Four people are set to lose their jobs at the end of the month due to the impending closure of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) charity shop in Letterkenny.

The National Board of the organisation is to close eight of its retail outlets around the country that have been part of their fundraising efforts. 

A ‘clearance sale’ began at the Letterkenny shop last week and it is no longer taking donations.

Donegal Daily understands that four people are currently employed there, as well as two TUS scheme workers and five volunteers. All staff and volunteers have been informed of the closure.

The thrift shop on the Pearse Road has been a focal point for many people for a number of years and the staff enjoyed meeting the customers alongside offering pre-loved items to the public at affordable prices.

We have contacted the IWA for a comment.

Last week, the association told a news outlet in the south of the country the retail sector has faced many external challenges over the years and ‘regrettably’ these challenges have led to the closure of eight of its shops.

The post Jobs losses on way as Donegal IWA charity shop to close appeared first on Donegal Daily.

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Telecommunications leaders Circet are expanding in Letterkenny with new opportunities for Network Planners to be part of the company’s future.

Donagh Kelly our CEO and Director of Design Greg Mullen established the Circet design Hub in 2019.

Our company has grown from a small team of just five employees to a thriving design hub with over 110 dedicated staff members.

Located in the IDA Business Park in Letterkenny, we are proud to be a key employer in the region, providing opportunities for both men and women from diverse career backgrounds.

Watch: Walkthrough video of the Circet Design and Innovation Hub in Letterkenny

Commitment to Training and Development

We believe in fostering talent and equipping our employees with the skills they need to succeed. Our company provides extensive onsite training, ensuring that new hires—regardless of their previous experience—can grow and develop within the industry. We work closely with Donegal ETB, putting many of our staff through their training programs, and we have also collaborated to create office-based and on-the-ground training courses that have proven highly successful.

In addition, our partnership with ATU allows us to offer students valuable placements within our office, and we welcome graduates from the college into our workforce each year. We also support young talent by providing transition year students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and explore career paths in our field.

The Exciting and Evolving Role of a Network Planner

Our role as network planners is dynamic and ever-evolving, positioning us at the forefront of global projects. From our office in Letterkenny, we collaborate with international teams in Circet Ireland / UK Germany, Circet Morocco, and Circet USA for design and quality assurance. On the data centre front, we are actively engaged in projects spanning Madrid, Johannesburg, Dublin, Cardiff, France, Milan, and beyond, contributing to critical infrastructure worldwide.

We are constantly innovating and adapting to industry trends, ensuring that our processes remain cutting-edge. Our dedicated development team is at the core of this transformation, continuously automating workflows, refining methodologies, and pioneering new ways of working that give us a competitive edge in the market. Our structured workforce includes network planners, team leads, project leads, project managers, design managers, development lead roles, and more. Together, we plan, design, report, and execute projects that have a global impact—all from our headquarters in Letterkenny.  There are always opportunities to progress within the company.

Recognizing Our Achievements

Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognized through several prestigious awards. We were honoured with the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award at the 2023 Esri User Conference, standing out among more than 100,000 organizations worldwide for our outstanding work with GIS technology. Esri also showcased our contributions at the award ceremony and online.

Additionally, in 2020 we won Stand-Out Success – Design and Planning award at the ESRI Ireland Customer Success Awards, which recognize organizations that enable collaboration across industries and communities. Our innovation was further acknowledged at the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023, where we received the Excellence in Innovation Award for enhancing career opportunities in the local community.

Greg Mullen, Director of Planning and Design, Circet Ireland and UK, alongside his management team being presented with the Special Achievement in GIS Award (SAG) by members of ERSI Ireland

Community Engagement and Corporate Responsibility

Beyond our business operations, we are deeply invested in giving back to the community. As part of the Business in the Community initiative, we actively engage with a school in Inishowen, promoting education and career development. Our commitment to local sports is evident in our sponsorship of the Donegal Senior Men’s and ladies GAA team.

