Finn Harps slipped to fourth place in the table after going down to Longford Town last night.

A 25th minute controversial penalty was all that separated the sides in a pretty dour affair.

Harps have secured just one point from a possible nine in their last three league games.

Manager Ollie Horgan will be concerned about the lack of chances his side is creating up front with the continued loss of Kevin McHugh through injury.

The turning point in the game came in the 25th minute when Packie Mailey was harshly adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area.

O’Sullivan converted and despite a number of attempts, Harps failed to get back on level terms.

DONEGAL singer Paddy Molloy is out of the Voice of Ireland.

The Glenties man was once again savaged by the judges, with Jamelia particularly harsh in her criticism of his performance in tonight’s live show.

As she criticised Paddy, she said he was the one performer who didn’t deserve to go through to next week’s final.

Paddy’s mentor Kian Egan reacted angrily to Jamelia’s comments, but she was backed by Bressie who accused Paddy of playing safe by singing top 20 songs.

Bressie said Paddy wasn’t taking enough risks.

And after getting low scores from the judges, the public vote wasn’t enough to keep him in the competition and send him into next week’s final.

“I’ve done this for my town and my county and I’m so glad to get this far,” said Paddy as he found out he was going home tonight.

His mentor Kian – who lost both of his singers including Jay – said the wrong decision had been taken.

DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE

RESULTS

SUNDAY

Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division

Cranford United 0 Gweedore Celtic 0

In a match that had everything apart from goals Gweedore Celtic went away happiest from this final day game for both teams. Cranford had the earliest chance when Shaun Mc Elwaine headed across the goal and Philip Buchanan was inches away from tapping home. Tommy Diver had Gweedore’s best chance when he fired a right foot shot just over the bar. The rest of the half was closely fought with most of the play around the midfield area. The second half saw Gweedore settle for the draw with Paul Rua and Kevin Friel doing well for the away way side. Cranford did have chances through a Kyle Black free kick and Micheal Mc Ginley header but the breakthrough just wouldn’t come. Cranford now await next weeks results with Gweedore Celtic looking ahead to their Ulster Cup final against Glengad. Best for Cranford were Arthur Lynch, Seamus Carr and Seamus Mc Laughlin. Best for Gweedore Ned Curran, Micheal Mc Kelvey and Kevin Friel

Ulster Junior Shield

Moville Celtic 0 Raphoe Town 1

Raphoe Town will fly the Donegal Junior League flag in the inaugural final of the newly formed Ulster Junior Shield competition. Despite the disappointment of missing out on a promotion/relegation play-off spot on goals difference the East Donegal side lifted their spirits and went into this game with the intention of prolonging their season by another few weeks. In a first half dominated by Raphoe Jamie Gallagher scored what was to be the match winning goal. The second half saw Moville Celtic throw everything forward in an effort to get level but Raphoe managed to hold out and it is their name that is in the historic first ever final of this competition. Their opposition will come in the form of Inishowen League outfit Aileach F.C. and no final date is known at time of writing.

SATURDAY

Old Orchard Saturday Division One

Ramelton Mariners 0 Glencar Celtic 8

On the day that Glencar Celtic were presented with their first ever League Title Trophy they met a Ramelton Mariners side who were unable to match them in any sector of the field. As the final scoreline suggests it was one way traffic from start to finish and many of the usual suspects added to their season’s tallies in the grey and black of the Letterkenny based outfit. Hat-tricks from Paddy Rafferty and Stephen Browne were added to by goals from Marty Brogan and Conor Crossan as the League Champions hit eight without reply. So it was off to celebrate the title for the Glencar Celtic players and for Ramelton Mariners it is a case of rebuilding for next season.

Orchard F.C. 5 Mulroy Celtic 1

Orchard F.C. claimed all three points from this match. In a tight first half Orchard opened the scoring on twenty minutes when Barney McMenamin broke down the left and slipped a ball through to Chucky Sweeny who slotted past the advancing keeper. The second goal came early in the second half when Luke Friel slotted home from inside the box. Orchard added a third on sixty minutes when Niall Bonner drilled his shot home from the edge of the box and Chucky Sweeney added his second and Orchard fourth on seventy minutes from close range. Mulroy pulled one back on seventy five minutes, a fine shot from the edge of the box. Niall Bonner wrapped up the scoring on eighty minutes when he finished from close range.

Best For Orchard F.C. : Niall Bonner, John Boyle and Chic McLaughlin

Beat for Mulroy : Team Performance. Referee : Victor Rainey

Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two

Arranmore United 1 Keadue Rovers Reserves 0

Arranmore celebrated winning the league with a 1-0 win against local rivals Keadue Rovers Reserves. Keadue were intent on spoiling the party and threatened early on but David Sweeney couldn’t convert. Chris Mc Glanaghy wasted a good chance when he headed over from a Declan Proctor corner. It remained scoreless at the interval. Both sides had chances from set pieces in the 2nd half but neither keeper was tested. Arranmore got the winner in the 85minute as Paul Mc Garvey and Doalty Boyle combined for the latter to head home from 10 yards shortly after coming off the bench.

Donegal Junior League Secretary Christina O’ Donnell was present to present Arranmore United team captain, Danny Rodgers, with the Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two cup at the end of the game. There were great scenes of jubilation around Rannagh Park, the attendance boosted by many locals who had returned home from various parts of the world to spend the Easter holidays. The switch to Saturday football has certainly proved to be the saviour of the countries only Island club. For this the club paid thanks to the League Executive and the other clubs who facilitated them in the switch.

