Job Vacancies: Starcrest Seafoods Ltd, one of Donegal’s most popular seafood suppliers, are currently expanding their team with vacancies for drivers.
Delivery Drivers wanted for markets:
To Apply: Send in an email along with your contact name and phone number and details of your work experience over the years to info@starcrestseafoods.ie
ANOTHER 128 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Donegal.
There are 2,536 new cases nationally, and 50 more people have died with the virus.
People aged from 45 to 96 years are among the additional deaths, which all occurred in the past two weeks.
As of 2pm today, 1,850 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised of which184 are in ICU. The have been 118 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
Donegal has recorded a total of 2,588 new infections in the past two weeks.
Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health said the shared effort of the public is driving numbers down: “We have worked exceptionally hard in recent weeks to reduce our close contacts. At the end of December, the number of close contacts per confirmed case peaked at approximately 6. That has now dropped to 2.3 contacts. This enormous effort is the reason we are seeing case numbers beginning to fall.”
“We know that it is extremely difficult to keep our close contacts to a minimum, particularly over an extended period of time. But this is the main way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19. Again today, we are reporting the highest number of people with COVID-19 to date in our hospitals. We must stay home to protect ourselves and each other.”
Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health added: “New variants of COVID-19 have recently been identified in Brazil, and in travellers to Japan from Brazil. There is no evidence of these variants in Ireland.”
“Anyone who has travelled from Brazil in the last 14 days is advised to self-isolate for 14 days, from the date of arrival, and identify themselves, through a GP, for testing as soon as possible.”
“It is essential that anyone arriving from Brazil self-isolate for 14 days from the date of arrival before entering/re-entering the workplace. We are particularly appealing to employers to enable their employees to protect each other by staying at home for the full 14 days.”
“Further risk assessment of the new variants is expected from the ECDC in the coming week. We must all continue to adhere to every element of the public health advice. This remains our best defence against COVID-19.”
SHAY Given has been confirmed as the new first-team coach at Derby County following the permanent appointment of Wayne Rooney as manager.
Rooney has been leading a coaching team, including Given, at the Rams since the end of November following the departure of Phillip Cocu.
Republic of Ireland legend Given had previously been the goalkeeping coach at Derby, initially recruited in 2018 by then manager Frank Lampard.
Now, the Liffordman takes on the role of first team coach at Pride Park.
Liam Rosenior and Justin Walker have also retained their spots on the coaching ticket. Rosenior will be Rooney’s assistant manager with Walker the first team development coach.
Academy goalkeeping coach Jason Pearcey has been appointed as the club’s first-team goalkeeping coach.
PAURIC O’Donnell has been reinstalled as manager of Naomh Columba for the 2021 campaign.
O’Donnell will be at the helm at Pairc na nGael for a third season.
The former goalkeeper succeeded Paddy J McGinley in the role for 2019.
After a selection process in recent weeks, the club has confirmed that O’Donnell will once again lead the way in 2021.
There is no indication when the 2021 club season will get underway or what format the competitions will take.
Glen have shown promise in recent times and have lost out to the eventual champions, St Naul’s and Aodh Ruadh, in the last two Intermediate Championships.
Gardai in Inishowen are investigating a hairdressing salon which has allegedly been operating during the Covid Level 5 lockdown regulations.
They say the hairdressing salon is located in Buncrana Town.
Gardai took to Facebook to highlight the issue.
They confirmed they have launched an investigation into the allegations.
They have also reminded other business owners that certain businesses are not permitted to be operating at this time.
The spokesperson said “Businesses are reminded that they are to strictly comply with Level 5 Covid guidelines at all times.”
A MAN has appeared in court after his Alsatian dog viciously attacked another dog in front of two young children.
Darren Armstrong (45) of Doire House, Drumnashear, Carrigans was before Letterkenny District Court on two charges under the control of dogs act.
Sergeant Gerard Dalton told the court that Anne Conroy was walking with members of her friendly, including her niece and nephew, aged four and five.
They were walking home with a labrador at Shore Lane, Carrigans on January 31, 2019 when Ms Conroy saw a large Alsatian dog run towards the group.
“The Alsatian charged at her dog, lifted the dog and threw it into the hedge,” Sergeant Dalton said.
