Local election candidate Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig has called for the vacant Crolly factory premises to be handed over to the local community by Udaras na Gaeltachta.  

The building has been vacant since just before Christmas when former tenant Nuvotem Teo relocated to the Gweedore Business Park.

Speaking after he viewed the vacant premises earlier today, the Independent candidate said, “This is a building with a great deal of history, having been part of the local landscape for as long as anyone here can remember.

“It is a shame that it now lies unused as a consequence of changing economic circumstances and sadly will never again see use as a manufacturing facility.

“The stone building remains structurally sound and is definitely worth preserving.

“My fear is that in the present climate of austerity, there will be pressure on Udaras to sell this iconic property.

“I think that would be a huge mistake. This building would make a great location for a community-based facility which would become a focus for activities for the people of the area.

“I have had a number of discussions with Udaras about this building and have impressed on them that in considering its future they must take on board the needs of the local community.

“I believe that with some imagination and a relatively small investment, a vital and innovative community project could be realised which would enormously benefit to the people of this area.

DRAW WITH A DIFFERENCE

How would you like to be the proud owner of a “Pure Bred Charolais Heifer” worth €2000 or the cash equivalent, maybe even a “Pedigree Suffolk Ram Lamb” worth €1000 or again, the cash equivalent?

Perhaps you would fancy a weekend for 2 in Luton, with return flights, accommodation, breakfast and an evening meal?

How about €500 cash?

Or a weekend for 2 in the Ballyliffen Lodge?

Well you could be the lucky winner of any of these prizes, for as little as €10.

Malin GAA are running a Draw with a Difference in a bid to refurbish the new club gym.

Tickets cost just €10 or 3 for €20.

Draw will take place on Sunday May 4th 2014 in the GAA Centre.

For more information contact John on 086 2507380​

Businesses in Donegal will get the opportunity to perform a Business Health check and determine if their enterprise is fit for the future, at a fantastic event organised as part of this year’s Enterprising Donegal Business Week.

Andrew Curry

The Futures Company event will take place in An Grianan, Hotel, Burt on Thursday March 6th from 9am to 1pm and according to Andrew Curry who will deliver the programme, those who attend will learn how to re-focus on the needs of their customers.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are a large multi-national or a sole trader, your customer is the key to your survival, development and growth.

“Sometimes when you are consumed with everything that is involved in running a business you can lose sight of that. This event will help you re-focus on your customer and their needs,” Mr. Curry said.

He added that those who attend the event in Burt will get an opportunity to look at what the needs of their customer are, and to determine if there are things they could change to acquire more customers.

“As part of the morning event we will look at some of the consumer trends and how things are changing globally and those attending will get to ask questions and try to determine if they are really selling the right things to the right people.”

The Thursday event will, said Mr. Curry, be one of participation, with those in attendance very much taking part in the process, asking questions and interacting with the other businesses attending.

“At the end of the event, everyone will be able to take away worksheets of the morning’s learning and they will be able to bring that back to their business to look again at how they can make adjustments or improvements. They will be able to perform a business health check,” he added.

The Futures Company has glowing testimonials from huge companies like Coca-Cola, Kraft Foods, GlaxoSmithKline and Diageo to name but a few, but their Director Andrew Curry said the principles apply every bit as much to a small business – perhaps indeed, even more so – since the loss of even a few customers can often have a massive impact on a small business.

“The event will be a great way to re-focus on who your customer actually is and hopefully everyone will go away with one or two ideas on how to improve their business and build on their customer base for the future,” he said.

Of course the Futures Company event in An Grianan Hotel is just one of many lined up as part of the terrific line-up organised for the 10th annual Donegal Enterprise Week.

“This year’s programme once again has a terrific range of speakers, workshops and seminars all aimed at providing opportunities for learning and networking. The ultimate objective is to help established businesses and indeed new start-ups to grow and develop, which will assist the economy of our county,” Michael Tunney, CEO of DCEB said.

“The full line-up of events is available online and while all of the events are free, it is necessary to register and we’d urge people to visit donegalenterprise.ie to have a look at the week’s programme and to register as soon as possible,” Mr. Tunney added.

He concluded: “Having teamed up with Sendmode as a partner this year, people can also receive text information and reminders about Donegal Enterprise Week if they free text DEW to 50015.”