Glenree United Reserves 4 Gweedore United Reserves 3

In glorious conditions in Glenree Park it was the home side that came out on top in the end in this promotion battle with Gweedore United. Gweedore opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Shaun Paul Mc Mahon was put through to beat the out rushing keeper. Both teams created a few half chances before the next goal was scored by Shane Gallagher who headed it into the top corner from a corner kick. Its stayed like this up to half time. Ten minutes into the second half Nicholas Nelis flicked the ball into the net from a corner to give the home side a fighting chance. The home side pushed hard for the equaliser but Gweedore stood strong and regained their two goal lead on the hour mark when, from another corner, Owen Debar finished well to make it a tough last 20 minutes for the home team. John Coll made an inspiring tactical decision to push big John Mc Clafferty into the middle of the field which released Ciaran ‘Macca’ Cunningham, a switch which would pay off later in the match. A free kick was won on the 74th minute. Reliable free kick taker Darren Connor stepped up to beat the keeper who misjudged the flight of the ball. Gweedore were starting to get a little nervy and it got worse for them when Macca spotted the keeper off his line and curled the ball into the top corner, with ten minutes remaining, to level the scoreline. The home side’s tails were up and Gweedore seemed to be out on their feet a little. The Glenree outfit went for the win as the away side seemed to be going defensive. Glenree put them to the sword in the 90th minute when another free kick was awarded 20yards out which invited Vinny Mc Laughlin to hit a sweetly struck shot and watch it sail past a helpless goalie. It was nothing less than what the home side deserved for their second half performance alone. Best for Gweedore United were Shaun Gallagher and Owen Debar. An outstanding team performance from the Glenree United Reserves outfit.

WEDNESDAY

Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division

Curragh Athletic 3 v 4 Milford United

SATURDAY

Old Orchard Saturday Division One

Ramelton Mariners 0 v 8 Glencar Celtic

Orchard F.C. 5 v 1 Mulroy Celtic

Glencar Inn Saturday Division Two

Arranmore United 1 v 0 Keadue Rovers Reserves

Glenree United Reserves 4 v 3 Gweedore United Reserves

SUNDAY

Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division

Cranford United 0 v 0 Gweedore Celtic

Milford United P v P Glenea United

Ulster Junior Shield

Moville Celtic 0 v 1 Raphoe Town

4 Lanterns USL Results & Reports 

Bonagee Utd. 1 2 Letterkenny Rovers

Swilly Rovers 0 4 Cockhill Celtic

Finn Harps Res. 1 2 Drumkeen Utd.

Fanad Utd. 1 4 Derry City Res.

Reports

Derry Get Win in Fanad

Fanad Utd. 1

Derry City Res. 4

The young Fanad United side were no match for the very impressive Derry City Reserves side in this match which was played in glorious conditions in Traigh-a-Loch. Derry started strongly and took the lead in the second minute. A Nathan Boyle cross was met at the back post by Ciaran Harkin who made no mistake. Derry continued to push and in the 10th minute a Cormac Burke shot was well blocked by Johnny Logue. It didn’t take long for Derry to extend their lead however as in the 12th minute a cross from the right from Shay Dunlop deceived young Fanad keeper Shane Graham and Cormac Burke scored with a header. Fanad to their credit kept trying and in the 15th minute Derry had their keeper Ciaran Gallagher to thank when he blocked a Kevin Murray header from a Declan Sweeney free kick. Derry should have extended their lead in the 27th minute when Caolan McLaughlin missed a free header at the back post following a corner. Fanad were given hope in the second minute of the second half. Following a defensive mix up, David Edwards finished into the bottom corner from close range to reduce the deficit. Derry however responded in spectacular fashion 2 minutes later. When the ball broke to Cormac Burke 30 yards out, he unleashed an unstoppable swerving shot into the top corner. 5 minute later Derry put the game to bed. Michael Barr’s cross from the right was met by the un-marked Conor McDermott who made no mistake with his header. Fanad continued to battle and in the 65th minute substitute Oisin Hasset went on a mazy run and his final shot was well saved by Gallagher. In the 67th minute, youth team captain Dean McCarry struck the cross bar with a fantastic 25 yard free kick after Johnny Logue was fouled. There were few more chances by either side after that although in the final minute Conor McDermott will be wondering how he didn’t score Derry’s fifth when he missed an open goal from 4 yards out. On this showing Derry won’t be far away from the top of the table come the end of the season. Best for Fanad were Kevin Murray, Johnny Logue, David Edwards. Best for Derry were Caolan McLoughlin, Cormac Burke and Conor McDermott

Fanad United: Shane Graham, Ronan Sweeney (Oisin Hasset 60), Joe Friel, Declan Sweeney, Kevin Murray, Glenn McNulty (Shay Durning 13), Dean McCarry, Brian McVeigh, David Edwards, Johnny Logue, Conor Mathewson (Kyle Burke 41) 
Derry City: Ciaran Gallagher, Shay Dunlop, Mark Timlin, Conor Barr, Caolan McLaughlin, Cormac Burke, Ciaran Harkin, Nathan Boyle, Conal Kelly, Conor McDermott, Michael Barr. 
Ref. S. Toner

