The Donegal County Council Artists‘ Bursary Scheme welcomes applications from individual professional artists of all disciplines for assistance towards arts projects which are on-going or proposed.

The scheme is designed to support individual artists at any stage of their career to sustain and further their practice.

The objective of the Scheme is to facilitate artists in the development or the completion of specific bodies or programmes of work.

It will support artists to sustain and develop their practice through the research, design, creation and presentation of events, performances, exhibitions and other artistic projects.

In particular, and with regard to the current restrictive Covid-19 environment, the scheme aims to support artists who may be thinking about new ways of working and of reaching the public with their work. It is designed to assist artists to stabilize their existing activity while looking to the future.

Scheme Guidelines and Application Forms, in English and Irish, are now available to download from the Donegal County Council website or by emailing artistsbursaries@donegalcoco.ie

The Closing Date for the receipt of completed applications is Close of Business, 4.30pm, Friday, October 23, 2020.

Applications received after that deadline cannot be accepted.

Who Can Apply?
The scheme is designed specifically to assist (1.) professional artists, that is, applicants who ordinarily identify themselves, and are recognized by their peers, as professional, practicing artists. While their income may not derive exclusively from their artistic practice, they (2) must be able to display a reasonable track record in their particular artform. Artists making submissions under the scheme, (3.) must be either presently living and working in Donegal or, in the case of Donegal-born artists currently living and working outside of the county, they must have completed some significant work in the county, or related to the county, within the past three years.
The Scheme is Not Applicable to –

• Arts organizations or community groups.
• Individuals currently in full-time, undergraduate education or seeking support for artwork which forms part of undergraduate studies.
• Proposals that are partly or wholly devoted towards charity or fundraising purposes.
• Proposals for the purchase of technical equipment, musical instruments etc., unless such purchase is essential for the continuation of the applicant’s practice or is less than the longterm hire cost of same.
• Proposals in respect of capital or building projects.
• Activity or costs that do not align with the purpose of the Bursary scheme.

Criteria for Assessment

• Creative and artistic strength of the project or practice. (25%)
• Strength of the impact of the Bursary, if awarded, on the stabilization and development of the artist’s practice. (10%)
• How it is envisaged that the public will engage with the artist’s work? (20%)
• Strength and viability of planning – including projected budgets – of the artist to deliver the project or activity. (20%)
• Strength of the artist’s track record of work to-date. (25%)

Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill is self-isolating after a family member tested positive for Covid-19 virus.

Ms O’Neill, who is Sinn Féin’s leader in the north, is set to undergo a Covid-19 test.

In a statement, Sinn Féin said: “Joint head of government Michelle O’Neill has confirmed that she is being tested for coronavirus and is self-isolating after contact with a family member who has tested positive for Covid-19.

“Michelle will continue to follow the public health advice and carry out her duties in government remotely.”

923 positive Covid-19 tests were reported in Northern Ireland yesterday. The death toll in the region stands at 587.

DMG Motors in Donegal Town have an exciting week ahead as countdown to the end of an unmissable ŠKODA event.

The ŠKODA 0% Restart Event is offering customers 0% Finance across the ŠKODA SUV range.

But you’ll have to be quick, as this offer runs only from now until the 17th of October.

This super SUV offer applies to orders on the ŠKODA KAROQ, ŠKODA KODIAQ and the ŠKODA KAMIQ before 17th October 2020 and registered before 31st January 2021.

See the full range for yourself by calling into DMG Motors, Clar Road Donegal Town. Tel: 074 9721396

Has your primary school signed up for the free ‘Heritage in Schools’ virtual programme?

Primary schools in County Donegal have until Wednesday, October 14 to participate in this pilot programme run by The Heritage Council in partnership with the Donegal Education Centre and the County Donegal Heritage Office, Donegal County Council.

“This is an exciting opportunity for primary schools in County Donegal” said Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer.

