If cocktails are your favourite tipple, then there’s no better man to shake them for you. Trevor Murphy is Deputy Bar Manager and Duty Manager at the luxury Shandon Hotel & Spa at Marble Hill.

He joined Team Shandon shortly after it re-opened and has progressed up the career ladder due his attention to detail is second – and comments left by customers who absolutely loved his professionalism and friendliness. This is My Donegal.

What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?

It has to be Dunfanaghy. It is a lovely village and the people were very welcoming from the first day I visited.

What would your ideal day off in Donegal be like?

It would be a nice day at the park or playground with my daughter followed by a nice evening meal with my wife, afterwards relaxing in front of the television

Who is the one person in Donegal you look up to and why?

I don’t have any one person in particular because I have met too many people that have helped me since arriving to Donegal.

Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?

Daniel O’Donnell, because I have had the pleasure of meeting him and he is a true gentleman.

What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?

Donegal winning the Ulster Final 2019 has to be the most recent and proudest moment for the county as a whole.

If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?

The weather!

What is your favourite Donegal-made product?

Dulaman’s Gin has to be one of my favourites along with Silkie whiskey.

Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?

Daniel O’Donnell because he is known worldwide and is a great ambassador the county.

Who is Donegal’s most successful business person in your opinion?

Hughie Elliot, owner of McGinley’s Bar Letterkenny. Letterkenny’s most popular hotspot.

Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?

I have two people in mind, Jim McGuinness and Declan Bonner, both men have done a lot for Donegal football over the years.

What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?

Of course it is Marbles Restaurant in the Shandon Hotel Dunfanaghy but as I live in Letterkenny I don’t get there often enough, so in town it would be Luca’s restaurant, a relatively new family-friendly restaurant in Letterkenny.

What is your favourite Donegal expression?

“Wain’s”, I think that is the spelling. The famous Donegal word for children.

What is the biggest challenge facing Donegal in 2020?

Because of the trade I am in it would be maintaining the tourism trade and spreading the word about how brilliant this county is.

What is your favourite Donegal food?

Our famous seafood chowder at the Shandon Hotel.

Is there anything about Donegal or Donegal people which really annoys you?

They talk very fast when they’re in groups and it can be very hard to understand them, especially for a blow-in like me LOL!

If you had a million euro to spend improving something in Donegal what would you spend it on?

Give it to Irish Water to help speed up the road works… (to be fair they’re doing loads in the county).

What has been the most exciting moment of your career so far?

Moving to the Shandon Hotel to advance my career and enhance my skills.

Is there anything about Donegal that you’re really proud of?

Scenery is incomparable and changes every day.

RONAN Curtis has been nominated for the PFA Bristol Street Motors League One Player of the Month award for December.

The Pompey winger will be looking to collect the trophy for a second month in succession after comfortably winning November’s public vote.

He produced a string of fine performances throughout December, finding the net in four successive games against Accrington, Ipswich, Wycombe and MK Dons.

Curtis has been shortlisted alongside Burton’s Liam Boyce, Rotherham’s Michael Ihiekwe, Bristol Rovers’ Anssi Jaakola, Accrington’s Sean McConville and AFC Wimbledon’s Joe Pigott.

You can vote for Ronan by clicking here or using the link below. Voting closes at 8am on Thursday (January 9).

Buncrana Credit Union has announced a generous donation to all Inishowen primary schools.

Having already introduced their Community Fund Scheme in February 2019, Buncrana Credit Union are now going to end their 50th anniversary year by donating €500 to all primary schools on the Inishowen peninsula.

Maeve Douglas, CEO, Buncrana Credit Union said they are delighted to be in a position to this in their 50th anniversary year.

She said “We have had a fantastic year celebrating our 50th anniversary and have been blown away by the community support that we have received this year and over the last 50 years. Buncrana Credit Union exists because of our members.

