Job Vacancy: Magee Clothing wish to recruit an Accounts Administration Assistant for a temporary period of 8-12 weeks during the summer.  This is a full-time role, 39 hours per week Monday – Friday, based at our office on New Row, Donegal Town.  

The role involves data entry and therefore requires a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.  A working knowledge of Excel is essential.  Full training will be provided.  

Ideally, this would suit an individual studying for an accounting qualification or looking to gain accounting experience.  The position is only open to students at third level and above.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please submit your cv to Ann Harley – aharley@magee1866.com.

The closing date for this position is 13th May 2022.  Please note that we will only be replying to shortlisted candidates.

Family and friends of the late Frank Larkin are coming together to do the North West 10K in his honour this Monday.

Frank, a prominent disability activist from Letterkenny, passed away in March 2020. Sadly, his death occurred at a difficult time for many, when restrictions prevented people from meeting to mourn or to pay their respects.

This Monday will be a special opportunity for Frank’s loved ones to remember him, and to celebrate his legacy with the community. A large group will be setting out from the starting line wearing T-shirts with Frank’s photo on them, along with the slogan “You’ll Never Walk Alone” – a tribute to Frank’s staunch support for Liverpool FC, alongside his beloved Finn Harps.

Frank’s mother Brighdin and his wife Pauline, along with her family, will also be there for the important day.

Speaking to Donegal Daily, Brighdin said: “I’d say it will be emotional but it will be nice at this time that everybody can come together.

“When Frank passed it was very isolating. Frank did not die with Covid but it was at the start of it all. We could not acknowledge it in the ways we would have wanted to.

“For that reason, we are all going out as a family and coming together to honour and celebrate Frank’s life and work and all that he did for disability awareness.”

The late Frank Larkin RIP. Pic by Brian McDaid

Frank, was born with spina bifida and was a lifelong wheelchair user. Throughout his adult life, he campaigned on behalf of people with disabilities in Donegal, Ireland, Europe and worldwide.

He was elected as Chairperson of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland in 2013 and was also a board member of Donegal Centre for Independent Living (DCIL). He represented Ireland at the European Network for Independent Living in Brussels.

The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Ireland Donegal Branch is one of the three beneficiaries of this year’s 25th anniversary North West 10k, which gave Frank’s family the inspiration to fundraise in his honour.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for anyone who wants to make a donation in memory of Frank: https://gofund.me/486201b4

On Monday, Brighdin said her thoughts will not only be with Frank, but with all those who lost loved ones during the pandemic. She recalls the heartache of March 2020 and not being able to visit her son in hospital until his last day. Her daughter Geraldine also passed in August 2020.

“So many people had awful experiences during Covid,” Brighdin said.

“So many people have suffered. It’s bad enough passing, but the soreness of the circumstances is heart-wrenching, not only ourselves but so many people have experienced the soreness.”

The North West 10K has raised nearly €834,000 for 36 charities in the past 24 years. It is hoped that this year’s milestone event will deliver more vital funds for the three benefitting charities: Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Ireland Donegal Branch, the Donegal Diabetes Parents Support Group and the No Barriers Foundation.

The Donegal Branch for Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus group is made up of families and carers supporting one another through life’s journey. The purpose of the national association is to provide information, advice and support to people with Spina Bifida and or Hydrocephalus their parents and carers, as well as to promote social inclusion and equality for people with these conditions in our society.

That too was Frank’s purpose, and his legacy lives on in the impact that he has made for all people with disabilities.

“Frank worked so hard. It’s nice now that we can do something and give something back,” said Brighdin.

Visit the ‘Walking in Memory of Frank’ GoFundMe page here: https://gofund.me/486201b4

Entries are continuing online for the North West 10k. Go to northwest10k.com to register or click on the link: https://www.njuko.net/nw_10k_2022

U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin is to pay her first official visit to Donegal from May 9th to 11th.

Ambassador Cronin intends to travel to Carrowmenagh near Moville where her grandfather Hugh McLaughlin was born.

Ahead of her trip to Co. Donegal, Ambassador Cronin said she was really looking forward ot the trip.

She said “I look forward to paying my first visit to Donegal as Ambassador and learning about my family connections in the Moville area. I hope to meet as many people as I can during my visit. I feel a great sense of connection to Donegal and its people.”

During Ambassador Cronin’s visit to Moville on May 9th, there will be a public event at 3:30pm in the Castle Inn, Eleven Ballyboes, Greencastle where locals are encouraged to attend if they wish to meet and greet the Ambassador.

Ambassador Cronin will also be a guest of honour at the public launch of the conservation plan for Northburgh Castle situated in Greencastle.