Drumkeen Beat Harps

Drumkeen Utd. 2

Finn Harps Res. 1

Finn Harps Reserves the visitors to St  Patrick’s Park on a sunny Easter Sunday, The home side welcomed Ryan Gildea and David Shovlin back to their starting line up, Drumkeen had several chance in the first half ,Conor Carlin ran on to a Eunan Kelly flick on but his effort went narrowly wide of the post, Eunan Kelly also shot wide after he was put in by Shovlin. Darren McCready also had a lovely effort well saved by Shaun Patton, Harps were lively and were dangerous on the break but Stephen Conroy didn’t have to make a save until the 25th minute, the first half ended scoreless, Both teams started the second half brightly, Darren McCready Had a couple of efforts that went over the bar,at the other end Harps forced few corners and a couple of free kicks which were well dealt with by the home defence, The first goal of the game came on seventy minutes, David Shovlin passed to Ronan Coyle who played a lovely pass to Darren Cassidy who fired it home. Drumkeen doubled their lead shortly after when they were awarded a penalty, Conor Carlin was brought down in the box and referee Vincent Mc Laughlin had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, he also gave a straight red card to Harps defender for the last man tackle. Darren McCready took the penalty and made no mistake., That looked like game over but with just a couple of minutes left Harps pulled a goal back, A Gareth Harkin corner was headed home by Graham Fisher, this made for a nervy last few minutes for the home side but they held on and got a hard earned win,

DRUMKEEN Stephen Conroy, Michael Carroll, Dean Bonner, Ryan Gildea, Paddy McLaughlin, Philip Whyte, Darren Cassidy, Darren McCready, Eunan Kelly, Conor Carlin, David Shovlin, subs Chris Mc Bride on for white 65 mins, Ronan Coyle on for Kelly 71 mins, Gavin Reilly on for Carroll 71 mins,

FINN HARPS, Shaun Patton, Graham Fisher, Shane Porter,, Paul McDermott ,Ryan Curran, Darragh Black, Mark Forker, Shane Buchanan, Paul McVeigh, Gareth Harkin, Ciaran Scanlon, SUBS Matthew Henry on for Shane Buchanan 68 mins, Dean Mc Connell on for Darragh Black, Chris Flanagan on for Ryan Curran, Referee Vincent McLaughlin.

Macca Goal Wins Letterkenny Derby

Bonagee Utd. 1

Letterkenny Rovers 2

Letterkenny Rovers claimed all three points in this local derby, but were made to work hard for their victory by a good performance by the home side.  Clear cut chances were scarce in the first forty five, with only Frankie McBrearty’s effort from distance that Jason Quinn expertly pushed onto the post was the only opportunity of note.  The second half sprung to life when just thirty seconds from the kick off, the visitors to the lead.  A throw in from Kevin McGrath reached Darren McElwaine on the edge of the box. The Convoy man laid the ball off to Steve Okakpu, who drilled home from ten yards.  The visitors doubled their lead in the 59th minute. McElwaine, who battled well with the Bonagee defence all afternoon, scored after a goalmouth scramble. This somehow spurred Bonagee into life and they had a couple of good chances just after that when Aidan McLaughlin struck the bar from close range and Aaron Harkin made Quinn push one around the post.  McLaughlin did reduce the deficit with fourteen minutes to go when he turned inside the area and placed the ball into the far corner. Bonagee did pushed for an equaliser, but Letterkenny held out for all three points in their pursuit for silverware this season.  Best for Bonagee were Frankie McBrearty and Daryl McBrearty, with John Doherty & Aaron O’Hagan excelling for the away team.

Bonagee: Darren Smyth, Jamie Lynagh, Daryl McDermott, Darek Frankowski, Gareth Breslin, Mark Harkin, Frankie McBrearty, Daryl Brown, Aaron Harkin, Aidan McLaughlin & Kevin Barr.

Letterkenny Rovers: Jason Quinn, Barry O Donnell, John Doherty, Johnny Minnock, Neil Lloyd, Matt Harkin, Aaron O Hagan, Kevin Deery, Kevin McGrath, Darren McElwaine & Oisin McMenamin.

Cockhill Cruise in Ramelton Sun

Swilly Rovers 0

Cockhill Celtic 4

Champions Cockhill maintained their place at the top of the 4 Lanterns USL table after a good victory in a sun drenched Ramelton on Easter Sunday over a disappointing Swilly Rovers who will take on UCC in the first round of the FAI Cup next weekend. A double from Gerald “Jazzer” McLaughlin and further strikes from Mark Moran and Derek Doherty sent the Inishowen men home with full points after a job well done as they prepare for a top of the table clash with Letterkenny Rovers next weekend.

Swillys Dylan Hegarty was just wide with a 25 yard free on four minutes. Mark Moran corner on 6 mins and Gerard Mc Laughlin scored from 6 yards to make Cockhill 1-0 leaders. As the goal was scored there was a foul on swilly keeper Wade who needed treatment for several minutes. A Mark Moran header on ten minutes, Gerard Mc Lauglin headed home to make it 2-0 to Cockhill. Gareth Wade denied Mark Moran with a super save on 17 minutes. Laurence Toland to Mc Hugh to Mooney, great save by Cullen in the Cockhill goal to deny Mooney on twenty minutes. Martin Mc Daid hit the post for Swilly on 21 minutes. Cockhills Mark Moran made it 3-0 firing home from 10 yards on 26 minutes. Derek Doherty’s deflected show made it 4-0 on 40 minutes. Swilly David Fisher shot inches wide on 50 minutes. Swilly improved a lot in the second half but the damage had already been done. Injuries during the game to Ryan Shields and Gareth Wade certainly did not help the Swilly cause.

