A ‘severe’ weather warning has been issued for Donegal this Monday afternoon due to potential thunderstorms in areas.

Met Eireann’s status warning is in effect from 3pm to 9pm for Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo.

The weather could bring heavy downpours and “potentially large hail” leading to flash folding, very difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility. There is also a risk of potential damage to power lines

The outlook for today is a warm and sunny day with highest temperatures of 23C.

Met Eireann forecasts: “Dry and sunny at first this afternoon. Cloud will build through the afternoon and a few heavy and thundery showers will develop, mainly in western parts of Ulster. Many other areas will stay largely dry. Highest temperatures of 19 to 22 degrees and light winds.”

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Residents of The Forest estate at Ballymacool, Letterkenny have suffered further upset after being denied support through the Cost Rental Tenant In Situ Scheme.

Nineteen families were served eviction notices last October. Since then, Donegal County Council housing staff have been in contact with residents to determine their needs and eligibility for social housing support.

Some residents who originally qualified for the Cost Rental Tenant In Situ Scheme recently received an “abrupt email” from the Housing Agency stating that they would not proceed with the purchase, the Dáil has heard.

Deputy Thomas Pringle said they received no explanation.

“Understandably, the residents were very upset by this situation and worried about being made homeless. Letterkenny, like everywhere else in the country, is very difficult to get housing in, and any that is available is an exorbitant price,” Deputy Pringle told the Housing Minister.

The Independent TD called on the Minister to ensure the Housing Agency responds to Letterkenny residents and ensure that “the well-being of the families should be the top priority”.

“Applicants should be given a reason for the refusal to purchase the properties and an opportunity to allay the fears, if any, within their control,” he said.

The deputy raised the issue last Wednesday during Questions on policy or legislation.

Deputy Pringle said: “It is imperative that the Housing Agency acknowledges the severity of the issue and takes immediate and decisive action to rectify the situation. Will you ensure that the Housing Agency responds to the residents as soon as possible and gives an explanation for their decision?”

In his response, Minister O’Brien said if a house is not going to be purchased, they should be given an explanation for that. The Minister asked Deputy Pringle to give him the details and said he would engage directly with the Housing Agency and revert to the deputy.

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Lough Swilly RNLI was in action this morning after two holidaymakers got into difficulty at Inishtrahull Island.

The distress call was made at 8.23am this morning after a boat with two people on board became entangled in lobster pots.

Malin Head Coastguard Radio tasked the Lough Swilly RNLI volunteer crew, which braved thick fog to reach the stricken vessel swiftly. After establishing an alongside tow, they managed to cut the boat’s props free.

The Shannon Class Lifeboat remained on scene for a while to ensure the vessel was in good working order and fit to continue its journey.

The rescued boaters went above and beyond a simple thank you, expressing their gratitude by gifting the RNLI crew something to ‘wine down’ with when they’re off duty!

Photo: Lough Swilly RNLI

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County Councillors of Donegal have once again rejected serious allegations of “corruption” made three years ago.

The allegations of “absolute corruption” involving council staff and councillors were made by independent Glenties councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig at a budget meeting in 2021.

As councillors met in Lifford for the final time this term, Cathaoirleach Martin Harley sought to give Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig an opportunity to withdraw the claims and apologise.

Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig did not attend the plenary meeting today or provide evidence of his claims.

Cllr Johnny McGuinness, son of the late Bernard McGuinness, commented that the allegations are particularly harmful to the councillors who passed away while holding office.

“It’s a disgrace that should hang over the memory of those who died,” Cllr McGuinness said.

Cllr Anthony Molloy said he was “disappointed” that Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig was not in attendance. Adding that all members are working hard, Cllr Molloy said: “when a person undermines that with his own innuendos and untruths it does cast a shadow on the council at district and plenary level.”

Cllr Gerry McMonagle said: “Everyone who comes in here works damn hard for their constituents.

“In all my dealings with staff and members in here I have seen no corruption.

“It says more about the elected member that is making the accusations that he can’t put the evidence out there and stand over his comments,” Cllr McMonagle said.

This term of Donegal County Council has worked together through major events including Covid-19, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the Creeslough tragedy and the loss of three colleagues. A positive of this past year, as pointed out by Cllr Niamh Kennedy, was the good news of Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher’s baby.

