Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe was in good spirits in Donegal today as he enjoyed a taste of Muff and Donegal hospitality.

‘The Muff Liquor Men’ – investors in the Muff Liquor Company – toasted to a new chapter of the Irish spirits brand with a cheeky brand name and a daring backstory.

The gin, whiskey and vodka company’s new brand home was formally launched in the border village of Muff by Crowe, Boyzone legend Ronan Keating and Ryan Tubridy today. Ed Sheeran and Jimmy Carr are also among the high-profile investors.

‘Gladiator’ star and musician Crowe, who has been touring with his band – jetted into Inishowen, where the soul of the company resides, following gigs in the Colosseum in Rome, Glastonbury and the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin last night.

Crowe says he likes to enjoy his Muff the simple way: “I like it simple, I’ve been doing a mixture of passionfruit and pineapple in the sunshine, it’s a great combination.”

Influencer Eric Roberts and boxer Jason Quigley were among the well-known local guests at today’s launch.

Russell Crowe, Ronan Keating and Ryan Tubridy with Muff Whiskey at the opening the new headquarters in Muff, Co. Donegal. (North West Newspix)

The Muff Liquor Company was set up by Donegal woman Laura Bonner in 2017.

The inspiration for the handcrafted liquor range came from Laura’s grandfather, Philip McClenaghan. He was a Donegal potato farmer and poitin maker, and for a man who lived to be 100 years old, perhaps there’s a secret in his craft.

On the attraction to Muff, Crowe said it was all about the story: “When I heard the story of ‘ole Phil I just got really attracted to the product and that really sealed the idea for me. It’s a great product and the story is a fantastic story that will travel from place to place and country to country. I just wanted to be part of that,” he said.

“One of the most important parts is making sure that we have a footprint in Muff so the people of Muff could be involved. When people can connect to the product they have a personal pride and I think that’s really important,” the Australian star said.

Russell Crowe and Ryan Tubridy at the opening the new Muff Liquor Company headquarters in Muff, Co. Donegal. (North West Newspix)

Ronan Keating said the partnership was the perfect cocktail: “Russell had been chatting about getting involved in different liquor brands, and it became a trendy thing. We kind of stopped looking. I got a call one day, he (Crowe) was here in Ireland, shooting a film and he said ‘I’ve found what we’ve been looking for’. We got a bunch of guys together, ‘The Muff Men’ was created and it’s been a hell of a lot of fun. When Rusty calls, we step up to the plate.”

Bonner commented that the ‘Muff Men’ have been a massive support to the brand: “Having them believing in what we believe in really helps. They are great people and I am over the moon, very overwhelmed and extremely proud.”

Jason Quigley snaps a selfie with Russell Crowe. (North West Newspix)

The gin may have a fun and cheeky name, but behind it are Granda McClenaghan’s core ideas of hard work, respect for tradition and making something born of the land and crafted by hand. Muff Gin and Vodka are made from potatoes, which they say gives it its smooth texture.

The company marked a major win earlier this year in the signing of a US distribution agreement to have its award-winning Muff Irish whiskey, vodka and gin on sale across America.

Ever since it began, creator Laura Bonner’s dream was to have a distillery, head office and visitor centre in Donegal which would employ locally.

“It’s been a dream come true, I’m really excited for what the future holds,” Bonner said.

“It’s been a passion and dream for many years so to actually see it come to reality is incredible. I said years ago I was going to build it, have employment and take tourism to Donegal so I think we can see today it is happening. I really look forward to welcoming people to the area and tell them about Inishowen and the history of Donegal,” she said.

The Muff Liquor Company founders and partners (North West Newspix)

Bonner invites everyone to stop by and see what the Muff love is all about: “People can come to our shop and buy some bottles, come into our cafe, go around the visitor centre, and learn about the fascinating history of poitín in Inishowen and then come into our bar for a few cocktails and then go back out and leave happy.”

With a new brand home, an exciting roster of celebrity investors and industry accolades, there’s plenty to raise a glass to.

