Finn Harps have announced the signing of Mikey Place.

The 26-year-old returns for his second stint at the club, after a successful stint at Finn Park in 2018 and 2019 where he scored 14 goals in 53 appearances.

The Galwegian then turned out for his native Galway United, before securing a move to Ballymena United in the NIFL in 2022.

Place brings plenty of positional versitility to the club, having played all along the right flank and up front for Ballymena in the last few seasons.

Harps Manager Darren Murphy told club media:

“I’m really happy to have Mikey signed up with us for the new season. He knows the football club, the community and the League of Ireland very well and is a player I know the Finn Harps supporters will be very excited to see back at Finn Park.”

“He brings a lot of experience and versatility to the group, and I’m really looking forward to working with him now as we gear up for the 2025 campaign.”

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Patrick Ferry is the latest player to put pen to paper ahead of the 2025 campaign.

He was a standout performer for Harps last season, netting 7 goals in 35 appearances.

The Derry City youth graduate moved to Finn Park from NI Championship side Ballinamallard in 2022, and now the Gaoth Dobhair man will look to build on an incredibly impressive first two campaigns with the Ballybofey side.

Harps boss Darren Murphy told club media:

“It’s brilliant to have Dixie signed for the coming season. He was an important player for us last year chipping in with a few big goals and he works very hard for the team out of possession.”

“He’s a local boy, knows the club and what it means to represent the community, so to have him committed again is a massive boost to me and my staff ahead of the coming season.”

The post Patrick Ferry signs new deal to stay with Finn Harps in 2025 appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Talented Kerrykeel artist, Jacinta Callaghan, is thrilled to announce the opening of her first solo art exhibition, titled ’A Journey Through Landscapes – Memories of Donegal’.

The exhibition will be hosted at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, from Saturday, 18th January 2025 to Friday, 22nd February 2025.

The official opening will take place on Saturday, 18th January 2025 at 3:00pm, and Jacinta invites art enthusiasts and the local community to join her for the launch of this exciting new chapter in her artistic career.

A Passion for Creativity

Jacinta’s journey into the world of art began in childhood. From a young age, she demonstrated a natural flair for creativity, gravitating towards any activity that allowed her to express herself through her hands.

“I have always been artistic since I was a child. I loved to do anything creative,” Jacinta recalls. “When I was at school, I would rather draw than listen.”

Her passion for art only deepened as she grew older, and she found that painting provided her with a unique space to immerse herself in another world—one of mindfulness and focused creativity.

The Importance of Art

For Jacinta, art holds great significance. She describes the act of painting as not just a form of self-expression, but a deeply personal and meditative practice.

“Art is so important to me as I love to think deeply about what I am painting. I am transported to another world when I have a canvas in front of me,” she shares.

“Art is so mindful. I love painting the scenery of Donegal, as many of our diaspora no longer live here but still call Donegal home. When they collect a piece of my art, a  piece of Donegal, it means a lot to them.”

Through her work, Jacinta connects with people, evoking memories of home and nature, and offering a piece of Donegal to those who cherish it.

A Special Commission for Tom O’Neill

In addition to her exhibition, Jacinta recently had the honour of being commissioned by Donegal County Council to create a painting for Thomas O’Neill, son of the late Tip O’Neill, as part of the 2024 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards.

“I was asked by Donegal County Council to commission a painting for Thomas O’Neill, and I was truly honoured and happy to be asked,” Jacinta said.

The commission resulted in a stunning piece of art that captures the remains of the O’Neill family homestead overlooking Buncrana.

Jacinta Callaghan with her painting of Buncrana for Thomas O’Neill, son of the late Tip O’Neill, as part of the 2024 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards

This beautiful work was unveiled at the 2024 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards, where Tom O’Neill was presented with a special recognition award. The piece is a tribute to the O’Neill legacy, and its creation marked a significant moment in Jacinta’s career.

Nicholas Crossan, Committee Chairman, making special recognition presentations to John McCarter and Tom O’Neill at the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards 2024 in September. Photo Clive Wasson

A Personal Connection to Her Work

For Jacinta, art is not just about creating beautiful pieces; it is about finding peace in the process and connecting with others. “Art is important to me because it allows me to express myself, connect with others, and celebrate the beauty of the world around me,” she explains.

“It’s a mindful practice that helps me stay present, focus on the moment, and find peace in creating my art.”

