gained a brand new look in recent years as conservation works took place to seven historic properties under the Historic Towns Initiative.

The ‘participation and engagement’ category of the Irish Planning Awards recognises plans, studies, strategies and projects which demonstrate how public participation has been effective in changing outcomes. It can include measures to increase engagement and awareness of planning or innovative public consultation. Five projects are in the running for prizes in this category.

The Irish Planning Institute seeks, through the Irish Planning Awards, to highlight innovation and excellence in Irish planning. The Awards acknowledge a diverse range of projects and plans nationally taking place at a local, county and regional level in complex and dynamic environments. There has been a significant increase in the quantity and quality of projects submitted for consideration. In total, the Panel of Judges have shortlisted 34 projects across 7 categories from a total entry of 56 projects. 

The theme of the awards is ‘Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Irish Planning’ and the awards will be presented on the 27th February 2020 in Dublin.

DONEGAL had tremendous success over the weekend at the Ulster finals of Scór na nÓg in Threemilehouse, Co. Monaghan.

Naomh Columba won the Tráth na gCeist with a final score of 82.

Síofra Harvey of CLG Naomh Adhamhnáin won the Recitation/Storytelling with her piece (Bandraoi Loch an Dúin) which was entirely as Gaeilge.

There was delight too Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn, who won the Novelty Act with their act which was named Packie McNamee.

The ballad group from Naomh Adhamhnáin and the céilí dancers from Iorras also gave great performances and represented the county well but unfortunately lost out on the day.

This was one of Donegal’s most successful days in Scór with representation in five of the eight categories and winning three of them. 

The winners in the eight categories were as follows. Dún na nGall – 3, Doire – 2, Aontroim – 1, An Cabhán – 1 and Tír Eoghain – 1

Naomh Columba, Naomh Adhamhnáin and Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn will now represent their clubs, Donegal and Ulster in the All Ireland finals of Scór na nÓg in Killarney on the 1st February.

A number of public representatives in Donegal have issued a call for the planned commemoration of the Royal Irish Constabulary and Dublin Metropolitan Police to be cancelled outright.

The calls follow a decision by Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan yesterday to defer the event following political backlash.

But planning an alternative event is ‘not enough’, according to Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Padraig Mac Lochlainn.

He said: “For any Irish government to advocate commemorating these organisations is shameful and it has rightly drawn widespread outrage and opposition.

“Deferral of this planned commemoration is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough. This event needs to be cancelled and the government needs to demonstrate that they have learned the lessons from this episode.”

Sinn Fein group leader on Donegal County Council, Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher has welcomed and commended Cathaoirleach Nicolas Crossan’s decision not to attend the Government’s commemoration for the RIC.

Cllr Gallagher said: “Sinn Fein had requested a special meeting of Donegal County Council if there were to be any representation at this event, while this event has been postponed it is imperative that the position of Donegal County Council is put on the public record and the people of Donegal know exactly where their representatives stand on this issue and any upcoming proposals of this type by the Government.

Cllr Gallagher has written again to the Cathaoirleach asking that a special item be added to the full meeting of the January Council so that all members of the Council can publicly state their view on the matter.

“Sinn Fein will continue to oppose and condemn in the strongest terms any attempt to re-write history by this Government,” Cllr Gallagher said.

Independent Cllr Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig added his welcome for Minister Flanagan’s deferral decision.

“However, it is important that this ill-conceived commemoration is now definitively cancelled and not deferred, or rebranded, to re-emerge at a later date. We must remain vigilant,” Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said.

He added: “May I also take this opportunity to congratulate all who voiced their opposition to this egregious event and prevented something that could only have made us an object of ridicule. This is a victory for the people of Ireland and underlines our power when we speak truth to power with one loud voice.”

Specsavers Donegal Town and Letterkenny, with the help of audiology sister stores Specsavers Cavan, Ballina and Sligo have raised an outstanding €1,832 in aid of The National Hearing Implant and Viani Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital.

Recently, Specsavers Audiologists pledged to fundraise for Beaumont Hospital in a bid to raise €25,000 for the charity. There are around 1 in 6 people suffering from hearing loss in Ireland, but unfortunately not all hearing loss can be treated by hearing aids.

Audiology director at Specsavers Donegal Town and Letterkenny Martina McNulty comments: ‘As Specsavers Audiologists’ charity partner, we are delighted to raise much needed funds for Beaumont and we would like to thank our generous customers for their donations. It is important for us to continue to raise awareness around good hearing health, as with today’s technology and expertise available at Specsavers Audiologists, there is no need for people to suffer in silence.’

