COMMUNITY Gardaí in Letterkenny are to host an outdoor bingo event.

The outdoor bingo, to be held on June 7, is targeting senior members of the Letterkenny community within a 5km radius.

The event will be held on Sunday, June 7, at 2pm in the overflow carpark at the rear of the Letterkenny Retail Park (behind TK Maxx).

It is a non-profit event with all money to be paid out in prizes.

The event will be capped at 100 cars and people will play from their cars.

To book, call 0749167126 between 2-3pm each day or you can email letterkenny.community@garda.ie for further information.

To enter, players must provide the name of the driver and the car registration. Upon arrival, people will be directed to a car park space to play,

Two up-and-coming young writers from Donegal have scooped prizes in the 2019-2020 NewsBrands Ireland Press Pass student journalism awards.

Both students are Transition Year pupils at Moville Community College, who worked under the guidance of Ms Anne Browne.

Peter Grant won the top prize in the Sport category for his ‘Winner Wonderland’ report on Borrisoleigh V Kiladangan.

Peter Grant

Nathan Connolly was awarded third in the Features category for his article about living as a transgender person, entitled ‘Transitioning‘.

Nathan Connolly

Press Pass is a Transition Year student journalism and news literacy programme run by NewsBrands Ireland and Local Ireland.

The free programme has been running for over seven years and completed by 80,000 students. Participating schools receive free newspapers, a Teacher’s Lesson Plan, and a specially created student workbook.

Students are encouraged to engage with the newspapers in the classroom, to analyse them and then to create their own original journalism, the best of which is entered into a national competition.

The judging panel comprises of a group of leading newspaper journalists, which is chaired by Michael Foley, Professor Emeritus of Journalism, TU Dublin. The Press Photographers Association of Ireland (PPAI)  judged the photojournalism category.

Speaking about the awards, Prof. Foley said: “Through Press Pass, we hope students have learnt something about news and information, about whom you can trust and how you can evaluate the information being constantly thrust at them. We hope the programme will make students aware of why journalism matters and why democracy depends on good journalism.”

WITH water usage having increased during the Covid-19 lockdown, Donegal County Council is urging home owners to conserve more.

Since the lockdown measures were introduced in March, water use at home has increased by an average of 20 percent.

There has also been a prolonged dry spell in the last two months since Covid-19 took a hold.

Irish Water has asked people to be mindful of their consumption, particularly with the reopening of some businesses meaning a further rise in demand.

In a social media post, Donegal County Council says: “Let’s work together to #ConserveWater. Taking a shorter shower can save 10 litres of water per minute.”

An extremely rare 19th century carousel from a Donegal fairground went under the hammer for €14,500 at a recent auction.

The beautiful decorative carousel was once owned by the Farrells, a carnival family of Buncrana.

It was sold in full working order at a Victor Mee Auction last weekend. The online auction was the first part of the sale of the full collection of distinguished second-generation antique dealer Gerard Derry, owner of Derry’s Ltd.

The carousel was estimated to fetch between €10,000 and €20,000.

Mr Derry first bought the late 19th century carousel from Victor Mee Auctions back in 2018.

The machine is adorned with eighteen hand carved and painted horses and two swing boats. This type of carousel dates back to the 1940s, where it would have been enjoyed by many before electrical carousels came into operation. 

It is said to be an extremely rare find, as many carousels alike would have been broken up or still retained by carnival families. 

A NUMBER of youths are being sought in relation to criminal damage in the Burnfoot area last week.

Shortly before 10pm on Wednesday last, May 20, the windows of a digger, parked at a quarry in Birdstown, Burnfoot were smashed.

A group of around six/seven youths, aged 14-15, are believed to have left the area in the direction of Fr Carlin’s Retreat Centre on foot and made across the border into Northern Ireland.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident or who has dash cam footage is asked to contact Buncrana Gardai on 074-9320540.

LEAVING Certificate students are being urged to register online for their predicted grades.

The new Calculated Grades Student Portal, which opened this morning, will remain live until 10pm on Thursday.

Some 60,000 students across the country are expected to register online.

The Leaving Certificate examinations were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

All Leaving Certificate students, including those sitting the Leaving Certificate Applied and Leaving Certificate Vocational programmes, are required to register.

Students will need to provide their examination and PPS numbers, as well as email and phone contact details.

Students are also required to confirm the level at which they intend to sit each of their subjects, and if they wish they can switch to a lower level.

The address is gov.ie/leavingcertificate.

WITH the resumption of golf last Monday there was much appreciation from the local golfing fraternity to getting back on the fairways and playing they game they all love.

At Buncrana Golf Club, there was a fantastic turnout every day and everyone made sure the guidelines on social distancing were adhered too.