Cllr Marie Therese Gallagher, Cllr Liam Doherty, Cllr Nicholas Crossan, Cllr Rena Donaghey and Cllr Tom Connaghan are the current local representatives not seeking re-election on 7th June.

Marking the end of the term, members held a minute’s silence in memory of Cllr Manus Kelly, Cllr Bernard McGuinness and Cllr Noreen McGarvey.

Deepest sympathies were shared by councillors and Cathaoirleach Harley in memory of their colleagues.

“They are still very much in our hearts and contributed immensely to their local communities,” commented Cllr Gerry McMonagle.

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A new 15 metre Sea Survival Training Pool will be officially opened by the Marine Minister Charlie McConalogue at the National Fisheries College in Greencastle this Friday. 

The pool will include a wave machine, water spray and fans to simulate extreme weather conditions and will complement the extensive training infrastructure already in place at the college.

Every fisherman working on a vessel must go through safety training every five years.

The opening will include a demonstration of the sea survival drills students will undergo at the facility, all made more lifelike with cold water conditions, waves, and rain.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, who approved the Bord Iascaigh Mhara’s (BIM) proposal for the new unit in 2021, said: “This project is set to significantly increase the college’s capacity and offering.”

“The aim of this new sea survival unit is to significantly increase the professional level of maritime training that BIM provides,” the Minister McConalogue added.

“I welcome BIM’s decision to fit a ‘green pool’ by including an appropriate renewal energy source to fund the pumps, heating and filtration system which is in keeping with national policy and ensure that running costs will be sustainable for the future,” he said.

Earlier this month, Minister McConalogue performed the official opening of the €23 million Greencastle Harbour Breakwater Project.

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Just over 100 bikers turned out in stunning weather for yesterday’s charity motorcycle run for the Donegal Branch of Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus.

The event was very well supported by the biker community as always, raising €2,000 for the charity.

The bike run roared through some of Donegal’s most scenic routes. 101 bikes departed from Tobin’s Filling Station in Letterkenny, embarking on a journey that snaked through Dungloe, Glenties, Ardara, Killybegs, and Donegal before returning home.

Organisers expressed their gratitude to all participants: “Thanks to everyone who turned out today to support the Donegal Branch Of Spina Bifida Motorcycle Run.” They also sent a message to those who couldn’t make it, saying “SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!”

Charity motorcycle run for the Donegal Branch of Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus

The event even picked up some additional riders along the way, as the 101 participants bumped into another bike run in Fintown and ended up with around 170 bikes cruising through streets of Glenties and Ardara.

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If you’re looking for a beautiful beach to soak up the sun this week, here’s a good list to start!

Twelve Donegal beaches have held onto their International Blue Flags this year, it has been announced.

They are:

• Culdaff
• Bundoran
• Carrickfinn
• Downings
• Fintra
• Killahoey
• Marble Hill
• Murvagh
• Naran (Narin)
• Portsalon
• Rossnowlagh
• Stroove

While Rathmullan retains the Blue Flag Marina award, there was no application for Greencastle Marina for 2024.

The Blue Flag awarded to Greencastle Marina in 2023 was withdrawn by Donegal County Council in July 2023 as construction works at the harbour on a breakwater necessitated closure of the seasonal marina there.

In total there were 94 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards announced across Ireland.

The beaches not awarded in 2023 that have been awarded for the coming bathing are Bettystown Beach in Meath; Enniscrone Beach in Sligo and Traught in Kinvara.

Three beaches which have lost their Blue Flags are Rush South Beach in Fingal, Ballymoney North Beach in Wexford and Tramore in Waterford.

The Blue Flag Programme requires that beaches have achieved Excellent bathing water quality in the most recent annual classification.

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A number of Garda recruits were welcomed to Letterkenny District Court where they attended as part of their training and experience programme.

The recruits were accompanied by local Garda Donna Campbell.

The recruits were introduced to the court by Garda Inspector Seamus McGonigle.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham welcomed the recruits and said if they had any questions she would answer after the court sitting.

Most of the recruits are from the general Donegal area but will return to the Garda College in Templemore to continue their training.

They include Trainee/Gardaí Karla Doherty, Letterkenny, Jamie Kerr of Ballybofey, Grace Roddy of Letterkenny, Brandon Wilkie of Letterkenny & Daniel Byrne, also of Letterkenny.

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DMG Motors in Donegal Town have a number of posts they wish to fill.

Due to their ever-growing business and the exciting addition of the CUPRA brand, the company is looking to expand their team.