Other engagements include a meeting with Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Jack Murray, and a visit to gteic @ Gaoth Dobhair, on the Údarás na Gaeltachta business park.

The Irish Fish Producers Organisation have held their first meeting with the EU Commission in Brussels this week, amid a series of 15 meetings with MEPs and officials.

IFPO chief executive, Aodh O Donnell says there is a commitment now, from the Cabinet of Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius, “to a process of engagement and communication, which is a very positive outcome for us.”

“We also feel that there’s a better understanding of what the Irish fishing industry needs to develop and grow.”

Aodh O Donnell (right) with Brendan Byrne (left) and Colm Markey MEP (centre)

Mr O Donnell says the three days of meetings, facilitated by Fine Gael MEP Colm Markey and his team, were also attended by the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA). Other MEPs they met included Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael), Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fail), Chris MacManus (Sinn Fein) and Independents Mick Wallace and Luke Flanagan. The fishing representatives also met with Ireland’s Fisheries Attaché, Colm Ó Suilleabháin, “who has a deep insight and long experience of the EU process and procedures”.

The main issues centred on the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and what the IFPO say is Ireland’s inequitable share of fishing quotas.  They expressed concerns about how controversial weighing controls are being applied in Ireland, which have hit headlines this week.

They discussed the adverse impacts of Brexit and a review of the new support measures sanctioned by the EU to address the impacts of the Fuel Crisis. The delegation also took an opportunity to brief MEPs about a proposed ban on bottom trawling. They said this would seriously impact Ireland’s ability to fish for coastal scallop, prawn and demersal fish like cod, turbot and halibut.

Mr O Donnell thanked Colm Markey MEP “for his ongoing commitment and support to the fishing sector. Colm has developed a deep understanding of the needs of the industry at this critical time, has worked tirelessly and had several meetings with the catching and processing sectors.”

“Additional meetings are being scheduled in Brussels with Commission officials to maintain the engagement we have now initiated. This aims to maintain improved communication and an  understanding of the importance of the fishing sector to coastal communities. At this critical time, we must work hard to secure commitment, improve communication and align developmental objectives between industry and State bodies, with the support of the EU.”

The Cope, Dungloe are recruiting for multiple vacancies.

The following are the list of roles:

• Marketing Assistant – Full Time
• Ladies Fashion Manager – Full Time
• General Sales Assistant for Grocery Foodstore – Part Time and Full Time Roles Available.

For information or to submit your CV (including cover letter/email), please send an email to Emma at hr@thecope.ie

The closing date for applications is 13^th May, 2022.

Please state in the email headline which role you are applying for.

A free Webinar will be held by ATU Donegal this week to share knowledge on Governance, Compliance and Privacy in IT / Fintech / Insurtech. The webinar takes place on Thursday 5th May at 6pm on MS Teams.

Guest speakers include:

• Kevin McLaughlin: Global Privacy Manager with Facebook / Meta
• Naomi Hegarty: IT Risk & Global Tech Privacy Officer with PGIM Ireland

The event is hosted by the Head of Dept. of Law, Siobhán Cullen including ATU Donegal lecturers in Governance and Fintech, Joanne Enright and Fiona Gildea.

Attendees will gain valuable expert insights on topics including: 

• The role of Green Finance and the need to be good corporate citizens, the evolving role of compliance in the Financial Services sector and beyond and the challenges and opportunities of innovation including the rise of Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.
• We will also discuss the risks and opportunities associated with the open Blockchain, from smart contracts to NFTs and how Blockchain and the GDPR could be on a collision course. 
• As competition for compliance officers intensifies within industry amid a swathe of upcoming new regulation, the time is now. Start your compliance journey today. 

This is an evening not to be missed. Register and join the free event at: https://teams.microsoft.com/registration/fBjPacC-F06LlE7ca7tyFA,Oxt-QK8N8ky_wADywjf7AA,2Rvvgnt3CEKjwAsIBSfygA,0Am4-VTGN0-iyRCqvqzYgw,_y2FTwHZpEKNqYRAYsuk8Q,Tq3ZEWcbgEuQlfZIyCk8mw?mode=read&tenantId=69cf187c-bec0-4e17-8b94-4edc6bbb7214

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A major extension for Deele College in Raphoe has received initial project approval under the Additional School Accommodation Scheme.

The move has been welcomed by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue.

The project will consist of nine classrooms, two SET rooms, two engineering rooms, one technology prep room, two science labs, four classroom SEN base, classroom extension, refurbishment of existing woodwork room, home economics room and staff room and conversion of existing DCG room.

