A teenage girl will go before Letterkenny Circuit Court for possessing child sex material.

District Court Judge Éiteáin Cunningham refused an application for the case of the 17-year-old to be heard by the Children’s Court.

Judge Cunningham had heard submissions from the girl’s solicitor, Mr Frank Dorrian, and from Garda Sergeant Jim Collins, for the State, in the case.

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged that on February 12, 2023, at an address in Letterkenny, she 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.

An application for the teenage girl’s case to be retained by the Children’s Court was made by Mr Dorrian, while An Garda Siochana opposed that request.

After considering the facts of the case, the age and level of maturity of the girl, Judge Cunningham said she did not find it to be a minor offence.

Therefore, Judge Cunningham refused the application and the case will now go to the higher court.

The girl was not present when Judge Cunningham confirmed that she was refusing jurisdiction.

She had been in court for previous hearings on the matter when she was accompanied by her mother and social workers.

At a previous court appearance, Sergeant Collins said that there was an allegation that the girl was using Instagram to distribute items of a sexual nature.

Gardai carried out enquiries and found that the device used was logged to a certain address. Detectives obtained a warrant and seized the device.

During the analysis, officers found two videos of a category 1 nature – the worst level of such material. These videos depicted prepubescent females engaged in sexual activities.

There were three videos in category 2 and eight images classified as category 3.

When questioned by gardai during her detention, the girl was asked if she knew the difference between right and wrong and she replied: “Of course I do.”

Analysis of her search history showed that she specifically sought out such material.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has instructed prosecution on indictment, but Mr Dorrian made a section 75 application for the Children’s Court to retain the case and deal with it summarily.

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.

Mr Dorrian said that while the offences “are serious and, of course, indictable, the level concerned was not necessarily one that would attract a custodial sentence”.

He said the material was not “at the extreme end of the spectrum”.

Mr Dorrian said there were “maturity issues” with his client

“We are looking at a very unwelcome activity at a very moderate level committed by a child who wishes to plead guilty,” Mr Dorrian said.

“This is a young, vulnerable lady, there is a desire to plead guilty and it is not guaranteed to reach the custodial sentence threshold in the Circuit Court.”

Bail was granted on conditions that include that the girl have no unsupervised access to social media.

A book of evidence is due to be served on the girl on July 15.

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A young local actor has grabbed the limelight after being nominated as the ‘Best Actor’ in this year’s Association of Irish Musical Society (AIMS) Awards.

19-year-old James Thompson wowed the judges in just his first ever role as Mr Poppy in Nativity The Musical.

The show, performed by Encore Performing Arts Academy Letterkenny and Strabane, brought the house down when it was performed at The Alley Theatre in Strabane last December.

And central to its success was the stunning performance of young James.

James and the rest of the cast and crew will be keeping their fingers crossed when they head to Killarney next month for the awards.

Whatever the outcome, James is a star in the making and backed up in his role by lots of local Donegal kids in support.

Here’s what the Judges had to say about his performance as Mr Poppy.

“The part of Mr Poppy was played by Mr James Thompson. At age 19, Mr Thompson truly is the most brilliant actor and comedian, and from the moment he arrived on stage in his parka and fur collar, (with a pink lunchbox) I saw you in this role as simply brilliant. Just that. You have a natural aura, and possess your wonderful stage presence in bucketloads. You leapt, bounced, jumped, danced and sang your way around that stage, like a human elastic band, and it is quite hard to fathom that you are still only 19 playing such a massive role in this show and such an important role in the show’s overall success as simply incredible. There is not ONE thing I can criticise about your amazing performance here Mr Thompson. You had the children of St Bernadettes in the palm of your hand and along with Mr Maddens (played by Ronan Drummond) you were the most fantastic duo. Songs, “Sparkle & Shine” “She’s the Brightest Star”, were gorgeous. Mr Thompson, you have a talent that is rare and brilliant and I do hope you continue to nurture your gift going forward and achieve all of your dreams – because that is what you instilled in those children on stage with you tonight and I sincerely hope for you, that arising from the part of Mr Poppy, you continue to reach for your stars for a long time to come. A brilliant, brilliant performance. Bravo Mr Thompson.”

And if that’s not praise……!

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Daniel O’Donnell’s entertainment firm has turned a profit after its latest accounts were filed.

His holding firm, D.O.D Promotions Limited, turned a profit of €3.8 million in 2023 after several years of losses recorded by the company due to the pandemic.

