Special Olympian Vicki McGill was the toast of Donegal last night after receiving a Civic Reception.

The members of the Letterkenny/Milford Municipal District were delighted to confer a Civic Honour on Ms McGill at a reception held at the Public Services Centre, Letterkenny last evening.

The award is in recognition of Vicki’s outstanding achievements as a member of the Special Olympic Basketball Team, winning a Gold Medal at 2023 Special Olympics in Germany.

Cllr Kevin Bradley, Mayor congratulated Vicki on her success and acknowledged the important role model that she has become to the young people in the community.

Cllr Bradley commended Vicki’s parents, Carole and Michael said that they should be very proud of their daughter Vicki.

Special Olympic Gold medallist Vick McGill pictured with family and friends when she was bestowed with a civic reception from Mayor Cllr Kevin Bradley in recognition of her achievements. Included in photo are Liam Ward (Director of Services) and Seamus Canning (Area Manager Housing and Corporate Services) and local councillors. (North West Newspix)

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Donegal Gardaí are reminding motorists to make sure their tyres are up to the required standard.

Letterkenny Roads Policing Unit conducted road safety checkpoints last night. Thankfully, all tyres checked were roadworthy but a number of drivers were advised that their tyres were approaching the legal minimum tread depth.

“By law, it’s every driver’s responsibility to ensure that their vehicle’s tyres are safe and that all are a minimum 1.6mm in depth,” a garda spokesperson said.

“The tyres are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road and so your safety and the safety of others depends on their condition. Please check your tyres regularly.”

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Last weekend was a busy one for Rosses AC members at the Donegal Junior, Senior and Masters track and field championships in Lifford.

First up was Amber Gallagher (main pic) in the shot putt, coming away with a silver medal, a gold in weight for distance and a bronze in discus – so a great day for her in her first senior championships.

Kevin Duffy was throwing javelin and achieved a new PB of 35.36m and gold medal in the masters category. Wife Brenda also brought home a gold in the master women’s javelin event.

Lorraine Doherty temporarily swapped her official’s bib for a Rosses vest to run the 400m and secured a Donegal gold F45 in the process.

Lorraine Doherty Rosses AC.

Helen McCready debuted her track career by pipping Tír Chonaill’s Ciara Cunningham to win senior gold in the 3000m and also claiming gold in the 800m earlier in the day. Well done to all today. Thanks to the organisers and officials for hosting and executing a well-run event. 

On Saturday, the local WAAR adventure race saw many of our club athletes taking part with some great performances across the board with special mention to Declan Ferry and Maria Ni Mhaolagain on retaining their titles from last year. On Friday evening the Ballyshannon 5k had Patrick Trimble make the journey finishing 2nd in the m50 in 17:35. 

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Three Donegal towns are to receive €10,000 each in funding to establish ‘Town Teams’.

Creeslough, Ballybofey and Buncrana qualified for the grant as they have never had a Town Team before. To date, Glenties has been the only Donegal location to be selected. 

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, said the funding may also be used to better understand the unique features of towns. 

“This is all about tackling vacancy, combatting dereliction and breathing new life into our town centres,” she said.

“Through this initiative, we are recognising the importance of having vibrant towns, which are places to live in, work in, visit, and raise a family in.”

This funding follows on from the recent announcement of €780,000 which will support the development of a Town Centre First Plan in a further 26 towns. To find out more about the Town Centre First policy, the Town Centre First Suite of Supports 2024 and how towns can become involved, visit www.towncentrefirst.ie.

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Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) is a community-led local development company covering all of County Donegal, except the Inishowen area. 

We work to improve the opportunities for people and communities in Donegal to bring about positive changes in their own lives and in their community.

We are seeking an IT Developer with a creative approach to system design and functionality. The ideal candidate will collaborate with DLDC stakeholders to understand their needs for enhanced system efficiency and convert these requirements into practical solutions. Additionally, this role will support the IT Manager in the delivery of daily operations. The contract is part time (3 days per week) for a fixed term duration of 12 months and is subject to continued funding.

A third level IT Development / Software Engineering qualification or related degree or Relevant certifications from Microsoft or competitive platforms. Significant experience (minimum of 2 years) in app development with exposure to all stages of the systems development lifecycle.  

