Digital Health Hubs are being held across the county in the next month, to help people access healthcare information and resources online.

Two successful events were already held in Letterkenny and Milford earlier this month, where attendants learned where they can access healthcare and reliable health information over the internet.

Participants pictured at the Digital Health Hub in Milford Library Further digital health hubs will take place in libraries in Gaoth Dobhair and Dungloe on Tuesday 22nd October and libraries in Buncrana and Carndonagh on Tuesday 5th November where people can learn about how to access reliable health information online. The hubs are a partnership between the HSE, Donegal ETB and Donegal County Library. They are funded by Adult Literacy for Life. Please contact SNOONAN@Donegalcoco.ie for further information. Pictured is Sinead Noonan, Library Service at the Milford Lirbray. Photo Clive Wasson

Karen Douglas, ETB speaking at the Digital Health Hub in Milford library. Further digital health hubs will take place in libraries in Gaoth Dobhair and Dungloe on Tuesday 22nd October and libraries in Buncrana and Carndonagh on Tuesday 5th November where people can learn about how to access reliable health information online. The hubs are a partnership between the HSE, Donegal ETB and Donegal County Library. They are funded by Adult Literacy for Life. Please contact SNOONAN@Donegalcoco.ie for further information. Photo Clive Wasson

Dara McDaid, HSE Health promotins pictured at the Digital Health Hub in MIlford Library. Further digital health hubs will take place in libraries in Gaoth Dobhair and Dungloe on Tuesday 22nd October and libraries in Buncrana and Carndonagh on Tuesday 5th November where people can learn about how to access reliable health information online. The hubs are a partnership between the HSE, Donegal ETB and Donegal County Library. They are funded by Adult Literacy for Life. Please contact SNOONAN@Donegalcoco.ie for further information. Photo Clive Wasson

More Digital Health Hubs will take place in the libraries in Gaoth Dobhair and Dungloe on Tuesday 22nd October, and at the libraries in Buncrana and Carndonagh on Tuesday 5th November.

The hubs are a partnership between the HSE, Donegal ETB and Donegal County Library. They are funded by Adult Literacy for Life.

Anyone interested can contact SNOONAN@Donegalcoco.ie for further information.

Karen Douglas, ETB pictured at the Digital Health Hub in Central Library, Letterkenny. Further digital health hubs will take place in libraries in Gaoth Dobhair and Dungloe on Tuesday 22nd October and libraries in Buncrana and Carndonagh on Tuesday 5th November where people can learn about how to access reliable health information online. The hubs are a partnership between the HSE, Donegal ETB and Donegal County Library. They are funded by Adult Literacy for Life. Please contact SNOONAN@Donegalcoco.ie for further information. Photo Clive Wasson

Karen Douglas, ETB and Dara McDAid, HSE Health promotions pictured at the Digital Health Hub in Central Library, Letterkenny. Further digital health hubs will take place in libraries in Gaoth Dobhair and Dungloe on Tuesday 22nd October and libraries in Buncrana and Carndonagh on Tuesday 5th November where people can learn about how to access reliable health information online. The hubs are a partnership between the HSE, Donegal ETB and Donegal County Library. They are funded by Adult Literacy for Life. Please contact SNOONAN@Donegalcoco.ie for further information. Photo Clive Wasson

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The deadline for Donegal Sports Star Awards Schools nomination is fast approaching with the closing date being Friday week the 25th of October.

All other nominations must be submitted to the Committee by Friday 29th of November. Schools are first because it is only successes in the academic year 2023/2024 that are eligible for consideration in school only competitions.

Schools continue to be a hugely important part of the event with nine Awards being presented including Primary School – Best Boy, Best Girl and Teacher; Secondary School Best Girl, Boy, Teacher. There are two Best Primary School categories Small (< 100 pupils) and Large (>100 pupils).

2023 schools winners Jasmine Barrett-Doherty, Noah McGuire, Keri Loughrey and Odhran McBrearty have helped to promote nominations for this year’s awards which will take place on Friday, 31st of January in the Mount Errigal Hotel.

The Donegal Sports Star Awards Committee have again emphasised the importance of getting nominations in by the deadline of Friday week the 25th of October.

