Plans have been lodged with Donegal County Council for 32 new houses in Convoy. 

Apex Housing Association (Ireland) is seeking to construct the two-storey dwellings, and the upgrading of an existing access road, at Townparks.

According to its website, Apex is a not-for-profit housing association led by a voluntary Board of Management, working to ‘social enterprise principles’ and is a registered charity.

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Sponsored Post

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is inviting tenders for the operation of the cafeteria/restaurant franchise at Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre.

This a unique opportunity for a culinary entrepreneur to take over a furnished restaurant in the heart of one of Donegal’s most popular destinations for visitors and nature lovers.

Glenveagh welcomes over 170,000 visitors annually, providing a prime location to showcase culinary creativity and memorable hospitality.

NPWS is seeking a franchisee who shares their vision of creating a vibrant and exciting dining experience that complements the uniqueness of Glenveagh National Park. 

The restaurant/cafeteria is housed in a fully furnished circular building that comfortably seats up to 90 diners, with some catering equipment, a dedicated food preparation area and large cold room supplied.

Added benefits of the location is the expanded car park and passing trade on one of the main roads between Letterkenny and the west.

The Cafeteria/Restaurant at the Visitor Centre of Glenveagh National Park. Picture: Bríd O’Donovan

A spokesperson for the NPWS said: “This exciting opportunity extends to local caterers who are passionate about quality food and excellent service within the beautiful setting of Glenveagh National Park.”

“The key mission of the NPWS is to Protect Nature but it also supports sustainable tourism and public access for recreational and educational needs. As a renowned tourist destination, the visitor centre at Glenveagh welcomes thousands of domestic and international visitors per year. The NPWS is committed to working closely with the successful franchisee to develop a quality facility that enhances the visitor experience while continuing to ensure the protection and preservation of the natural environments of Glenveagh National Park.”

“We encourage potential franchisees to bring their innovative ideas to the table that have a core value in quality local produce and sustainability.”

For more information and tender documents please contact james.mcginley@npws.gov.ie or 015393207, 0879066665.

A site visit is compulsory for this competition.

Closing date for tenders is 12.00 noon on the 6th March 2024.

LAMHÁLTAS LÓNADÓIREACHTA PÁIRCDO CHAIFITÉIRE/BIALANN AG IONAD CUAIRTEOIRÍ PHÁIRC NAISIÚNTA GHLEANN BHEATHA

larrtar ar thairiscinti maidir le feighmiu saincheadúnais caifiteire / bialainne ag lonad Cuairteoiri Pháirc Naisiunta Ghleann Bheatha, atá á bhainistiú ag an Seirbhis Páirceanna Náisiúnta agus Fiadhúlra (SPNF) na Roinne Tithiochta, Rialtais Aitiúil agus Oidhreachta. Tá SPNF ag iarraidh saoráid bheoga agus spreaguil a fhorbairt agus oibreoidh siad leis an tairgeoir roghnaithe chun bialann a fhorbairt a chuirfich le heispereas an chuairteora ag an bPairc Naisiunta.

Tá Bialann/Caifitéire suite sa phriomhlonad Cuairteoiri, foirgneamh ciorclach ar féidir le suas le 90 duine a shui (troscánaithe go hiomlán). Soláthraitear roinnt trealaimh lónadöireachta sa limitéar seirbhise. Tá limistéar beag le haghaidh ullmhu bia ar fail agus seomra fuar mor. 

Le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais agus doiciméid tairisceana déan teagmháil le do thoil le james.mcginley@npws.gov.ie nó 015393207, 0879066665. 

Ta cuairt laithreain eigeantach don chomórtas seo.

IS É AN DÁTA DEIRIDH LE HAGHAIDH TAIRISCINTI NA 12.00 MEÁN LAE AR AN 6Ú MÁRTA 2024

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A young woman who allowed her Revolut account to be used for money laundering has avoided going to prison.

Sentebaleng Selebalo appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court after being accused of being a ‘money mule’ for individuals filtering cash through legitimate bank accounts.

The 30-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge that on June 26, 2020, at a place within the State, converted, transferred, handled, acquired, possessed or used the property, namely €2,015 in a Revolut account in her name knowing that or was reckless to whether or not the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

She avoided jail after a guilty plea and also offering to pay the sum of €2,015 which had moved through her account to charity.

Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle outlined the details of the case before Judge John Aylmer.

He told how the South African woman had opened a Revolut account on June 12, 2020.

Approximately a couple of weeks later on June 26th, a sum of €15 and four further sums of €500, were rtanefrred from another card into Ms Selebalo’s Revolut account.

Three days later, €1,750 was transferred to another account, while €260 was moved to ‘a banking circle.’

The account was finally closed on July 3rd, 2020, after the remaining €5 was spent in Tesco.

Selebalo was arrested and interviewed by Gardai.

She said the account was hers but said she unaware that there was money coming through the account.

Investigators then found that a brother of Selebalo’s ex-partner, who was part of a wider probe into the activity, had benefited from the transfer of €1,750.

The court was told Selebalo was a small part of a wider investigation.

“She was a very minor part of a much larger investigation,” said Sgt Doyle.

Bar the €5 spent in Tesco, Selebalo did not have any financial gain out of the incident Ms Fiona Crawford BL, barrister for the accused, said.

“She didn’t in any way duck or dive,” Ms Crawford said. “She pleaded guilty in June on a full facts basis.”

Selebalo was on Jobseeker’s benefit at the time and she has since separated with the man in question. Selebalo is in a new relationship and gave birth in December 2022.

Ms Crawford outlined that Selebalo has managed to put money aside and has saved up €2,015 which she was willing to donate to charity. Ms Crawford said this showed the ‘embarrassment and shame’ the matter had caused Selebalo.

The Probation Service deemed her a low risk of reoffending and she has not come to adverse garda attention before or since.

Judge Aylmer said it was through recklessness that Selebalo allowed the Revolut account to be used by her partner and hence how his brother came to benefit from the money that was passed through her account.

While placing the offence on the lower end of the scale, Judge Aylmer said it still merited a custodial sentence of 18 months before considering the mitigating factors.

Selebalo, Judge Aylmer said, is a young woman without any previous or subsequent convictions who entered an early plea.

“It appears that she had no knowledge of what was going on and she was as cooperative as could be,” Judge Aylmer said. “It is clear that she is remorseful, embarrassed and very anxious about the situation.”

Judge Aylmer said Selebalo is a young mother who has modest circumstances.

Judge Aylmer said it was appropriate to deal with the matter on a non-custodial basis and imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of 12 months imprisonment. Selebalo was given 12 months for the community service to be completed. The €2,015 is to be given to the local branch of St Vincent de Paul.

The post Woman whose Revolut account used to filter crime money avoids jail appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: East Donegal master fiddler, Matt McGranaghan (centre) and Jim Byrne who will appear on Geantraí.

A popular south Donegal pub is to feature this weekend in the new series of the iconic TG4 traditional music programme, Geantraí.

Acclaimed singer Ciarán Ó Gealbháin takes the lead in this thirteen-part series, celebrating Ireland’s vibrant music session tradition. The fourth episode is coming to you from McIntyre’s bar in Dunkineely, next Sunday at 10:30pm.

The episode will feature the cream of traditional musicians from around Donegal. They are Eugene McKenna Ciarán McKenna and Peter McKenna, Lauren O’Neill, Matt McGranaghan, Jim Byrne, Síle Friel, Peter Campbell, Máirin Kerrigan, Bernard Kelly, Martin McGinley and Kevin O’Donnell.

Some of the Donegal musicians who will appear on Geantraí are L-R: Martin McGinley, Bernard Kelly and Kevin O’Donnell.

“Every Sunday at the same time, we’re celebrating the best of Irish traditional music, giving a nod to the pubs that serve as the heartbeat of these musical gatherings,” a spokesperson for the producers said.

Geantraí, once the cornerstone of music programming on TG4 for an impressive 17 years, captures the essence of Irish traditional arts and folk music in a relaxed session setting, emphasising the connection between performers and listeners. The series pays tribute to musicians and the unique venues hosting these sessions, promising a unique night of music in each episode. From West Cork to Dunkineely in Donegal, across to Ballisodare, County Sligo, and to the village of Hollywood in Wicklow, the series covers the best of Irish traditional music from across the entire island of Ireland.

Produced by the team behind series like Cúltír (TG4) and the recent Seisiún (RTÉ), the new Geantraí series is set to be a treat for old fans and newbies alike. The new series which will air on TG4 at 10:30pm. 