“Already this year we have provided €14,000 in funding to local community groups under our Community Fund Scheme, and donated €11,700 to support local good causes. Now, in support of our younger generation, we are delighted to announce that all primary schools in our common bond will receive a donation of €500 towards the education of our children. We see this as an investment in the future of our community.”

Buncrana Credit Union run several worthwhile initiatives aimed at the younger generation, such as the Schools Saving Scheme, Art Competition, Schools Quiz and their Student Bursary.

Buncrana Credit Union’s next Schools Quiz takes place on Monday 3rd February 2020 and all primary schools in the common bond are welcome to enter a team.

Sinn Fein Deputy Pearse Doherty has said that his party’s Bill to stop upcoming pension age increases will be debated in the Dáil in the coming weeks.

Deputy Doherty said “Fine Gael plan to increase the pension age to 67 years in January 2021 and further to 68 years in 2028 meaning that today’s workers and especially those approaching retirement may not access their State Pension at 66 years, as is the situation currently. These increases will see Ireland have one of the highest pension ages in the world.

“At the moment those obliged by contract to retire at 65 years are forced on to a jobseekers payment for one year before accessing their State Pension at 66 years. From next year, retirees will be forced on to a jobseekers payment for two years.

“This is a ridiculous and unacceptable situation for people who have worked hard and paid their taxes, in some cases, for a lifetime.”

The Donegal TD said this will see Ireland have a pension age that is well ahead of the majority of our EU counterparts.

Our nearest neighbours England do not plan to move their pension age to 68 years until 2046, eighteen years after Ireland.

He added “Sinn Féin have consistently called on the Government to suspend these pension age increases. They were agreed behind closed doors without any debate or vote and therefore, they should not go ahead.

“Our Bill calling on the Government to establish a Pension Age Task Force would look at pension age and make recommendations based on evidence rather than cost-saving measures. This Bill will be debated in the Dáil in the coming weeks.

“Nobody due to retire should be forced on to a jobseekers payment. I hope that all parties and none will support this Sinn Féin Bill.”

Irish Water has confirmed that the replacement and rehabilitation of old water mains across Donegal is progressing well.

The €12 million project, which began in September 2018, involved the replacing and repairing 42 kilometres of ageing pipes in various locations across the county.

To date a total of approximately 36kms of new water mains have been installed and reinstatement works completed.

Works to replace approximately 6kms of ageing mains in other areas of County Donegal are ongoing.

Over the next three months, works will be completed at the following locations: Gortahork and Falcarragh (1.6km and 1.7km respectively); Quigley’s Point and Cabry (1.5km); and Bundoran, West End (1.4km).

Traffic management will be in operation during the works and residents and businesses in the affected areas will be notified ahead of the work commencing and provided with contact details should they have any questions.

As the works are spread widely across various parts of the county, the priority and schedule of works has been agreed between the contractors and Irish Water, in consultation with the various Donegal County Council area roads offices to align with road works and other works programmes.

Commenting on the works, Irish Water’s Capital Programme Regional Lead John McElwaine said: “The replacement and rehabilitation of approximately 40km of old water mains across Donegal County is a major step to ensuring a more reliable water supply is delivered to local residents and businesses. We thank the local community for their ongoing patience during these essential works.”

The areas which have been already completed include: Carlin, Kerrykeel (2.4km); Doaghmore, Fanad (3.6km); Meenaleck to Rannafast (3.3km); Sheskinbeg (1.4km); Argery, Ballindrait and Lifford (2.5km); Derrybeg to Brinnalack (5km); Abbeylands, Ballyshannon (1.2km); Ballybofey South Backline (Cross Roads, Killygordon to Carrickmagrath, Ballybofey) (9km); Corker, Rossnowlagh (4.1km); Ballyshannon Town (0.6km); and Three Trees, Inishowen (3.5km).

Job Vacancy: O’Donnell’s Pharmacy on Main Street Dungloe is currently recruiting for a Qualified Pharmacy Technician to cover 6 months maternity leave.