With the course is in excellent conditions and the greens second to none a couple of the low handicappers took full advantage and set a target for rest to aim for.

Christopher McCallion (4) must’ve been working on his game during the lockdown as he played some tremendous golf to shoot a 61 gross score over the 18 holes which equates to a 5 under gross score.

Fiáchra O’ Flaherty (5) who has been seen working on his short out the back of the house also took this form into his game by shooting a fantastic score of 29 shots for 9 holes which equates to 4 under gross over the 9.

With the course in such excellent condition the rest of the low handicappers will be out to either beat or match this scoring over the weeks ahead.

At present the committee have decided to run a 9 hole timesheet to ensure everyone gets the opportunity to play at least 9 holes of golf.

However from Monday 25th May the timesheet will continue to run on a 9 hole basis Monday to Friday inclusive with Saturdays and Sundays reverting to 18 holes.

The golf at present is for members only and members have to pre-book their tee time by ringing the clubhouse and the timesheet is available 3 days in advance. The office is open on a daily basis to ensure adherence to the GUI / ILGU Protocol and collection of membership fees.

The committee would also like to remind all members that all annual membership subscriptions have to be paid in full on or before Sunday 31st May.

Anyone who hasn’t paid their membership in full on or before this date will no longer be a member of the club and not able to book a tee time.

KOSOVAR Sadiki, who was on loan to Finn Harps before the Covid-19 lockdown, will be released from Hibernian FC at the end of June.

Hibs have confirmed a number of upcoming departures.

Adam Bogdan, Steven Whittaker and Vykintas Slivka will leave the Easter Road first team squad, Sadiki is one of three players – alongside Jack Hodge and Matthew Yates – who will leave the Hibs development squad.

It is unclear how the news will affect Sadiki’s term at Harps, whose manager Ollie Horgan will be keen to retain the 21-year-old whenever the League of Ireland resumes.

In a statement, Hibs said: “I’m sure the supporters will join me in thanking them for their contributions to Hibernian and we wish them all the best for the future.”

“Similarly, we thank Jack, Kosovar and Matthew for their efforts. We hope they’ve been able to benefit from their time within our set-up and that they apply the lessons learned for whatever comes next in their careers.”

Yesterday, players and staff from Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians underwent the first phase of a Cofid-19 testing process ahead of a possible return.

Test results from all players and staff in the pilot programme will be available later this week when they will be assessed by the FAI Medical team who will link in with Government and HSE officials as they work together on a return for sport.

Those four clubs – who have qualified for Europe – hope to return to collective training on June 8 with other clubs like Harps aiming to follow later in the month.

The FAI’s Medical Director, Dr Alan Byrne, said: “We have begun the process for players at all levels, not just for those tested today under the pilot programme. Once we start to analyse the results of these tests, we can move forward.

“We will test the players from these four clubs again before they return to training on June 8th and then again regularly when they are back on the training field.

“Everything we do now is designed to ensure that football can return for everyone as soon as it is safe and responsible.

“We owe that to all our players, from the elite players in the League of Ireland to the schoolboys and schoolgirls who want to get back on the pitch with their clubs but their health and safety must come first. This is the first step and a significant step in that process.”

NO NEW Covid-19 related deaths were record in Northern Ireland in the last 24 hours.

Today’s update from the Department of Health is the first time in over two months that there have been no new fatalities linked to the coronavirus.

The last day with no deaths in the region was March 18.

In all, there have been 514 Covid-19 deaths in Northern Ireland.

A further 28 positive cases have been confirmed after an additional 928 tests were carried out.

Since the outbreak, there have been 4,637 positive cases.

IRISH Water repair crews are dealing with supply disruption in the Malin Head area.

Homes at Muckla, Sheskin, Kilourt, Malin Head and surrounding areas have reported issues with their supply.

Irish Water has confirmed that they are ‘investigating’ the matter.

A water repair crew is also working to restore supply to affected homes following a burst pipe in the Newtowncunningham area.

Teachers from Loreto Community School in Milford took a different approach in saying goodbye to their Leaving Cert Students last week.

In this unusual year there are no end of year ceremonies and goodbyes, but teachers worked together, remotely, on a special project to remember.

Staff read out parts of the reflection “Oh, The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss to create this heartwarming video for students to look back on:

Minister for Education Joe McHugh is being urged to ensure that students registering for calculated grades in the Leaving Certificate can access an Irish Language version of the online portal.

The portal, which was launched today, will close on Thursday 28th May and all Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied students must register in order to receive calculated grades in lieu of sitting summer examinations.

Half of the 61,000 students have registered so far, while the Green Party is calling for an Irish option to cater to students in Gaeltacht schools and Gaelcholáistí.