The income for the firm includes Daniel’s live performance revenue, with 2023 seeing Daniel able to return to international touring.

Daniel and wife Majella are listed as directors of the company, as well as Daniel’s personal assistant Patricia Swan.

2023 financial accounts for the firm also show it having fixed assets of €2.6 million, and current assets including cash valued at over €1.2 million.

D.O.D Promotions had posted a loss in the three financial years from 2020 to 2022, as Covid restrictions stopped Daniel and many other performers from doing live shows.

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Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at Buncrana Pier this morning, after it is understood a car may have gone into the water overnight.

In a statement, Gardaí said they were at the scene of an incident at the pier currently, but as it was an ongoing operation they were not releasing any further details.

Donegal Daily understands that a car may have gone off the pier and entered the water at some point overnight.

UPDATE: A man in his 80s has been found dead after a car was recovered from the water at the pier this morning. Read more here.

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Gardaí say a part of the N13 road near Newtowncunningham is currently closed.

It’s after a road traffic collision took place there this morning.

The accident took place near Killyverry.

Local diversions are currently in place in the area.

UPDATE: The road has now reopened following a closure earlier today. It’s understood no one was seriously injured in the accident.

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A man in his 80s has been pronounced dead after a car entered the water at Buncrana Pier this morning.

Gardaí and emergency services were notified that a car had entered the water there at approximately 7:30am.

After a multi-agency search and recovery operation, Gardaí say the car was recovered from the water with a man, aged in his 80s, found deceased inside the car.

Buncrana Pier and Swilly Road in Buncrana are currently closed to traffic as Gardaí conduct a technical examination.

A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court in due course.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.

They are urging anyone who was travelling in the vicinity of Buncrana Pier, the Swilly Road and Shore Front between 6:30am and 7:30am this morning to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 93 20 540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

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There was a great turnout for Letterkenny’s Bike Week event this weekend.

Locals gathered at the Farmer’s Market on the Port Road and got involved with the local cycling community.

“We were thrilled to see so many people hopping on their bikes and joining us at the Farmer’s Market,” said Eddie Bradley of Malin Sustainability.

“The energy was inspiring, and it was clear that the community is excited about making cycling a bigger part of their lives.”

From 9am to 1pm, cyclists of all ages enjoyed free coffee, tea, and treats from La Papa, Kitchen and Coffee House, fostering a sense of community and encouraging local shopping. The free drop-in Bike Clinic, led by John from @thebikemobile, was busy throughout the event, providing essential maintenance checks and adjustments to ensure that bicycles were safe and running smoothly.

“We wanted to welcome back potential cyclists who may have left their bikes untouched for a while and assure them that their bikes are ready to hit the road,” said Bradley.

“The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing renewed enthusiasm for cycling.”

Eilish Kennedy, Sustainability Leader from Tidy Towns Letterkenny, highlighted the environmental benefits of cycling. “Cycling is zero-emission transport, so it’s a great way to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions and pollution,” Kennedy commented. “Seeing so many people choose to cycle today was fantastic for our community and our environment.”

The event not only rekindled a love for cycling among residents but also provided valuable insights into the support needed to sustain this interest. Through surveys and conversations, participants shared their views on how to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable in Letterkenny.

“We’ve gathered important feedback that will help us and our partners develop better infrastructure and resources for cyclists in Letterkenny,” said Bradley. “This event was just the beginning of a stronger cycling culture in our town.”

The event was made possible through the support of Transport for Ireland, Donegal County Council, Donegal Sports Partnership, Letterkenny Tidy Towns, Letterkenny Farmers Market, and Malin Sustainability.

The organising team say they are already looking forward to future initiatives that will continue to promote cycling and active travel in Letterkenny.

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Three people were taken to hospital after a collision on the N13 this morning.

The accident took place at Killyverry outside Newtowncunningham at approximately 9:55am.

Two cars were involved in the collision, and the road was closed for a period of time.

It’s understood that none of the injuries suffered are serious.

The N13 has now reopened again this afternoon.

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The best of the best at Mulroy College were celebrated with a number of awards ceremonies this week.

Students were celebrated at the school’s annual Junior, TY and Senior awards.

With everyone looking forward to their exams and holidays in the next month, awards being handed out are always a welcome reprieve at this time of year.

