Convoy GAA Notes

Bingo continues in Hall at 8.30 on Tuesday.  

Lotto result Counties drawn DL CN CE TE, 5 people drawn with 2 matches, James Callan Ruskey, Patsy Gallagher Convoy, Eileen McElhinney Stranorlar, Carmel Gibson Castlefinn, Rosaleen Houston Convoy, next week’s jackpot €2700.

LGFA LEVEL ONE coaching dates coming up DAY ONE 8th March- DAY 2. 26th April. Course time 10-am to 4pm.

Venus; St’Eunans Clubhouse. FUNdamental coaching course coming up on the 29th March. Also LGFA fundmentals course 29th March Contact Conor Mc Dermott 0863215198 ASAP

Underage training from 6-7 on Fri weather permitting please keep a check on St Mary’s Facebook page for updates.

Bring €2 and Drink Can all parents please ensure that their child keeps on the Footpath and that they are collected from the Playing Field after each session.

Any child that has nor registered yet please ask Coach for forms thanks U14 boys Gaelic training Thursday at 7.30pm.

Please bring €10 for registration if u have not registered yet.

U 16 + u 14 girls training starting this Monday 3RD March 6.15 – 7.30

Bring €2 gum-shield and own water.

New players are welcome so girls bring a friend or two.

A great fun way to keep fit , make new friends.

Minors beaten away to Glenfin.

Ladies check page for training details.

MEMBERSHIP is now Due and a Registration evening will take place on Fri 7th March from 7-8pm at the Clubhouse for adults and any underage and senior players who have yet to reg.

All Membership must be in by March 17th.

Adults €30 Over 12 €10 Under 12 €5

Killybegs GAA Notes

The U14 Boys team are at home on Sunday to St Nauls at 11.30am.

The Minor team are at home to Na Rossa/Dungloe at 1.00pm on Sunday.

Killybegs Senior team are continuing their preparations for the new season which gets underway later this month.

There is Registration and Membership evening on Wednesday the 5th of March in the Fintra Clubrooms from 7pm to 8pm.

Mouthguards are mandatory for players in all age grades, in all Gaelic football practice sessions and games.

This rule has been mandatory for players in grades up to Minor since 2013 and applies to all age grades since January 1st 2014.

Is your child interested in selling Killotto in their locality and earning some extra pocket money?

Parents please contact Sarah Tully, Carmel Gamble or any member of the executive committee for more info.

Any businesses interested in advertising at the Eamon Byrne Memorial Park for 2014 please contact Sarah Tully on 0863311733.

Closing date for membership is approaching! 2014 Membership Rates are E40 for adult/players, E70 for family membership (2 adults and children under 16), E15 for U16 and E20 Student (17-21).

Membership is available online at www.locallotto.ie

Club Donegal is now available. Contact Sarah Tully for more information.

Kilotto numbers this week were 1, 15, 16, 28. There was no jackpot winner. Match 3 prize of E120 was shared between Kelsey Mulligan, Sally Mc Hugh and Arlene Rawdon.

This weeks kilotto sellers are Christopher Murrin, Michael Mullin, Dan O Donnell and Bryan Mc Cabe

There was no Bingo jackpot winners this week.

Next Weeks Jackpot will be E1350 on 45 numbers.

Would like to congratulate Niall Erskine who was elected to Coiste Bainistiocha recently.

Letterkenny Golf Club

Letterkenny Ladies Club notes

The Captains’ Drive-In has been rescheduled to take place this Sunday March 9th. Tea/coffee and registration will take place from 10.30am so come along and join the Club Captains and Mr President launch the 2014 season of Golf. Good wishes are extended to Lady Captain Catherine, Mr Captain Tom and Mr President Barry for the year ahead.

There is no opportunity for members to hibernate this winter with the variety of competitions currently on-offer. The first winner in the 9 hole Spring Surprise competition (Back 9) was none other than Marian O’Sullivan who has maintained her good form of play throughout the winter months. The Runner up was Lady Captain Catherine with 14pts B.O.T. The front 9 Spring Surprise, 36 handicap competition, 13 hole re-entry Easter hamper continue and the new 18 hole March re-entry has started.

The 2014 fixtures list is currently being finalised and will be available within the next week or so. If members would like to receive the fixture list in electronic format then please contact competitions secretary Karen with your email address.

A very enjoyable family afternoon was hosted by the Ladies committee in the clubhouse on Sunday past with the annual Bingo. This fundraiser was very well supported and the variety and number of prizes that were given away added to the fun of it all.

Best wishes to Tracy Spence and Cynthia Fuery when they play Cruit Island Golf Club in the 1st round of the Irish Mail foursomes- the date and time of this match is still unconfirmed but must be played before March 18th. Both ladies have a great record in this competition and we hope to be sharing the excitement of the 2011 season with them again.

It was a smash hit on Broadway, it was a smash hit on the West End.

And now Guys and Dolls is set to be a smash hit in Letterkenny as Letterkenny Musical Society bring the fantastic musical to life this week on the stage in An Grianán Theatre.

The show opens tonight but Donegal Daily has gained access to pictures from the show as the cast gave it one last run through during last night’s dress rehearsal.

