There’s always a buzz around Drumkeen United Football Club, especially in the summer months.

But this morning was a little bit different as a swarm of bees decided to make their home at the well-known soccer club.

The clubhouse put out an SOS for the proper way of dealing with such a problem.

And it wasn’t too long bee-fore the places was a hive of activity with people helping out.

Amongst the many local bee-keepers who popped down to lend their expertise was Patrick Doherty who quickly got suited and booted to safely remove the bees.

He was soon joined by Kevin Lafferty and Leah Fairman who all pitched in to make sure the club didn’t get stung by any amateur bee-keepers.

A spokesperson for the club said “We didn’t realise there were so many bee keepers in the area. I think we can claim a happy ending.”

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Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray, newly elected Mayor of Inishowen, has welcomed the finalisation of a €17 million funding application for the new Buncrana Leisure Centre.

Donegal County Council is seeking funding for the project under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund.

Cllr Murray welcomed the news that the application has been finalised and uploaded today.

It’s been a decade since Buncrana’s public swimming pool closed, and the council has already secured planning permission for a new state-of-the-art complex.

In an online update to constituents, Cllr Murray said: “I understand that our application is one of only two swimming pools that have planning permission in place so it’s a very exciting position to be in.

“I want to publicly thank the council staff who have invested so much time into putting together such a strong and detailed application. I also want to thank all the schools, community groups, and sporting organisations who have written letters of support to strengthen the application. Also to the leisure centre committee who have assisted the council throughout this process and never allowed it to slip off the agenda.

“It’s now up to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to adjudicate on the application but I’m very proud of the effort that’s been put in by everyone involved.

“The pool is a priority for our community, and that’s been reflected in this application. Beir bua!”

Cllr Murray was appointed as Mayor at the Inishowen AGM this afternoon. He takes over the role from party colleague Cllr Terry Crossan, who was elected as Leas-Cathaoirleach for this year.

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National Heritage Week takes place from Saturday, August 17 to Sunday, August 25 this year and once again there promises to be a host of events across Donegal.

The Heritage Council is encouraging people, community groups, families, organisations, newcomers, enthusiasts and experts to get involved in National Heritage Week by organising an event or project. 

This year’s theme is Connections, Routes & Networks and event organisers are encouraged to explore the various ways we are connected through our built, archaeological, cultural and natural heritage. 

On-line registration is now open and all events or projects can be registered on the National Heritage Week website at www.heritageweek.ie  Organisers are encouraged to register their events by Monday, July 15 in order to be included in the County Donegal Heritage Week Event Guide but events can be registered on-line up until the start of Heritage Week.  

“Heritage Week in County Donegal was a tremendous success last year with 95 events and three digital projects taking place in the county” said Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer. 

“Credit must go to all the people, community groups and heritage organisations in the county who work hard every year to protect, conserve and manage our county’s rich heritage.  National Heritage Week provides an opportunity for them to showcase their local heritage and to promote their work.  This year, we anticipate that there will be over 100 events in County Donegal.  Events will include built heritage open houses, guided walks, heritage site visits, fieldtrips, exhibitions, illustrated talks, workshops, traditional skills demonstrations, nature displays, garden tours, artisan fairs, historical re-enactments, launch events, film screenings, storytelling, traditional music and children’s activities. 

“The County Donegal Heritage Office supports Heritage Week event organisers by providing advice, supplying branded Heritage Week merchandise free-of-charge and printing the County Donegal Heritage Week Event Guide in local newspapers.  The County Donegal Heritage Office will also host a lunchtime event and photo call for Heritage Week event organisers in the County Museum, High Road, Letterkenny on Thursday, 1^st August at 1 p.m. and all Heritage Week event organisers are invited to attend.”

National Heritage Week is coordinated by The Heritage Council and Local Authority Heritage Officers and there are support materials available when you register your event or project on-line. 

There are training and information webinars with useful tips for organising and promoting your events and projects on the Heritage Week website.  The County Donegal Heritage Office will assist people, community groups and heritage organisations in County Donegal by providing free National Heritage Week-branded merchandise and promoting their events. 

New this year is Heritage Open Day on Saturday, August 17 that invites civic and historic properties to open their doors for public access on that day.  If you have an historic house or manage an historic property and would like to participate in the Heritage Open Day, further details and supports are available from the County Donegal Heritage Office. 