Schools is not just about the achievements which are obviously very important but significant weighting is given to the level of participation in sport generally. Donegal County Council is once again the exclusive sponsor of the Awards. The Council first became involved in the late 1970s as the sponsor of the schools awards before taking over as the overall sponsor. The non-schools nominations has that later deadline of Friday 29th November.

There are nine schools categories in total. Again this year there is the Small and Large Primary School categories. Teachers are key people in ensuring that sport is made a priority so there is a category for both Secondary and Primary.

Schools Categories

Best Sports Boy and Girl Primary School

Best Sports Boy and Girl Secondary School

Best Primary School Small (<100 pupils)

Best Primary School Large (>100 pupils)

Best Secondary School

Best Sports Teacher Primary

Best Sports Teacher Secondary

Please send nominations to info@donegalsportsstarawards.ie. and attach any relevant images and video footage. Please note that in regard to nominations shortlisting may apply.

The 2024 Donegal Sports Star Awards will take place in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Friday the 31st of January 2025.

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Over 1,000 homes, businesses and farms near Lifford were impacted by a power outage this Wednesday morning.

The unplanned outage was reported shortly after 8am in the wider Rossgeir area.

ESB Networks have been working on the issue and restored supply to the majority of customers.

A remaining 141 properties are without power, as of 9.20am. ESB Networks aim to have supply fully restored by 10.15am today.

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A murder investigation is underway following the disappearance of an eight-year-old boy more than six weeks ago.

Kyran Durnin from Drogheda in Louth was reported missing to gardai in August, but had not been seen for some time before.

Following extensive enquiries, gardaí have been unable to either locate Kyran, identify any information on his current whereabouts or any evidence that he is currently alive.

Following enquiries to date, investigating Gardaí now believe that Kyran is missing presumed dead,” a spokesperson said.

A murder investigation has been commenced.

Gardaí had also issued a missing persons appeal for Kyran’s mother, Dayla Durnin, on 4th September but this morning they stood down that appeal and thanked the public and the media for their assistance.

“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has any information in connection with the disappearance of Kyran to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

“Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, will be welcomed by the investigation team. This information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

“No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.”

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Taoiseach Simon Harris has given assurance that the 10% increase to the maximum grant in the defective concrete block scheme will benefit homeowners who have already rebuilt their houses.

Mr Harris was speaking in the Dáil yesterday when he said the Housing Minister, Deputy Darragh O’Brien, is making the changes retrospective.

This means that homeowners who are already progressing through/ completed the scheme will be able to avail of a maximum grant of €462,000.

When asked by Donegal Sinn Féin Deputy Padraig Mac Lochlainn about whether the changes will be in place before the election, Mr Harris said he would ask Minister O’Brien to comment on the timeline.

Deputy MacLochlainn highlighted that many homeowners were at risk of being short tens of thousands of euro on the older cap.

“In some cases, it is more than €100,000. It is crucial that they can avail of this cap too,” he said.

He asked for urgency on the amendment of the 2022 legislation to increase the cap.

“I appeal for a timeframe – if it could happen this week or, at the very latest, next week. We need an amendment to the 2022 legislation to make sure families who are short huge amounts of money can avail of this increase.

“It would be very cruel if that does not happen before the Taoiseach calls an election.”

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The project to reconstruct the Buncrana Leisure Centre now only needs Government funding to begin construction.

The existing Leisure Centre was closed in 2015 for refurbishments, but never reopened due to the state of the building.

It was recommended that a new structure be put in place – one that Donegal County Council received planning permission for at the start of 2024.

The new state-of-the-art design for the building is now complete, and an application was sent this week from Donegal County Council to the Minister for Sport, seeking the €17 million required to bring the project to life.

The application was made under the Government’s Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) – with local Councillor Jack Murray saying the Buncrana Leisure Centre project is one of only two applicants to the fund nationwide with planning permission already approved.

Cllr Murray says that a decision from Minister for Sport Catherine Martin on LSSIF recipients is due in the coming month.