This position is for 3 days a week between Monday and Friday, beginning from the end of February.

The candidate will not be required to work late nights, Sundays or Bank Holidays.

To apply, please send C.V to odonnellspharmacy@hotmail.co.uk

The Malin Head Coastguard station has co-ordinated a search for three suspects in an attempted burglary in the early hours of this morning.

Gardaí have arrested three individuals, and another is in hospital, in connection with the incident in Mohill, Co Leitrim at approximately 4.30am.

Uniform Gardaí attached to Mohill Garda Station on active patrol in the Mohill area came upon these vehicles at 4.32am.

On approaching the location their patrol car was rammed by one of the vehicles at the scene.

Garda members were seen to by emergency services following this collision and are under medical review.

Occupants of the car involved in the initial collision fled in a second car in the direction of Drumlish.

This car crashed a short distance away. Gardaí went to the scene of this collision and found one male in the vehicle with serious injuries.

Emergency services were alerted to tend to this man, who is in his 30s. He was conveyed to Sligo University Hospital where he is being treated for serious but non life threatening injuries.

Up to four suspects fled the scene of the collision on foot, and Gardaí engaged the services of the Malin Coastguard in the search for these suspects as the Garda Air Support was engaged in a separate incident.

At 9.25am today three males, one aged in their 30s, another in their 20s and a juvenile were arrested at Tamlaght Mor, Mohill, Co Leitrim.

They were stopped as part of a cordon and checkpoint operation mobilised by Garda in Leitrim and they are currently detained at Carrick-on-Shannon under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

One person is still being sought by Gardaí in connection with this matter and Gardaí in Leitrim have issued an appeal for witnesses who may have information in relation to this person’s whereabouts.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was travelling along the Mohill to Drumlish Road approximately 1km from Mohill who may have seen individuals on that road to make contact with them.

In particular, they wish to speak with anyone who may have given a lift to an individual or people this Wednesday morning.

Anyone who was in the vicinity of this incident this Wednesday morning and who may have video footage or information regarding suspicious activity in the Mohill area is asked to contact Gardaí at Carrick-on-Shannon (071) 9650510, the Garda confidential line 1800-666-111 or any Garda Station.

TWO young Donegal footballers have been included among the 2019/20 Danske Bank Ulster Schools Football All-Stars.

St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny man Shane O’Donnell and Rory O’Donnell from Loreto Community School, Milford, have made the selection.

Shane O’Donnell is named at left half-forward and follows from older brother Niall who made the cut three years ago.

Rory O’Donnell has been chosen at midfield and is the first player from the Milford school to win one of these awards. 

BONAGEE United have swooped to sign midfielder Niall Grace from Institute.

Last weekend, ’Stute manager Sean Connor said he was placing Grace on the transfer list following an Irish Cup defeat by Dungannon Swifts. 

Connor substitute Grace after he was booked in the first half and said afterwards: “Niall Grace has played his last game for Institute, that’s 100 per cent.”

Grace has signed for Bonagee and trained with the club on Tuesday night.

“When a player like that becomes available, you always have to be interested,” Gibson, who has also added former Finn Harps defender Packie Mailey to his ranks, said.

“Niall can play right up the centre of the pitch and he has played up front front before, too

“Paul Higgins (Bonagee coach) has to take a lot of credit for signing Niall as he worked with him in the past. We’re not certain where we’ll use him yet, but players like him in a squad are invaluable.”

Bonagee are still awaiting the arrival of an International transfer certificate (ITC) in order for Grace to feature ahead of a crunch few days in the bmcsports.ie Ulster Senior League.

Mailey is expected to feature with the Convoy man, a former Harps captain, joining the club over the Christmas period.

Tomorrow night, Bonagee host Finn Harps Reserves at Dry Arch Park (8pm) before traveling to derby rivals Letterkenny Rovers on Sunday at Leckview Park.