The Minister commented “Initial project approval is essentially a green light for this massive extension project for Deele College.

“It is great news for Raphoe and for the staff, students, and parents of the school and will improve the offering and services of the school.

“I thank Minister Norma Foley for confirming the news and for the work of the principal, the staff, students and parents of the school for progressing the project.

“I thank Cllr Gerry Crawford for his continued hard work with the school and the Raphoe community too.”

Deputy Joe McHugh also welcome the news.

“I am delighted to learn that the Deele College extension project has today received initial project approval under the Department of Education Additional School Accommodation Scheme.

The project will consist of nine classrooms and two SET rooms, two engineering rooms, one technology prep room, two science labs and four classroom SEN base, classroom extension, refurbishment of existing woodwork room, home economics room as well as a staff room and conversion of existing DCG room.

“This confirmation is a positive step in the progression of this extension project for Deele College and it is great news for Raphoe and the surrounding areas.

“I wish to commend Joe Boyle and all his team in Deele, the Board of Management, students and parents of the school for their hard work and dedication in ensuring this important project has received this initial approval,” concluded McHugh.

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Whether you are about to take the Leaving Certificate, currently unemployed, interested in part-time study, or thinking of studying on one of the many postgraduate programmes available at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal, be sure to register to attend the ATU Donegal May Open Evening which takes place from 3-7pm this Thursday 5 May. 

For the Leaving Certificate student, there are 55 CAO programmes to choose from, with ¾ of these programmes offering work placement opportunities, many of which can be taken abroad. The student experience is not to be missed at ATU Donegal, with a variety of clubs, societies, and sporting activities to choose from. At this event, the Student Union and Student Ambassador team will be on hand to answer prospective students questions and queries. 

A series of department led talks will take place on-campus during the event and if you are a parent, a Leaving Certificate student, a mature student considering part-time, full-time or online study, ATU Donegal’s experienced academic and student support staff will be available to support questions and queries during the event. 

ATU Donegal’s Careers Service will also be in attendance at this event. If you need advice or support in making those all-important course choices, then ATU Donegal’s Careers Service will be on-hand to answer your questions and queries during the event.

If you want to find out more about full-time, postgraduate, part-time and online programmes available at ATU Donegal, then come along to the Open Evening on Thursday 5 May from 3-7 pm at the Letterkenny campus. 

Explore the campus, connect with ATU Donegal’s academic team, have your student support questions answered – visit ATU Donegal Open Evening, 3-7pm Thursday 5 May 2022.

Register your attendance here: https://forms.office.com/r/AyZG98Tf9y 

The future is here!

An emergency operation is underway to bring a major gorse fire under control.

The blaze broke out on bogland this evening in the Cronalaghey area, near Killygordon.

The army helicopter has been brought in to help quell the fire.

More to follow.

Pics: Kieran Bradley

Finn Harps got their first home win of the season with a 1-0 over Shelbourne at Finn Park.

Barry McNamee’s shot from outside the box was all that separated the two sides at Finn Park as Finn Harps picked up their second win of the season.

Regan Donelon’s corner was headed clear by Dan Carr but the Ramelton man was at the edge of the box to strike cleanly into the bottom corner with minutes to spare as Ollie Horgan’s side picked up their first home win fo the season.

Photo by Joe Boland, North West Newspix

Chances were few and far between as the Harps defended well as Shane Farrell had the first real chance but it came to nothing.

Photo by Joe Boland, North West Newspix

After winning down in Tolka Park 3-0, Harps may have thought they had the better of Damien Duff’s side, but it was always a close encounter.

Photo by Joe Boland, North West Newspix

Mahdy’s shot from a knock down cross after some good build-up play from the home team never came to anything.

Photo by Joe Boland, North West Newspix

With no massive chances breaking for either side, Barry McNamee stepped up with his left footed strike which went straight into the back of the net past Brendan Clarke.

Photo by Joe Boland, North West Newspix

Finn Harps are now two points behind Shelbourne in the table.

finn Harps: Mark Anthony McGinley; Ryan Rainey, Jose Carrillo (Conor Tourish, 45 mins), Rob Slevin, Regan Donelon; Elie Nzeyi (Erol Alkan 81), Barry McNamee, Jesse Devers, Filip Mihaljevic, Mark Timlin (Luke Rudden 72); Yoyo Mahdy.

Shelbourne: Brendan Clarke; Adam Thomas, Luke Byrne, Kameron Ledwidge (JJ Lunney 92), Conor Kane; John Ross Wilson, Aodh Dervin, Jad Hakiki (Jordan McEneff 75), Mark Coyle (Stanley Anaebonam 92), Jack Moylan (Dan Carr 87), Shane Farrell.

