An application will be made to have a case against a teenage girl charged with the possession of child sex images be retained by the Children’s Court.

The 17-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham at Letterkenny District Court this week. Previously, she was brought before Judge Vincent Deane last week.

She is charged that on February 12, 2023, at an address in Letterkenny, did knowingly have in her possession child pornography to wit five videos and eight images. The charge is contrary to section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.

The girl’s solicitor, Mr Frank Dorrian, said he would be seeking a Section 75 hearing under the Children’s Act.

Under such an application, a defence team can make submissions, citing the age, maturity or other relevant factors pertaining to a defendant.

The court was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has instructed prosecution on indictment.

Under section 75 of the Children’s Act, the Children’s Court can exercise discretion to accept jurisdiction in cases where a child is charged with an indictable offence – other than specific exceptions such as manslaughter – and deal with them summarily.

The court would be given a summary of the evidence and would hear submissions from the State and the defence before the presiding judge would make a determination.

Sergeant Jim Collins said that gardai would be opposing the application for a Section 75 hearing, which will be heard in early May.

Bail has been granted on conditions that include that she have no unsupervised access to social media.

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The road has reopened following yesterday’s fatal crash in Falcarragh that claimed the life of an 80-year-old woman.

The pensioner was the driver and sole occupant of the car that crashed on the N56 Ballina Road at 1:30pm.

A technical examination of the scene has been carried out.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the Falcarragh area between 1:15pm and 1:45pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milford Garda station on 074 9153060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

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While Jimmy was winning matches in Derry, Donegal driver Jason Wilkinson was winning rallies in Offaly.

By Donegal Motor Club PRO, Bernard Gallagher

An epic battle in class 16 in the Offaly countryside on Sunday saw four all-Donegal crews fighting for the class honours across the nine stages Birr Stages Rally laid out by Birr & District Motor Club. Letterkenny’s Ronan Dorrian with the famous Mickey Joe Browne, Cresslough’s Jason Wilkinson with Ciaran McGinley (main pic), Mountcharles Jordan Jervis/James McBrearty and Inishowens Kyle McDaid and Shane Maguire spent the day nipping at each other’s heels. At the end of stage 1, a mere 9.5 seconds separated the top 4 in class 16.

However, a big push over stage 3, saw Jervis/Mcbrearty quickest by 1.9 seconds to hold the lead heading into the first service With the top 4 battle down to only 3.9 seconds.

Unfortunately, minor mechanical issues would put pass to Jervis/McBrearty’s lead. Although still putting in reasonable times, it wasn’t enough to match the pace at the front. Returning to the second service of the day, it was Letterkenny’s Ronan Dorrian with new navigator Mickey Joe Browne, who held the advantage by 1.3 seconds over Wilkinson/McGinley with Mc Daid/Maguire in 3 rd.

Heading for the final loop, an excellent charge by Wilkinson/McGinley would see them take the lead over Dorrian/Browne. A tiny 4.5 second gap separated the top 3 juniors going into the final stage. Some last minute drama for the Wilkinson/McGinley, with a bust radiator hose before starting SS9. But as always in rallying, help is never far away with a spare radiator hose generously offered to continue the battle and hold on to 1 st place. In what is becoming the norm for Kyle McDaid, a gigantic last minute push over the final stage, he stopped the clock at 6:57.2. this netted McDaid/Maguire the quickest class 16 time but more importantly promoted them to 2 nd place ahead of Ronan Dorrian/Mickey Joe Browne by 1.3seconds. Trentagh’s Jason Tease also got a finish in his first ever rally driving.

Some of the Donegal Juniors.

In total, over 40 Donegal Motor Club members competed in the 2024 birr stages rally, the 3 rd round of the Triton sponsored National rally championship. Similar to class 16, many club members enjoyed the tight competition throughout the day. The dry conditions making a change from the usual wet and mucky terrain.

Overall standings, Donegal town building contractor David Kelly with the experienced Arthur Kierans finished 3 rd overall in the Volkswagen polo R5. Kelly really starting to settle in the Polo – will we see a podium in Donegal?