The post Hollywood buzz in Muff as Russell Crowe and star pals raise spirits! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Gardai in Buncrana are investigating if a car which went on fire locally was deliberately set alight.

The incident happened at 3.20am on Wednesday, June 19th at the Courtyard Apartments in Buncrana.

The car in question was destroyed as a result of the fire and Gardai say it has not been ruled out that the fire may have been started maliciously.

A spokesperson said “If anybody has any relevant information in relation to this incident, we ask them to contact Gardaí in Buncrana on 074-9320540. The Garda Confidential line may be contacted on 1800 666 111.

“If anybody travelled in that area with a dash-cam between 1am and 3.15am, we ask them to make the footage available to us.”

The post Gardai say car fire in Buncrana may have been deliberate appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A motorist has been caught speeding through Muff at 170kph.

Speed checks were conducted on Sunday night in the Muff area by Buncrana Roads Policing Unit and the driver was nabbed in the 100kph zone.

The motorist was arrested and will appear in court.

“We are trying to make the roads safer for everyone. Please play your part and slow down. Speed can and does kill,” said a Garda spokesperson.

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A home which exudes all the comforts of modern living while nestled in the heart of one of Donegal’s most sought-after towns has just come to the market.

This classic three bedroom and two bathroom townhouse on Castle Street maybe somewhat understated from the outside.

But inside is a hidden gem which is matched only by its large secret garden which offers the ultimate in privacy in the heart of the thriving Georgian town of Ramelton with a wide range of essential and luxury services right on your doorstep.

It has just gone on the market at €365,000 but won’t remain there too long.

This property will be perfect as a full time home, holiday home or investment property.

Packed with unexpected surprises, this terraced house in the oldest part of town oozes with the character of a traditional cottage with all the modern conveniences.

Over 100 years old, it has been tastefully renovated and upgraded by the current owners to retain its period character while making it a comfortable modern home with over 140 square metres of living space.

Originally heated by open fireplaces and a Rayburn range, these features have been retained but the house also has a modern condensing boiler with radiators in every room.

Downstairs offers two spacious reception rooms stretching from front to back. The large living room has a solid fuel stove and open fireplace with views to the patio and garden. The kitchen/diner contains the oil fired Rayburn range as well as a ceramic hob and convection oven surrounded by Belfast sink and bespoke kitchen units topped by an Iroko worktop.

The large open-plan living area exudes character.

Light floods into the large living area.

The utility room is home to a washer/dryer, fridge freezer and additional storage units and worktop with large stainless sink and a drinking water filtration system.

Upstairs are two generously proportioned double bedrooms with wardrobes, a single bedroom, currently used as an office and a family bathroom complete with separate shower cubicle and a vintage claw foot cast iron bath tub.

A recently added four season sun room extends from the utility room at the rear of the property and opens onto a Mediterranean inspired paved patio with dining and cooking facilities. From here you can catch a glimpse of the spire of the Presbyterian church, one of was once seven churches in Ramelton, earning it the nickname The Holy City.

And whether you are a nature lover or just looking for a peaceful retreat, the hidden walled back garden with its lush foliage, orchestra of birdsong and mesmeric views over the Swilly estuary provides the perfect oasis of tranquility.

With rear access, a greenhouse and storage shed the garden which captures the evening sun, has a lawn surrounded by ornamental borders, mature shrubs, trees, and raised vegetables beds.

The large kitchen opens up into a spacious utility area.

The kitchen at Castle Street complete with hob.

The spacious utility room.

Ideally located a ten minutes drive from Letterkenny and Rathmullan beach, Ramelton is a small town with a big heart where newcomers are warmly welcomed. It is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in County Donegal.

For decades the town has been synonymous with exceptional live music but more recently its reputation as an artisan food destination has been growing and attracting scores of new visitors and residents.