Some famous Donegal figures also showed up to help give out the awards, with current Donegal Person of the Year Moya Brennan, Donegal footballing legend Eamon McGee and radio icon Lee Gooch on hand to hand out the prizes.

Thanks to Clive Wasson Photography for these great snaps of the awards.

Lee Gooch, Guest speaker with 1st Year Students of the Year, Mia Boyle, Roshan Sebastian, and Ms. Temple, Principal at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Second Year Students of the Year Jack Mc Laughlin and Shannon Kerr with Ms. Quinn, Deputy Principal, Lee Gooch, Guest Speaker and Ms. Temple, Principal at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Third Year Students of the Year Sarah Crawford and Aoibheann Stewart with from left Ms. Amanda Quinn, Deputy Principal, Ms. Ryan Year Head , Lee Gooch, Guest Speaker and MS. Temple, Principal at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Department Award Winners at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last front from left Michael Sheridan applied Technology award, Oisin Mc Shane PE Award, Aoibheann Stewart History award, English award, Maths award, Engineering Award, Teegan Morrison Home Economics Award, Abigail Toomey Music Award, Gaelige Award & Geography Award. Back from left Matthew Doherty Engineering Award, Sarah Crawford History Award, Lee Gooch, Guest Speaker Ms. Temple Principal Alesha Montgomery CSPE Award, Aoibhe Kelly Business Award, Applied Technology Award and French Award, Sarah Jane McGee Science Award Photo Clive Wasson

Full Attendance Award winners at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last Mia Boyle, John Sweeney, Amy Leigh Hewett, Iosaf McAteer, Emily Sweeney, Telas Sumesh with Lee Hooch, Guest Speaker. Photo Clive Wasson

Ethos Award winners at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last 1st yrs Excellence in Education: Roshan Sebastian, Care: Jack Baxter, Equality: Shaun Ward, Community: Amy Mc Ateer, Respect: Naomi Speer
2nd yrs Excellence in Education: Shannon Kerr, Care: Sophie Bonner, Equality: Shea McGettigan, Community:Ruth Folan, Respect: Jack McLaughlin
3rd yrs: Excellence in Education: Aoibheann Stewart, Care: Aoibhe Kelly, Equality: Darragh Duffy, Community: Caitlin Sweeney, Respect: Katelyn Deeney with Lee Gooch Guest Speaker and Ms Temple, Principal. Photo Clive Wasson

Sports Award winners at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last Amy McAteer, 1st Year Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Chloe McConigley Blaney, U15s Girls Soccer Player of the Year, Jerry Coyle, Under 15s Boys Soccer Player of the Year, 1st Boys Gaelic Player of the Year, 1st Year Boys Athletic Award, Oisin McShane, 1st Year Boys Gaelic Player of the Year, First Years Boys Basket Ball Award, Junior Sport Person of the Year, Shay Sweeney, U14 Boys Gaelic Player of the Year, Ruth Folan, U14 Girls Gaelic Player of the Year, Junior Girls Athletics Award, Katie Shovlin, U16 Girls Gaelic Player Of the Year f the Year, Louise Grace Brennan & Amy McAteer, First Year Girls, Athletic Awards, Shary McGettitgan, 2nd years Boys Baket Ball Award and Tighearnach Duggan, Junior Sports Student of the Year with Ms. Quinn, Deputy Principal, Lee Gooch Guest Speaker and Ms. Temple Principal. Photo Clive Wasson

Lee Gooch, Guest Speaker with Stars the Variety Show Aoibhe Kelly, Alseha Montgomery and Abigail Tooomey at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Ms. Temple, Principal speaking at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Lee Gooch, Guest Speaker at the Mulroy College Junior Prize Giving on Tuesday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Ms. Temple, Principal presenting Maeve McClean with the Best Junior Cert Certificate Award at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson

Recipients of the Donegal ETB Core Value Awards at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday From left are Ms. O’Donnell , Isabella Du Randt, Community, Maeve McClean, Excellence in Education, Gemma McGonigle, Care, Ms. Temple, Principal, Eamon McGee, Guest Speaker, Emily Coyle Murray, Respect, Steven Sheridan, Equality and Mr. McElwaine. Photo Clive Wasson

Guest Speaker , Eamon McGee presenting Maeve McClean with the Donegal Sports Star Award 2023 at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson

Gaisce Bronze Award Winners at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday from left are Ms. McElwaine, Lucy Diver , Blathnaid McAteer, Eamon McGee, Guest Speaker, Maeve McClean, Ebony Hewitt and Ms. Temple, Principal. Photo Clive Wasson

Ms. Temple Principal with Transition Year Students of the Year 2024, Pieter Van Ruiven and Blathnaid Mc Ateer at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson

Sarah Delap, Aoibhinn Herity and Gemma McGonigle performing at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson

Rang Aisling – with Year Head Mr Ciaran McElwaine, Programme Coordinator, Ms Trudy O’Donnell, Deputy Principal Mr David McHale , Principal Ms Fiona Temple and Special guest Eamon McGee at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson

Rang Aoife with Class Teacher, Ms Catherine Fletcher, Year Head, Mr Ciaran McElwaine, Programme Coordinator, Ms Trudy O’Donnell, Deputy Principal Mr David McHale , Principal Ms Fiona Temple and Special guest Eamon McGee at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson

Rang Aengus – with Class Teacher Mr Rodney McKeague, Year Head Mr Ciaran McElwaine, Programme Coordinator, Ms Trudy O’Donnell, Deputy Principal Mr David McHale, Principal Ms Fiona Temple and Special Guest, Eamon McGee at the Mulroy College Transition Year Award Presentations on Thursday. Photo Clive Wasson

Fifth Year ETB Ethos Award Winners at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last front from left Jack Geraghty (Community Award), Justyna Stwora (Excellence in Education Award), Gavin McBride (Care Award) and Jack Doogan (Care Award). Not pictured Katie Tease (Equality Award). Back from left Ms Fiona Temple (Principal), Moya Brennan (Special Guest), Ms Amanda Quinn (Deputy Principal) and Mr David McHale (Deputy Principal) Photo Clive Wasson

Sixth Year Ethos Award Winners at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last front from left Rachael (Community Award), Neamhain Duggan (Equality Award), Frans Du Randt (Excellence in Education Award) and Paddy McGeever (Respect Award). Not in photo Shea Curran (Care Award). Back from left Ms Fiona Temple (Principal), Ms Nicola Shields (Year Head for 6th Years), Moya Brennan (Special Guest), Ms Amanda Quinn (Deputy Principal) and Mr David McHale (Deputy Principal). Photo Clive Wasson

Mulroy College Best Leaving Certificate Result 2023 from left are Ms Fiona Temple (Principal), Aoife Gibbons (Best LC Results 2023) and Moya Gibbons (Special Guest)
at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last. Photo Clive Wasson

Senior Leadership Team Award Winners 2023/2024 at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last front from left Tiern‡n MacPh‡id’n (Deputy Head Boy), Michelle Devlin (Head Girl), Mark Buchanan (Head Boy) and Aoibheann Shields (Deputy Head Girl). Back from left Ms Fiona Temple (Principal), Moya Brennan (Special Guest), Ms Amanda Quinn (Deputy Principal) and Mr David McHale (Deputy Principal). Photo Clive Wasson

Mulroy College Music Award 2024 at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last front from left Ms Chloe Borland (Music Teacher), Moya Brennan (Special Guest) and Ms. Trudy Ni Dhomhnaill (Music Teacher). Back from left Aoibheann Shields, Tiernan MacPhaidin, Ms Fiona Temple (Principal), Lucy Van Ruiven and Michelle Devlin. Photo Clive Wasson

Subject Department Award Winners 2024 at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last. Front from left Mr David Mc Hale (Deputy Principal), Ms Amanda Quinn (Deputy Principal), Moya Brennan (Special Guest), Ms Fiona Temple (Principal) and Ms Nicola Shields (Year Head for 6th Years). Back from left Malachy O’Kane (Physics and Chemistry, English and Maths), Lucy Van Ruiven (German and Geography), Rachael Ni Fhriel (Gaeilge), Paddy McGeever (Applied Technology), Michelle Devlin (Biology), Livvy Curran (Home Economics), Daniel McGarvey (Biology), Michael Diver (History), Barry Crawford (Business Studies), Toby Taylor (PE) and Michael Krys (Engineering). Photo Clive Wasson

