Finn Harps will complete their pre-season schedule when they travel to Oriel Park tomorrow night to face Stephen’s Kenny Dundalk side.  

Finn Harps will end their pre-season preparations when they face Dundalk tomorrow night at Oriel Park.

It will be the last opportunity for Harps manager Ollie Horgan to tamper with his side before the competitive action gets underway against Waterford United next week at Finn Park.

Horgan has yet to finalize his squad ahead of the new season as he has yet to make a decision on whether or not to sign David Shovlin and Graham Fisher.

Shovlin picked up a dead leg during the game with UCD after coming on as a second-half substitute and was forced to leave the game.

Fisher was also a second-half substitute against UCD and has trained collectively with the Harps squad this week.

Horgan will have towering centre-half Keith Cowan back at his disposal after he missed the game at UCD.

Josh Mailey who has been suffering from a calf injury and has missed the last three weeks of pre-season will miss the game on Friday night but it is hoped he may be able to resume training next week.

Kevin McHugh is also a doubt for the Dundalk encounter after picking up a slight hamstring strain against UCD.

Tommy Bonner who picked up an injury against Derry City is expected to resume training with the squad tonight.

Birdwatch Ireland has appealed to the public to make reportings of dead seabirds being washed up off Co Donegal.

Several seabird stranding events have occurred along the Atlantic coast of Europe over the past month.

Numbers of dead or dying seabirds found on beaches have been greatest in Brittany, Channel Islands & along the South West coast of Britain.

The situation in Ireland seems less severe so far but a number of dead seabirds have been reported from coastal areas in Counties Donegal, Galway, Cork & Wexford.

The prolonged period of bad weather experienced this winter is believed to be the main driving factor behind these stranding events.

A continuous run of strong low pressure systems has made feeding conditions at sea very difficult with some of the smaller species such as Guillemot, Razorbill & Puffin being hit hardest.

Lack of food & exhaustion leads to them washing up on our shores either dead or in a weakened condition, displaying signs of malnutrition. Other seabirds such as Gannet, Fulmar, Kittiwake, Shag & Great Northern Diver have also been reported among the list of casualties.

In order to ascertain the full scale of this event, BirdWatch Ireland are asking members of the public to report any dead or dying seabirds they have found washed up along the coast so far this winter and over the coming weeks.

As many of the following details as possible would be greatly appreciated:

(1) Date

(2) Location (with a Grid Reference if possible: www.gridreference.ie)

(3) Species involved

(4) Numbers involved

(5) Presence of any ringed birds (metal or coloured rings on the birds legs with details of codes if noted)

Please send details of any stranded seabirds you have encountered to the BirdWatch Ireland seabird team at seatrack@birdwatchireland.ie

If any live seabirds are found which may require rehabilitation then please consult the Irish Wildlife Matters website (www.irishwildlifematters.ie) for guidance and details of any listed vets or rehabilitators in your area which may be able to help.

Minister James Reilly officially opened the new Emergency Department and Medical Block on March 22 last year. He will be back a year later to do the same…

HEALTH Minister Dr James Reilly will officially re-open the Emergency Department of Letterkenny General Hospital next week – almost a year after he opened the facility.

The damaged part of the building – ravaged by a flood last summer – will be fully operational from March 12.

It’s the end of a long journey for hospital staff and management who have worked tirelessly to restore the Medical Block at the hospital to full capacity.

“It’s fantastic news,” said one senior member of staff today.

“We’re finally back to where we were before the flood.”

Temporary accommodation is now being slowly decommissioned.

The Emergency Department and Acute Medical Assessment Unit will both re-open next Wednesday week.

Work to fix and restore other parts of the hospital damaged in the flood continues.

PICTURE: With the kind permission of John Soffe (www.johnsoffe.com) Check his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/JohnSoffePhotography),

The Donegal Chamber Orchestra is seeking new members for 2014-15.