The court heard that the Alsatian had ‘viciously attacked and bit’ the dog and was not wearing a muzzle or lead at the time of the attack.
When Ms Conroy managed to pull her do away, the Alsatian ceased its attack and ran back into Armstrong’s garden.
Ms Conroy subsequently brought her dog to a vet for examination. Sergeant Dalton said the family were ‘upset and shocked’, especially the two children’.
On February 6, 2019, Garda McConalogue was routine patrol when observed an Alsatian on a public road without a muzzle or lead.
Armstrong was identified as the owner and he apologised for the dog being on the public road.
Armstrong showed Gardaí the pen at the rear of his house and said he was in the middle of making the pen more secure.
The court was told that Armstrong was unaware of Ms Conroy’s complaint until Gardaí informed after the February 6 incident.
Solicitor for Armstrong, Ms Donna Crampsie, said her client inherited the dog from his partner’s previous relationship and became the licensed owner when the dog was six years old.
Ms Crampsie said Armstrong took a number of steps to further secure a robust pen to house the dog after the incident.
The dog has since passed away, the court heard.
“The dog regularly played with Mr Armstrong’s step-children and did not pose a threat,” she said.
Judge Paul Kelly asked for a victim impact statement and adjourned the case to April 12.
An Garda Síochána say they have seen overwhelming public support for Public Health Guidelines and Regulations with the vast majority of people continuing to comply with public health guidance.
But we all need to stay the course, they say.
Covid-19 remains a significant threat to our society. Covid-19 related deaths are rising. Hospital admissions are increasing. ICU departments are at capacity.
A spokesperson added that unfortunately, there is also a minority who are not complying.
These people put everybody’s health at risk, which impacts on individuals and our society, the spokesperson said.
Speaking today Deputy Commissioner John Twomey, Policing and Security said, “Throughout this pandemic the vast majority of people have been compliant with public health advice. We thank them for that. We know this hasn’t been easy and has involved great sacrifices.
“However, as we all know, Covid-19 doesn’t relax. It doesn’t take weekends off. We are asking people to remember this as they plan their weekend so they can enjoy it while protecting themselves and others.
“Exercise within 5km of your home. If you are doing this in a place that is getting crowded then leave. Minimise your contacts. Only take essential journeys. Maintain social distancing. Wash your hands.
“When visiting amenities within 5km of your home park legally. Illegal parking can hinder access by emergency services and could put lives at risk. As we saw last weekend, people who illegally park are at risk of having their cars towed and impounded.”
The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020, as amended, are currently in force. Regulation 4 states, inter alia, ‘an applicable person shall not leave his or her place of residence without reasonable excuse’. This is a Penal Regulation and is enforceable.
An Garda Síochána continue to adopt the approach of 4Es Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce in engaging with the public. However, An Garda Síochána can, and will, issue Fixed Payment Notices for breaches of Covid-19 Public Health regulations where appropriate to do so.
This weekend An Garda Síochána will continue to support the effort against Covid-19 by enforcing the Public Health Regulations and other relevant legislation where appropriate.
Travel restrictions DO NOT APPLY in the case of domestic violence or to escape a risk of harm, whether to the person or to another person. Victims of domestic abuse incidents, including coercive control, will continue to receive highest priority response for service under Operation Faoiseamh.
If you are a victim of abuse or you know of a family member or friend who is a victim of such abuse, that information is important to us and we ask that you make contact with An Garda Síochána. If you require urgent assistance or support, please call 999 or 112, we are there to listen to help and to protect.
If you are unable to make phone contact please approach any member of An Garda Síochána on duty, on patrol, on a checkpoint and look for assistance, we are here to help.
An Garda Síochána is committed to working with our communities to help and support those vulnerable or isolated at this time. If you need help or know someone who does, please contact your local Garda station
Donegal Town’s Christmas lights display will keep shining for another few weeks to lift spirits during dark times.
The town’s lights will stay lit for the rest of January, while the Christmas tree will also stay up in the Diamond.
The decision was made by the Donegal Town Community Chamber to bring a little extra brightness to the town during a difficult time for all.
