Gardaí are warning businesses owners and the public to be on alert for novelty Euro notes.

There has been a sharp rise in the detection of the fake notes, which are created for use as props in films.

But fraudsters have been attempting to use the notes to pay for goods. The crime for tendering such notes carries a potential prison sentence of 10 years.

Gardaí have today issued images of the “movie money” or “prop money”. The notes bear a strong resemblance to genuine Euro notes, however they do not contain the security features.

Novelty Euro ‘movie notes’. Image: An Garda Siochana

Novelty Euro ‘movie notes’. Image: An Garda Siochana

Recent mail centre detections have led to notes representing a value of €430,895 being seized by Revenue Officers.

Gardaí advise businesses and members of the public who deal in cash to be aware that such notes are in circulation and take appropriate precautionary measures. Business owners should ensure staff members handling cash are alerted to watch out for these fraudulent notes.

These fraudulent notes should not be accepted as legal tender and any incidents of persons trying to pay with “prop money” should be reported to Gardaí immediately.

Novelty Euro ‘movie notes’. Image: An Garda Siochana

Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has advised that: “People need to be aware that such notes exist and at busy times, especially late at night, they need to exercise a little care and attention. These notes are easily identifiable if precautionary checks are made.

“Also people who try to tender such notes as real face prosecution, a possible prison sentence and a conviction, which is for life. Such convictions have serious ramifications if one wanted to travel, to work in certain sectors and it can affect their credit rating.”

The use of fraudulent currency when trying to purchase goods or services is an offence under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and carries a potential prison sentence of 10 years.

A 22-year-old welder has appeared in court in Co Donegal following an alleged shooting incident.

Stephen Dowling, a father-of-one, appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with discharging a firearm being reckless as to whether any person was injured or not.

The alleged offences, under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990, happened at Mill Rd, Drumnasillagh, Glenties,  and Main Street, Gortnamucklagh, Glenties.

It followed an incident in the early hours of Saturday morning last, February 22nd, during which shots were fired which resulted in a Garda patrol car and another car being struck.

The court was told that Dowling, of Burren Road, Carlow, was arrested after he had visited Donegal on a hunting trip with his uncle and nephew.

Detective Garda Enda Jennings, of Milford Garda Station said he was objecting to bail on a number of grounds.

He said he arrested Dowling and charged him with the two alleged offences at Ballyshannon Garda station at 8.38pm last night (Sun).

Stephen Dowling to Letterkenny Disttict Court by Detective Garda Jennings and Carter. (North West Newspix)

They included the seriousness of the charges, the possibility that the accused could interfere with witnesses and that he could flee the jurisdiction.

Dowling, who wore a white Fred Perry t-shirt and jeans to court, made no reply to the charges.

Detective Jennings said a file on the matter has gone to the Director of Public Prosecutions and that charges of a more serious nature may be directed.

He said that a licensed firearm used on the night was seized from the accused.

He added there will be strong evidence from eye-witnesses as well as Garda evidence and CCTV footage.

Dowling’s solicitor said his client had no previous convictions.

He was in Donegal with relatives hunting deer at the landowner’s permission and was intoxicated when the alleged incident happened.

He said that as he lived outside of Donegal he would not interfere with witnesses and that his parents, who were present in court, had €2,000 in cash to lodge as bail as well as further independent sureties.

Detective Jennings said he was not completely satisfied with this but would be guided by the ruling of the court.

He added that it would be a while before any direction would be given in the case as there was still a significant amount of evidence to be gathered.

Judge Kelly asked if he had access to any other guns but the court was told that although his uncle had guns, they were locked away in a safe.

Judge Kelly said he was granting bail in the case but applied a number of conditions.

He ordered him to provide his own cahs bail of €2,000, an independent surety of €2,000, to reside at the address provided and to stay out of Co Donegal apart from court appearances.

He also ordered him to observe a daily curfew between 10pm and 7am, sign on weekly at Carlow Garda station and that he surrender his passport.

The case was adjourned until April 27th to allow for the directions of the DPP.

EMOTIONS ran high on Sunday as Arranmore United FC’s terminally ill chairman Conal Kavanagh was flown home.

The drones of the Arranmore Pipe Band and the whirring helicopter blades tempered a howling Atlantic wind on a poignant afternoon on the island.

Pictures by Michael Glynn

Rannagh Park, the home turf of the local club Conal and others founded in 1987, was packed as family, club and community joined together.