“The Heritage Council adapted the highly-popular ‘Heritage in Schools’ scheme into a virtual eight-week programme in response to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and it’s being piloted in County Donegal. The programme offers a mix of pre-recorded and live interactive sessions for children and teachers.

“The pilot programme is free to participating schools. The Donegal Education Centre and the County Donegal Heritage Office is delighted to partnership with The Heritage Council in delivering the scheme in County Donegal – one of only two counties selected for the pilot scheme.”

Participating primary schools can avail of up to eight free one-hour virtual sessions each with a ‘Heritage in Schools’ specialist.

There are 14 different topics through the virtual programme from which to choose. Topics include biodiversity, mapping, archaeology, boglands, traditional song, storytelling, knights and castles, celtic art, ogham stones and lots more.

Once a participating school selects their topic, they will be sent a pre-recording and some supporting notes and this will then be followed by a live Zoom call to the classroom.

Gartan National School had this to say about their first virtual visit: “We had our first ever virtual lesson today hosted by Aengus Kennedy. We wish to thank Heritage in Schools for allowing us to be part of the pilot scheme.

“The children really enjoyed the lesson about the wren, the on-line interaction and the quiz at the end!  As usual Aengus delivered an enthusiastic and inspiring lesson, his knowledge of all things nature is truly amazing!”

The virtual programme was developed based on consultation with over 120 primary schools countrywide.

To date over 60 Donegal primary schools have signed up to the virtual programme but registration will remain open until Wednesday, October 14 so there’s still time to avail of this unique opportunity.

If your school would like to participate in the free ‘Heritage in Schools’ scheme in County Donegal, please contact The Heritage Council by e-mail at heritageinschools@heritagecouncil.ie or by telephone on (087) 462 8580. Further information on the ‘Heritage in Schools’ scheme is available on-line at: www.heritageinschools.ie

A DONEGAL man will stand trial on charges relating to counterfeit clothes and almost 50,000 counterfeit cigarettes. 

Kevin Doherty (45) of Aileach Valley, Elaghbeg, Burnfoot, appeared before Buncrana District Court on three charges dated June 11, 2019.

The court heard that the DPP has consented for the accused to be sent forward for trial at the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court, which commences on October 27 next.

A book of evidence was served on Doherty, who is on station bail.

The accused did not speak during the brief hearing.

Doherty is charged with possessing material bearing a mark identical to or nearly resembling a registered trade mark with a view to selling, letting of hire, offering or exposing for sale or hire.

Doherty is charged with having for sale or delivery 33,600 Excellence cigarettes, 12,200 Lambert & Butler Original Silver cigarettes, 400 Sterling Super King cigarettes and 2,000 Mayfair cigarettes, as well as other items including 10000mg Premium Blend, 105 40g packages of of Domingo tobacco, 16 50g pouches of Golden Virginia tobacco, 230 50g pouches of Flandria Golden tobacco, 100 50g packets of Flandria Golden tobacco.

It is further alleged that Doherty was found in possession in the course of a business items of clothing bearing the marks of brands such as Adidas, New Balance, Nike, North Face, Vans, Lacoste, Fred Perry, Ralph Lauren, Stone Island and Gym King.

Doherty is also charged with copyright infringement.

Judge Paul Kelly assigned legal aid to Mr David Henry and granted one legal council.

Judge Kelly granted bail in Doherty’s own bond of €250.

One of Donegal’s most popular takeaways has closed in a bid to stop customers visiting from other counties.

The owners of the Killybegs Seafood Shack have taken the decision to shut up shop after hearing that people were breaking travel restrictions to eat at the roadside takeaway.

Customers were coming from as far as Tipperary and Monaghan in the past week, co-owner Mairead Anderson told Donegal Daily. Current Level 3 restrictions nationwide are intended to limit travel between counties.

Chef Mairead took to social media to announce the immediate closure today: “While I welcome people so wholeheartedly to the town normally. We can’t take this risk right now as being a reason people come to town. I just implore everyone to stop travelling right now while we try and contain this virus,” she said.