County & City Enterprise Boards are funded by the Irish Government and part-funded by the European Union under the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

The inaugural Shane Brolly Memorial hunt will become the perpetual Shane Brolly hunt judging by the success of last weekend’s event.

Over 60 horses ponies & riders with even more followers turned out to share a minutes silence called for by Shanes fellow huntsman and neighbour Simon Scott.

There was a fabulous days hunting through Shanes homeland with natural jump after jump snaking our way all the way to the Steeple and back and the man above kept the rain off for three unforgettable hours on horseback.

What a long way the hunt has come in a very short time . Week after week the building team has been inspired by ever increasing turnouts to deliver engaging courses at incredibly beautiful venues facilitated time and time again by landowners who have gone the extra mile to make us feel warmly welcomed everywhere we went not only letting us through good land in poor weather conditions but feeding the building team in their kitchens with lovely soup and fresh scones in the days leading up to hunt meets.

What has been superb has been the way the hunt has grown into such a warm cohesive social network where riders from 9 to 90 years with varying abilities from total beginners right through to Grand Prix riders have gelled to encourage tease cajole and “give leads” to get every rider a great day in the saddle and more importantly home safe.

The fuel for this hunt is the ever growing network of foot followers and photographers who turn out to support us and share & capture the “thrills n spills”.

With horses and ponies fed and stabled we made our way to the end of season “Hooley in Friels”. We said we would set Friels a rockin and we did!

With a turnout of 150 people Friels turned out a veritable feast of a buffet before a lively raffle was held with a great range of prizes which hunt Chairman Leslie Goudie had secured from a number of local businesses to each of whom the hunt is very grateful.

Huntsman Simon Scott stood forward and paid tribute to Shane in a heart rending address and invited Shanes parents Michael & Patricia forward to receive a portrait of Shane on horseback which the hunt had commissioned from local equestrian artist Marina Hamilton to a respectful standing ovation.

Men in Black fired up and Ronnie & Majella hit the floor and the younger riders jaws dropped and the Donegal & Tyrone Farmers hunts answer to Torville & Dean lit the fuse with a display of jiving that brought the crowd to the floor which never emptied til long after Men in Black followed by DJ John on the decks had finished their sets.

The hunt would like to thank Friels of Raphoe for the great hospitality on what was a night to remember. Working tirelessly in the background all season guiding us, motivating us, keeping us in line and above all keeping the finances of the hunt going on the correct trajectory has been our unsung hero hunt chairman Leslie Goudie.

Everyone would like to express our sincere thanks to Leslie who was man enough when the tide was at it lowest ebb to carefully pick & put a team together behind Simon and drive the Donegal & Tyrone Famers hunt forward from a difficult standing start to the vibrant dynamic friendly hunt it is today.

As we all return to our “normal lives” in the hunting “off season” we wish to thank every single person who has assisted us on our journey to date and we can absolutely promise you that we are already working hard planning to make the 2014/15 hunt season an even bigger success and will be announcing plans within the next 2 months in this regard.

Allianz Indoor Hurling & Camogie:

Regional competitions to be played week commencing 3rd March

County finals to be played week commencing 17th March  

(For further info contact Manus O’Donnell)

Allianz Indoor Football:

*Regional Competition Dates:

-South (John Bosco Centre on Wed. 26th Feb)

-Southwest (Ardara on Fri. 28th Feb)

-Northwest (Dunfanaghy on Fri. 28th Feb)

-Inishowen (to be confirmed)

-East (Game On, Letterkenny on Wed. 26th Feb)

County finals to be played week commencing 10th March

Allianz GAA Quiz:

The county quiz is on Thurs. 6th March in Mt Errigal @ 7pm

The Ulster quiz final is on Tues. 25th March in Mahon’s Hotel, Irvinestown, Fermanagh

Donegal Deputy Charlie McConalogue has raised concerns that the Government’s new compulsory health insurance plans will mean unmanageable bills for families across Co Donegal.  

Charlie McConalogue has said the Governments new plan to implement compulsory health insurance  will result in unmanageable costs for many Donegal families.

The Fianna Fáil Deputy has described as ‘alarming’ the recent revelations that the Health Minister James Reilly’s Universal Health Insurance plan could see people forced to pay €1,600 a year for compulsory health insurance.