The post Donegal pub to beam cream of trad musicians on TG4 this weekend! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Rathmullan jockey Oisin Orr has been named the 2023 Donegal Sportstar of the Year.

Orr was a popular choice as more than 500 people gathered for the annual ceremony at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny.

This is the second time Oisin has won the award after also being named the 2020 Donegal Sportstar of the Year.

HIs father Raymon (pictured above) collected the award for Oisin who is overseas.

Special guest on the night was Donegal GAA manager Jim McGuinness who spoke openly with host Declan Kerr on the night.

McGuinness, fresh from the training ground in Convoy, said he was delighted to be asked to be special guest on the night.

He gushed “Sport crosses so many divides. I met a world champion in karate there and met a young man who played soccer for Ireland. That’s the diversity you meet here. There is so much positivity in the room.”

There were many special moments on the night.

Daniel O’Reilly of Letterkenny, David Crawford of Donegal Town and Hughie Sweeney, Gweedore

GAA legend Tom Connaghan, from Donegal Town, was inducted into the Hall of Fame after he led Donegal to their first All-Ireland U21 title in 1982.

Finn Valley AC coach Peadar McGranaghan and Gweedore United FC’s Padraig Mac Aodha were both given appreciation awards.

Donegal Town’s Tom Connaghan, who guided Donegal to their first All-Ireland U21 title in 1982, was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In some of the other awards, Oisin Gallen picked up the GAA award while Caolan McFadden of Cranford AC won the Youth Award.

There was a huge cheer on the night when the Special Recognition Award went to The Donegal Dragons.

The full list of winners is as follows:

ATHLETICS

Kelly Mc Grory, Tír Chonaill A.C.

BADMINTON

Rachael Darragh, Raphoe

BASKETBALL

Lauren Foy, Ballyshannon 88ers Basketball Club

BOXING

Danny Duffy, Raphoe A.B.C.

COACH / MANAGER

Martin Regan, CLG Naomh Conaill

CUE SPORTS

Ben McMenamin, Raphoe

CYCLING

Jamie Meehan, Mountcharles

DARTS

Adrian Devine, Buncrana

EQUESTRIAN

Oisin Orr, Rathmullan

SPECIAL ATHLETE

Anna Hennessy, Letterkenny

Daniel O’Reilly, Letterkenny

David Crawford, Donegal Town

Hughie Sweeney, Gweedore

Vicki McGill, North West Special Olympics Club

GAELIC FOOTBALL

Oisin Gallen, Sean MacCumhaills

HOCKEY

Wendy Patterson, Raphoe Hockey Club

HURLING

Gerry Gilmore, Setanta

MARTIAL ARTS

Erin McCole, Ulster Karate-Do Federation

MOTOR CYCLING

Richard Kerr, Kilmacrennan

MOTOR SPORT

Ryan MacHugh, Frosses & Declan Boyle, Glenties

PARA-ATHLETE

Alan Patterson, Killygordon

ROWING

Michael O’Boyle, Loughros Point Rowing Club, Ardara

RUGBY

Sadhbh Mc Grath, Cooke R.C. / Ulster

SEA ANGLING

Orlagh McLean, Lough Swilly Sea Angling Club

SOCCER

Erin McLaughlin, Peamount United

SURFING

Bea Greenberg, Donegal Bay Board Riders

SWIMMING

Cora Rooney, Enniskillen Lakelanders

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS BOY

Noah Mc Guire, Scoil an Chaisil, Gleann Cholm Cille

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS GIRL

Jasmine Barrett Doherty, Scoil Mhuire, Milford

SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORTS BOY

Odhran McBrearty, St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar

SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORTS GIRL

Keri Loughrey, Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana

APPRECIATION

Padraig Mac Aodha, Gweedore United F.C.

Peadar McGranaghan, Finn Valley A.C.

CLUB

Finn Valley A.C.

