Pictured is actress and writer Amy Huberman with theatre masks launching the Bord Gais Energy Student Theatre Awards. This is the first year of the awards which have been set up by Bord Gais Energy to encourage and reward participation in drama among school children across Ireland. Open to primary (5th & 6th class) and secondary schools,the overall winner will receive a 1,000,euro bursary for their school and 1,000,euro worth of books for the school library. To find out how to take part in this year’s awards visit www.bordgaisenergy.ie/schools. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland.

Bord Gáis Energy is calling on budding student playwrights in Donegal to take part in the first ever Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards.

Actress, writer and Mum, Amy Huberman officially launched the awards which have been set up by Bord Gáis Energy to encourage and reward participation in drama among school children across Ireland.

Open to 5th and 6th class in primary schools and all students in secondary school, this year’s awards will focus on creative dramatic writing. Students in Donegal are being asked to demonstrate their playwriting skills and write a short scene based on the theme of friendship.

All shortlisted schools will win a class trip for up to 30 students and teachers to see War Horse ay the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on 9th April 2014. The winning student in each category will receive a €150 One4all voucher. The overall winner will receive a €300 One4all voucher as well as a €1,000 bursary for their school and €1,000 worth of books for their school library.

Entries can be submitted in script form, narrative form or in video form and closing date for entries is 13th February 2014.

There are three categories for this year’s awards:

• Primary (5th & 6th class) 500 words limit

• Junior Secondary (1st – 3rd year) 750 word limit

• Senior Secondary (4th/TY – 6th year) 1,000 word limit

Video submissions should be no longer than five minutes and must include a written copy of the scene also. Entries can be submitted in English or Irish to studenttheatre@realyouth.ie or by post to The Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards, Real Youth, Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8.

All shortlisted schools will win a class trip for up to 30 students and teachers to see War Horse ay the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on 9th April 2014. The winning student in each category will receive a €150 One4all voucher. The overall winner will receive a €300 One4all voucher as well as a €1,000 bursary for their school and €1,000 worth of books for the school library.

Commenting on the launch Amy Huberman said: “I am delighted to help officially launch the first ever Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards. These awards have been set up to reward and encourage participation in drama in schools and I think it’s really important that we recognise young creative talent from an early age and encourage young people to take part in drama and writing. Growing up I always had an interest in acting and writing and had there been something like this when I was at school, I would have definitely taken part.

“I would like to wish all those taking part in Donegal the very best of luck in this year’s awards and I look forward to judging the shortlist in March.”

Irene Gowing, Sponsorship & Brand Manager, Bord Gáis Energy said: “We are pleased to launch the Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards. There’s a huge amount of students in Donegal putting time and effort into writing and drama in schools and through these awards we want to recognise and reward these young creative people.”

Closing dates for entries is Thursday 13th February. The top finalists will be announced in March 2014 and the awards will take place at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Wednesday, 9th April. For further information on the awards, visit www.bordgaisenergy.ie/schools

Well known actor Gerard McSorley chats to a Garda as he left Letterkenny District Court. (NewspixIrl)

Actor Gerard McSorley has been arrested and has appeared in court in Donegal today charged with a disturbance outside a B&B in Dublin.

The Donegal-based star was fined €200 and warned to get treatment for his alcohol problems following the incident.

The 63 year old star of many films including Veronica Guerin, Angela’s Ashes and Warhorse, appeared at Letterkenny District Court on foot of a bench warrant.

McSorley was arrested by arrangement and brought before Judge Paul Kelly.

The charge related to a disturbance outside a Bed and Breakfast on St Stephen’s Green at 2am on November 6th last.

The actor had been given station bail but failed to appear before Judge Hugh O’Donnell on November 28th and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Garda Rory Harrison, who arrested McSorley at his home at 1 Cul Na Toinne, Magheraclogher, Bunbeg gave details of the incident.

He said Gardai had approached McSorley on the steps of a Bed and Breakfast following complaints that he was causing a disturbance.

They warned him to stop but he continued to make desist and cause a disturbance and was eventually arrested under the Public Order Act.

The actor appeared in court wearing jeans, a striped jumper and a fleece.

He told the court that he did not have a solicitor but that he was pleading guilty to the charge.

The court was told that McSorley, who is originally from Omagh in Co Tyrone, had a number of previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly and using threatening and abusive language.

In 2001 at Kilmainham District Court, he was charged with impersonating a member of An Garda Siochana for which he was fined €50 and was also fined €200 for drink-driving on the same occasion.

Judge Paul Kelly asked McSorley what he was doing to address his problems.

The actor, who sat at the back of the court, stood up and spoke in a quiet voice.

He told Judge Kelly that he had been receiving medical help for his condition.