Match Referee: Paul Duddy

Swilly Rovers: Gareth Wade, Darren Dunsworth, Gareth Collioun, Marty Boyce, Dylan Hegarty, Ryan Shields, David Fisher, Marty Mc Daid, Michael Mc Hugh, Laurence Toland, Calvin Mooney.

Subs: Mark Wilson, Cathal Diver, Duncan Patterson, Damien Friel, Ryan Mc Daid, John Roulstone

Cockhill Celtic: Gavin Cullen, Kieran Mc Lauglin, Peter Doherty, Jonny Hauelin, William O Connor, Derek Doherty, Liam O’Donnell, Malachy Mc Dermott, Gerard Mc Laughlin, Mark Moran, James Bradley

Subs: Conor Kelly, Oisin Mc Colgan, Michael Moore, Lee Mc Carron, Paul Mc Kinley, Aidan O Donnell

Fixtures

4 Lanterns USL

Wednesday, April 23rd at 6:45pm

Swilly Rovers v Fanad Utd. Ref. V. McLaughlin

Friday, April 25th at 7pm

Drumkeen Utd. v Derry City Res. Ref. T. McAree

Sunday, April 27th at 2pm

Cockhill Celtic v Letterkenny Rovers Ref. P. Duddy

Bonagee Utd. v Finn Harps Res. Ref. P. Coll

Happy Days! Michael wins €64K

Young Donegal man Michael Gallagher was just a couple of clicks away from becoming a millionaire on TV’s Winning Streak.

Michael, from Inver, appeared on the RTE show and his heart was in his mouth as he spun the wheel…with a cool million euro on offer.

The marketing man and already won €40,000 during the gameshow itself.

And he came agonisingly close to landing on the €1 Million segment when he spun the wheel….the ball bouncing in the segment next to it, before rolling four slots away and into €24k!

But Michael, who now lives in London where he works in promotions for Marks & Spencer, was more than content after picking up the extra €24,000 giving him a cool €64,000 – not bad for one night’s work!

Michael, who used to work at the Sherlock Holmes museum in London and is qualified as a pub and kitchen designer, was congratulated by his mum – “the most important person” and his sisters Katherine and Teresa, as he took it all in his stride.

The farmer’s son says he might use his winnings to start his own business!

He’s the latest Donegal winner on the TV game show – last month THREE players from the county appeared on the same show.

The show reached a landmark this weekend – passing the €150 MILLION in prize money over the past 23 years.

ANTIA MARTIN WRITES: I thought Donegal Daily readers might like these fabulous snaps I caught today.

The first four are from Carrickfinn Beach in Annagry this afternoon and the last three are from Barnesmore Gap outside Ballybofey this morning. Little pieces of heaven right here on our doorstep!

Like!

It’s almost becoming embarrassing how many pundits are singling out Killybegs soccer star Seamus Coleman for praise.

Seamus Coleman

Last night it was the turn of BBC’s Match of the Day studio panel.

Former Arsenal star Martin Keown and Liverpool player Danny Murphy couldn’t stop heaping plaudits on the young Donegal man.

Indeed, Murphy picked out a number of clips of Coleman almost single-handedly ripping the Manchester Utd defence to pieces during Everton’s 2-0 win over the Red Devils.

Murphy gushed “I could have picked out 20 clips of Coleman he was that good. He is going to be a truly great player.”

Keown then remarked at how Utd boss must have known what his players must have been up against having had Coleman at Goodison Park saying how he paid just £60,000 for the player.

Independent Community Candidate, Peter Cutliffe has hit out at election candidates who claim to be “new” to politics and saying they are essentially “greenhorns” to politics.

Peter Cutliffe

Cutliffe said he believe candidates need to clarify their political past and be proud of it rather than hiding from their political past and affiliation.

“It amuses me to hear some candidates claiming they have no political experience or background.

“In this election I don’t think that it is correct that candidates should do this and they should actually be proud of their political beliefs and allegiance,” he claimed.

He said that from his own political background, he was literally “born” into politics.

“Being a relative of the “Blaneyites” and was a proud member of the canvas team along with my late parents , who historically elected four Independent Fianna Fáil candidates in the eighties to Letterkenny Urban Council, Councillors Hugh Dorrian, Jim Lynch, the late Councillors James Larkin and Tadgh Culbert.”

He added that in later years he supported friend and school-mate , Jimmy Harte but felt that his party no longer represents the people .

“I have therefore decided to stand as an Independent Community candidate to represent the people in Letterkenny/Milford , he stated.

“I totally understand how a candidates circumstances change but am of the view that he/she should not deviate away or hide from the person or politician that they are,” he concluded.

BY EMMET RUSHE: We have all been there…you are sitting on the sofa and your eyes are burning in your head.  Every time you blink, you feel as though you are going to fall into a coma.

You get up, struggle into the bedroom and slide under the bed sheets.  As you lay your head on the pillow you look forward to a great night’s sleep…….but it doesn’t come.

Instead you restlessly toss and turn all night, spending endless hours staring at the ceiling, checking the clock, looking at the time on your phone and wondering why you bothered getting into the bed in the first place.

Finally you fall asleep, only to have the alarm rudely awaken you 2 hours after you finally managed to drift off in the first place. 

Welcome to bedtime……..

The recommended amount of sleep per night should be between 7-8 hours.

The average for adults today is around 6 ½ hours.