Senior Sports Awards 2024 at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last. Front from left Frans Du Randt (Basketball), Moya Brennan (Special Guest), Rachael Ni Fhriel (Girls Soccer), Ms Fiona Temple (Principal) and Meabh McAteer (Girls Gaelic)
Not pictured: Daibhid Lynch (U-17s Boys Soccer), Cormac Shovelin (Senior Soccer), Oisin MacLaifertaigh (U-16 Gaelic), Cormac Shovelin (Senior Gaelic), and Odhran Grimes (Senior Athletics). Back from left Ms Amanda Quinn (Deputy Principal), Mr David McHale (Deputy Principal) and Ms Nicola Shields (Year Head for 6th Years). Photo Clive Wasson

Sixth Year Students of the Year at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last from left are Ms Fiona Temple (Principal), Aoibheann Shields, Mark Buchanan and Moya Brennan (Special Guest). Photo Clive Wasson

Ms Fiona Temple (Principal), Aoibheann Shields, Mark Buchanan and Moya Brennan (Special Guest) at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last included are Lucy McGonigle, Neamhain Duggan, Lucy Diver, Michelle Devlin, Ms Chloe Borland (Music Teacher), Moya Brennan (Special Guest), Ms. Trudy N’ Dhomhnaill (Music Teacher), Blathnaid McAteer, Narbhflaith Duggan and Lucy Van Ruiven. Photo Clive Wasson

Mulroy College Senior Music Students at the Mulroy College Senior Prize giving on Thursday last. Front from left Ms Chloe Borland (Music Teacher), Lucy Van Ruiven, Michelle Devlin, Aoibheann Shields, Fionn Halligan, Neamhain Duggan and Ms. Trudy Ni Dhomhnaill (Music Teacher). Back from left Conaill Byrne, Mark Buchanan, Frans Du Randt, Tiernan MacPhaidin and Malachy O’Kane. Photo Clive Wasson

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Two men have been arrested after a massive drugs bust in County Tyrone.

Police in the North say the men, aged 37 and 48, were detained following Police searches in the Coalisland and Cookstown areas yesterday.

A substantial haul of cannabis was recovered, valued at £2.1 million.

“The two suspects, aged 37 and 48, have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs and remain in police custody,” a Police spokesperson said.

Detective Chief Inspector Mullan continued: “This is operation has dealt a significant blow to the supply and distribution of drugs in our communities. No drugs are safe and we remain committed to tackling the scourge of illegal substances. We continue to target activity that harms our communities by removing dangerous drugs from our streets and disrupting criminal activity.”

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Cockhill Celtic 7 v 1 Ayrfield United

Cockhill Celtic are through to the Second Round of the FAI Cup after a dominant win against Ayrfield United of Dublin this afternoon.

Cockhill had home advantage in this tie and used it to full effect, and got the perfect start as Luke Rudden headed home in the sixth minute.

Lee McColgan added Cockhill’s second in the 18th minute, and the Donegal men would maintain that advantage until the end of the first half.

Once the game reached the hour mark the floodgates opened, a second goal of the match for Luke Rudden and a strike from Jack Mullan doubling Cockhill’s advantage.

Ayrfield slotted home their only goal from the penalty spot, but in the last five minutes of the tie Cockhill established their dominance again.

A quick-fire brace from Jay Bradley and a score from Adam Duffy finished off the rout, as Cockhill now advance to the Second Round of the FAI Cup.

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Donegal 1-13 v 0-17 Armagh (AET)

This Ladies’ Ulster Final was a tense affair throughout, as Donegal looked to seal the county’s second Ulster crown in a week following the men’s team victory against the same opposition just a week ago.

A free-flowing first half saw the gap between both sides not able to gain a lasting advantage as they went into the break separated by just a point, Armagh ahead 0-06 to 0-05.

Despite Armagh establishing a four point lead with a rapid start to the second half, within the last 15 minutes Donegal clawed away at the Orchard County’s advantage.

Donegal closed the Armagh advantage to just one, but a late flurry of scores from Armagh before injury time seemingly made those efforts all for nothing.

That however would quickly change as Katy Herron slotted home a phenomenal goal with a minute of added time left to bring the gap down to one, and with the clock hitting zeroes at the end of injury time, the drama wasn’t over yet.

Donegal were awarded a free, and Suzanne White fired over an astonishing score to level the tie and complete the most unlikely of Donegal comebacks to send the tie to extra time.

Both sides traded a single score in the first half of extra time, before Donegal took only their second lead of the entire contest, and their first lead since they notched the opening score of the game in the third minute.

Just 30 seconds later Armagh had a fast-break goal disallowed after one of their players stepped out of play with the ball in the build up.