Amazing costumes and set combined with a hugely talented cast mean that this show is sure to follow hot on the heels of the last three LMS shows – Annie, Oliver and Calamity Jane – all of which sold out in a flash.

Many people were left disappointed by leaving it too late to book their tickets for those shows – don’t take that risk with Guys and Dolls – book your tickets now at angrianan.com and get set for a truly amazing night of entertainment.

Two top quiz teams from Kilmacrennan N.S have qualified for the All Ireland Quiz Finals.

The competition started off with approximately 25,000 children nationally.

Having won the Letterkenny and Chapter finals, both teams will now represent Chapter One in the All Ireland Credit Union Quiz Final in the RDS on April 6th.

We wish them well in the final. They must be eating their carrots down Kilmacrennan way!

The U-13′s winning team is Meabh Doherty, Daniel Owens, Ciara Mc Elwaine and Conor Mc Fadden. The U-11′s winning team is Eamonn Russell, Thomas Cannon, Manus O Connell and Ella Mc Glynn.

Avril McMonagle, County Childcare Manager with Alan Gray, Indecon International Economic Consultancy Group going into Leinster House to present the findings and proposals of the national report into childcare supports for working families.

A national research report commissioned by Donegal County Childcare has succeeded in prompting a review of national childcare funding schemes for working families.

Minister Frances Fitzgerald has openly acknowledged the initiative taken by Donegal County Childcare in taking this proposal forward and has reiterated that the ‘Supporting Working Families – Releasing a brake on economic growth’ report will be central to the Government review.

In her comments to the Joint Committee on Health and Children she stated that the cost of childcare is a cutting edge issue for the Irish economy in the years ahead.

Avril McMonagle, Manager of Donegal County Childcare, who initiated the research compiled by Indecon International Economic Consultants, is delighted with the organisations success in not only getting this issue to the table, but also by being able to back up a long talked about issue with a statistical analysis and realistically costed solutions.

“It just proves that you can talk about an issue as much as you like but it’s only when you can provide workable solutions with a costed price tag that you’ll move beyond talking to yourself.

“When developing the research proposal for this work, Donegal Childcare were interested in setting this in the context of not so much the cost of childcare rather parents ability to afford childcare against average earnings in Ireland.

“Although this is a national report, we were of course particularly interested in its application to working families in County Donegal – and it was no surprise that this is where evidence was most dismal when applied to our own county.”

The group said that low income parents with children under 5 years old are caught in a poverty trap due to the in-affordability of childcare in our county.

This is no longer an unfounded statement – it is a proven fact., added the group.

Avril said ‘I have long believed that childcare is a fundamental component of economic policy – we need to start developing integrated policy in this area. We may not be able to do everything to solve the problem immediately – but we can do something. It is now a question of pace and scale in terms of the action we must take for working families’.

This success of the DCCC led initiative is now evident. DCCC were delighted to be invited to provide a presentation of the main findings of our work to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children on 20th February.

DCCC were supported by Donegal TD’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn and Charlie McConalogue at the committee proceedings even though they do not sit on the Health and Children Committee.

“We need everyone to both recognise and get behind this issue now to reverse this state of affairs.”

Further information on the DCCC Indecon Report (downloadable www.donegalchildcare.com) and its findings and proposals, please do not hesitate to contact the DCCC office on 074 9123442 or contact info@donegalchildcare.com

If you would like to view DCCC’s presentation to the Joint Committee on Health and Children from the 20th February, please see the link below where DCCC’s presentation features as the first agenda item.

http://www.oireachtas.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=25554&&CatID=127

The Donegal Schoolboys U12 squad travelled to Cavan over the weekend for the Inter-league Competition.

They played a round-robin format over the two days.

First up was a clash against the Sligo/Leitrim league.

The Donegal lads got off to a flyer going two up, however the Sligo/ Leitrim boys pulled one back before Donegal had the opportunity to convert a penalty which they didn’t take.

This gave the impetus back to Sligo/Leitrim and it was they who grabbed the all important equaliser to level the match at 2-2 which finished the scoring for the day.

Sunday morning saw the Donegal lads face the Cavan/Monaghan league, a game they dominated from start to finish resulting in a comfortable 4-1 victory.

They faced into the final game against Inishowen knowing that they needed a high scoring result to catch the Sligo/Leitrim league in the final standings.

This they duly obliged with, when winning comfortably on a 6-0 scoreline.

Next up for the Donegal lads is a play-off against the Sligo/Leitrim league with the winners facing the Mayo league in the cup quarter-finals.

Pictured are the Donegal U12 schoolboys squad along with their manager, Kevin McHugh, and backroom staff of James Doherty, Mel O’Donnell and Andrew Wilson.

The U12s topped their group and now face into a play-off with the Sligo/Leitrim league for a quarter final berth in the Jim Cashin Interleague Cup.

Well done to all involved.

A Donegal woman has claimed she was treated appallingly by staff at NowDoc in Letterkenny.

Elizabeth Canny pictured with her daughter Eve has condemned the treatment she received by staff at the NowDoc clinic in Letterkenny.

