A letter sent to Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar shows there are no plans in the immediate future to start work on the Letterkenny Relief Road.

The letter sent to Deputy MacLochlainn and Minister Leo Varadkar.

The letter states that due to a lack of funding, no further works will be carried out on plans for the Bonagee Link between the Lifford Road and Letterkenny.

The plan had included a bridge over the Rover Swilly which would have taken a large volume of traffic away from the town.

Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, who was also sent the letter by a spokesman for the National Road Authority, has slammed the lack of action on the project.

Deputy Mac Lochlainn was speaking after the National Roads Authority responded on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar to parliamentary questions submitted by him.

He said ”A recent road traffic accident on the Port Road demonstrated yet again how vital the Bonagee Link from the recently constructed N56 IDA road to the Dry Arch Roundabout is to the people and economy of Letterkenny and North Donegal. People were caught in a traffic gridlock for hours and the damage to the local economy was substantial.

“It is outrageous that four years after Donegal County Council has submitted their plans to the National Roads Authority, this Government stil has failed to free up the neccessary finances. They are investing hundreds of millions of euro across the state from various sources and yet again, Donegal has been shafted.

“They also have refused to fund the N14 Letterkenny to Lifford road upgrade that is also a vital project, particularly when the A5 dual carriageway proceeds. Are this Government going to allow the first entry point to Donegal for many from the new dual carriageway to be what is a glorified bog road with bend after bend?”

He said he was now calling again on the Government supporting Oireachtas members and councillors to “step up to the plate and make the fight for our county.”

Charlie McHale with his mum Mary Rose Carr as he gets his pre school booster from Practice Nurse Ursula Molloy, with Gary McFadden, Donegal County Senior Football Player; Bernie McNulty, Assistant Director Public Health Nursing for Immunisation in Donegal and GP Dr. Eamon Coyle.

Parents across Co Donegal are reminded to ensure that their children get the school vaccination booster to protect their children against potentially serious infections before the summer.

The vaccine a child receives in school will depend on their age.

The school booster vaccines include Diphtheria Tetanus, Whooping cough, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. The Tetanus vaccine will prevent infection if a child gets a cut while at sports or at a summer camp.

The MMR vaccine will prevent measles, mumps and rubella. And the outbreak of Measles in Galway is a timely reminder that all children need two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection.

Dr Anthony Breslin, Specialist in Public Health in the North West said, “With European Immunisation week starting on 22 April the HSE is reminding parents to review their child’s immunisation record and if there are any vaccine missing get the child immunised at school or at their GP. Vaccines are safe and effective.”

For information on all vaccine preventable diseases and the Irish Childhood Immunisation Schedule visit www.hpsc.ie

In addition, the website of the National Immunisation Office, www.immunisation.ie is a very useful online resource with accurate and timely information on all immunisation issues in Ireland.

Fianna Fail Cllr. Ciaran Brogan has accused the Government of putting politics before people by refusing to disclose the extent of water charges facing Donegal households.

The Fianna Fáil politician claims the Government is delaying the announcement on water charge amounts in order to salvage votes in the upcoming local and European elections.

“It is disgraceful that households, who are trying to manage their budgets, are still being left in the dark about the water charges that will kick in from October. This secrecy is completely unnecessary. The only logic for refusing to be upfront with households is that Fine Gael and Labour are afraid it will lose them more votes in May,” said Cllr Brogan.

“This has become about the Government parties trying to save their own skin and avoid having to answer more questions ahead of polling day on May 23rd. Meanwhile, families across Co Donegal are left unable to work out their household budgets.

Cllr Brogan

“It’s an added insult to donegal households who will soon be clocking up charges for a completely inadequate water service. Many communities across this county have been plagued by poor water quality and are regularly subjected to boil water notices. How are they expected to pay hefty charges for this poor service?

“Approximately €800 million of taxpayers’ money has been spent on setting up the Government’s new Super Quango Irish Water, paying for exorbitant consultancy fees, staff bonuses and perks, and on installing water meters. Not one cent has been spent on the water system. It’s proof that the Government’s claim about this being all about an improved service is completely bogus.

“Far from upgrading our water supply, the entire focus of the Government and Irish Water has been on setting up a corporate entity to charge people. The only thing that donegal households are getting in return is charges – not any improvement in service.”

He added that he was now calling on Fine Gael and Labour representatives across Co Donegal to start being upfront with people about the charges that are coming down the line.