Donegal Town is not alone in keeping Christmas lights on this year. Towns all over Ireland have joined a unique ‘Keep Her Lit’ initiative led by Roscommon Councillor Valerie Byrne, who is inviting communities to leave their lights on to lift the spirits of people driving and walking through.
The Letterkenny Chamber is following a similar idea by keeping the ‘Star of Hope’ shining at the Polestar Roundabout.
Our #StarOfHope will stay lighting during these difficult and challenging days for everyone. #StaySafe #Donegal #Letterkenny pic.twitter.com/tEJpoBSJhw
— Letterkenny Chamber #lovelocal #staysafe (@lkchamber) January 9, 2021
THE number of Covid-19 patients at Letterkenny University Hospital has increased by five.
There are now 96 patients at LUH receiving treatment for Covid-19.
Four patients with the coronavirus are in critical care at the hospital.
Figures released from the HSE, measured at 8pm on Friday, show that there are now 17 general and one critical care bed available at LUH.
In the second of two linked articles, Dr Ciarán Roarty looks at treatments for depression.
Depression is common and unfortunately, some people still perceive a stigma attached to it.
Sometimes people are told to “pull their socks up” or just “snap out of it” but people with depression can’t and these types of remarks are unhelpful.
Most people with depression will actually get better without treatment. However it can take quite a number of months and life can be pretty miserable and distressing waiting for the episode to pass. The average episode last about 6-8 months. Relationships and work can be impacted and sometimes people “self-medicate” with illicit drugs and alcohol. Usually therefore, most people with depression do take help.
Can I do anything for myself?
Don’t try to bottle everything away and fight it all alone. Talk to people close to you. Try not to despair. Most people with depression do recover. Distraction helps – tv and radio do not require much concentration and can be useful if sleeping at night is an issue. Try not to drink too much alcohol as the immediate effect may seem helpful but excessive drinking makes the situation worse in the long run and interferes with assessment and treatment. Try to eat regularly and well, even if your appetite is poor. Avoid major life decisions while depressed and remember talk to your doctor, particularly if you are having suicidal thoughts. A short period off work may be required (though longer periods can exacerbate your condition as you may dwell on things and brood more). Everyone is different. If you have a specific issue causing your depression talk to your doctor about it. Understanding that your symptoms are due to depression helps.
So what treatments are out there for mild depression?
Personal preference and local availability is the determining factor a lot of the time.
One option that people often find useful is a guided self- help programme. Various pamphlets, books and CDs can help you understand and combat depression based on the concept of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). It is best if a trained practitioner eg a doctor guides you through a programme – a bit like homework – and keeps an eye on your progress. Usually, 7 or 8 sessions with your trained practitioner are required over 3 months.
Computer-based CBT have recently become available and are usually supported by a trained practitioner who will monitor your progress over a similar time frame.
Certain areas have group-based CBT where participants find working together in a group set-up beneficial.
What about tablets?
Antidepressant medication is not a recommendation usually for the initial management of mild depression. In certain circumstances however they may be advised. For example, if the patient also has a chronic physical problem, or where there has been moderate to severe depression in the past. Sometimes they are used if mild depression just isn’t resolving after trying other treatments.
What are the treatment options for moderate to severe depression?
Antidepressant medications are commonly used. It must be remembered though that medication cannot alter your actual life circumstances if they are difficult. They will not give you a more fulfilling job or improve your relationship with your other half. However, they usually will improve symptoms of depression such as low mood, difficulty sleeping, reduced concentration etc and this may enable you to function better and deal with your problems with less distress.
Psychological or talking therapy is often used for a period of 3 to 5 months. It is often combined with medication as both together can have optimal results. Weekly sessions usually last about an hour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the fact that certain ways of thinking can trigger or exacerbate certain mental health conditions such as depression. Other types of therapy are also sometimes used. Interpersonal therapy (IBT) looks at personal relationships and how they affect your mood. There are others also but local availability can be a limiting factor.
Is exercise any help?
While there are conflicting reviews, most agree that exercise seems to help lift a depressed person’s mood and help combat depression. Remember it is also regarded a positive thing for your health in general.
I’ve heard of St John’s Wort. Is it any good?