“The Government has been incredibly misleading about the cost of its Universal Health Insurance plans.

“It now seems that individuals could be forced to pay basic health insurance bills of €1,600 a year, without any option to cut down on costs or opt out.

“For families, the cost will be multiples of that, said Deputy McConalogue.

“This is causing alarm among the thousands of people across Co Donegal who have been forced to drop their private health insurance over the past number of years because they simply cannot afford it.

“Under this proposal, they will be forced to pay for Universal Health Insurance.

“This was supposed to be at minimal cost, with the Health Minister James Reilly previously saying that ‘Nobody will pay more than they pay now’.

“It’s clear now that this simply wasn’t true.

“There is no doubt that the current model of health insurance is not working.

“But my concern is that half of the population does not currently have private health insurance due to costs.

“How will they be able to pay health insurance bills €1,600 per person every year under this new plan?

“Of those who do have private health insurance at the moment, many are paying well under that amount and are able to switch between providers to get the best deal.

“They will also be out of pocket as a result of Minister Reilly’s plans, said McConalogue.

“It’s an unfair burden on families who are already struggling with unmanageable household bills.

“These people already pay their taxes, their mortgages, property taxes, higher utility costs and will soon be paying water charges.

“They will struggle to pay exorbitant compulsory health insurance bills on top of everything else.

“The Government seriously needs to rethink this and examine the impact it will have on people who are already struggling to make ends meet.”

Adult training continues at the Industrial Estate, Gweedore on Wednesdays at 7pm. The long run group continues on a Sunday morning at 11am from the forestry entrance at the Blue Bridge at Gweedore Station. New members always welcome with great turnouts every week.

There will be a unique race on March 6th in Dungloe at the Rosses Community School where there is a one mile challenge organized. Registration is from 5:30pm to 6:15pm with race starting at 6:30pm. Students three euro and adults five euro.

A number of athletes will be running the Bundoran 10 mile this Saturday so good luck to them.

The club ran a quiz night last Thursday night in Caisleain Oir and a huge thanks to everybody who supported and it was great to see a good attendance. Thanks to Louise for organizing and Caisleain Oir.

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

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.

‘Come Dine With Me’ evening for your family and friends between now and St. Patricks day? Would you like to take part in a simple yet fun fundraiser for your club? If so, why not volunteer to host. Contact a committee member if interested – much appreciated.

FOLLOWING his clearance in London today, the judge in the John Downey case ruled that so-called ‘On The Runs’ had been given a guarantee by the British government that they would not face prosecution.

It was part of a deal between the British and Sinn Fein during the peace process.

Mr Justice Sweeney said: “When the defendant received his [2007 assurance] letter he was entitled to and did believe that it was the product of careful and competent further work, and that there had been a genuine and correct change of mind about him – particularly given that he was a supporter of the peace process.

“However, that assurance was wholly wrong… thus, as the prosecution conceded, the defendant was wholly misled.

“Clearly, and notwithstanding [the Good Friday Agreement], the public interest in ensuring that those who are accused of serious crime should be tried is a very strong one with the plight of the victims and their families firmly in mind.

“However, in the very particular circumstances of this case it seems to me that it is very significantly outweighed in the balancing exercise by the overlapping public interests in ensuring that executive misconduct does not undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system and bring it into disrepute, and the public interest in holding officials of the state to promises they have made in full understanding of what is involved in the bargain.

“Hence I have concluded that this is one of those rare cases in which, in the particular circumstances, it offends the court’s sense of justice and propriety to be asked to try the defendant.”

The Hyde Park attack is one of the most significant unsolved IRA bombings of The Troubles. One other person was convicted in relation to the deaths before being later cleared on appeal.

The bomb that Mr Downey was accused of planting was the first of two that day in London and he was allegedly linked to the attack by fingerprints found on a parking ticket bought for the car used to transport the bomb.

In the second explosion, less than two hours later, seven Royal Green Jackets bandsmen in a Regent’s Park bandstand were killed.

Mr Downey today

Commenting after a court decision ruling that the prosecution of John Downey was an abuse of process and should not continue, Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy said: “The arrest and charging by the British police of John Downey was a clear breach of commitments given by the British government at Weston Park and in subsequent negotiations.