No big deal, right?

Wrong!

Sleep is the ultimate recovery tool.  It is how our bodies and minds repair and recover from daily stresses and it is also how our bodies recover from our exercise and training sessions.

It is as important as a proper nutrition plan when it comes to your weight loss or muscle-building goals.

Everything that you do will be affected by a lack of sleep.

Your food choices will be poorer.

When you are tired, you will always be looking for ways to give yourself a kick start.

High sugary foods, energy drinks and high levels of caffeinated drinks are usually the first thing that people will reach for to get them through the day.

You will probably not have the time or energy to prepare proper meals and may be tempted to go for the pre-packaged processed food choice, or the take away.

Your Body will work against you.

In a sleep deprived state, our bodies wreak havoc with our hormones.

Our stress hormone cortisol will be high and our hormones Leptin and Ghrelin can also be affected.

If cortisol is high during sleep you can be in a heightened state of alertness, not what you want for going to sleep.

Ghrelin is a hunger stimulating hormone that tells us when to eat.

Leptin is an appetite suppressant hormone that tells us when to stop eating.

When we are in a sleep-deprived state we have higher levels of Ghrelin and lower levels of Leptin, which means we will have a false hunger and this can contribute to the poor food choices mentioned above and we won’t know when to stop eating them.

This can all lead to excess weight gain.

What can we do to help?

Here are 10 strategies that can help you to wind down and relax and may help you to get a better night’s sleep.

Set a bedtime and stick to it.

Turn off all technology for 2 hours before bed.

Read a book.

Take a bath

Get your room to the right temperature; not too cold, not too hot.

Invest in a good mattress and some good pillows.

Avoid caffeine.

Eat carbs in your last meal before bed. (They won’t make you fat)

Once your alarm is set, don’t look at your phone and turn your clock so you can’t see it.

Drink some chamomile tea before bed.

Sleep is under-rated by a lot of people when it comes to their goals, but it could be the ace in the pack that helps you win or lose.

#TrainSmart

If you have any question on this article or for getting a tailored programme based on your starting point, please contact me through the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rushe-Personal-Training-and-Performance/120518884715118

* Emmet is the owner and operator of Rushe Personal Training and Performance

DONEGAL Daily Weather Report, in association with The Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, Tel 07491 22700. 

It’s Josper Monday – order a Josper Grill inspired main course and get a delicious homemade dessert FREE – today at Dexter’s at Mount Errigal Hotel.

Today’s Weather: A great deal more cloud across Donegal today after the bright sunny weather of the weekend. The sun will peek through from time to time as the day goes on especially in the west and north of the county.

Temperatures by the afternoon will reach around 14C, perhaps a bit higher during sunny spells in the early evening. There is the chance of one or two showers but these will be confined to the far south of Donegal in the afternoon and evening.

Still a good day all round for getting out and about.

Tomorrow: At this stage more of the same for most of the day before a low front from the Atlantic brings wet weather to the county overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Sources: Met eireann, BBCNI, Sky.

DON’T FORGET: It’s Josper Monday – order a Josper Grill inspired main course and get a delicious homemade dessert FREE – today at Dexter’s at the Mount Errigal Hotel. Great food and great service – in all weathers!

Irish athletic great Jerry Kiernan has stuck to his guns saying the GAA is receiving far too much money compared to other sports.

Michael Murphy

The RTE commentator caused major controversy with his comments.

But he reinforced his comments again yesterday using two of Donegal biggest sporting stars to back up his argument.

Kiernan insisted that Donegal’s best athlete is Letterkenny runner Mark English despite the high profile enjoyed by GAA county captain Michael Murphy.

Kiernan said Irish athletes including English suffer from a lack of exposure and recognition.

“The greatest sportsman in Donegal at the moment is Mark English. I see Michael Murphy and he is playing gaelic. He is playing against lads from Monaghan. Mark English is running against Kenyans.

“The GAA is visceral, it is blood and guts. Maybe it is part of our nature whereas running is somehow viewed as different but there is passion and excellence there too.

“If someone is performing at that level, surely intellectually it has to be seen at a higher level than what the local lads are doing,” he said.

He may have failed to make it to the the final of RTE’s The Voice but Paddy Molloy is still a hero in Glenties.

The singer/songwriter was knocked out of the show last night and will arrive back in Donegal this evening.

There will be a welcome gathering for Paddy on the town’s Main Street this evening at 6.30pm.

Locals say they wan to thank Paddy for doing the town proud and representing it so well on the national stage.

All are welcome to attend.

Brendan Boyle and dad Frank on a visit home to Glen

THE son of a County Donegal man who is running for Congress has spoken of his love for the county of his father’s birth.

Brendan F. Boyle is already a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

At the weekend we revealed that his father Frank is a native Irish speaker from Glencolmcille who left Ireland in 1970 aged 19.

Son Brendan is the state representative from the 170th District, which covers parts of Northeast Philadelphia and Montgomery County. His brother Kevin also serves Pennsylvania, following in his brother’s footsteps in 2010 – to become the first brothers to serve together in the state legislature.

And you know Brendan hasn’t lost his connections to here when he calls Glencolmcille…Glen!

Brendan told Donegal Daily: “I’ve been to Donegal many times. I think it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. Of course, I guess I am a bit biased.

“My brother Kevin, who is also an elected official in the state House, decided to have his wedding in Donegal in 2011. It was a wonderful time.”

Their father Frank works as a janitor on the state’s transport system – and goes out canvassing for his son in the evenings.