“I am also calling on them to ensure that any significant problems with the local water supply are fixed before people are expected to pay for their water.”

DONEGAL Daily Weather Report, in association with The Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, home of the Josper Grill. Tel 07491 22700.

Today’s Donegal Daily Weather: Today will be dry apart from some scattered showers or outbreaks of rain in places. It will be cloudy in many places but bright spells will break through as the day goes on.

Highest temperatures of 10 to 12 degrees in mostly fresh west to northwest winds, the winds strong at first in northwestern and northern coastal parts. The winds will become moderate northwesterly during the afternoon.

Sources: Met Eireann, BBC NI

A leading Donegal hotel has had several charges against it dismissed under smoking laws after a Judge said it was an ‘extremely well-run establishment.’

The Redcastle Hotel

The HSE took the case under Tobacco legislation laws against the Redcastle Hotel in Inishowen.

HSE employee Meabh Costelloe visited the hotel during a wedding on June 14th , 2013.

On the first visit there was nobody in the glazed area.

However, on a second visit two people were found smoking in the enclosed glazed area which measured three metres by three metres.

However Carndonagh District Court was told that this was NOT the designated smoking area for the hotel.

In fact, several precautions had been taken to ensure that patrons knew this was not the designated smoking area.

The actual designated patio area for smoking was a short distance away.

Defence solicitor Frank Dorrian said these included the erection of signs, regular fifteen minute patrols by staff and also a memo to staff telling them where the designated smoking area was.

He said that all reasonable measures had been taken to ensure people knew the glazed area was not the designated smoking area.

Judge Paul Kelly said he found the hotel had complied fully and that it was ‘an extremely well-run establishment.’

He dismissed all the cases relating to the hotel.

KeyedIn Solutions are a multi-national SaaS (Software as a Service) organisation operating in the UK, Ireland, USA and Sweden.  

They develop web and mobile software applications with over 50,000 users worldwide and are currently looking for a number of graduate/junior to mid-level C# .NET developers to join the mobile development team, based in Letterkenny.

You will be working as part of a team developing native apps for the Android and iOS platform, which utilises Xamarin for development in C#.

The team’s task is to build a scalable cross platform mobile application using cutting edge technologies and best practice.

You will be part of the core development team so if you are passionate about technology, committed to doing amazing work while having fun then we would like to hear from you!

Commercial experience in mobile app development is preferred however we will consider .NET/Java developers who can demonstrate solid Java/C#/VB.Net experience.

Skills and experience

Candidates for this role should:

Have 0-2+ years of commercial programming experience using Microsoft .NET technologies, preferably C#. Candidates with similar Java experience wishing to expand their skill sets will also be considered.

Have experience with XML / SOAP / REST Web Services

Have a firm understanding of OOP

Have a Bachelors/Masters degree in technology or related discipline

The following would be an advantage but are not essential skills to have:

• Xamarin

• Native android or iOS development experience.

•ASP.NET MVC

Package

Basic Salary: €25-50,000 (depending on experience)

Benefits: Pension, Private Health, 25 days holiday

Website: www.keyedin.com

Interested candidates can email their CV and cover letter to Gary Pope: gpope@keyedin.com

Letterkenny/Milford Community Candidate in the forthcoming local election Donal Cullen has hit out at Eircom for its handling of direct debit payments and its failure to ensure that the correct processing system was in place for it’s customers.  

This began when the Dansk Bank was shut down and customers had to transfer their business to other banks.

Eircom sent bills to customers who were affected by the change over and stated clearly that their telephone bills, broadband etc, had been paid by direct debit.

It has now emerged, however, that this is not the case and that the company failed to collect any payments since January.

Eircom blamed this failure on a systems error and said it was the result of the implementation of the Single European Payments Area.

Little comfort to thousands of customers who have had their telephones disconnected and also have to pay arrears.

Cullen said, “It’s an absolute disgrace how Eircom have treated their loyal customers over this matter.

“Up to 30,000 customers nationwide are now deemed to be in arrears and are facing bills of up to £500 despite the fact that Eircom is totally to blame for this debacle.

“Several people have approached me and have told me that they had no problem with direct debit payment to any other company since their bank change except Eircom.

“It is ironic that a communications company would make such disastrous mess in communicating with its customers.

“A charge of an unpaid direct debit incurs a charge of £15 per customer.

“Eircom now have the audacity to disconnect customers whose payments were not collected by the company and further more they will be charged for reconnection.

“This adds up to a huge intake of monies for Eircom.