“An incredibly detailed application was submitted by Donegal County Council to the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This included numerous letters of support from community and sporting groups and educational facilities in Inishowen. With contingencies included, the application seeks some €17million. It is a fantastic example of the local community working together with the local authority for the good of our people,” Cllr Murray said in a statement.

“The LSSIF specifies swimming pools as one of its objectives so it’s the perfect fit for the leisure centre. It should also be noted that our pool is one of only two leisure centre applications that have planning permission in place. The argument for funding this project couldnt have been put any stronger to the Minister for Sport’s desk.”

“Further, it is anticipated that the leisure centre, when constructed, will require annual subvention/financial support from the council. Through numerous motions that I have moved within the council, there has been unanimous cross-party support for this.”

“While we wait with baited breath for the funding announcements from the LSSIF (which are due this month) I am very proud of the joined up efforts of our council staff, the leisure centre committee and the local community.”

“We’ve left nothing on the pitch in this campaign. I just now hope that the Minister agrees with us all and releases the funding we deserve.”

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A leading disability service provider in Donegal has been granted funding support from Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together programme.

The No Barriers Foundation received €20,000 from the fund to support their work providing specialist services for people with disabilities in a community gym environment.

The charity, based at Mountain Top in Letterkenny, offers physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychotherapy services for people to continue to rehabilitate without feeling as though they are in a medical setting.

A total of €500,000 is being allocated to community groups across the island of Ireland, in the fifth year of the Begin Together fund, delivered in partnership with the Community Foundation Ireland.

Two charities, Depaul and the Irish Refugee Council, have been allocated  €80,000 multi-year grants, to fund long terms projects.

The groups supported include those who are disproportionately impacted by some of the most critical issues in Ireland today, as identified by Community Foundation Ireland and through ESRI data.

The current round of grants will bring the total value of Begin Together grants issued through the Community Fund to €2.5 Million, supporting 286 community projects across the island of Ireland since 2020.

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Donegal All-Ireland winner Mark McHugh has been named in the new backroom team of Westmeath.

The Kilcar man will work under new boss Dermot McCabe.

McHugh worked with Galway club Moycullen in the 2024 season as they advanced to a county final. He was part of Roscommon manager Davy Burke’s management ticket the previous year.

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A young toddler found dead in County Tyrone has been named locally.

One-year-old Tavia Michaela was found dead at the weekend in a house in Dungannon.

Three people aged in their 20s were arrested by Police in connection with her death, which the PSNI say was suspicious.

They remain in Police custody as investigations continue.

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Letterkenny Tidy Towns has launched its inaugural Sustainability Week initiative.

From the 21st to the 27th of October, the initiative aims to highlight and celebrate the sustainable practices of local businesses, organisations, schools and the commmunity in Letterkenny.

Letterkenny Tidy Towns are inviting the public  to engage in various activities designed to showcase their commitment to sustainability. Businesses are encouraged to display posters in their windows, which Letterkenny Tidy Towns are providing and share their sustainability stories – no matter how big or small – by emailing photos and descriptions to lktidy@gmail.com.

They are also encouraging sustainable practices across various sectors, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and employee well-being. By participating in Sustainability Week, businesses not only contribute to a healthier environment but also enhance their operational efficiency and community engagement.

In addition to businesses, we warmly welcome individuals, schools, and community groups to join in this initiative to create positive change across the town.

Co-chairperson of Letterkenny Tidy Towns, Gerard McCormick, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that “Sustainability Week is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and showcase the incredible efforts being made towards a more sustainable future.”

“By highlighting the collective actions of our local businesses, schools, and community, we can inspire each other and make a lasting impact. We encourage everyone to participate and share their stories!”

For further information or inquiries, you can contact lktidy@gmail.com or visit www.letterkennytidytowns.com/sustainability

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A woman has appeared in court charged with stealing more than €36,000 from the bank account of a family member.

Amy Harpur’s case was called at this week’s sitting of Letterkenny District Court before Judge Eiteain Cunningham.

The 25-year-old accused woman’s address was given as Pump Street in Carrigans.

She is charged that she did steal property to wit €36,027 the property of Andrew Harpur at Ulster Bank , Main Street in Ballybofey.

The alleged thefts took place between June 7th, 2021 and July 10th, 2022.