We also take pride in our charitable efforts. In 2023, we organized a GAA match between our employees at Circet and the 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Champions, raising over €8,000. This year, we have already supported the ‘Do it for Danny’ foundation, and we have ambitious plans to expand our charity work further in the coming months.

Circet Senior Management with members of the Donegal team at the Circet Charity GAA Match in 2023

Circet charity team with donations raised by employees in the design hub for ‘We Care’ food bank in Letterkenny at Christmas time

Employees of the Design Hub in Letterkenny attending the ‘Women in Circet’ Breakfast Club

Expanding Our Reach and Creating Employment

Our company operates across multiple sectors, including fibre, power, and data centres, working with leading clients such as Virgin Media, ESB, Eir, Openreach, and NBI. We are continuously evolving, upskilling our workforce, and winning new contracts, all while maintaining a strong commitment to creating jobs in Letterkenny.

As we look to the future, our expansion efforts are well underway. We are actively hiring and seeking talented individuals to join our growing team. With our strong foundations in training, education, and community involvement, we are excited to continue driving innovation, providing employment, and making a positive impact in Donegal and beyond. 

For those interested in joining our team, please send your CV to Recruitment@circet.ie —exciting careers await at our thriving Letterkenny design hub!

The post Circet Hiring: Exciting job opportunities as Letterkenny Hub grows appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal County Council is set to review its hedge cutting schedule after Letterkenny was brought to a standstill during works two weeks ago.

Hedge and grass cutting on the dual carriageway on Thursday 27th February led to severe delays across the town during the evening rush hour.

The disruption was described as “sheer madness” by local Councillor Tomás Seán Devine, who has asked that non-emergency works be carried out on weekends going forward.

“Traffic disruptions in Letterkenny are bad enough. This is seriously damaging and having an effect on people coming to the town to shop and visit,” said Cllr Devine’s motion at this week’s meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.

Cllr Declan Meehan, seconding the motion, called for more logic.

“The council have in their knowledge base the busy times and the best times to close roads for essential repairs,” he said.

In response, Mr David McIIwaine, Senior Executive Engineer of the Roads section, said that hedge and grass cutting is essential for road safety and must be done during hedge-cutting season for environmental reasons.

Councillors were told that it is not possible to carry out these works without causing some disruption to traffic.

“These works have been carried out on weekends previously and complaints have also been received regarding disruption,” said Mr McIlwaine, who said he understood the frustrations.

Apologising for the disruption, he said the council will try to make improvements but there are limitations.

He said: “A review will be carried out to see where improvements can be made. As this is a dual carriageway specialist traffic management is required and the availability of these crews impacts on the timing when these works can be carried out.”

The post Hedge cutting timing questioned after traffic ‘madness’ in Letterkenny last month appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal County Council is set to replace road markings that have disappeared from one of the busiest turning points on Letterkenny’s Port Road.

Faded white lines at Tobin’s Filling Station entrance are causing uncertainty for drivers as turning lanes no longer exist, the council has been told.

Councillor Donal Coyle, who raised a motion on the issue at a Letterkenny-Milford MD meeting, said that motorists coming from the direction of the Polestar Roundabout have no guidelines when turning right into the station.

“It’s imperative that these lines be replaced immediately, it is an awful danger,” Cllr Coyle said.

“There is no sign of a line or a box and you have the oncoming traffic to deal with.”

In response, a spokesperson for the council said that the missing road markings will be replaced as a short-term solution as funding is sought for resurfacing works on this section of road. An application to the Department of Transport for resurfacing funds was unsuccessful for 2025, but the application will be resubmitted for 2026.

Cllr Coyle also raised a motion with the council last month seeking a full re-lining programme. He was told that Donegal County Council had procured a contractor to carry out road markings in the Letterkenny-Milford MD soon.

The post Council to fix dangerously faded road markings in Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Gardaí have confirmed that no one was injured following this morning’s crash near Donegal Town.

A two-car collision took place at Doonan, on the Mountcharles road, at around 10am.

A garda spokesperson said “no injuries were reported.”

