A new report will be launched this Friday exploring women’s experiences of life in Donegal.

The document was created as a result of the “Empowering Women in Donegal” initiative, part of The Next Chapter cross-border PEACE funded project that looks to improve the representation of women in community, public and political life.

This document is the result of a series of events, meetings, training opportunities and individual interactions with women throughout the county.

The Donegal Chapter Hub will launch their discussion document on Friday 28th February at the Radisson BLU Hotel Letterkenny at 7pm

The Donegal Chapter Hub members gained valuable insights on the issues that are relevant to women living in Donegal, in different communities, inclusive of all backgrounds, all cultures and political affiliations.

The findings are set to be an interesting exploration into equality and civic issues. The report, once launched, will be sent out to local and national representatives with the intention of prompting change in society.

All are welcome to the launch of the report on Friday 28th February 2020 at 7pm in the Radisson BLU Hotel Letterkenny.

Sinead Dooley from Irish Rural link is the key speaker on the night.

Refreshments will be served.

This is a public event by the ‘Donegal Chapter Hub’ in conjunction with Politics Plus.

New Frontiers, Ireland’s national programme supporting early-stage entrepreneurship, is currently recruiting for Phase 1.

The programme, delivered on behalf of Enterprise Ireland by Institutes of Technology and Universities, accelerates the development of sustainable new businesses that have strong employment and growth potential.

New Frontiers is a game-changer for anyone serious about developing their business idea into a successful start-up. This intensive programme will equip you with the skills you need to establish and run your new company. The New Frontiers programme will give you access to supports like a desk in a campus incubator at IT Sligo or Letterkenny IT, 1-to-1 mentoring from start-up experts, business master-classes and networking with potential investors plus €15,000 in financial support to accelerate your business start-up.

The deadline is fast approaching for applications to a new phase of New Frontiers in the North West.

Applicants can apply by 6th March 2020 by downloading an application form on www.newfrontiersnw.ie or email Timony.Jenni@itsligo.ie

See below for more details. 

FEARS that Donegal forward Jamie Brennan had suffered a bad injury last weekend have been quelled.

Brennan had to be withdrawn late in Saturday’s defeat by Dublin at Croke Park.

The Bundoran man hobbled off on 61 minutes of the game.

Brennan was an All-Star nominee in 2019 after some scintillating League and Ulster SFC displays.

As he left the action at headquarters, there were fears regarding the diagnosis.

However, Donegal manager Declan Bonner has moved to allay those worries. Indeed, Bonner believes Brennan could feature in Sunday’s crucial game against Monaghan in Ballyshannon.

“We’re hopeful that Jamie will be play,” Bonner said.

“I think he’ll be ok for the weekend.”

Patrick McBrearty made an impactful first appearance of 2020 as a sub in Dublin and could be given a start this weekend.

At the start of next month, Local Link will add even more routes to its service across Donegal. This week Donegal Daily went on the buses to see how the service is developing.

It was an early morning start heading down to Ramelton on Tuesday morning to give readers an on the road view from inside one of the new service buses that arrive from the rural areas to the different towns around Donegal.

They are all apart of a new transport network called Local Link.

We caught the Fanad Bus which starts in Portsalon going through Kerrykeel then over Glenvar into Rathmullan before arriving in Ramelton and finishing in Letterkenny outside Mr Chippys.

Before even leaving Letterkenny that morning I downloaded the app for Local Link Transport which had maps time tables and route description parking up along the mall near to Whoriskey’s Shop and looked for some sort of a signpost or something to tell me where the bus stop was.

Finding nothing I decided to look online at the map I downloaded. Now it won’t open. Previous experience tells me that it’s not the app that’s at fault here but the lack of network coverage along this part of Ramelton that’s the problem.

Someone in Whoriskey’s will know the craic, about where the bus starts from. So buying a bottle of water I ask the shopkeeper where does the local link bus stop.

The old Lough Swilly Railway Co. building in Ramelton from 1864. Photo Brian Mc Daid

“See that tree over there, in front of the oil lorry? Stand over there, that’s where the bus always stops,” says the shopkeeper.

It’s funny how you never much notice things around you until the subject becomes focused in your mind,

Suddenly I spot a John Joe Boyce Coach heading across the bridge in the distance towards me.