The charge is Contrary to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act of 2001.

Garda Sergeant Gerard Dalton asked for the case to be adjourned to allow for a Book of Evidence to be served or to hear directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Judge Cunningham adjourned the case until December 9th.

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A young kickboxer from Killygordon is about to show his skills on the world stage.

12-year-old Evan O’Connor from Bohanboy, Killygordon will represent Ireland at the upcoming ISKA World Championships in Vienna.

He and his family will set off for Austria next week for the competition.

A fundraising effort was started by Evan and his family, with support coming from neighbours, friends and family members to help get him to Vienna.

He has also gained support from a number of sponsors, including the Orchard Inn, Letterkenny, McGettigan Travel, Letterkenny and main sponsor MLD Roofing and Carpentry.

Evan has trained at the Castle K1 Kickboxing Club in Castlederg from the age of six, and with plenty of weekly training sessions he attained five belts, and had his first fight just two years ago – with plenty of support from his Grandad John along the way!

Now he’ll be looking to make an impact on the world stage against some of the best international youngsters.

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Four Masters have announced that Manager Kevin Sinclair has stepped down from the team.

Sinclair led the club on a run of success over the last few years, transforming them from a Division 3 outfit into a Senior Championship contender.

This year they won Division 2 of the league, before going on a run to the Quarter-Final of the Donegal SFC.

Reserve team Manager Damien Dunnion has also left the Donegal Town side, leaving key management decisions for the side heading into next year.

Four Masters paid tribute to Kevin Sinclair via social media after announcing his departure:

“We would like to thank Kevin and his management team for the great work they have done over the last 3 years.”

“Taking over the senior team when they were in Division 3 of the league, and progressing them to the highs of winning the Division 2 league this year and also reaching the quarter final of the Donegal Senior Championship.”

“Damien has done trojan work this year as our reserve manager, and with his management team, he introduced many of our young players to adult football, and along with some more experienced players, they contested the county semi final of the Donegal Senior Reserve championship.”

“The club would like to thank both men for their dedication and commitment to their roles and wish them all the best. They leave big shoes to fill, and we are sorry to see them go.”

“As two long serving Four Masters men, no doubt they will not be far from Tír Conaill Park in the future.”

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Donegal jockey Oisin Orr has landed more success on the track.

He’s secured two wins in two days to start this week, continuing his successes this year.

On Monday afternoon he won on the 9/4 favourite South Parade for trainer Richard Fahey in the 2:50pm race at Musselburgh in Scotland.

He followed that up with some fine performances at Tuesday’s race meet in Newcastle.

Orr took victory aboard Gold Black in the 5:20pm race, before scoring second place in the 6:30pm race on Absolute Dream – both also for trainer Richard Fahey.

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The death has been announced of General Mike Jackson, the second in command of the British Army’s Parachute Regiment during Bloody Sunday in Derry 1972.

Gen Jackson was on the ground when members of the regiment opened fire on protesters at a civil rights march on 30 January 1972.

He went on to become the health of the British Army.

Gen Jackson made a “fulsome apology” for the Bloody Sunday shootings in 2011 after the publication of the Saville Inquiry’s report and acknowledged the victims had been killed “without justification”.

Gen Jackson on Tuesday at the age of 80, surrounded by his family.

The Parachute Regimental Association said he was a “great leader of men” who will be “missed by many”.

Tony Doherty, Chairperson of the Bloody Sunday Trust, said there will be no morning among families in Derry.

“He knowingly ordered the execution of many innocent people and should have been in the international dock for war crimes,” Doherty wrote.

Mr Doherty said that while the British may celebrate his life, “there will be no grieving the loss of this man” among the Bloody Sunday families and many other families who’ve had loved ones murdered by the British army.

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Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle has appealed to Government to lower the VAT rate for the hospitality sector, which he says is “drowning”.

He made the appeal to lower the rate to 9%, after business owners from Donegal and across the country marched in Dublin yesterday calling for the change.

The 13% rate of VAT on the hospitality sector was introduced last year, and business owners say that increase has only tightened their purse-strings even further.