The roles include:

* Qualified Vehicle Technician

* Part-qualified Technician/Mechanic

* Sales Executive

* Car Prepration Technician/Valeter

* Yard Person

* Parts Advisor

The company’s new showroom is opening soon.

If you would like to apply for any of these positions please send your CV to hireme@dmgmotors.ie before Friday, May 31st.

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Tickets are going quick ahead of a bumper Townfest 2024 weekend at The Bridge Inn in Dungloe.

A huge crowd is expected for the four-day extravaganza, with plenty of live music and events across the June Bank Holiday Weekend.

Some of the top names in Irish entertainment will be in Dungloe for the weekend including Jenny Greene, Derek Ryan and One for the Road.

Why not try your hands at a bit of Bonkers Bingo and lots, lots more.

Dungloe will be buzzin’ in the run-up to the final night and the Dungloe Mayoral Election Ball.

Tickets are being snapped up fast so log on and get your tickets for the link below.

Here’s the weekend’s lineup!

Friday, May 31st

– Bonkers Bingo with a chance to win a holiday for two!

Saturday 1st June
-DEREK RYAN & GUESTS
-La Gaelach
-Traditional music workshops
-Music throughout the day

Sunday 2nd
-JENNY GREENE plus support

Monday 3rd June
-ONE FOR THE ROAD BAND
-Dungloe Mayoral Election Ball

Get your tickets HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/townfest-dungloe-2024-tickets-790061674737?aff=efbevent

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Minister of State at the Department Of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Neale Richmond, visited Letterkenny Credit Union today.

The Minister took time to engage with staff and held a very productive round table discussion with directors and volunteers of all Donegal Credit Unions and our neighbours in Derry Credit Union.

Captain CU welcomed the Minister to Letterkenny Credit Union and Chairperson Paul Hume presented him with a Donegal Jersey in anticipation of his support for the games ahead!

The Minister praised Credit Unions for their level of service to members and acknowledged the never-ending support they provide for their communities.

The Minister listened to the queries and concerns which representatives expressed.

Topics and discussions were had in relation to Capital Reserve requirements, increasing costs of regulation, liquidity, lending limits and volunteer terms of office.

Neale Richmond, TD, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance (seated, centre) with members of the Management of Letterkenny Credit Union, visiting credit unions and members of the Irish League of Credit Unions during the Minister’s first visit to Letterkenny Credit Union on Monday. PIcture: Declan Doherty

Paul Hume (right) chairman of Letterkenny Credit Union presents a Donegal football jersey to Neale Richmond, TD, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance during his visit to letterkenny Credit Union on Monday. Also include is Gordon Randles, CEO, Letterkenny Credit Union. Picture: Declan Doherty.

Overall the Credit Union representatives gave positive feedback on the visit. Derry Credit expressed thanks for the invite and asked for continued government support for the development of the A5 road infrastructure.

During the engagement with staff, Minister Richmond heard how Letterkenny Credit Union’s loan book is growing and how the new mortgage lending product is helping with lending growth.

In addition the Minister was impressed with the communication Letterkenny Credit Union deliver when members have a problem with repayments and work with the member to avoid negative impact on their borrowing history.

The Minister also witnessed the front line team working face to face with members acknowledging the Credit Union motto of “Digital when you want it, Human when you need it”

Credit Unions represented on the day incuded Letterkenny, B+S, Donegal Town, Swilly Mulroy, Sheephaven, The Rossess, Gweedore, Inishowen, Lifford, Derry as well as representatives of The Irish League of Credit Unions.

All pictures by Declan Doherty.

Neale Richmond, TD, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance (on right) is welcomed to Letterkenny Credit Union on Monday by members of the management including chairman Paul Hume, Gordon Randles, Greg Magee, Gail Griffin. Picture: Declan Doherty.

Neale Richmond, TD, Minister of State for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance (seated, second from left) with members of the management and staff of Letterkenny Credit Union during his first visit to the credit union today (Monday). He also met with members of the Credit Union League Board and representatives from many other Donegal Credit Unions. Picture: Declan Doherty

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A young man is to stand trial accused of careless driving causing serious injury to another person.

Ethan Grochowicki appeared before Letterkenny District Court earlier.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial by indictment at Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The 21-year-old is charged that on November 17th at Garrowcarry, Letterkenny, he drove a vehicle, a black Audi A4, without due care and attention thereby causing serious bodily harm to Yousaff Ghaffer.