To apply for the position, please submit by email, a cover Letter of Application together with current Curriculum Vitae and clearly outline how you meet the criteria to: HR Department at: vacancies@dldc.org

Applications received post deadline will not be accepted. The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 31st May 2024 and no applications will be accepted post deadline. The Job Description is available from vacancies@dldc.org and on the DLDC website www.dldc.org. Interviews are likely to be held on the week of 10th June 2024.

We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria. A panel may be formed from which similar vacancies may be filled.

Donegal Local Development CLG is committed to a Policy of Equal Opportunity. Canvassing will disqualify.

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Main pic: Bishop Duignan, Dana and husband Damien with John McCaffery, President of the Irish Association of Papal Orders.

Singer and former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon has been conferred with a Papal honour, in recognition of her service to the Catholic Church.

The 72-year-old Derry born entertainer was formally made a Dame of the Order of Saint Gregory, at a ceremony in Baile Chláir, Co Galway, yesterday evening.

The award is given by Pope Francis, following a detailed nomination process.

Less than 100 others living in Ireland have been similarly honoured, with Dana becoming only the 14th Dame to be conferred in Ireland, after her investiture.

Bishop of Galway and Clonfert Michael Duignan, was the chief celebrant at this evening’s mass, during which he conferred the honour.

In his homily he said that it recognised a lifetime of “faith filled service” to the Catholic Church by the 72-year-old.

Now living in Co Galway, Dana was Ireland’s first Eurovision Song Contest winner in 1971.

She contested Presidential elections in 1997 and 2011 as an Independent candidate, and served a five year term as an MEP for the former Connacht / Ulster constituency between 1999 and 2004.

Read the full report on www.rte.ie

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Repairs to a burst water main may cause supply and traffic disruptions in The Diamond and surrounding areas of the centre of Donegal town.

Works are scheduled to take place until 5pm today – a traffic management plan will be in place for the duration of the repairs.

Please take note of the following reference number and enter it into the search bar on the Uisce Eireann website should you wish to return for an update: DON00077854.

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Sherry FitzGerald, Ireland’s largest estate agent, has announced a new franchise partnership in Letterkenny.

Property Partners Paul Reynolds, now trading as Sherry FitzGerald Paul Reynolds, is already well
known and highly regarded in the North West.

Joining Sherry FitzGerald means the team at Reynolds can augment the excellent service they currently
offer by way of the Sherry FitzGerald nationwide network, one of the most-recognised brands
in Ireland with their expertise in all aspects of the property market.

Established in the late 1970’s by the late Paul Reynolds, the family run business is now led by Joe
Reynolds and Austin Reynolds.

Their newly rebranded office is based in Letterkenny and their impressive property portfolio covers the entire county of Donegal.

With over four decades of trusted service, Paul Reynolds Auctioneers, Estate Agents & Val-
uers is a cornerstone of the Donegal property landscape, serving clients with integrity and
expertise.

The Reynolds’ decision to join forces with Sherry FitzGerald marks an exciting chapter for both parties.

By leveraging the extensive nationwide network and renowned expertise of Sherry FitzGerald, the team is poised to elevate their already excellent service offerings to new heights.

Joe Reynolds, Des O’Malley and Austin Reynolds as they announce the new franchise.

This collaboration presents a prime opportunity to cater to the evolving needs of clients with enhanced resources and unparalleled market insight.

Joe Reynolds said “I am looking forward to the new alliance with Sherry FitzGerald. I joined my brother, Paul, in the business in 1983. Technology has evolved and developed a lot since then, however, one constant remains and that is customer service.

“We have always done our best to provide an efficient, professional customer service and will continue
to do so as Sherry FitzGerald Paul Reynolds”.

Des O’Malley, Head of Sherry FitzGerald countrywide, extended a warm welcome to Austin and Joe Reynolds and their team, emphasising the shared values of integrity, innovation, and client-centricity that underpin this collaboration.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul Reynolds Auctioneers, Estate Agents & Valuers to the Sherry
FitzGerald network.Together, we look forward to delivering exceptional service and results to clients across Donegal and beyond.”

Austin Reynolds said “We are delighted to embark on this journey with Sherry FitzGerald, a name synonymous with excellence in estate agency. We believe that our local market knowledge and expertise coupled with the innovation and expertise of Sherry FitzGerald, an industry leader, will prove in-
valuable to our clients.”

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Main pic: Spirit of Adventure. Courtesy: Killybegs Online

The latest luxury cruise liner has just docked in Killybegs this morning.