COLM DEASY will not be returning to Finn Harps for the 2020 season as the defender has signed for Warrenpoint Town.

Deasy spent the 2019 campaign at Finn Harps and featured 11 times in the Premier Division.

In April, Deasy was hit with a four-match ban following a red card for a tackle on ex-Harps captain Ciaran Coll in the derby with Derry City at Finn Park.

Deasy moved to Harps from Drogheda, but couldn’t nail down a regular berth following that suspension.

Capped by the Republic of Ireland at underage level

MICHAEL Lynch has been ratified for a third year as the manager of Division 1 Cloughaneely.

Lynch was returned to the position at a club meeting last night.

Cloughaneely were beaten by St Naul’s in the 2019 Intermediate Championship final.

On their way there, the Pairc Naomh Fionnan men had to go through the mill of a semi-final replay against Aodh Ruadh while they required a last-gasp Jason McGee point to get past Naomh Colmcille.

Cloughaneely have established themselves as a Division 1 club in the All-County League in recent years, with the Intermediate Championship their big goal.

Cloughaneely had a tragic start to last year as a horrific crash in west Donegal claimed the lives of four young men, including Cloughaneely footballer John Harley.

Donegal Tractors has a vacancy for an experienced Parts Person.

The successful candidate’s responsibilities will include the purchasing/sales/stock control of parts for modern top-class machinery brands.

Some experience is necessary and the successful applicant must have computer skills.

On the job training can be provided.

Working hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and you may be required to work Saturday mornings during peak season.

Salary negotiable and bonus payable on performance.

Please post your CV to Donegal Tractors, Bonagee, Letterkenny, Co Donegal or email your application letter and CV and application letter to roymortimer@eircom.net

The Donegal County Council and Finn Harps Schools road safety poster competition has been officially launched for 2020, in conjunction with DMG Motors and SEAT.

Donegal County Council and the Donegal Road Safety Working Group will once again partner with Finn Harps Football Club to assist with the promotion of Road Safety in Donegal.

Finn Harps have given advertising space to the DRSWG to highlight road safety in Finn Park for the coming season to continue to focus on the dangers that exist on our roads on a daily basis.

Finn Harps are once again competing in the Premier Division this season and the winner of the Art Competition will be announced at Finn Harps first home game of the new season, in a north west derby against Sligo Rovers, at Finn Park on Friday 14th February 2020.

The Road Safety advertising hoarding will be designed by a student from one of Donegal’s Primary Schools through an open art competition. The competition was officially launched at Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Letterkenny by the Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Nicholas Crossan, Director of Roads, John McLaughlin, John Campbell Finn Harps and pupils from Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin.

Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, 4th and 5th class students at the launch of the Donegal County Council, Finn Harps School’s road safety poster competition in conjunction with DMG Motors and SEAT IN Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Letterkenny on Wednesday last. Included are John McLaughlin, Director of Roads and Transportation, Breideen Blaney, DLDC, John Campbell, Finn Harps, Cllr, Nicholas Crossan, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer, Kevin McHugh, Finn Harps, Will Patterson, DMG, Motors, Teacher, Pól MacGilla Bhríde, Susanna Olahoba, DLDC and Dessie McGlinchey, Finn Harps. Photo Clive Wasson

Cllr. Nicholas Crossan, said “We are delighted with the continued efforts of Finn Harps Football Club to help us promote greater awareness of the dangers on our roads. The safety of all road users is a top priority for Donegal County Council and this competition opens up a conversation about road safety with our young people, teaching them how to be safe in a fun and educational way.”

Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, 4th and 5th class students at the launch of the Donegal County Council, Finn Harps School’s road safety poster competition in conjunction with DMG Motors and SEAT IN Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin, Letterkenny on Wednesday last. Included are John McLaughlin, Director of Roads and Transportation, Breideen Blaney, DLDC, JohnCampbell, Finn Harps, Cllr, Nicholas Crossan, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer, Kevin McHugh, Finn Harps, Will Patterson, DMG, Motors, Teacher, Pól macGilla Bhríde, Susanna Olahoba, DLDC, Dessie McGlinchey, Finn Harps, Kian Mac an Fhleastai, Ron Ní Cnaimhsí, Siún Ní Dhomhnaill, Naoise Ó Caomhánach, Fionn Ó Niallain and Evan Ó Híá. Photo Clive Wasson

Speaking at the launch, Brian O’Donnell, Road Safety Officer said, “We are delighted with the continued efforts of Finn Harps Football Club to help us promote greater awareness of the dangers on our roads. The art competition is aimed at encouraging children to express their thoughts on responsible road safety behaviour. We hope that getting children involved at an early stage will assist in establishing responsible road behaviour at a young age and road safety messages drawn by children through posters or other means can help to influence the behaviour of parents and family members”.

Entries must be original and the applicant’s own work and should be on paper no larger than A3 size. Details are currently being sent to all primary schools in the county and the competition has a closing date of the 28th January 2020.

Finn Harps Football in the Community Officer, John Campbell, stated, “We are delighted to be associated with this Road Safety awareness campaign. As the Senior Soccer club in Donegal we feel that there is a responsibility on us, as there is with others, to promote the road safety message.  Finn Harps are delighted to be involved with the Donegal Road Safety Working Group and the number of entries submitted since the competition was first launched shows that there is great interest in the schools for this competition”.

Information on the competition can be obtained from Brian O’Donnell, Donegal County Council on 074 9172360 or John Campbell, Finn Harps on 087 3872973. The closing date for the competition is 28th January 2020 and entries should be sent through the school to: The Road Safety Art Competition, Road Design Office, Donegal County Council, Lifford, Co. Donegal.

Sixth class pupils at national schools are set to be offered a taste of the Gaeltacht with mini residential courses this May in a first for Donegal.

A new Irish college – Coláiste Altan – launches in Gaoth Dobhair this May aimed at older primary school children who stay for four nights.

Traditional post-primary courses will also run throughout June and July with the opportunity to go kayaking off Gola Island, climb Errigal and take part in a host of sporting activities as well as traditional ceilí dancing.

Coláiste Altan will be based at the modern Ionad Pobail Cnocfola building in Bunaleaca (Brinaleck).

“We are very excited about our first year at Coláiste Altan in Gaoth Dobhair,” said Bainisteoir Evelyn Nic Suibhne

“We have been preparing for our 2020 launch for over a year and we have recruited fully qualified teachers and brilliant local families, all with previous experience in delivering Irish in a fun environment.

“The idea of the courses for May is to introduce the summer college experience for Sixth Class pupils in primary schools. We will be starting our first course on May 4th and continuing throughout the four weeks of May.

“Places are limited and we are already getting a great reaction from schools here in County Donegal.”

Traditional two-week courses begin on June 3 for post-primary students.

Emphasis is on spoken Irish, now such an important part of both Junior Cycle and the Leaving Cert as well as GCSEs and A Levels north of the border.

Places are limited for all courses with the Primary School courses in May filling up fast. Parents should contact colaistealtan@gmail.com or phone 0870954820 to book.

One of Donegal’s best-known bars and nightclubs is to close its doors after 43 years in business.

Frankies of Raphoe will close its door for the last time on February 2nd.

The pub and club was a popular attraction for thousands of revellers over the years from both sides of the border.

The premises is owned and managed by the well-known McBrearty family.

Management at the bar today announced on their Facebook page that it will be closing in just three weeks time.

A note read “Well folks it is with great sadness that I am announcing that Frankies will be closing the doors for the final time on Sunday 2nd February. I have had a fantastic 43 and a bit years with many great nights entertainment and had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people.