In class 2, Gareth Deazley/Oisin Joyce led the way from Matthew Boyle/Gary Byrne to claim victory by just 2.4 seconds. Class 5 saw the Boyles taking 2 nd and 3 rd spot with son Michael Boyle/Dermott McCafferty just piping father Declan Boyle/Patrick Walsh to the post for 2 nd place.

Class 11F saw some fierce competition across all stages, Brian Moore with Brockagh man Damian Doherty in the hot seat led the class until an unfortunate roll on SS8 put an end to their day.

The final results saw Trentagh/Kilmacrennan cousins Gavin Russell/Daniel Callaghan taking 3 rd in the highly competitive class. Rathmullan engine extraordinaire Kevin Gallagher and Ryan Moore took an outstanding victory in class 14 in the T90 Darrian after a commanding drive all day to fight off the attack from Chris O’Callaghan / Kaine Treanor. Gallagher/Moore also collected the Sligo Pallets drive of the day award for being the fastest class 14 crew on ss5 of the event. Micky Carbin with Convoys Dean O’Sullivan, took a very well deserved 3 rd place after another brilliant drive by the Monaghan man in only his 4 th event after converting to the rear wheel drive escort from his typical 4wd Mitsubishi Lancer.

3 rd in class 20 went to Donegal town brothers Trevor and Kenny Bustard. Overall, a huge well done to COC Eoin Longworth and his team, and to all at Birr & District Motorclub on the running of a safe and enjoyable event. Congratulations to everyone who collected trophies and finished the event. Thanks to all club marshals who travelled to assist in the running of the event. These events cannot run without the help of volunteers, so thanks to each and every volunteer for their assistance. The next round of the Triton National Championship is the Carlow stages rally in May.

Rory Kennedy (L) and Donagh Kelly.

Vltava Historic Rallye Success for Donegal Stalwarts. 

Last weekend Frosses driver Donagh Kelly and Letterkenny’s Rory Kennedy took part in Round 2 of the 2022 FIA EHRC held in the Czech Republic with the 30th Historic Vltava Rally being the host event. This event had all kinds of conditions in store with snow, rain, muck and sunshine all in store for the Donegal Crew. The experienced crew kept to the plan and finished 3rd Overall beat only by 4wd machinery which was expected in the slippy conditions.

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Ireland’s newest country singing sensation Jason McCahill has revealed his plans to become a full-time singer after he became Glór Tíre Country Music Champion 2024 live on TG4 last night.

The 26-year-old delivery driver from Ramelton scooped the accolade following a spirited performance of the Dublin City Ramblers’ classic ‘The Ferryman’ at the Glór Tíre Grand Final.

For Jason, winning the title – one of the most prestigious in Country and Irish music – and the experience of being on the show, has yet to “truly sink in”.

“Not in my wildest dreams, not in a million years, did I think this would happen,” he admits. “It was a win to get on the show. It was a win to get through last week’s semi-final. I can’t put into words what this means to me. To get the support from Donegal, from all around Ireland…that’s just wild. It’s mental.”

Jason’s run on the programme revealed a lively performer, but also someone who possesses a natural Country voice, as heard to great effect in his renditions of John Denver’s ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ and last night’s take on ‘The Ferryman’.

“‘The Ferryman’ is a song everybody would know me by. I would sing it a lot,” says Jason. “I just knew I was confident in singing it. I knew I could go up and give it the ‘Jason Wiggle’ as everybody’s calling it now. It’s kind of my trademark to get the hips going. I just knew I could go up and enjoy myself, give it everything I had.”

Jason’s cheeky chappie demeanour, hearty laugh, infectious good humour and sense of fun made him a hugely popular contestant with his fellow Glór Tíre finalists and the public.

These qualities, as well as that voice, caught the attention of the award-winning Country singer Claudia Buckley who acted as Jason’s mentor throughout Glór Tíre.

“Jason has this cheeky little spark that just translates through from the audience here, through to the cameras, to the audiences at home on their sofas,” says Claudia. “Everybody can see that little spark that he has, that wee something extra, and I think he’ll go far.”