Even though I have seen the new white Fanad Service bus many a time outside Mr.Chippy’s in Letterkenny, I start to second guess that maybe John Joe Boyce is doing this run today, I stand out a bit further so they’ll see me.

It slows up a bit as it comes around the corner and even though the driver acknowledges me with a wee smile and a nod of the head, they just drive past me. Guess that wasn’t the Fanad to Letterkenny service bus afterall!

Looking at the clock on my phone, my bus is still not due for another few minutes and with that a few passengers start to stand about near to me along the Mall.

Now one of Mangan’s Buses makes its way across the bridge I just watch if they bus passengers will make a move, but they stay put plugged into their earphones in their own wee world as that bus also drives past.

It’ s now 8.25am the due bus time for this stop in Ramelton and in the distance a bus is making its way towards us but it’s not coming from Rathmullan direction which is where I think it should be. The passengers start to make a move and make a casual queue.

I’m thinking, this is not the Fanad Service Bus either. As the six passengers prepare to get on the bus. I stay to the back of the queue. “Is this the Local Link bus to Letterkenny,?” I ask the passenger in from of me. “Nah it’s not, but this one takes you to Letterkenny as well,” was his reply as four of the five waiting passengers board the waiting bus and I’m still waiting on the service bus which arrives shortly after.

This Local Link bus is less than a year old, which is a bit of a shock to the system for anyone that ever used the old Lough Swilly Bus Services in its day.

“A return to Ramelton Please.” “Certainly,” is the reply for very well turned out bus driver.

“By the way, this is no longer the stop for this bus in Ramelton. We now stop up at Gambles Square, on the way into Letterkenny in the morning but I can drop you here on the way back,” explains the driver.

The bus looks pretty full as I walk back the bus a bit, so I decided to stand holding onto one of rails provided in one of the two open areas. “Sorry you’re not allowed to stand, you need to sit down,” the bus driver suggests to me as he starts his journey across the Mall and up through Ramelton towards Gambles Square.

I find a seat and do as I’m told…..chat about making an entrance!

The bus lifts another passenger at Gambles Square and as we head up out of Ramelton my phone bleeps to bring up an earlier request to look at the Local Link app. Right enough the map show Gambles Square as the official stop. The bus doesn’t take long to arrive in Letterkenny and would be still on time if it wasn’t for the tailback of traffic into Letterkenny on the Ramelton Road. You know, it doesn’t feel as bad sitting in a traffic jam in a bus as it does sitting in a jam behind the wheel of your car

First Stop

The first few passengers start to make a move to the front of the bus as it crawls through the traffic past Arena 7 a few students get out and head down to what once was AnCo in my day as a student there then called FAS and now called ETB Training Centre. Most of the passengers make moves to disembark as we arrive at the back door of the LYIT, and the bus drops off the last few passengers outside Mr Chippy.

Busy Bus Stop

I have twenty-five minutes to spare before the bus heads back to Ramelton, but it can’t sit at the bus stop in Letterkenny because there’s only one room for one bus really at this stop. But I have seen six buses sitting at the stop all with their engines running dropping off or lifting passengers from both private services to Dublin or Galway to all the privates and contracted buses that make up the Local Link Service in Donegal. A quick coffee in Boyce’s old Cafe and it’s over to the bus stop again, to wait for my Fanad Bus which arrives right on time.

Bus for one

Arriving back to Ramelton on Local Link Bus service this week. Photo Brian McDaid.

As I depart out of Letterkenny I find that I’m the only person on the return journey to Ramelton.

Having a chat with the bus driver Conal, he suggests that because it’s Tuesday it’s a quiet journey on the first return trip out of Letterkenny especially mid-week. As we make our way out of Letterkenny the traffic coming into Letterkenny is still backed up.

On average every fifth car in the traffic jam has more than one person in the car which means 80% of these cars have only the one person in them.

My return ticket from Ramelton and back cost me €6 which I think was great value. Most of the people that travelled into Letterkenny that morning were students and this journey would cost them even less, and some of the passengers may have been pensioners which are entitled to their free travel on this bus.

A ticket from Local Link Bus Service from Ramelton the Letterkenny. Photo Brian McDaid.

Talking to Conal the bus driver, he finds dropping off his passengers in Letterkenny at a very congested single bus stop works most of the time as long as all of the bus drivers treat the bus stop as a bus stop and not as a bus parking space.