Two days during Heritage Week have a particular theme: Saturday, August 24 is ‘Wild Child Day’ and encourages children and families to make the most of the outdoors to enjoy and explore the heritage and biodiversity in their locality.  Sunday, August 25 is ‘Water Heritage Day’ and celebrates Ireland’s water, our connections with it and how our history and heritage has been shaped by the sea, rivers, lakes and wetlands.  

National Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union in which over forty countries participate each year.  For further information, log on to www.heritageweek.ie, e-mail heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie or telephone (056) 777 0777.  Advice is also available from the County Donegal Heritage Office on (074) 916 3824.

Pictured top with broadcaster Síle Seoige are Donegal representatives from award winners Togra Fiontar agus Cultúr Uladh and the Inishowen Rivers Trust and representatives from runners-up Áras Sheáin Bhain at the National Heritage Week Awards in 2023.  Registration is now open for Heritage Week events at www.heritageweek.ie

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People in the wider Buncrana area are invited to find out more about their local community groups and organisations at the first Buncrana Volunteer Fair next week.

On Tuesday, July 9th, local groups will gather at St. Mary’s Hall in Buncrana to showcase their organisations and the opportunities available.

The fair, which is being organised by the Inishowen Development Partnership in association with Donegal Volunteers Centre, will give people the chance to get to know what community groups and organisations are active in their area. 

People will be able to find out more about the services that the groups offer, whilst also discovering volunteering opportunities that could be out there for them. 

IDP previously held successful volunteer fairs in Carndonagh and Greencastle but Development Officer with IDP, Áine McLaughlin, said they are delighted to bring it to Inishowen’s largest town and help highlight the volunteering opportunities in the wider Buncrana area. 

“The Buncrana area is a very active area for community groups and organisations so we are happy to be able to assist the groups in showcasing what is on offer and maybe finding a new volunteer or two,” outlined Áine. 

“This free event provides an opportunity for individuals to meet and chat face to face with the local groups in their area – it is also a great networking event for the groups themselves giving them a chance to connect with other local groups and develop new ideas. 

“So whether you are a student, retired, a business owner, new to the area or simply wanting to find out more about what is on offer in the wider Buncrana area, this event could be ideal for you, and an ideal chance to really see how much is going on locally” added Áine.  

As part of the preparation for the volunteer fair, IDP and Donegal Volunteer Centre also hosted a workshop with some of the groups who have already signed up on volunteer management and retention. 

Vibrant Inishowen

Eamonn Bonner, Volunteer Support Officer with DVC said they are delighted to collaborate with IDP for this event. 

“We have a long-shared history of providing services on volunteering in Inishowen,” said Eamonn.

“Volunteering helps you connect with your community and in the vibrant community and voluntary sector in Inishowen this is evident. 

“We look forward to the event and meeting groups and individuals in Buncrana on July 9,” added Eamonn. 

As well as the workshop with the groups, IDP also hosted a separate workshop for new arrivals to Buncrana to help prepare them for volunteering in Ireland and familiarise them with local groups and the potential volunteering opportunities. 

Connecting Communities Officer, Maggie Toland said they had a massive response from people in the new communities, who have a keen interest in becoming involved in local organisations. 

“There are a lot of great skills and talented people who have time to give and want to connect locally,” she added.

Brashing with IRT 

Recently Inishowen River’s Trust and IDP collaborated on a volunteering event in Glentogher where more than 30 people from the IPAs centres in Buncrana came together in a project aimed at preventing river erosion. 

Liz Doherty, of IRT, who will also be attending the Volunteer Fair on July 9th, said the one off event they held last month was a huge success and paid tribute to the people from the IPAs centre.

“The group in Glentogher consisted of 27 adults and four teenagers and I have to say they worked diligently and enthusiastically,” said Liz. 

“We worked for two hours collecting brash bundles that will be used to prevent river erosion and the group collected a huge amount. We all joined together after for a much-deserved cup of tea and some snacks.”

Fellow IDP Connecting Communities officer Patricia Higgins said events like this highlight the need there is for extra manpower – whether it be through one-off opportunities like this or more sustained committed volunteering. 

Stands at the Fair are completely free however space is limited so if you are interested in showcasing your local group get in touch today to book your spot by calling us on 07493 62218 or email rachel@inishowen.ie

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Turas Úr Arts Collective proudly presents the fourth annual Cruinniú le Cruthú, a free arts festival that promises to bring creativity out of the galleries and into the heart of the Gaeltacht community at Ballyconnell Falcarragh.