This is a herbal antidepressant that was popular for a while. It is not currently recommended as it is not clear how well it works and side effects sometimes occur. It can also interfere with other prescribed medications ( eg Warfarin, oral contraceptives, epilepsy medication and some heart medications) and cause problems.
The good news is that research is ongoing all the time and new treatments may become available.
What about the future?
A once-off episode of depression is relatively common. Some people can have two or three episodes and are treated each time. However, if you are prone to repeated episodes you may be prescribed medication long term and referred for CBT.
The above information is intended as advice only and should you have any concerns please contact your own Doctor.
Other useful contacts include:
The Samaritans 01116123
Aware 1800804848
Pieta House 1800247247
www.turn2me.ie
Grow 1890474474
bodywhys 012107906
Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 012303536
www.shine.ie
Childline 1800666666
Parentline 1890927277
Womens Aid 1800341900
LGBT Ireland 1890929539
www.mentalhealthireland.ie
Dr Ciarán Roarty MB, BCh BAO MICGP DRCOG Grad. Cert. Obst. Ultrasound
is a full-time GP at Scally McDaid Roarty Medical Practice , Scally Place, Letterkenny, Tel 0749164111
www.scallys.ie
Dr Ciaran Roarty at the Scally McDaid Roarty surgery in Letterkenny.
PEOPLE who are working from home will receive tax incentives in the next Budget.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said that a new strategy for remote working will be rolled out by the Government in October.
Varadkar has said there will be a legal right for workers to seek permission to work from home on a permanent basis.
Some employers pay a daily allowance of €3.20 to employees working from home, but the vast majority do not.
“It’s intended that as part of the Budget package in October, there will be a new package of tax incentives and expenses to encourage people to work from home,” Varadkar said.
“So you will see an improvement there in what’s currently in place.”
The new schemes are also to include protection for employees who do not check up on emails or take phone calls out of hours under what the new plan has called the ‘right to disconnect’.
Update from me on our plans to make remote working a real choice for more people, after the pandemic
pic.twitter.com/qZW8NyPgJk
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 15, 2021
FORMER FINN Harps manager Patsy McGowan will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Donegal Sports Star Awards this month.
McGowan has been confirmed as this year’s recipient with the awards to take place remotely on January 29.
McGowan, a founder member of Finn Harps, led the Ballybofey club’s entry to the League of Ireland in 1969, after guiding their FAI Junior Cup win in 1968.
In 1974, McGowan was manager when Harps won their first – and, to date, only FAI Senior Cup.
He was just 16 when attended a meeting in the Twin Towns to form Harps in 1954.
Just 15 years later that dream became a reality and McGowan is credited with being the main driving force when Harps decided to make a daring move to apply to join the League of Ireland.
That project began in earnest in 1967. Patsy was Secretary and manager of the club at the time. He was manager when Harps won the FAI Junior Cup in 1968.
McGowan and others put a huge amount of work into the application and against all the odds Finn Harps were admitted to the League of Ireland in 1969.
They celebrated 50 years in the league in 2019. McGowan was in charge of Harps teams that qualified for Europe four times during the 1970s and won the FAI Senior Cup in 1974. He had three separate spells as manager and that’s a record in itself.
Players Paddy McGrory and Charlie Ferry with Fran Fields, Patsy McGowan and the FAI Cup in 1974
Patsy, who was manager at Finn Park for a combined total of over 12 years, also served as a club delegate on FAI committees.
The Donegal Sports Star Hall of Fame Award is an honour that the 82 year-old of age certainly deserves after a lifetime of loyalty to soccer.
The induction will come after Donegal County Council already honoured him with a Civic Reception in 2017.
McGowan always stood up for the football grassroots when often it wasn’t popular to do so. McGowan is delighted to be joining a host of other high profile names from the soccer world that have been inducted into the Donegal Sports Star Awards Hall of Fame including Fr. Michael Sweeney, John Sheridan, Eunan ‘Busty’ Blake, Harry Blaney, Paddy Sweeney, Paddy Byrne, Fr. Willie McMenamin, Charlie Collins Snr, Phil McLaughlin, Hugo Doherty, Eamonn McDaid and Jim Sheridan.
The Ballybofey man will be the 45th Hall of Fame winner and the 12th from soccer.