When that happens things soon get very congested. Some evenings Conal finds that he has to sit out the road a bit before his bus route time arrives to let other buses into the bus stop collect their passengers and move on.

The night before my bus trip on the Local Link App I tried to buy my ticket online but was unsuccessful. That could have been my lack of knowledge of the system, but talking to the bus driver the following morning he confirmed that at present it’s not possible to buy a ticket online. But that might change in the future.

Our bus was soon back in Ramelton and its single passenger on his return ticket (me!) arrived back at his destination safely.

Time for change

Before I left Ramleton I drove across the Mall to get a photo of the old Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Co.( L&LSR Way Co). building which opened in Ramelton in 1864.

The old Lough Swilly Railway Co. building in Ramelton from 1864. Photo Brian Mc Daid

Situated on the pier, it’s a reminder of the company that provided transport in this part of the county for over one hundred and fifty years. This week talking about bus services a lot of people still remember those Swilly buses on the road. A lot give out about the condition of the buses but at the same time they miss the option that they gave for people to travel.

New routes

Local Link Buses at the bus stop outside Mr Chippy’s in Letterkenny. Photo Brian McDaid.

Local link Transport is working in all parts of Donegal and at the start of March, they will be adding even more new routes to the service in Donegal. So it’s worth considering this service and supporting it in your local area.

Letterkenny, in particular, needs to look at the options of providing more bus stops for this service in the town to allow these vital services to grow.

Happy Motoring Folks

TWO words come back instantly when Teresa McDaid is asked about her thoughts on the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo: ‘Can’t wait’. 

By Ciaran O’Donnell

The countdown to the biggest sporting spectacle of the year on the planet is well and truly on. In less than 150 days, the eyes of the sporting world will focus on Tokyo which will host the Olympic Games for a second time – the first being back 1964.

It’s been a good start to the year for Letterkenny AC coach Teresa who will fill the role of Ireland’s athletics senior team operations manager for this summer’s Olympic Games.

She was presented with the Signify Sports Manager of the Month Award for December 2019 a few weeks ago after Ireland had its most successful European Cross Country Championships in Lisbon.

“I won that award back in 2013. Out of all the things I achieved and was recognised for in athletics, it’s the one that is respected most outside athletics. The likes of Jack Charlton and former Dublin senior football team manager, Jim Gavin, who won the overall award last year, are previous winners,” she says.

The preparations from an Athletics Ireland and Olympic Council of Ireland point of view for Tokyo 2020 began in Doha in 2019.

“The IAAF World Athletics Championships there last year were like a dress rehearsal both in terms of conditions and how we, as a team, would prepare and help support athletes in their final preparations and final executions of their performances.

“This would be particularly relevant to the walkers and marathon runners.

“So, from as far out as last September, arrangements were being made in terms of camps and travel. Things have taken a bit of change in direction with the marathon being switched from Tokyo to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo because of concerns about the heat.”

This change of venue poses a logistical challenge for Teresa and her team.

“How are we going to get up there? Is there going to be a camp? Will there be another Olympic village? These are all questions we will need to address and a lot of things need to be finalised,” she adds.

Going to the Olympics with Ireland’s team of athletes has been on Teresa’s radar for quite a while.

“It has always been my dream to go to the Olympics. I have come quite close to it in the past in a personal coach capacity in London when Mark English narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 800 metres in 2012 by half a stride. So, to go to the Olympics this year is a massive and another goal ticked off my list.

“As far as I know, I will be the first woman to fill the role of senior team operations manager for Ireland’s athletes at his year’s Olympics. In the year that’s in it, which is encouraging more women to be involved in sport, it’s nice to be going to the Olympics in such a role. It’s very fitting and it’s also a privilege.”

Teresa says she’s delighted to be involved in the Donegal Sports Partnership’s programme aimed at getting more women back into sport at various levels.

“I’ve also been asked to be a mentor on the Athletics Ireland coaching and mentoring programme for women. When you reflect on those invitations, it gives you an opportunity to reflect on where you have come from yourself.

“We tend to keep moving all the time and always looking forward. Sometimes it’s nice just to look back. I’ve done a lot and certainly the Olympics this year will be a very good finish to the year. There’s also the European Cross Country Championships to look forward to in Dublin in December which will be fun as well.”

Ten years ago, Teresa made a major decision.