She confirmed that the decision to close was taken quickly due to staff reporting “a few” customers from outside Donegal and in light of the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the South Donegal region.

“We had people from Tipperary in our local shop looking for the Shack too,” Mairead said.

The Killybegs Seafood Shack had a strong summer operating as an outdoor takeaway. Owners Mairead and Garry Anderson opened The Boathouse, a new sit-down restaurant in December last year, and between both businesses they employ 25 staff. Takeaways are set to resume at the Boathouse in the coming weeks. But for now, Mairead said that staff will be temporarily out of work to minimise risks in the town.

“A lot of people are out of jobs but I can’t take the risk of it all right now. Hopefully we can all open safely for Christmas,” Mairead said.

A Letterkenny school has moved to assure parents and the community after unconfirmed claims of a Covid-19 outbreak.

Management at St. Bernadette’s Special School implemented precautionary measures this week after being informed of positive Covid-19 cases linked to the school.

All students and staff from one class were asked to restrict their movements for 14 days when it emerged that a Special Needs Assistant who had worked in the school last week tested positive for the virus in recent days. 

Claims of a Covid-19 outbreak in the school community were untrue, according to John Haran, principal of St. Bernadette’s Special School.

Mr Haran said: “Earlier this week we were made aware that a student from another school who shares a bus with St. Bernadette’s Special School tested positive for Covid-19. Consequently, the bus escort also tested positive, and this person was in the school last Thursday and Friday. Once we heard about the initial positive case, we acted immediately and made the decision to ask all students and staff from one class to self-isolate for 14 days as a precautionary measure.

“We alerted parents from that class with a phone call and we felt it was important to keep other parents informed so we sent a text with an update on the situation.

“Unfortunately, that text made its way onto social media, which led to an article stating that the school had an outbreak, which thankfully at this time is not the case. There was serious concern among parents and the wider community and we want to reiterate and assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to help keep staff and students safe and we hope anyone who has contracted the virus and quick recovery.”

A record 1,080 new cases of Covid have been announced today by Northern Ireland’s Department of Health.

No further deaths have been reported, leaving the toll to date at 587.

The 7-day infection rate per 100,000 in the worst area, Derry and Strabane, is now 824.3.

Some 5,272 cases have been reported in the last seven days, bringing the overall total number of cases confirmed in the region to 18,190.

Letterkenny man and former Derry Journal editor Pat McArt reminded us that even during this dreadful pandemic, Donegal is still the most wonderful place.

“I was 67 this week.

“October 6, 1953 seems a long way away now, doesn’t it …the day I was born? It was, apparently, a Tuesday – like this year – and if a dog had been born that same day it would now be 288 years old. Google told me that.

“Because of Covid it was a very different birthday this year. The current wife decided that rather than sit around and look at each other in glum despair on my big day we should get out and see some more of the beautiful county – i.e Donegal – we live in. Because of Covid that’s as far as we can go; we are not allowed to leave it.

“But it’s no punishment. Some mornings we get up, have a bit of toast and a cup of coffee and away we go on a magical mystery tour. It’s great fun. We, quite literally, haven’t a clue where we are headed and, a bit like being guided by a throw of the dice, if we see a side road that takes our fancy we are off. It’s totally random. And it has been brilliant. Not exactly Thelma and Louise I know but don’t knock it until you have tried it.

“Out wee tour on Tuesday took us to west Donegal. We ended up in Daniel O’Donnell country, in Loughanure. It is claimed there is a lake in that area for every day of the year and I believe it.

Pat McArt of the Church Lane, Letterkenny

“Anyway. I saw a cottage beside one of those lakes – I even took a photo of it to prove to myself it is real – that looked like it came out of Brigadoon or some other Hollywood fantasy. Put it like this – if I ever win the Lotto I am going to track down the owner of the house and tell him/her ‘Here’s a blank cheque …fill in the amount yourselves’. Absolutely beautiful. A highlight.