The working class rooted family are having to face-off against the wealth of the Clintons in the campaign (that’s former President Bill!)

Wealthy Marjorie Margolies (71), is also running for the seat – she is Chelsea Clinton’s mother-in-law!

A CO Donegal man is running the Boston Marathon today in a move which has inspired support from thousands of cancer survivors.

Inishowen man Mark Porter, a cancer survivor and eight-year veteran of the Boston Marathon, was one of nearly 6,000 athletes who have been invited back to the world’s oldest road race after two bombs went off, killing three and injuring more than 250 at last year’s event on April 15.

Mark was four miles from the finish line of last year’s race when bombs went off..

“At the time, we didn’t notice the increased police or armed National Guard presence,” said Mark who emigrated 20 years ago.

Joined by his daughter, Katie for the last remaining miles of the marathon, the pair was heading toward the final hill on the route when they received a text which informed them of the events that were unfolding on Boylston Street. A police officer they met confirmed the terrible news.

“What should of been a wonderful day was marred by those bombings. It is still hard to believe,” he said.

“The true spirit of Boston shone through that day. It made me tremendously proud to be part of such a great city.”

In March 2005, Mark was diagnosed with cancer.

“It was a life changing day for me. What I took for granted no longer was a given — it now was a blessing.”

Since then he has worked tirelessly to organise various events throughout the city of Boston to help raise funds for cancer research.

His efforts have been continuously supported by the city’s community and together a total of $250,000 has been raised for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston’s Children Hospital.

“It’s amazing. It is the continued generosity and help from the Boston community. They always rally together in times of great need and their willingness to help in any way has helped me raise these much needed funds,” said Mark.

“It is an important day for the city and it will be extremely emotional for all of us. First surviving Cancer and then being a witness to the events of the Boston Bombings has reminded me how it is so important to live to the best of our abilities and to enjoy life every day.”

To support Mark or learn more about this charity please visit LSCNOW.ORG.

Here’s a video of Mark during last year’s marathon:

MORE than 1,000 republicans came out to remember Ireland’s patriot dead at the annual Drumboe Commemoration in Stranorlar.

The huge parade was led by a colour party in Cumann na mBan style uniforms to mark the centenary of the foundation of the republican women’s organisation.

Sinn Féin’s candidate for the European election Cllr Matt Carthy, the main speaker at the event, told the crowd that Sinn Féin is about realising the vision of 1916 and making the noble ideals contained in the Proclamation a reality for Irish people.

Cllr Carthy said: ”We want a society and an economy run democratically in the interests of all our citizens. We seek to undo what James Connolly predicted would be the ‘carnival of reaction’ initiated by Partition. Like Connolly, we wish to see the ‘reconquest of Ireland by the people of Ireland’. In other words we want a real republic where the citizens and not vested interests — whether in politics, banking, the institutions of state, foreign governments or the EU — are in control.

“We believe, like the Proclamation stated that the ‘wealth of Ireland belongs to the people of Ireland’ and that our natural resources should be exploited in the interests of Irish citizens not transnational corporations.

“Our vision is of a New Republic for the 21st century, which – like the Proclamation of 1916 – guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities for all citizens; cherishes all the children of the nation equally and is anti-sectarian.

“This means equal rights for those in same sex relationships, ethnic minorities and those of all creeds and none. Irish people have faced a considerable period of economic hardship. Hundreds of thousands are unemployed. Many more are struggling to survive. Highly educated, intelligent young people are leaving the country as emigration continues to be used by the Irish Government as a safety valve.”

He said that in the Six Counties, the British Conservative party policy threatens to destroy the economy through the imposition of a savage cut to public funding.

“Meanwhile the Fine Gael/Labour Government have broken virtually all their election promises and imposed a brutal austerity agenda which is hurting hard working families, while the wealthiest sections of society are protected. Irish citizens have been forced to witness the spectacle of an Irish government acting as a mere agent for the EU and IMF in Ireland,” said Carthy.

“In the Dáil Sinn Féin has put forward realistic alternative policies that are all about fairness.

“Our focus on job creation, stimulating the economy, fair taxes, and debt restructuring is about protecting public services and those on low and middle incomes.

“If you, like me, believe that the answer lies in a strengthened Sinn Féin mandate then I am asking you to make sure that May’s elections prove to be another watershed for the republican struggle.

“Sinn Féin is not interested in winning seats for the sake of it. We seek political office only in order to bring about change in our country and in the lives of citizens.

“Elections are simply a moment in time; but sometimes they can be pivotal moments. I think that we are on the cusp of one of those pivotal moments. Let us seize it – let’s build on it – and let us take power on this island for the ordinary men and women who have been abandoned by other political parties.

“Most importantly let us commit ourselves to never abusing or corrupting that power like others have done.”

He added: “Let us go from here today even more determined than ever to build the republic.”

RED HUGHS GAA CLUB NEWS: Strictly Come Dancing

Well done to our dancers Micheal Mc Glinchey & Kate O Brien , Maurice O Donnell & Majella Sweeney, Conor Browne & Bronagh Kelly who were fantastic on the night. The club want to thank them all for putting in so much effort over the last number of weeks giving up all their spare time to help the cause.

We had two couples who went through on the night they were Conor & Bronagh and Maurice & Majella sadly Micheal & Kate didn’t make it through to the final but were brilliant on the night. The final night will take place in two weeks time. Tickets will be on sale soon so get them early folks.