An aerial view of Castle Street complete with its private gardens

Today you can find gourmet coffee and foodstuffs at The Blue Goat, traditional fish and chips at the Olde House Café and Johnny’s Ranch, pizzas and coffee at Sip ‘n’ Slice, tapas at Tap Up, Indian Take Away at the Food Guru and French fine dining at the Bridge Bar Restaurant, all within a five minute walk of the property. There’s a weekly (Thursdays) outdoor vegetable and fish market in Gamble Square, and a Saturday indoor country market in the Town Hall where local producers sell home cooked foods, fruit and vegetables, flowers and crafts. The town has two thriving supermarkets, Lennonside Butchers, a pharmacy, a veterinary practice and several hair and beauty salons.

The live music scene has also expanded with the hugely popular bars of The Bridge Bar and Conways and The Lennon Lodge, staging weekly sessions ranging from traditional to rock, gypsy jazz and ukulele sessions, all within easy walking distance.

All the bedrooms are both spacious and individual at Castle Street.

Situated where the river converges with Lough Swilly, relics of the town’s colourful history abound.

A few doors up from the property at the top end of Castle Street is Crammond House, birthplace of Dave Gallaher, the first Captain of the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby team to tour Britain and Ireland in 1905. At the lower end of the street is the Town Hall where Cassandra Jane Hill, grand-niece of Jane Austen performed an Irish song at its official opening in 1879. From the back garden you can glimpse the rooftop of the Old Meeting House where Francis McKemie, the founder of Presbyterianism in America, once worshipped and beyond it to the Swilly estuary where ships laden with flax and linen once steamed their way from Ramelton port to destinations as far away as Kingston, Jamaica.

Despite its small population (currently approximately 1,200) Ramelton has always punched above its weight when it comes to making an impact. The town lays proud claim to a king’s private nurse, a banker and one of America’s earliest billionaires, a hatter whose creation saved the life of a US president and most recently and proudest of all, Nobel prize winner, William Campbell whose work has saved millions of lives and who is celebrated with a bronze sculpture in Gamble Square.

Today Ramelton is a mecca for creative people with musicians and artists drawing inspiration from the tranquility and picturesque surroundings. Home to Swilly Rovers Football Club and the birthplace of the soft drink Football Special, the town is currently undergoing a regeneration project which will enhance community spaces in the town.

With two great primary schools and great after school and sporting facilities, it is an ideal place for young families.

But the beating heart of Ramelton remains its thriving community spirit evidenced in events like the turning on of Christmas Lights, The Lennon Festival and the annual Pantomime in the Town Hall which bring all ages together to celebrate what Rameltonians proudly declare to be ‘The Best Wee Toon in the World’.

To see the full listing and video for this property please click here https://franklins.ie/for-sale/castle-street-ramelton-co-donegal-f92-x3w8/

How is this for an ample back garden?

Natural stone walls give the garden even more character.

There’s a secret around every corner in the garden at Castle Street.

The back garden and sun room of Castle Street offers the ultimate privacy.

The post This charming Ramelton townhouse is a ‘must view’ appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A School Uniform Swap Shop is returning to Castlefin to assist families with back to school costs.

Castlefin Uniform Swap Shop is a pop-up School Uniform Exchange where parents and children can donate all the school uniform items they no longer need and pick up whatever items they DO need, for absolutely no charge!

The novel idea was the brainchild of local Cllr Gary Doherty and St Vincent de Paul Branch President Noeleen Killen and had a hugely successful first year in 2023 reaching the national media and even featured on the RTE News.

Outlining the thinking behind the idea, Noeleen explained “The costs involved with sending children back to school is an added burden on families around this time of year, particularly given the current cost-of-living crisis.

“Last year we tried to come up with ideas about what we could do to try and help ease this burden for families and we came up with the Uniform Swap Shop.

“The idea is that parents and children will donate uniform items that they no longer need, whether that’s due to the item being too small or the child moving school etc. All the donated items will then be sorted by size and school and displayed in St. Mary’s Hall on the 6th and 7th July between 12-2pm and everyone is welcome to come along and browse and take home any items they need.