“These are busy times and exciting times. I suppose for me I took what some people thought was a very strange or rare step when I went for a voluntary redundancy package from the HSE in 2010.

“I had a very good, high level job and left it to follow my dream. I certainly have no regrets about that move and the experiences I have had since have been absolutely amazing. You make these decisions and I was fortunate that things worked out for me,” she comments.

Teresa is at the stage in life where she’s fortunate to be able to choose what she does.

“I had a lot of grounding in the skills I had with the HSE, undoubtedly. And they were very transferable skills which I was able to bring into coaching and team management. I’m also part of the high performance committee and coaching committee of Athletics Ireland.

“Obviously, I am still actively involved coaching at different levels and remain very active at club base. For me it’s always been about balance – I’ve always liked that balance of being involved at club athletics and high performance athletics. One contributes to the other and one balances the other out and gives me a better grounding.”

Teresa is part of a team that provides a service and within that team everyone has their roles and responsibilities.

“The big thing now, I suppose, is the cancellation of the World Indoor Athletics Championships which were due to be held in Nanjing, China in March.

“The focus for coaches and athletes is qualification for the Olympics. Qualifying for the Olympics is a little bit different that it was in the past. I’m also a national team selector.

“Our first outing is in May when we select the road events, as in the walks. As a selector, you can only work within policy which is well documented.

“As regards the marathon, the whole impact of the Nike shoes has affected who has got the qualifying time and who has not. The IAAF wanted to have 80 people invited to the marathon. Their expectation was that 50 of those would get standard, with the rest being taken from the ranking system.

“There are actually people with the standard who are not in the top 80 and that has made an unexpected impact. It all makes it very interesting ahead of the selection process. When we are on camp and at competition, that is when my role will really kick in.”

The Letterkenny coach is looking forward to preparing for the Olympic Games.

“It’s exciting. Every day I feel blessed and privileged to be doing what I want to do and to be in the position I am in. It’s what I want to do and it’s what I’m good at. You can’t beat a day like that.”

Since taking over the role of operations team manager in the last couple of years, she’s had a couple of challenges which she’s met head on.

“I’ve come out the right side of them, so it’s so far, so good. If you take the likes of the appeal lodged for Mark English at last year’s European Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow, which was successful and secured him a place in the 800 metre final in which he won a bronze medal, it’s very rewarding to think you are doing something you love and is having a positive impact.”

THE GAA have confirmed the referees for this weekend’s Allianz League games.

Meath official David Coldrick has been appointed to take charge of Donegal’s Allianz Football League Division 1 game between Donegal and Monaghan.

Coldrick is in the middle for the crunch clash of the Ulster foes in Ballyshannon – a game that will be shown on deferred coverage by TG4.

Donegal hurlers face Longford away at Michael Fay Park on Sunday in Division 3A with Offaly’s Richie Fitzsimons as referee.

Meanwhile, Letterkenny’s James Connors has been appointed to another Division 3A game. The St Eunan’s clubman will referee the meeting of Armagh and Tyrone at the Athletic Grounds.

James Connors

FERGAL Callan was the winner of the Gents Club Stroke on Sunday at Dunfanaghy Golf Club.

Both the Wednesday Open and Saturday’s Competition were lost to the weather last week.

However, the Sunday competition survived with Callan seeing off Mark Caithness.

Gents Club Stroke – Sunday 23rd February 2020

1st   Fergal Callan (11)               73 BOT

2nd Mark Caithness (13)          73 BOT

CSS: N/Q

DECLAN Bonner has called on Donegal to start making their own luck.

The Donegal manager, speaking ahead of Sunday’s key Division 1 meeting with Monaghan, says his team must get back to winning ways.

Three times in this year’s League – against Mayo, Galway and Dublin – Donegal have given up winning positions.

“We are getting punished for switching off,” Bonner told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub. 

“That happens against the top teams. Let’s hope that the lessons are learned.

“We need to win games. The last two have been disappointing in terms of results. There have been a lot of positives to take out of them.

“We have a good team there. Morale within the squad has been very, very positive and a lot of good work has been done. We haven’t got the rub of the green, but it’s up to us to turn that around and create our own slice of luck.”

Listen to the full interview below …

DONEGAL Olympian Brian Anderson was among the 1964 Olympians honoured this week by the Ulster Boxing Council.