Mark your calendars for July 7th, 2024, as Ballyconnell Estate transforms into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, celebrating our rich landscape, culture, and community. Organisers are grateful to Ealaín Na Gaeltachta for their support for this event.

Turas Úr, now in its fourth year, is thrilled to announce a multisensory lineup that will captivate and inspire.

Their ethos is rooted in creating opportunities for artists living in the Gaeltacht to produce and exhibit their work, a mission that supports local talent and enriches the cultural landscape of our community.

This year, six dedicated collective members—Leanne McLaughlin, Cathal McGinley, Mickey McFadden, Laura Diver, Moya Nic Fhearraigh, and Ed Devan—will create six new pieces inspired by the stunning landscape and unique culture of our local area. Joining them are the esteemed invited artists Emily Waszak, Kim Sharkey, Pól Penrose, John McCarron, AnneMarie Ní Churreán and Orri Mc Brearty adding their unique voices to this celebration of creativity.

Turas Úr will host Cruinniú le Cruthú 2024, Eastát Bhaile Chonaill, An Falcarragh, Co Dhún nan Gall

Cruinniú le Cruthú 2024 is a family-friendly event, featuring an array of artistic expressions including visual arts, storytelling, sound art, and live music. Highlights include live performances by up-and-coming musicians living in the Gaeltacht and Plein Air sessions with Ian Gordon and Cathal McGinley. Why not grab your paints and an easel and come along for the day.

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the community as diverse talents are showcased at the top of their game.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or simply looking for a wonderful day out with the family, Cruinniú le Cruthú offers something for everyone.

Admission: Free and open to all ages

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The Galway Film Fleadh this July will host the world premiere of a terrifying Irish language horror film this month, with Donegal providing some of the chilling backdrop.

An Taibhse (The Ghost) is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker John Farrelly, with six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot) as an executive producer.

Set during the tail end of the Great Famine, the story explores the unspoken hardships and evils that people endured after the famine ended.

Set in 1852, Éamon (Tom Kerrisk) and his daughter Máire (Livvy Hill) take on a tranquil caretaker role at a secluded Georgian mansion during the harsh winter months. However, their peaceful assignment soon awakens a dreadful terror. 

Some scenes were shot in Donegal, specifically in the forests outside of Buncrana. Additionally, the audio post-production was handled by Donegal locals Kevin McCloskey and Noelle Rowley in their studio, ‘Immersive Sound,’ based in Mountcharles, Donegal.

An Taibhse (The Ghost). Jackpot Films

The film delves into the severe challenges of post-famine Ireland, where societal collapse left many vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and violence. By intertwining historical reality with the supernatural, An Taibhse sheds light on the resilience and suffering of those grappling with these hidden evils as they sought to rebuild their lives amidst the lingering devastation.

An Taibhse started as a humble university project for a horror module while John Farrelly was studying in Derry. The initial concept was brought to life through a short film, created by John and his university friends, who formed the cast and crew. 

The passion and dedication of this team led to the decision to transform the short into a full length feature film. With a modest budget of just 3000 euros, the team embarked on an ambitious journey to bring “An Taibhse” to life. 

The film was entirely self-funded, showcasing the commitment and belief in the project by everyone involved. Over the following two years, John Farrelly dedicated himself to the post production process, ensuring that every aspect of the film met his vision. The hard work and perseverance of John and his team have paid off, as An Taibhse has been selected to premiere at the prestigious Galway Film Fleadh. It will screen at the Pálás Cinema in Galway on July 11th at 10pm. 

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Donegal Camino is going global again this year as walkers from the UK, US and all across Ireland sign up for the walking festival.

The 7-day fundraiser kicks off in two months’ time on 1st September.

Now the flagship fundraising event for Cancer Care West Services in Donegal, the Donegal Camino is attracting walkers from all over the world to enjoy some or all of the 7 splendid days of walking and hiking across beautiful Donegal, now Lonely Planet’s fourth best region in the world to visit!