TEAM

Cockhill Celtic Ulster Senior League Team

PRIMARY SCHOOL (SMALL <100)

Scoil Mhuire, Doire Beaga

PRIMARY SCHOOL (LARGE >100)

St. Aengus N.S., Bridgend

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS TEACHER

Ciaran Gallagher, Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Illistrin, Letterkenny

SECONDARY SCHOOL

Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny

SECONDARY SCHOOL SPORTS TEACHER

Michelle McDaid, Crana College, Buncrana 

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

Donegal Short Mat Bowls Team 

BRENDAN MCDAID MEMORIAL SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT

Gartan Open Water Swimmers North Channel Swim Team

SPORTING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Joe Barr, Newtowncunningham

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Donegal Dragons

YOUTH

Caolan McFadden, Loreto Community School, Milford / Cranford A.C.

HALL OF FAME

Tom Conaghan, Donegal Town

OVERALL DONEGAL SPORTS STAR 2023 SHORTLIST

Oisin Orr, Rathmullan

The post Jockey Oisin Orr named Donegal Sportstar of the Year appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The Donegal Sportstar Awards was once again a celebration of all the wonderful sportspeople Donegal has.

From county GAA stars to special athletes and from wonderful teams to special contributions to sport.

All were honoured at the event at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny last night.

And amongst them was a man who once graced many pitches across Donegal – even before he put a whistle in his mouth.

Thanks to Joe Boland of Northwest Newspix for the images.

The post Donegal Sportstar Awards – Picture Special from a great night! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A Donegal company has been fined after a man, who did not have the required work permit, was found working in a Glenties takeaway.

The Department for Enterprise, Trade and Employment took legal action against Pal Takeaway Limited.

A Workplace Relations Commission inspector told Glenties District Court that he and a colleague attended Pizza Max in Glenties for a routine unannounced inspection on January 10, 2022.

One individual was observed in the kitchen. The employee identified himself as an Indian national.

He told the inspectors, who queried him over being employed as a non-EEA National, that he did not have documents permitting him to work. He claimed that he had been an asylum seeker for six years.

When the inspectors returned again on January 17, 2022 the same individual was present on the premises.

The man had named Carpal Singh as his employer. The workplace inspectors arranged to meet Mr Singh on February 8, 2022.

The court heard that Mr Singh identified himself as a director of Pal Takeaway Limited and produced a series of records of employees and showed payslips.

Suspecting an offence, an inspector cautioned Mr Singh at 3.05pm.

Singh told inspectors that the man in question was not an employee. He said he worked there sometimes and received cash, but did not take a wage. Singh would not disclose how much cash he gave to the man and inspectors were satisfied that an offence had occurred.

A solicitor representing Pal Takeaway Limited said the man was not a full-time employee. He said while the man was on the premises, there was no structured employee regarding the individual.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham pointed out that the man was the only person on the premises on one of the occasions the inspectors arrived.

On each of two summonses, Pal Takeaway Limited was convicted and fined €250. The company was also ordered to pay costs of €750.

The post Donegal takeaway fined because employee had no work permit appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Permission is being sought for a new shop and coffee dock in Drumkeen.

John Quinn is applying to Donegal County Council for a change of use and construction of extensions to an existing dwelling to form a ground floor unit and cafe area.

The proposed development will also include two first floor apartments with associated site development works.

The post Plans for new shop and coffee dock in Drumkeen appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The case of a Letterkenny woman who had defrauded almost €70,000 from the State has been adjourned after the court heard she has inherited her late uncle’s estate.

Shauna Tynan had defrauded the state after claiming her late father’s pension for three year’s after his death.

Now Letterkenny Circuit Court has heard that an uncle of Ms Tynan has passed away and she has inherited the deceased’s estate, which ‘will take some time.’

Tynan’s barrister, Ms Patricia McCallum BL, sought an adjournment of the case, telling Judge John Aylmer: “Matters are moving forward and progressing.”

Ms Fiona Crawford BL, barrister for the State, confirmed that no monies have yet been paid and nothing has been forthcoming regarding the selling of another piece of land previously indicated to the court.

Ms Crawford said there was no State objection to another adjournment in the case.

At the last sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court in October, Tynan (56) of Slieve Sneacht, Letterkenny, was given a ‘last chance’ to sell land left to her by her late mother to fund the payback.

Tynan received €32,222 in carer’s allowance and a further €34,265.60 in respect of a State pension following the death of her father in October, 2013.

The sale of a portion of land on Arranmore Island which she was left by her late mother was due to fund a payback of the monies.

In October, Ms McCallum said that there had been an unavoidable delay in selling the land.