Referee: Derek Tomney

Ollie Horgan was left disappointed with a huge injury loss of Elie N’Zeyi after beating Shelbourne 1-0.

Finn Harps picked up their second win of the season with Barry McNamee’s late strike from outside the box.

But Elie N’Zeyi was a late casualty and looks to be out for a long period.

Watch the full interview below:

Barry McNamee was delighted to get what he described as ‘a massive three points’ tonight as he scored the only goal of the game to beat Shelbourne 1-0 at Finn Park.

“It’s a massive three points, it keeps us in touch with the teams above us, we said it before the game how important tonights game was it i’s great to get three points.”

Despite the win, McNamee is looking ahead to the next games now, with last season’s champions Shamrock Rovers next before playing bottom side UCD and Drogheda United, who are just above Finn Harps.

Barry added: “It’s been frustrating but we can’t dwell on that, we have a massive game next week against Shamrock Rovers and then it’s UCD and Drogheda, the two teams right beside us after so it’s a massive few weeks before the break.”

Watch the full interview below:

Free digital skills classes for older people are to be offered in Donegal.

Free in-person digital skills classes for older people rollout across the country from Tuesday next, as part of the Hi Digital partnership initiative between Vodafone Ireland Foundation, Active Retirement Ireland and ALONE.

In County Donegal, the first class will be held at The Base Enterprise Centre, Railway Rd, Stranorlar (F93 A0E4) on Wednesday 8th June at 11am.

A first of its kind, five-year programme, Hi Digital was developed to bridge the worsening digital divide in Ireland and support older people with little or no digital skills to get online.

Active Retirement Ireland’s in-person classes are now available to book and are open to any person aged 65+ who would like to develop their digital literacy and confidence with guidance and support alongside other older people in their community.

Classes are run by trained ARI digital ambassadors who offer face to face training and guidance so older people can develop their skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The Hi Digital training course consists of bite-sized lessons organised around key digital themes including internet basics and how to use online devices, as well as digital apps and features such as social media or video calling that can enhance daily life and combat isolation.

Topics covered include:

* Sending emails
* Keeping in touch with friends and family through social media or video calling
* Online banking and government services online
* Looking up information for hobbies or travel
* Reading, watching and listening to news online
* Online shopping
* Using the internet on your phone
* Using your phone to take and share pictures or videos
* Online safety and more.

Maureen Kavanagh, CEO of Active Retirement Ireland, said: “We’re so pleased to announce the national rollout of the Hi Digital face-to-face digital skills classes. Through this next stage of the Hi Digital programme, our digital ambassador-led, in-person classes will further support older people’s participation online. This will help ensure they have the appropriate access and skills to engage with digital services, along with expanding the possibilities on offer to them from the digital shift.

“The Hi Digital programme is about giving older people in Ireland more choices and empowering them to learn the skills they need if they do want to get online. Classes are free and I encourage any older person who would like to improve their digital skills to get in touch and sign up.”

The Hi Digital programme is delivered across the strands: online learning using Vodafone Ireland Foundation’s Hi Digital online platform, face to face classroom learning run by Active Retirement Ireland, and the upskilling by ALONE of organisations who work to support older people so that they can provide Hi Digital training and guidance to their service users directly.

Anyone wishing to attend a class can book their place by contacting Active Retirement Ireland on 1800 20 30 30, or by emailing hidigital@activeirl.ie

A Buncrana man was left gobsmacked on Wednesday last when he caught unusual footage of two jets which appeared to be side-by-side over Inishowen.

Matt Quay captured the footage just before noon and showed stunned neighbours.

One woman can be heard to say “Oh my God” as the two jets race across the cloudless sky.

“It has to be military. Look how near they are to eachother,” exclaims Matt.

Simply click on the video to see the footage.

A rain alert has been issued by Met Eireann for across Donegal today.

After a prolonged dry spell the weather patterns have changed for the North-West this morning.

Now Met Eireann has issued a moderate weather warning for rain for the county.

The Status Yellow warning came into effect at 9am today and will last until 9am tomorrow (Sun).

“Falls of heavy rain at times today (Saturday) and overnight. Heaviest falls on higher ground,” warned Met Eireann.

An Inishowen driver was three times over the legal drink driving limit when stopped by Gardai in Letterkenny.

Liam McColgan, of Seaview terrace, Glengad, Malin was spotted by Gardai after me made a ‘sharp turn’ into Charley’s Cafe at 2.40am on January 11th, 2020.