From humble beginnings by business woman and Donegal born Peggy Stringer, the Donegal Camino is now set to attract over 500 walkers to Donegal this September, making it one of the fastest growing walking festivals in Ireland and on the Wild Atlantic Way. Interested walkers can choose to walk a day, 2, 3 or all 7 days or dip in and out as the week progresses. Registration is €35 per walker per day and each walker is invited to raise €100 per day walked or as close to it as possible. Registration fees cover direct costs of excellent registered guides, insurance, back up and safety cars along with such fixed operational costs to ensure the safety of all walkers. Last year’s donation was €82,155 and for this year, the Donegal Camino committee has set a target of €100,000 for Cancer Care West Services in Donegal.

Mickey Joe Harte with the Donegal Camino Committee: Noreen D’Arcy, Deirdre McGlone, Noel Cunningham and Peggy Stringer

Opening on what is now affectionately known as Donegal’s ‘Camino Sunday’, the first Sunday of September, walkers will once again kick off at Ireland’s highest point, Malin Head reaching Banba’s Crown on the Inishowen peninsula. A welcome BBQ will take place in Nancy’s Barn for all walkers and Donegal Camino Partners on Saturday 31st August 2024.  Day 2 will take walkers to the tranquil space of the picturesque Ards Forest Park on Monday 2nd of September. Donegal’s highest peak and Errigal at Sunrise awaits on Tuesday 3rd September, however this hike will be weather permitting. Walkers are advised to stay tuned to Donegal Camino social media and www.donegalcamino.ie for all updates on this.

New to Donegal Camino in 2024 is the Gaeltacht island of Cruit or Oileáin na Crúite. As its name suggests, the island is formed in the natural shape of the Irish musical instrument the Harp or Cruit and this is the midweek walk on Wednesday 4th September. This will be followed on Day 5 by another new walk, the Gay Byrne Trail or Cosán Gay Byrne, where renowned Irish broadcaster, Gay Byrne loved to walk on his many summer holidays in Donegal.

Donegal Town marks its historic celebration of 550 years and Donegal Camino 2024 will spend Friday 6th September on the gorgeous Bluestack Way, finishing on the newly refurbished Diamond in Donegal Town, followed by High Tea celebration, courtesy of Simple Simons, Donegal Town.

The traditional Donegal Camino Finalé on Camino Saturday, 7th September is on Europe’s highest sea cliffs, Sliabh Liag combining a traditional route of the Pilgrim’s Path and the unique One Man’s Path. An alternative to the Sliabh Liag climb is an enjoyable Sliabh Liag Boat Trip with ticket donations going to Cancer Care West Donegal. The Finalé celebration will take place in Teach John Joe Kilcar with a rousing sing song and applause for all walkers who take part and fundraise. 

Chairperson of the 2024, Donegal Camino, TV and Donegal personality Noel Cunningham who’s also a Director of Cancer Care West says, “We’re thrilled with the level of registrations so far this year and it’s going to be another fantastic Donegal Camino showcasing the best of Donegal walks, scenery, hospitality, food, people and fun while delivering a true Camino Pilgrimage ethos to all walkers. We invite you all to give generously and we’re here to help support all walkers fundraising. So whether you’re a walker or a Donegal business we ask you to join us and support our worthy cause, Cancer Care West Donegal as best you can this September.”

Richard Flaherty CEO, Cancer Care West says “The Donegal Camino is the flagship fundraising event for our Support Centre in Letterkenny. Our centre provides a range of individual, and group supports to cancer patients and their families. All the services at the centre are offered free of charge, and we rely heavily on this event to ensure we continue to provide these crucial supports to those who need them. Last year alone, the centre supported over 350 people affected by cancer. Given the increasing numbers of people accessing our centre year-on-year, it will be imperative that we increase our services in the future to meet this demand. The success of the Donegal Camino enables us to do this.”

The Donegal Camino voluntary committee is led by chairperson Noel Cunningham, founder Peggy Stringer, Deirdre McGlone, Michael Cullinan, John Mc Namara and Carl Gysling. Noreen D’Arcy has taken up the role of Event & PR Manager for 2024.

All details of the Donegal Camino 2024 itinerary and suggested accommodation and dining options along with how to register and fundraise are on www.donegalcamino.ie. Regular updates will feature across social media channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. All those who register for the Donegal Camino are strongly advised to book their accommodation and dining early and directly as spaces will fill up fast.

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Game, set, match and more! An impressive family home has gone on the market in Portsalon with an asking price of €625,000.