“There will be no charge for entry to the swap shop or for taking items home. Everything is free on the day! All we ask is that customers consider making a small donation to the local St Vincent de Paul, but this is entirely voluntary.”

Cllr Doherty continued: “We will be collecting donations of all school uniform items for all of the schools in the locality, both primary and secondary. Our only request is that any item that is donated is still wearable.

“Everyone is welcome to attend and we are hoping that it will be a fun day that will help in some small way to ease the financial burden on parents at this time of year. The event was a great success last year and we know that many families were delighted to get some much needed uniforms for free.

“We are also appealing for volunteers who may be able to give an hour of their time to help us sort and present the uniforms in preparation for the big event.”

Uniform donations for the Swap Shop can be dropped into the Thrift Shop in Castlefin from now until the Swap Shop opens on Saturday 6th July.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering in any capacity is asked to make contact with the Facebook page below or email castlefinuniformshop@gmail.com.

The Swap Shop Facebook Page is available at facebook.com/castlefinuniformshop

The post Free school uniform swap shop returns to Castlefin appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A dedicated young Donegal woman is levelling up in the hairdressing world after an empowering traineeship filled with encouraging mentors.

Shannon Price from Carrigart has just completed her nine-month programme with Donegal Education and Training Board’s Further Education and Training (FET) Service, propelling her towards her goal of becoming a skilled colourist and stylist.

The programme combined classroom learning in Letterkenny with valuable hands-on experience, taking Shannon from a beginner to a skilled salon team member.

Shannon, aged 20, has dreamed of being a hairdresser since she was a little girl. After finishing her Leaving Cert at Mulroy College, she took a summer job at The Hair Shop in Cranford under Paula Hegarty’s guidance, gaining initial experience. The traineeship then formalised her learning journey. Now that she is complete, she will be awarded a City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Women’s and Men’s Hairdressing.

Students hone their skills across four days of learning in the classroom and on-the-job work experience on Fridays. A four-week placement block before Christmas immersed students in the true realities of busy salon life. 

“I especially love colouring and highlights,” Shannon said, looking back on her practical training. “It’s something I would like to get more experience in because I would like to do that as my number one speciality.”

Shannon Price on her salon practice

Shannon’s tutors – Catherine Gilmore for theory and Donna O’Donnell for practical, both experienced in the field – guided the class from knowledge to application every day.

“Whatever we did in theory in the morning with Catherine, Donna continued in the evening with the practical. We got models to bring in to do our exams on and getting marked straight away and pointers helped a lot.

“There was great support, they help you do the best to your ability. They would never let you say ‘I can’t do this’, they would make you do it until you perfected it and that worked every time.”

As well as staff support, the class gelled well together.

“From day dot we were best friends,” Shannon said.

“It’s just a great support system, if you were feeling down at all, the staff would take you into the office and reassure you that you would get through it.”

This supportive environment extended to Shannon’s experience at The Hair Shop.

“I would get clients gowned up, I would wash hair and Paula would let me do consultations. I would start on highlights and colours and Paula would step in to finish them. Now, since I finished my course, I’ve got so much faster, and Paula would let me do it myself, she has very good faith in me.”

“I love working with Paula for the one-on-one training, I wouldn’t call her my boss, she’s more of a friend.”

Now qualified with her diploma, Shannon is excited for the next step. She has taken up a position at The Hair Shop and also plans to pursue her Level 3 certificate in Derry.

In the past year Shannon has learned that practice makes perfect, and with persistence, success will follow.

“I would definitely recommend Donegal ETB because you are coming out with a Level 2 diploma in 40 weeks.

“You just have to remember that everyone has to start somewhere,” Shannon said.

“Believe in yourself, it will take time to be qualified but you have to stick at it.”

Donegal ETB is currently taking applications for the next full-time Women and Men’s Hairdressing traineeship which starts in September – you can apply online here: https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=412329.

They are also accepting applications for a part-time introductory evening course in hairdressing which also starts in September, taking place on Wednesday evenings from 6.00-10.00pm for 28 weeks – apply online here: https://www.donegaletb.ie/course-detail/?CourseId=406606.