The Ballybofey man attended Tuesday’s Ulster Elite finals at The Ulster Hall.

Anderson was introduced to the capacity crowd, 56 years after he boxed for Ireland at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

This year, the Olympic Games will be back in Tokyo and the Ulster Council used that link to honours the men of ’64.

Anderson boxed for Ireland alongside Sean McCafferty, Chris Rafter, Paddy Fitzsimons and Jim McCourt, who won a lightweight bronze medal.

Anderson moved to London in the late 1950s and boxed for the Middle Row club.

He represented both Ireland and England at international level. In the 1964 British ABA Championships, Anderson defeated Scotland’s Dick McTaggart – a 1956 Olympic Gold and 1960 Olympic bronze medallist – in a semi-final before being beaten by Robert Taylor in a controversial decision in the final.

Anderson was drafted into the Irish squad for the trip to Tokyo.

Some 269 boxers from 56 nations competed. Anderson was beaten by Touch Nol from Cambodia in his opening bout.

He later returned home to Ballybofey and in 1979, alongside his brother, Peter, formed the Twin Towns Boxing Club. His granddaughter, Ciara, is a multiple Irish champion.

DONEGAL athletes featured prominently at yesterday’s Ulster Schools’ Cross-Country Finals.

The finals were held at Mallusk Playing Fields and were screened live by the BBC online.

Rosses AC’s Amy Greene (above), a student at Rosses Community School, was the intermediate girls silver medallist.

Green was second behind Down High School’s Kristi Foster and beat Rosie Roberts (Dominican College) into third.

Finn Valley AC’s Cassie Lagan won bronze in the senior girls race. Lagan, representing Omagh Academy, got onto the podium after a fine race that saw her finish behind Hannah Gilliland (Down HS) and Aoife McGreevy (St Dominic’s, Belfast).

Cassie Lagan

Letterkenny Vocational School student Jack Holian was the bronze medalist in the intermediate boys race. Holian came third behind St Malachy’s Matthew Lavery and Grosvenor HS’ Dylan McBride.

Deele College man and Finn Valley AC athlete Oisin Toye was fourth in the intermediate boys.

Mia McCalmont (Abbey VS) was fifth in the senior girls and Cathal O’Donnell (St Columba’s Comprehensive, Glenties) was fifth in the junior boys.

Diarmaitt Keogh from Carndonagh Community School was eighth in his race, Nuala Bose of Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny had an 11th placed finish while Ballyshannon’s Emer O’Brien was 22nd.

DESIGNER HOMES Exhibition will hold its 9th annual event this weekend, February 29th and March 1st in The Halfway House, Tooban, Burnfoot. 

Entrepreneur, Event Planner and Architect, Breege Galbraith, started the event in 2011 when local businesses in the homes industry were struggling to gain clientele in the economic downturn. 

The exhibition is a two-day event which provides an excellent and knowledgeable experience for all attendees. 

The event offers something for everyone, whether you are building your first home, renovating or just have an interest in everyday lifestyle- this event is for you. Local and nationwide businesses will showcase at the event. 

MGA

NuTherm

Each exhibitor will offer something different and have utmost experience in the homes industry. Technological enhancements and solar power energy are becoming more popular by the day, leaving homeowners with too many options and not enough information. 

Designer Homes Exhibition aim to give attendees a knowledgeable experience and leave the event with the contacts needed to start and finish building their dream designer home. 

Designer Homes Exhibition hold a one of a kind event where exhibitors can offer potential clients value for money, products that are just on the market and modern developments. 

Eilis Galbraith Designs

David Henry Solicitors

The event is currently in its 9th year and is becoming more popular as the year’s reel in. With the economy rapidly improving and unemployment rates at an all-time low, there is no time than the present for building your dream home. 

Designer Homes Exhibition will provide the resources you need to start building; from mortgages to tiles and home heating systems, they have it all. Buncrana Credit Union will be exhibiting at the show,with their record breaking interest rates and renowned experience they will be a first hit amongst attendees. 

Buncrana Credit Union acknowledge and respect the show so much they have decided to co-sponsor the event along with Michael Galbraith Architects. Michael Galbraith Architects are professional architects based in Buncrana. MGA are fully registered with the RIAI and provide all architectural services, building energy ratings and valuations. 