The 348 m² Duntinney House is a five-bedroom country residence with modern renovations. It’s the perfect coastal hideaway with private and picturesque grounds all around and Portsalon beach just 1km away.

The scenery of Portsalon beach was in the headlines again last week as ‘Swifties’ reflected on Taylor Swift’s visit to Donegal during the pandemic, where she chose to pose for pictures at the iconic beach footbridge. Portsalon has also been listed among the top 10 places in Ireland to fall in love.

Duntinney House, Portsalon, Co. Donegal. Credit: Savills

Duntinney House, Portsalon, Co. Donegal. Credit: Savills

“Recently renovated, the house has been transformed into a modern and comfortable family home, blending contemporary features with original country charm,” says Agents Savills.

The owners of Duntinney House will enjoy 5 acres of landscaped garden grounds and woodland alongside a full-sized tennis court.

In all the grounds extend to about 5 acres / 2 hectares.

Check out the full listing and image gallery at: https://www.daft.ie/for-sale/detached-house-duntinney-house-portsalon-co-donegal/5754309

Duntinney House, Portsalon, Co. Donegal. Credit: Savills

Duntinney House, Portsalon, Co. Donegal. Credit: Savills

Duntinney House, Portsalon, Co. Donegal. Credit: Savills

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Donegal Town Community Chamber is one of 17 local agri-food tourism projects to share in €300,000 of funding announced today.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue announced the awards today.

Donegal Town Community Chamber will receive €12,826 from the allocation.

The funding is being made available under the 2024 Rural Innovation and Development Fund operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Minister McConalogue said “It is great to be able to support these initiatives in the agri-food tourism sector and build on progress already made.

“There is great interest from across the country this year which highlights the development of agri-food tourism and its importance to communities. Our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector, Food Vision 2030, highlights the natural synergy between agri-food and local tourism.

Agri food tourism in rural areas allows our great food companies of all sizes to showcase their people, landscape, history and culture through agricultural produce, food and drink and local cuisine.

“In addition, it provides opportunities for rural businesses, including farmers, producers and artisans to develop their products and services, connect with the community and visitors and improve skills and best practice. I am delighted to announce the successful projects which have secured funding”.

Funding has been made available to the following successful initiatives:

Achonry Farmers Market – €11,200
Boyne Valley Food Heroes – €25,000
Cavan County Council (Cavan Food Network) – €25,000
Cromane Seafest, Co Kerry – €25,000
Destination Lough Derg (Tipperary Co Council) – €20,750
Inishturk Community Club – €20,000
Kilkenny Co Council (Taste Kilkenny) – €25,000
Laois Co Council (Laois Taste) – €17,500
Monaghan Co Council (Summer of Food) – €25,000
Waterford Co Festival of Food – €25,000
Wildacres Honey Tour – €14,525
Carlow Tourism CLG (Taste In Carlow Agri Food Network) – €12,826
Donegal Town Community Chamber – €12,826
Farnadolly Milk Barn – €12,826
Hannah Quinn Mulligan, Tory Hill House – €1,894
Inis Escargot Snail Farming – €12,826
Wicklow Naturally – €12,826

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An award-winning business accelerator established to encourage female entrepreneurship in Donegal is now open for applications.

Following the success of the programme over the last four years, Local Enterprise Office Donegal has launched Ambition for 2024. The programme is open to female founders and co-founders, entrepreneurs, or those with a strong start-up idea, who have links to Donegal. The closing date for applications to Ambition is midnight on Wednesday, 31st.

Ambition is designed to support women entrepreneurship in the county and enable more women to transform solid ideas into commercially viable start-ups” says Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office, Donegal. “Over the past few years, the Ambition programme has delivered remarkable results, enabling many female entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas and establish successful enterprises.”

Ambition 2024 Cohort

Adding to this, Brenda said: “We’re excited to find the next generation of bright, ambitious female business leaders from Donegal. We now want to build on the success of previous cohorts and are looking for smart new business ideas from women who live in Donegal, want to relocate to Donegal, or have family links or connections to the county.”  

Aine Curran and Fiona Kane Feeney

Helen Fullen of Alinea, Ambition Programme LEAD said: “The Ambition programme provides women with a clear pathway to start a globally focused business. We’ve enjoyed working with terrific businesses with strong women at their helm; they’re dreaming big, with projects designed to make a real impact on business, social and cultural landscapes. Ambition gives candidates the opportunity to develop their business ideas with one-to-one mentoring, and provides invaluable access to entrepreneurial role models, to learn from their experience. We’re looking forward to working with the next cohort of ambitious female founders in Donegal.”