“I am doing everything I can to remedy this. I have spent the last five weeks in a psychiatric unit. I was released two weeks ago and I am under the care of doctors.

“I’m going to AA meetings and I apologise to anybody I have hurt. This isn’t in my character to behave badly but with alcohol I have made mistakes.”

Judge Kelly said the problem seems to stem from alcohol and those problems would continue unless he addressed them.

“I am doing that now,” responded McSorley.

The judge then warned him that if he accumulated similar convictions the courts would have no choice but to deal with him in a severe way.

“On this occasion I will deal with it with a fine. Get your act together,” warned Judge Kelly.

McSorley replied that it won’t happen again.

He was fined €200 and was escorted back to his address in a Garda patrol car.

He is due before the local courts again in June charged with careless driving.

A NUMBER of cars have been damaged after a crash at Murlog on the outskirts if Lifford this afternoon.

Gardai and ambulance crews attended the scene and a number of people were treated for shock.

Gardai say no-one was injured and an investigation into the cause of the multi-vehicle crash is underway.

Finn Harps has announced that the McGettigan’s group Ireland and UAE will be the club’s main sponsor for 2014.

The Dubai based company, which was founded by former Donegal person of the year Jim McGettigan, will be Harps principal commercial partner during the club’s 60th anniversary year.

The launch of the sponsorship agreement took place at McGettigan’s Bar in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny on Monday evening, and was attended by an array of well-known Harps faces past and present, including legendary all-time scorer Brendan Bradley.

McGettigan’s Pub was first opened in Ireland in the 1960’s on Queen Street in Dublin by Jim McGettigan. Since that day, the business has grown from Dublin, moved to Dubai and last November expanded with the acquisition of the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny.

Finn Harps acting chairman Sean Quinn said “Everyone at Finn Park is thrilled that a successful Donegal company like McGettigan’s will be working with us during our diamond jubilee year.  They are a highly reputable company that have created a recognised international brand, and who continue to provide excellent employment opportunities for Irish people both at home and abroad.  On behalf of our committee, volunteers and supporters I would like to welcome the management and staff of McGettigan’s for the coming season.”

2010 saw the very first McGettigan’s Irish Pub in Dubai open its doors at Jumeirah Lakes Towers.  Eighteen short months later, the McGettigan’s story in Dubai expanded with the opening of both McGettigan’s Irish Pubs at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Airport.

Unique décor, delicious Irish food & drink, the best Irish and international entertainment and sporting events are the ingredients that have made McGettigan’s Irish Pubs such a success in the United Arab Emirates.

McGettigan’s proudly wears the tagline “The Modern Irish Experience”, as it reflects modern Irish food, culture, sports and music. The brand is steeped in Irish family history and is using this history and experience to bring a real flavour of Ireland to a global market.

Jim and Dennis McGettigan see opening in Letterkenny and becoming main sponsor of Finn Harps as extremely exciting developments for the brand.  CEO Dennis McGettigan said “Over the past 3 years we feel we have represented Ireland fantastically in Dubai, we have promoted Irish music, culture and cuisine to the global Ex-Pat community in Dubai. Moving back home and investing in the area where it all started for my father is an extremely proud moment for us as a family.  Jim is a proud Donegal man so this is always where his heart has been.”

McGettigan’s Pub in Letterkenny opened on 29th November 2013 at the Clanree Hotel, Derry Road, after the McGettigan’s group took over the management of the hotel. McGettigan’s Pub will continue the brands tradition of serving award winning food and entertaining guests with some of the best local bands performing every weekend.  McGettigan’s have brought the modern Irish experience back on home soil and are looking forward to supporting Donegal’s senior football club.

The co-founder of Oideas Geal Gleanncholmcille, Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, has been named Donegal Person of the Year for 2013.

The announcement was made at a function at the Mansion House in Dublin tonight.

A native of Glencolmcille, Liam has been a huge advocate and promoter of the Irish language over the years.

He follows in the footsteps of last year’s winner Jim McGuinness who was the choice of the Donegal Association in Dublin for 2012.

Liam will be inaugurated as The Donegal Person of the Year 2013 at the Annual Gala Ball on Saturday 1st March in the Regency Hotel in Dublin.

Ian Paisley – Pic courtesy of BBC

IAN Paisley has spoken of how he came to trust former British Prime Minister Tony Blair – because he was descended from Ulster Protestants.

Dr Paisley was speaking during a BBC NI documentary broadcast on Monday night which has led to bitter recriminations with the former First Minister saying he was stabbed in the back by both his church and the DUP – for going into government with Martin McGuinness

Journalist Eamonn Mallie asked Dr Paisley about his relationship with Tony Blair.

“We were both Ulster Protestants,” said Paisley.