Soon the scores would be level again though, in a hard-fought matchup that started resembling the men’s final in the same ground just a week prior.

Aoife Gallagher then gave Donegal the lead briefly with five minutes left to go, before Armagh struck back immediately on the counter-attack in an enthralling end to the tie.

Armagh clawed ahead again with just moments to spare, and despite some close calls Donegal just couldn’t find the score that would take the game to penalties.

A heartbreaking loss for Donegal, but they will be immensely proud of the fight they showed in a brilliant contest that went down to the wire.

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A woman has appeared in court charge with having a variety of stolen jewellery in her possession at an address in Letterkenny.

Samantha Monaghan appeared by videolink at Letterkenny District Court.

She is charged that on a date unknown between April 27th, 2022 and April 28th, 2022, at Sprackburn House, High Road, Letterkenny possess stolen property to wit 5 silver rings, 1 gold chain, 1 gold bracelet, 1 black handbag and 1 black purse knowing the property was stolen or were reckless as to whether it was stolen.

The charge is Contrary to Section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act of 2001.

When the charge was put to Ms Monaghan, of no fixed abode, she pleaded not guilty.

Her solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien indicated that this plea was at variance to the instructions he had been given earlier by Ms Monaghan.

Mr O’Brien said that in the case a trial date would have to be set.

Ms Monaghan, aged 28, told Judge Eiteain Cunningham that she was pleading “not guilty on all matters.”

The case was adjourned by videolink until Monday’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court.

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Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill last night addressed candidates at Letterkenny’s Radisson Hotel as Sinn Fein officially launched their local election campaign.

The party will be running the biggest team ever for the elections to Donegal County Council with 18 candidates across the county.

With 19 days to go before the local and European elections on June 7th, hundreds gathered to hear the First Minister give a keynote speech.

European election candidate Chris Mac Manus also gave a speech outlining, among other things, his desire to address rural decline and regional imbalance.

Also in attendance were Deputies Pearse Doherty and Pádraig Mac Lochlainn.

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Nature enthusiasts in Dunfanaghy are in for a treat today an inspiring community event takes place at 1pm.

“Let’s Celebrate Biodiversity” highlights the rich biodiversity of Dunfanaghy and surrounding areas.

The Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) is hosting the event at Holy Trinity Hall, in collaboration with the Local Authority Waters Programme, Dunfanaghy Family Resource Centre (FRC), Dunfanaghy Tidy Towns, and The Workhouse Dunfanaghy, promises to be an enlightening and engaging day for all attendees.

Event Details:

Date: Monday, May 20th

Time: 1pm to 3pm

Location: Holy Trinity Hall, Dunfanaghy

Admission: Free

The event will feature a lineup of speakers dedicated to the conservation and understanding of biodiversity. Julie Corry, Biodiversity Officer with Donegal County Council, will spearhead the discussion on bees to celebrate World Bee Day, Followed by Lisa Mc Daniel from LAWPRO who will be discussing the importance of our rivers and waterways.

We will then hear from Máire Nic Fhearraigh, Community Engagement Officer for LIFE on Machair, representatives from Dunfanaghy Tidy Towns, Dunfanaghy FRC, Ards Friary’s New Spring Project, David Mc Cann, Co-founder of The Sea Collective, representatives from Cloughaneely Anglers Association, and Josephine Kelly from the Dunlewely Biodiversity Project.

These experts will share their knowledge and experiences, focusing on the unique biodiversity of the region, current environmental challenges, and ongoing conservation efforts. Attendees will gain valuable insights into local initiatives and learn how they can contribute to preserving their natural heritage.

The “Let’s Celebrate Biodiversity” event is funded by the SICAP programme, aiming to foster community engagement and awareness about climate action and social inclusion.

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A Letterkenny-based Medical student has been awarded the esteemed ‘Vinnie Krishnan Award for Excellence in Emergency Medicine’.

Liam Orr, who is a student of the University of Galway, was honoured for his exceptional skill and dedication.

He was surrounded by a supportive circle of consultants and registrars in Emergency Medicine at LUH upon receipt of his award last week.

Liam Orr, photo: @LetterkennyEM

The award remembers Dr. Vinnie Krishnan of Raphoe and formerly of Durban, South Africa. Dr Krishnan was a respected doctor in Letterkenny University Hospital and passed suddenly in 2019.