Elizabeth Canny claimed she was made to feel like a ‘criminal’ and a ‘thug’ by staff after taking her sick daughter to the clinic last night for treatment.

The HSE has described the allegation as ‘serious’ and have promised to investigate it further.

The issue arose when Elizabeth took her daughter Eve to NowDoc after she was sent home from school complaining of a sore throat and a splitting headache.

The worried mum contacted the NowDoc service and was told to make her way to the clinic in Letterkenny.

She was unable to find Eve’s medical card but had her own with her and thought that would suffice.

On arrival the receptionist told her that if her daughter didn’t have a medical card she would have to pay to see the doctor.

When Elizabeth, from Manor View, asked for them to check the system to find her daughter’s medical card number she was told ‘they weren’t obligated to that’.

Elizabeth told Donegal Daily, “I was in a rush to go to NowDoc and I just couldn’t find her card, but as my own is the same number with the only difference being one letter I thought mine would suffice.

“The receptionist told me it wasn’t and when I asked him to check the medical records to locate my daughter’s number he blatantly refused saying he wasn’t obligated to do it.

“He told me to take a seat and wait until the doctor was available. While I waited another parent came in with their child and he over emphasized how good it was that they had brought their medical cards and how helpful they were being in doing so.

“It was clearly aimed at me and at this point I was fuming.

“When the doctor came out I asked could she see my daughter without the medical card or could she check the system to find her medical card records but like the receptionist reiterated she was obligated to do that.

“She said if I paid cash it would be refunded, but when I told her I had no money on me they simply refused to see her.

Elizabeth then returned home and contacted the main NowDoc reception to vent her fury and made an official complaint about the treatment they were subjected to.

During this time her partner had found his daughters medical card and Elizabeth was then told to go back to the clinic.

On her return Elizabeth requested an apology but none was forthcoming, the receptionist that had initially dealt with Elizabeth stayed in a back room until she left.

However not only did she not receive an apology she was then asked by the doctor could a supervisor sit in on their consultation.

“I couldn’t believe it when they asked me can the supervisor sit in on the appointment. It was like I was some sort of thug that was going to get violent with the doctor because I was angry at being made to feel like a criminal by the staff there.

“I agreed to it because I just wanted to get my daughter sorted and get the hell out of there.

“The doctor gave Eve antibiotics for her throat infection and when we left.

“I was so embarrassed and humiliated by the whole experience, it was horrible and nobody should be treated like that.

“I’m bringing this to light in the hope that nobody else experiences this type of treatment and that those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” she said.

Registration 2014

Club membership for 2014 is now due and all club members are asked to submit their registration form and fee at their earliest convenience.  

We will be having a number of open registration sessions throughout March to facilitate members.

The first session takes place this Thursday, 6th March from 7.30pm to 9pm in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh. Membership can also be paid to Mary Matthews at Shannon’s Corner.

A few points to note.

In order to be entitled to the rights of a full member, a person must have their fees paid to the club on a date before March 31st and be registered by the club on the online system in order to have a vote in the upcoming membership year.

Only fully registered players on the GAA online registration system are allowed to take the field for the club. If your name is not in this system you are ineligible. That has repercussions in terms of insurance cover for injuries.

· Registration is an important component in meeting the running costs of the club.

· Paid up members will receive preference for tickets to Donegal’s championship matches

· Only fully paid up members will be eligible for the annual draw for tickets to the football and hurling All Ireland finals.

· Club membership will be displayed in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh.

Membership rates are as follows: Adult, €40; Adult Player (Includes insurance cover for the year), €60; Youth (Born 1996-2003 inclusive): €25; Youth (Born 2004-2014 inclusive): €15.

This year we also have family packages which are priced as follows: Two adults and all children under 18: €120; One adult and all children under 18: €100 The club requires a registration form with each fee.

Registration forms can be downloaded from aodhruadh.org.

Club hoodies

Following a poll on the Aodh Ruadh CLG Facebook page we have settled on a design and supplier for a club hoodie.

Youth sizes are priced €22, with sizes available including: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13. Adult sizes are priced €26, with sizes available including: extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and XXL.

We have sizing samples available for anyone who wishes to try them on.

We will have the samples at the registration session this Thursday in Aras Aoidh Ruaidh from 7.30pm to 9pm.

We will also be taking orders at this session. It will be full payment up front to secure your hoodie.

See the aodhruadh.org homepage for a visual mock-up of the hoodie.

For further information e-mail info@aodhruadh.org.

Football

Aodh Ruadh minors geared up for the commencement of their league campaign with a challenge against Four Masters in Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday afternoon.

It was a win and a good work out for the lads with the a trip to the Dungloe / Na Rossa combination nearing.

Aodh Ruadh will be travelling to Dungloe to open their league programme next Sunday, 9th March with throw-in penciled in for 12 noon.

We have some shots from the challenge with Four Masters up on aodhruadh.org.

The under 14s are due to go into league action on Sunday 9th March when they host Dungloe in the park at 12 noon.

As they gear up for the season the under 14 management invites anyone interested in joining the squad to come along, new players will always be made welcome.

Indoor training is back for all grades this Friday 7th March. The under 6s are in the Mercy Hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 8s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the Mercy Hall.