Buncrana Credit Union

There will also be entertainment at the Event with Highland Radio’s renowned DJs who will broadcast live from the event on Saturday from 12 – 2pm.

Businesses in the homes industry are becoming busier than ever and competitors are introducing themselves into the market regularly. 

Home builders have numerous suppliers to choose from and with a brief talk of what each exhibitor offers will help attendees in choosing their preferred supplier. 

McTaggart Insulation

This will enhance the experience of attendees and give them a face to face impression of their supplier. 

Experienced Architect and organiser Breege says “Designer Homes Exhibition is bringing bigger and better things to its 2020 show, there is no time than the present to build or renovate your designer home.” 

Whether it be your first home, your first renovation or just an excuse for a day out- Designer Homes Exhibition offers something to everyone… An event not to be missed!

Visit Designer-Homes Exhibition for more updates and information.

As efforts to contain the deadly coronavirus continue, the HSE has issued advice for travellers returning to Ireland from affected areas.

If you have been in a country or region with spread of COVID-19 in the last 14 days, the HSE has advice for people who are concerned, whether they are feeling well or unwell.

This advice is for people who have been in one of the following places in the last 14 days:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Iran
• Japan
• the following regions in Italy – Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna or Piedmont

These are places where there is a spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The advice also applies to children who have recently been on school trips to one of the places above.

If you have been to one of the places listed above, the advice you should follow depends on if you are:

• not feeling well
• feeling well

If you are not feeling well

If you have been to one of the places listed above and you are not feeling well, check if you have symptoms of coronavirus. These are fever (high temperature), cough or difficulty breathing. If you do have symptoms of coronavirus, phone your GP or local emergency department (ED) without delay.

Do not go to your GP or ED. Phone them first.

Tell them about your symptoms. Let them know you have been to a country or region with spread of coronavirus.

Avoid contact with other people by self-isolating.

If you are feeling well

If you have been to one of the places listed above and are feeling well, carry on with your normal routine.

Follow the advice on how to protect yourself from coronavirus and other infections such as flu.

Avoid spending time with people that are ill with a cough, high temperature, or breathing problems.

If you develop symptoms of coronavirus within 14 days of returning:

• avoid contact with people by self-isolating
• phone your GP or emergency department
• tell them your symptoms and let them know you have been to a country or region with spread of coronavirus

If you think you have been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus

Phone HSELive on 1850 24 1850 if you think you have been:

• in contact with someone confirmed as having coronavirus
• to a healthcare facility in another country where coronavirus patients are being treated

You will be put in contact with your local Department of Public Health staff who will give you information and advice.

If you develop symptoms of coronavirus, avoid contact with people by self-isolating and phone your GP or emergency department.

Self-isolation

Self-isolation means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people.

You should self-isolate if you think you may have coronavirus while you are waiting to talk to a doctor. This will help to prevent the spread of coronavirus to others.

To self-isolate:

• Stay at home or in your hotel in a room on your own with a phone.
• Do not go to work, school, religious services or public areas.
• Do not use public transport or taxis.
• Avoid having visitors to your home.

It is important to keep away from older people, those with long-term medical conditions or pregnant women.

A Donegal petrol station owner has offered a suspected thief a job – so he can pay back the money they claim he stole.

In a hard-hitting but amusing Facebook post, the garage called the man out on what they claimed was “criminality” at their station.

McGettigan’s Applegreen in Lifford even posted pictures of the man whom they claimed passed £50 sterling notes at their store.

The garage says they would love to discuss his issues.

In a message to the suspect, the garage posted “Perhaps if you get in contact with the local Gardai in Lifford we can all discuss this amicably with a judge at a proper forum sometime in the future.”

And if the man is short of cash then the local business even offered him a helping hand.

“If you need a job we can give you (as a) one petrol pump attendant to ensure you pay back what you stole. We don’t discriminate mate,” said the post.

Job Vacancy: A car dealership in Ballybofey is seeking a bookkeeper/office administrator.

Responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining accounts on SAGE
• Weekly payroll processing
• Filing ROI & UK VAT returns
• Paying suppliers
• Preparation of year-end audit files
• Putting financial systems in place as required
• Development of management reporting system 

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day to day administration of the company hence they must be competent in all areas and be proficient in the use of accounting and payroll software.

Good organisational, communication and telephone skills are expected as is a willingness to work on their own initiative.  

A background in the motor trade preferred but not essential.