Catherine Martin TD, Green Party Education Spokesperson, said: “That this portal is available in English only is unfair to students in Gaeltacht schools and Gaelcholáistí and is an indication of how little regard the Irish language is held in as a spoken language for thousands of people. It is imperative that students of Gaeltacht schools and Gaelcholáistí can access this online service in the same language in which they have pursued their education to date, and I have written to Minister McHugh to demand this.”

NINE more people have died from Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland today.

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) reported the nine deaths to take Ireland’s death toll beyond 1,600.

Ireland’s death toll is now 1,606.

Monday was the first day in two months that no new Covid-19 related deaths were reported in Ireland.

There have been 37 new cases of the coronavirus identified. Since the outbreak, there have been 24,735 infections.

In the last 24 hours, there has been one new admission of a Covid-19 patient to an intensive care unit.

THERE have been no new cases of Covid-19 detected in Donegal in the latest update from the HSE.

Since the outbreak, there have been 478 positive cases in the county.

Today, health officials confirmed that nine people have died from Covid-19 in Ireland while there were 37 new cases confirmed. 

There have now been 1,606 deaths and 24,735 cases.

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health, said; “As of midnight Monday 25 May, 325,795 tests have been carried out. Over the past week, 30,169 tests were carried out and of these 633 were positive, giving a positivity rate of 2.1%.

“NPHET will meet on Thursday 28th May where further consideration will be given to broadening the case definition.”

WHILE crime figures in the Donegal division have fallen during the Covid-19 lockdown, Gardaí are urging people to continue to take the necessary precautions.

Offences continue to arise across Donegal and Gardaí remain actively engaged in Covid-19 checkpoints.

Reports of burglaries are down, but in the last week alone there have been arrests made for offences such as drug-driving, drink-driving, the possession of drugs, public order offences, domestic violence-related offences, thefts and assaults.

“Recent figures show that since the lockdown began crime figures are down right across the board,” a Garda spokesperson said. “This is probably due to the fact that there are less people moving about and there are more people keeping an eye on their surroundings.”

The spokesperson said people must not get complacent: “It is as important as ever to be mindful that criminals are still out there and to continue to take all relevant security precautions at their homes and with their property in general.

“We would also ask that any suspicious people/cars etc. are reported to us without delay. Should anyone wish to contact Gardaí, the quickest and easiest way to do so is to call your local Garda District Headquarters. Letterkenny 074-9167100, Milford 074-9153060, Buncrana 074-9320540 or Ballyshannon 071-9858530. The Garda Confidential line is also available on 1800 666 111.

TERMON GAA club members will embark on a 24-hour fundraising effort this weekend.

Club members will volunteer to do 30-minute slots to toddle, walk, jog or run – “Your choice, just move!” as their flier says.

The event is to raise money for Pieta House and the Donegal Hospice.

The 24-hour relay begins at 7pm on Sunday, lasting until 7pm on Monday. Participants will use a stretch between the Termon GAA pitch at The Burn Road and the car park at Doon Well.

Strict social distancing measure will be in place and high-viz jackets are to be worn. Those taking part are encouraged to bring their own.

To register and ask fro a preferred slot, text Maureen Gallagher on 086-3791256 or Eddie Harkin on 086-6082512.

All slots will be confirmed in advance of the event.

GARDAÍ in east Donegal are on the lookout for the driver of a vehicle who fled following a crash.

An 11-DL registered red Opel Corsa crashed near the White Cross junction, which adjoins the N14 Lifford-Letterkenny Road.

There was partial damage to the rear of the car.

A male, said to be wearing a blue t-shirt, left the scene of the crash between 7.30 and 8pm.

It is believed that the motorist made off in the direction of St Johnston.

Sources in the area say that an appeal has been circulated via a local community alert group.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gardaí.

A number of familiar faces will be on our TV screens this Sunday as the TG4 series Slí na mBeaglaoich ventures to Donegal.

The series follows renowned West Kerry traditional musicians father and son Breanndán and Cormac Ó Beaglaoich travelling the west coast in their 40-year-old camper van, Beauty.

This Sunday 31st May at 9.30pm, Cormac and Breanndán will come to the end of their journey in Donegal, where the Begley clann left in the 17th century for the Battle of Kinsale.

They kick off their homecoming with their old friend guitarist, Steve Cooney in Teelin. Local fiddler Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill explains the significance of Donegal fiddle music in Kilcar and brings them to meet his heroes The Campbells in the glens.

They receive a warm welcome from Peter and his father Jimmy Campbell who give the lads a good taste of Donegal fiddle music with a highland set. Singer Shauna Mullin and fiddler Damien McGeehan hop into the van for a stunning performance in Glenties.