The under 10s are training in the new hall at Colaiste Cholmcille from 6pm to 7pm followed by the under 12s from 7pm to 8pm, also in the new hall.

There is a charge of €2 per head.

Please bring runners as no other footwear allowed. Parents/Guardians are asked to please collect children promptly after their session is finished.

Hurling

An amended programme of games for the Ulster Hurling Táin League has been released. Aodh Ruadh senior’s division three league schedule is now looking like this.

All the games are at Garvaghey unless otherwise stated.

Round 1: 30 March @ 1pm: Aodh Ruadh V Strabane Shamrocks @ Father Tierney Park

Round 2: 6 April @ 1pm: Aodh Ruadh V Lurgan Sean Treacy’s

Round 3: 21 April @ 4pm: St Eunan’s V Aodh Ruadh @ Letterkenny

Round 4: 26 April @ 4pm: Aodh Ruadh V Derrynoose

Round 5: 24 May @ 5.30pm: Mattock Rangers V Aodh Ruadh

Round 7: 7 June @ 5.30pm: Aodh Ruadh V Warrenpoint

Round 8: 25 June @ 8pm: Aodh Ruadh V MacCumhaill’s @ Father Tierney Park

Round 10: 5 July @ 4pm: Killeavy V Aodh Ruadh

Round 11: 19 July @ 5.30pm: Aodh Ruadh V Ballela

Underage hurling made a welcome return to Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Sunday last, despite the inclement weather it was very encouraging to have 70 young hurlers out learning the skills of our ancient game.

It was great to see so many beginners at under 8 and under 10 coming out on Sunday.

Training continues for all age groups this Sunday at 12 noon all welcome.

The eighth annual Hurl-a-thon takes place on Saturday 5th April from 10am to 10pm. in the Mercy Hall, Ballyshannon.

The underage hurlers are out looking for sponsorship at the moment, please support them in their efforts to raise funds for the promotion and development of underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh.

Scór sinsear success

Congratulations to our Trath na gCeist team of PJ Buggy, Peter Campbell, Sylvester Maguire and Paddy Kelly who edged out Fanad Gaels by a single point to be crowned county champions last Friday evening in Glenswilly.

Coaching Initiative

To mark the 60th Anniversary of the opening of the Father Tierney Park in 1954 the Park/Development Committee has launched a substantial Youth Coaching Initiative.

All six primary schools in the club area, Scoil Catriona NS, Gaelscoil Éirne, Rockfield National School, Creevy National School, Kilbarron National School and Holy Family National School have been rostered to receive coaching hours from club coaches.

The coaches who are bringing this forward are Teddy Kane, Val Murray, Brian Roper and Peter Horan.

Gaelic Football for boys and girls and hurling for boys with the opportunity for girls to participate are all being coached.

The Coaching Programme fits within Aodh Ruadh’s wider Community Development work where the club is currently responsible for the placement of around 30 people in the locality on employment initiatives.

We will have the video of Steven Poacher’s workshop on small sided games available online later in the week.

E-mail info@aodhruadh.org for the link.

Pitch Bookings

With training and playing activity escalating it is absolutely vital that bookings are made in advance with Peter Conlon and that cancellations are also notified to him.

Due to pressure on the pitches those planning to organise tournaments should notify a provisional date to Peter Conlon immediately.

Dates will then be allocated from April onwards for the hosting of tournaments taking account of Aodh Ruadh club home fixtures.

No tournament should be committed until a date is allocated by Peter Conlon.

Development Work

Upgrading work at the Father Tierney Park is progressing apace.

It is expected that the new score board/message board, which will include a count-up clock and hooter system, will be installed next week.

Donegal V Louth

A full match programme will be prepared for this game.

Those wishing to place an advert should make direct contact with the Park/Development Committee PRO Michael Daly on 086-9171949 or michael.daly@donegaldemocrat.com.

Off the pitch

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers enjoyed a most successful run in the Abbey Arts Centre last week.

With a lot of club participation in the musical we have a large gallery of images from this one up on aodhruadh.org.

Also on Saturday the Cara Run took place in Bundoran.

With a substantial Ballyshannon participation we also have a good selection of pictures from this event up on aodhruadh.org.

We have also augmented our gallery of imagery from the Dinner Dance with some social shots taken by Jason McGarrigle.

Recreational Football

Recreational football resumes this Saturday at 7pm under the lights at Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh and once again the emphasis is very much on the craic.

It’s excellent value at just €5 for the session. Text or call Alan on 0868052816 if you need any further information.

Aodh Ruadh Bingo

The €800 monster jackpot was divided four ways at last week’s monster bingo, while our game winners included Helen Coughlin, JJ McGarrigle and Marie Granaghan. Bingo returns to the Abbey Centre this Friday at 9pm. Full books €10, Half books €5.

Lotto

There was no winner of the €7,900 Aodh Ruadh Lotto jackpot last Sunday. The numbers drawn were 5, 7, 8, 15, 17 and 18.

In the lucky dip €20 each went to: Carmel Gallagher; Nora Dolan, Ballyshannon; Maureen Keenaghan, Ballyshannon; Irvine Kerrigan, Leggs, Belleek; and Ryan, Ben and Joey Daly, Ballyshannon.