Auditions will take place on Saturday, 8th of March 2013 and are open to classical string players who are prepared to commit to the Donegal Chamber Orchestra’s rehearsal and concert schedule.

Auditions are open to the following positions:

5 Violins (Grade 5 RIAM or equivalent or above)

2 Violas (Grade 5 RIAM or equivalent or above)

Age limit Min. 13 years

Auditions will take place on Saturday, 8th of March 2014, 1:30pm at the Regional Cultural Centre, Port Road Letterkenny.

The Deadline for applications: Thursday, 6th of March 2014. by 12 noon. Candidates are advised of their audition time by phone or by email.

For further information / Audition Application Form please contact:

Donegal Music Education Partnership Regional Cultural Centre, Port Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal or Email: musiceducation@donegaletb.ie or Phone: 074 9176 293.

Or contact: Orsolya Szabó-Yélamo, Violin Resource Tutor, Donegal Music Education Partnership or Email: orsolyaszabo@donegaletb.ie or Tel: 086 8103 968

BREAKING NEWS: A FORMER Irish soldier from County Donegal is beginning a six-and-a-half year sentence behind bars today after being jailed for his role in a dissident terrorist murder plot against a PNSI trainee.

Ex-Irish soldier Gerard James McManus from Letterkenny and his pal Kevin Barry Nolan from Blacklion in Fermanagh originally denied various charges including the attempted murder of a student police officer, and possessing a gun with intent to endanger life in Garrison on November 21, 2009.

The pair later changed their pleas and pleaded guilty to having a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The two also admitted to possessing articles likely to be used in the preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. The court heard these related to a car, a balaclava, gloves, lighters and soap.

The charge of attempting to murder the PSNI officer will be left on the books.

McManus (28) from Fernhill and 35-year-old Nolan, of Main Street, Blacklion were detained during an undercover police operation at the time.

During a series of Magistrates’ Courts sittings, they heard that the two accused claimed they had no intention of shooting the trainee officer, only to scare him.

They were allegedly spotted in a Vauxhall Astra approaching the man’s home before police moved in.

McManus, wearing a balaclava allegedly went to the front door, while Nolan remained in the front passenger seat of the Astra, where he was later arrested, allegedly sitting on a magazine, loaded with 16 rounds for a Glock pistol.

McManus escaped, running down the side of the house and firing off a shot.

He was apprehended the following morning, in a garden shed. A mask and gloves were found in the shed, but no gun was ever recovered. During interview, both men maintained they had no intention of harming the student police officer.

In his interviews Nolan, whose alleged role was to give McManus directions, claimed that as far as he was concerned: “No harm was going to be caused,” and that firing the gun was to “put the frighteners on him.”

Today in Belfast Crown Court McManus was jailed for six and a half years, with a further six and a half years suspended on his release.

Nolan got six years, with a further six years also on license.

Voodoo have expressed their sincere thanks to all their loyal customers who came on Saturday night, the night exceeded all expectations.

Philip Ward manager of Voodoo told Donegal Daily, “We were delighted with the success of the night and everyone’s reaction to the new look club.

We would also like to apologise to those who couldn’t get in on the night. Due to demand doors had to close at 12.45am.”

Next Saturday night early arrival is advised to avoid disappointment.

Doors are open at 9.00pm and free into Vintage before 11.

Voodoo Venue is changing nightlife in the NorthWest one weekend at a time!

If you missed it Saturday here’s some pictures to keep you going until next weekend.

Joanne Irwin, a Killygordon based teacher employed with Donegal ETB is a candidate to become the next Vice-President of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI).

Joanne Irwin

Previously a Chairperson of the Co. Donegal Teachers’ Union of Ireland Branch (with almost 500 members), she has taken many successful cases for individual members.

Ms. Irwin is currently a member of TUI’s Executive Committee. She is Chairperson of the TUI’s Further Education Sub-Committee and a former Chairperson of TUI’s Post-Primary/Further Education Advisory Council. TUI has almost 15,000 members at second and third level in the Irish education sector. The Union is made up of 59 branches in 19 areas.