“Following the Good Friday Agreement both the British and Irish governments accepted that the issue of those defined as OTRs was an anomaly and the two governments committed to resolve the issue.

“A process was put in place to deal with outstanding cases including that of John Downey. Sinn Féin made it clear from the outset that the decision to prosecute John Downey was the wrong one.

“This position has been vindicated by the decision of the judge ruling in John’s favour. John Downey should now be allowed to return home to his family immediately.

“Sinn Féin will continue to support John and his family until this happens.”

The party said that John Downey is a valued member of Sinn Féin and a long-time advocate of the Peace Process.

For over two decades John Downey has been to the fore in promoting the peace process. As a former republican prisoner he has been involved in Cultural Diversity programmes with former loyalist prisoners. And he participated in engagements at Corrymeela with former members of the RUC, Gárdai and Irish Army.

Cllr Murray rejected scheme – and council backed motion

Sinn Féin Social Protection Spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD has welcomed the unanimous passing by Donegal County Council of a Sinn Féin motion rejecting the Gateway Scheme.

Speaking this afternoon Deputy Ó Snodaigh said: “I very much welcome the decision of Donegal County Council today to unanimously pass a Sinn Féin motion rejecting the exploitative Gateway Scheme.

“Just last week I made a public call on local authorities to reject the scheme so I am happy that Donegal started what I hope will be a state-wide response to Labour Minister Joan Burton’s attempt to force unemployed people into 22 months of hard labour for a measly €20 top-up to their dole payment.

“Gateway will not enhance the employability of participants as there is no quality training involved and there is a recruitment embargo in place on local authorities.

“Gateway punishes people for being unemployed and copper-fastens the under-staffing of essential local services.

“This scheme is similar to JobBridge, another failed government initiative that exploits welfare recipients with little hope of gainful long-term employment or the enhancement of skill sets. It is more to do with massaging the unemployment figures than being a genuine back to work initiative.

“It is entirely unacceptable that the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton has not dedicated more resources towards the sustainable, mutually beneficial and long term employment of those who have found themselves unemployed since the collapse of the economy.

“More motions have been tabled by Sinn Féin Councillors for March’s city and county council meetings urging them to reject this scheme and I urge them all to follow’s Donegal’s lead on this issue.”

Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has welcomed a court ruling in London today which ruled that the prosecution of Sinn Féin member John Downey was an abuse of process and should not continue.

The ruling means the John Downey has now been set free to return home to his family. 

Deputy Doherty said: “I welcome today’s ruling. John Downey should never have been arrested. His family should not have been put through this ordeal for the past nine months.

“The arrest and detention of John was a clear breach of commitments given by the British Government at Weston Park and in subsequent agreements.

“I welcome his release and look forward to seeing him at home in Donegal in the near future.”

There was heartbreak for the LYIT Ladies soccer team this afternoon in Galway after they were defeated 3-0 by an excellent WIT (Waterford Institute of Technology) side in the WSCAI All-Ireland final.  

LYIT Ladies were defeated 3-0 today by Waterford IT in the WSCAI All-Ireland final.

The LYIT ladies have enjoyed a fantastic season but just fell short at the final hurdle against the stronger more experienced WIT outfit.

The game was played in blustery conditions in Drom, Salthill but it was the LYIT ladies who settled the better.

The industrious Denise Doherty threatened on two occasions and could have put LYIT ahead.

Playing with a very strong breeze to their advantage WIT grew into the match and took the lead just before the half-hour mark and then doubled their advantage before half-time.

LYIT again started the second half the brighter side but couldn’t force a breakthrough and were denied on several occasions.

The killer blow was struck midway through the second half when WIT were awarded a cheap penalty which sealed their victory.

LYIT Manager Niall McGonagle heaped praise on his team for their heroic run to the final this year.

McGonagle was understandably disappointed to lose the All-Ireland final but said the future is very bright for this particular group of players.

McGonagle told Donegal Daily, “We’re obviously very disappointed to lose as we belived as a group we could win it.

“In fairness to WIT they’re an excellent side and were very strong and just had that little more experience and nous than us.

“But we have to look at the bigger picture here and admit we’ve had an unbelievable season regardless of what happened today.