Jacinta’s art is a reflection of her deep love for Donegal and the stunning landscapes that surround her. Her upcoming solo exhibition provides a unique opportunity for viewers to experience her intimate connection to the beauty of her home county, through works that celebrate the natural world and evoke a sense of nostalgia for those far from home.

Exhibition Details

• Exhibition Dates: Saturday, 18th January 2025 – Friday, 22nd February 2025
• Official Opening: Saturday, 18th January 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
• Location: Regional Cultural Centre, Port Road, Letterkenny
• Refreshments will be served at the opening event.

Jacinta Callaghan’s exhibition promises to be an inspiring celebration of the landscapes and memories of Donegal. Her work is an invitation to experience the peace and beauty of nature, and the exhibit is sure to resonate with those who have a special connection to this part of Ireland.

Find Jacinta on social media by searching: Jacinta Callaghan Art or visit www.jacintas.com

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Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after the death of a woman aged in her 50s in County Cavan last night.

A man in his 60s was also seriously injured in the incident, which happened at a house in the Ballyconnell area at approximately 9:30pm.

He was transferred to Cavan General Hospital for treatment.

Gardaí arrested a man aged in his 30s in connection with the incident shortly afterwards.

He is now being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in the County Cavan area.

The scene has been preserved for technical examination by Gardaí.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

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Gardaí in Donegal are reminding homeowners to be vigilant and keep their properties safe from the threat of burglars.

With prolonged periods of darkness over winter, the window of opportunity for potential burglars is extended, and Donegal Gardaí have issued a few important reminders so homeowners can keep their properties safe.

Homeowners are being urged to take the following steps:

• Be vigilant when leaving your house vacant, even if it’s only going to be for a few minutes. That is all the time it would take for a burglar to break into your home.
• Before leaving the house, ensure that all doors and windows are secured and that the alarm is set (use your alarm even when at home). If you don’t have an alarm, consider getting one.
• Light up your home, use timer switches when you’re out. Store keys safely and away from windows and letterboxes.
• Do not store large amounts of cash in your home. Any jewellery of high monetary value could perhaps be kept in a safe.
• Always report any suspicious activity/vehicles in your area to Gardaí immediately.

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Independents have seen their support slump after the General Election according to the latest set of political opinion polls.

The latest Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll shows that support for Independents has dipped to just 8.8 percent – down 6.7 percentage points since the General Election in November.

That dip in support comes as Independent candidates could form a crucial part in propping up the next Government, with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael continuing talks with members of the Regional Independent Group, including leader Michael Lowry.

Both of the presumptive coalition-leading parties however have seen slight gains, with Fianna Fáil up to 23.8 percent support (+1.9%) and Fine Gael up to 22.3 percent (+1.5%).

Sinn Féin’s support has seen a slight bump (19.3 percent, +0.3%), while the Social Democrats (7.3 percent, +2.5%), Aontú (5.3 percent, +1.4%), and Independent Ireland (4.9 percent, +1.3%) also saw gains.

Meanwhile there were small dips in support for Labour (3.8 percent, -0.9%), the Green Party (2.3 percent, -0.7%) and PBP-Solidarity (2.2 percent, -0.6%).

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A dog who was dramatically rescued from freezing water in Buncrana yesterday is now home safe and sound.

Zeus fell from the Crana Bridge and into the Crana River yesterday afternoon, prompting a dramatic rescue as he found a small patch of shallow water to stand on.

Luckily, the members of the Lough Swilly RNLI were on hand to save him from the freezing water, with experienced rescuer Paddy Murphy wading in to retrieve Zeus and bring him to dry land.

You can watch the dramatic rescue here.

Zeus’ owner, Sarah, took to social media to thank the efforts of the Lough Swilly RNLI in rescuing him – and showed that the little fella was enjoying the comfort of a warm fire at home just hours after the ordeal.

“Thank you so much to the Lough Swilly RNLI, the Guards and staff at Swan Park and passers by that helped!,” Sarah posted.

“We’re so grateful to everyone Zeus is happy dry and healthy not a scratch on him! special thanks to Paddy!!”

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A final verdict in the murder trial of the man accused of killing Danielle McLaughlin in India is expected next month.

Final arguements in the case will be heard at the High Court of Bombay next week, with the presiding judge expected to deliver his verdict within a few weeks of those arguements being heard according to the Sunday World.

This comes as the eighth anniverary of Danielle’s killing in Goa, in March of 2017, approaches.