Ms. Irwin has taught in all TUI sectors including second and third level and in further and adult Education such as Youthreach, Back to Education Initiative (BTEI), VTOS and Community Education.

She has been nominated by 32 branches including the three Donegal Branches – Donegal Community and Comprehensive schools, Co. Donegal ETB Schools and Centres and at third-level, the Donegal Colleges Branch.

Commenting on her campaign, Ms. Irwin stated “It has been an enjoyable experience meeting TUI members all over the country. A huge concern among our second level members is the reform of the Junior Cycle. There seems to be a lack of information among members as to how the new Junior Cycle Student Award will work in practical terms. There has been no meaningful engagement or consultation with teachers by the Department or the Minister.

“The unilateral decision by the Minister for Education and Skills to abolish state certification for the Junior Cert, in my opinion, has the potential to further divide an unequal education system and urgently needs to be challenged. Having worked in a DEIS school, I am very well aware of the challenges teachers face on a daily basis. Schools trying to compete with neighbouring more affluent schools will be further divided, both in the educational system and by extension in society in general”.

TUI will ballot members shortly for industrial action in relation to the Junior Cert Reform. The decision to ballot members was arrived at in order to ensure that teachers’ concerns are addressed and that standards, fairness and quality are safeguarded. The industrial action may include non-cooperation with the Junior Cycle Framework activities.

One issue of major concern in the third level sector is the proposed restructuring of Higher Education. This proposal involves the creation of the Connacht Ulster Alliance, which envisions a number of Institutes of Technology coming together.

Ms. Irwin states “TUI has a number of concerns relating to the consultation process adopted. It is very important, in my opinion, and bearing in mind the impact of such a decision, that we get it right”.

Balloting for the Vice-President of TUI is currently taking place with a closing date of Thursday 13 March.

Further information on Joanne and her Vice Presidential campaign can be found on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TUIVicePresidentElection.

Stranorlar Sinn Fein has selected Convoy man Liam Doherty (35) as their second Candidate for the upcoming Local Elections.

The selection convention took place this evening in Ballybofey, Doherty was selected uncontested by his Sinn Fein Colleagues.

The event was chaired by former Councillor, Cora Harvey and the convention was addressed by Pearse Doherty TD.

Speaking at the Convention Mr Doherty a native of Convoy said: “I am delighted to have been selected by my party colleagues to contest the local elections for Sinn Fein and hopefully will be the Party’s representative for the people of the Stranorlar Electoral Area on Donegal County Council come May 23rd along with Cllr Gary Doherty.

“I have been overwhelmed by the endorsement I have received from my party colleagues and from people on the ground when I decided I would let my name go forward for convention.

“Having been a member of Sinn Fein for the past 15 years, I have been on the ground and worked hard, – I think I have shown that I am up for the challenge and not afraid to roll up my sleeves. The time has now come for me to step forward.

“I have been a strong community and political activist over the past 15 years, I know the issues on the ground, I have seen firsthand the poverty and desperation of people around me in my own community, I see the unfinished estates and the plight the people have to endure, I have travelled on sub standard roads and have sat in cold council houses – were the local council cannot afford to put in back boilers or change the windows, I have seen the pollution of our rivers and poor water quality, I have said goodbye to friends at the airport, I have watch hardworking men being forced to sign on the dole, see elderly people afraid in their homes and I see our Health system dwindle before our eyes.

“I can’t personally fix all of this, but I understand, and I know Sinn Fein cares and I know Sinn Fein have solutions and I want to help Sinn Fein to implement these solutions. As Booby Sands once said no part is too small to play. This is my part now and if elected on May 23rd I can guarantee that I will do the best I can, representing the people will be my number 1 priority and will build Sinn Fein along the way.

“I am looking forward to the election we have 6 seats to fill in Stranorlar and I am confident that we – Sinn Fein will be on 2 of those seats

“I believe this is our time, our Dail representatives are the best in the Country and we need to be the best in the County. The people deserve better, the people deserve Sinn Fein”.