They suspected the 33 year old of driving under the influence and he was arrested.

When taken to Letterkenny Garda station a blood sample showed a reading of 151 milligrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system.

Solicitor for the accused, Mr Ciaran MacLochlainn pleaded for leniency for his client.

Judge Deirdre Gearty banned McColgan from driving for three years and also jailed him for two months.

However, she then suspended the sentence for 12 months.

EirGrid, the operator and developer of the national electricity grid has confirmed speakers for its energy citizens roadshow events in Letterkenny and Donegal Town next week.

The roadshow events will provide information about Donegal’s energy future, future-proofing the grid in the northwest and details about home energy efficiency upgrades and grants.

A large attendance is expected at each event as demand for registration increases.

The events will take place on Wednesday next, May 4 at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny and Thursday, May 5 at the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town. Master of ceremonies for the events is well-known radio presenter, Keith Fletcher.

Speakers include regional coordinator of Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for the northwest, Stevie Donnelly, Roger Sweetman, Head of Sustainable Enterprise, Western Development Commission and Ellen Diskin, Head of the National Network, Local Connections Programme with ESB.

Speaking about the events, Mary Clyde from Donegal Public Participation Network said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for communities across the county to get involved in the future of energy in Donegal and hear about microgeneration, opportunities for community ownership and home energy upgrades.”

Looking ahead to the events, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid, Sinead Dooley said, “We are looking forward to engaging and informative panel discussions at each event. With SEAI supporting communities with a range of grants and energy upgrade solutions it will make for an interesting discussion about what can be achieved in the region going forward.

The EirGrid team will be holding its energy citizens roadshow events this Wednesday and Thursday evening at The Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny and The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, respectively.

“We’re also very pleased to welcome panellists from the Western Development Commission and ESB. The Western Development Commission does incredible work supporting communities to grow, investing in businesses, and planning for the future of the western region,” concluded Dooley.

On both evenings there will be information stands showcasing the latest details on home energy efficiency upgrades, retrofitting grants and information about community micro-generation schemes.

To register for a roadshow, visit www.eirgrid.ie/shaping

Sinead Dooley, Head of Public Engagement with EirGrid

The North West 10k office will open for registrations today (Sat) and tomorrow (Sun) from 3-6 p.m at the Letterkenny Community Centre.

Runners and walkers who have already registered online are encouraged to pick up their 10k T-shirts and numbers at the Community Centre during these times on Saturday and Sunday to avoid delays on Monday morning.

Registrations will be taken on Monday morning from 8am and closing at 10 am sharp. A reminder also that the race and walk starts at the earlier time of 11 am.

The Amnesty International Letterkenny group has announced plans to hold a solidarity vigil for refugees and asylum seekers.

The vigil is to take place in Market Square, Letterkenny on Sunday 8^th May, 3pm.

A spokesperson said: “There are many thousands of refugees from countries across the world who now live in Ireland, many of whom are living in direct provision centres, who need support, help, friendship, and solidarity.  This year alone, the war in Ukraine has seen millions of refugees having to flee and thousands of people have arrived in Ireland over the past few weeks.  Refugees who are now living in Donegal come from countries in every part of the world.

“Amnesty welcomes and supports all those, wherever they come from, who have been forced to leave their country in search of safety due to war, conflict or persecution.

This vigil is an expression of solidarity with all of these people. Everyone is welcome. Please bring a flag or emblem of your homeland if you wish.”

Pupils of Ballymore National School have joined over 500 primary schools nationwide saying ‘Yes’ to languages.

Throughout May and June, third to sixth class pupils from Ballymore National School, Dunfanaghy, will be taking part in the new Primary Language Sampler.  The sampler module is a means for raising awareness among pupils of the range of languages used by their peers, in their schools and community.

Over 500 schools nationwide are taking part and offering modules in a range of modern foreign languages and Irish Sign Language. 

For Ballymore National School, the module will introduce the pupils to French with lessons being taught over a 6-week period during the normal school timetable.

The aims of the module is to generate awareness among pupils of the range of languages being spoken across our country, encourage the uptake of languages at post-primary level and to support the implementation of Strategy for Foreign Language. 

Ms. Ní Chuireáin commented that “As principal, I appreciate the importance of languages as a life skill, an opportunity for the pupils to think in a different way and build opportunities for the future. With Modern Foreign Languages being a feature of the proposed new Primary School Curriculum Framework, we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to participate in the current rollout of the Primary Sampler Module.”

It has been announced that the Primary Language Module will be extended into the next school year. Schools wishing to participate, in this fully funded initiative, can register their interest at https://languagesconnect.ie/primary/ .