The post No injuries reported following Donegal Town crash appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Century Complex is an entertainment complex based in Letterkenny Co Donegal. We have a vacancy for an Accounts Assistant to join our team based at our office in Letterkenny.

Reporting to the Financial Controller you will be responsible for assisting with and completing the duties below.

Key Responsibilities:

• Matching/ reviewing of invoices to delivery notes and orders
• Processing invoices to accounts package Sage Line 50
• Reconciliation of creditor statements at end of months
• Processing of journals to the nominal ledgers
• Dealing with supplier and staff queries
• Resolve invoice discrepancies and ensure all invoices due for payment are either paid or queried in a timely fashion
• General filing duties
• Cash Handling and reconciliation

What you’ll need to succeed:

• A minimum of 12 months previous experience in a similar role
• Experience with Sage Line 50 is essential
• Experience in the leisure / hospitality sector would be desirable

Skills / Knowledge:

• Ability to work in a busy, fast paced office environment
• Organised and able to prioritise workload with accurate record keeping
• Ability to work to deadlines and understand urgency of month end cut-offs
• Be able to demonstrate initiative whilst working in a team environment
• Proficient in Microsoft packages including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills both written and verbal

Full training will be provided for the ideal candidate.

The job description is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the role.

Closing date for this position is Monday 24th March 2025.

To apply, please email a CV to jobs@centurycinemas.ie or apply via Indeed.com.

The post Job Vacancy: Accounts Assistant opportunity with Century Complex Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

More than €11 million in funding has been confirmed for Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Fisheries, Timmy Dooley, made the announcement today as part of a €27.75m national package.

The money will go towards capital projects in Ireland’s publicly owned harbours through the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.  

The investment will modernise and enhance the six state-owned Fishery Harbour Centres and includes funding for local authorities through a marine infrastructure sub-scheme. The Fishery Harbour Centres are located at Killybegs, Ros an Mhíl, An Daingean, Castletownbere, Dunmore East and Howth.

The €11.2 million Killybegs funding is broken down as follows:

Emphasising the importance of the investment, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, said: “The projects in the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, will enhance the essential economic contributions of Ireland’s fishing sector and play a significant role in sustaining the vibrancy of these coastal communities. This is great news for these important communities, and I am delighted to show that we are delivering on the Programme for Government 2025 action to maintain support for the fishing sector, aquaculture as well as investing in our State Fishery Harbour Centres and public marine infrastructure.”

Approximately 87% of all fish landed into Ireland each year arrives at the Fishery Harbour Centres. In 2023, Bord Iascaigh Mhara valued the GDP of the Irish seafood industry at €1.2 billion. The investment in public marine infrastructure also underpins the emphasis in Food Vision 2030 on supporting primary and secondary producers in continuing to make improvements in environmental, economic and social sustainability.

The projects in the 2025 Fishery Harbour Centre and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, will enhance the essential economic contributions of Ireland’s fishing sector and play a significant role in sustaining the vibrancy of these coastal communities. 

Additional projects planned this year also demonstrate the Department’s commitment to supporting the Government’s environmental and sustainability agenda at the Fishery Harbour Centres. For example, projects such as water metering, renewable energy upgrades, and installation of LED public lighting are funded on an ongoing basis.

The Programme also provides for maintenance works at North Harbour Cape Clear and a small number of piers, lights and beacons for which the Department has responsibility. These structures date back to the 1902 Marine Works Act and the Congested District Board.

Minister Dooley continued: “The Fishery Harbour Centres also serve a variety of marine commercial enterprises, encompassing commercial cargo operations, cruise ships, dining establishments, and various water-based leisure, tourism, and social pursuits. The 2025 programme is critical to ensuring funding for a diverse suite of projects and continues this Government’s commitment to rural development, building on the success of previous programmes.” 

The post More than €11 million in funding for Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre  appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) said it was a ‘tough decision’ for them to close their charity shop in Letterkenny.

A spokesperson for the organisation was responding to an early Donegal Daily article about the closure at the end of this month of their Pearse Road outlet.

A ‘clearance sale’ began at the shop last week and it is no longer taking donations.