Traineeships are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. #EUinMyRegion

The post Future hairdresser unlocks salon success through Donegal ETB traineeship appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Gladiators and gin are the perfect blend it seems as Muff buzzed with star visitors for the launch of the new brand home of Muff Liquor Company.

Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, Boyzone legend Ronan Keating and presenter Ryan Tubridy visited Donegal to toast to the new visitor centre for gin, whiskey and vodka lovers.

Fans were out in force to get a glimpse of the excitement and snap selfies with the stars.

And Donegal Daily was there to capture all the action :

The post Watch: A spirited affair in Muff! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A Donegal County Councillor has warned people to beware of the serious hidden dangers of phone chargers after a fire was avoided in his own home.

Falcarragh Cllr Michael McClafferty issued the public appeal after a phone and charger were found sizzling in a bedroom in his house.

“Only a family member found the smell the house would have went on fire,” Cllr McClafferty told Donegal Daily.

“Had this happened through the night it would have been a different story today.”

Pictures of the phone and charger which were found sizzling in Cllr McClafferty’s home

Cllr McClafferty urged people to take extra care with their everyday charging habits: “Do not leave a phone or charger unattended or any charging device. Only use a recommended charger that is built by the manufacturer to help prevent problems.”

He said the dangers of faulty chargers cannot be underestimated: “Let it be a phone, electric shaver, Christmas lights, or E Scooters with Lithium batteries which are another cause of concern.”

The post Councillor’s warning over faulty phone charger after family’s lucky escape appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Hollywood glamour met Irish charm today as celebrities and locals gathered for the grand opening of The Muff Liquor Company’s new €1 million Brand Home.

The launch had star investors “Gladiator” actor Russell Crowe, Irish singer Ronan Keating, and presenter Ryan Tubridy adding a touch of celebrity excitement. The company’s impressive list of backers also includes popstar Ed Sheeran and comedian Jimmy Carr.

Ever since it began, CEO Laura Bonner’s dream was to have a base in Donegal which would employ locally.

Bonner commented that the ‘Muff Men’ have been a massive support to the recent growth of the brand: “Having them believing in what we believe in really helps. They are great people and I am over the moon, very overwhelmed and extremely proud,” she said.

The Muff Liquor Company recently secured a major win with a US distribution agreement, bringing their award-winning Muff Irish whiskey, vodka, and gin to American shelves. To meet this demand, the company confirmed that an initial shipment of 30,000 bottles was destined for the US market.

Catch up on the Muff action in this picture special below, with photos by North West Newspix:

Russell Crowe, Ronan Keating and Ryan Tubridy with Muff Liquor MD Laura Bonner at the opening the new headquarters in Muff, Co. Donegal. (North West Newspix)

Ryan Tubridy (North West Newspix)

Russell Crowe, Ronan Keating and Ryan Tubridy with Muff Whiskey at the opening the new headquarters in Muff, Co. Donegal. (North West Newspix)

Russell Crowe with Muff Liquor CEO Laura Bonner at the opening the new headquarters in Muff, Co. Donegal. (North West Newspix)

Russell Crowe, with Jason Quigley at the opening the new headquarters of Muff Liquor Company in Muff, Co. Donegal. (North West Newspix)

The Muff Liquor Company founders and partners (North West Newspix)

Jason Quigley and April Quigley (North West Newspix)

Russell Crowe checks out the visitor centre with Ryan Tubridy. (North West Newspix)

The post Picture Special: Celebrities toast to new €1 million Muff Liquor brand home appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a man was arrested following a series of dangerous driving incidents between Tubbercurry and Bundoran.

The incidents, involving a red/maroon coloured Toyota Auris, happened on Friday the 28th of June between approx. 6.30pm and 7.30pm.

The car had a partial registration number of ’08 DL’.

A Garda spokesperson said “We are appealing to anybody who may have observed the manner of driving in question to make contact with Gardaí.