Deputy Pearse Doherty addressing the convention acknowledged the hard work that Liam had done for the party and for his own community over the years and thanked him for taking up the election challenge.

Deputy Doherty said: “I have known Liam for a long time and know his work ethic and his dedication, he is a true republican and rooted in his community. Liam is a true gentleman and the people of the Stranorlar area are very fortunate to have the calibre of Liam willing to represent them, one thing is for sure, whatever needs to be done Liam will do it, I have every faith in him and wish him the best of luck.

Deputy Doherty concluded: “Sinn Fein have never been stronger in this area, the people will now have 2 Sinn Fein Councillors post May 23rd, this will be historic and this is achievable and together we can make this happen. The people need Sinn Fein and we need them so let’s put our shoulder to the wheel and get the people a solid Doherty voice in the Finn Valley.”

Justin MacLochlainn from Buncrana with his Family

THEY’RE back – and look how awesome they are!

The Northern Lights have turned the skies over Inishowen bringing a beautiful mixture of colours.

And even more exciting is that the pictures have gone global thanks to a retweet from Irish comic Dara O Briain.

The view from Mamore gap overlooking Dunaff and Tullagh.

Dara has more than 1.6 million followers on Twitter so needless to say the pictures have taken on a life of their own!

Photographers Gerard O’Kane and Justin MacLochlainn took the incredible pictures and sent them to Donegal Daily tonight.

The pair run Donegal Photographic Tours….would have been magic to have been on tour with them this evening.

Gerard tells us the pictures were taken just a short time ago around 7.30pm and that the lights are still dancing above the skies over the Inishowen Peninsula.

Caitlin Mc Eleney-O’Kane, age ten from Derry out with dad Gerard O’Kane to view the Northern Lights tonight.

Crana College, Buncrana, Co Donegal have six fantastic entries through to the Regional Final of Junk Kouture on Friday 7th March in the Millennium Forum and would very much appreciate your support. Please vote for your favourites, all six if you want as it’s one vote per outfit every 24 hours until midnight on Friday 28th February.

Donegal animal charity Animals In Need looked after a staggering 600 animals last year.

But looking after such a large amount of pets doesn’t come cheap.

And so the group will be hosting a Fundraising Variety Show this Friday 28th February at The St John Bosco Centre in Donegal Town from 8pm.

Acts performing at this all singing, all dancing, musical extravanganza will include The Big Jigs, The Donegal Tenors, Tirconnel Youth Choir, Shane Gallagher and Kimberly Harris (winners of Opportunity Knocks), the young Byrne Brothers, Barnie and Agnes, McNeelin’s Irish School of Dancing, Ardahy Pipe Band and Siobhan McGroarty so please come along and enjoy a night of top class entertainment provided by the cream of our local talent.

Every cent raised will go towards the goal of purchasing a desperately needed van for transporting the rescued animals.

Last year Animals In Need rescued over 600 animals, including 409 dogs, most of who were saved from death row at the Pound, so please come along and support this worthy cause.

Tickets are only €10 and are available from outlets around town including Conway’s Newsagent, The Olde Village Tearoom in Mounthcharles or from AIN’s helpline on 087 1356188.

Deputy Joe McHugh

DONEGAL TD Joe McHugh, has said that the State needs to focus on identifying and exploiting job creation and investment opportunities in rural Ireland.

Deputy McHugh was speaking following the launch by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, of the third annual Action Plan for Jobs.

“We are all aware of the challenges facing rural areas in Ireland in attracting investment and jobs, both from foreign companies but also from within Irish companies,” Deputy McHugh said.

“I have been working very closely with my Fine Gael colleagues in Cabinet to address the challenge of attracting jobs and investment into rural areas.