“I’m very proud of each and every one of them and the future is very bright for this side.

“Only one player is ineligible for next season so we’ll be pretty much as we are for next season and I’m confident we can build on the foundations made this season and take that All-Ireland crown back to Letterkenny next year.

Under the tutelage of McGonagle, LYIT Men’s soccer and Ladies teams have been in numerous All-Ireland finals against Colleges and Universities who have a much bigger pool of players to choose from.

However with McGonagle at the helm LYIT soccer teams looks set to continue to overachieve and compete with the best in the country.

Whatever McGonagle says to his players certainly works, or maybe it’s what Tommy Harkin has in his sponge that works.

Unlucky today LYIT Ladies you’ll be back next season even better than this year.

Pictured at the Irish Hotels Federation Conference in in the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim County Meath where the IHF Gathering Awards were presented on Tuesday were from left, Michael Vaughan, Outgoing President, IHF, Margaret Jackson and Paul McCormack from Emerald Isle Gathering, Donegal receiving the ‘Best Sports Gathering award from Michael Ring, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Jim Dollard, Executive Director, Electric Ireland.
Picture by Don MacMonagle

A former police chief from Ballybofey has hit the back of the net with his efforts for The Gathering.

Retired NYPD Deputy Inspector Paul McCormack received the prestigious Best Sports Gathering Award at Trim Castle in Meath from Minister for Sports, Deputy Michael Ring TD yesterday.

Mr McCormack was recognized for the extraordinary work he put in bringing the wonderful Gathering events he organized to Dublin and Donegal in 2013.

Proud Ballybofey man Paul with his award.

He brought the NYPD Gaelic Football Club to Croke Park for the first time, and arranged a special day in Croke Park for 44 local children from the Beann Eadair GAA club in Howth.

He also arranged a special gathering charity game in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey.

Jim McGuinness and the 2012 Donegal Allstars joined forces with the NYPD team in a match against an Irish Legends team.

Thousands of people turned out for a great game and a Donegal-New York night afterwards in Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey. All proceeds from the event went to support Letterkenny General Hospital.

Pictured at the Irish Hotels Federation Conference in in the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim County Meath where the IHF Gathering Awards were presented on Tuesday were from left, Michael Vaughan, Outgoing President, IHF, Margaret Jackson from Jacksons Hotel, Ballybofey, Retired Deputy Inspector Paul McCormack, NYPD & Donegal receiving the ‘Best Sports Gathering award from Michael Ring, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, and Jim Dollard, Executive Director, Electric Ireland.

St Eunan’s Club Notes: Congratulations to the U12 Hurlers who won the North West Indoor Hurling League (pictured).

Congratulations too to the Senior Ladies who won the Crossmaglen 7s Shield at the Armagh club at the weekend.

This Sunday, March 2nd we will host the Donegal v Monaghan NFL Div. 2 game in O’Donnell Park. Throw-in is at 2pm. Only those that have confirmed their names with Charlie McAteer will be allowed to steward at the match. All stewards need to be at the ground for 12:15pm sharp. Best of luck to Jim, his management team, Rory, Éamonn and all the players. Traffic restrictions will be in place. 

There is a new Child Protection Module taking place this Friday 28th of February in the Clubhouse and it is compulsory for anyone that is working with underage players if you haven’t done a child protection course within the last 3 years. Places are limited to 20, please contact Pauric Daly to confirm your attendance at: pbdaly@eircom.net.

Comhghairdeas le Andy McGranaghan who came through in the semi final of Scór Sinsir last Saturday in Cloich Cheann Fhaola with his recitation “The Four Farrelly’s”. Andy will represent the club this Friday 28th in the County final of Scór Sinsir. Go n-éirigh go geal leat Andy.

Tickets are now available for the Annual Presentation night in the Clubhouse on Friday, March 7th. Tickets are priced at €15 and can be purchased in the Clubhouse this Wednesday, March 26th at 7:30pm. Contact Elaina to get your ticket on 087-2901541.

We will be holding one further Membership Registration on Saturday, March 15th in the clubhouse. More details nearer the time.

The Minor Boys football Leagues get underway this Sunday. Both the Div. 1 team (Robert Emmett’s) and Div. 2 team (N. Colmcille) are away from home with both games likely to throw in at 11am, keep an eye on social media for confirmation.