Donegal Daily understands that four people are currently employed there, as well as two TUS scheme workers and five volunteers. All staff and volunteers have been informed of the closure.

The National Board of the organisation is to shut eight of its fourteen retail shops around the country as a result of what they describe as ‘many external challenges’ facing the retail sector. 

These included increased running costs, fewer volunteer numbers and falling revenues which made some shops becoming financially unviable.

“As a result of these challenges, the difficult decision was made to close eight of our 14 shops,” an IWA spokesperson said.

“The Letterkenny shop is one of the eight shops due for closure by the end of the month. We would like to emphasise that this was a tough decision for IWA’s senior management team and board but one we believe is responsible given the financial situation of the retail stores and the mission of our organisation. We are committed to providing services and programmes for people with disabilities in their communities.”

The spokesperson added that the welfare of those impacted by these decisions is of the ‘utmost importance’ to them and they are committed to supporting their employees and volunteers. 

“We are working with those affected to ensure they get all the support they need, including exploring alternative roles within the organisation,” they added. 

“IWA’s Board and senior management team would like to sincerely thank those employees and volunteers for their hard work and dedication.”

The post ‘Tough decision’ to close Letterkenny charity shop – IWA appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Scoil Mhuire, Stranorlar, is currently fundraising to fund the purchase of a Sensory Path and STEM equipment.

They had a wonderful boat this week when principal Eoghan Roarty and Edel Doherty were presented with a cheque for €3,480 from the Meentycat and Culliagh Community Fund (SSE Renewables).

This funding has been granted for the purchase of Lego in Education kits for the school.

“These kits will give the children great experience when it comes to STEM education,” a spokesperson for the National School said.

Tomorrow, the Parents Association is hosting a disco for the children to continue with the fundraising in these areas. This promises to be great fun.

The disco will be held in Jackson’s Hotel (Pyramid Suite), and begins at 6pm and ends at 8pm. There is strictly no admission without a parent/ guardian present. Tickets €5 per child or €15 per family.

The post Stranorlar school fundraising for sensory path and STEM equipment appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Relatives of a number of victims of the Creeslough tragedy have lodged a new appeal to halt the rebuilding of the service station on the site of the fatal explosion.

In a fresh appeal to An Bord Pleanala, families say it would be “insulting and disrespectful” to rebuild on the same land where ten people perished in October 2022.

Planning permission was granted by Donegal County Council last month to Vivo Shell Ltd to move forward with the development.

However, families are appealing the decision on four separate grounds including the storage of gas and petrol and the fact that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion and if any wrongdoing occurred.

They argued that it is against public policy to rebuild a development where a mass tragedy has occurred.

“Both the Stardust Nightclub and the Grenfell Tower were never rebuilt, and the explosion in Creeslough is akin to those tragedies,” the appeal said.

“Additionally, the proposed memorial of ten steel rods is incredibly insensitive, cruel, callous and cold as some of the victims were killed by steel and concrete in the explosion.

“Such a tactless memorial which would be located directly beside the proposed service station cannot be allowed,” they said.

They stated that inquests into the deaths of the ten victims have not yet occurred and that if the development proceeds, it will result in the destruction of crucial evidence.

The 10 signatories of the appeal are the parents of the late Leona Harper, Hugh and Donna, her brothers, Anthony and Jamie, and Anthony’s partner Leah Clarke.

The appeal is also signed by Amanda Faul, Marie Ronaghan, Kathryn McDevitt, sisters of the late Martina Martin (nee Russell), and Nolene and Adrian McAuley, who lived in the building. They are represented by Damien Tansey Solicitors.

The post BREAKING: Families lodge fresh objection to ‘insulting’ Creeslough station rebuild appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal Gardaí are to clampdown on intoxicated driving as part of an extensive road safety campaign over the St Patrick’s Day bank holiday weekend.

The operation, which has been in effect since 7am, is particularly targeting motorists who get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The road safety initiative will remain in place until 7am on Tuesday, with Gardaí warning they will be out in force over the coming days, with checkpoints being set up.