“I spoke to Minister Bruton last night on the development of investment and industry in rural areas. I highlighted to him the challenges that we face in creating the appropriate environment in order to attract investment from overseas companies, but also about the importance of using the existing structures and locations in the regions to increase jobs and local growth.

“In reply to a Parliamentary Question I submitted to the Minister last month, 618 additional jobs have been created in IDA client companies in my own county of Donegal since 2011.

“Minister Bruton has outlined that IDA Ireland has confirmed that in order to boost regional development and win new business, they have proposed to build new facilities in Letterkenny, Waterford, and Athlone. These locations have been chosen on the basis of projected opportunities, for which IDA Ireland are competing at present. I welcome the fact that starting and developing agri-fod and marine SMEs is one of the priorities of APJ 2014.

“I have invited Minister Bruton to Donegal to review these facilities and structures, as well as existing businesses and to help highlight and identify the opportunities that are already in place to encourage growth in both jobs and industry in rural areas.

“I want to acknowledge the positive work both Minister Bruton and the IDA are doing to promote Ireland as a positive place for business and I welcome the ongoing support from both in confronting the challenges facing rural areas around Ireland.”

Is this Donegal’s unluckiest worker?

Seamus O’Donnell leaving court after receiving €20,000 in damages.

Engineer Seamus O’Donnell has had eight accidents throughout his life leaving him with a catalogue of injuries.

The 28 year old appeared in court after crashing into a truck during yet another accident.

He also crashed a quad, tripped, fell through a skylight, suffered a broken jaw on two occasions at work and was involved in three other crashes.

Mr O’Donnell of Drumoghill, Manorcunningham appeared before Letterkenny Circuit Civil Court in a personal injury claim against Liberty Insurance.

Despite all his previous accidents, the court heard that Mr O’Donnell has never taken a claim before the courts previously.

The court heard he was driving his brother’s Honda Civic at Brockagh, St Johnston, at 8pm on February 17, 2008.

He alleged that a Scania lorry being driven by David Nesbitt, from Ardagh, Lifford, reversed from a side road in front of him and a crash took place.

The 28 year old was rushed to Letterkenny hospital to be treated for leg and rib injuries.

He continued to suffer pains as a result of the various accidents, he told the court

He previously played a lot of football but cannot now run as a result of the latest smash.

A record of all of the victim’s previous accidents were contained in a file brought to court.

They included:

• He suffers a chest injury aged just 6 after he fell through a skylight in 1991

• In 2005 he suffers a broken jaw at work

• He suffers broken ribs in a car crash in February 2006

• He suffers another broken jaw in another work accident in September 2007

• The suffers leg and other injuries in a car crash in 2008 (current case)

• Soft tissue injuries when a car drove into him in Co Donegal in 2009

• Further minor injuries when he tripped and fell in Letterkenny in June 2011

• A broken bone in his chest when a Quad he was driving overturned on top of him in May 2012.

After reviewing the case Judge Mary Faherty said the lorry driver had been fully responsible for the 2008 crash.

However she said it was “extremely difficult” to decide to what extent other injuries suffered Mr O’Donnell in other injuries had contributed to his current ill-health.

But she said she believed compensation of €20,000 was appropriate and also awarded medical and legal costs in the case.

Mario Rosenstock, Rebecca Sheri dan age 3, Aengus Mac Grianna and Michael Darragh Mccauley get tucked in

Mario Rosenstock, Aengus Mac Grianna and Michael Darragh Macauley donned their aprons to brush up on their baking skills ahead of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland’s annual fundraiser in Donegal ‘Bake for Brain Injury’ which takes place from 10th-16th March.

The trio are calling on local people to host a Bake Break at home, in their workplace or in their school during Brain Awareness Week to help raise funds for ABI Ireland’s Residential and Community Neuro-Rehabilitation services in Donegal.

ABI Ireland provides community-based neuro-rehabilitation services and advocates for the 13,000 people who acquire a brain injury every year in Ireland.

“A brain injury can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere,” said Barbara O’Connell, CEO of ABI Ireland.