The charge is Contrary to Section 52 (1) and 52 (2) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 (as substituted by Section 4 of the Road Traffic (No 2) Act 2011).

The accused man’s solicitor, Mr Rory O’Brien asked Judge Eiteain Cunningham to allow for two senior counsel in the case considering the nature of the charge. This was granted.

Mr Grochowicki, of Clonmany Glebe, Terhoran, Clonmany, did not speak during the brief hearing.

The case was adjourned back to the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court starting in June 11th.

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The HSE Players are back after a 12-year hiatus and bringing three nights of side-splitting entertainment to the Balor Arts Centre starting May 30th!

This heartwarming return promises not just laughs, but also a chance to support a worthy cause.

Renamed as ‘More Drama’, the Players and friends will be performing “It’s The Real McCoy,” a play hailed as one of the funniest Irish comedies ever written.

Director Angeline Collins secured the rights to the play after being touched by the kindness and enthusiasm of playwright Tommy Marren, who waived his costs upon learning the proceeds would benefit the patient comfort fund at Ard Greine Court.

This year the Players are also hoping to raise awareness regarding Ohana ZERO suicide online suicide awareness training. This training equips people with the tools required to identify if someone is struggling, particularly knowing what to say and where to go for help.  The training only takes 30 minutes. 

‘It’s The Real McCoy’ is set in rural Ireland in the mid 1960s and its main character is Madge Mulloy (Patricia McGlinchey) who has spent over 40 years of her life in despair raising her daughter (Majella Sweeney) following the disappearance of her husband for no apparent reason. 

What unfolds on stage has to be seen to be believed. The new parish curate Fr. Michael McCoy (Paul Kelly) gets news about her husband Tom (Danny Quinn) and his wishes to return to her to explain why he left. Thrown into the mix is a lovely struck Postman (Andy McGranaghan) and two nosy neighbours Nora and Cora O’Hora (Georgina Harkin and Grace Quinn) what could possibly go wrong???

Booking now at the Balor Arts on the following link https://balorartscentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873645110 or call the box office on 07491 31840 

See the stars here:

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Three adorable pups have arrived in Donegal to embark on the first year of their extraordinary and important lives.

Bowie, Becky and Betsie aren’t just cute 10-week-old pups, but three hopeful guide dogs or assistance dogs who will be learning the basics with their puppy raisers in 2024.

The trio has already captured the hearts of the supportive community in the Irish Guide Dogs Donegal Branch.

Now in operation for five years, the local branch has come on in leaps and bounds.

Ten puppies are being raised in the county at present. Eight trained guide dogs and four assistance dogs are providing life-changing services to individuals. Community dog Oreo is a popular fixture at St. Columba’s Comprehensive, Glenties.

As the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind marks their fundraising day on Friday 24 May, it’s also an opportunity to shine a light on the benefits of volunteering.

Annie Gallagher from Creeslough, the Volunteer Support Officer for the West, is co-raising eight-month-old black Labrador Sally in collaboration with another volunteer.

Annie Gallagher and Sally

Between puppy classes, volunteer meet-ups and countless coffee socialisation outings, Annie says there are wonderful ‘pawsitives’ and flexible arrangements for volunteers.

“People say they could never be a puppy raiser because they would get too attached, but when you hear of the dog helping someone get independent or helping a family you get so proud. Families say getting an autism assistance dog brings great positives, from enabling them to attend events they couldn’t have gone to before, to visiting Santa.”

Walking and training dogs to be settled in shops, cafes and workplaces are all part of the puppy-raising journey. It’s a role that brings people together, Annie says.

“It’s crazy how much it opens your world,” she said.

“The social side is everything. There is a great support from our Club Lead Lesley, our Whatsapp group and here in Donegal we have a local initiative where we share pups. Instead of having a pup for an entire year to 14 months, we can share them between homes. 

“Sally has been with me for three months and will go to Moville soon.

“It’s good for the dog to not get attached to you, they become adaptable and can cope with change very well, while their routine stays the same.”

Guide dog puppies are still puppies at the end of the day, and raisers must be prepared for that growth journey, from potty training to house rules.

Becky enjoys time in her new garden

Betsie gets cosy in the cat’s bed!