Cullen concluded, “Yet again our political representatives have kept very quiet on this very serious matter that is affecting such a large number of people.

“These are the real issues affecting people. It seems that at every turn people are being asked to pay more charges, bills and taxes.

“I call on Eircom to communicate with their affected customers in a positive manner and to guarantee at least that no reconnection charges will be sought as a result of this fiasco, he added.

Gardai will work with the Department of Social Protection in Letterkenny in a crackdown on dole fraud.

The town has been chosen as one of ten centres across the country for the trial period.

The officers will work hand-in-hand with experienced social protection employees.

A spokesman for the Department said officers will collate and assemble suitable evidence to enable a deciding officer to review an entitlement and to use in possible legal proceedings.

As well as Letterkenny, other towns set for the trial include Dundalk, Monaghan and Navan.

Get your lawnmower ready for the summer season, with these tips from Robert Kee Power Equipment! 

1. What routine maintenance should I do weekly, before and after mowing?

Maintenance requirements will vary by model. The owner’s manual provides a maintenance schedule.

In general, the engine oil, air filter, blades, and grass bag should be checked before each use.

2. What is proper mower maintenance?

In general: The mower must be carefully inspected at the beginning of the season. Depending on the usage, cables may need adjustment, the blade(s) may need to be sharpened or replaced and engine oil changed.

The blade(s) and oil should be checked before or after each mowing.

At the end of the season, the mower should prepared for storage as detailed in the owner manual.

3. What are the signs of a worn mower blade?

A worn or dull mower blade will tend to shred the grass leaf rather than cutting it cleanly. The result is a jagged tip that turns brown rapidly.

This, in turn, gives the entire lawn a brownish or tan appearance for several days.

The turfgrass might actually appear to be diseased or stressed, but the green color will gradually be restored as the grass leaves grow.

4. Why is it important to sharpen the blade?

A worn or dull blade produces a poor cut. The jagged tips produced by a worn mower blade are also open wounds for the invasion of diseased organisms.

A properly sharpened blade is also a balanced blade, which reduces vibration, extends the life of the mower, and makes it more comfortable to use.

Call into Robert Kee Power Equipment, for all your lawnmower maintenance & repairs!

Lawnmower service from only €79!

Call now on 074 9721805 or 074 9188011

Life certainly is a ‘Rollercoaster’ for Finn Harps new striker Ruairi Keating.

Harps striker Ruairi Keating makes his mark for Finn Harps. Pic by Gary Foy.

The 18 year old, who is from Westport, Co Mayo, has been in flying form for the Ballybofey outfit.

But as well as banging in the goals for Harps, Ruairi has another claim to fame.

The striker with the distinctive quaff hairstyle has a very famous uncle – one Ronan Keating from Boyzone.

Ruairi and his family including his dad Ciaran, Ronan’s older brother, moved to live in the West of Ireland a number of years ago.

Will Ronan appear at Finn Park for a home game?

Ruairi is on a loan transfer from Sligo Rovers where he is a highly-rated player.

The former Boyzone frontman has yet to make it to Finn Park to see the quick feet and silky skills of his young nephew.

Last year’s parade was a hugely-colourful experience in Carn.

The Carndonagh Easter Parade will take place on Easter Monday next at 3pm.

This fantastic event is back for its 4th year and is going from strength to strength attracting families from far and near to enjoy a free day out for all.

Starting from Simpson’s Car Park at 3pm, the parade will proceed to the Diamond, down Bridge Street, onto Church Road and will then return to the Diamond via Station Road and Malin Street, before ending at Simpson’s.

There will be a competition for the Best Easter Bonnet, the best entries and floats in terms of fancy dress and endeavour. So get the artistic side going and be creative.

There will be live music and entertainment from the viewing platform in the Diamond from 2.30pm and an exhibition made up of the entries received from the ongoing photographic & children’s colouring competition. Entries can be received from local shops and returned to the Carn Post Office.

It is hoped that the many clubs and organisations in the town will join the parade on the day and make it a celebration of the extent of community involvement in Carn. All businesses are asked to join in the spirit of the day, enter floats and promote the town. Entries however are not confined to the town so, if you fancy a good day’s fun, come along and enter.

The organisers, Carndonagh Easter Monday Parade Committee, have been very much encouraged by the support, financial and otherwise, that they have received from the local business community.