“It was a very surreal kind of day,” Arranmore United stalwart and island community activist Jerry Early told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“It was heartbreaking, but it was lovely.”

Early visited his long-time friend at St James’ Hospital in Dublin last Wednesday, just days after Conal was informed by medics that his treatment could not be continued.

“Conal told me he wanted to get home,” Mr Early said.

“He had told his brothers how much he wanted to get home. To drive it, it was never going to happen.”

Enter Eoin Burke, a helicopter pilot who is married to Conal’s niece, Shauna.

“The only thing that Conal wanted was to get home,” Mr Early said.

“When Conal told me on Wednesday the severity of his illness, it sideswiped me totally. I couldn’t feel sorry for him because he wasn’t feeling sorry for himself.

“He was under no illusions, but he told me he was coming home and said to me: ‘Organise it!’. He was totally lucid and he wanted everyone out.

Arranmore Unitedm the 1987/88 CT Ball runners-up. Conal Kavanagh is extreme right, back row. Picture by Brian McDaid

“The club got together and we got in contact with the committee of the Donegal League, who were brilliant with it. I just felt, if this is what he wants then this is what he gets.”

After stepping from the chopper at his beloved Rannagh Park, Conal – who was awarded with a Services to Football Club Merit Award by the FAI in 2017 – was given a number of presentations.

The local branch of the IFA were among those to honour him; a signed picture of a GAA team he helped form was handed over; a plaque from the Donegal League was presented on behalf of the League by the club’s Vice Chairman Rod Chappell; Sally Brady and Anne Gaughan made a presentation of a signed Arranmore United jersey; and he received a first of the first ever Arranmore United team from former players including Jerry Eary.

“Conal has been involved at Arranmore United since day one, ever since we were picking stones up from the field in the early days,” Mr Early said.

“Conal was always behind the scenes keeping it right and he was very much under the radar.”

He spent almost three hours and also had a visit to his home before boarding the helicopter for the return flight to St James’.

“I would say that 95 per cent of the island was there,” Mr Early said.

“Anyone who could be there was there.

“I know the family got great comfort and Conal himself got great comfort. Also, in a weird way, the whole community actually got comfort. Conal is the bravest man I have ever key in my life.

“The day was unbelievably sad, but unbelievable beautiful.”

Families in Glenties have welcomed the reopening of the local community playground this week. 

The playground had been closed to the public since October 2019 over insurance costs and maintenance issues.

The popular amenity has since undergone repairs and is now back open, thanks to local fundraisers and donations.

Naomh Conaill’s Martin Doherty said: “All repairs have been carried out and a see-saw has been added. The cost of the repair work has been covered but we do still need to raise the funds to cover the cost of the see-saw.”

An X Factor fundraiser is taking place in the Highlands Hotel on Friday night to raise money for the new equipment, with the second half of the funds raised going towards the Glenties Day Centre.

The Glenties Community Development Group has congratulated everyone involved “who worked so hard to get this great facility for our children back up and running”.

“The only other thing that may be required is some decent weather for the kids to enjoy the playground!” Martin added.

Sinn Féin’s head of negotiations Pearse Doherty is planning to ramp up efforts on a left-wing government formation this week.

The commitment comes ahead of public rallies this week and a meeting between party leader Mary Lou McDonald and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan.

Sinn Féin is planning a series of public meetings across the State “to bring the conversation about a Government for Change to the people.”

Donegal TD Pearse Doherty said he believes that it is possible to have significant progress on the broad outline of a Programme for Government when the Dáil sits on March 5th.

He said: “The election was about change. We now need to deliver A Government for Change that will bring forward the solutions that are needed on housing, health, climate, guaranteeing the pension age at sixty-five, giving workers and families a break and Irish unity

“Our talks with the other parties and independents are intensifying this week and we will be having serious detailed discussions on the issues which need to be central to a Programme for Government.  Sinn Féin is having detailed meetings with the Green Party this week and we are seeking meetings with others throughout the week.

“These engagements are about how we deliver a major housing programme and cut and freeze rents, how we deal with climate change, how we sort the trolley crisis, how we guarantee pension age at sixty five, how we give workers and families a break and how we advance Irish unity, particularly in the context of Brexit.

Doherty continued: “We believe that it is possible to have significant progress on the broad outline of a Programme for Government when the Dáil sits on March 5th.

“Our efforts are in stark contrast with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael who will meet to discuss how they would rotate the position of Taoiseach and how they will put together the very government which has just been voted out of office.”