Some of the Donegal business owners who made the trip to Dublin yesterday. Pic – Bonnyglen Bar and Guesthouse

Deputy Pringle took to the Dail to call for the reinstatement of the 9% rate today, citing a number of recent cases in Donegal of hospitality outlets closing due to rising costs.

“I fully support and have co-signed this motion and I would particularly like to highlight the motion’s calls on the government to permanently reinstate a lower 9% VAT rate on food sales in Ireland, to recognise the critical contribution of the food service sector and prioritise the protection and sustainability of this sector.”

“There is no doubt that the food sector has faced countless pressures over the last five years, between adapting during the Covid-19 pandemic and all the requirements that came with it, and the current cost-of-living crisis we are facing as well.”

“Restaurants and cafés are feeling the pressure. They are struggling to continue trading with the rising cost of electricity, gas, food and supplies and they are forced to face the full impact of rising prices alone.”

“Many are facing potential closure and some have already been forced to close. My constituency of Donegal has seen many closures over the last few years, and it is truly devastating to see.”

“I raised this same issue two years ago when a local business in Killybegs was forced to close due to rising costs at the time, including a 50% rise in cooking oil costs, a 70% rise in beef, a 78% rise in dairy produce and a 90% rise in chicken costs.”

“It is rising costs like these that the food sector is finding difficult to recover from, and this is before adding energy bills on top of it.”

“Two years later and southwest Donegal has seen many more closures, most recently the closure of a well-loved, family-run restaurant in Ardara three days ago. The restaurant stated: ‘Unfortunately, with the difficulties facing the hospitality industry at the moment and spiralling costs, it has simply become unsustainable for us to continue.”

“The industry is drowning, Minister, and your government needs to recognise this and do something about it before it’s too late.”

“And really, it is already too late for so many businesses. I am particularly concerned about rural towns that rely on seasonal work, like Killybegs, where most of the employment in the area is seasonal.”

“Killybegs relies on the food sector for seasonal employment due to the fact that the fishing sector only provides seasonal employment as well. And the fishing season is getting shorter and shorter each year due to a continuous decrease in fishing quotas.”

“The sector has the potential to grow if there is a bit of support there. They’re not looking for massive hand-outs, and many places can develop and will develop with a bit of support and that’s the key to it.”

“The food sector is severely struggling in the cities too. I have talked to business owners in Letterkenny who are also struggling to make ends meet and dread the ever-increasing bills.”

“This is not the way it should be. People shouldn’t be living their lives under this much stress, especially when they play such a vital part in our towns and cities.”

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Donegal County Council is holding information events to provide information on the supports available to refurbish Vacant and Derelict properties.

Please come along and find out further information on the following supports – no appointments are needed:

Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Scheme

Grants up to €84,000 available to refurbish vacant and derelict properties that have been vacant for two years or more and will be the owner’s principal private residence or made available to rent.  

Repair and Lease Scheme

Financial support of €80,000 per unit available to bring vacant properties back into use to lease to Donegal County Council for social housing in areas where there is a need.

Local Authority Purchase and Renovation Loan Scheme

Potential Loan for those first-time buyers who have been declined a loan from 2 traditional lenders and meet all the other qualifying criteria.

Find Me A Home In Donegal Scheme

Matchmaking scheme to put owners of vacant properties in contact with those seeking to purchase vacant properties.

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Several roads in Derry city have been closed this afternoon due to a suspected gas leak.

The leak is in the Collon Lane area, with the Racecourse road and junctions with Carnhill and the Buncrana Road also being closed.

Members of the fire service and Police are currently attending the scene.

The PSNI are advising the public to avoid the area currently as investigations into the leak are ongoing.

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Two Donegal hospitality locations were big winners at the 2024 Georgina Campbell Food & Hospitality Awards yesterday.

The awards celebrate the very best in Irish hospitality and food, and 2024 marks the 25th edition of the yearly awards.

The Lemon Tree in Letterkenny added to its long list of plaudits from critics as it was selected as the 2024 Neighbourhood Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year.

Georgina Campbell said that its reputation as a Donegal legend is well-deserved when announcing the award winners.