“If anybody travelled along that busy stretch of road that evening between the above times with a dash cam, we ask them to make the footage available to us if they believe that they may have captured the incidents on same.

“Gardaí may be contacted in Ballyshannon on 071-9858530 with relevant information.”

The post Witnesses sought after man arrested for dangerous driving incidents appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Former Highland Radio host Shaun Doherty has thanked all those who supported him on his unique journey as he celebrated a year in the priesthood.

The well-known broadcaster surprised many when he swapped life behind the microphone for a life on the altar.

Seven years ago the popular radio host began his journey into the priesthood.

And a year ago he was ordained into the priesthood at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry.

Reflecting on his first year, Fr Shaun thanked all those who have supported him along the way.

He said “One year on today. I feel so blessed and overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who helped me on my journey to priesthood.

“The packed cathedral last year with family and friends and my Columba community and former colleagues from Highland Radio and the broadcasting world and of course my brother priests.

“One year on in the wonderful care of St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry. Everyone in the Cathedral and parish have shown me such warmth and genuine care and helped me feel like I have been here even longer than the year since ordination.”

Fr Shaun said he has been welcomed with open arms into the parish in Derry where he now calls home.

He added “I have offered Mass for everyone who came to the ordination and those who helped make it such a memorable day and year.

“The people of the parish have welcomed me so gently and show such faith and it gives me great hope. Thank you one and all, you are all in my prayers.”

The post Fr Shaun celebrates one year in priesthood on incredible journey appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A mother and daughter were killed in an overnight road tragedy in Co Mayo.

The woman, who was in her 40s and her who was aged 8, were killed instantly after their car collided with a lorry on the N26 at Callow between Foxford and Swinford, shortly before 6pm yesterday.

The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital with injuries, which are understood to be non-life threatening.

The N26 road has reopened after diversions were put in place following the incident.

Gardaí have appealed for anyone who may have camera footage and were travelling on the N26 between Swinford and Foxford between 5pm and 6pm yesterday.

Gardai weather conditions were good, but said that the stretch of road where the collision occurred has “a number of bends and governed by double white lines”.

In a separate incident, a man in his 50s died following a single-car crash in Co Westmeath.

So far this year 96 people have died on Irish roads, up 11 on the same period last year.

The post National: Mother and daughter killed in overnight road tragedy in Mayo appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Deputy Thomas Pringle has said he is shocked at the state of the crumbling Ardara Community Childcare centre building.

He has pressed Government to assist the facility which affected by defective blocks, saying the impact of the defective blocks crisis will be seen in far more community and private buildings in Donegal and across the country and must be addressed.

Addressing the Taoiseach in the Dáil, Deputy Pringle said: “I visited the Ardara Community Childcare centre yesterday and I was horrified to see the effect that defective blocks are having on the building.

“Ardara Community Childcare opened the purpose-built premises in the heart of Ardara town in 2007, after securing funding from the EU for a special program for Peace and Reconciliation and with the help of many local fundraising initiatives in Ardara.

“Since then, it has provided vital childcare for hundreds of families in Ardara and the surrounding areas, and provides an essential afterschool service for children attending the six national schools close to the facility.

“There is no doubt that this childcare service is extremely important to the people of Ardara. Many people rely on this service and many parents have stated that they would be unable to work without it. It was devastating for them to discover the findings of a recent defective block report which showed significant defective concrete materials in all five tested areas, including the building’s foundations.

“The report recommended that the building should be demolished and rebuilt due to the high levels of pyrite, pyrrhotite and free mica, however, disgracefully there is no government funding available for this. Ardara Community Childcare is a community organisation with a voluntary board of directors, who have charitable status,” he said.

The deputy raised the issue today during Leaders’ Questions.

Deputy Pringle said: “We have been telling the government since the introduction of the redress scheme that defective blocks would be found in buildings such as this, yet the government refused to listen and now community organisations, such as Ardara Community Childcare, are faced with this dire situation through no fault of their own.