CHRISTY Murray, the famous ‘Donegal Piper’ was involved in a standoff with Croke Park stewards, who attempted to deny him access on Saturday night.

Christy has been a regular fixture, bedecked in his green and gold outfit and accompanied by his trusted bagpipes, for over 20 years.

However, his music was almost stopped on Saturday night as he headed for Donegal’s Division 1 League match against Dublin.

“We had a stand-off for over 40 minutes,” he told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.

“They wanted to put my pipes in a secure hold on the premium level.

“I kept asking who was making the call. Everything was being communicated by hand-held radio.

“The stewards’ boss went to speak to someone in the main building. Eventually, at ten to seven, they said i could go in.”

Security personnel, however, informed him that ‘they will never be allowed in in future’.

“That was the bit that really gutted me,” he said.

“I have been piping at Donegal games for over 20 years but i really thought about giving up.”

Before half-time, his familiar sounds were ringing in the Dublin air, as they have done many times, including at Donegal’s All-Ireland final win in 2012.

“I had a great time having the craic with the Dublin supporters when I got in and playing,” he said.

“I was told that it was to do with health and safety. It has gone too far now.

“I can see this happening again. I have been told that everything in Croke Park is strictly choreographed and that formal notice has to be given – even for my bagpipes.

“When Donegal are back in Croke Park, I’ll have to go through the route of formally applying – even though there are so many bodhráns on Hill 16 all the time. I have joined the Dublin bodhrán players many a time in Ballybofey and had great fun.”

Donegal is set to gain another layer of snow tonight as Met Eireann issues a new winter weather warning.

After a day of widespread travel disruption and school closures, fresh snow is forecast to fall on the north west again overnight.

Tonight will be “very cold”, according to Met Eireann, with showers becoming increasingly wintry as the night progresses, with a mix of hail, sleet and hill snow.

There is also a risk of thunder, mainly in Atlantic coastal counties.

Donegal County Council is preparing to grit the majority of main routes in the county tonight from 9pm. See full list below.

A Status Yellow Snow/Ice warning has been issued for all counties on Tuesday. The alert takes effect from 6am Tuesday until 9am on Wednesday.

The following routes will be gritted from 9PM on Mon. 24/02:

• 01: National Primary North
• 02: National Primary Central
• 04: Inishowen South
• 05: Inishowen East
• 06: Inishowen West
• 07: Milford South
• 08: Milford North
• 09: Cill Ulta East
• 10: Cill Ulta West
• 11: Na Rosa
• 12: Binswilly
• 13: Stranorlar North
• 14: Stranorlar East
• 15: Stranorlar West
• 17: Donegal North
• 18: Donegal South
• LT: Letterkenny Town
• BT: Buncrana Town Council

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

Letterkenny’s Tourist Office may be getting a new entrance, it has been revealed, after new traffic management measures were sought to create easier access for tourists.

The tourist information office is located on the Neil T Blaney Road, but the entrance is situated in an area which forces vehicles to cross two lanes of traffic when they are turning in from the Polestar Roundabout – the main route into Letterkenny.

Cllr Michael McBride raised the issue with the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District this month to call on the council to install a box at the entry and allow for improved traffic flow.

Cllr McBride explained that tourists are often sitting for a considerable length of time indicating to get into the office due to the high volume of traffic on the two lanes approaching the Polestar. He said the issue creates more traffic blockages in the busy area.

In response to the motion, the Roads Department of Letterkenny-Milford MD revealed that the entrance into the Tourist Office is currently being reviewed in relation to the proposed signalization of the Polestar Roundabout. 

A possible outcome of this review may be the realignment of the Tourist Office entrance altogether. 

THE Donegal Ladies’ Lidl Division 1 game against Cork will not now be played this Sunday.

The Donegal-Cork game was due to act as a curtain-raiser to the Donegal-Monaghan Allianz League Division 1 game in Ballyshannon.

However, the senior men’s game will now be a stand-alone game at Fr Tierney Park.

It has been confirmed that the Donegal-Cork ladies game will be played on March 8 instead.

Donegal singing star Lillis Ó Laoire has been honoured as Singer of the Year at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards 2020.

The awards took place at a televised event in Belfast on Sunday.

Lillis Ó Laoire- Singer of the Year at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards 2020

Ó Laoire, from Gort a’ Choirce, is a talented and multi-award-winning sean-nós singer.

He now lives in Galway, where he lectures in Irish, folklore and Celtic civilisation at NUI Galway.