Next draw is in The Bridgend Bar on Sunday at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €8,000 so get out there and buy your ticket; if you’re not in, you can’t win!

The lotto team for McCosker’s Centra this Saturday is: JUVENILE HURLERS.

The lotto team for Kernan’s Spar this Saturday is: SENIOR HURLERS.

Noel pictured holding the ticket and a Swilly Seals booklet.

A well-known Donegal man was left ‘stunned’ after finding a ticket for a fundraising dance on the 22nd anniversary of his brother-in-law’s death.

Driving instructor Noel Sweeney had helped organise the fundraising dance for the late Mickey Toner to send him on a pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Letterkenny man Noel had chosen not to attend the anniversary mass which was being celebrated for Mickey in The Church of the Irish Martyrs on Saturday last.

He said he would go to his sister’s house after the mass for tea and sandwiches with the rest of the family.

It was while looking for coal to light a fire in the house that Noel made an eerie and startling discovery.

Noel told Donegal Daily, “On Saturday it was the 22nd anniversary of Mickey’s death.

“I’d usually attend the mass for Mickey but for one reason or another I opted not to on Saturday but decided I would go to my sister’s afterwards.

“The wife left for mass at around at 6.30pm and at about 6.45pm I went to the garage for some coal.

“I lifted up the bag of new coal and nicked both sides with the scissors and then dumped it on the ground.

“When I stepped back, I noticed a piece of paper sticking out of the coal, to my utter astonishment it was a ticket for the dance that was organised to send Mickey to Lourdes a month before he died.”

Noel has been left unable to think about anything else since he found the ticket and can’t find any logic in how the ticket got there.

The fact it happened on his anniversary and during his anniversary mass has left Noel unsurprisingly a little spooked by the eerie discovery.

Noel added, “When my wife returned home, I didn’t mention I had found the ticket to her but instead asked her did she remember the dance.

“She couldn’t remember the dance and then I showed her the ticket and told her where I found it and she was absolutely stunned too.

“I was thinking she could have found the ticket in the house and put in the garage but she couldn’t even remember the dance and had never laid eyes on the ticket.

“I just can’t understand how it would have got there, it was inside a bag of sewn coal and the ticket is in relatively good condition.

Writing on the back of the ticket which was handed to Noel on stage which reads ‘We have passed the 2,000 mark at this stage.’

“I poured the coal on the ground and it was plumped right in the middle of the coal.

Friends and family of Noel have said it was a sign from above.

On the back of the ticket it reads ‘we have passed £2,000 at this stage.’

Noel remembers being handed that ticket and announcing the amount raised on stage that night.

“My mother died last year and she was 102, some people have been saying that her and Mickey got together in heaven to play a wee trick on me but I don’t believe in that type of thing.

“I wouldn’t have a great faith and I’d love to have a logical reason as to why it ended up in the coal but I can’t explain it.

“Friends have said it was a message and a sign for me to maybe restore my faith or something I don’t know. It’s a weird one and I just can’t explain how the hell it got there,” said a frustrated Noel.

Or it could well have been Mickey telling Noel he should have went to his anniversary mass!!

SOCCER chiefs are investigating a stomach-churning racist attack on an African-born boy during a teenage soccer match in Donegal.

The Schoolboy Football Association of Ireland said today it is investigating an allegation of racial abuse towards a 14-year-old African-born player during a cup game at the weekend.

Monkey chants were shouted from a small section of the crowd at an U15s game on Saturday.

The referee ordered teenage players off the pitch due to the chants as the teenager was left in tears.

Schools FAI general secretary Martin O’Hanlon confirmed that the association is investigating the sickening incident.

“We take something like this very seriously, but short of making an assessment, I can’t say anything. We have an allegation of racist taunting,” he said.

The organisation is awaiting the referee’s report on the incident. “We have spoken to football people, not the boy, people have rang us about it,” said Mr O’Hanlon.

The teenager’s coach has said there were very clear monkey chants coming from one section of the crowd “every time he touched the ball”. The referee warned the crowd that he would abandon play, but he then re-started the game.

Naomh Ultan GAA Notes

Club Membership – Prices for 2014 are as follows: General – €30, Adult players – €50, Students – €30, Minors – €20, U8 to U16 – €15, Family – €70.  

Royal Flush Lotto – Royal Flush Draw results for the weekend of 02/03/2014 were 4, 15, 17 & 18. There was no winner of the jackpot of €2660. Consolation prizes went to Des Byrne, Mary Murrins, Conor Alvey & Layla Alvey.

Club Meetings – The Club’s next monthly meeting takes place next Monday, March 10th at 8:30pm upstairs in the clubhouse.

All welcome to attend. The next finance meeting will take place Monday 24th at 8:30pm.

More help would be greatly appreciated for the Finance Committee, if interested in being a part of the committee please feel free to attend.

The fifth installment of the annual boxing series between Letterkenny Rugby Club and St.Eunans GAA Club is hotting up. 

The eagerly anticipated Lord of the Ring 5 ‘The Rematch’ is taking place on Friday March the 14th and Donegal Daily will be regularly profiling the boxers on show.