Annie said: “It’s challenging, it’s rewarding, it would test you, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are supported in understanding the dogs’ development and behaviours, and there are no silly questions.”

Not everyone has the same lifestyle, but everyone can make a difference! Puppy raising may suit a person who is recently retired, and the shared raising initiative is ideal for teachers. Temporary boarders are also needed to provide occasional care for pups. Also, if you have a pet Labrador/ Retriever that is well mannered, greets people and dogs appropriately and knows basic commands, then they might make a good ambassador dog.

People will have the opportunity to learn about all the available volunteer roles during Donegal’s guide dog day events this week.

• Coffee Morning: Thursday, May 23rd, 10.45am-12.45pm at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny. John Wilkie invites everyone to enjoy a cup of joe!
• Shop Collections: Friday, May 24th, 10am onwards at SuperValu Buncrana, Carndonagh, and Donegal Town. Get a chance to meet a pup and enter a raffle to win a holiday!
• Variety Concert: Friday, May 24th, 7.30pm-9.30pm at Milford Reformed Presbyterian Church. Featuring live music, performances, and puppies in training! Tickets (€10) available at https://klubfunder.com/Clubs/Milford_and_District_Resource_Centre/TicketSales
• Community Dog Walk: Saturday, May 25th, 2-4pm at Glenveagh National Park. Enjoy a scenic walk from the car park to the castle with your furry friend (all dogs welcome!)

Tim O’Mahony, CEO of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said; “Guide Dog Day last year enabled us to successfully match 58 Guide Dog and Assistance Dog partnerships and place 8 Community Dogs in schools and facilities around the country.

“With the training of one Guide Dog costing approximately €53,000 we need immense support on Guide Dog Day this year to achieve our target of changing the lives of 84 families in 2024 through the provision of our services. In addition to those 84 families, we will also support the 400 clients who currently have our dogs.”

For more information visit: https://www.guidedogs.ie/events

Find out about the different volunteer roles available: https://buff.ly/3zD1y9r or follow the Facebook page at Irish Guide Dogs Donegal Branch

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A number of power cuts were reported across Donegal this evening following thunderstorm activity.

431 customers remain without power in the Cullion area of Letterkenny since 7.30pm.

ESB networks are currently working in the fault and expect to have supply restored by 11.15pm.

Issues in Dungloe, Termon and Mountcharles were fixed earlier.

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The Donegal Green Party has confirmed its candidates for the Local Elections in Donegal.

The Chair of the Green Party in Donegal, Michael White, will run in North Inishowen (known as the Carndonagh Local Electoral Area) while Green candidate Jason Le Masurier will run in South Inishowen (the Buncrana Local Electoral Area).

Michael White is a Moville native now living in Greencastle. After studying Computer Science at Trinity College he worked abroad in Kenya, Colombia and Jamaica before returning to Ireland to work in the IT sector. He moved back to Inishowen in 2005 and runs a software business in Letterkenny with his wife Annmarie.

They have two sons in college. Michael is Chair of the Donegal Green Party, was a General Election candidate in 2020 and previously served on the Green Party’s National Executive Committee.

Nuala Carr is a native of Letterkenny and is currently completing a PhD through Queen’s University Belfast. Nuala is working at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) on an EU funded research project to harmonise the skills and training needs for the offshore wind energy industry. With a background in ecology and her current studies in the social sciences, she is very aware of the urgent need to address the many social and environmental issues required to promote sustainable practices in local communities throughout Donegal.

Jason Le Masurier is a Chartered Civil Engineer with a 30 year career in the construction industry, and was formerly Professor of Civil Engineering at Christchurch University in New Zealand. He moved to Buncrana in 2016 with his wife Liz, originally from Carndonagh. Jason setup Buncrana Parkrun and volunteers with Inishowen Rivers Trust, the board of the Credit Union and the RNLI.

“We stand for Climate Action, Warm Homes, Safer Streets and Clean Rivers, Lakes and Sea” says Michael White. “And given that local party members are personally affected by Mica, we understand what a huge issue it is for people across Donegal”.

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A man caught in possession of seven grams of cocaine in Lifford has been convicted in court.

Richard Lindsay was not present when his case was called at Letterkenny District Court this week.

Lindsay, a 33-year-old with an address at Patrick Street, Strabane, was charged in connection with an incident on April 22, 2023.

Gardai swooped on a premises at Cavan Hill, Lifford on the date in question and executed a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Detective Garda Eimear Hassett told the court that Lindsay was present and was searched under the provisions of the search warrant.