Senior Men

The senior men had no game this weekend or this weekend coming.

Minor Board

Minor Team Reach Division 2 Final

The minors played Termon in the division 2 league semi final this evening in Newtowncunningham.

It was a fantastic encounter with free flowing football with action going from one end of the pitch to the other.

Termon drew first blood in the early minutes and James Carlin quickly levelled it up with a free. Termon added another 2 points and again Carlin hit twice to draw level again. The Reds then went two up through James Carlin he was having the game of his life. Termon then upped the pressure and began to take control in the last ten minutes of the first half. They scored 1-4 without reply to go in at half time 5 points up 1-7 to 0-5.

The second half began with Termon on a high and they scored the the first point of the second half to go six points up. That’s when the Hugh’s lads started to increase the pressure with half time substitutes Justin Mc Bride and Connor Gallagher really sparking life into the attack. In fact within 15 minutes the six point deficit was turned on its head into a six point lead. A goal each from the subs and the on fire James Carlin adding another two points and another from Jonathan Carlin. The Termon lads were shell shocked. But they weren’t finished they again dug deep and kept chipping away at the lead reducing it to three points. Connor Gallagher then struck again and another from Jonathan Carlin put five between them again. Ryan Bradley then got in on the act knocking over a fine score from the 45 metre line. Cathal Doherty and Justin Mc Bride stretched the lead to eight points. Again the lads from Termon pegged the Cross boys back and clawed the lead back to three once more. Justin Struck another two points to settle the nerves. With five minutes left Termon were fighting to the death and narrowed the gap to three points with only 2 minutes on the clock. It was all hands on deck and backs to the wall as the young lads held on for a memorable victory. 2-15 to 1-15

A special mention to James Carlin who was outstanding on the night. Overall it was a fantastic team performance. They now play St Micheals in the final on Wednesday the 23rd in Convoy throw in 7.45pm. Come out and support the team.

Under 14 Boys

The under 14 boys are through to the division 3 quarter final after defeating Lifford in a play off for the last qualifiers spot. They now play Glenswilly date & time T.B.C.

​Under 14 Girls

Well done to the u14 girls team on beating Glenfin on a scoreline of 9-6 til 4-3.The girls put in a great performance some great scores and defending was on show .

The next game is away to St Mary’s Convoy this Tuesday 22 of April at 6.30pm.The bus leaving the pitch at 5.40pm.All support welcome.

Under 12 Girls

The u12 girls start their blitzes this Saturday away to N.Conaill Glenties.

The Underage girls and Ladies team have guess the score cards €2 per line. Please Support the girls by having a guess at the score.

Lotto & 100+ Club

This weeks lotto results.

Numbers drawn were 8,4,7,3,2,6,1,5

There was no winning sequence. Lucky dip winner was Maura Mc Crudden Aveltygort receives €30

Next weeks Jackpot Is €3850

If your not in you can’t win!!

100+ Club Draw Winner

Was Number 50 Lucy & Jane Catterson Gleneely receive €100

Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

Training

Training for Seniors/Reserves: Tuesdays & Thursdays @7.30 & Sunday mornings. Senior Ladies: Mondays & Fridays @7.30.

U16 Boys: Mondays @7pm.

U14 Girls: Monday & Thursday evenings from 6 -7pm.All girls to be at the training pitch for 5.50pm. Gum shields are compulsory. The u14 league is starting on the Tuesday 13th of April.

U12 Girls: Saturday mornings 11 am – 12 noon. Again Gum Shields Are Compulsory.

The Underage Training will continue every Saturday for u6s up to and including u12 boys and girls. Training from 11am to 12 noon. Please note that for safety reasons all children are to be collected by parent or guardian at the upper entrance to the playing field. It is compulsory for all underage players to wear gum shields for training and games this year.

All new players are welcome. Check Club Facebook page for changes/updates.

Club Meetings​

Next senior board meeting is on Wednesday the 30th of April at 8.30pm

Next minor board is on this Thursday the 24th of April at 9pm

​P.R.O.

The position of Club P.R.O is still vacant anyone who would like to fill the vacancy or find out more of what the job entails feel free to contact Kathy on 087 7647168 any-time after 5pm or e-mail secretary.redhughs.donegal@gaa.ie. Your Club Needs You!!

Fianna Fáil Local election candidate for Letterkenny, James Pat McDaid, says the Government must stop playing games over water charges and finally inform families in Donegal how much they will have to pay for their water next year.

James Pat McDaid

Mr McDaid was speaking as claim and counter-claim by Fine Gael and Labour representatives last week has left many families angered about the lack of any clear information on just how much they will be expected to pay for Water Charges in January.

“The behaviour of Fine Gael and Labour representatives last week was been nothing short of appalling. People are not stupid; they know full well the Government is delaying telling people just how much they will pay in water charges until after May’s local elections.

“This is despite the Taoiseach stating on numerous occasions that the information was only weeks away. People I am meeting on the doorstep every day are frightening by the continuing stream of misinformation they are getting from Fine Gael and Labour.

“Families have no idea what kind of ‘free allowance’ they will receive and if the elderly or those with illnesses will be entitled to extra allowances.”

The Glenswily man asked how are people supposed to support the introduction of water charges when they were hoodwinked into paying the Local Property Tax.

“The Government promised that 80% of money collected from the Local Property Tax would go back onto local communities; instead €500 million of the money collected was put towards Irish Water. Not one cent of that money has been put into fixing pipes and leaks but 40% of our water is lost through leaking pipes.