Today we look at the profiles of three other competitors that will take part on the big night.

Name: Elaina “The Burma Apache” Gallagher

Occupation: Civil Servant

Boxing Style: Hardy Buck  

St. Eunan’s stalwart and well known Letterkenny resident Elaina’s family are quite sure “she’s off her head” but this woman is Eunan’s through and through, last proven by her participation in the Strictly Come Dancing shows.

A strong jab and never knowing when she’s beaten are proving real assets in training as the sparring kicks-off, she’s out to emulate the success of her sporting hero Rory Kavanagh (you’d never have guessed he would be a St. Eunan’s player).

Most likely to be seen on roads leading to GAA grounds, a truly dedicated fan, she is delighted to be able to ‘get stuck in’ in raising funds for local clubs in the community.

A terrier who doesn’t give up!

Name: Collette “Boycie” Boyce

Occupation: Teacher

Boxing Style: Hardy Buck  

The Letterkenny based medical secretary has come out fighting for this year’s Lord of The Ring event.

She doesn’t miss training and doesn’t cut (too many!) corners when there, Collette is one of the strongest is the women’s section in training so far.

At 5’8” she doesn’t lack height and her fast punches are causing difficulties for her opponents.

Her sporting hero being Bruce Lee may explain the style. Revelling in the challenge, she attributes much of her success to the expert coaching of Mr Ryan, NOT Danny, but ‘Ol Silky – Danny’s father Brendan!!

Full fight and without nerves, Boyce is flying!

Name: Sean “Junior” Feeney

Occupation: Journalist

Boxing Style: Big Hitter  

The well-known 6’3” journalist with the Donegal News is no stranger to boxing or contact sports in general.

A’proudn member of the St. Eunan’s Junior Team’, Sean has boxed previously in two charity Collar boxing events as well as training in MMA and Ju Jitsu.

His family thought he’d hung up the gloves for good but the club came calling!!!

Getting a great buzz out of Danny Ryan’s training, Feeney is not known just for his sporting skills.

Also talented singer and performer, he survived sparring five-time Irish heavyweight champion Con Sheehan for three rounds.

Not nervous and perhaps with good reason, the lengthy reach and experience are paying dividends in the gym already.

Four Masters GAA Club Notes

Four Masters Lotto: There was no jackpot winner this week. The two lucky dip winners were Kathleen Espey, Ball Hill and Paul Duncan, Ballydevitt, both wll receive €50 each. The winning numbers were 4, 5, 15 and 19.  

Next weeks jackpot now sits at €1100. To play the lotto please visit http://www.fourmastersgaa.com/

Joining the Club: Club Membership is now due. It must be in by 31st March! Adult membership is only €50.00 per person over 18 years old.

Your Club membership is vital to the Club and ticket allocation for games is always based on the number of members a club has.

A club can only thrive as a result of the input and support of the local community, so please support your local club.

Payment should be made to Michael Martin, Registrar (087) 6198905 as soon as possible or Paul Timoney (087) 2791305 for 2014 season.

LGFA Donegal v Dublin: FourMasters GAA Club would like to thank members that helped out on Sunday 2nd March in Tirchonaill Park.

Astro Turf Bookings: The Club are presently taking bookings for the hire of the all-weather pitch. For further information please contact Paddy Muldoon 0879213299.

Well done: Congrats to the County team on another fantastic performance on Sunday 2nd in Letterkenny.

Minor League Match: Four Masters will host Ardara Minors this Sunday 9th March in Tirchonaill Park. Throw in 12 noon. Good luck to Michael, his Management team and players. Please try to get along to support the boys.

Soccer bosses will investigate claims that racist taunts were made against a young African boy at Swilly Park in Ramelton on Saturday last.

The alleged incident happened at Swilly Park in Ramelton.

The Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland will launch the inquiry into the behaviour of some fans at the Under 15 cup game between Swilly Rovers and Castlebar Celtic.

Allegations have been made that disgusting monkey chants were made towards a 14 year old African-born boy playing for Castlebar.

The incident is included in the referee’s report.

The referee stopped the game momentarily and warned the small section of fans making the noises to stop.

A number of prominent members of the Donegal Schoolboy League were also at the game.

Swilly Rovers have so far not made an official comment on the alleged incident.

The game was covered in the local media but the issue of the alleged racist taunts was not reported until earlier today.

Schools FAI general secretary Martin O’Hanlon confirmed that the association is investigating the sickening incident.

“We take something like this very seriously, but short of making an assessment, I can’t say anything. We have an allegation of racist taunting,” he said.

The organisation is awaiting the referee’s report on the incident.

“We have spoken to football people, not the boy, people have rang us about it,” said Mr O’Hanlon.

The teenager’s coach has said there were very clear monkey chants coming from one section of the crowd “every time he touched the ball”.

Swilly Rovers eventually won the game 2-1 after extra-time.

Letterkenny Celtic Supporters Meeting

Next meeting Letterkenny No.1 Celtic supporters club will take place this Wednesday the 5th of March at 8pm in the Station House Hotel.  

New members are welcomed to attend.