Claudia’s support, and that of her father, Jimmy Buckley, has been hugely appreciated by Jason who says he is in “debt for life” to the Galway singer. “Her and her crew, all her family, they’re absolute gems,” he says.

Now, Jason is set to celebrate his victory in style and he is brimming with regional and provincial pride.

“It’s a victory for Donegal. A victory for Ulster,” he declares. “We’re going to get the bonfires going. We’re gonna party for weeks. If Donegal won the Sam Maguire, they wouldn’t have this kind of party that we’re gonna throw!”

Jason has no intent to rest on his laurels for too long. He knows it is essential to build quickly on the precious platform his Glór Tíre win has given him.

“I’ve been playing in pubs and clubs and hotels for the last ten or 15 years so I have the chance now, through the platform Claudia and Glór Tíre have given me to get my name out there,” he says.

“It’s up to me now to make the next step. If I want to make this work I have to go for it and there’s no better platform than I have now.

“Myself and my father will talk through plans, and I know Claudia and Jimmy will help, and hopefully, it’ll lead to a band on the road. That’s the dream.”

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Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has arrived at court in Co Down to face charges of rape and other historical sexual offences.

A 57-year-old woman is also due to appear at Newry Magistrates court charged with aiding and abetting in connection with the offences.

There was a huge media presence outside Newry Magistrates Court when Mr Donaldson arrived this morning.

He is facing one charge of rape and a number of other sexual offences of an historical nature.

In addition to a charge of rape, Jeffrey Donaldson faces nine charges of indecent assault against a female and one of gross indecency against a child.

The offences are alleged to have taken place over a 21-year period between January 1985 and December 2006.

The MP for Lagan Valley strenuously denies all of the charges.

He resigned as DUP leader with immediate effect and was suspended from membership of the party following his arrest last month. He remains MP for Lagan Valley, a seat he has held since 1997, as an independent.

Mr Donaldson was arrested by PSNI detectives at his home in Co Down at around 6am on Thursday 28 March and taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Antrim Police Station for questioning.

He was charged later that day.

For full report, see www.rte.ie

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A unique Donegal take on ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get me out of Here’ aims to raise much needed funds for two autism units in Inishowen.

‘I’m in Joyce’s, Get me out of Here’ will take place in Joyce’s Bar, Carndonagh, on the Sunday, May 5, Bank Holiday weekend. Over the past two years, the event has raised almost €10,000 for Scoil Iosagain Buncrana and Scoil Treasa Naofa in Malin.

Contestants who take part go head-to-head in food and drink challenges as well as fun games throughout the day. 

“It’s always a great day’s crack and loads of fun for all the family. The event is getting bigger and bigger every year,” said organiser, Kellie Tweed.

“At present, both schools have classes open and do amazing work with the students to get them through primary school. These funds will be used to support the schools with equipment for the classroom, field-trips and outings for the children, sensory rooms or to even open another room if needed.”

For further information, and to make a donation, log on to the event’s GoFundMe page.

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Main pic: Members of the North West 10k committee and benefitting charities at the launch of this year’s event.

As momentum builds towards the 27th North West 10k, one of the charities benefiting this year is a Letterkenny-based childcare charity that has had to turn away hundreds of families in need, due to a lack of space. 

The demands for childcare are being strongly felt at the Letterkenny Community Childcare Centre in Lisnenan, where there are over 465 children on the waiting list. 

The charity has been selected as one of the beneficiaries of this year’s event alongside Kilmacrennan, Termon, Gartan, Churchill and Trentagh Community First Responders as well as Cara House Family Resource Centre. Since February, the groups have been out in force fundraising together for their individual goals with final events coming up including ‘A Night at the Races’ this Saturday in the Swilly Inn, the Trentagh Tractor Run on Sunday 5th May and a Ladies Night in the Radisson Blu Hotel on May 17th.

More than 100 of the children on the waiting list for Letterkenny Community Childcare Centre are under one year old, with parents wishing to return to work between now and September 2024. 

Many families who access the service are low income and depend on childcare to get to work, education and training. The lack of capacity is having a direct impact on local employment, says Eoin Gildea, charity chair.