Joe Dohery Chairman said ‘ We would like to thank the local businesses and community for their support in helping to make this another successful event for the town. It is sure to be a great day for all and we encourage you to come out and enjoy this fantastic day’.

Please note, traffic diversions will be in place on the day and due to this Mc Ginley’s Dublin bus will pick up at Supervalue & Donagh Cross.

The organisers are asking for more volunteers to assist with stewarding and would ask anyone interested to please contact John Cunningham (087) 277 2954

For further information or to register a float contact Jennifer O Donnell (086) 3796311

Gardening Club Registration Evening at the Niall Mór Centre Wednesday 23rd April 2014 7pm-9pm New Members Welcome. 

Marie Keating Foundation Mobile Unit will visit Supervalu Killybegs on Thursday 1st May 2014 at 11am – 3pm.

Killybegs Men on the Move

Location: Mens Shed Killybegs

Start Date: Tuesday 22nd & Thursday 24th April 2014

Tuesdays at 6.30pm

Thursdays at 7.30pm

Come along and join in with a great gang of Men.

For more information contact John Conwell on: 087 9617436

Courses starting in May at the Centre:

Cooking Classes

Digital Photography

Contact 07497 41863

1 Day Refresher First Aid Course FETAC LEVEL 5

Saturday 26th April 2014 9.30am-5.30pm – 2 places left on this course

Contact 07497 41863 to book your place

Free Councelling Service at the Niall Mór Centre every Tuesday and

Wednesday contact Breid to make an appointment on:07494 24985

Basic Computers starting for Men involved in the Fishing Industry

Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet Skills and Powerpoint.

Contact Laura on: 07497 41863

Citizen Information Every Monday at the Centre 10am-1pm

Heathcare Assistant Traineeship Course

FETAC LEVEL 5 Certificate

Duration: 36 Weeks

Contact Solas on: 074958 60500

Rathmullan man  and former Anglo Irish Bank executive William McAteer has been found guilty of giving illegal loans to the so-called Maple 10 to buy shares in the bank.

Willie McAteer – found guilty.

McAteer and co-accused Pat Whelan were also found not guilty of providing unlawful financial assistance six members of Sean Quinn’s family to unwind the businessman’s secret stake in the bank.

The jury returned the verdicts at the Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin after deliberating for almost 17 hours over five days.

Yesterday, their co-accused Sean FitzPatrick walked free from the court after been found not guilty of providing unlawful financial assistance to the Maple 10 as part of the plan to unwind Sean Quinn’s secret stake in the bank.

Trial judge Martin Nolan previously directed that Mr FitzPatrick be found not guilty in connection with the loans to the Quinn family.

He also cleared Mr Whelan of seven counts relating to facility letters to the Maple 10.

The loan-for-shares deal involved unwinding Mr Quinn’s secret 29pc stake in the bank, build up through contracts for difference (cfds).

The Irish Independent report that Whelan and McAteer showed no emotion as the verdicts were returned one by one.

They face up to five years in jail on each count and / or a €3,000 fine.

The pair stood in the dock side by side as they were remanded on bail by the judge. The sentence hearing will take place on April 28th.

LGFA FUNdamental coaching course is coming up on the 26th April, the course will be held at the Glenswilly GAA Centre.  

Duration of course will be from 10am until 4pm.

Registration will take place at 9.45am.

Participants need to be over 16 yrs to qualify for this course.

Important that mentors or coaches who have not done any coaching courses in LGFA have this course done.

Cost per person is €25. Qualifications in boys/men’s football do not cover you to coach ladies football.

This will be the last opportunity for club coaches to do FUNdamentals for this year.

As Donegal ladies coaching programme will concentrate on Level One coaching in the winter months and if you have not done FUNdamentals you will not qualify for a level One coaching course.

Booking is essential to secure a place on this course.

Contact development Officer Dónal Sharkey to book a place donalsharkey62@gmail.com

Letterkenny AC athlete Brendan Boyce has been selected on the Irish team for the IAAF World Race Walking Cup.  

Brendan Boyce has been selected on the Irish team for an international competition in China.

World Champion Rob Heffernan is to lead the Irish team at the competition which takes place in Taicang, China from the 3rd-4th of May.

Heffernan made his competitive comeback on the Race Walking Circuit at the Lugano Race Walking Grand Prix in Switzerland last month (March 16th).

He finished fifth in the 20km race in Lugano in a time of 1.20.57. Heffernan has recently returned from a three week training camp at altitude in Johannesburg and will use the race in China to further his preparations for the 50km Race Walk at the European Track & Field Championships in Zurich in August.