The first footballer to receive the honour was Ramelton man Eamonn McDaid who was a member of the famous Swilly Rovers sides of the 1950s that reached two FAI Junior Cup Finals. Finn Harps can now claim links with four of the Hall of Fame winners.
The late Eunan Blake was a former manager while Fr. Michael Sweeney was a club administrator and Jim Sheridan captained Harps while McGowan was the boss at Finn Park.
“This is a great honour for me but I take it especially for the many football people that are no longer with us but put their bodies on the line to keep the sport in the 1950s and 1960s,” McGowan said.
“I was playing in those years and it was a dream of mine to see senior soccer coming to Donegal. A lot of people thought there wasn’t a chance in hell of it happening.
“I didn’t do it on my own but as Secretary I was determined to make it happen. Richie Kelly was with me when we were canvassing the clubs for support and meeting the national media to tell them about our plans.
Patsy McGowan with some former Finn Harps players in 2017 when he was honoured by Donegal County Council
“The media in Dublin got some shock when the FAI said yes to our application in May 1969 and three months later I was managing Finn Harps in the first ever senior League of Ireland game in Donegal.
“I was manager when we won the FAI Junior Cup the previous year so there had been some momentum building but it was just incredible to be playing Shamrock Rovers in that first match at Finn Park in August 1969.
“People talk about the FAI Cup win in 1974 and playing four times in Europe against Aberdeen, Everton, Derby and Bursapor but for me bringing League of Ireland football to this county and keeping it here for over 50 years it what satisfies me most.”
As a paler, McGowan was one of the best goalkeepers that the county produced in his time and he starred in the famous Summer Cups with numerous teams including Rathmullan Celtic.
That talent led to trials with English clubs including Everton, Tramere Rovers and Port Vale.
Donegal Sports Star Awards Chairperson Grace Boyle said the induction of Patsy McGowan into the organisation’s Hall of Fame was a fitting acknowledgement of the enormous contribution that the Ballybofey man had made to soccer in the County going back to the 1950s.
Ms Boyle said: “When people talk about the history of Finn Harps the first name that comes into your mind is Patsy McGowan. Even before that he was making a name for himself on the football field.
“Patsy had a dream to bring the League of Ireland to Donegal and did it very much against the odds nearly 52 years ago.
“As he said himself he loves the game and always will so we’re delighted that Patsy McGowan is our 45th Hall of Fame winner and joining those other legendary soccer men who have been honoured down the years.”
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty TD has condemned the ‘regrettable and unnecessary’ taxing of people on Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
Some recipients have been hit with bills of up to €1,400, Deputy Doherty said, during a 20-week period that the benefit was an Urgent Needs Payment, and “therefore not subject to tax by law”.
This decision has led to workers receiving tax bills much higher than they would otherwise have been.
Yesterday, over 200,000 taxpayer units received tax bills for the Pandemic Unemployment Payments they received in 2020.
Deputy Doherty said: “This will be unwelcome news at an already difficult time where people are struggling.
“An unprecedented decision by government last year has resulted in many of these taxpayers receiving tax bills as much as €1,400 higher than they should have been.
“The Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced as an Urgent Needs Payment under Section 2020 of the Social Welfare Act.
“Under Section 126 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, these Urgent Needs Payments are explicitly exempt from income tax.
“This was the case for 20 weeks until the PUP put on a statutory footing on August 5th.
“In the Finance Act, which passed in December, the government decided to change the law and have it apply back in time, so that the PUP would be subject to tax for those 20 weeks.
“This is despite the law at that time making it exempt from tax during that period.
“For many today, this will have made their tax bill as much as €1,400 higher than it would otherwise have been.
“That is regrettable and totally unnecessary, especially during such a difficult time.”
DESPERATE times need desperate measures’ and that was just the catalyst the Letterkenny Rotary Club needed for them to be inventive in order to raise money for charity during the past few months.
The Rotary Club are very grateful to all who contributed and supported the first ever Virtual Christmas Tree of Remembrance.
While this Christmas Tree of Remembrance was foremost a fund raiser in years gone by for the St Vincent de Paul Society primarily and other local charities as well, the Rotary Club realised that over the years it had turned into pretty much a community service – used by many of the same people annually by becoming part of their Christmas tradition, to call to the tree in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre and write their own personal messages remembering loved ones during the festive season.