“We cannot accommodate any more children, nor can any other provider in Letterkenny due to lack of capacity, resulting in families having to defer returning to work, at great cost to them and their employers,” he said.

“All the major international companies in the county are located close to our service, however, we do not have capacity to provide childcare for their employees.” 

Emergency cases are also being turned away, Eoin said.“We are the only full day Community Childcare Centre in the town the size of Letterkenny and the only childcare provider in the Ballyraine area. We work with Tusla on Child Protection cases, Surestart assisting families  struggling with parenting and SVP for families in crisis,” he said.

“At present we have such a small space that we have to turn away some of these cases.”

There are 180 children aged from 6 months to 12 years attending the centre daily, with 28 staff. The charity is a Centre of Excellence and holds the highest Síolta quality mark from the Dept. of Education.

After 40 years in operation, the time has come to move to a larger premises. A fundraising campaign has been launched to secure over €1.2m to get the project off the ground. The proposed new build is in the region of €2.8m plus €350k for the site.

“Currently we rent facilities from Donegal County Enterprise Business Fund, one building since 2003, the second since 2012,” Eoin explains. 

“While we have in the recent past, and currently making attempts as best we can, pressured the Government for funding a move/new premises, we are under no illusion that we will need some help from local fund raising as well as the private sector to make it happen.”

“The new proposed building will allow child care capacity to increase. We have no doubt everyone is aware of the childcare shortage both locally (and nationally). Any additional spaces would have a potential to facilitate more workers’ journeys back to the workforce.We hope you can understand that the project, an absolute necessity for the community, probably won’t happen without the help of people and businesses local to the facility” Mr Gildea said.

The event takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6, in Letterkenny, and has raised a combined €932,000 for almost 40 local causes. People are now being urged to get registered, get training and get the word out to support the Northwest 10k charities of 2024. Online entries at www.njuko.net/nw_10k_2024 where runners and walkers will find all the information required.

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Donegal County Council has advised that resurfacing works will take place between today and Friday on the R-245 Carrigart to Milford Road.

A council spokesperson advised motorists to expect delays around the area of the Circle K filling station.

Traffic Management will be in place with motorists asked to allow extra time on their journeys.

The location of the works on the Milford to Carrigart road.

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A Letterkenny man who told gardai that he had taken ‘two or three pints’ was found to be more than three times the legal drink-driving limit.

Rory McDaid, a 35-year-old of Highland Drive, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, was put off the road for three years when he appeared before Letterkenny District Court.

Gardai spotted McDaid driving erratically on September 11, 2020 at 11.54pm at Pearse Road, Letterkenny.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that McDaid did a U-turn in Toyota Corolla and drove in the direction of Letterkenny Retail Park.

“It appeared that he was driving to avoid gardai,” Sergeant Collins said. McDaid admitted to gardai at the scene that he had ‘two or three pints’ and he was arrested and conveyed to Letterkenny Garda Station.

A blood sample showed a concentration of 156mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, where the legal limit is 50.

McDaid was said to have cooperated fully with gardai and has no previous convictions.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for McDaid, said his client is a 35-year-old father-of-one and there was no application for a postponement of the ban.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham fined McDaid €200, allowing five months to pay. McDaid was disqualified from driving for a period of three years.

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Last weekend was day two of the Donegal County Championships for Rosses AC’s U14 to U19 age groups. 

Like last week, we again had a large group of athletes make the journey to the Aura in Letterkenny where Letterkenny A.C. hosted an excellent day and we were even treated to brilliant sunshine. With athletes competing in high jump, discus, sprints, hurdles, javelin, long jump, middle distance and relays, we won medals in all ages and events and finished the days with the u15 and u16 girls teams winning the relays. The athletes performed exceptionally and are a credit to themselves, their parents and their coaches. Many of these athletes are starting to specialise into specific events for themselves and will be looking to be competing at the top end in Ulster and All Irelands in the coming weeks and months. Big thanks to all the parents who travelled to support and help. Another successful Rosses AC day out. 

Brendan McBride of Rosses AC.