Rosses AC

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.

Well done to Brendan Mc Bride, Gaoth Dobhair, on finishing 14th in the ‘The Race’ at the weekend. A 22k run, 15k kayak, 110k cycle, 5k mountain climb, 75k cycle and a 42k marathon to finish it off.

Completed in atrocious weather conditions in a time of 21:46:57. A great achievement for Brendan – well done!!!!.

Well done to the Rosses and Gaoth Dobhair athletes who competed in the Cara Bundoran 10 mile at the weekend.

Great performances by all and some good early season times. Noel Diver 1:02:29, Michael Logue 1:03:10, Denis Forker 1:08:57, Denis Boner 1:10:11, Ben Mc Gonagle 1:10:26, Owen Bonner 1:13:35, Michael Rodgers 1:18:09, Donal Curran 1:19:50, Trisha Gillespie 1:29:40 and Lorna O’Donnell 1:43:50.

Congratulations to the 12 athletes from the Rosses and Gaoth Dobhair who were selected on Donegal teams for the Ulster Sportshall Athletics Final in Magherafelt on Thursday 13 March.

U-13 Girls Orla Winters, Gaoth Dobhair: 2 Lap, 4*2 Lap Relay. Caoimhe Boyle, Mullaghderg: 4*1 Lap Relay, Standing Long Jump, Obstacle Relay. Saoirse Bonner, Keadue: Shot Putt. Aoise Willoughby, Kincasslagh: 4*1 Lap Relay, Speed Bounce, Obstacle Relay.

U-13 Boys Marc Walsh, Loughanure: 4 Lap, Paarlauf Relay. Jonathan Doherty, Calhame: 6 Lap, Standing Triple Jump, 4*2 Lap Relay. Kyle Macadangdang, Dungloe: 4*1 Lap Relay, Vertical Jump, Obstacle Relay.

U-15 Girls Ailbhe O Donnell, Meenderryowen: 2 Lap, Vertical Jump, Speed Bounce, 4*2 Lap Relay. Fodhla Mc Fadden, Srath na Corcra: 4 Lap, Standing Long Jump, Speed Bounce, 4*2 Lap Relay. Saskia Boyle, Keadue: 4 Lap, Standing Long Jump, Speed Bounce, Paarlauf Relay. Jessica Oglesby, Burtonport: 2 Lap, Vertical Jump, Shot Putt, 4*2 Lap Relay.

U-15 Boys Joey Donald, Kincasslagh: 2 Lap, Standing Triple Jump, Shot Putt, Paarlauf Relay.

Well done to Fergal McGee, Dore who ran the Malta Half Marathon on Sunday in a time of 1:33:35

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.

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.

Siobhan: Missing – Can you help?

Gardai are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a woman missing in Co Donegal.

Siobhan McGread, who is 51, is missing from Bundoran.

An extensive search operation has already taken place along the coast involving helicopter and land-based Coast Guard teams.

“Siobhan was last seen at approximately 6.30 pm on the 19th February 2014 on Rougey Walk, Bundoran,” said a Garda spokesman

“Siobhan is described as about 5’3″, with dark grey hair and blue eyes. When last seen she was wearing a blue tracksuit and white runners.”

Gardai in Bundoran are appealing for members of the public who may have seen Siobhan to contact them on 071 984 1203, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

*GAA National Club Draw*

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

As well as the prizes in the national draw, every ticket bought within the Club will be entered into our own Club draw also. Tickets cost €10 and are available from all Club Executive members.

Draw for the Club prizes will take place on St Patricks day in the Clubhouse. Tickets must be with Croke Park for March 7th for the National Draw therefore all tickets must be returned before that date. For more information contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

*Seniors*

CLG BnaG v Termon

Moyle Park, Saturday @ 3.30pm

The Seniors have another friendly this weekend as they continue their preparations for Division 3 this coming year. The Seniors will play their league opener away to Red Hughs on Saturday 22nd March. All Seniros are asked to be at the pitch on Saturday for 2.20pm.

*Minors*

CLG BnaG 2-9 Termon 2-14

The Minors came out second best today in an entertaining encounter, despite the poor conditions, in Moyle Park today. Na Galloglaigh started against the breeze in the first half but played well for the first 25 mins and were 2 points up before a late Termon goal and two points left Termon with a 3 point lead going into the second half. BnaG started very brightly in the second half and found themselves a point up as the game went into the final quarter. Termon got their second goal of the game however to move back in front and as Na Galloglaigh chased the game they left themselves short at the back as Termon picked off another few scores to run out 5 point victors. There is the making of a good Minor team here, but attendance at training would need to improve if they are to mount a challenge for the league title. Training takes place this week on Monday (Crossfit @ 8.30), Wednesday 8pm, and Friday (Crossfit @ 7.30pm). The Minors will take on St Michaels in Creeslough next Sunday at 12pm. Team: Gavin McFadden, Kyle Macaulay, Kieran Sheridan, Emmet Conaghan, Dominic Hull, Gavin Grier, Brandon Toye (0-1), Luke Trearty, Caolan Bolton (0-1), Ryan McMahon (1-0), Kane Barrett (1-5), Shay Durning, Odhrán Coll, Adam Serrinha (0-2), James McCallum.