Ms McCallum explained that one estate agent directed to sell the land had a conflict of interest while another estate agent encountered a backlog of sales and that it would now be two to three weeks before it could go on the market.

Tynan is currently repaying €25.13 each week and has to date repaid more than €10,000.

In respect of the carer’s allowance Tynan has a balance of more than €21,000 to pay back.

Judge Aylmer previously indicated that he was anxious to deal with the matter by way of a non-custodial sentence, but also warned that he will ‘completely review’ the matter if this is not forthcoming from Tynan.

Judge Aylmer adjourned the case until the April sessions of Letterkenny Circuit Court.

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It’s looking set to be a mild weekend of weather.

Met Éireann say that while there will be a mix of cloud and light rain at times, temperatures are not set to dip below 10 and 12 degrees celsius during the day today.

Tonight will only see temperatures dip to between 7 and 9 degrees.

Sunday is set to be even milder, with temperatures at an unseasonably high 13 to 15 degrees celsius. However after a dry start, it’s expected to be a wet day from midday on, rain turning heavy at times.

Those highs will soon sink on Sunday night though, with temperatures dropping to 1 and 5 degrees.

The post Mild and mixed weather this weekend – Met Éireann appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal had plenty of interest in two of last night’s Eurosong entrants, but sadly it just wasn’t to be.

Donegal musician Aisling Jarvis, and Isabella Kearney who has roots from the county, both gave it their all on last night’s Late Late Show.

Aisling, the daughter of legendary Clannad member Moya Brennan, played guitar as part Ailsha’s performance of the high-energy alt-rock song “Go Tobann” last night.

You can watch it below:

Meanwhile Isabella Kearney, whose mother Barbara is from Greencastle, also has musical roots from across the globe with parts of her upbringing seeing her live in Australia as well as Northern Ireland – before settling recently as a songwriter in Nashville.

She gave a rousing rendition of her entry “Let Me Be The Fire” for the Late Late audience last night:

Unfortunately it wasn’t to be for them, as ultimately a spellbinding performance from the unique Bambi Thug was selected to represent Ireland at Eurovision this year.

The post Donegal’s Eurovision hopefuls praised after brilliant performances appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The Donegal Mountain Rescue Team have paid tribute to two of their hard-working members who are off to find new peaks to climb!

In a post on social media, the DMRT thanked members Kelvin and Lee, who they say are leaving the service to go and travel the globe.

“We would like to take a moment and wish a very heartfelt and fond farewell to two of our members, Lee and Kelvin, who have decided to take some time and travel across the world,” DMRT wrote on their Facebook page.

“We will miss them greatly. They were both an asset and an essential part of the group, as well as hugely dedicated to what we do and to the team as a whole.”

“However, we hope they have an incredible time on their travels and we will keep our fingers crossed that they will come back to us in the future.”

“Have a brilliant adventure lads!”

The DMRT have also been recruiting new members in recent weeks, with an incredibly busy start to the year involving several callouts for the rescuers.

They are seeking experienced volunteers to help join their crew, with anyone interested being asked to email recruitment@donegalmrt.ie.

The post Donegal Mountain Rescue Team pay tribute as two members move on appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A DUP peer who was born in Donegal is to be granted a British passport after a 20 year battle.

Lord William Hay of Ballyore currently holds an Irish passport due to him being born in the Republic of Ireland, but despite living in Northern Ireland for most of his life there has been no way for him to automatically acquire a UK passport.

That may now change as a bill proposed by a DUP MP looks set to pass in the British Parliament.

The proposals submitted by MP Gavin Robinson aim to extend similar passport provisions to those born in Ireland that wish to hold a British passport, that those born in the North and wish to acquire an Irish passport have.

The post Donegal-born Lord to be granted UK passport after 20 year dispute appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A man has pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine and cannabis in Letterkenny.

Daniel Maymay appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court this week.

Maymay was charged with unlawfully having in his possession controlled drugs, namely cocaine and cannabis, for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying them to another.

The two charges relate to January 29, 2019 at Thornberry, Kilmacrennan Road, Letterkenny.

The 31-year-old Maymay, whose address was given as Thornberry, Kilmacrennan Road, Letterkenny, spoke only to plead guilty to the two charges.