O’Laoire was raised in a bilingual family and spoke both Irish and English at home. He learned traditional songs in school, but his interest in singing truly began during his time at NUI Galway, where he studied Irish and took classes with celticist Breandán Ó Madagáin. Ó Madagáin taught Irish poetry and texts in relation to music, and O’Laoire became interested in this connection through him.

O’Laoire started publicly singing in competitions at NUI Galway, organised by the Irish language society at the time and in 1986, began competing at the fleadh ceoil.

In 1991 and again in 1994, he won the prestigious Corn Uí Riada singing competition at the Oireachtas na Gaeilge.

Lillis Ó Laoire- Singer of the Year at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards 2020

Lillis Ó Laoire- Singer of the Year at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards 2020

Gradam Ceoil TG4, 23 years in existence, is an awards ceremony that recognises and celebrates the creme de la creme of Irish traditional music.

The full list of TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2020 recipients reads as follows:

Ceoltóir na Bliana/Musician of the Year: Laoise Kelly

Ceoltóir Óg/Young Musician of the Year: Sharon Howley

Gradam Saoil/Lifetime Achievement: Séamus Connolly

Amhránaí na Bliana/Singer of the Year: Lillis Ó Laoire

Gradam Comaoine/Outstanding Contribution: Ned Kelly

Cumadóir na Bliana / Composer of the Year: Josephine Marsh  

New to Reformer Pilates? JT MOVEMENT is celebrating its opening at Mountain Top Letterkenny with free introductory classes in the first week.

JT MOVEMENT, Letterkenny’s newest Reformer Pilates Studio, will open its doors to the public on Monday the 2nd of March. 

The studio is part of the JT Family with sister locations JT Physiotherapy & Reformer Pilates located in both the Ramelton Road Letterkenny and Balliniska Road Derry. 

JT MOVEMENT, based at Mountain Top, is offering both Reformer and Mat Based Pilates classes.

JT Physiotherapy and Reformer Pilates Derry – JT MOVEMENT opens at Mountain Top Letterkenny on 2nd March

Local Chartered Physiotherapist Johnny Loughrey is looking forward to adding three new classes at the newest studio.

Johnny said: “We are extremely grateful for all the support we have gotten in both Letterkenny and Derry since opening our doors in 2013. 

“I moved to Australia when I graduated as there was no work here and after 4 years in Brisbane was ready to try and make a go of it back home. Donegal is such a fantastic place to live and work and being able to do what you love here is something special.”

“Reformer Pilates really is an amazing type of exercise and something I brought back with me when moving home from Australia- it’s really booming over there and thankfully we are able to bring that same specialist exercise class over to Donegal. I’ve seen the results it can get first hand. Once people try it they love it. 

“The feedback we are getting is amazing and classes are really busy. 

“We’re really looking forward to the Mountain Top location opening and will be offering two new classes there. Stretch & Flow and Core, Tone & Condition.”

JT Physiotherapy and Reformer Pilates Derry – JT MOVEMENT opens at Mountain Top Letterkenny on 2nd March

Easy booking

Customer service is a priority for us. We understand that with busy work schedules and life it can sometimes be difficult to fit your exercise in, that’s why we use our flexible MindBody online booking system. 

We often hear people complain about signing up for inflexible 6 week blocks of classes and suddenly when you can’t make a few class times it makes it very expensive. 

Our easy to use MindBody App allows you to buy classes and use them anytime you want.  So you can pick and choose your times and class options week-to-week with ease, changing it to suit your schedule through www.jtphysio.com.

Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates Timetable at JT MOVEMENT Letterkenny

JT Physiotherapy and Reformer Pilates

35 weekly classes

With over 35 class times between two locations 6 days a week in Letterkenny there is always a class to suit you. 

Our Reformer machines are imported from California and everyone in the class has their own Reformer and the small group numbers ensure the highest level of attention from the instructor. 

No Barriers Reformathon – 7th March 

On Saturday the 7th we are doing a fundraiser for The No Barriers Foundation where all the proceeds from a full days classes are being donated to the Foundation to help facilitate badly needed not for profit specialist Neuro Rehab services in the North West once people are discharged from the HSE.

JT Physiotherapy and Reformer Pilates Derry – JT MOVEMENT opens at Mountain Top Letterkenny on 2nd March

Free introductory classes

To celebrate JT MOVEMENT opening we are offering people who have never tried Reformer Pilates before free Introductory classes the first week we open (2nd-5th March).  

To book your free class people simply call the front desk on  0749111010. 