“But the reason I am writing this is to share something I think is truly profound. I didn’t have a party or got any big presents or any of that malarkey …we just had a nice day out. A good-for-the-soul day out. But know what the nicest part was? When we got home my youngest son came on the phone and said, ‘Hold on, Da…listen..’ and on came my wee grandson singing ‘Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you.”

“To tell you the truth it made my day. You can be given a bottle of wine, a bottle of whiskey, tickets for a hotel break or whatever, but they are transient things, unlike the voice of a lovely wee boy – he’ll be three shortly – singing down the phone. That’s a memory that’ll stay with me forever.

“It really is the simple things that make the big difference, isn’t it?”

Five more people have died of Covid-19-related illness and 617 new cases of the virus have been detected in Ireland, health officials confirmed this evening.

The number of new cases detected in Donegal has not been reported by the Department of Health today. The department has only reported details from the five counties with the highest new figures from Thursday.

The Donegal county figure will be confirmed tomorrow, and is expected to be below 35.

Fifty three new cases were detected in Donegal on Wednesday, bringing the total number of cases in the county since the outbreak began to 1,299.

Jill McGettigan is eyeing great heights after making her debut at her first International Eventing Competition.

The 20-year-old Kilmacrennan rider recorded a Top 20 finish in the two-star class at the Ballindenisk International in Cork.

Riding her own mare, Watermill Hollie, McGettigan relished the experience of sharing an arena with some of Ireland’s top event riders for the first time.

Last month’s competition saw McGettigan making good headway as Hollie went clear in the cross-country test. She also performed well in a tough course on show-jumping day. Some navigation errors cost her in dressage, but McGettigan made sure to be back on track for the remainder of the weekend.

Jill McGettigan and Watermill Hollie

The success was all the more special with Hollie. McGettigan was 16 years old when she bought her own five-year-old bay mare from breeder Sean Coulihan from Strabane. The pair have come up together and trained each other over the years.

“She has been so consistent all the way up the levels. I’d like to see just how far Hollie can go and how much she can achieve,” McGettigan said.

“The connection between horse and rider really comes into play when competing, especially over a few days.

“Hopefully next year we’ll push onto the three star.”

Jill McGettigan and Watermill Hollie

McGettigan took a year out from college this year to focus on eventing, and it’s already paying dividends as she trains in Scarva in Belfast. The experience swayed her to go international last month, but Jill has already had great runs with Hollie in recent years at the Dublin Horse Show with the Irish Pony Club, placing third in 2018. She also placed sixth in their first 3 star competition at Loughanmore this season.

As equestrian events proceed behind doors during Level 3, McGettigan will travel as an elite sportsperson to compete in her next competition in Punchestown next weekend. This time, she’ll be giving Hollie a rest and taking some youngsters out to bring up their confidence.

The time away from studies has worked to McGettigan’s advantage, she said: “The months of training and hard work are well worth it . It’s nice to succeed on a horse you have taken on yourself.”

“I wouldn’t have got this far without my sponsors – KBK Construction Ltd and my family – I am so grateful to have had the chance to end our season at an International Event, riding alongside the top eventers was just so amazing.

“I would love to do more of it of course, but that depends on sponsorship for the next year.

“After Ballindenisk, my eyes have been opened to opportunities I would never have thought of before. Going forward I would love the opportunity for Hollie and I to compete again at this level but of course International eventing is very expensive and would mean seeking for next season.”

An Inishowen route is closed tonight as authorities deal with a lorry which has gone off the road.

The road from Tullydish over Grainnes Gap to Muff is reported closed following the incident.

Motorists travelling from Muff to Buncrana are advised to take an alternative route.

It is not known if there are any injuries.

A LETTERKENNY was ‘just about able to communicate’ when he became highly abusive to Gardaí.

Charlie Connors (32) of Canal Road, Letterkenny, was before Letterkenny District Court charged with an incident on February 8, 2020.