Pictured is the 237 metre long Spirit of Adventure which docked in the last few hours.

It will leave port again  this evening between 5pm and 5:30pm, however, not before its almost 1,000 passengers and 550 crew take a look around Ireland’s premier fishing port and visit its shops and restaurants.

This year, a total of 19,757 passengers are due to visit Killybegs from the beginning of May until September 17th next.

Once again the increasing number of ships to stop off there enroute to various destinations will provide a much welcome tourism injection for the local community.

The biggest number of staff and passengers arrived on the Norwegian Star last week.

Between staff and passengers, the ship boasted an impressive combined total of 3,379 people made up of 1,031 staff and 2,348 passengers.

Some of the ships visiting over the summer months are regarded as ‘expedition’ ships with smaller numbers of staff and passengers on board.

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Letterkenny is to remember one of its most popular residents next week when a seat is to be erected in honour of the late Colm Ferry.

Mr Ferry (pictured above) was a cornerstone of the local credit union for more than 40 years.

There was huge sadness in the town when Colm, a gentleman who is still missed by all, passed away almost five years ago in June, 2019.

Mr Ferry’s commitment to his work and to helping others made him a true friend to his colleagues and all members over the years.

He had many more close friends through his other interests, Fianna Fáil, Knights of Columbanus and the Letterkenny Heritage group.

Now the Letterkenny Community Heritage Group are set to remember Colm as they unveil a seat in his memory.

The seat will be placed beside the Social Welfare Government, Building High Road looking across at the building where Colm helped so many.

The unveiling of the seat will take place on Wednesday week next, May 29th at 7pm.

All are welcome and there will be light refreshments in the CountyMuseum afterwards.

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Whoriskey’s Eurospar in Ramelton is currently recruiting for a number of positions.

The vacancies include:

• Part time Deli Assistant
• Part time Baker

Part Time Deli Assistant

Main duties:

• The cooking, preparation and display of hot food to the highest standards.
• The preparation and display of cold foods to the highest standards.
• The maintenance of high standards of food safety and hygiene.
• The preparation of customer orders

Part Time Baker

Main Duties:

• To assist the head baker in the day to day running of the bakery.
• Baking and decorating goods to a high standard.
• Follow recipes but also innovate and assist with new ideas
• The maintenance of high standards of food safety and hygiene

The ideal candidates will:

• Have previous experience in a similar role
• Be flexible.
• Have the ability to work as part of a team in a fast paced environment
• Have a passion for food
• Have excellent customer service skills

To Apply:

Please email an up to date CV and a cover letter, indicating which position you are applying for to jobsatwhoriskeys@gmail.com or post to Whoriskey’s Eurospar, The Mall, Ramelton, Co. Donegal.

Closing date for applications is Monday May 27 th 2024.

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The number-one target for the Kinahan cartel is reported to have been arrested by Gardaí in Donegal for alleged drug driving.

A car driven by James ‘Mago’ Gately (35) was stopped at a garda checkpoint in the Ballybofey area last week and it is alleged that the Hutch-aligned gangster failed a drugs test at the scene. 

He was arrested before ­being released without charge while the results are analysed, the Irish Independent reports.

For full report, log on to www.independent.ie

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A ‘Woodland Wander’ will take place tomorrow in the beautiful Drumboe Woods, Stranorlar, to mark Biodiversity Week.

At the event, which takes place from 11am to 1pm, you can experience a tree from an arboriculturist’s eye with Shailagh Healy.  

“Together we’ll muse the wondrous and intricate biological workings of trees and the myriad of ways they’ve influenced our lives through the years,” a spokesperson for the organisers said.

“And it’s for all. We will have hunt sheets for kids to use when out, but equally suitable for adults wanting to learn more about trees and woodlands.”

The event is suitable for families, but all children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential by email to biodiversity@donegalcoco.ie

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Almost €100,000 has been allocated to seven biodiversity projects in Donegal.

The initiatives, administered by Donegal County Council, will be funded from a national pot of €2.8 million under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF).

The largest sum, €41,639 was allocated to the maintenance of predator exclusion fences while €23,827 will go towards the Donegal Wetlands Field Survey.

The ‘Putting Donegal Biodiversity on the Map’ will get just over €12,000 and €8,500 was allocated to updating the Donegal Species Audit.