Over at the London marathon there were 50,000 competitors and the club had the experienced Brendan McBride (above) taking on the challenge. The hard work through the winter months had him well prepared as he ran a strong time finishing in 3:24:36. 

Across the Atlantic, we had three athletes taking on the 128th Boston Marathon, the oldest and most iconic race over the distance. In very challenging conditions with extreme heat, the first Rosses AC athlete home was Helen McCready who put in a massive effort fighting the conditions along with managing cramping feet to complete in a time of 3:02:33. Martina Mulhern put a super training block in before this race which allowed her to post a great time of 3:26:27. Keith O’Connell had a tough day at the office but ensured he got the job done as he suffered an injury three weeks ago. While the first half of the race was good, he suffered with a number of factors and knows he will fight another day for a better time but huge kudos for completing. Back at home the Errigal College 5k last week saw Declan ferry continue his winning with a time of 15:41. Paul McKelvey had a fine run to finish in 5th place in 17:53. Patrick Trimble won the M50 category in 18:23 with Shaun McDevitt running a solid 21:24.

Martina Mulhern and Keith O’Connell of Rosses AC after completing the Boston Marathon.

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Midlands-North West European election candidate, Senator Niall Blaney, has boldly declared ‘I’m in it to win it’.

Sen Blaney, who is one of three Fianna Fáil candidates, says he has been inundated with messages of support in the past few weeks.

Handing in his nomination papers at the Courthouse in Galway today, he told supporters: “I’m in it to win it.”

“Now, with nomination papers lodged, we can move up a gear,” he said. 

“We’ll be holding meetings in Galway, Clones, Donegal, to mention but a few, and, of course, Cavan, next Thursday, when former Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil, Bertie Ahern, will be our guest speaker.”

Sen Blaney added an extensive canvass will be carried out in the Midlands-North West constituency.

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The family of a young Irish soldier killed on duty in Lebanon have paid him a touching tribute by erecting a stunning memorial at his graveside.

Private Seán Rooney, 24, died on December 14th, 2022, when his UN jeep was ambushed by a “hostile mob” while on peacekeeping duty.

He was the 48th Irish soldier to die in Lebanon

Private Rooney, whose family hail from Donegal and Dundalk, was buried with full military honours and laid to rest in the village of Newtowncunningham.

His family has now erected a beautiful headstone to Seán in the graveyard at All Saints Catholic Church which includes a picture of the brave soldier in his Irish army uniform.

An inscription on the headstone reads “Proud I stood, Now Proud I lie, Pray for peace, As You Pass by, My Life is over, My Peace Duties Done, Now God Has Taken, His soldier home.”

Private Seán Rooney, RIP

The tribute also includes a plaque erected by Sean’s loving fiancee Holly McConnellogue.

Seán and Holly were engaged and due to be married on August 8th last year, just eight months after the young solder was killed.

On the day they were due to marry Holly wrote “08/08/23 We might not be getting married today but we will make up for everything we missed out on when I see you again.”

She also shared a photo of Seán picking his wedding ring in a jewellery shop in 2022.

The newly-erected plaque in memory of Seán includes a picture of the loving couple in happier times.

It also includes a poem which Sean wrote to Holly in his own hand-writing.

It reads “Love – Feeling that you would like to know that person forever, Love is about giving and sharing, Love is a spoonful of medicine when you’re sick, Love is happiness, Love never ends – Sean O R.”

One person has been charged in connection with Private Rooney’s death and a number of probes are ongoing into the fatal incident.

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Last week’s Ardara Anonymous Art Auction raised a fantastic €2,600 for the voluntary Donegal Mountain Rescue Team (DMRT).

Organised by Claire Molloy, it featured 56 pieces of beautiful artwork by both known artists and local people.

Some of the artwork even travelled from as far as the U.S.A. The auction was ‘anonymous’, in other words, buyers didn’t know who’s art they were purchasing until they received it.

“Our sincerest thanks to Clare Molloy who presented this cheque from the Ardara Anonymous Auction that she organised on behalf of the DMRT and Ardara Resource Centre,” a DMRT spokesperson said. 

“DMRT are receiving a fantastic €2,600 which will be invaluable for the progression of the team.”