Maymay was brought to court by prison officers from the Midlands Prison, where he is currently serving a sentence on another matter.

Mr Shane Costelloe SC, barrister for Maymay, said these offences came to light during the course of an investigation into the case for which the accused was prosecuted at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced to prison.

Mr Costelloe told the court that Maymay has since suffered the loss of his infant child, who was only a matter of months old.

Judge John Aylmer noted that ‘a lot has happened’ since a probation report was previously prepared on Maymay

Judge Aylmer granted an application from Mr Costelloe for an updated probation report, to include suitability for community service.

The case was adjourned to the next session of Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The post Man guilty of dealing drugs in Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The starting lineup for Donegal’s home league opener against Cork tomorrow has been announced.

Jim McGuinness’ men will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing Dr McKenna Cup final defeat at the hands of Derry last week against last year’s All-Ireland quarter-finalists.

The Donegal 15 to face Cork is unchanged from last weekend’s clash in Omagh that saw several sendings-off in a heated affair against their North West rivals.

Throw-in in Ballybofey is at 1:45pm tomorrow afternoon.

The full line-up is below:

The post Donegal lineup to face Cork in league opener announced appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Someone in Donegal has had a decent start to their weekend.

A ticket purchased online by a player in Donegal became one of two Irish winners of €146,286 in last night’s Euromillions draw, the other ticket being purchased in County Clare

Both winners were just one lucky star number short of claiming the overall prize, matching all five numbers and one lucky star to claim the huge prize.

The winning numbers for last night’s draw were:  08, 19, 32, 41, 42 and the Lucky Star numbers: 09, 12

With no overall winner of the €130 million Euromillions jackpot, it now looks set to roll over to an incredible €145 million next Tuesday.

The post Joy as Donegal has Euromillions winner of over €145,000! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A local community fund has been established for those affected by a lighting strike that severely damaged several houses in Newtowncunningham earlier this week.

The decision to establish the fund was made at a public meeting last night, organised by local Councillor Paul Canning.

Three homes were seriously damaged after the freak incident, but luckily no one was injured in the strike.

Cllr Canning said that “the energy in the room was second to none, showing a great community spirit and moral support to our friends in need,” as over 160 people attended the public meeting to lend their support and ideas last night at Trinity Court.

The “Newtown Lightning Fund” has been established to help repair the homes, with a committee also established that will meet weekly to discuss progress on the matter.

The fundraising campaign will run until the 17th of March, and all money collected will be lodged into an account at Kernan’s Post Office in Newtowncunningham.

Fundraising will take place at a number of events in the local area yet to be announced, with Cllr Canning also adding that a social media account for these efforts will be established in the coming days.

Also, one of the affected families has set up a GoFundMe to help with the costs of rebuilding their home.

The GoFundMe has been established on behalf of the Nesbitt family whose home was severely damaged by fire and water in the incident.

You can view that fundraiser here.

The post Funds established for Newtown families affected by lightning strike appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal’s finest sporting figures were celebrated at last night’s Donegal Sports Star awards.

A capacity crowd filled the Mount Errigal Hotel as the best and brightest sportspeople from the county were awarded for their endeavours over the past year.

All photos are credited to Joe Boland of NW Newspix.

Gavin Cullen (Cockhill Celtic) receiving the Team of the Year award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Richard Kerr, Kilmacrennan, receiving his Motor Cycling award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Special Guest Jim McGuinness. (NW Newspix)

Caolan McFadden receiving the Youth award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Deborah Bonner of Donegal Dragons receiving the Special Achievement award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Deborah Bonner and the crew of Donegal Dragons who received the Special Achievement award at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Members of Gartan Open Water Swimmers North Channel Swim Team receiving the BRENDAN MCDAID MEMORIAL SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Rachel Cartan, receiving the Donegal Sports Star Equestrian award from John McLaughlin, (Donegal Co Co CEO) on behalf of her Oisin Orr. (NW Newspix)

Rosie Meehan., receiving the Donegal Sports Star Award Cycling award from John McLaughlin, (Donegal Co Co CEO) on behalf of her son Jamie. (NW Newspix)

Gerard Porter, receiving the Donegal Sports Star Darts award from John McLaughlin, (Donegal Co Co CEO) on behalf of Adrian Devine, Buncrana. (NW Newspix)