Local man Vikat Bhagat was arrested and charged with the rape and murder of Danielle, shortly after her body was found in a rural area.

However his murder trial has seen numerous delays, the most recent being a four-month extension to the trial which was demanded by and granted to Bhagat’s lawyers.

Danielle’s mother, Andrea Brannigan, will travel to India to hear the verdict, where for the first time Danielle’s family will be able to observe the trial process.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help Danielle’s family fund that visit to India for the final verdict.

You can view and donate to that fundraiser here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/danielle-mc-laughlin

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A nun from Derry will take the first step towards a potential sainthood in a ceremony in Madrid today.

Sr Clare Crockett died following an earthquake in Playa Prieta, Ecuador in April of 2016, where she had been teaching music at a school. She was 33 years of age.

With a career in television ahead of her in the early 2000s, Clare felt called to a life of religious service instead.

She had a number of duties during her service as a nun, which saw her work in Spain, the United States and Ecuador.

Today’s opening ceremony for the cause of beatification in Madrid is the first step towards the Canonisation, and eventual nomination for Sainthood for Sr Crockett.

Over 100 friends and family from Derry have made the journey to Madrid for the ceremony today, with two cinema screens almost completely sold out at the Brunswick Moviebowl in the city to watch a live stream of the ceremony take place.

The post Derry nun takes “first step” towards sainthood in Madrid appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin 1-13 v 2-10 Kilmurry (Naomh Padraig win on pens 3-1, AET)

Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin have stamped their place in the All-Ireland Junior Football Final in the most dramatic of circumstances, overcoming Munster Champions Kilmurry on penalties.

The game hung in the balance several times, but the men from Muff had ice in their veins as time and again they fought back to keep themselves in the game before a stupendous shootout performance from Naomh Padraig keeper Oran McCauley helped them to a first-ever All-Ireland final.

Naomh Padraig got off to a promising start at Parnell Park, with two quick points from Kevin Doherty cancelling out a Kilmurry score in the opening ten minutes.

However, the County Cork men would surge ahead in the 11th minute as Lawrence Aisling found the back of the net – leaving it 1-01 to 0-02 in their favour.

Further scores would be hard to come by in the rest of the first half, as both sides only added two points apiece in the remaining twenty minutes of the period, leaving Kilmurry ahead 1-03 to 0-04 at the break.

However, the Muff men would start the second half in fine form with a scoring spree, as two points from Johnny Toye and Caolan McColgan each gave Naomh Padraig their first lead since the tenth minute of the match.

The Munster Champions were far from finished though, Kilmurry knocking over three points of their own in succession to take the lead back before a Kevin Doherty free saw the sides level again in the 48th minute.

Kilmurry hit what looked like the finishing blow as the clock struck the sixtieth minute, but as the third and final minute of added time was up Naomh Padraig were awarded a 45.

Kevin Lynch more than met the moment and expertly fired over the bar to keep the dream alive for the men from Naomh Padraig and send this gripping fixture to extra time – 1-07 to 0-10.

Unfortunately for the Muff side they couldn’t keep that momentum up at the beginning of extra time, as Kilmurry scored a point and a goal within 90 seconds of the restart to put one foot in the All-Ireland Junior Football Final once again.

Once again the fighting spirit of Naomh Padraig was on display though, as star man Caolan McColgan went on a stupendous 30-metre run right up the middle of the Kilmurry defence after making a great interception in midfield, eventually being dragged down by three Kilmurry defenders on the edge of the box – leading to calls for a penalty from the Muff side.

However, the referee adjudged the foul to have taken place just outside the box, leaving Kevin Lynch to knock over a simple free and bring Naomh Padraig back within a goal.

The sides would trade scores again and at the halfway point of extra time it was Kilmurry 2-09, Naomh Padraig 0-12.

The lead would be cut to two just after the restart of extra time, Kevin Lynch again cooly slotting over from a free.

On the 76th minute Caolan McColgan again went on a long, mazing run through the Kilmurry defence before being pulled down – this time the referee awarding a penalty to the Muff side as this enthralling encounter reached new dramatic heights.

Kevin Lynch stayed cool under the highest of pressure, slotting the penalty into the back of the net and restoring Naomh Padraig’s lead despite the Kilmurry keeper getting a hand on it – 2-09 to 1-13 and a one-point advantage to the Donegal side.