Days: Minimum of 3 days per week.  

Salary: Negotiable. 

Applications: Please forward your CV to donegaldailyjobs@gmail.com with Bookkeeper/Office Administrator clearly written in the email subject line. Closing Date: Friday March 6th 2020.

Local Enterprise Week kicks off this Monday and the team at Donegal Local Enterprise Office is encouraging businesses to take time out of their schedules to attend one of the many events on offer. Events are free to attend but early booking is advised via www.localenterprise.ie/donegal.

Kilkenny hurling legend Brian Cody is one of a host of guest speakers who will be in Donegal for Local Enterprise Week, which starts next Monday.

Run by Donegal Local Enterprise Office (LEO), in association with its local enterprise partners, the week will see a wide range of events taking place across Donegal. Local Enterprise Week kicks off with keynote speaker, Gina London and culminates in a business conference with sporting legends Brian Cody, Arlene Boyles and Martin Mc Hugh. 

Throughout Local Enterprise Week, business owners in Donegal will have a unique opportunity to learn from, listen to and network with leaders in their field. As well as national and international guest speakers, a selection of Donegal business owners will share their experience of running a business in the county. 

Keynote speaker Gina London will kick-start Local Enterprise Week with a workshop on Monday 2nd March.

Monday Highlights

‘Achieving Your Vision – Taking Your Business To The Next Level’ with Gina London takes place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny on Monday 2nd March from 9.30am – 12noon and includes an in-depth panel discussion which will feature businesses who have scaled their businesses in different ways. Guest speakers include John Molloy, Green Pastures Donegal, Martin McElhinney, McElhinney’s Department Store and Keith Moran, SL Controls. Spaces are filling fast, so book HERE

Following the opening event, Gina London will host an afternoon premier workshop to teach business owners skills they can apply to any communication event and improve their content and delivery for presentations, financial pitches, company culture, team morale and much more. Book HERE

Optimise Your Business Online is one of the key highlights on day two of Local Enterprise Week.

Tuesday Highlights 

As well as a Digital Marketing expo (pictured above), other highlights on Tuesday include a workshop around The Future of Manufacturing and Robotic Automation in Irish Pressings and Gteic. This event will look at new approaches and technologies that have the potential to create significant organisational and process improvements in firms throughout Ireland. The event includes case study presentations and speakers include Padraig Grady of Irish Pressing and Andrew Barker, a Collaborative Robotic Solutions Engineer and Automation Design Consultant. Booking essential. Click HERE

In the Villa Rose Hotel, Lynn McLaughlin of Fortius HR will host a workshop for SME’s that will help develop a clear understanding of the benefits and importance of effective performance management for their business. 

Wednesday Highlights

Wednesday’s programme also includes Gateway to Growth, an export insight workshop aimed at Donegal businesses that are looking for new markets. There’s also a workshop on Preparing Your Business For Customs taking place in The Silver Tassie Hotel. 

Lar Burke will give businesses top tips on securing finance.

Thursday Highlights

Thursday’s programme of events includes an interactive and informative session with Lar Burke, looking at top tips for businesses seeking to secure finance to develop their business. Show Me The Money – Financing Your Business takes place in An Grianan Hotel, Burt from 10am – 12.30pm. A selection of both public and private finance providers will also be in attendance and they will join a  panel discussion to highlight their key offering and insights for businesses. Click HERE to book

One of Ireland’s leading stylists, Paula Hughes will deliver a Creative Coast workshop.

Other not-to-be-missed events on Thursday include a Creative Coast styling workshop with one of Ireland’s leading stylists, Paula Hughes, which takes place in Lough Eske Castle from 6.30pm. Paula’s presentation will centre on how creative businesses can communicate to new and existing customers via imagery, and she’ll share her top tips on how to achieve distinctive visual storytelling across all platforms. Book HERE

Donegal food businesses are invited to come along to Castle Grove on Thursday for a series of food events presented by the Donegal Food Coast. Guest speakers include George Latella St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia and Joseph Doherty, Owner of Simply Inish. Book HERE

Local Enterprise Week 2020 finishes on a high with three record breaking mangers in GAA and hockey. Pictured is MC and host Adrian Logan, Brian Cody, Arlene Boyles and Martin Mc Hugh.