A further €2,550 was pledged in support of the ‘Birds of Donegal’ publication and €1,289 was allocated to establishing the conservation status of the Irish mayfly.

“Local Authorities play a vital role in addressing the biodiversity crisis and in this important week for biodiversity, I’m delighted to see a record number of projects approved through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2024,” Minister Noonan stated. 

The LBAF is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and represents a commitment to support implementation of the Irelands 4th NBAP at community, county and regional level. 

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Two Finn Harps academy players have been selected for possible game time in the upcoming Northern Ireland U14 clash with Holland.

Lukas Doherty has been called to the squad for the away trip to the Netherlands while Ashton Crossan has also been named as a standby.

Head of the Harps Academy, Kevin McHugh, said this was an exciting opportunity for both boys.

“We have a huge quantity of players who qualify for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland,” he said.

“This year, the IFA have taken an interest in our Academy players with them attending various camps in NI. It’s a great opportunity for the players and another option for our Academy.”

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Planning permission is being sought to use a former Bank of Ireland premises in west Donegal as a take away.

Shane McGee is seeking the change of use of the building at Magheraclogher, Bunbeg.

The former branch was one of five in Donegal to close in October 2022, along with Bundoran, Dungloe, Glenties and Moville.

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Irish supergroup Clannad have thanked their parents and extended family for giving them a “musical and artistic playground” as they received the Freedom of their native Donegal.

The group, formed more than 50 years ago in 1970 in their native Gaoth Dobhair, have toured the world playing to millions of fans and sold tens of millions of records.

Surrounded by family, friends and fans, the three remaining members of the band said this was a very special award because it came from their own people.

Speaking on behalf of the band including brother Ciaran and sister Moya as they received the award at County House in Lifford, Pól Brennan said their parents Leo and Marie ‘Baba’ must have known that music would be their way of life from an early age.

He said “I just wanted to say that I believe that Leo and Baba bestowed in us as people growing up and what they gave us and what we handed on to our children and what we’re most proud of.

Clannad awarded Freedom of County Donegal -Clannad awarded Freedom of County Donegal –
Donegal County Council has today presented the Legendary Donegal group Clannad with the Freedom of the County of Donegal at a ceremony in the County House, Lifford. Máire, Pól and Ciaran Brennan of Clannad accepted the award in a ceremony hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley in the presence of elected members, council staff and invited guests. Pictured from left are Michael McGarvey,, Director of Water & Enviorment, Pól Brennan, Cllr. Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council, Ciaran Brennan, Máire Brennan, Ciaran Brennan, John McLauhglin, CE Donegal County Council and Cllr. Micheal Colm Mac Giolla Esbuig.
Photo Clive Wasson
Donegal County Council has today presented the Legendary Donegal group Clannad with the Freedom of the County of Donegal at a ceremony in the County House, Lifford. Máire, Pól and Ciaran Brennan of Clannad accepted the award in a ceremony hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley in the presence of elected members, council staff and invited guests.
Photo Clive Wasson

“Because it is just the thing that has held us together, has allowed us to compose music, to travel the world and to have this vision back in the day when Leo and Bab would send us to Falcarragh or Derry.

“Nobody knew but they must have known. Something told them to do this and to spend time and to instil and to encourage it (the music) and it’s huge.”

“Growing up it was just like a musical, artistic playground and we were born into it and that’s what I believe sums up why we are here today.”

The occasion was tinged with sadness by the absence of two of the founding members of the band, brothers Pádraig and Noel Duggan who have since sadly passed away.

There was a moment of reflection at the start of the ceremony for both.

Clannad awarded Freedom of County Donegal –
Donegal County Council has today presented the Legendary Donegal group Clannad with the Freedom of the County of Donegal at a ceremony in the County House, Lifford. Máire, Pól and Ciaran Brennan of Clannad accepted the award in a ceremony hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley in the presence of elected members, council staff and invited guests. Pól, Máire and Ciaran Brennan performing after the award ceromony.
Photo Clive Wasson

The award was made to the band in recognition of Clannad’s enormous contribution to our culture, the promotion of the Irish Language and traditional Irish music both nationally and internationally.

Clannad are just the twelfth recipient of the honour and follow in the footsteps of other well-known names who have been bestowed with the same honour including singer Daniel O’Donnell, soccer stars Shay Given and Seamus Coleman, composer Phil Coulter and golfer Paul McGinley.