That set up the tense final moments of the game, as Kilmurry pushed for an equaliser and eventually were awarded a free in the 82nd minute of this remarkable match – one which barely squeaked over the bar and brought the teams level again and sent the game to penalties.

Naomh Padraig keeper Oran McCauley made a massive save to start the shoot out, before the side’s star men McColgan and Lynch fired home their first two penalties to make it 2-1.

Then McCauley came up big again, saving Kilmurry’s third penalty attempt and putting Naomh Padraig on the verge of the Final.

It wasn’t that simple however, as Jason O’Donnell of Naomh Padraig then had his own effort saved by the Kilmurry keeper.

Then up stepped McCauley again, with a remarkable third save of the shootout against another poorly-hit Kilmurry effort, teeing up Rory Hirrell who expertly finished his penalty to cap off a remarkable match and book Naomh Padraig’s spot in the All-Ireland Junior Football Final.

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Donegal League 2 v 2 Inishowen League (4-4 aggregate, Donegal League win 5-4 on pens AET)

The Donegal League will progress to the next round of the Oscar Traynor Cup after both teams played out the same 2-2 result from the first leg in the second leg.

Luke Rudden converted from the penalty spot to give Inishowen the lead just before half-time.

That lead would last until the midway point of the second half, Kieth Cowan getting on the scoresheet for the Donegal League.

The Donegal League side would then take the lead shortly afterwards through Gareth Harkin, but that lead would be short-lived as Thomas McMonagle headed home for Inishowen to draw the sides level.

Nothing could separate the sides in the final minutes, and with a scoreless extra-time as well penalties were required to separate the sides.

One miss apiece in their first five attempts saw the shootout at 4-4 heading into sudden death.

And it was a save from Donegal League keeper Shane O’Gara that sealed the win, and their progression into the latter stages of the Oscar Traynor Cup.

The post Donegal League prevails over Inishowen in enthralling Oscar Traynor Cup matchup appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Abbey Vocational School 1-07 v 1-05 St Colman’s Newry

Abbey VS are on their way to the Semi-Finals of the MacRory Cup, following their victory over St Colman’s of Newry this afternoon.

The Donegal boys made a strong start, racing out to a 0-04 to no score lead at the half in Convoy.

St Colman’s found their mojo in the second half, but Abbey VS, buoyed by a Conor McCahill goal, were able to see the result out and advance to the next round of the cup.

The post Abbey VS advance to MacRory Cup Semi-Final appeared first on Donegal Daily.

There were joyous scenes as the Glencolmcille Fire Service celebrated its 40th anniversary yesterday.

Members past and present who worked at the Glencolmcille Fire Station over its four decade history gathered to celebrate the important four-decade mark in the station’s history.

The work of the firefighters and first responders based at the station extends far beyond just battling blazes, with the crew from Glencolmcille being lauded by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council for their recent assistance in responding to severe flooding in Killybegs.

Cllr Manus Boyle attended the 40th anniversary celebrations, and he also lauded the work of the firefighters based in Glencolmcille.

“Delighted to join the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Glencolmcille Fire Service last night,” Cllr Boyle said.

“This milestone reflects the unwavering dedication of the local members who serve our community, often in the toughest circumstances. Their bravery and skill are the backbone of Glencolmcille’s safety and resilience.”

“On behalf of communities in South West Donegal I express my warmest thanks to all the members past and present who’ve made this service what it is today.”

“Congratulations on 40 incredible years. Here’s to many more!”

The post Glencolmcille Fire Service celebrates its 40th anniversary! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The brightest young minds in Donegal showed off their scientific creativity at this week’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

Schools from around the county traversed the snow and ice to make it to the RDS in Dublin for the annual event.

The trek was well worth it, as a total of nine awards returned back with students to the hills of Donegal.

You can read more about Donegal’s brilliant award winners here.

Thanks to Fennell Photography for these pictures of some of the Donegal displays and award winners.

Aoife Sheridan and Roisin Coyle from Loreto Community School Donegal with their project ‘Microbial Comparison of baby bottle milk: Perfect prep machine vs. HSE recommended method’ at the 61st BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS Dublin. This year, BT Ireland celebrates 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibitions in the world.