It was a busy weekend for DMRT volunteers. On Saturday they dealt with a fatal accident in the Poisoned Glen and on Sunday they went to the aid of a seriously injured walker on Sliabh Liag.

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Bundoran RNLI came to the aid of a fisherman this morning after his boat sustained engine failure close to rocks off south Donegal.

The volunteer crew were tasked shortly before 11am after the casualty raised the alarm when he got into difficulty approximately half a mile from the the lifeboat station

The lifeboat helmed by Elliot Kearns and with crew members Finn Mullen, Fergal Muller and Mark Vaughan onboard, launched at 10.51am and made its way the short distance to the scene.

On arrival, the crew observed that the fisherman was wearing a lifejacket and had all the correct gear with him. However, as his engine had failed and the boat was close to rocks, the crew deemed an alongside tow was essential and proceeded to bring the casualty safely back to the nearby pier wall.

Speaking following the call out, Daimon Fergus, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “We would like to commend the casualty for wearing his lifejacket and for raising the alarm when he knew he couldn’t make safe progress.

“As we continue to enjoy a good spell of weather, we would remind anyone planning a trip to sea, to respect the water and go prepared. We would encourage boat owners to ensure their engine is well maintained. Always wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid and always carry a means of calling for help. Always check the forecast and tide times before you venture out and tell someone where you are going and when you are due back.”

Should you get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

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Donegal Down Syndrome (DDS) is to host an important meeting on Wednesday week for families of people with limited decision-making capacity.

The event will be led by Áine Flynn, Director of the Decision Support Services (DSS). 

DSS provides an essential service for people who face difficulties and need support exercising their decision-making capacity.

“This is a unique chance to hear directly about how the new Capacity Act may affect your ability to support your family member or how to arrange for the future when you, too, might need support,” a DDS spokesperson said.

‘A Conversation with Aine Flynn’ will take place in the Station House Hotel (main pic), Letterkenny, on Wednesday, May 8, from 7pm – 8.30pm.

Many people are unclear about how the act affects them and their loved ones, the spokesperson added.

“Decision support arrangements are legally recognised arrangements for people who need support to make certain decisions,” they said.

“This may include, but is not limited to, people with an intellectual disability, acquired brain injury, mental health difficulty or dementia. This also includes all people who want to plan for a time when they might lose their capacity.”

The seminar will provide information about the types of arrangements and supports that will be available.

There are limited spaces, so booking is essential via the following eventbrite.ie LINK or contact Donegal Down Syndrome on 074-910 3527.

There is a small charge of €5 to defray costs of refreshments. 

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Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a collision on the Port Road in  Letterkenny. 

“No injuries have been reported at this time. The road remains open,” a garda spokesperson said.

However, delays can be expected. 

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Independent TD Thomas Pringle has said the Geological Survey of Ireland has recognised the role of pyrrhotite in defective blocks.

As a result, he has called on the government to use up-to-date science in its redress scheme.

“The Minister for Housing and the National Standards Authority of Ireland continue to say that there is no evidence that pyrrhotite is the cause of defective blocks in Donegal, not mica, as it has been attributed to,” Deputy Pringle told the Dáil today.

“But, in an FOI (Freedom of Information request) submitted by defective block campaign groups in Donegal, it turns out that the Geological Survey of Ireland since December last has recognised pyrrhotite,” he said.

“This is from studies carried out by RSK, Petrolab and the Ulster University consortium, but yet the Department does not acknowledge this and allows families to continue to be approved for partial remediation.”

The deputy raised the issue today during Questions on Policy or Legislation.

“Taoiseach, will you instruct the department to use up-to-date science when operating this scheme so that homeowners can have a result that they can have faith in?”

In his response, the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said he will look specifically into the information Deputy Pringle brought to his attention and engage with Minister Darragh O’Brien, who will respond to the Donegal TD.

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A woman in her 80s killed in a tragic road accident in Falcarragh yesterday has been named locally as Mrs Keyna Barrett.

The mother-of-five from Moyra Glebe, Falcarragh passed away at Letterkenny University Hospital following a single vehicle crash at Ballina Road yesterday afternoon.