“Whether you fall victim to an unprovoked assault or road traffic accident, suffer a blow to the head on the football pitch, or simply trip in your high heels on a night out, a brain injury is devastating and life-changing.

“We provide a personalised neuro-rehabilitation service to help those who acquire a brain injury regain their independence and live full lives in the community. Demand for services is constantly on the rise so hosting a ‘Bake Break’ with your friends or colleagues will help us make a big difference to the lives of those affected and their families,” she said.

Men are three times more likely to acquire a brain injury, with young men between the ages of 18 and 35 most at risk.

Footballer of the Year and ABI Ireland ambassador Michael Darragh Macauley said: “I’ve been supporting ABI Ireland for a number of years now because I’ve seen the good work they do and the difference their services have made, especially to young men my own age.

“The reality that it could happen to any of us really hit home with me and I believe the rehabilitation ABI Ireland provides should be available to anyone who may need it. We can make sure this service continues to deliver by getting involved and raising much-needed funds during Bake for Brain Injury.”

Register to host a Bake Break at www.bakeforbraininjury.ie or call 01 280 4164. All organisers will be entered into a draw to win a Ballymaloe Cookery Experience for two. Donations to Acquired Brain Injury Ireland can be made online. Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #BakeBreak.

MORE About Acquired Brain Injury Ireland

Established in 2000, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland provides community based neuro-rehabilitation services to those who have acquired a brain injury. The organisation helps rebuild lives that have been shattered by the trauma of brain injury, through placing a critical emphasis on client-centeredness, quality, effectiveness and value for money. Rehabilitation and clinical support are key aspects to the service.

Approximately 13,000 people suffer from a head injury in Ireland each year and face a dramatically altered life thereafter. People with acquired brain injury (ABI) progress at different rates, and may need to access services at different points in time as their needs change. Within each stage of rehabilitation a range of different service providers is involved, which must be coordinated. Once back in the community the emphasis is on more extended activities of daily living, integration, and return to work or education. Interventions focus on enhanced participation, improved quality of life, psychological adjustment and carer stress. Acquired Brain Injury Ireland is filling a vital service gap, in collaboration with statutory bodies.

Killybegs girl Rion Breslin is pictured being presented with a Gaisce Gold Award by President Michael D. Higgins for her outstanding community work and significant personal achievements at a special awards ceremony in Dublin Castle.

54 Gaisce Gold Awards were presented to young people who excelled and achieved their goals. DIT student Rion Breslin was among those presented with a Gaisce Gold Medal.

Currently studying Business & Management in DIT Aungier Street, Rion’s Gaisce Gold medal journey is as follows:

For her Community Involvement, Rion volunteered with St Catherine’s Accordion Band. Having been a member of the marching band for 11 years, in addition to playing the glockenspiel and the accordion, Rion’s job was to help out with both marching and music classes. The marching band has travelled to parades in Dublin, Dallas, Seattle and the Rose of Tralee, and Rion helped organise the band’s trip to London for the 2012 St Patrick’s Day Parade. From a very young age, Rion has had a passion for dancing, and so for her Personal Skill, she decided to set a goal of learning three new types of dance: Zumba, Jive and Pole, all of which were taught in her local town. Rion also wanted to maintain her fitness level so she felt that this was the perfect opportunity to complete all aims. She also set up her own dance school, ‘Spotlight’, catering for children under 12, which she ran successfully for three years. For her Physical Recreation, Rion decided to choose walking – an “ excellent way of clearing your mind and maintaining fitness”. The local marching band in Rion’s town started a walking group where each member donates to a selected charity at each walk . One St Stephen’s Day, the group walked and raised over €600 for the Irish Cancer Society. As part of her Adventure Journey, Rion embarked on a 7- day hike of El Camino de Santiago in Spain and covered roughly 20 km to 24 km per day. She found the lack of access to the internet and phones “refreshing”, and says she’ll never forget the sense of achievement when she finally arrived in Santiago. Finally, to complete her Gold Gaisce journey, Rion travelled with four others to the mountains of Talamarang, Nepal for the Residential part of the challenge. Rion volunteered in an orphanage called Little Angels Child Home for five nights, where she stayed in a mud shack, built by the people of Talamarang. Rion, along with a group of other volunteers, helped to prepare meals, plant crops, weed gardens, wash clothes and feed goats, and helped the children with their homework. Rion hopes to return to Nepal in the future and visit the Little Angels Home again.