The winners of the 61st BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) have been announced.
The CSO Award is presented by Assistant Director General Maria Hurley to Ronan O Dochartaigh, Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair Co Donegal for the project ‘An oibrionn dli Benford le tacar Sonrai in Eirinn?’
Category: Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences

The 2025 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
Pictured is Pearse Doherty TD with students Ava Molloy, Olivia Doherty and Mia Boyce from Loreto Community School, Donegal, with their project ‘A continued ecological study of the effects of a sewage treatment plant on the biodiversity of Mulroy Bay’, at the 61st BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS Dublin. This year, BT Ireland celebrates 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibitions in the world.
Photo Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography

The 2025 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
Pictured is Pearse Doherty TD with students, Ava Molloy, Olivia Doherty and Mia Boyce from Loreto Community School, Donegal, with their project ‘A continued ecological study of the effects of a sewage treatment plant on the biodiversity of Mulroy Bay’, at the 61st BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS Dublin. This year, BT Ireland celebrates 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibitions in the world.
Photo Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography

Klara Piechocka from St Columba’s Comprehensive School Glenties Co Donegal with her project ‘Harnessing Donegal’s Coastal Wealth: The sustainable & renewable harvesting of Donegal seaweed using the advanced solar drying method for biodiesel production’ the RDS Dublin. This year, BT Ireland celebrates 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibitions in the world.
Peter Houlihan : Fennell Photography

The 2025 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
Stand 5404
Pictured is Pearse Doherty TD with students, Faye Ni Ghallachoir, Sarah Rose Harrison and Ava Ni Giolla Chomghaill, from Colaiste Ailigh, Donegal with their project ‘Imscrudu ar eifeacht bhru atmaisfearach fola ar bhru fola ag aoisghrupai eagsula’ at the 61st BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS Dublin. This year, BT Ireland celebrates 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibitions in the world.
Photo Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography

The winners of the 61st BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) have been announced.
The SSE Airtricity Award is presented by SSE Airtricity Director of Operations Carolanne Henry to Klara Piechocka, St Columba’s Comprehensive School Donegal for the project ‘Harnessing Donegal’s Coastal Wealth: The sustainable & renewable harvesting of Donegal seaweed using the advanced solar drying method for biodiesel production’.
Category: Biological & Ecological

Katie Toner, Willow Doherty Falls and Hannah-Rose Sweeney from St Columbas College Donegal with their project ‘An analysis of makeup/skincare products that claim to contain SPF/UV protection’ at the 61st BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS Dublin. This year, BT Ireland celebrates 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibitions in the world.

Meabh Cannon, Xinyi Chen and Grace Andrews from Rosses Community School Donegal with their project ‘Flow Fit’ at the 61st BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS Dublin. This year, BT Ireland celebrates 25 years as custodian of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which is one of the leading school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibitions in the world.

The post Donegal’s best shine at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition – Pic Special appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The Donegal Gaeltacht has gone global after a massive Tiktoker and YouTuber put his cúpla focal to use recently.

American online star Arieh Smith, better known by his username Xiomanyc, has gained a significant online following through his rapid learning of different languages across the globe – boasting nearly 6.5 million YouTube subscribers and over 3 milion followers on TikTok.

His career initially kicked off with videos of him speaking fluent Mandarin to the surprise of people in China, but now has made a career of doing the same across the globe.

Arieh speaks almost 40 different languages, with Irish being his latest project as he visited the Donegal Gaeltacht to put the cúpla focal he learned online to good use.

In a viral video that has amassed well over 1.3 million views in just a few weeks, and accompanied by Walking Donegal’s Seamus Doohan, Arieh travels across the Gaeltacht, running into plenty of characters and having plenty of craic as Gaelige as well.

You can check out the full video below:

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Local Donegal women will be paddling onto our TV screens this New Year in a heartfelt documentary about dragon boat racing.

‘Dragons’, coming soon to RTE, will tell the story of unique boating clubs across the country.

The Donegal Dragons are set to feature as the programme hears the personal journeys of members from clubs in Donegal, Sligo, Cork, Carlow, Galway and Dublin across a racing season.

Dragon Boating racing is for everyone, but is of particular benefit to survivors of breast cancer. After surgery for breast cancer, the lymph nodes are often removed. As a result, even if a woman completely recovers from breast cancer, she can be left with a condition called lymphodema. It causes the affected arm to swell up and is uncomfortable. Exercising the upper body has emerged as a successful method for women to avoid lymphoedema and enjoy active, full lives.

The late Fiona Tiernan set up Ireland’s first dragon boat racing team for breast cancer survivors in Dublin, called the Plurabelle Paddlers, in 2010.

Because of Fiona’s legacy, the sport is now practised in Dragon Boat clubs the length and breadth of Ireland.