Unlike those receiving the Freedom of Dublin, Clannad will not be able to graze their sheep on St. Stephen’s Green.

Clannad awarded Freedom of County Donegal –
Donegal County Council has today presented the Legendary Donegal group Clannad with the Freedom of the County of Donegal at a ceremony in the County House, Lifford. Pól, Máire, and Ciaran Brennan of Clannad accepted the award in a ceremony hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley in the presence of elected members, council staff and invited guests.
Photo Clive Wasson

A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said the Freedom of Donegal does not come with any ‘ancient quirks.”

Members of the band did receive mementos of the occasion commissioned by the Council.

These included a scroll and a badge, crafted by Ms. Geraldine Hannigan, Designer Goldsmith from Letterkenny, is mounted and framed and is a silver replication of the County Badge granted to the County Council by the Chief Herald of Ireland as part of a Granting of Arms to the county.

The badge features the O’Donnell Cross on a Lunula. The Lunula on which it is based was discovered at Trentagh in Co. Donegal and dates to the period 15 -2000BC and is on display in the National Museum.

Clannad also received individual lapel pins which are reserved exclusively for those on whom the Freedom of Donegal is conferred.

The band were also presented with a painting of the iconic ‘Bád Eddie’ by artist Norman Gibson.

Speaking at the event this evening Cathaoirlaech, Cllr Martin Harley, said: “There is no doubt you have had an illustrious career and have been wonderful ambassadors not only for Donegal but for the entire island of Ireland.

“Being well known on the global arena you have never forgotten your family roots and continue to support and develop our culture and safeguarding traditional Irish music for generations to come.

Clannad awarded Freedom of County Donegal –
Donegal County Council has today presented the Legendary Donegal group Clannad with the Freedom of the County of Donegal at a ceremony in the County House, Lifford. Máire, Pól and Ciaran Brennan of Clannad accepted the award in a ceremony hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley in the presence of elected members, council staff and invited guests. Pictured the packed council chamber.
Photo Clive Wasson

“On behalf of myself as Cathaoirleach and the elected members of Donegal County Council congratulations on receiving the Freedom of County Donegal the highest award this Council can bestow and we wish you the very best in all your future endeavours.”

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin said: “It is truly an honour on behalf of the management and staff of Donegal County Council to host this reception to convey the Freedom of the County of Donegal on you today which is our way of showing our gratitude for all you have achieved.”

The band were also congratulated by Councillor Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig who nominated Clannad for the award and who was seconded by the late Councillor Noreen McGarvey.

Councillor Anthony Molloy, Councillor John Shéamuis Ó Fearraigh and Councillor John McGuinness also paid tribute to the band on behalf of the main political parties in Donegal.

Others who were present at the reception and also paid tribute to Clannad included Councillor Ciaran Brogan and former TD, Minister and MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher.

And for those who were lucky enough to be there, the remaining three members of the band performed an a cappella version of ‘Dilín ó Deamhas’ to bring an end to what was a magical day for this very unique group of musicians, their family, friends and fans.

Clannad awarded Freedom of County Donegal –
Donegal County Council has today presented the Legendary Donegal group Clannad with the Freedom of the County of Donegal at a ceremony in the County House, Lifford. Máire, Pól and Ciaran Brennan of Clannad accepted the award in a ceremony hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley in the presence of elected members, council staff and invited guests. pictured arriving at County house Lifford with from left Michael McGarvey,, Director of Water & Enviorment, Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council, Ciaran Brennan, Máire Brennan, Pól Brennan, John McLauhglin, CE Donegal County Council and Cllr. Micheal Colm Mac Giolla Esbuig.
Photo Clive Wasson

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Plans are afoot to extend and improve facilities at the Amharclann in Ghaoth Dobhair.

Permission is being sought from Donegal County Council for a new two-storey extension to provide a larger kitchen and restaurant area as well as a sound room and toilets. 

Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair officially opened in 1961. Due to economic circumstances and lack of funding, however, the theatre fell into disrepair and subsequently closed in 2007.

With financial backing from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the building underwent huge renovation in the past few years. It officially reopened in March 2017.

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Finn Harps were ahead three times in this game only for UCD to draw level each time and eventually grab a share of the spoils.