“Why should families in Letterkenny pay water charges when a quarter of all domestic water is leaking into the ground? Why should families pay water charges when there will be no consideration given to ability to pay? Why should families pay water charges when millions of taxpayer’s money has been spent on consultants’ reports instead of going to local amenities and services.

“The silence of the Government representatives in Limerick has been deafening. How can they stand by and watch the Irish people be forced into paying water charges when they made such a mess of the Local Property Tax money.

“The Government has no credibility on this; it needs to put politics aside and start being up front with households in Letterkenny and tell us just how much we are expected to pay in water charges come January.”

The club monthly meeting will be held next Tuesday April 29th at 9pm.

Noel Scott has organised in association with the County Board a Suicide Awaremess talk. This will be held in the clubhouse Monday the 28th at 7:30pm. Obviously a very sensitive subject and it is hoped that all parents and managers of teenagers will attend.

Our seniors and reserves were home to our neighbours St Eunans on Easter Sunday. the reserves were unlucky to lose by a point but on a positive note they had a great victory away to Ardara on Good Friday. The next outing for the reserves is against Na Rossa in the Gaeltacht on Wednesday the 23rd at home at 7pm. The seniors suffered a 1-7 to 3-13 defeat to St Eunans in what can only be described as an ill tempered match.

Our U14 boys are at home in the quarter final of the league against Red Hughs this Friday evening at 7pm. Our ladies had their first outing of the year last Tuesday 15th against Niamh Columba.

Although they suffered a loss it was fantastic to see the ladies take to the field and a large crowd was in attendance to lend their support.

The U14 girls suffered a heavy defeat to Milford last Tuesday evening but are at home Tues 22nd to against St Eunans with throw in at 5:30pm.

Paddy McGinty’s 3rd team had a comprehensive victory over Glenfin on Saturday evening last with an impressive scoreline of 2-17 to 0-4. Next up for Paddy’s boys is a home fixture versus Pettigo on Saturday 26th at 7pm.

The Minors suffered a heavy defeat to a strong St Michaels team in the league semi final last Wednesday evening but are now training hard for the forthcoming Championship.

It is that time of year again to dust off the runners and start training for the Glenswilly 5k which will take place in June – no excuses! – if you can’t run why not walk?

Finally the club would like to wish a speedy recovery to Sarah Gallagher, Cormac Callaghan and Cormac Gallagher – all three are in plaster due to hand injuries.

Fine Gael’s candidate John McNulty has stated that investment in road infrastructure must improve if the Wild Altantic Way is to succeed in South Donegal. 

Public support is continuing to grow for Kilcar man and FG candidate John McNulty.

Public support continues to swell for the popular Kilcar man since he announced his intention to run.

This was evidenced by the huge crowd that turned out in support for McNulty’s election launch over a week ago.

McNulty is keen to tackle many of the issues affecting South Donegal and is adamant that the Wild Atlantic Way project will continue to boost tourism and generate spin off business for the local economy in 2014.

McNulty, pointing to to Bord Failte figures, “Visitors to Donegal in 2013 had increased by 10% on 2012, which is very encouraging.

McNulty also added that he would welcome the same increase in numbers this year, but he insists that we need to make the roads safe going to these beautiful visitor sites.

On the Wild Atlantic Way there are 15 Signature Discovery Points from County Donegal to County Cork.

County Donegal has three of them: Malin Head, Fanad Head and Sliabh Liag.

McNulty told Donegal Daily,  ”29% of visitors to Donegal last year visited Sliabh Liag whilst 34% visited Glenveagh National Park.

“There is a well maintained road leading to our National Park from Letterkenny which is safe for visitors.

“In comparison in our area, the road leading from Carrick to Teelin which accommodates thousands of tourists every year to Sliabh Liag is treacherous and is an accident waiting to happen.

“McNulty added, “While road surfacing works have taken place, local residents are gravely concerned that there should be barriers installed to prevent cars from going into the river embankment close to the famous fishing spot “The Salmon Leap”.

“It’s fantastic to have a Wild Atlantic Way Signature point like Sliabh Liag on our door step, but we also have a responsibility to our tourists and to our locals to keep our roads safe.

John McNulty concluded that he has been inundated with concerns from locals from the surrounding towns in relation to expenditure and prioritising of works on certain roads in the local area, and will be taking some time to audit works completed in 2013 in coming days.

Former Finn Harps and Clonmany Shamrocks star Stephen McLaughlin finally made his Nottingham Forest debut and starred in their 2-0 victory over Leeds United at Elland Road last night.  

Former Finn Harps star Stephen McLaughlin starred on his debut for Nottingham Forest at Elland Road last night.

McLaughlin created the first goal after just 90 seconds when his through ball was converted by Matt Derbyshire.

McLaughlin signed for Nottingham Forest from Derry City in January 2013.

However, he’s endured a frustrating time at the City Ground, manager Sean O’Driscoll was sacked just a few months after his arrival from Derry City.

McLaughlin then fell out of favour with new manager Billy Davis and was farmed out on loan to Bristol City.

McLaughlin has also a number of injuries that hindered his progress.

However, the Inishowen man will be delighted that he has finally made his debut and will also be delighted with his performance.

McLaughlin was outstanding throughout, and he will hope he can stay in the side and help Forest into the play-off positions.

They currently occupy 7th place in the championship and are just one point outside the play-off positions.