Coronavirus put paid to that in 2020 and the Rotary Club tried to fill that void by setting up the first ever Virtual Christmas Tree of Remembrance with the financial assistance of Donegal Oil, Divers Hyundai Garage, Letterkenny Shopping Centre and Rotarians, which in turn enabled people from all over the world to submit dedications for their loved ones, both here in Co Donegal and abroad.
A magnificent net amount (less online transaction costs) of €2,250 has this week been presented to the St Vincent de Paul Society, again digitally due to current health guidelines and social distancing.
With the recent donation after the Winter Woolly Warmer virtual 5k, this brings a total contribution to the SVDP of €4000 which is very much appreciated by the group, especially as demands on their services over the Christmas season was at an all time high.
With so many demands on finances and all charities needing support, we are very grateful for the continued support.
Thank you to everybody at home and abroad who have participated in these two virtual events and enabled the Rotary Club support our local charities financially.
Who would have thought that under a year ago that we would be having our weekly Lunch Meetings virtually never mind hosting virtual fundraisers? ‘Desperate times need desperate measures’ as we all adapt to our new environment and ways of working.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is asking Leaving Cert students to ‘have a degree of patience’ as anxiety grows over this year’s exams.
The government is sticking to plans to hold the ”traditional” written Leaving Cert examinations.
The Taoiseach told Virgin Media News that every option will be considered when it comes to the exams, and asked students who are waiting on a decision to “hold their nerve”.
Mr Martin said there are huge complications around calculated grades and the key issue is class content.
He said: “I understand of course the anxiety and stress for Leaving Certificate students and their families but I think we have to make the right decision in terms of the medium term for them, knowing that there would be a far greater degree of vaccination out in the community by the time they’ll get to sit the Leaving Cert.”
He added that decisions on Junior Cert will be taken in a reasonable timeframe.
A LETTERKENNY man already serving a lengthy driving ban was found driving while more than three times over the legal limit.
Chris Kildea (65) of Thorndale, Letterkenny was before Letterkenny District Court on charges arising out of an incident on March 9, 2020.
Kildea was charged with two counts of dangerous driving, drink driving, driving with no insurance and driving with no licence.
Sergeant Gerard Dalton said that Gardaí received a report of a Peugeot 206 driving erratically towards Letterkenny on the dual carriageway.
Gardai met the car close to the Pole Star roundabout and observed it ‘weaving between lanes on the approach’.
The car failed to stop before continuing at speed on the wrong side of the road at Ballyraine, Sergant Dalton said.
At Ballyboe, the car turned right and took the wrong side on a traffic island, almost rear-ending another vehicle before turning right.
The car again drove at speed through the Thorndale estate before coming to a stop outside a house.
Kildea was apprehended by Gardaí and struggled upon arrest and was later
Kildea was found to have 158mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood
The court heard that Kildea – a separated 65-year-old with three grown-up children – had previously received hefty driving bans of 40, 30, 20 and four years for motoring offences since 2007. He had also been given four and five-month prison sentences.
Defence solicitor Mr Kieran Dillon said that the bans were all reduced to 20 years on appeal and the prison sentences were suspended.
“On the day in question, he made bad decisions and bad choices right throughout the day,” Mr Dillon.
“He had bought the car to do it up. A person couldn’t come to look at it so my client foolishly made an error in deciding to take the car to him. He then decided to take it back.
“He panicked and the decision not to immediately stop created other difficulties.”
Mr Dillon said that the death of his client’s brother had been a ‘trigger’. Kildea, he said, was receiving ‘various supports’ which were ‘important for the way forward’.
Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case to April 12 to allow for the preparation of a probation and community service report.
The Finn Valley Community Health Forum has issued a big thank you to every person and business who made a special community project a great success.
The Finn Valley Health & Wellbeing Event could not take place last year, but hundreds of people in the community still benefited from a different kind of outreach programme.
Volunteers rose above the challenges of lockdown to create and deliver 100 care packs to various members of the older community.
The first deliveries went out on 28th October – 50 care packs went to St Josephs in Stranorlar and 35 to Cloghan Day Centre, Glenfin.