The National Hearing Implant and Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital is the only centre in the Republic of Ireland that offers cochlear implantation to adults and children with profound hearing loss, who cannot be fitted with hearing aids.

Since it opened in 1995, over 1,350 people have received cochlear implants – 50% of them children. The procedure gives patients access to sound and enables them to develop and understand speech. Since the introduction of new born hearing screening in 2011, which tests all babies born in Ireland, children born with hearing loss are diagnosed, referred and implanted in their early years.

For more information on the audiology services available at Specsavers Donegal Town or Letterkenny, pop into the teams at Unit 2 To 3, The Diamond Centre, Donegal Town or at 64 Port Road, Letterkenny, call 074 9742686 or 074 9167040, or visit www.specsavers.ie/stores/donegaltown-hearing / www.specsavers.ie/stores/letterkenny-hearing

The emergency services at the scene of a road traffic accident on Chestnut Road in Ballybofey.

The crash occurred at around 9.30am.

One ambulance unit attended the scene of the minor collision.

It is not believed to be serious.

Traffic is currently down to one lane but the road is expected to open again fully in a short time.

The HSE yesterday launched the latest QUIT Smoking campaign, which encourages people who smoke to #QuitandWin – quit smoking for 28 days as this will increase their chances of quitting for good by 5 times.

The campaign features people who smoke, and people who smoke were also consulted and involved in its development.

In the ad, excuses to continue to smoke are contrasted with the harm caused by smoking – the harm to those who smoke themselves, to their families and to their loved ones.

The campaign also highlights people’s many motivations to quit and shows the best steps a person who smokes and their community can take to support them to make a successful quit attempt in 2020.

Martina Blake, National Lead, HSE Tobacco Free Ireland Programme, said, “Smoking is an addiction and quitting can be hard. Most people who smoke want to quit but for many the idea of quitting can seem overwhelming. A key development in this campaign is that we breakdown quitting and present an achievable and powerful first step. If you can quit for 28 days you are 5 times more likely to quit for good.

“Practical support and resources give the best chance of making it to Day 28, and once you reach that you are well on the way to long term success and the benefits of a smoke-free life. Our HSE’s QUIT Team provides free, non-judgemental practical help, designed to fit each person who smokes lifestyle. Our Stop Smoking Advisors are ready to coach anyone who wants to quit.”

Prevalence of daily smoking in Ireland has dropped from 19% in 2015 to 14% in 2019 which means there are now an estimated 165,000 fewer people who smoke than there were five years ago.

Fiona Boyle, Donegal Community Stop Smoking Advisor adds that in 2018 there were 263 new clients to her service and around 30% of them were quit 12 months later which is very good by international standards with the World Health Organisations recommended 1 year quit rates of around 20%.

Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, said, “We have made good progress in reducing the numbers of people who smoke and there is a lot to be positive about but we must not become complacent.

“Our Tobacco policy, Tobacco Free Ireland, sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free by 2025. In practice, this means a smoking prevalence rate of less than 5% which is an ambitious target. But Ireland’s ambition has made us international leaders in this policy area and, with 6,000 lives at stake each year, ambition is the only option.

“We must also make sure that we do not leave any group of people who smoke behind. Smoking rates are highest in our young adults aged 25-34 and are also much higher in people who are unemployed or living in more deprived areas. I want to encourage anyone who smokes to try to quit for 28 days with the help available from the HSE QUIT Team”.

Dr Paul Kavanagh, Public Health Medicine Specialist, HSE said, “Our new TV ad features views and comments used to sustain the behaviour, but nothing shields people from the devastating impact of smoking. Smoking is incredibly harmful. One in two people who smoke will die from a tobacco related disease and a person who smokes can expect to lose on average about 10 years of life due to smoking. Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health, for your future and for your loved ones.

“We consulted people who smoke, and they told us that behind the excuses they use to protect themselves from the damage their smoking is causing, they want to quit and are looking for hope. HSE QUIT can offer hope as we work individually with people to offer the best chances of living a smoke-free life.

“With this campaign, we also start a conversation about the harms of social smoking. People who smoke socially may not be aware their health is at risk. Even people who smoke occasionally can carry nearly the same risk for cardiovascular disease as people who smoke daily. Listening to people who smoke highlighted that understanding amongst people who see themselves as people who only smoke socially really needs to be challenged.”