Brendan Boyce (Letterkenny AC), Luke Hickey (UCC) and Cian McManamon (Westport AC) will join Heffernan on the team in China.

Olympian and World Championship representative Boyce has also been on camp in Johannesburg fine tuning his preparations for the race in China.

Boyce who finished in 63rd place at the World Cup two years ago will target an improvement on that performance at the 2014 event.

At the end of the 2013 season Hickey was ranked amongst the top 15 junior’s in Europe while McManamon was also inside the top 15 at U23 level.

Both of these young up and coming athletes will test themselves against the very best race walkers in the World as they both make their debuts at World Cup level.

Olympian Laura Reynolds (Mohill AC) will be the sole Irish representative in the 20km women’s race.

Reynolds is coming off the back of a solid sixth place finish in the 20km race at the Grand Prix in Podebrady, Czech Republic on April 13th.

Reynolds like Heffernan will be using the World Cup event as part of her preparations for the European Championships.

Men’s 20km Team

Name Club Coach

Rob Heffernan (Togher AC) Marian Heffernan

Brendan Boyce (Letterkenny AC) Rob Heffernan

Luke Hickey (UCC AC) Rob Heffernan

Cian McManamon (Westport AC) Michael Doyle

Women’s Individual 20km

Name Club Coach

Laura Reynolds (Mohill and District A.C.) Colin Griffin

Team Support

Team Manager – Patsy McGonagle

Team Physio – Emma Gallivan

Team Support – Ray Flynn

Easter Break – The DCL office will be closed Mon – Fri 21st – 25th April for Easter break. Wishing everyone in the area a Happy Easter and apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Traditional Session – Traditional sessions have recommenced in McIntyre’s Bar, Dunkineely every Wednesday night.

All musicians welcome or just come along and listen.

Alzheimer’s 20th Birthday – A quiz in aid of the Alzheimer’s society (Donegal Branch) will take place in Mary Murrin’s Bar Bruckless on Saturday 10th May @ 9pm sharp.

Teams of 4 – €20 per table.

Tea and Cakes served. Everybody Welcome. For more information contact 0871265544.

Flora Mini Marathon – Taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, 2nd June 2014. We ask you to please support Alison, Carmel, Majella, Sharon & Jacinta who are running in this Marathon for a great cause.

Details of how to donate are on the DCL Facebook page.

Dunkineely in Bloom – Dunkineely Community Ltd are hoping to run a Dunkineely in Bloom competition in 2014, to brighten up the town and surrounding areas.

We are looking for volunteers!! Would you like to be involved, or be part of the organising, any help would be great.

Please get in touch with DCL office 074 9737052.

Castle Murray House Hotel is having a coffee morning on Saturday 7th June from 12-2pm. All “donations” on the day will be going to the services provided by Cancer Care West and their Co. Donegal residential home “Inis Aoibhinn”.

The team at Castle Murray House will be all volunteering their time & services on the day.

For more information please contact Castle Murray House Hotel 074 9737022.

Lifford Clonleigh Resource Centre

BLOSSOMS: Blossoms charity shop is open Tuesday to Thursday from 12pm to 4pm and Friday from 10am to 1pm. 

Furniture Restoration: Would you be interested in revamping/up-cycling an old piece of furniture?  Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre are now taking names for this course.

Participants will be expected to bring their own piece of furniture (small items only), e.g. a chair or small table.

For further details ring the Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre on 074 91 41773.

Community Walking Group, starting soon: Due to public interest we are hoping to run a walking group at the resource centre.

It will consist of a warm-up, walk, followed by a cooling down session and a cuppa.

These walks will be geared towards you, so we walk within your abilities. They will run for ten weeks and are free.

So if you are interested contact the Lifford – Clonleigh Resource Centre on 074 91 41773. Come along and let’s go walking!

Dyslexia support classes. Did you find reading at school difficult, if so, maybe you are dyslexic?

Never worry because we have a course that will start you off at the beginning with reading and writing, great tutors, work at your own pace and learn with others at the same level.

Just leave your name and number by contacting the Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre on 074 91 41773.

Up and coming courses at Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre.

• Furniture Restoration.
• Book Club.
• Child protection.
• Driving Theory.
• First Aid.
• Gardening.
• Internet skills.
• Basic/Conversational Irish.
• English as a second language.
• Basic computer course.
• Photography.
• Photoshop.
• Spanish.