 

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The man accused of the rape and murder of Buncrana woman Danielle McLaughlin in India has been booked for threatening prison staff and attempting to cause a riot.

Vikat Bhagat is in Colvale jail in Goa as he sits trial for the murder of 28-year-old Donegal backpacker Danielle in March 2017.

Last weekend, The Goan newspaper reported that Bhagat was being transferred to another section of the jail when he called other inmates to try and block a gate and threatened the jail superintendent.

A further investigation is underway.

Vikat Bhagat

The murder trial, which has been plagued by time delays, is scheduled to conclude in July after more than 250 hearings.

Danielle’s family wish to travel to India for the first time for the verdict.

To support that wish, a GoFundMe campaign was launched in March to fund the trip. Money raised will go towards travel and safe accommodation in Goa for the end of the trial, while giving the family a chance to face the accused. They also wish to visit the site where Danielle was murdered and abandoned and also to meet some of Danielle’s friends in the area and their Indian legal representation.

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Tanaiste Micheal Martin said he is “very concerned” that murder Donegal soldier Sean Rooney’s family get justice.

The Fianna Fail leader met with the Lebanese foreign affairs minister Abdallah Bou Habib whom he said share Irish “concerns for justice” on the murder of the Irish peacekeeper.

A spokesperson for Minister Martin said the Lebanese side told the Tánaiste “they shared our concerns for justice. There is judicial independence”.

“We are very, very concerned. We want justice to be done.

“We want those who committed the crime, killing Sean Rooney and injuring other Irish soldiers, we want these people brought to justice.

“We understand the separation of powers but we are concerned at the slow pace of the trial but the Irish people want justice,” said the Tanaiste.

The Irish Government is not happy with the pace of the Lebanese investigation into Pte Rooney’s death in December 2022.

Although born in Dundalk, Private Rooney spent his later years in Donegal and attended St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny.

He is buried at All Saints Catholic Church in Newtowncunningham.

Tanaiste Martin met with Irish peacekeepers in Camp Shamrock in Southern Lebanon on Sunday.

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Gardai have renewed their appeal after a man in his 80s lost his life in tragic circumstances yesterday.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a vehicle in the water at Buncrana Pier on Sunday morning at approximately 7.30am.

Following a multi-agency search and recovery operation, the car was recovered from the water.

One male (aged in his 80s) was discovered deceased inside the vehicle. His body was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital where a post-mortem will take place in due course.

A technical examination of the scene at Buncrana Pier and Swilly Road was completed by Forensic Science Investigators (FSI) yesterday afternoon and all roads have now reopened to traffic.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to contact them.

“Anyone who was travelling in the vicinity of Buncrana Pier, Swilly Road and Shore Front between 6.30am and 7.30am on Sunday morning is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 9320540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”

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A design team is due to be appointed for the long-awaited Town Park proposed for Drumboe Stranorlar.

Donegal County Council is progressing further on the major community project, mooted in 2017 by Cllr Patrick Mc Gowan, which will accommodate a town park, playground and other facilities.

“The site at Drumboe was purchased some time ago by the Council from the Lafferty family and I am very grateful for their support in this regard,” Cllr McGowan said.

“Part 8 planning has already been granted. A consultant has been approved to do a detailed design funded under Town and Village renewal funding.”

The Drumboe Project has been included within Donegal County Council’s PEACEPLUS application for funding of €500,000, with a decision due before the summer break.

“While I have been directly involved in many of the major projects in the Lifford Stranorlar Municipal area over the last twenty-plus years, such as enterprise centres, new bridges,  swimming pool etc, I take particular satisfaction in lobbying and pushing for this major community facility which will benefit not just residents of the Twin towns but the whole east of the county,” Cllr McGowan said. 

“The location of the town park in Drumboe is surrounded by one of the most varied woodlands in the whole of Ireland,  with lots of woodland and riverside walks that have both a wide variety of wildlife and diverse species of plants. 

“The Community will have an opportunity to have their say on the detailed design when a draft layout is available, the most important aspect for me is that the park is fully accessible for everyone and not just a token gesture,” said Cllr McGowan. 

He added: “I know this announcement will be very welcomed by the whole community and wish to acknowledge Donegal County Council management have been very supportive all along and to thank Garry Martin Director of Economic Development and Tourism who along with Council Management and my MD Colleagues all backed my initial proposal to acquire the lands.”

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