This new QUIT Smoking campaign encourages people who smoke to make a quit attempt with the right help. There are supports available free of charge from the HSE that will increase their chance of success. It also calls on all of us to support the people who smoke in our lives to quit.

Help is also at hand locally in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan where the HSE provides FREE Stop Smoking clinics in various locations, both in the community and acute hospitals, with trained Stop Smoking Advisors. These specially trained Advisors can help you prepare to deal with the addiction, habit and emotional side of smoking which can make your quitting journey easier and more likely to be successful.

Local Letterkenny Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh who used the service to help him successfully quit found that ‘’seeing my Stop Smoking Advisor, Fiona Boyle in the clinic helped because you knew there was someone rooting for you and you didn’t want to let them down. Having the Carbon Monoxide test carried out each visit also helped to keep you going as you could see the improvements in the results’’. He added ‘’it wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be –the hardest part was getting the thinking right. Jimmy further advised ‘’try not to think of it as a sacrifice and that you are giving something up – it’s more about taking something back as it’s the biggest favour you’ll ever do for yourself’’.

Donegal Community Stop Smoking Advisor Fiona Boyle’s advice to anyone planning to quit is “get the FREE support that is available from your local Stop Smoking Advisors or the QUIT Team to help you to prepare properly. This includes deciding on the most suitable medications to use for your level of addiction e.g. Champix, patches, quickmist.”

The HSE QUIT service provides personalised, free support by phone, email, SMS and live chat. People who smoke can free call 1800 201 203 or visit www.QUIT.ie for stop smoking tips and resources, a free QUIT Kit, and to create a QUIT Plan or read other people’s stories. Peer-to-peer support is available on the QUIT Facebook Page www.facebook.com/HSEQUIT or on Twitter at HSE QUIT @HSEQuitTeam #QuitandWin #TheLastStop

For CHO 1 Support

Donegal
Donegal Community Fiona Boyle 0872514790 fiona.boyle@hse.ie

Maresa Mc Gettigan 0860492465 maresa.mcgettigan@hse.ie

Letterkenny University Hospital Elaine Robinson 0749123678 elaine.robinson@hse.ie

DONEGAL are expected to show only minimal changes tonight as Declan Bonner’s men look for a Dr McKenna Cup semi-final spot.

Donegal come up against Derry – managed by former Donegal boss Rory Gallagher – at Celtic Park tonight. Avoiding defeat is the aim for Donegal, who are bidding to secure a spot in the weekend’s semi-final.

A relatively strong Donegal – including five starters from last autumn’s Super 8 loss to Mayo in Castlebar – defeated Monaghan 1-12 to 0-14 on Sunday at Sean MacCumhaill Park in their 2020 opener.

Newcomers Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí and Daniel Clarke performed admirably while Andrew McClean and Ethan O’Donnell could be satisfied with their outings off the bench.

Those players and others, like  St Eunan’s duo Aaron Deeney and Conor Parke, Naomh Ultan man Daniel Gallagher, Moville’s Ciaran Diver and replacement goalkeeper Michael Lynch of Naomh Colmcille are among those who could feature tonight. 

Squad returnees Michael Carroll, Tony McClenaghan, Conor Morrison and Cian Mulligan are also vying for places.

“We want to go there and win,” Bonner said. “Every team wants to win.

“We’ll be going to try to get a performance and a victory at Celtic Park. We’ll see how the boys are.”

A bout of flu took hold of the Donegal squad and has ruled Hugh McFadden, Eamonn Doherty, Odhrán McFadden-Ferry and Niall O’Donnell out of contention.

Bonner said: “In terms of numbers, it will be difficult. We have lads coming back from knocks and injury and a bad flu’ has ruled out a few.”

New Derry boss Gallagher, appointed to the Sperrins after stepping down as Fermanagh manager, has made four changes to his selection for tonight with Odhran Lynch, Conor Doherty, Carlus McWilliams and Niall Toner all named to start.

An injury-time penalty save by goalkeeper Shaun Patton gave Donegal the edge against Monaghan with Peadar Mogan bagging a second-half goal. Derry lost in their opener to Monaghan meaning the Oak Leaf are in must-win territory tonight. 

“It was very important for the group,” Bonner said of Sunday’s win.

“We had opportunities in the second half to go out of sight. We had two goal opportunities that we didn’t take. All of a sudden, we were on the back foot and Shaun Patton had to make a late penalty save.

“Overall, on the balance of play, I felt that we deserved it.”