Tributes have flowed in for Mrs Barrett (nee Joyce) who was hugely well-known and respected in the local community.

All remember her as a caring and gentle lady who always put others first.

Although originally from Salthill in Galway, Keyna had made Donegal her home and will be remembered as a much-loved local community nurse.

Predeceased by her late husband Jim Barrett, she is survived by her five children John, Declan, Mairead, Sinead and Paula.

May she rest in peace.

The late Keyna Barrett, RIP.

Her death notice reads:

Keyna Barrett (née Joyce) Moyra Glebe, Falcarragh, Donegal, F92 N6Y8 /Salthill, Galway.

The death has taken place in Letterkenny University Hospital of Keyna Barrett, Moyra Glebe, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal F92 N6Y8, surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of the late Jim Barrett. Predeceased by her brothers Peadar and Martin, sisters Olive and Marie. She will be deeply missed by her sons John and Declan, daughters Mairead, Sinead and Paula, daughters in law Vicky and Marianne, son in law Damien, grandchildren James, Cillian, Ferdia, Thady, Brodie, Daniel, Keena, Fionn and Naincí, her brother John, sister in law Mary, many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.

Keyna’s remains will repose at her late residence in Moyra Glebe, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal F92 N6Y8, from 5pm-9pm today Wednesday, 24th of April, and from 12pm-9pm on Thursday, the 25th April, with Rosary both nights at 9pm. House private after Rosary and in the mornings.

A Requiem Mass will be held on Friday, 26th of April, at 11am in Teach Phobail Naomh Fionán, Falcarragh Church F92 N6Y9. The family will then proceed to Athenry, Co. Galway. Keyna will repose at Quinn’s Funeral Home, Athenry H65KP70, from 7pm-8pm on Friday, the 26th April.

Removal for her burial will take place on Saturday morning, the 27th of April, at 10:45am from Quinn’s Funeral Home for burial in Athenry graveyard at 11am

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

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A Donegal man has pleaded guilty to possessing over 300 items depicting child sex material.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court where he tendered a guilty plea.

Aged in his 30s and from the east of the county, the man was formally arraigned before Judge John Aylmer.

He is charged that he did, at his home address, on a date in June 2022, knowingly have in his possession child pornography to wit, 243 images and 78 videos on an Acer Aspire laptop.

The charge is contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998.

The defendant spoke only to plead guilty.

He is represented by Mr Colm Smyth SC and Mr Timothy Morrow BL, instructed by solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian.

Mr Smyth requested that legal aid be extended to cover a psychologist’s report.

John Aylmer granted the request and ordered a probation and welfare report, to include the man’s suitability for community service.

When the man appeared before Letterkenny District Court in December, a temporary reporting restriction, meaning that he cannot be identified in the media, was granted following a request from his solicitor.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said that this is ‘not a case where a publication order naturally follows’.

Judge John Aylmer remanded the accused man on bail on the same terms and conditions with the matter adjourned until later in the year.

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A local historian has called for official recognition for a little-known Donegal writer who was once famous around the world.

Rev Raymond Blair made the call at a talk he gave on Samuel Seaton at Monday’s Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society lecture.

Seaton was a poet and storyteller from the townland of Ballinacor, Killygordon. Born around 1846, he died in March 1934. According to a newspaper notice from the time, his funeral took place at Donoughmore Presbyterian Church in Liscooley. 

Rev Ramyond Blair (centre) with members of the Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society.

Long forgotten by many in the area, his works were printed in leading publications in Ireland in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the early 1900s, his works were also published in prestigious papers such as Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in Philadelphia, The Olathe Register in Kansas, The Australian Town and Country Journal and The Australian Times.

He was also a farmer and school teacher, having taught at the nearby Drumavish National School for a time.

“A forgotten, but talented writer from Killygordon, it’s time he was remembered and officially recognised here in County Donegal,” Rev Smeaton said.

Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society talks take place on the fourth Monday of the month in Henderson Hall, Stranorlar.

For further information on the society, and updates, go to their Facebook page or email bsadhs@gmail.com

Samuel Seaton.

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