Connors was charged with being intoxicated in a public place and using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace.

At 10.36pm on the date in question, Gardaí responded to an incident at Neil T Blaney Road.

A highly-intoxicated Connors was observed staggering ‘over and back’ outside the Riverside Retail Park.

“He was just about able to communicate,” Sergeant Jim Collins told the court. “When Gardaí stopped with him, he became very abusive, telling them to ‘fuck off and mind their own business’.”

Solicitor for Connors, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client was a 32-year-old father-of-one who had ‘substantial difficulties with alcohol.’.

“He was very close to his own home when this incident occurred,” Mr Gallagher said.

“He is out of road with this court. I would ask the court to give him an opportunity.”

Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case to January 11 to allow for the preparation of a community service report.

A DERRY man who told Gardai he was ‘George Michael’ has appeared before a Donegal court.

Raymond McDaid, of Clon Elagh, Skeoge Road, Derry, was before Buncrana District Court charged in connection with the indecent at Aileach Road, Buncrana on August 8, 2020.

McDaid drove off away from Gardaí in the direction of Bridgend. Gardaí pursued McDaid for a couple of miles before he was stopped.

“He pulled in when the red mist left him,” solicitor Mr Patsy Gallagher told the court.

“He had suffered a relationship breakdown and was angry with the world at large. His sister came on the scene and brought common sense.

“He apologised for his action and is remorseful.”

Mr Gallagher said that McDaid was currently unemployed due to health reasons.

McDaid initially told Gardaí that his name was ‘George Michael’.

For supplying a false name to Gardaí, McDaid was fined ¯€250 and given three months to pay.

Another patient has died of Covid-19 related illness in Donegal, figures from the Central Statistics Office show.

There have been 42 coronavirus related deaths in the county since the outbreak began.

The most recent death in the county was reported on the week of 25th September. Prior to this, Donegal had not recorded any new Covid-19 deaths since July.

The median age of those who have passed away with Covid-19 in Donegal is 85.

Thirty-three people with Covid-19 passed away in Donegal in April alone.

The CSO figures, which are valid to 2nd October, show that the median age of people infected with Covid-19 in Donegal has dropped to 42 (from 1,147 cases). The median age of people with Covid-19 in Donegal up to 21st August was 52.

Women and those aged between 25-44 continue to account for the highest number of confirmed cases in Ireland.

The CSO has found that the percentage of cases amongst younger age groups has increased in more recent months with confirmed case rates in people aged under 24 at 34% in September compared with less than 10% in March and April. A different trend can be seen in the over 80s age group, which have accounted for 2% of cases since July compared with 20% in April. Health care workers now make up 7% of cases nationally, compared to a peak of 36% in April.

Donegal Age Friendly, in partnership with Donegal County Council Culture Division and portrait artist Andy Parsons, is looking for participants for a Creative Ireland Creativity in Older Age Virtual Portrait Sitting.

The project is currently taking place in four local authority areas in the North West – Donegal, Roscommon (Project Leader), Leitrim and Sligo.

We are looking for people in County Donegal, over age 70 who are in a care home or cocooning at home, missing their cultural activities and interested in making new connections at this time. During these sessions, which will be conducted online through Zoom, Andy will create an artwork while getting to know each person and how they have responded to the last few months of Covid. In return for their time, the portraits will be delivered to the sitters who may display them in their own homes, for the enjoyment of family, friends and staff. Portraits will also be exhibited in digital form on Donegal Age Friendly, Donegal County Council and Age & Opportunity’s Bealtaine Festival websites and Facebook pages.

To take part, you would need to have some way to access a computer or phone for a video zoom call, even if just for two to three mornings. If you want to take part and don’t have access to a computer or phone, Donegal Age Friendly Programme will work with the Individuals to get them set up. There are 4 places available and we are hoping for a balance of people living at home or in a care home in the county, male and female.