Two plastic bags were found on his person. One of the bags contained three smaller bags holding suspected cocaine. The other bag contained four smaller bags of suspected cocaine.

A total of seven grams of cocaine was located.

Lindsay was cautioned by gardai and estimated that he had ‘five or six grams’ on him and said the drug was for his own use.

Lindsay told gardai that he had paid £500stg for the cocaine and that he was addicted to the drug.

Sergeant Maurice Doyle told the court that Lindsay outlined that he purchased the cocaine in Northern Ireland and denied supplying it to anyone else.

Analysis confirmed that the substance was cocaine.

Lindsay was not present and had no legal representation.

In his absence, Judge Éiteáin Cunningham found the facts proven.

While noting that Lindsay had no previous convictions, Judge Cunningham said she had to be cognisant of the nature of the drug and the amount of it found

Lindsay was convicted and fined €750 with six months to pay.

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Gartan artist Daniel Nelis has been selected as this year’s winner of the Ireland-U.S. Council Award for Outstanding Portraiture.

Nelis’ ‘Boy and a Blanket (Reflection)’ is a self-portrait which has already won numerous awards, picking up the Royal Ulster Academy Portrait Prize in 2015.

The latest award was presented on Saturday at the opening of the 194^th  Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) Annual Exhibition at Ely Place in Dublin.

The esteemed award from the Ireland-U.S. Council has been an important career marker for many of today’s successful portrait painters in Ireland.

“Finding out that I would be the recipient of this year’s IAR prize was the most amazing news,” Daniel said.

“It carries with it such a rich history of significant figures in Irish portraiture that have previously won the award. I feel so fortunate and grateful to have my work recognised this year.”

Boy and a Blanket (Reflections) Oil on panel by Daniel Nelis

Nelis’ practice is informed by the people and places he knows.

“I am most interested in moments of quiet contemplation, moments of intense reflection in the vivid reality of the present,” he said.

“The work showing at the RHA is a self-portrait going back some years. It trades in the same thematic stock described, yet by virtue of being a self-portrait it is different. Painting a self-portrait is always tempting as a practical concern, as with time-consuming work no sitter is more available than yourself. Yet it’s impossible to employ the same aperture when looking at yourself as when looking at others.”

Nelis is a visual artist, an art educator and an early stage curator. A poignant picture of his dad was also recently selected for the National Portrait Gallery Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024 and will go on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London from July 11th to October 27th this year.

In 2023 his work was awarded the Tyrone Guthrie Centre Director’s Award at the Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition, Belfast, and the RSA Guthrie Award and Medal at the Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition, Edinburgh.

Previously at the RHA he was awarded the Niccolo D’Ardia Caracciola Award in 2021, and the RHA Hennessy Craig  Scholarship in 2017. 

Nelis has been teaching at St Eunan’s College in Letterkenny since 2018.

A recent graduate of the MA in Art History, Collections & Curating at UCD., he was also awarded the Michael McCarthy Medal for achieving the highest results in this course. Since completing the MA in 2022, he has been practicing as a curator in parallel to his painting practice. Most recently, he completed an early career curation residency with the Regional Cultural Centre and opened the ‘Other Worlds’ exhibition.

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It will be mainly cloudy and dry this morning across Ulster with occasional bright spells. 

However, showers will develop by afternoon, turning heavy in places with thunderstorms and hail possible. Highest temperatures of 15 to 18 degrees in light northerly or variable winds.

Heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue for a time early tonight. However, the showers will quickly die out and it will become mainly dry. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees in light northwesterly winds.

Tomorrow will be a dull and cloudy day. Most places will be dry apart from well scattered showers. Patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle will develop in the east of Ulster through the afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in moderate to fresh northwest winds.

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A local family is offering a €1,000 reward for the safe return of their beloved French Bulldog, Nico, who has been missing for three weeks.

Nico went missing on Thursday, May 2nd, at approximately 3pm, from the Ash Meadows Estate in Stranorlar.

He is described as a black, tan, and white male French Bulldog. He is a much-loved pet who has never been away from home before and his owners are appealing to the public to check outhouses and sheds.

The family is offering a €1,000 reward for Nico’s safe return. Anyone with any information or sightings of Nico is urged to contact the owner immediately by calling or texting 086 385 7177 or 0044 747 015 6766.

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