“His grandfather was a Protestant from Donegal and a leader there in the Orange Order. He understood where I was coming from.”

He said he was aware that Blair’s grandmother had warned him never to marry a Catholic; and Blair had confirmed this.

But when Blair told him that he was converting to Catholicism, Paisley said he told him: “You fool.”

Mr Paisley also recalled the plot to unseat him as DUP leader. He has alleged there was a meeting with Peter Robinson, Nigel Dodds  Mr Dodds, party whip Lord Morrow and his special advisor Tim Johnston.

“Nigel Dodds said to me I want you to be gone by Friday,” said Paisley

“I just more or less smirked and Peter said ‘no, no, no he needs to stay in for another couple of months’.”

Eileen Paisley said her husband was “assassinated with words and deeds”, treated shamefully and was left with no option but to stand down.

She described Nigel Dodds as a “cheeky sod”.

“I detected a nasty spirit arising from some of the other MPs and the way they spoke to Ian,” Mrs Paisley said.

“I was very annoyed one day with the way some of them spoke to him and addressed him.

“Whenever they said to him about what was going on and he said to them ‘well, that’s what should be done’ and they said ‘och doc’, you know? Sort of, ‘don’t be so stupid’.

“That sort of set the alarm bells ringing in my head,” she added.

Mrs Paisley also said attempts to paint her son Ian Paisley Jnr as sleazy because of a planning inquiry ultimately were found not to be true.

“All the sleaze was in his own house,” Mr Paisley said in reference to Peter Robinson, in a swipe at his wife’s notorious affair.

Notaí CLG Chloich Cheann Fhaola:  

Bhí cruinniu ceann bliana Coiste na mBán ar suil oíche De Domhnaigh í Loistín na Seamroige.

Bhí slua measartha ag an cruinniú ach gan amhras bheadh sé deas níos mo tuismitheoirí a bheith í lathair le cuidiú agus tacaíocht a tabhairt don coisté agus na bainisteoirí de na foirinn faoí aois.

Bhí Denise Uí Laoire-Ceallaigh roghnaithe mar cathaoirleach, Mary Ní Hearcaín mar Leas Cathaoirleach, bhí Pauline Nic Gairbhí cuir isteach mar runaí agus Laura Ní Gallchoír mar runaí Cunta.

Bhí Mary B Nic Aoidh roghnaithe mar Cláritheoir agus Tom Feeney roghnaithe mar Toscaire Bord an Condae. Comhghairdeas leo uilig.

The managers who were put in place for the ladies Teams are as follows.

U-12 Manager Laura Gallagher, U-16 Manager Tom Feeney and Tom also took on the role of senior manager again, Good luck to all managers in the coming Season.

The U-14 girls team Managers role was not filled on the night and the Club are appealing for help with this role, It is important that the Girls are afforded an opportunity to partake in Gaelic Games but help is required to assist with this, anyone interested in helping can contact Denise O’Leary-Kelly, Pauline Mc Garvey or any other Committee member.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the Death of Francis Fitzgerald last week.

Francis of station road Falcarragh was the wife of John Fitgerald who has served CLG Chloich Chean Fhaola so well over the years in particular under the remit of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer.

We express our deepest sympathies to her husband John, and her three daughters Catherine, Debbie and Marie.

There will be no underage indoor in the Gym this Friday 24th or Monday 27th as the mock Exams are on in the School Gym.

Our New Gym is now fully open from 6pm – 10pm Monday to Friday, Membership available and every Wednesday from 6pm – 8pm is for Ladies only.

Rosapenna Notes

The club competition on Sunday the 19th of January was won by Hugo Duggan 16 with 44pts.  

The runner up was Sean Mc Teague 18 with 40pts.

The gross winner was Micheal Bradley 5 with 34 gross pts.

In third place was Pete Gallagher 14 with 39 pts.

The front nine winner was Mick Gallagher Jnr 7 with 19pts bot and the back nine winner was Garvin Toye 15 with 22pts.

The first outing of the New Year of the Mulroy Links took place at Portsalon last Saturday the 18th.

See Portsalon club notes for the results.

The next outing is at Rosapenna on Saturday the 8th of February and then again on Saturday the 22nd.

Good luck to the Rosapenna Gaeltacht League team that will host Gweedore G.C in our final home match of the 2013/14 campaign this Saturday the 25th.

There is a society outing this Sunday the 26th with the first tee reserved from 10.30am – 11.30am.

The Old Tom Morris Links is now closed with the Sandy Hills Links in full play for all members, guests and inter club matches.

The following local rule will be in play until further notice - A golf ball finishing on the fairway must be placed in the semi rough on either side.

A golf ball coming to rest in the semi rough or rough must be played as it lies.

A putter may be used on the fairway.

There are two temporary greens in play at the Par 5 13th & Par 4 18th.