*McGettigan Wins All Ireland Freshers*

Congratulations to Cathal McGettigan who was a member of the DIT team that won the All Ireland Freshers on Saturday in Inishkeen, Monaghan. They defeated St Marys of Belfast by 1-13 to 0-10 with Cathal chipping in with 3 points as part of a two man full forward line.

*Donegal Senior Ladies*

Well done to Niamh Carr who played for the Donegal Senior Ladies in their defeat to Dublin yesterday. Donegal went down 0-7 to 5-9 to a clinical Dublin side who struck four goals early on from which Donegal never really recovered. Niamh started at half forward before being switched to corner back and giving a very good performance. Next up for the Donegal Ladies is a home game against Mayo next Sunday at 2pm.

*Donegal U16 Ladies*

Well done to Aisling McHugh, Lianne Boyce, and Aoife Donnelly who played for the Donegal U16 Ladies in a friendly against Mayo in Sligo on Saturday. Aisling and Aoife were on the half back line while Lianne played full forward in the convincing win over Mayo. Next up for the U16s is another friendly against Sligo IT next Saturday in Sligo in preparation for their Championship match against Monaghan on the 15th of March

*Scor Encore*

Our Scor ns nOg Instrumental Group consisting of Kyle Macaulay, Kevin Egan, Eoin and Liam Orr recently played for a recording of Scor Encore, TG4′s Scor program and this episode will now be aired on Sunday, April 6th at 7.30pm. After a successful audition just before Christmas in the Dun Uladh centre in Omagh the group were invited to come and perform in front of a live studio audience for TG4s new Scor based program

*Training Schedules*

Seniors/Reserves/U21s/Minors: Mon (8.30pm @ Crossfit LK), Wednesday (8pm @ Pitch), Friday (7.30pm @ Crossfit LK)

Senior Ladies (@ Pitch): Wednesday (7pm), Saturday (10am)

G4M&O (@ Pitch): Mondays (7.30pm)

U14s (@ Pitch): Tuesday (4.15pm), Friday (4.15pm)

U10s (@ Pitch): Fridays (7pm)

*Underage Coaching*

Anyone interested in getting involved in the coaching of underage teams are asked to contact Shaun Paul Barrett on 086-6052169

*Allianz League Prediction Competition*

At the halfway stage Marty Boucher is top of the Club leaderboard. The top 5 are:

1. Marty Boucher – 927

2. Nicky Boucher – 917

3. Pat Barrett – 908

4. Dean Burgess – 857

5. Cormac Friel – 853

*2014 Membership*

Club membership will be soon due for the 2014 year. Please be aware that Donegal tickets will only be sourced for paid up members of the Club. The rates remain unchanged from 2013:

Family – €50

Senior – €20

U18 – €10

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

- Full Family membership

- Entered into every weekly Lotto draw

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

- 11 free weeks entry into the lotto

For more information contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

*2013 Donegal Yearbook*

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

*Lotto*

This weeks lotto numbers were 5-10-21-24. No jackpot winner, 1 match 3 winner wins €70. Seamus Durkan, Milford. Next weeks Jackpot is €640.

*Lotto Database*

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

- Full family membership for 2014 included

- Entered into every draw evey week

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

- 11 weeks free entry to lotto draw

*Lucozade Sports Club Crusade*

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

*Irish Language Classes*

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

*Child Protection & ASAP Policies*

CLG BnaG Child Protection and Welfare Policy & Procedures and CLG BnaG Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ASAP) prevention Policy information sessions have been held for all members of the club executive and all those involved with underage teams. There will be further information sessions for underage members and their parents/guardians following the next registration in 2014. Please visit the ‘downloads’ section of our website (Milford.Donegal.gaa.ie) and view the policy for yourself. If anyone has any queries or concerns or comments please contact the club Children’s Officer Marian McNulty at 086/8506405 or marian.mcnulty@lyit.ie

*Volunteers Needed for Sub-Committees*

CLG BnaG is currently in the process of creating Sub-Committees to help implement and achieve the targets of a 5 year plan. If you feel you can contribute to the running of the Club in any small way, either in time or in ideas, please contact MilfordDonegalGAA@gmail.com, 0863400082 or send a PM. The Sub-Committees are as follows:

Finance

Underage Games Development

Adult Games Development

Club Administration

Club Facilities

PR, Communication & Culture

*Lotto Sellers Required*

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

*Evolution Fitness*

All paid up club members will now be able to avail of a €10 discount on 3 month membership. Normal 3 month membership is €80 but will be available to members for €70. If interested contact Jack Duddy at Evolution Fitness beside the mart in Milford

*Contact Us*

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

*Milford GAA Club Gear*

Club gear is now available to order. Anyone who has ordered club gear but yet received it are to contact either Aidan or Barry. The range of club gear includes Hoodies, Tracksuits tops, Windcheaters, hats, navy polo shirts, white polo shirts, and t-shirts. There is some lovely gear available at very reasonable prices and photos are available to view on the club Facebook page. Orders can be placed with Agnes Ryan on 086-8194751.