If you are interested in any of the above courses, please contact the Lifford/Clonleigh Resource Centre on 074 91 41773. Thank you.

RAPHOE NOTES

GROW COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS PROGRAMME

The Family Resource Centre is hosting the GROW Community Mental Health Awareness Programme for 4 consecutive Thursday mornings commencing on Thursday 8th May. Each of the 4 sessions will be of two- hour duration from 10.30am-12.30pm. 

Week 1: Thursday 8th May-“Building Resilience”

Week 2: Thursday 15th May-“Stress Management”

Week 3: Thursday 22nd May-“Managing Anxiety and Depression”

Week 4: Thursday 29th May-“Introduction to Mindfulness/Stress Reduction Training”

The GROW Community Awareness Programme aims to develop thinking around the subject of mental health in general, its relevance to our lives today and the need and importance of maintaining one’s own mental health and general sense of well-being. In association with the see-change campaign we aim to create an environment where people are more open and positive in their attitude towards their mental health.

The programme is free of charge and all are welcome to attend. For further details and/or to book a place contact Maria on 086 7702860 or contact the Family Resource Centre on 074 9145796/087 3641503. The GROW Information Line number is 1890 474474; Website: www.grow.ie

Raphoe Summer Playscheme

Ra Sim Play would like to thank Glenda Ayton and Andrea McCobb for their help in organising the recent SK. Thank you to Centra, Raphoe, and The Diamond, Hairdressers for Vouchers. Also a special thanks to Pat at the Central Hotel, Raphoe for his generous donation and help, and to all the supplied food and donations from the Runners, walkers and the little one the bike. Kate and Eugene McGinley and our lovely Donegal Rose, Thank you to everybody.

The Playscheme will run this year in early July. Look out for further details as places will be limited.

Child Counselling Service:

The Family Resource Centre is pleased to announce that it is now in a position to provide a free and confidential Child Counselling Service, made possible from funding received from the Child and Family Agency. The Counsellor, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist who is a member of the National Association of Psychotherapists will be available in the Family Resource Centre on Mondays (excluding Bank Holidays) from 11.30am-3.00pm. To make an appointment please contact 086 3969149. Please note, when it is considered to be appropriate parental/guardian consent will be required.

International Year of the Family:

The International Day of the Family will be celebrated all over the world on Thursday 15th May but this year there is an additional significance to the occasion as it is also the 20th anniversary of the International Year of the Family, which in Ireland in 1994 heralded the first six or seven Family Resource Centres that were piloted mainly in the inner city of Dublin. Twenty years on there are now 106 FRCs nationally with 9 in Donegal. The Family Resource Centre in Raphoe will be hosting a number of family friendly events on the 15th May to mark the occasion so please watch this space for further details.

Dementia-friendly Initiatives:

As part of the International Year of the Family the Family Resource Centre will be officially launching two initiatives in association with Dementia Aware Donegal (DAD) which aim to raise awareness of dementia and to foster the inclusion of people living with dementia and their family carers. The initiatives are inclusive sports mornings and the extension of our Thursday morning walks to include the participation of people with dementia in ‘memory walks’ in and around the town centre. The initiatives will be supported by several volunteers and Transition Year students as well as staff from the FRC. The FRC would like to sincerely thank the TY Coordinators in the two local secondary schools for their support and cooperation with the initiatives.

Health and Well being Through Mindfulness

In the next coming weeks we will be running a new “health and well being through mindfulness” programme. This has been a very successful course that people have truly benefited from. The programme helps people build resilience to deal with life stresses and traumatic events. Mindfulness has been shown to be among the most effective skills in building emotional and mental resilience. Over the weeks this course will introduce participants to a range of mindfulness skills. This learning will lead to an increase in capacity and confidence in group members. Practice of these skills will lead to life long benefits. It is likely the course will take place on Friday mornings from 10.30-12.30 noon. If anyone is interested please contact Melanie at the FRC on 0749145796 / 0873641503.

The Role of Churches & Cultural Organisations in Peace-building

As part of the Border Counties Social Inclusion Project

Tyrone~Derry & Donegal Action (TDDA) invite you to a discussion workshop on:

‘The Role of Churches & Cultural Organisations in Peace-building’

In Newbuildings Community Centre,

4 Duncastle Road, Newbuildings, Co. Londonderry .

On Thursday 24th April 2014, from 7-9pm.