Girls U14 Football training resumes this Thursday, Feb. 27th at 6:50pm in Game On. Cost is €3 per night. A pre-season challenge match has been arranged for this Sunday, March 2, against Steelstown. Time and venue TBC.

U12 & U14 Camogie is on in Game On on Wednesdays between 6pm and 7pm. New players welcome. Contact Joe Kealy for more details on 087-2446070.

Girls U16 Football training is on Wednesday’s in Game On between 6:50pm and 8pm. Cost is €3 per week.

There are details of the new Football rules on the club Facebook page and all managers and players are advised to make themselves familiar with them. They were also sent by club e-mail.

Crossmaglen 7s winners: The St Eunan’s Ladies

Crook: Francois

DESPITE all the warnings and the shameless antics of previous crooks, more Donegal investors have been swindled – in yet another pyramid scheme con.

They paid into a scheme run by a man in Co Leitrim which was nothing more than the same con run by French crook Francois de Dietrich.

The Frenchman conned millions out of Donegal investors from his office in Ballybofey by telling them he was buying bankrupt stock including planes!

Now a new crook has emerged in Leitrim who hooked in more Donegal investors attracted by the same false promises of high returns.

But the pyramid scheme is just a con trick – people going in at the start are paid their returns out of money coming in from later investors. It all eventually collapses as the crooks clear off with the bulk of the cash.

Officers from the National Fraud Bureau and Criminal Assets Bureau have seized €1M here – but that’s thought to be a fraction of the sums involved.

Police in Spain, Holland, Denmark and the UK are helping authorities here.

A Leitrim man was questioned and released pending further inquiries.

He was quizzed under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act During whilst a computer and paperwork were seized.

“Exactly how many people here were hooked into the scam may never be known,” said one source.

“There is extensive paperwork but it’s not certain that everyone is named. It just beggars belief that any investment can make returns of 2o%, 30% or 40%. It doesn’t happen in the real world.”

De Dietrich fled Ireland after being exposed by Donegal Daily as a shameless crook who stole €20M from people in the county.

He lives openly in France and has never been arrested, despite a warrant for his arrest issued in Belfast.

Declan Nee (Benny Southstreet), Chris Duddy (Nicely Nicely Johnson) and Kevin Shields (Rusty Charlie) pictured during rehearsals for the forthcoming production of Guys and Dolls in An Grianán Theatre.

 A feast of music, dancing and comedy is in store at An Grianán Theatre from March 4-8 when Letterkenny Musical Society follow up their recent sold-out hit performances of Annie, Oliver and Calamity Jane with a stunning production of the Broadway smash-hit Guys and Dolls.

Famed for their amazing shows, Letterkenny Musical Society (LMS) has again pulled out all the stops with this year’s much-loved classic and once more they have found fresh and exciting new talent to add to their experienced group of versatile performers.

Auditions for the various roles began back in September and since then, the entire cast has been working on the forthcoming production that’s certain to be another show stopping success.

Under the keen eye of Director Billy Patterson and Producer Noel O’Donnell, the energetic and talented bunch of singers and actors have put together a version of Guys and Dolls that you really do not want to miss.

Giles Murray (Nathan Detroit), Maria Rushe (Miss Adelaide), Julianna Ayton (Sarah Brown) and Mark Leonard (Sky Masterson) who play the lead roles in the forthcoming production of Guys and Dolls in An Grianán Theatre from March 4-8.

Fresh from an acclaimed performance as Wild Bill Hickock in Calamity Jane, Giles Murray superbly plays the role of Nathan Detroit who is desperately trying to find a venue to host an illegal crap game, while at the same time trying to avoid the long-arm of the law in the guise of Lieutenant Brannigan played by Donal Kavanagh.

Maria Rushe is delightful in the role of Nathan Detroit’s long-suffering girlfriend Miss Adelaide who is determined to see Detroit give up his gambling ways and finally commit to her by getting married.

But with high rollers in town, Detroit can’t resist the opportunity to make a fortune. With his sidekicks Benny Southstreet, played by Declan Nee, and Nicely-Nicely Johnson, played by Chris Duddy, they set in motion a plan to get the dough needed to arrange the game.