“But as the old saying goes “Time waits for nobody” and I have decided to retire. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Hope to see all my valued customers call in over the next few weeks to have a laugh and a few drinks. Heres to the memories.”

Three of Donegal’s tastiest takeaways have been shortlisted for Just Eat National Takeaway Awards this year.

The coveted awards celebrate the crème de la crème of takeaway businesses around Ireland.

Donegal is well-represented by three Letterkenny takeaways who are all nominated for multiple awards.

Burrito Loco, which won the title of Ireland’s top takeaway in 2017, is in the running for seven awards this time.

And it’s no surprise, with the burrito being listed as one of Ireland’s top five favourite dishes.

Burrito Loco is competing for Best Takeaway Mexican, Best Takeaway Salad, Best Takeaway Vegetarian, Best Takeaway Vegan, Best Takeaway Sustainability, Best Takeaway Healthy and Best Takeaway Lunchtime.

Friar’s Rest at Glencar is back competing for Best Takeaway Chipper 2019 – which they won in 2017. They are also nominated for Best Takeaway Breakfast and Best Takeaway Burger.

Bamboo Court is up for three awards – Best Spicebag, Best Takeaway Chinese and Best Takeaway Curry. Bamboo Court won Best Spice Bag in 2018 and will be hoping to stir up success again this year.

Voting is now open and the public can vote up to midnight on Monday 13 January 2020 on www.just-eat.ie/blog/competition/national-takeaway-awards-nominations

CAOLAN WARD netted his first Donegal goal to seal a place in the semi-finals of the Dr McKenna Cup with a useful win over Derry.

Derry 0-8 Donegal 1-10

By Chris McNulty at Celtic Park

Ward (pictured) fired home on 57 minutes to take Donegal clear of Rory Gallagher’s Oak Leaf. Sent away by his St Eunan’s team-mate Conor O’Donnell, Ward took the pass on the run and a superb finish gave Derry goalkeeper Odhrán Lynch little chance of making a save.

The goal came after a spurt of Donegal points that helped open up a 0-9 to 0-4 advantage. When Ward struck gold, it was game, set and match for Donegal – who will now face Monaghan In a semi-final on Sunday.

A cagey first-half that never sparked to life ended with Donegal 0-4 to 0-2 in front.

Although Ryan Bell pulled one back for the home side, a fine point by Daire Ó Baoill on 50 minutes opened up a three-point lead.

Ethan O’Donnell added another as Donegal took a firm charge and, three minutes later, O’Donnell’s replacement, Andrew McClean, scored with his first touch.

Donegal were motoring now and a long-range Langan effort had Donegal ahead by five before Ward – who also scored a point in the first half – bagged the only goal of a crisp night on the Lone Moor Road.

Ryan Bell led a mini revival for Derry, but substitute Ciaran Diver landed his first Donegal senior point to help seal a five-point win.

A Peadar Mogan goal in the second half and a last-gasp penalty save by goalkeeper Shaun Patton secured a narrow win over Monaghan on Sunday.

Donegal showed four changes in personnel. Patton was unavailable meaning a debut in goal for Naomh Colmcille’s Michael Lynch. 

Conor Morrison, O’Donnell and Michael Carroll were also elevated with Ryan McHugh, Daniel Clarke and Jamie Brennan making way.

Langan stroked over from a ’45 after three minutes to put Donegal in front after Daire Ó Baoill’s powerful shot was turned wide by Odhrán Lynch, the Derry goalkeeper.

Ryan Bell levelled things up, opting to tuck over the black spot just when it seemed as if a goal chance was opening up for the Ballinderry forward, who edged Brendan McCole in a jostle for possession. 

Mogan landed a free out of his hands but again Derry responded as Emmett Bradley arched over a free from beyond the ’45.

Langan had a chance to restore the lead for Donegal, but the St Michael’s man – who was Man of the Match on Sunday – put a 21st minute free wide of the target.