These packs included: Twiddle mitts, tissues from Lidl, Lidl soap, facecloth, Lidl chocolate bars and sweets, colouring pictures, puzzle pages, Barry’s teabags, MPower & Gardai information leaflets, markers, MPower pens and letters from Finn Valley College Students.
Realising what this first set meant to the recipients, the team decided to put together another 50 care packages, to be delivered in time for Christmas. These were kindly distributed by Garda Brenda Healy and Monica Ramsey, MPower – both very active Community Health Forum Members.
These 2nd care packs contained: Mince pies from SuperValu, Barry’s Teabags, Lidl soap, Tissues from Lidl, Socks, Christmas Baubles, MPower pens, MPower & Garda information leaflets, Biscuits from Lidl, Bars from Lidl, Crackers, Christmas Cards, Sweets, pens and puzzle sheets from Mpower.
The team also delivered 130 Mask Extenders for the staff at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital.
“So, while we didn’t get to enjoy the Health And Wellbeing Event in 2020, this was a perfect way for us to still help out our community,” said a spokesperson.
“A heartfelt Thank You to everyone who contributed in any way. They have been a delight to work on.”
These were made possible by the contributions of the following – in alphabetical order, as each is as important as the other.
The spokesperson added: “We continue to meet remotely as a committee and hope we can still deliver to the community – whether it’s the Health and Wellbeing Event, or through other avenues.
“If you would like to find out more about the Forum, please feel free to email us at finnvalleyhealthforumoutlook.com or check us out on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram.
“Thank you again to all of the above, and a special Thank You to our dedicated committee members. Each member is active on the forum – while still being active in their “day jobs” – which has been even more challenging in these testing times. So we look forward to 2021, whatever it beholds.”
THE Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive (HSE) has said that Ireland’s hospital system has formally gone into ‘surge capacity’.
HSE figures show that there are now 1,850 patients in hospitals being treated for Covid-19. Of those, there are 96 at Letterkenny University Hospital.
“We have formally gone into surge capacity,” Paul Reid said.
“We are seeing families and young people being treated. This virus affects everybody.
“In terms of beds, we now have 313 available beds, up from 285 before surge capacity.
“We have now stood up our national critical care surge group.
“Individual hospitals are scaling up for surge capacity, where they cannot operate beyond that, we would mobilise ambulance transfer between hospitals, but that has not happened yet.”
ANOTHER 22 Covid-19 related deaths have been announced in Northern Ireland this afternoon.
The Department of Health have also reported 705 new cases, but say that number if slightly lower than expected due to a technical issue.
The death toll in the region is now 1,581 while there have been 94,539 cases – with 7,051 of those in the last seven days.
There are 840 patients with Covid-19 in Northern Ireland hospitals, which are now at 95 per cent occupancy. There are 62 Covid-19 patients in intensive care units across the North.
ANOTHER 83 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Donegal this evening.
There are 3,498 new cases nationally, and 60 more people have died with the virus.
The age range of those who passed is 65 to 100 years. Of these, 59 deaths occurred in January 2021. One death occurred in December 2020.
CMO Dr Tony Holohan has issued a stark warning about Covid-19 transmission in communities: “The improvement in cases is not happening fast enough. Too many people are still not complying as fully as we need with the advice. There are early indications that we may be levelling off in terms of improvement, but at far, far too high a level of infection. The UK variant is very likely making our challenge more difficult. Please follow the public health advice. The safest place at the moment is at home. Please stay at home.”
Dr Cillian De Gascun, Medical Virologist and Director of the National Virus Reference Laboratory, said: “Due to the nature of the mutation found in the UK variant of the virus, it is inevitable that it will become the dominant variant here in Ireland over time. The UK variant has adapted to us: simply put, it is better at moving from person to person when we come into contact.
“So what we must do is reduce its opportunities to spread by cutting out socialising. Stay home. Do not visit anyone else’s home. Do not attend illegal gatherings. Remember the simple and effective measures from springtime – wash your hands well and often, wear a mask, cough and sneeze into your elbow, keep 2 metres of space from others, and phone your GP at the very first sign of COVID-19 symptoms.”
As of 2pm today, 1,854 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised of which 191 are in ICU. There have been 119 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.