That plan involves making a bet with the highest-roller of them all, Sky Masterson, played splendidly by Mark Leonard who made his debut with LMS in Calamity Jane last year.

All he has to do is manage to convince straight-laced Salvation Army Mission leader, Sarah Brown, to come on a date with him and the ball is set in motion for fun, frivolity and of course love.

Julianna Ayton, who played Calamity Jane to rave reviews last year, excels once again as Sarah and she is supported superbly by a fantastic Salvation Army Mission crew including Emer McGeehin as Agatha and Joe Harley as Arvide Abernathy, who melts hearts with a beautiful love song.

Nicola McBride is excellent again as General Matilda B Cartwright, while Patrick Quinn as Harry the Horse, Kevin Shields as Rusty Charlie and Cathal Quinn as Big Jule are just a few of the crapshooters Nathan Detroit is hoping to snag into his illegal game.

As usual the LMS have built the foundations for this superb show on excellent music, with the astounding harmonies once again creatively sewn together by musical director Gerard Bradley.

Maria Rushe, meanwhile, not only plays a leading role, but is also responsible for the sensational vibrant dancing in her role as the show’s choreographer.

Add in a visually delightful opening scene, crap shooters, hotbox dancing girls, and an action-packed Cuban bar scene and there’s a sure-fire recipe for one astonishing show in An Grianán Theatre next week.

Of course early booking is advisable because the last three LMS productions sold out in a flash. Tickets for this must-see musical are available by contacting the box office at An Grianán 0035374 9120777 or online at angrianan.com

Giles Murray (Nathan Detroit) and Declan Nee (Benny Southstreet) pictured during rehearsals for the forthcoming production of Guys and Dolls in An Grianán Theatre.

Double Paralympic Gold Medalist Michael Mc Killop is inspiring students from a Letterkennny secondary school to success. 

Michael McKillop

The three time Paralympic Gold medallist and five time World Champion at 800m and 1,500m visited Errigal College as part of the Sky Sports Living for Sport programme.

Michael is one of a team of Sky Sports Athlete Mentors that visit schools across Britain and Ireland and use their life story to motivate and inspire young people, so they can boost confidence, change behaviours, increase attainment and improve life skills.

The Sky Sports Living for Sport programme is about improving young people’s life skills and inspiring young people to develop their leadership skills through participation and delivery of a sports project over a six week period.

The first and second year students were treated to an inspirational talk from Michael about his personal life and much celebrated sporting career.

The challenges and success stories Michael presented to the students and teachers was truly inspirational for such a young athlete who still has so much to achieve.

The hard work and dedication he and his Dad (who is his coach) has applied to his athletic career has been incredible. No barrier or impediment was going to halt this world class athlete in achieving his record breaking and medal winning success to date.

He is currently recovering from injury and hopes to be back in full training in the next few weeks.

Michael delivered a planning for success workshop, one of the six key to success skills to the students. The other five key skills will be covered in the next six weeks of the programme, covering mental toughness, hunger to achieve, people skills, sport and life knowledge and breaking barriers.

Michael will coach the Errigal College team over the next few weeks as they plan their project.

The Errigal College Sky Sports team will organise an event where all 1st and 2nd year students will participate. They will complete their Sky Sports Living for Sport project following a rigorous planning and training schedule on Wednesday April 9th.

A film crew and their team of volunteers will be traveling the length and breadth of this beautiful county of Donegal this weekend to help everyone to get ‘Happy.’

The aim of the group is to make a video based on the Pharrell Williams song Happy and will travel across the county getting Donegal’s happiest clips.

This song has taken the world by storm and happy people from all over the globe are filming their own versions, Galway, Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Paris, New York, London, Belfast, Poland, Sydney is only just a few of the locations who have done this & have uploaded their individual versions online.

This all started less than only 2 weeks ago when the lovely Denise Blake posted the Galway is Happy version on her facebook page.

A friend on Facebook Grace Ann McGarvey, Grace Ann Consultancy then saw it, liked it & for the craic nominated Shane Wallace, Wallace Media & Donegal TV to film it.

The response since the facebook was set up, has been unbelievable, it’s nearly as over whelming as an X-Factor audition. The amount of people telling us what they would like to do, which location they would like to turn up at has been unreal.