Please register interest by emailing mairead.cranley@donegalcoco.ie by the morning of Friday October 16^th with the subject ‘Conversations in Portrait’. We will require details of the participant’s name, age and place of residence. Note there will be 2-3 sittings of approx. 60-90 minutes.

Andy Parsons has wide experience of working with older people and of working in care settings.  He is currently the Artist-In-Residence at Sligo University Hospital, while last year he led a very successful Age & Opportunity-managed Artist’s Residency at Killybegs Community Hospital. There he worked with residents and staff on a project exploring traditional hand crafts common to South and South West Donegal. You can see more information about Andy’s work with Age & Opportunity here: http://bealtaine.ie/news/show/conversations_a_virtual_portrait_project_with_andy_parsons

A partnership project by Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal Local Authorities and Age & Opportunity as part of the Creative Ireland Creativity in Older Age.

Donegal professional boxer, Jason Quigley, is appealing to the people of his native county to adhere to the guidelines and play their part in stopping the spread of Coronavirus.

In a video message recorded in the ring at Raphoe Boxing Club, the 29-year-old says everyone needs to pull together.

“We all know how important sport is in our lives, especially here in Ireland, from the grassroots right up to the elite sports,” he comments.

“We are all going through a really difficult time right now. It’s very unsure for the present and the future. We all need to pull together. We need to listen to the guidelines, social distance, wear our masked, sanitize our hands and only so many in certain households.”

“Let’s keep it all together,” he urges.

“Let’s stop the spread and let’s get back to normal as soon as we can so I can get back in the ring again, so people can get back on the pitches, so that people can get back playing their sports and back to as normal a life as possible.

“So let’s all pull together now. We’ll get through this together and we’ll see you on the other side. All the best,” he adds.

The head of the HSE has appealed to people not to stop casually for a chat if they meet someone.

Paul Reid has warned it is vital that the transmission of Covid-19 in Ireland is interrupted now.

His warning comes as Ireland battles to stop the rising Covid numbers in a bid to avoid a Christmas lockdown.

“Today & for next 2 weeks, ask ourselves, who do we really need to meet? Who can we defer inviting to our home? If you casually meet someone, avoid that desire to head for a chat. Take a step back.Tough, yes. But it’s avoiding more people hospitalised or in ICU,” Mr Reid tweeted.

He was writing following confirmation yesterday of the deaths of a further five people with coronavirus.

The highest number of new coronavirus cases since April was also confirmed, with 617 in the last 24-hour period.

It is the third time in a week the number of daily Covid-19 cases has exceeded 600.

Donegal still has the highest rate of Covid in the country with the Lifford and Stranorlar areas having an incidence in excess of 600 per 100,000 people.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Holohan said the profile of the infection was continuing to deteriorate.

He said that, ahead of the weekend, early and individual action by people was needed to suppress the virus by adhering to the public health guidelines and restrictions. 

Figures also show the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 continues to rise.

The latest figures show there are 194 patients being treated this morning.

It represents the highest number since 2 June, when there were also 194 people in hospital and compares to 187 last night and 179 at the same time yesterday.

Gardai in Donegal have set up a number of cross-border checkpoints this morning as part of Covid policing regulations.

A checkpoint was manned at Lifford bridge.

Yesterday checkpoints were in place at Bridgend entering Derry.

A number of motorists were asked to turn back after explaining their reasons for leaving the county area.

It is understood a number of these motorists were traveling to Strabane for grocery shopping.

Gardai have explained that only essential travel will be allowed between counties for such reasons as work and education.

A Donegal school has taken part in a wacky fundraising venture and raised more than €702 for charity.

As part of World Mental Health Week, St. Eunans College in Letterkenny hosted “Odd Socks Day”.

All money raised went to suicide awareness for North West Stop who provide free counselling to people all over the Northwest.

Staff and students wore their odd socks with pride on Wednesday and raised the fantastic amount of cash on the day.

A credit to all involved for such a worthy cause especially during the current climate.

#StopSuicide#WorldMentalHealthWeek