Frances Morten & Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhride

Then Breanndán and Cormac travel further north to the heart of Donegal’s Gaeltacht, Gaoth Dobhair, where Glasgow flute player Frances Morten and sean nós singer Dominic Mac Giolla Bhríde speak of the important ties between Scotland and Donegal before singing a bilingual song in Irish and Scots Gaelic.

They meet old friends concertina player Caitlín Nic Gabhann and husband, fiddle player, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh who ask how they have survived the trip with each other?

Breanndán is reassured that tradition will live on by young musicians and choir, An Crann Óg before reaching their ancestral homeland of Tullaghobegley where local historian, Séamus Doohan gives them some Begley family history. Cormac and Breanndán reflect on their journey and salute their ancestors with final tune on top of the mound.

Slí na mBeaglaoich: Sunday 31^st May 9.30pm on TG4

Health Minister Simon Harris said he is “optimistic” Ireland can speed up the coronavirus opening roadmap if we stay on the current path.

However, he warned that case figures later this week will show how the first restrictions lift has worked.

The country entered phase one of the roadmap on May 18 and a jump in cases would be reflected by the end of the week.

He told RTE’s Prime Time: “Yes (phases could be sped up) is the short answer but it depends entirely on the public health advice.

“The signs are encouraging but not to take from the optimism, we’ve only gone through the first full week of the easing of phase one.

“We won’t yet see until later this week the impact of that easing on our cases.

“I’m optimistic though, I think the people of this country have tried so hard and are getting it.

“What I don’t want to do is try and look like we are going fast and have to turn back when we have a spike in our deaths or spike in our cases.”

The death toll in the Republic now stands at 1,615.

From New York to Dublin via Buncrana, it’s business as usual for the remote working in-laws!

According to a report by the Economist last year there could be 1 billion remote workers globally by 2035.

That desk and laptop in the spare room may become a permanent fixture for many Donegal households!

Covid-19 has presented enormous challenges to business across the world, however one the greatest opportunities may be ‘’remote working’’ also referred to as ‘’working from home’’ or ‘’smart working’’.

This can benefit employers, employees, congested urban centres and rural areas, through cost reduction, continued productivity and growing rural populations.

The restrictions on travel and going to work have seen many talented professions come to Donegal to work remotely in a safe and connected environment.

Just two of those are Nicola Duffy, a New York lawyer originally from Buncrana and her brother-in-law Mayo man Declan McGuire, a Technical Director for Boulder Media, a Dublin based visual effects studio.

Declan McGuire enjoys the view form his remote working desk!

Before Covid-19 struck Nicola was working between court and an office on Wall Street. She had the option to work remotely but generally preferred the office to separate work and home life.

Since moving back to Inishowen she has been operating on New York hours, which means later starts and finishes!

Despite spending ‘’much more time in front of a computer now than before’’ and in a very different environment, her productivity hasn’t been affected and by in large hasn’t experienced any connectivity issues working in rural Donegal.

After spending 8 years building his career in London, Declan moved to Dublin in 2017 to work on an exciting project which he hopes will become the first CG (Computer Generated) movie fully produced in Ireland.

Before lockdown his studio had the facilities to work remotely but it was only used one or twice a month. For Declan ‘’working remotely in Donegal is a dream come true’’.

Declan uses quite graphic heavy programs during his working day but connectivity here (in rural Donegal) has actually been better than some of his colleagues in Dublin!

Declan’s wife Karla, a sister of Nicola and native of Buncrana Parish, had always planned to move the family back to Donegal if there was an option to work remotely more frequently.

He believes “having worked remotely from here (Donegal) for the last couple of months definitely proves this is possible.” In addition he says that “there can be a lot of interruptions in an open plan office, my productivity has definitely increased by quite a bit since I started working from home.”

One of the best aspects of remote working in Donegal for Declan is that ‘’even though my work can be quite fast paced the pace of life here is so much better and not as crazy as living in a city like London or Dublin.

The scenery is also incredible and everybody is so friendly.’’ He hopes that once this pandemic has passed companies will see the benefits of allowing employees to work remotely. ‘’After a couple of months in Donegal I don’t plan to leave any time soon’’ Declan proudly states.

For Nicola, (once restrictions are lifted) she will need to return to New York as her job requires frequent court appearances.

However, being back in Donegal has been great to connect with family and if she was able to work remotely she ‘’couldn’t think of a better place to do it’’.

The in-laws also offer some prudent advice for remote workers. Some tips include ‘’making a schedule each day and be pretty strict about it’’, while also ‘’if possible, designate a room as office space so you can enter it in the morning and leave it once work is done so you can set some boundaries.’’ One challenge identified by both was that they occasionally get distracted by the stunning views overlooking Lough Swilly!

Donegal County Council’s Economic Development Unit is keen to share the experience of those working remotely from Donegal during Covid-19 highlighting Donegal’s potential as preferred location of choice for remote working opportunities.