UCD…3 Finn Harps…3

(Pictures by Northwest Newspix)

Darren Murphy must have been left wondering what his side had to do to kill off the students at the UCD Bowl this evening.

But in the end some sloppy defending cost his side what would have been a very valuable full quota of points against Buncrana man Willie O’Connor’s side.

Murphy had to raid his reserves to strengthen his panel as a number of the Harps first team wen down with a bug before the game.

Harps were ahead as early as the first minute when Sean O’Donnell bagged the opener only for Donal Higgins to level things for the students a few minutes later.

Higgins equaliser came from the penalty spot came after Darragh Coyle clipped the heels of Michael McCullagh in the Harps area and Higgins obliged.

Harps forged ahead again in the 36th minute when Success Edogun fired a perfectly placed effort past UCD ‘keeper Moore.

That’s the way it remained until the 60th minute but it was the students who levelled things again.

Sean Brennan worked the ball through to Behan who found an opening with a snap shot past Walsh in the Harps goal to make it 2-2.

It look like the game was fizzling out with just a couple of minutes left on referee Glen Geraghty’s watch when Edogun was brought down as Geragthy pointed to the spot.

Edogun took responsibility and snatched what looked like an almost certain winner and his own sixth goal of the season.

But football is indeed a funny old game, unless you’re a traveling Harps fan.

There was no smiles on those same Harps’ fans’ faces when Eanna Clancy headed in a dramatic 93rd past Walsh.

The post Harps fail to teach students a lesson at UCD appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A Donegal man caught behind the wheel of a car while banned from driving has had a suspended sentence triggered.

Shane McNulty has been jailed for three months and put off the road for seven years.

McNulty was detected driving on Pearse Road, Letterkenny while he was supposed to be serving a six-year ban.

The previous ban was imposed alongside a five-month prison sentence, which was suspended.

However, when McNulty, a 30-year-old with an address at Ard Adhamhnian, Sallaghraine, Letterkenny, appeared at Falcarragh District Court, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham put McNulty behind bars for three months.

McNulty was charged with driving without insurance and driving without a driving licence at Pearse Road, Letterkenny.

His solicitor, Mr Frank Dorrian, said it was at the discretion of the court not to trigger the suspended sentence.

He said his client presents with a “significant scar to the top of the head in circumstances where he had his skull removed for the purpose of dealing with a brain injury”.

McNulty, Mr Dorrian said, had three blood clots on his brain and his motor senses and fluency have been affected.

“I don’t say that his cognition was damaged to the extent that he couldn’t understand what he was doing,” Mr Dorrian said.

The solicitor said that his client managed to secure insurance while he was disqualified and he felt that this “in some way insulated him from the rigours of the Road Traffic Act”.

Mr Dorrian said: “That is, in ordinary circumstances, completely ridiculous, but in this case he tells me that is where he was at.”

Mr Dorrian said that McNulty is now in a permanent relationship with a young lady and both plan to emigrate.

He said McNulty’s partner was in a “medical difficulty” and he felt “it abetter to proceed” on the day in question.

McNulty was put in the witness box by his solicitor. He said he understood that he was driving while he was banned and that the court imposed a five-month suspended sentence as a warning.

“I realise that now, yes,” he said.

Asked what he was thinking, McNulty said: “At the time, it never crossed my mind. I never thought to be honest.”

McNulty told the court that he has been in recovery just over a year and has been substance free in that time. He said he is attending AA and NA meetings and is also attending after care.

McNulty told his solicitor that he now realised that he will not be driving a vehicle for at least six years.

“You can’t even drive a fire brigade to a burning building,” Mr Dorrian told McNulty.

The defendant said he currently works two jobs, but will lose those as he will have no means of getting there.

On the charge of driving without insurance, McNulty was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison while a charge of driving without a licence was marked as taken into consideration.

McNulty was also disqualified from driving for seven years.

Regarding the suspended sentence, Judge Cunningham said she would use discretion in invoking it by reducing it to three months.

That sentence is to run concurrently to the other three-month sentence.

Judge Cunningham said the court was mindful of McNulty’s plight and the significant brain injury he suffered.

“Against that, the matter was before the court very recently and it was explained,” Judge Cunningham said.

“I do appreciate his vulnerabilities, but that is the most appropriate course at this time. It is important to note that, where sentences are handed down and there are further breaches in terms of further offences, the court will be minded to invoke that sentence.”

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