The Coastguard Nine course is now also closed until further notice.

There will be a club competition this Sunday the 26th over the Sandy Hills Links.

The Ladies & Gents 2014 Captains Drive In is scheduled to take place on Saturday the 1st of February.

The format will be a four personm mixed scramble over the Sandy Hills Links.

All names of players that wish to take part must be entered on the sheet posted in the members winter room.

The draw will be made on Friday the 31st of Jan at 7.00pm.

On Saturday the 1st the Drive In will take place from the 1st tee at 11.00am.

Refreshments will be served from 9.30am and all players must check in upstairs in the Pavilion by 10.30am.

The Mevagh Day Centre will hold its annual fund raising golf classic on Saturday the 1st of March over the Sandy Hills Links.

For further details contact Denis McBride on 087-613-2360.

The North-West Alliance will visit Rosapenna (Sandy Hills Links) on Saturday March 8th.

Any uncollected club prizes from the recent presentation & open competitions are available for collection from the Pavilion Golf Shop during opening hours.

The GAA’s Director General Padraic Duffy has slammed both Donegal and Dublin over the handling of the Patrick McBrearty bite allegation which happened in a National League game last season. 

In what was a slamming indictment on both counties in his annual report to next month’s Congress the GAA’s director general Padraic Duffy described the incident as “reprehensible”.

Citing that it was disgraceful that no one could be held accountable for what happened to the young Donegal forward and criticized the lack of leadership in both counties.

A Dublin player had been charged for the offence and was hit with an initial three match ban by the CCCC but the decision was overturned when the charge was not proven following the subsequent Central Hearings Committee meeting when McBrearty opted not to attend the meeting.

Duffy initial analysis of the incident was that the act of biting was “primitive behaviour” which is “shocking and dangerous” and has no place in the association.

He also referred to the controversy as one of “the low points of 2013″ and describes the bite mark to the arm sustained by McBrearty as “severe.” 

Duffy told the Irish Independent , “That was a disgusting and shocking incident in itself, but what is just as reprehensible is that no one could be held to account for what happened.

“The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) investigated the matter as thoroughly as possible, but was greatly hindered by the absence of video and other evidence.

“The CCCC, therefore, was reliant on the integrity of those involved to play their part in ensuring that justice was served.

“However, no one was proved to have inflicted the bite simply because no one admitted to having done so and because the player who was bitten decided not to attend a hearing on the case.

“The counties involved may have chosen to deal with this incident solely in terms of their own interests; be that as it may, they did not emerge with any credit and succeeded only in damaging the reputation of the Association.

“The responsibility for limiting the damage to the reputation of the Association lay with players, team officials and county committee officers.

“Leadership was required from the counties involved to protect the good name of the Association: it is disappointing that it was not forthcoming.

Matthew Lafferty: Had bow saw thrown at him by neighbour

A MAN who found notorious burglar Matthew Lafferty living beside him lost his temper and threw a bow saw at him, a court has heard.

William Kelly (56) from Ballykeeran, Kilmacrennan, was a quiet man who kept himself to himself, a solicitor told Letterkenny District Court.

But after serial burglar Matthew Lafferty moved into a rented house next to him outside Kilmacrennan, Mr Kelly found himself a victim of crime.

His house was burgled and property stolen.

On January 30 last year Mr Kelly was cutting hedges with a bow saw when he spotted Lafferty at the side of the house next door.

“He flung it at Lafferty and missed and hit the house, breaking a window,” said defence solicitor Patsy Gallagher.

Mr Kelly was charged with the production of article in course of dispute and criminal damage.

The owner of the house who rented it to Lafferty has reported the cost of repair at €200.

“Although Mr Kelly himself was the victim of burglary and criminal damage he accepts he acted in an entirely inappropriate manner. He is semi-retired and keeps a few horses and has never been before the courts before,” said Mr Gallagher in mitigation.

Judge Kelly ordered William Kelly to pay €200 for the damage and to make a €150 donation to the Donegal Hospice.

“If he does this by February 17th, I will strike the matter out,” said the judge.

Four Masters GAA Club Notes

Lotto: There was no jackpot winner this week. The two lucky dip winners were, Gary McGinty, Tawnawilly and Conor Reid, Rossylongan, both will receive €50 each.  

The numbers drawn this week were 3, 9, 15 and 16. Next weeks jackpot stands at €500. To play the lotto please visit www.fourmastersgaa.com, call into Mullin’s shop or speak with Paul Timoney on 087 279 1305.

Condolences: Four Masters G.A.A Club would like to offer condolences to Mrs Joan Muldoon and family, Doonan, Donegal Town on the death of her brother Brian Cotter.