Speakers:

Mr.Jim Brownlee (Apprentice Boys of Derry)

Mr.Trevor Temple (Diamond War Memorial Project)

Dr.David Latimer (Monreagh & 1st Derry Presbyterian Churches)

Light refreshments available. No admission fee.

Please register attendance before 24th April by contacting TDDA on Email: tdaction@gmail.com or Tel: 00353 749173747

Springboard Family Support Project

Easter Draw Winners

1st Prizes – Easter Hamper Sponsored by Raphoe Centra

John Mc Glinchey

2nd Prize – Large Easter Egg

Stephen Brogan

3rd Prize – Box of Chocolates

Bridget McCarron

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Raphoe Centra for sponsoring the Easter hamper,

To all those people who either bought or sold tickets for us, particularly all the Afterschool Club children & Parent & Toddler group. Thank you all so much. Your support is very much appreciated.

SPRINGBOARD BOOK A PLACE ON OUR FORTHCOMINGSPRING PROGRAMME

PARENTS PLUS PROGRAMME

6-12YR OLDS

SPRINGBOARD FAMILY SUPPORT PROJECT ARE RUNNING AN EIGHT WEEK

PARENTS PLUS PROGRAMME –

A PRACTICAL & POSITIVE GUIDE TO PARENTING CHILDREN

TOPICS INCLUDE

BEING A RESPONSIVE PARENT.

ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING CHILDREN.

PROMOTING CHILDREN’S LANGUAGE AND DEVELOPMENT.

HELPING CHILDREN CONCENTRATE AND LEARN

BUILDING CO- OPERATION IN YOUNG CHILDREN

MANAGING TANTRUMS, MISBEHAVIOUR AND PROBLEMS

This programme will commence Wednesday 30th April 2014

Wednesday Mornings from 10am – 12noon programme is free of charge

(Childcare & Travel can also be provided)

TO BOOK A PLACE ON OUR PROGRAMME

Contact Springboard office on 074 9173918

A.S.I.S.T.

Raphoe Family Resource Centre is hosting the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.IS.T.) on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th July 2014 from 9.00am-4.30pm both days and we are now taking names of anyone interested in this informative training.

A.S.I.S. T. is a training course developed for both members of the public and professionals, and aims to enhance people’s skills to intervene until either the immediate risk of suicide is reduced or additional support or resources can be found.

The emphasis of the two-day workshop, which is free, is on suicide first aid, on helping a person at risk to stay safe and seek further help. To book a place please contact us on 074 9145796/087 3641503 or email raphoefrc@eircom.net

2 in 2 u Campaign

Does your boyfriend get jealous when you spend time with your friends?

Does he always phone or text when you’re out without him?

Do you avoid disagreeing with him in case he loses his temper?

If you have answered yes to any of the above, please think about taking a Relationship Health check at 2in2u.ie

BECAUSE IF SOMETHING FEELS WRONG, IT PROBABLY IS.

And remember, if anything about your relationship ever makes you feel anxious or worried, please call the Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, 10am-10pm, 7 days a week.

RAPHOE 5K

Raphoe 5k in association with Lifford Athletic Club will take place on Tuesday evening 15th July so don’t forget to pencil in the date! The race, which is now into its 4th year, and which is part of Donegal Co. Athletics Board’s Grand Prix Series has been incredibly successful thanks to the large number of entrants not only from the Raphoe area but from the surrounding towns of Lifford, Convoy, Castlefin, St.Johnston, Aghyaran as well as runners from Ballybofey, Letterkenny, Strabane and Derry.

Brendan O’Donnell, Lifford Athletic Club has been of tremendous support to the Family Resource Centre in the organising and running of this fundraising event and we would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Brendan for that support.

LITTLE SMILES WITH BIG DREAMS

Little Smiles with Big Dreams is a parent and toddler group that meets every Wednesday morning at 10.30am –12 noon in the Family Resource Centre. Anyone who is in care of a child where it is an aunt / uncle/ childminder or grandparent is welcome. The kiddies can get involved in Messy play, free play, story time and music time where the adult can enjoy a cuppa tea and meet other adults. Parent and Toddler are a great way to enhance your little one confidence and meet others their age. A light lunch is provided and a small cost of 50 cent per family.

HEALTHY WALKS

If you are in and around Raphoe and would like to keep fit, join us on our Healthy walk every Thursday morning at 10.30 a.m. The group meets in Raphoe Family Resource Centre. Everyone Welcome.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS:

Do you know that Raphoe Family Resource Centre is available for children’s birthday parties and special occasions? To find out more please contact the Centre on 074 9145796.