“A Letterkenny favourite since 1999, this family-run restaurant celebrates 25 years in business this year although it has been in a spacious new setting near the original premises since 2017.”

“To the relief of its many fans, it was a case of “same staff, same food, just new location” – and that really sums up the enduring popularity of The Lemon Tree as, along with the special attraction of being so much a family affair (it’s run on an everyday basis by a number of multi-talented Molloy family members), it is a byword for consistency.”

“There’s no showing off about the smartly understated decor – the beautiful food comes first of course, but after that it’s all about the customers here and diners enjoy watching Euro-Toques chef, Christopher Molloy, and his team at work preparing and serving the excellent modern meals that proudly showcase the local Donegal produce they hold in such high esteem.”

“A local food ambassador for many years, Chris represented the Wild Atlantic Way in the former Fáilte Ireland Food Champions programme and is a keen supporter of the Food Coast Donegal regional initiative – a developing food and hospitality business collaboration, of which we are sure to hear more.”

“And, as a growing number of diners continue to discover the ‘fine dining without the fuss’ that they do so well at The Lemon Tree, this fine restaurant’s well-deserved place as a Donegal legend is secure.”

Also, the Castle Grove Country House in Letterkenny was a winner, taking the Ireland’s Best Bread Award 2024.

Georgina says their bread offerings are “just right.”

“Simple as it may sound, The Irish Bread Award is one of our most important accolades. Originally the idea of Donegal native and former Director General of Bord Fáilte (now Fáilte Ireland) Matt McNulty – a man with great respect for all aspects of Irish heritage and culture – it recognises the value of this delicious mainstay of the Irish table, and reminds us that doing the small things well can have a big impact,” Georgina said.

“This is very much the case at Castle Grove Country House, the beautiful period house overlooking Lough Swilly, where, instead of following the current practice of offering a selection of different breads to guests – they present just their delicious house bread, Guinness & Soda Bread, which is simple and memorable for its ‘just-baked’ freshness and texture as much as its flavour.”

“Raymond and Mary Sweeney opened Castle Grove to guests in 1989 and it has always had a name for its food – especially seasonal produce from their own gardens and from the region.”

“Now managed by their daughters, Irene and Karoline – who is a leading light in ongoing promotion of the region as food destination, through the developing Food Coast Donegal initiative – their philosophy is alive and well.”

“And the bread is just right.”

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Lifford doctor Anne Kilgallen has been acknowledged for her contribution to healthcare in a new photographic portrait collection at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.

Dr Kilgallen, a retired Public Health specialist and former Chief Executive of Northern Ireland’s Western Health and Social Care Trust, is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland – an internationally recognised benchmark of professional excellence in medicine. 

Until 1924, Fellowship was an honour reserved for male doctors. That changed in November 1924 when Dr Mary Hearn, a gynaecologist at the Victoria Hospital for Women & Children in Cork, was sworn in as the first female Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI).

The photographic exhibition, unveiled during the RCPI Annual Conference today, acknowledges the immense contribution of women to medicine.

Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, President of RCPI with Dr Anne Kilgallen

Dr Kilgallen describes herself as a beneficiary of free post-primary education introduced in the 1960s, and by 1985 her Medicine class in University College Dublin was close to 50-50 men and women. She pursued a Masters in Public Health Medicine and in the late 2000s became Medical Director for the Western Health and Social Care Trust, and eventually its Chief Executive.

She is an advocate for a strong healthcare system that supports both doctors and the communities they care for.

The photographic portraits were created by Dublin-based photographer, Pauline Rowan in collaboration with the Fellows.

Dr Alida F P. Talento, photographer Pauline Rowan (behind), Prof Moira O’Brien and Dr Anne Kilgallen

Six Fellows in total join pioneers like Dr Kathleen Lynn, Professor Mary Horgan (CMO) and Laura Brennan (health advocate and HPV campaigner) on the walls of RCPI on Kildare Street.

Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, President of RCPI explains that a change to the college bylaws just over 100 years ago, made Fellowship available to all Members of the college “irrespective of sex”.

“Fellowship is an internationally recognised benchmark of professional excellence in medicine and the highest honour the college can award,” Dr Diarmuid O’Shea said. 

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