The video though is only 5 minutes long & not everyone who will be filmed will be featured on the video that’s the unfortunate part, but those that impress & showcase how Happy the people of Donegal are in their own style will get noticed.

Thanks to everyone for their support and the local tourism organisations & community groups who have volunteered, without all your help this would not be possible.

The locations that the film crew will be attending & times are below & it would be great if you would all visit the Facebook page where all updates will be posted.

Watch out for the convoy of Happy Cars, the camera crew, the team of volunteers, the photographers this Friday, Saturday & Sunday at the following locations.

Come on Join in the fun & let the world see just how “Happy” Donegal people are!!

The Facebook Link is

https://www.facebook.com/DonegalIsHappy

Friday 28th – Film Crew 1

10:00 Glencolmcille – car park

12:00 Sliabh League

2:00 Donegal Town – The Diamond

3:30 Ballyshannon – Abbey Centre

4:30 Bundoran – Beach carpark

Saturday March 1st

9:30 Fanad Lighthouse

11:00 Rathmullan – Flight of the Earls statue

12:00 Ramelton – Town hall

2:00 Letterkenny – An Grianan theatre & Regional Cultural Centre

3:00 Letterkenny – Market Sq

3:30 Letterkenny – Cathedral car park

4:15 Letterkenny – Town Park

4:30 Letterkenny – Hospital

Sunday March 2nd – Film Crew 1

10:00 Raphoe – Bealtaine Stone Circle

12:00 Burt – An Grianan fort

2:00 Inishowen – Five Fingers Strand Beach (Ballyliffin side)

3.00 Malin Head

Sunday 2nd – Film Crew 2

2:00 Dunlewey – Dunlewey Church

2:30 Mount Errigal – Errigal Hostel

4:00 Letterkenny Retail Park – Letterkenny

Mr Craig with the porpoise. Pic Trish Murphy

MARINE experts have arrived in Moville today in an attempt to save a baby porpoise washed ashore there yesterday.

The terrified mammal was found by local man Anthony Craig.

Local people spent yesterday trying to return the porpoise to Lough Foyle after it was washed up close to Mr Craig’s home at River Row.

This morning Mr Craig said it had turned up again.

“We put him into the Bredagh River because the water there is deeper and we thought that’s the best place at the minute,” he said.

“He is getting quite weak and needs to be back out in salt water.

“The Department for the Marine have sent someone this morning to help out and we are hoping to get him out into the deeper waters of Lough Foyle later.”

He said the whole of Moville was now hoping it can be returned safely to the waters.

“We would see a lot of porpoises here during the summer, dozens and dozens of them but not so many this time of the year,” he said.

“We hope he can survive.”

MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher has met with Siim Kallas, the EU Transport Commissioner and Vice President of the European Commission to discuss plans by the UK government to impose a tax on Irish hauliers transiting Northern Ireland.

Pat The Cope Gallagher MEP

The controversial HGV Road User Levy will be introduced from April 1st next.

Mr Gallagher also raised this important matter with the Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohue, T.D., yesterday during a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Mr Gallagher confirmed today ”I met with Commissioner Kallas and he has agreed to request his services to examine the situation and to establish whether the European Commission can intervene. I emphasised to the Commissioner the practical difficulties for Irish hauliers and in particular for Donegal hauliers due to their geographic location and for other hauliers based in the border counties.

“This is a penal and totally discriminatory tax on Irish vehicles. For example, hauliers travelling from Donegal to Dublin could cost as much as €30/40 per trip. The charge of €10 per crossing is based on a 24 hour rate commencing at midnight, therefore, the cost is double if a vehicle leaves Donegal on one evening and returns after midnight on the next day.”

“I also informed the Commissioner that I believe that the UK authorities must take into consideration the funding being provided by the Irish taxpayer for road developments in Northern Ireland, as part of the Good Friday Peace agreement.”

The Fianna Fail MEP recently attended a briefing session by Donegal hauliers and said he is extremely fearful that Donegal companies and other companies along the border may locate to Northern Ireland.

“I outlined to the Commissioner the serious implications for jobs in the border counties.”

“Last week, I contacted the Minister for Transport requesting that he urgently prevails upon the British Government to exempt Northern Ireland and to ensure this problem is resolved before the 1st of April.”