WEEKLY EMPLOYMENT LIST

Raphoe Family Resource Centre receives an updated weekly employment list and if you are interested in receiving this list through e-mail or print-out please contact 074 9145796 or call into the Centre for more details.

COUNSELLING SERVICE:

The service which is free and confidential is by appointment only by telephoning 086 3601718.

Little Explorers Parent & Toddler Group

Parent and Toddler Group is an activity which allows Parents / guardians to attend a session which looks at different activities to promote learning and fun for children aged 0-4 years. Children will avail of a variety of activities which support their physical, social and emotional development as well as promoting their language development.

Parent and Toddler also give parent / guardians the opportunity to socialize and meet up in a warm caring stimulating environment. The activities on offer at Little Explorers are: Arts & Crafts, Physical Play, Circle and Rhyme Time & Information sessions for parents. Parents are provided with a healthy snack!!!! The Parent and toddler session runs every Tuesday morning from 11.00am – 12.30pm. Why not come along and have some fun!!!

Raphoe Boxing Club

Congratulations goes to Raphoe Club boxer Oran Devine who was crowned Ulster School boy boxing Champion at 48kgs on Sunday last in the 2000 Centre Newtownstewart when he outpointed the hometown hot favourite Tadgh McSorley Two Castles B.C.

Oran now goes forward to the National Finals in Dublin from 22nd to 26th April and everyone at the Raphoe Club extend best wishes for every success to the popular Raphoe Puncher.

On Friday night Raphoe’s light middle king pin Danny Duggan will be in action at a major tournament in Carrigart.

Raphoe coach Gary McCullagh has now finalized most of the match-making for the club’s forth coming major tournament to be staged in Deele College Sports hall on Saturday 3rd May with all the proceeds going to the Christian McCullagh Fund and all donations for this charity tournament will be greatly appreciated.

Tickets for the tournament are now on sale and can be purchased from any club member or at the club house Monday- Wednesday-Friday 7-9pm.

Please note that all notes should be placed in the box provided in Raphoe Post Office by a Thursday before 4.00 p.m. or alternatively can be dropped into Raphoe Family Resource Centre or e-mailed to raphoefrc@eircom.net every Thursday to meet the print deadline.

This amazing design “Locked In Time” was designed by two transition year students at Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana : EmmaRose Callaghan & Sarah O’Dwyer.

This creation takes its inspiration from the character Miss Havisham in Charles Dickens’s novel Great Expectations.

Made mainly from cardboard packaging, old lace and antique clock pieces.

The second round of voting for the 2014 competition will take place from 9am on 14th of April until midnight on 25th of April on the ERP Facebook page.

Voting is even more important this time around as votes will be used in a tie breaker situation.

“Locked In Time” topped the pole in the Northern Regional Semi Finals

The O2 is one of Ireland’s premier venues and to be performing in such a theatre is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many.

Every vote is greatly appreciated.

Dress Modelled by EmmaRose Callaghan

To vote for the girls click on the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/ERPIreland/app_1405174289738922

Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has stood by his assertion that cannot be taken seriously as an Independent candidate and has accepted Pádraig Doherty’s challenge of a debate.  

Independent candidate Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easpuig has challenged Padraig Doherty to a debate.

Mac Giolla Easbuig told Donegal Daily, “I have now made arrangements for a venue, all Councillor Doherty has to do is name the date and I will debate with him what it means to be an Independent.

“Having failed to win the dirty dog-fight of internal party politics and get a Fine Gael nomination, Councillor Doherty, is now putting himself forward as an Independent.

“If he is successful, will he sit as a Fine Gael councillor? Under this government our county has suffered hugely from the austerity agenda in terms of forced emigration, reduced incomes, property tax, post office closures to name only a few, he added.

“By using Independent as a flag of convenience, Councillor Doherty doesn’t have to accept any responsibility for all this, it is not an honest position.

Mac Giolla Easbuig continued, “I’m angry because his stance devalues the label of Independent for those of us who believe that being genuinely Independent is very important.

“The political parties play their games in Lifford and do what is in their interests.

Mac Giolla Easbuig concluded by saying, “We need genuine Independents who will challenge them, who will only be answerable to the people and community they represent, rather than pleasing the party machine.

“I will gladly debate with Councillor O Dochartaigh in a forum where the public can also come and have their say,the venue is ready, all we await is the response from Councillor Doherty.