Superb!

Would you trust these three well-knwon local chefs with a frying pan next Tuesday?

A unique event delightfully entitled Shrove Tuesday Shenanigans is to take place in Letterkenny in aid of St Vincent de Paul.

There will be stacks of fun in store at the event which takes place on Tuesday next, March 4th 6.30pm at the Letterkenny Community Centre

Pancake Relay Race, Pancake Marquee, Pancake Toss Competition and Pancake Art Competition will be part of the pancake fun!

The compere for the day will be Fat Chef Slim Martin Anderson.

The wacky Pancake Relay Race will see teams of four adults take to the track dressed in aprons and headscarves armed with a frying pan and pancake- a test of multi-tasking running and tossing the pancakes at points en route. Who needs wellies on Shrove Tuesday?

The Pancake Toss competition will see pancakes tossed through the air and a flipping great prize from Restaurant Sage in store for the winner.

The Pancake Marquee will have you spoiled with the finest local restaurants cooking up and dishing out egg-ceedingly special pancakes cooked on-site.

This event is kindly sponsored by – Restaurant Sage and a host of other local businesses.

To take part in our Pancake Art Competition simply get creative with your pancakes at home and upload your pictures to www.facebook.com/eventbop

The lucky winner will be announced on the evening.

Sign up for our Pancake Relay Race by logging on to www.facebook.com/eventbop and download the entry form. Sponsorship cards can be collected from St Vincent de Paul charity shop on Lower Main St, Letterkenny.

More chances to win great prizes sponsored by local restaurants and businesses on the evening.

Don’t be a lemon! Catch this unique, fun event! All proceeds go to St Vincent de Paul.

Enda Craig

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners may take Donegal County Council to the European courts over the organisation’s refusal to implement European laws to a beach and bathing area in Inishowen.

Mr Craig has written to the council insisting that the council is legally-bound to designate a bathing area at Carnagarve – between Greencastle and Moville.

“In view of the recent coming into law of EC bathing water directive 2006/7/EC, we respectfully request that our traditional bathing area be designated as required for protection under the provisions of this directive,” Mr Craig told the council in a letter released last night.

“In support of our application, we declare that this bathing area, located along the shoreline of Lough Foyle between the towns of Moville and Greencastle, has been in use from time immemorial by both local people and visitors. The beach is located at the end of a Council maintained access road, Lafferty’s Lane, which leads from the main Moville Greencastle road. We attach herewith, photographs taken in recent years clearly illustrating the popularity of this bathing area with both bathers and other water sports enthusiasts. They also show the picnic area and lifebelt provided by the Donegal County Council as amenities for beach users.

“Our hope eventually is to attain Blue Flag status for the beach and its contiguous neighbours as amenities are provided in the short term. This protective designation will significantly boost efforts to improve other tourist amenities in the area as well.”

The Campaign for a Clean Estuary group has opposed plans for a sewage disposal plant at the site.

The council said in a letter back to Mr Craig in January 2013 however the body doesn’t have the money to do it!

Here’s what they said a year ago:

Excitement is building for the Donegal Person of the Year Gala Ball that will take place tomorrow night, Saturday 1st March at the Regency Hotel, Dublin.

This year’s popular winner Liam Ó Cuinneagáin will be inaugurated on the night. There has been huge interest from the locality of Glencolmcille & surrounding areas of southwest Donegal and also from many past students situated all over the worLd who previously attended Oideas Gael.