The Donegal Dragons was founded in 2015 by cancer survivor Deborah Bonner. Deborah learned about the sport from Donegal manager Jim McGuinness, who spoke of fitness and breast cancer at a Relay for Life event.

The sport involves crews of up to 16 people sitting in pairs in “dragon” boats: large canoe-like vessels fitted with ornately carved dragons’ heads and tails and competing in races over 250m.

While we don’t have a premiere date for the documentary on RTE just yet, Dragons is expected to be on our screens later in the spring.

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Donegal has Ireland’s second highest unemployment rate per capita, according to new analysis.

A report by the National Pension Helpline revealed the county recorded 464 people signing on per 10,000 inhabitants.

County Louth had the highest number of people on the Live Register per capita in December, with 496 per 10,000.

Louth was followed by Donegal, and Leitrim (with 438).

At the other end of the scale, Meath was the county with the lowest unemployment rate per capita with only 170 people signing on per 10,000 inhabitants – a rate almost three times lower than neighbouring Louth.

Kilkenny had the next lowest Live Register per capita rate with 209 per 10,000 people, followed by Cork (234) and Kildare (259).

The National Pension Helpline analysis revealed that eight counties had over 400 people on the Live Register per 10,000, while the average across the 26 Counties was 320.

Dublin was slightly below the national average in December with 291, while Galway had almost the same rate at 289.

Counties with most people singing on per 10,000 people

1. Louth – 496
2. Donegal – 464 
3. Leitrim – 438
4. Carlow – 434 
5. Wexford – 428

Counties with fewest people signing on per 10,000 people

26. Meath – 170
27. Kilkenny – 209 
28. Cork – 234
29. Kildare – 259
30. Kilkenny – 201

The total number of people on the Live Register in December 2024 was 166,600, up by 3,200 people (2%) from November. 38,289 people between the age of 25 and 34 (23.2% of the total) were signing on in December 2024.

A total of 5,302 people from the United Kingdom were on the Live Register according to CSO data, down from 5,522 at the beginning of the year.

The post Donegal has Ireland’s second highest unemployment rate per capita – report appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Danny O’Carroll conquered his nerves to nail an electrifying Charleston dance on last night’s Dancing with the Stars on RTE.

The Dublin actor, who lives in Donegal, earned the highest score of the night on week two.

Danny and his pro partner Salome Chachua closed the show with a Charleston to Don’t Blame it On Me by Michael Bublé.

And the judges were lost for words! “It was so good!,” said Karen Byrne

Arthur Gourounlian said, “What a joy Danny Boy!”

It was also the first ever ‘9’ from Brian Redmond on week two!

Speaking after the show, Danny said: “I’m blown away. I was so nervous coming into it, there’s a lot in it to remember… what comes next… but we nailed it.”

Vote for Danny by texting ‘Danny’ to 53125!

Singer Mickey Joe Harte with his Pro Dance Partner Daniela Roze during Dancing with the Stars.
Pic :Kyran O’Brien/kobpix

Lifford singer Mickey Joe Harte and his pro partner Daniela Roze danced an upbeat and fun jive to Mickey by Toni Basil, scoring 14 points.

Judge Karen Byrne said, “I love that song. I love how you attack it. From the back of your jacket you’re manifesting a score of“10” – not this week but maybe next week!”

Text ‘Mickey’ to 53125 to keep him dancing into the next round!

Next week will be the first elimination of the series.

The glitz, glamour, and nail-biting competition will continue on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player next Sunday, January 19th at 6:30pm.

The post Danny boogies to the top of the leaderboard on Dancing with the Stars! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

 Senior Ladies teams from across the county will be in action tonight at Ballyare, Cappry Park, and Leckview Park.

Check out the full schedule below to see who’s playing and when:

The post Fixtures: Busy evening of action in DWL women’s winter league appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Two people have lost their lives in collisions in Mayo and Limerick last night.

A pedestrian, a man aged in his 70s died in Co. Limerick when he was struck by a car. The tragic incident occurred in Abbeyfeale after 9pm on Sunday night.

Gardaí are currently at the scene of a second fatal road traffic collision, in Co. Mayo.

A young male driver, aged 17, suffered fatal injuries in a single vehicle collision on the R319 at Keel, Achill.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to both incidents.

The post National: Man (70s) and teenager killed in seperate collisions overnight appeared first on Donegal Daily.