Over the St Patrick’s bank holiday period in 2023, they arrested 196 drivers on suspicion of drink or drug driving across the country.

A total of 175 motorists were arrested on suspicion of similar offences during the same time last year.

The latest figures show there has been a 21% reduction in the number of people killed on Irish roads so far this year, compared to the same period last year.

As of this morning, 33 people have lost their lives in incidents, down from 42 at the same time in 2024.

However, last year was a particularly bad year on Donegal roads. The county recorded one of the highest number of road deaths in Ireland, according to statistics published by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

Seventeen people lost their lives on roads here in 2024, up from ten in 2023.

That number of fatalities was the highest in Co Donegal since 2010 when 19 people perished on the county’s roads. So far this year, four people have lost their lives on Donegal roads.

Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries, of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau, said there will be increased garda activity on the roads nationwide.

She said it is expected that large numbers of people will be out drinking and socialising as part of the St Patrick’s celebrations.

She said on average gardaí make one arrest an hour of people driving under the influence and “we are expecting that to increase over the weekend”.

“We are appealing to people not to drink and not to take drugs when they’re driving,” Chief Supt Humphries added.

She is advising people to plan ahead and to organise a safe way home if out socialising.

“We’re asking that when you do go out and socialise, do make alternative arrangements to get home,” she said.

“Don’t get into your car if you’ve taken drugs or drink, and especially as a passenger, do not get in as a passenger with somebody who has taken substances as a driver.

“People are of the belief that they’re not going to get caught. Don’t take that chance.”

She also advised motorists to be cautious about driving the morning after a night out drinking.

“We do see a large number of arrests the morning after, right up to 2pm in the afternoon,” Chief Supt Humphries added.

Gardaí will also be targeting other offences including speeding, mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt.

The post Intoxicated driving main focus of garda St Patrick’s weekend campaign appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Job Vacancy: A Retail Stores Assistant is required for a busy retail business in Moville.

The role will entail both counter sales and stores work preparing and invoicing customer orders for collection by courier as well as receiving and putting deliveries into the warehouse. This role requires that the applicant be computer literate as all sales and invoicing is computer based. This role also may entail heavy lifting from time to time. 

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From €13.50 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Immediate start is preferred

To Apply: Please email a CV with ‘East Inishowen Retail‘ in the email subject line to donegaldailyjobs@gmail.com

The post Job Vacancy: Full-Time Retail Assistant required in Moville appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Carrigans dairy farmer Shannon Porter has been elected to the IFA Farm Business Committee.

Shannon, who runs The Milk Bar from her family farm, will represent Donegal on the national committee for business issues facing farm families.

In 2021, Shannon opened Donegal’s first milk vending machine for bottled pasteurised milk, fresh from the Porter farm.

Farm Business Committee focuses on taxation policies, credit issues, and providing support to farmers facing financial challenges.

Shannon was elected to the committee position at Donegal IFA AGM last night.

The meeting also saw William Kelly from Pettigo receiving an Honorary Life Membership from the branch.

See photos from the gathering below, by Clive Wasson:

Joe Sweeney, County Chairman congratulated Shannon Porter on her election to the Farm Business Committee at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Joe Sweeney, County Chairman, and Alice Doyle, Deputy President present William Kelly from Pettigo with an Honorary Life Membership at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

William Kelly from Pettigo with his family Kevin, Donal, Laura, Louise, Luke, Paul and Shaorn Kelly after receiving an Honorary Life Membership at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Gillian Smyth, Alice Doyle, Deputy President, Marion Boyce and Laura Smyth at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Alison McCrabbe, Shannon Porter, Wade McCrabbe, Lara Smyth and Gillian Smyth at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Lawerence McNamee , Frank Butler, Joe Sweeney, Donegal IFA Chairman, and Ian Witherow at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Frank Brady, Ulster North Leinster Regional Chair, John O’Hanlon, Ulster North Leinster Senior Regional Executive , George Sterritt, Ethan Carvill, Regional Executive and Frank McClean at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Andrew McMenamin, Donegal Secretary, Alice Doyle, IFA Deputy Vice president, Joe Sweeney, Donegal Chairman, Frank Brady, Ulster North Leinster Chair, and Ethan Carvill, Regional Executive at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Some of the large crowd at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

Farmers at the Donegal Irish Farmers Association (IFA) AGM in the Clanree Hotel . Photo Clive Wasson

The post Carrigans businesswoman elected to national IFA committee appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A family are seeking a semi-derelict or older house to purchase in the Dunfanaghy/Falcarragh area.