Brian was a noted inter county footballer for both Leitrim and Donegal, having played for Donegal in both junior and senior levels in the 1950’s.

Ar dheis se go raibh anam.

Annual Dinner Dance and Presentation of Club Awards 2013: The Annual Dinner Dance and Presentation of the Club Awards for 2013 will take place at 8.00pm on Saturday 22nd February 2014 in Dom’s Pier 1.

This is a great night out and tickets only cost €20 each.

Tickets are available from Maeve Espey 086 8730610, Paul Timoney 087 2791305, Eamonn Gorrell 087 6740053.

GAA National Club Draw: Tickets now available at €10.00. Excellent prizes to be won including a trip to Australia for two people to the International Rules series and All-Ireland Hurling and Football packages, trip to Boston, New York and more.

ALL money raised will go directly to our club. Please Support, Contact Maeve Espey0868730610 or Paul Timoney 0872791305or any executive member.

Membership: Club Membership is now due @ €50.00 per adult over 18 years of age and should be paid to Michael Martin Registrar (087) 6198905 as soon as possible or Paul Timoney (087) 2791305 ,for 2014 season.

Clothing Bank: Please support your club, by recycling all types of clothing, sheets, blankets, and shoes. (No duvet or pillows) at our clothing bank outside Tirchonaill Park entrance car park.

Donegal Youth Council have voted in Shane Hegarty as the new Mayor who will lead the group over the coming year.

Shane Hegarty, from Stranorlar is a student at St Columba’s College and will be the chairperson of the Youth Council for the coming 12 months, ably assisted by Deputy Mayors Gemma Lynch from Deele College and Liam McBride of Mulroy College, Milford.

Shane told Donegal Daily he is looking forward to the challenges ahead for the Youth Council, “Becoming Mayor means the absolute world to me.

“I have a great passion for the work we have been doing in Donegal Youth Council and to be the mayor of such a brilliant group is a fantastic honour to have.

“In the upcoming year I hope to lead the youth council to deliver on more major projects which will hopefully improve the lives of young people in Donegal.

Shane replaces outgoing Mayor Aine McLaughlin from Moville, who oversaw the very successful SPARKS Mental Health roadshow project last year, with Gemma and Liam taking over from outgoing Deputies Mollie MacGinty and Natasha Gilmour.

Donegal Youth Council have a number of projects planned for the coming year, including the development of a sexual health service signposting website for Donegal, while they also plan to focus on promoting the Irish language, developing a discount card for young people in Donegal and helping provide a voice for LGBT youth in the county.

The Youth Council have also partnered up with a Youth organisation in Romania for a Youth Democracy project which will focus on encouraging young people to participate in politics.

This project will see the Youth Council travel to Romania for a week in July.

Donegal Youth Council is funded by Donegal County Council, HSE Health Promotion and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and aims to provide young people with opportunities to identify, prioritise and work on topics and projects which have been identified by the wider youth population of the county.

For more information on the Donegal Youth Council, you can contact Council Co-ordinator Marty Keeney on 087-6806676 or email youthcouncil@donegalyouthservice.ie.

Milford GAA Notes

Lotto Jackpot Winner  

Congratulations to Pauric (Porkie) McGettigan, c/o Dustys Bar, on winning the Club Lotto Jackpot of €1,920 on Saturday night. Winning numbers were 1-7-11-12. Jackpot next week is €400

CLG BnaG Scor Group for TG4′s Scor Encore

The Clubs Scor na nOg instrumental group,which is made up of Eoin and Liam Orr, Kevin Egan and Kyle Macaulay, had a successful audition just before Christmas in the Dun Uladh Centre in Omagh and are now preparing for a trip to Dublin, on Jan 30th, to the RTE studios in Donnybrook to record for the live show recording of TG4′s ‘Scor Encore’.

The show is called Scor Encore and is a competition for various talents and will begin on TG4 on Feb 9th.

We can have up to 15 people in the audience so if anyone would like to go, just contact Brendan Ward or any of the club executive.

The lads are going well in practice so we wish them all the best in the competition.

CLG BnaG Healthy Club Day

CLG BnaG is hosting an event on Saturday, February 1, in the Public Services Centre Milford that aims to place health and well-being at the heart of the community and people the club serves and will feature a host of health and fitness groups providing advice and information.

The event takes place in the Public Services Centre Milford, runs from 11am-2pm, is free of charge and welcome to all. For more information please contact: Marian McNulty 086/8506405

GAA National Club Draw

With prizes ranging from a trip for 2 to the 2014 International Rules series in Australia to a trip for 2 to New York for St Patricks day 2015, the GAA’s National Draw which takes place this year in Croke Park on St Patricks day.

As well as the prizes in the national draw, every ticket bought within the Club will be entered into our own Club draw also.