JT Movement Timetable

Beginning from 2nd March at Mountain Top Letterkenny:

Monday
> 9.30am – Mat pilates
> 12pm – Stretch & Flow
> 1pm – Core, Tone & Conditioning
> 6pm – Core, Tone & Conditioning
> 7pm – Stretch & Flow

Tuesday
> 7am – Stretch & Flow
> 12pm -Core, Tone & Conditioning
> 1pm – Stretch & Flow
> 5pm – Mat Pilates

Thursday
> 7am –  Core, Tone & Conditioning
> 8am – Mat Pilates
> 6pm –  Core, Tone & Conditioning
> 7pm – Stretch & Flow

Saturday
> 9am –  Stretch & Flow
> 10am –  Core, Tone & Conditioning

JT MOVEMENT is located in Unit 5, Pinehill Business Park, Mountain Top Letterkenny. JT MOVEMENT is a part of JT Physiotherapy. Entry to JT MOVEMENT is via the FitHub Gym entrance.  More info on JT Physiotherapy can be found at www.jtphysio.com.

JT Movement – Mountain Top Letterkenny. Entrance via FitHub Gym

A lucky MintBet punter in Donegal pocketed €20,000 from an optimistic Irish Lotto bet.

The unnamed customer at the Donegal bookmakers stuck just two quid on four numbers from six (without bonus) on Saturday night’s Irish Lotto Plus 1 draw.

If this bet had been placed two weeks ago it would have paid €4,000 less, but MintBet just recently increased their odds on this bet from 8,000/1 up to an incredible 10,000/1

MintBet shops are located throughout the north of Donegal with long-standing offices in Muff, Bridgend, Buncrana and Letterkenny.

This is already the second MintBet customer to benefit from the new 10,000/1 odds in the first two weeks of its launch.

MintBet owner Thomas McBride said: “He had luck on his side, which is of course what you need with lotto bets.

“We just recently upped our lotto odds by two thousand points which we knew was a risk, but we pride ourselves on having the most competitive numbers odds in the North-West.

“Congratulations to the lucky customer, I hope they enjoy their winnings.”

Donegal County Council has been urged to take action and cut trees which are causing disruptions and potential safety risks outside Letterkenny.

Trees adjacent to the old Water Treatment Plant at the Thorn in Letterkenny have grown so large that they are blocking lighting and TV receptions, according to Cllr Gerry McMonagle.

Cllr McMonagle told the council on Friday that residents of nearby homes in Thorndale are afraid that trees may blow down, especially during recent storms.

He asked the council to contact the relevant parties to have the trees cut back, but when he was told to contact Irish Water, he said the council should take responsibility and not be “passing the buck” on the problem. He asked the council to carry out the necessary works and lift the fear for residents.

Donegal County Council agreed to forward the motion to Irish Water.

Cllr McMonagle also called on the Letterkenny-Milford MD to extend the Yellow Box at the Thorn Junction on the Ramelton Road and install a “proper right hand turning lane” in the interest of road safety.

However, Cllr McMonagle was told that there is insufficient room for a right turning lane and the junction. The yellow box is due to be extended instead.

A man who threw a takeaway supper into a parked-up Garda patrol car has been ordered to ‘chip’ in €200 to the Garda Benevolent Fund.

Ryan Nixon appeared before Judge Paul Kelly at Letterkenny District Court and pleaded guilty.

The court heard how on February 2nd last, the 28-year-old farmer was out with friends and was walking down the Main Street in Letterkenny.

He flung his takeaway into the open window of a patrol car.

Gardai stopped Nixon but he became abusive to them and was arrested.

Solicitor for the accused, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client should have known better but was out with friends and said it was his one mistake in 28 years.

Judge Kelly said there were plenty of people who went out with friends but did not go “firing their supper into a patrol car.”

The Judge asked Nixon if he fired takeaways into the patrol cars of the PSNI in Northern Ireland.

The accused, who was charged under the Public Order Act, said he did not and apologised to Gardai.

He was ordered to pay €200 to the Garda Benevolent Fund and the case was adjourned until April 27th.

Motorists are being urged to take extra care this Tuesday morning due to the risk of icy road conditions.

There are reports of very icy conditions at Mountain Top in Letterkenny.

Donegal County Council has dispatched gritters to selected routes from 6am (gritting route below).

A Status Yellow Snow/Ice Warning is in place for the entire country valid until 9am on Wednesday (26^th).

Widespread showers of hail, sleet and possibly snow will cause icy road conditions.