Naomi Darragh., receiving Donegal Sports Star Award from John McLaughlin, (Donegal Co Co CEO) on behalf of her daughter Darragh) who was the winner in the Badminton section. (NW Newspix)

Erin McCole, (Ulster Karate-Do Federation), receiving her award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Special Guest Jim McGuinness. (NW Newspix)

Gerry Gilmore, (Setanta), receiving his award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Special Guest Jim McGuinness. (NW Newspix)

Wendy Patterson, Raphoe Hockey Club, receiving her award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Special Guest Jim McGuinness. (NW Newspix)

Oisin Gallen, Sean MacCumhaills, receiving his award at Donegal Sports Star Award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness. (NW Newspix)

Cora Rooney, (Enniskillen Lakelanders), receiving the Swimming award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Committee Chairperson Grace Boyle, (NW Newspix)

Amy Greenberg, receiving the Surfing award on behalf of her sister Bea Greenberg, (Donegal Bay Board Riders) at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Committee Chairperson Grace Boyle, (NW Newspix)

Erin McLaughlin, (Peamount United), receiving the Soccer award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Committee Chairperson Grace Boyle, (NW Newspix)

Orlagh McLean, (Lough Swilly Sea Angling Club), receiving the Sea Angling award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Committee Chairperson Grace Boyle, (NW Newspix)

Mick McGrath, receiving the Rugby award at Donegal Sports Star Awards on behalf of his daughter Sadhbh from Committee Chairperson Grace Boyle, (NW Newspix)

Michael O’Boyle, (Loughros Point Rowing Club, Ardara), receiving is award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Committee Chairperson Grace Boyle, (NW Newspix)

Alan Patterson, Killygordon receiving the Para Athletic award at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Special Guest Jim McGuinness. (NW Newspix)

Dervla Mulhern receiving the International Recognition award on behalf of Donegal Short Mat Bowls Team from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Michelle McDaid (Crana College) receiving the Secondary School Sports Teacher award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Geraldine Mullen and Geraldine McPartland (Loreto Secondary School Letterkenny) receiving the Secondary School Sports award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Cairan Gallagher (Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Illistrin, Letterkenny) receiving the Primary School Sports teacher award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

representatives of St. Aengus N.S., Bridgend receiving the Large Primary School Sports award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

A representative of Scoil Mhuire, Doire Beaga receiving the Small Primary Schoolr award from Special Guest Jim McGuinness at the Donegal Sports Star Awards. (NW Newspix)

Brendan McHugh, receiving the Motor Sports award on behalf of Ryan McHugh and Declan Boyle at Donegal Sports Star Awards from Special Guest Jim McGuinness. (NW Newspix)

The post Photos: Donegal’s best honoured at 2024 Sports Star awards appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The home of the late Ian Bailey has been searched by Gardaí, as they continue investigations into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

Gardaí seized a multitude of Bailey’s personal items from his flat in Bantry, County Cork, as they continue work on the cold case.

It’s believed that amongst these personal possessions including electronic devices and notebooks, a number of items were seized in order to build a DNA profile of Bailey.

Sophie Toscan du Plantier was murdered outside her holiday home in County Cork in December of 1996, and the recently deceased Bailey has been the prime suspect for many years in the case – even though no formal charges were ever brought against the journalist when he was alive.

Mr Bailey always strongly denied the allegations.

The post National: Ian Bailey’s home searched as cold case probe continues appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The volunteer Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT) is currently seeking experienced new recruits to help them continue their vital service.

They have had a very busy 2024 so far, in the first 13 days of the year they had five callouts that brought them to Muckish, Errigal and Lough Salt. Last year, they also saw a big increase in callouts to Sliabh Liag.

“Our county is vast and as we enter a new year we are looking to expand our team,” a DMRT spokesperson said.

“We train regularly and thoroughly in many areas including rope work, casualty care, first aid, navigation and stretcher management to name a few.

“We remain on top of our game so as to be as prepared as we can be, should members of the public need our help.

“We now need more volunteers to join our team and help us maintain this vital service.

“We are 100% voluntary and predominantly rely on fundraising and donations from the public. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 365 days a year.”

Email recruitment@donegalmrt.ie and see below for further information:

The post Experienced volunteers sought to join Donegal Mountain Rescue Team appeared first on Donegal Daily.