Jacqueline O’Donnell, Anna Maria Brosi, and Aine Curran

Commenting on her experience of the programme, Diane Nesbitt of Purple Velvet said: “Ambition provided me with an insight into the constructive learning environment available through our Local Enterprise Office here on our doorstep in Donegal.”

“With an already established business it gave me the opportunity to step back from the daily tasks and look at the potential of my business on a national and potentially international scale. That really helped propel my business forward. The content was well-structured, with each module building on the previous one. I thoroughly enjoyed both learning alongside, and from other women, and the support and guidance was invaluable. The belief in each of our businesses throughout the programme was really encouraging and I would advise any women in business to apply.”

Diane Nesbitt of Purple Velvet who completed the Ambition programme

Since taking part in the Ambition programme, Diane has completed the Food Starter Programme and her business Purple Velvet has been accepted onto the Food Academy, a tailored Food Business Development programme for early to mid-stage food business owners, where the participants receive training in food safety, market research and branding, marketing, finance, sustainability, and business development.

The Ambition programme will be delivered over 12 workshops helping to develop the building blocks required for female entrepreneurs to succeed. Find out more and apply here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal/Training-Events/Ambition.html

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Gardai are hunting a gang who stole a large quantity of equestrian equipment in the Cruit Island area of Co Donegal.

The gang broke into a locked container and stole a large quantity of showjumping equipment.

The equipment included 12ft poles, cups and show jumps.

Gardai say that at least one vehicle would have had to have been used to transport the stolen equipment.

Garda Grainne Doherty said the incident was only reported to them recently but may have taken place between April and the end of June.

She said the show jumping community was a small community and appealed to anybody who may have been offered this equipment for sale to contact Gardai.

She said “We are hopeful that people involved in the show jumping business may have come across items for sale in recent months on a second hand basis and if this is the case we would like to hear from them.

“Any relevant information should be passed to Milford Garda Station on 074-9153060 or to the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”

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A householder in Buncrana was left terrified after a burglar attempted to break into their home while they were inside.

The frightening incident happened in the early of of yesterday morning (Mon) at Clonblosk, Buncrana at about 3.15am.

The doorbell was rang a number of times but the homeowner did not answer.

The intruder then proceeded to the rear of the house and pulled open an unlocked bathroom window.

The homeowner shouted out and the intruder immediately left the area.

A Garda spokesperson said “We appeal to anybody who may have been in that area between 3am and 4am with a dash-cam to make the footage available to Gardaí.

“If anybody can assist with any relevant information, we ask them to contact Gardaí in Buncrana on 074-9320540 or to call the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111.”

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Gardai are investigating a break-in to a yard at An Clairin, Killygordon.

The burglary happened between 2pm on Friday the 28th of June and 9am on Monday the 1st of July.

A lorry that was parked in the yard was entered and two lorry batteries were stolen from it.

A generator ground hopper was also stolen from the lorry.

A Garda spokesperson said “We appeal to anybody who may have observed any suspicious activity in that area during that timeframe to make contact with Gardaí in Letterkenny on 074-9167100. Any relevant information would be welcome.”

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Gardaí are seeking the driver of a small red hatchback car after a pedestrian was knocked down in Letterkenny.

The incident happened on Friday evening last on the R250 road in the Ballymacool area of the town between 6.10pm and 6.15pm.

The pedestrian was walking towards Ballymacool Park from the town when the collision occurred.

The car which was described as being a small red hatchback was travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the car did not remain at the scene.

The pedestrian had to receive medical treatment for non-life threatening injuries.

A Garda spokesperson said “We appeal to anybody who may have witnessed the collision to make contact with Gardaí in Letterkenny on 074-9167100.

“If anybody travelled along that stretch of road with a dash-cam between 6pm and 6.45pm on that date, we ask them to make the footage available to us.”

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A Donegal solider is among ten men from Irish regiments who died in the first World War who will be honoured this month after their graves were located.

Rededication services will take place in France and Belgium following research carried out by a group known as the war detectives.

Among the ten is Sgt John Doherty, who won the Military Medal and was from Letterkenny.

He was killed while serving with the 1st battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers during the German spring offensive of March 1918.