The AA Roadwatch is advising motorists to: “Remember it takes much longer to stop a vehicle when roads are icy, so reduce speed and keep further back from whoever’s in front. Avoid any harsh acceleration or braking, and allow extra time to fully de-ice your vehicle before setting out.

The following routes will be gritted from 6AM on Tue. 25/02:

• 01: National Primary North
• 02: National Primary Central
• 04: Inishowen South
• 05: Inishowen East
• 06: Inishowen West
• 07: Milford South
• 08: Milford North
• 09: Cill Ulta East
• 10: Cill Ulta West
• 11: Na Rosa
• 12: Binswilly
• 13: Stranorlar North
• 14: Stranorlar East
• 15: Stranorlar West
• 17: Donegal North
• 18: Donegal South
• LT: Letterkenny Town
• BT: Buncrana Town Council

The issue of opening an acute stroke unit at Letterkenny University Hospital comes before the Regional Health Forum West meeting in Galway today.

The issue is to be raised by Sinn Fein county councillor Albert Doherty.

The motion is the second on the agenda which will be heard before members.

Cllr Doherty said he will press further for a positive response from the HSE and the incoming government to deliver and open a fully funded, fully staffed Acute Stroke Unit at the hospital.

Hospital consultant Professor Ken Mulpeter recently spoke out on the issue yet again.

He went one step further and organised a protest outside the hospital which was attended by hundreds of people.

A public consultation event regarding the Lifford Flood Relief Scheme is taking place on 27 February 2020 from 4pm to 8pm in Lifford Old Courthouse.

The objective of the project is to develop a flood relief scheme that is economically viable, environmentally sensitive and acceptable to the community.    

The purpose of the opening Public Consultation event is to introduce the project team, display the process for developing the scheme, and gather valuable local knowledge from stakeholders and the public which is essential in achieving this project objective. 

It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to voice any concerns they may have and to inform how the scheme design is progressed.   

A second Public Consultation Day will be held to let stakeholders and the public know how their observations, comments and submissions were used within the scheme development process.

This is an open event and everyone is welcome.

Keep up to date with the project at www.liffordfrs.ie

The funeral arrangements have been announced for the late Tommy Kelly, who died in tragic circumstances in south Donegal.

Mr Kelly, a 36-year-old father of one, was found dead near the roadside in the townland of Cloghore – around 5km from Ballyshannon on Saturday night.

Mr Kelly has been described as a popular and pleasant man, who had an address in Belleek but who was originally from Cloghore.

His obituary notice describes him as the “beloved partner of Laura and darling daddy of Eva.”

“Very deeply regretted by his heartbroken mother Nora, father Liam, brothers Willie, Pauric (Patricia), sisters Vera (Sean), Anne (Micheal), Celine (Phil), Chrissy (Bernie), Denise (Paul), Joan (Cathal), mother-in-law Ann, sister-in-law Ann Marie (Francis), brother-in-law Kevin, aunts, uncles and entire family.”

Mr Kelly will be laid to rest on Thursday.

The funeral arrangements are as follows: “Reposing at the family home, Rathfort Crescent on Wednesday from 12 noon until 7pm, private at all other times. Requiem Mass on Thursday morning at 11am in Saint Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon followed by interment in Magheramenagh Cemetery, Belleek.

“Family flowers only donations, if so desired, to the Donegal Branch Alzheimers Society c/o Patsy McCauley Funeral Director.”

Investigations into the unexpected death are still ongoing. The N3 road between Ballyshannon and Belleek has since reopened.

The North West Words reading series have great and varied plans for their next meet-up on 27th February.

The event will explore the worlds of poetry with guest Eleanor Hooker, story-telling with ‘This Writing Group’ and there will also be an open mic session and trivia quiz.

Admission is free and all are welcome to the event on Thursday 27th February at Dillon’s Hotel Letterkenny at 8pm.

An investigation is underway after thieves broke into a Lifford restaurant and stole a charity donation box.

The burglary took place on Tuesday nigh t/ early hours of Wednesday morning (19th February) between 1am and 1.15am.

Two males, wearing hoodies, were seen on CCTV kicking in the front door panel of the business.

They stole a charity box, containing a small sum of cash, and make their getaway on foot in the direction of Lifford bridge.

Gardaí are appealing to the public to provide any information or footage that may assist with their enquiries.

Anyone who saw the two men leave in the direction of Strabane, or had dashcam footage from the bridge area, is asked to contact gardaí in Letterkenny on (074) 916 7100.