Liam has been a true champion of the Irish language throughout his career. Liam spent over twenty years as a primary teacher and school principal in Dublin and has taught Gaeilge to both adults and children.

An ever-increasing interest in Ireland’s culture, particularly in North America and in Europe, has made Gleann Cholm Cille, Southwest Donegal, the holiday destination of choice for adult Irish language learners and cultural holiday enthusiasts.

This year alone the courses offered will attract people from over 30 different countries with participants from several different nationalities attending each week.

Liam said “that students and adult participants come from all over the world including San Francisco, LA, Moscow and all the major US Universities including New York University, Harvard College and University of Notre Dame, Indiana. Our teachers go to those places to teach weekends and weeklong courses. We are teaching a course, at present, in the University of Vienna”.

Oideas Gael caters for adults of all ages, beginners and more advanced Irish speakers and all nationalities. The holiday courses focus on spoken Irish for adults and incorporate a structured approach to teaching, presented in a stimulating but relaxed environment, with the result that participants make progress way beyond their expectations.

One past student (Audrey Nickel) even quoted how her dream vacation changed from two weeks at Club Med to two weeks at Oideas Gael after she spent some time there during the summer of 2008!

Not only has Liam focused on the Irish language in his local community but he has promoted culture, tourism and local traditions.

Oideas Gael offers a variety of activities over the summer including Hill-walking (including a hike on Sliabh a’Liag), Archaeology, Marine Painting, Landscape & Environment, Digital photography, Tapestry weaving, Harp, Flute and Bodhrán. Indeed, these activities are held in such high regard that in the National Geographic Top 10 Historic Sites in Ireland and Northern Ireland, they quote, “The best way to learn about the 5,000 years of history here is to attend the weeklong archaeology school offered in August by Oideas Gael and led by eminent archaeologist Michael Herity”.

According to Liam Ó Cuinneagáin, the cosmopolitan mix in the ‘The Glen’ this year will be given a boost due to Tourism Ireland’s promotion of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’. The Glen will continue to live up to its image as the lively centre of cultural activity that it has become over the years, with the best of traditional music, craic and hospitality.

Liam is considered by many people as a modern Fr. McDyer through his work in promoting the Irish language, culture and bringing employment to his beautiful but isolated area of Gleann Cholmcille. It is now time for the people of Donegal and afar to honour Liam for all his relentless work over the years. Liam Ó Cuinneagáin will be inaugurated as The Donegal Person of the Year 2013 at the Annual Gala Ball on Saturday 1st March in the Regency Hotel, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. This promises to be a very special night with tickets selling fast for this special event! Order your tickets now so you don’t miss out! Tickets are limited so please contact Public Relations Officer at 087 2439317 to reserve your tickets.

Geraldine’s stunning picture of the Northern Lights over Gartan Lake near Churchill last night.

We are almost used to the stunning Northern Lights appearing over Donegal a this stage.

But up until now the stunning dancing light display has mostly been seen across the Inishowen Peninsula.

But this stunning shot taken by well-known local photographer Geraldine Diver proves that they are spreading!

Geraldine captured the lights last night over Gartan Lake near Churchill.

The Glenswilly woman said she was left breathless after capturing the lights for the first time.

And what a stunning first shot.

The Ulster Bank Arthurs Cup final between PCC Falcarragh and St. Mark’s Warrenpoint has been provisionally fixed for Healy park next Wednesday. 

PCC will play their Ulster Final against St.Mark’s(Warenpoint) at Healy Park, Tyrone.

Weather permitting the game will take place next Wednesday at Healy Park, Tyrone but may be subject to a change in venue if the inclement weather persists.

PCC defeated St.Patricks & St.Brigid’s college Claudy in an absolute thriller at Celtic Park, Derry.

Michael Langan was in sensational form in their last outing and contributed a personal tally of 1-8 in the semi-final victory.

PCC will hope they can repeat the form they’ve consistently shown all throughout the competition and bring an Ulster title back to Falcarragh.