Friday Highlights

On the final day of Local Enterprise Week, three record breaking managers in GAA and hockey, Brian Cody, Arlene Boyles and Martin Mc Hugh will participate in a business conference with a difference, sharing some of the secrets and sacrifices that made them champions in their field and discussing the parallels their leadership, sporting approach and achievements have with the business world. Book NOW

All events are free to attend, but some events have already booked-up so early booking is advised.

For a full list of events for this year’s Local Enterprise Week and to book, visit www.localenterprise.ie/donegal or call the Donegal Local Enterprise Office on (074) 916 0735.

Donegal County Council has issued a warning that the road at Glengesh in Ardara is blocked by a lorry.

The local authority said the lorry is currently blocking the road at Glengesh (R230) between Meenaneery and Common Bridge.

Diversions are now being put in place for anyone travelling from Ardara to Carrick/ Glencolmcille.

The diversion route for people travelling to Carrick/Glencolmcille from Ardara or in the opposite direction is via the N56 from Ardara into Killybegs into Carrick via R263.

This diversion will remain in place until the lorry is removed.

Donegal Airport has again landed a place on the shortlist of the World’s Most Scenic Airports. 

The Carrickfinn airport is hoping to take off with the top prize again this year, and they are calling on the public to cast their votes and secure another win.

Donegal was 2018 and 2019’s top most scenic airport in the world, and it’s no surprise for pilots and passengers who use it regularly.

Passengers at Donegal Airport are treated to breath-taking coastal scenes due to the location of Donegal airport. Spectacular mountains, golden sand beaches and picturesque islands are just some of the features spotted from planes when they land in West Donegal.

“There is nowhere as lovely as the wild rugged beauty of unspoiled Donegal,” said one passenger.

Views while landing at Donegal Airport

This year, PrivateFly has shortlisted 74 airports around the world in 6 different regional categories, with Donegal ranked among Europe’s top airports.

Runways in the running for prizes worldwide are located in amazing geographical settings – ranging from iconic cityscapes, to island and coastal approaches, to mountain top runways. 

Voting opened on Friday February 14th and will run until March 15th – Vote for Donegal at  www.privatefly.com/vote-scenic-airports

World’s Most Scenic Airport Landing 2019 – Donegal Airport

Donegal County Council has issued a severe weather warning for this weekend.

The alert for severe wind comes into operation this Saturday at 12pm as Storm Jorge arrives on our shores.

The Orange status weather warning also asks people to be aware of coastal flooding.

Winds of up to 130kph are expected to batter the Donegal coastline during the height of the storm.

The public has also been advised to secure materials at their properties such as outdoor furniture.

The alert message from Met Eireann warns “Some severe winds expected during Saturday associated with Storm Jorge (Hor-hay). South-west quickly veering west and later northwest will reach mean speeds of 65 to 80km/h with gusts of 110 to 130km/h, possibly higher in very exposed areas with an elevated risk of coastal flooding.

The warning will end at 3am on Sunday morning.

As well as counties Donegal, other counties including Sigo and Leitrim are affected.

Job Vacancy: A local family is currently looking for an experienced, kind Nanny / Childminder to look after two children in their home located in Drumkeen.

• Boy aged 4
• Girl aged 3

REQUIREMENTS:

• A minimum of two year’s relevant experience
• Start Mid/End March 2020
• Excellent References

DUTIES:

• Hours: 8.30pm to 6.30pm – 3 Days per week (Mon, Weds and Thurs)
• Prepare meals as well as nutritious snacks for the children.
• Carrying out a variety of age appropriate activities with the children including arts & crafts, baking, stories, puzzles, games, etc.
• Light housekeeping duties

If you believe you’re the right fit for our family please send your full CV to maria_sweeney20@hotmail.com

Closing date: 7th March 2020

FINN Harps’ new Austrian attacker Alexander Kogler will be available for tomorrow’s trip to Cork City.

Having initially been listed as having to serve a one-game suspension, carried over from his time at Grazer AK in Austria, that situation has now been rectified.

The SSE Airtricity League has confirmed on social media that, due to a correction from the Austrian FA, Kogler is now available to feature against Cork.

Previously, Kogler – who has lined out mainly as a right-winger – played for Wacker Innsbruck and FC Ingolstadt 04.

In 2016, Kogler played on the Austrian Under-19 team that lost 1-0 to the Republic of Ireland in an international friendly.