Tickets cost €10 and are available from all Club Executive members.

Draw for the Club prizes will take place on St Patricks day in the Clubhouse.

Tickets must be with Croke Park for March 7th for the National Draw therefore all tickets must be returned before that date. For more information contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

2014 Membership

Club membership will be soon due for the 2014 year.

Please be aware that Donegal tickets will only be sourced for paid up members of the Club. The rates remain unchanged from 2013:

Family – €50

Senior – €20

U18 – €10

Alternatively you can subscribe to the Club Lotto Database. For €17 a month you will receive:

- Full Family membership

- Entered into every weekly Lotto draw

- Automatically in a Christmas Hamper Draw (For subscribers only)

- 11 free weeks entry into the lotto

For more information contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

Crossfit

Crossfit continues for all Senior, Reserve, U21 and Minor players every Monday (8.30pm) and Friday (7.30pm). Anyone interested in playing for the club are expected to attend, all welcome. Cost is e5 per week or e3 per session. Alternatively players can pay e20 for 4 weeks or e40 for the entire 8 week program

2013 Donegal Yearbook

The 2013 Donegal Yearbook is now available and can be ordered from Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

Lotto Database

Lotto database players are reminded that end of year payments are now due. Anyone wishing to join the lotto database in 2014 can download the standing order form from the Club website or contact Joe McNulty.

The benefits of joining the database are:

- Full family membership for 2014 included

- Entered into every draw evey week

- Automatically in Christmas hamper draw (One for database members only)

- 11 weeks free entry to lotto draw

Lucozade Sports Club Crusade

Thank you to all who helped with this years bottle cap collection, your support was much appreciated and we would ask that everyone continues to collect their bottle caps for next years collection.

Irish Language Classes

Irish classes have recommenced.

If you would like to learn Irish from the beginning or improve on the Irish you have, get in touch with any club member or phone Brendan on 0749152455 or email bandcward1@gmail.com

Child Protection & ASAP Policies

CLG BnaG Child Protection and Welfare Policy & Procedures and CLG BnaG Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ASAP) prevention Policy information sessions have been held for all members of the club executive and all those involved with underage teams.

There will be further information sessions for underage members and their parents/guardians following the next registration in 2014.

Please visit the ‘downloads’ section of our website (Milford.Donegal.gaa.ie) and view the policy for yourself.

If anyone has any queries or concerns or comments please contact the club Children’s Officer Marian McNulty at 086/8506405 or marian.mcnulty@lyit.ie

Newsletter

For all your weekly, news, fixtures, results and match reports as well as much more such as player profiles, photo albums and more please subscribe to our newsletter by texting your name and email address to 086-3400082, emailing milforddonegalgaa@gmail.com, or by contacting the clubs Twitter or Facebook pages

Volunteers Needed for Sub-Committees

CLG BnaG is currently in the process of creating Sub-Committees to help implement and achieve the targets of a 5 year plan.

If you feel you can contribute to the running of the Club in any small way, either in time or in ideas, please contact MilfordDonegalGAA@gmail.com, 0863400082 or send a PM.

The Sub-Committees are as follows:

Finance

Underage Games Development

Adult Games Development

Club Administration

Club Facilities

PR, Communication & Culture

Lotto Sellers Required

The Club is seeking lotto sellers in the Milford, Ramelton and Rathmullan areas. If you are interested contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

Evolution Fitness

All paid up club members will now be able to avail of a €10 discount on 3 month membership.

Normal 3 month membership is €80 but will be available to members for €70. If interested contact Jack Duddy at Evolution Fitness beside the mart in Milford

Contact Us

For all information and queries contact MilfordDonegalGAA@Gmail.com, follow us on Twitter on @CLGBnaG, and on Facebook on www.facebook.com/clgbaile.nangalloglach or see our website www.milford.donegal.gaa.ie/

Milford GAA Club Gear

Club gear is now available to order. Anyone who has ordered club gear but yet received it are to contact either Aidan or Barry.

The range of club gear includes Hoodies, Tracksuits tops, Windcheaters, hats, navy polo shirts, white polo shirts, and t-shirts.

There is some lovely gear available at very reasonable prices and photos are available to view on the club Facebook page.

Orders can be placed with Agnes Ryan on 086-8194751.

Pantomome lead performer Sarah Terry Sweeney pictured at dress rehearsal on Friday before the ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ first matinee on Saturday at An Grianan Theatre.

The Letterkenny Pantomime’s Snow White is enjoying a hugely successful run at An Grianan Theatre.

Most nights are now booked out.

But there are two reason why people should consider going along tonight.

The first is that there are a few extra tickets available and the second is that it is in aid of The Friends of the Letterkenny Hospital.

Tickets can be secured by contacting the theatre directly or by coming along tonight.