Tragically, Sgt Doyle was one of three brothers killed in the war.

The ten men are buried in graves, but their headstones only indicate their regiments rather than their names, the Irish Times reports.

Almost half of the 1.1 million British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the first World War have no known grave.

Such was the scale of mutilation and large-scale carnage that it was impossible to identify many of the fatalities found on the battlefield.

In the case of the 10 men for whom rededication ceremonies will take place, they were originally identified only by their uniforms, stripes or cap badges.

Their gravestones state their regiment, but not their names. Their names are instead remembered on memorials such as the New Menin Gate or the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing.

The UK ministry of defence’s war detectives squad, officially known as the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), is tasked with matching the graves with regimental diaries which record how and where men died during the war.

Though the first World War ended more than a century ago, the search to identify remains has never stopped.

For full story see https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/06/27/graves-of-irish-men-who-died-in-first-world-war-identified-after-more-than-a-century/

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Burglars damaged a set of door handles on a house in Buncrana after they tried to break into a property.

Gardaí are investigating what is believed to have been an attempted burglary at the house in the area of Doonwood, Buncrana between Midnight and 9am on Monday the 24th of June.

The door handles on a set of double doors into the home were interfered with and damaged but entry was not gained.

A spokesperson said “We appeal to anybody who may have observed any suspicious activity in that area to make contact with Gardaí in Buncrana on 074-9320540.”

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Representatives from Donegal FRC and Cara House FRC in Donegal met with members of the Oireachtas at a briefing event in Buswells Hotel, Dublin to urge them to adequately fund community services in Donegal in this year’s Budget.

The groups are lobbying the Government so that they can provide the level of support services that are desperately needed in local communities.

The event was run by the Family Resource Centre National Forum, the national representative body for Family Resource Centres, to officially launch its Budget 2025 submission.

The Family Resource Centre programme is the largest community-based family support programme in Ireland. Through a network of 121 FRCs, it supports families in communities experiencing poverty and disadvantage.

The primary call on Government as part of the submission, is for an increase in core funding for all 121 FRCs, to €240,000.

(Photographed above at the launch of the Family Resource Centre National Forum’s pre-Budget submission in Buswells Hotel were Kathleen McHugh, Donegal FRC, Donegal Town; Padraig Mac Lochlainn, TD; and Martina McGinty, Cara House, Letterkenny.)

Earlier this year, Minister Roderic O’Gorman raised the minimum level of core funding to €160,000 per FRC. However, this figure was identified six years ago as the basic level of funding for new FRCs. For Budget 2025, the FRCNF has identified the required level of funding per FRC as €240,000, for them to be able to adequately provide the services required of them.

Commenting on their pre-Budget submission, Fergal Landy, CEO of the FRCNF said, “Budget 2025 will be a key opportunity for Government to maximise the potential of the FRC National Programme to increase its capacity to deliver for children, families, individuals, and communities in Donegal and throughout Ireland, and in doing so, provide additional supports to communities coping with many challenges such as the housing crisis, poverty, the cost of living, and integrating new communities. But this cannot be achieved without adequate funding for our 121 FRCs.

Photographed at the launch of the Family Resource Centre National Forum’s pre-Budget submission in Buswells Hotel were Fergal Landy, CEO of the FRCNF; Senator Eileen Flynn; Kathleen McHugh, Donegal FRC, Donegal town; and Thomas Pringle TD.

“The current level of funding of €160,000 per FRC is intended to cover the salary of three full-time staff members, operational costs and the running of services in the centre. This is just not realistic nor sustainable. The shortfall in core funding is leading to a recruitment and retention crisis of suitable, qualified staff and difficulties in maintaining appropriate premises to deliver the high quality supports our FRCs have become known for.”

Additional Key Asks

In addition to the increase in core funding, the FRCNF is also calling for:

• No new Family Resource Centres, until the funding of existing FRCs is addressed; and involvement of FRCs in the decision-making process, when the programme is expanded to ensure alignment to the existing FRC programme approach.
• Ensure consistent, long-term funding for counselling and therapeutic supports in FRCs nationwide.
• Develop and introduce a dedicated capital funding stream for FRCs.