“They are in this position because of the government’s light-touch regulation and now the government refuses to address or rectify the effect that this light-touch regulation has had on community buildings across Donegal.

“In response to a question regarding Ardara Community Childcare, Minister O’Gorman stated that: ‘This is a unique situation’. I dispute this completely. This is certainly not a unique situation, and the government would know this if they had listened to the opposition and the people affected from the beginning.

“Taoiseach, defective blocks are having a detrimental effect on many important services across Donegal already, such as Raphoe Community Playgroup and Letterkenny Community Childcare as well, and this is only the beginning.

“As the years go on, we will start to see the effect of defective blocks on far more community and public buildings in Donegal and across the whole country. Taoiseach, you must address this now before the issue gets completely out of hand and many vital services are forced to close as a result.

“There is no way the likes of Ardara Community Childcare would be able to raise the amount of money required to demolish and rebuild the building as a small community. Without vital government funding, they will be forced to close their doors, during a crisis in childcare, and this would be devastating for the town of Ardara.

“What are you going to do and what is your government going to do to make sure this doesn’t happen and that these defective buildings will be remedied?” he asked.

In his response the Taoiseach, Simon Harris, said Minister O’Gorman’s department is aware of the impact that defective blocks are having on the child care service in Ardara. He said his understanding was that the Department is examining how it can use existing capital funding in the Department and seeing if that can be repurposed to assist in that case.

Deputy Pringle said: “I do think you need the whole of government to take the approach that this is a crisis, that this is going to get worse.” He said one thing Government could do immediately would be to amend IS465 to include pyrite and pyrrhotite.

The deputy said: “And how do you make sure this doesn’t happen again in the future? You make sure there’s proper regulation put in place.”

The post TD ‘horrified’ at crumbling Ardara creche appeared first on Donegal Daily.

This morning will be cloudy across Ulster with patchy light rain, drizzle and mist. 

The rain will clear eastwards and will be followed by sunny spells and scattered showers for the afternoon and evening. It will become breezy as light to moderate southwest winds increase moderate to fresh westerly. Highest temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees.

Tonight will be breezy with a mix of clear spells and scattered showers. Lowest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees in a moderate to fresh southwest to west wind.

Tomorrow will be unseasonably windy with fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds. There will be a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees.

The post Mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers today – Met Éireann appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Congratulations to Letterkenny AC’s Sinead George and Barry Mackey who competed at the T & F Championships in Belfast.

Sinead competed in the Women’s W40 1500m at Mary Peters Track Belfast running a superb time of 5:19:53 while Barry Mackey ran 5:30:45 in the men’s 1500m and 11:15:98 in the 3000m M60 respectively.  

The Kildrum Tigers 5km road race saw Craig Ross run an excellent time of 20:17 while Adrian Callaghan ran 20:46.

Congratulations to LAC’s Mark McPaul who competed in the 123.ie National Senior Championships over the weekend with an excellent time of 15:35:52 in the 5000m track race.

The Letterkenny A.C. Newmills 10km road race in association with Divers Hyundai will take place on Sunday the 7th July at 10.30am.  Register at eventmaster.ie.

Many thanks to Terence Diver for his support in this event.  

LAC meets at the Aura on Tuesday at 5.15pm and at 6.30pm for an interval running session, Thursday evening for a hill run at 6pm, Saturday morning at 9.30am for a tempo run and Sunday morning at 8am for a long run. 

Fit 4 Life which is run by LAC in conjunction with the Donegal Sports Partnership takes place every Monday at 6pm on the track at the Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny. 

The new start time of 6pm has attracted a large number of participants, many of whom are now regular runners in 5km road races taking place across the county.   

The aim of the programme is to reach out to those who wish to improve their fitness and all are most welcome any Monday they choose to attend. 

Fit 4 Life is not about speed but fitness and the coaches from LAC particularly welcome newcomers.

The post Letterkenny AC’s George and Mackey impress at T&F Championships appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Finn Harps has confirmed the loan signing of Sean Patton until the end of the season.