The State has agreed to orders that it will pay most of the substantial legal costs of the unsuccessful challenge by Donegal woman Marie Fleming to Ireland’s laws on assisted suicide.

Marie Fleming and husband Tom

The 59-year-old, who was originally from Lifford, died last month after losing her landmark right-to-die case.

The Supreme Court agreed to an application by Ms Fleming’s lawyers not to formally draw up the costs order until her estate has been constituted.

RTE reports that the court agreed to affirm an order made by the High Court awarding Ms Fleming costs against the State of the High Court hearing.

It also awarded Ms Fleming half of the costs of her Supreme Court appeal.

Ms Fleming was in the final stages of Multiple Sclerosis when she began her court action seeking to be assisted in having a peaceful and dignified death at a time of her choice without the risk of prosecution for anyone who helped her.

Last April, the seven-judge Supreme Court ruled the right to life under the Constitution “does not import a right to die” in what it described as this “very tragic case”.

Dunfanaghy Golf Club Notes:

Welcome Everyone. Well it was another weekend of good weather in Dunfanaghy and there was plenty of Golf throughout the weekend. 

Well done to Thomas Alcorn who won the top twenty competition.

Thomas has been playing consistently throughout last year and his handicap keeps coming down. He has done remarkable well considering he only started playing golf 4/5 years ago.

Well done to Brendan and Michael Kelly who shared first place in the Golfer of the Year competition.

Michael will have to share the bragging rights with Brendan in the Kelly household for this year after he had secured it on his own last year. Well done to all the prize winners.

Competition Results:

Wednesday Open 15th January 2014

1st James Doherty 42 points

2nd Charles Roarty Jnr 40 points

Gross Daniel McColgan 32 points

3rd Seamus McCauley 39 points

Cat Peter Johnston 37 points

1st Nine Brian McGinley 21 points

2nd Nine Kevin Rafferty 21 points

CSS 37 points

Saturday 4BBB 18th January 2014

1st D Johnston / P Dobson 44 points BOT

2nd F Stewart / T Griffen 44 points BOT

3rd E Gallagher / K James 44 points

Sunday Club Stableford 19th January 2014

1st Kevin McGlynn 41 points

2nd Eamonn McGrath 39 points BOT

CSS 38 Points

Top Twenty Finale 19th January 2014

1st Thomas Alcorn 63

2nd Brendan Kelly 64

Gross Daniel McColgan73

3rd Paul Burton 66 BOT

1st Nine James Connors 31.5

2nd Nine John Chambers 31.5

CSS 66

Competitions this week:

Wednesday 22nd January: Open Single’s Stableford (Soup & Sandwiches)

Saturday 25th Janaury: Open 4BBB competition

Sunday 26th January; monthly Medal

Don’t forget there are prizes for nines and a prize for over 19 handicap in all singles competitions at the club.

Could holders of club cups/shields return them as soon as possible for the forthcoming year.

Our Friday evenings in the clubhouse have started well since the beginning of January. There are free bites for everyone who comes to the club-house on Friday evenings.

Be sure to bring your friends along from 4pm on-wards. Sky Sports is back in operation in the clubhouse and all rugby and soccer games will be shown.

Also the stew has been a great addition to the food menu on each Saturday and Sunday.

It will be in place for the foreseeable future. It is great value at €6.00.

The entry sheet is in operation in the club for the Mixed Foursomes. There are a good few entries to date.

This competition is limited to 32 pairs. So make sure you are entered as soon as possible as the draw will take place on St. Patrick’s weekend.

I am well informed that the prizes are excellent for this competition with all pairings going out on the Friday night of the Caravanner’s weekend in August.

I would appeal to all members to pay their membership as soon as possible. This will enable our Hon.

Treasurer to plan the finances of the club for the year ahead. Mary is in the clubhouse Monday to Friday 9am to 12 mid-day.

Good luck to the Gaeltacht league team who are away to Portnoo this Saturday. It would be great if they can get a result there.

The club would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Gault family on the sudden death of Noel.

Noel had been a member of the club for a long time and will be missed about the club. Our thoughts are with the Gault family at this time.

The first race of the clubs Spring 5k Race Series for 2014 took place in Burtonport last Sunday.  

There was a great turnout with John McCallion first home followed by Adrian Ward with Seimi Ferry third.

First women home was Emer McGee, followed by Sarah Mulholland with Elise Gillespie in third.

Huge thanks to all stewards and everybody that helped out with special mention to Burtonport Community for the use of the Community Center and especially Margaret who looked after the excellent refreshments.

It’s onwards now to race two of the series which will take place Gweedore on Sunday 16th February at 1pm.

There will be a meeting this Friday night for all adult athletes in the Ionad Phadraig, Dore starting at 8pm.