“Last year, over 70,000 therapeutic support sessions were provided to adults and children in FRCs across Ireland. As a result of these services being made available, 71% of FRCs reported a decrease in their waiting lists for services like play therapy, one-to-one psychotherapy, and parenting workshops. The funding that was made available for these services made a huge impact in communities in Donegal and across the country, and showed us the potential of what could be achieved at a local level – if long-term funding was provided.

“We are calling on Government to commit to long-term funding so that we can plan for the future, invest in full-time practitioners and ensure that appropriate therapeutic supports are consistently available for families when they need it most. We are also aware that Government is considering increasing the number of FRCs in 2025, however, we urge that the current funding issues be addressed before adding new centres to the programme.”

“In every corner of the country, the FRC National Programme plays a vital role in providing services for its community. However, FRCs have long experienced a reduced level of core funding, in comparison to similar organisations, and we are now urging the Government to put communities at the heart of Budget 2025 and invest where it is needed most.”

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It was competition galore for the Letterkenny Shotokan Karate Club over the weekend in Birmingham.

Attending the 2024 Great Britain Open Karate International Championship, the Letterkenny club was represented by a small squad of Noah Callaghan, Teresa Gallagher and Gerard Foley.

Taking place over two days, it was wall to wall karate with over 2000 entries from as far as Uzbekistan to teams from across Europe. With multiple world champions competing, the standard was extremely high.

As expected with so many martial artists gathered in one place, the atmosphere was fairly electric with nerves and anticipation.

Competing across the full range of events, including kata (demonstration of technique), kobudo (weapons) and kumite (fighting), the LSKC team put their best foot forward.

It was Gerard’s second time to compete in the championship but, unlike last year, there was unfortunately no wins this time. As sensei Christopher O’ Donnell said, “you can only get better by going up against higher graded opponents”, just one lesson amongst many taken home.

For Noah Gallagher it was his first time competing internationally, a big deal for any 13 year old. It takes a lot of courage to travel to another country and jump in at the deep end, and Noah had it to spare. Travelling over with his mother, Margaret, it was certainly a trip to remember. Also going up against higher ranked competition, Noah made a great show of himself in kumite fighting. There were some sharp hits exchanged on the day, but unluckily it wasn’t to be for him this time. “What you don’t get in medals, you gain in experience” said sensei John Wilkie, “you can only come back better for the next time”.

It wasn’t all just experience though, as Teresa Gallagher proved. Also her first time in international competition, she competed in kumite against former world champions and in team events with Gerard, but it was in the individual kata that Teresa really shone through. The lowest ranked competitor in her group, Teresa eventually found herself in a tie breaker for bronze position. Putting in a great performance of the kata “heian sandan”, she clinched it to take home a big victory for herself and the team.

All in all, it was an action packed weekend for every karate competitor involved. Injuries, disappointments, successes, tears of both pain and joy; all to be seen, heard and felt in the Birmingham University sports arena, “a sensory overload!” as Teresa put it.

It’s back to training for the Letterkenny Shotokan Karate Club once again in the community centre because, as John Wilkie always says, “everything begins in the dojo”.

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Donegal County Council has revealed that grant payments of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme have now exceeded €1.3m, which represents 28 homes being brought back into use.

Since the Scheme opened in July 2022, 772 applications have been received to refurbish vacant properties. 

To date, 500 of these have been approved for grant support, with the balance awaiting further information from the applicant or being scheduled for a first technical inspection. 

Within the overall total, 24 applications were deemed not to meet the scheme requirements and 19 applications were withdrawn by the applicant. 

Liam Ward, Director of Services for Community Development and Planning Services said “The Council is delighted with the uptake of the scheme, that provides grants of up to €84,000 to address the significant issue of vacancy and dereliction in the county as well as providing new family homes. 

“The level of funding available under the scheme is significant, not alone to the individual applicant but to the general economy here in Donegal”. 

The Council held information events in 38 locations in the county and wishes to thank everyone who attended these events in such high numbers.

Earlier this year, Donegal Daily carried a special feature highlighting the scheme locally and spoke to a number of applicants who had taken part.

They included Declan Doohan who is pictured above by Joe Dunne outside his stunning refurbished home in Falcarragh.

You can read the full article here https://www.donegaldaily.com/2024/04/06/new-lights-in-old-homes-donegal-homeowners-top-croi-conaithe-scheme/

Further information on the scheme is available at www.donegalcoco.ie or by contacting the team at vacanthomes@donegalcoco.ie or by phone during office hours at 074 9153900. 

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