Patton, formerly of the Finn Harps Academy, made his senior debut for Derry City last year and has made five appearances in the Premier Division this season.

The Brandywell club also confirmed the 17-year-old has signed a new contract with them.

The striker is available for selection ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Kerry FC.

He told FHTV: “It feels great, I’m delighted to get the move done. I know a few of the boys in the squad already and I’ve worked under Kevin McHugh and Eamon Curry from my time in the academy, I’m just excited to get going now.” 

Harps boss Darren Murphy told club media: “It was a no-brainer for me. Everyone speaks very highly of Sean and I’d like to thank Ruaidhri Higgins and Mark McChrystal at Derry for helping push the deal through.

“I know a few bodies have left in the (transfer) window so it’s great to have Sean in the door now to give us a bit of competition for places at that end of the pitch. I’m really looking forward to working with him and hopefully he can get settled and hit the ground running.”

The post Sean Patton rejoins Harps on loan until end of season appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A man has appeared in court charged under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act.

Othniel Matondo appeared at Letterkenny District Court.

The 23-year-old is charged with a number of offences.

Detective Garda Gerard McCready told the court that he arrested and cautioned Matondo at 12.18pm at Letterkenny Courthouse on Monday last, July 1st.

Detective McCready said that when charged, the accused made no reply to any of the charges.

Among the charges, Matondo is charged that on April 16th, 2020 at a place within the State, did engage in converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing or using property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct, to wit €2,990 that was credited to his Revolut account.

The charge is Contrary to Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that trial would be by indictment at Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing on October 21st.

The accused man’s solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client was already signing on for other matters and bail was granted.

Legal aid was also granted.

The post Man to stand trial on money laundering charges appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal GAA has issued an ‘urgent’ alert after the email account of its treasurer was hacked.

The incident comes at a time when the County Board is heavily involved in fundraising for its senior team ahead of the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway. 

“Urgent – The email account of our treasurer has been hacked and a number of people have received an email which purports to be from Grace Boyle, our treasurer,” a statement from Donegal GAA read.

“Please do not open this email and delete it immediately.”

Donegal Gardai have issued the following fraud prevention advice in the recent past:

• Don’t respond to any unsolicited email seeking personal, financial or security advice.
• Never click on a link or attachment in an unsolicited email.
• If you believe the email is from a genuine source, verify this independently. Independently means independent of the email sender.
• Independently verify any requests for information and never use the contact details supplied to you by the caller or texter. Independent means independent of the caller or texter.

Further fraud prevention advice can be found here https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/fraud/

The post Donegal GAA issues ‘urgent’ alert after treasurer’s email hacked appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Aer Lingus has said it is cancelling 76 additional flights between next Monday and Wednesday.

The move comes as the ongoing pay dispute between airline management and IALPA will go to the Labour Court this afternoon.

In a statement Aer Lingus said the cancellations are being made “in order to continue to protect as many services as possible from the continuing and highly disruptive impact of IALPA’s continuing industrial action.”

It said people impacted by the cancellations on 8, 9, 10 July can either change their flight for free, or claim a refund or voucher.

Aer Lingus management and the Irish Airlines Pilots’ Association lodged written submissions with the Labour Court yesterday and will make presentations at the hearing today.

The court will then issue a recommendation.

The Labour Court has asked that there be no escalation of the dispute, but the current work-to-rule by IALPA members at Aer Lingus is remaining in place.

The post National: Aer Lingus cancels another 76 flights next week appeared first on Donegal Daily.

When it comes to being fleeced, Donegal sheep farmers aren’t left wanting.

It fact, Donegal boasts the most amount of sheep of any county in the county with a staggering 526,658 animals.

That’s 6,584 flocks and accounts for 14% of the total population of sheep in the country.

The statistics come from the Department of Agriculture which carried out their sheep and goat census in December 2023.

The post Flocking hell – Donegal still has the most sheep in Ireland appeared first on Donegal Daily.