This meeting will be important for all adult athletes to discuss upcoming events and races they wish to participate in this year and ensure we have correct training and groups setup for these so please come along and have your say.

Training begins this week for athletes born 2003 upwards in preparation for indoor championships in Magherafelt next month.

Training in Carrickfinn on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 4 until further notice, Sportshall will continue in the RSC on Mondays with a 6:45pm start for athletes born 2006 and older.

All athletes attending Sportshall must be registered members of Rosses AC. Registration forms are available at the Sportshall on Monday evenings in Dungloe.

Note: As the gym in Dungloe will be unavailable in February due to a school play, there will be no Sportshall on Monday 3rd February or Monday 10th February.

Fit4Life back in action again on Mondays at 6pm in Carrickfinn and circuits in Mullaghduff Hall on Wednesdays at 6pm. New members welcome.

Adult training continues at the Industrial Estate, Gweedore on Wednesdays at 7pm.

These are speed endurance sessions and now is the time to get down and started into them.

New members always welcome with great turnouts every week.

If you wish to update your registration with the club for 2014 or join the club for the first time you can get a registration form from any committee member or they are available to download from our facebook page.

Registrations are now due and membership for 2014 is only 20 euro.

Calling all Rosses AC Parents and Senior Athletes. Would you like to take part in a simple yet fun fundraiser for your club?

If so, why not volunteer to host a ‘Come Dine With Me’ evening for your family and friends between now and St. Patricks day?

Contact a committee member if interested – much appreciated.

Congratulations to Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair girls’ team who are Donegal champions after winning the final of the Secondary Schools 1st Year Sportshall Athletics Final for Girls. And also congratulations to Rosses Community School boys’ team who are Donegal champions after winning the Secondary Schools 1st Year Sportshall Athletics Final for Boys.

Fianna Fáil Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill has welcomed the Government’s u-turn on the Irish Embassy in the Vatican City.

Senator O’Domhnaill

Senator Ó Domhnaill commented, “I’m glad that the Labour Party has been forced into this u-turn. The reasons given for closing the embassy in the first instance were completely bogus and it was a mistake.”

“At the time we pointed out the diplomatic value of having representation at the Holy See and the networking influence it gave us. But the Labour Party knew best and pressed ahead with their populist agenda.”

“Like so much with this Government, the primary consideration is PR and spin. They closed the Vatican Embassy when they thought it would be popular and now they are re-opening it when they think it might be popular. It is no way to run a diplomatic service and I only hope they have learned from the mistake.”

The hugely popular Donegal band Mojo GoGo are getting ready to perform live on Today FM tonight. 

The talented band’s popularity continues to go from strength to strength and their new single 4.20 has been critically acclaimed.

The band are being interviewed on Today FM tonight at 8.15 and are expected to perform live after the interview.

So make sure to tune in and listen to the band perform live on National radio, the recognition to perform on National radio only reiterates the high esteem in which the band is held.

If you haven’t heard their cracking new single then click on the video above and enjoy this fantastic new single by this excellent Donegal band.

DDTV: GARDAÍ say they are reviewing a case where a Donegal man who failed a breath test had the case against him dropped.

Assistant Commissioner with the National Traffic Bureau John Twomey said he didn’t believe the case would have “any impact on further such cases”.

He said the decision was being reviewed at senior level, but that no changes to procedure were envisaged.

However the man involved in the case – reported on Donegal Daily – will NOT face new charges.

His case has already been struck out and cannot be re-entered.

Sean McKeown had his case struck out after the DPP decided it would not pursue the case against him.

McKeown, 40, of Abbey Park, Manorcunningham was stopped by Gardai on November 13, 2011 and admitted to drinking and then subsequently failed a breath test.

However solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn had argued that the case should be struck out because it was illegal.

He said the Mandatory Alcohol Testing (MAT) checkpoint was unlawful because the document authorising it had listed three different townlands.

The solicitor quoted legislation saying “An authorisation shall be in writing and shall specify the date on which and the public place in which the checkpoint is to be established.”

He told Judge Kelly: “It is clear that once an officer above the rank of inspector has signed authorisation for a MAT checkpoint that it must only specify one public place and one only.

“The law does not allow for multiple choices for gardai below that rank and in this case that is precisely what the authorisation allowed for.

The case had been put back until yesterday to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to review the case.

Garda Inspector Goretti Sheridan told Letterkenny District Court yesterday that the DPP had advised to withdraw the case.

Solicitor MacLochlainn told Judge Paul Kelly previously that he had already had a similar case struck out.

It is now feared that hundreds of similar cases due to come before the courts since the 2004 Road Traffic Act could also be challenged.

It is now understood that Gardai name one specific location and not multiple locations for MAT checkpoints.