Donegal remain without a number of their front-line men and the startling XV contained just one player – Eoghan McGettigan – who is recognised as an inside forward for his club. It made for an at-times laboured Donegal attack that was without a notable zip.

That, and Derry’s defensive screen, made for slim pickings for the Donegal attack, but Mogan put Donegal in front again and Caolan Ward landed a beauty from the left-hand side as the visitors led by two.

Derry: Odhrán Lynch; Conor McCluskey (0-1), Padraig McGrogan, Cathal Mulholland; Conor Doherty, Carlus McWilliams, Ryan Dougan; Emmett Bradley (0-1f), Ciaran McFaul; Danny Tallon, Niall Toner, Eoghan Duffy; Ben McCarron (0-1m), Ryan Bell (0-5, 2f), Conor McAtamney. Subs: Christopher Bradley for Toner (29), Declan Cassidy for McAtamney (48), Oran Armstrong for McCarron (53), Liam McGoldrick for Dougan (53), Oisin McWilliams for Duffy (57), Peter Hagan for O.McWillams (61).

Donegal: Michael Lynch; Caolan Ward, Brendan McCole, Paul Brennan; Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí, Conor O’Donnell, Conor Morrison; Caolan McGonagle, Michael Langan (0-2, 1f); Daire Ó Baoill (0-2), Eoin McHugh, Ethan O’Donnell (0-1); Peadar Mogan (0-2, 1f), Michael Carroll, Eoghan McGettigan. Subs: Ciaran Thompson for Carroll (47), Daniel Clarke for McGettigan (48), Andrew McClean (0-1) for O’Donnell (53), Ciaran Diver (0-1) for McHugh (57), Aaron Deeney for Ward (61).

Referee: Sean Laverty (Antrim).

DECLAN Bonner says that Donegal will be unable to field in a Dr McKenna Cup semi-final on Sunday.

Following tonight’s 1-10 to 0-8 win over Derry at Celtic Park, Donegal are slated to face Monaghan in a semi-final at the weekend.

However, with over a dozen of his panel unavailable due to Sigerson Cup commitments with their colleges, Bonner insists that his team won’t be fielding on Sunday.

“We won’t have a team for Sunday,” Bonner said. 

“We have 13 players playing Sigerson. That’s exactly where we are. I stated this very strongly on Sunday. Something needs to be done. We just don’t have the numbers.

“We had 23 players togged out tonight. We didn’t fill the 26 and it’s very difficult.”

Bonner spoke with the Donegal county secretary, Declan Martin, and Ulster Council delegate, PJ McGowan, on the matter immediately after tonight’s game.

Options appear thin on the ground, although Bonner suggested that moving the game back to next Tuesday or Wednesday may be a solution.

He said: “Whoever fixed the Sigerson in the middle of this, it is absolutely ridiculous. It has left us in this situation now. 

“These young lads are on scholarships and they have to play for the colleges. That’s the bottom line.”

Michael Lynch, Eoghan McGettigan, Peadar Mogan and Michael Langan are among those concerned with the quartet set to play Sigerson football for Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

Paul Brennan and Andrew McClean are at IT Sligo, while Shaun Patton is part of the Garda panel.

Defenders Brendan McCole, Conor Morrison along with forward Oisin Gallen (who is out injured at the moment) are named on the DCU squad and Aaron Deeney is at Queen’s University. Niall O’Donnell, meanwhile, is attend ending Maynooth University.

Bonner said: “A lot of them are playing an awful lot of football. Some of those boys might play four games in the space of 10 days. It’s crazy, absolutely crazy. It’s very, very difficult. We have to manage that and be careful of player welfare. As it stands, we just won’t have the numbers to field.”

The competition has proved useful so far for Bonner, who has been able to field experimental sides, but still claim two victories.

He said: “We always treat the McKenna Cup with respect, but if you can’t put out a team, you can’t put out a team. I’m not going to go around now and ask club players who have done no work to fill numbers. We’ll wait and see.”