The ‘dooer upper’  house will preferably be located on its own self-contained site and within easy access of the coastline.

All available properties will be considered.

Anybody with a property for sale are asked to email details to info@donegaldaily.com

All replies will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

The post Family seek house in Dunfanaghy/Falcarragh area to develop appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Early risers in Donegal tomorrow morning could be treated to a total eclipse of the moon.

The event occurs when the moon enters the earth’s shadow and appears to turn reddish orange.

It will be almost four years before it happens again.

Frances McCarthy, an Education and Outreach Officer at Blackrock Castle Observatory in Co Cork, said this event is known as a ‘Blood Moon’.

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, she said this is because the sunlight is going through the Earth’s atmosphere.

Ms McCarthy warned that the eclipse would set early and anyone who wants to witness it should be up before 7am.

She advised people to go to high ground in order to see it best, because cloud cover can often obstruct the view.

“The moon will start moving into the Earth’s shadow just before 4am but that will be quite a subtle change,” she said.

“It’ll be quite a bit better from about six o’clock.”

The post Rise early for ‘total eclipse of the moon’ tomorrow morning! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

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The wait is finally over… Voodoo Venue is unveiling its stunning new lounge this weekend!

To celebrate, there’s an epic line-up of entertainment is in store across Voodoo Lounge, Gasworks, Downtown Bar and 21 House Wine Bar this weekend.

Enjoy quality live music nightly from Thursday 13th – Monday 17th March and the biggest football and GAA clashes on the big screen.

The grand opening of Voodoo Lounge is not to be missed. Roadhouse Band is live on stage from 10pm, followed by DJ Christopher Gamble till late. You’re invited!

Super Sunday at Voodoo lounge will feature live music from 7pm from Martin Orr, Paul Kelly & the Low Flying Ducks and DJ Lee Duncan.

The St Patrick’s celebrations are will be in full swing, and Monday will see Evan Sheridan, David Craig Band, DJ Tubbsy and DJ Paddy Friel in action. One For the Road are taking over Gasworks and Matthew Crampsey is in 21 House.

If you’re looking for a fantastic night out, Voodoo Venue has something for everyone this weekend. See you there!

The post All-new Voodoo Lounge opens its doors this weekend! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Republic of Ireland legend Packie Bonner will be taking a trip down memory lane on this week’s Late Late Show as the Italia 90 squad reunites.

Marking 35 years since Ireland first qualified for the World Cup, Patrick Kielty will welcome Mick McCarthy, Niall Quinn, Packie Bonner, Ronnie Whelan, Ray Houghton, John Aldridge, Kevin Sheedy, David O’Leary, Andy Townsend, Chris Hughton, Chris Morris, Steve Staunton, Kevin Moran, Bernie Slaven, John Sheridan, Frank Stapleton and David Kelly to studio.

Bonner is best remembered for his famous save to deny Daniel Timofte at Italia ’90 as Ireland overcame Romania to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.

A native of Burtonport, Bonner was also a skilled GAA player and had a handful of appearances for the Donegal senior team.

Friday’s Late Late show will be themed on St Patrick’s Day with music, dancing, reunions and returns.

Riverdance will be taking over The Late Late Show studio on Friday night as the cast showcase the global phenomenon which began as the interval act during the Eurovision Song Contest 1994.

Grammy Award-winner and Cork singer-songwriter Cian Ducrot will be on the show to perform his new song Little Dreaming. Fresh from singing the National Anthems at last week’s Six Nations Cian, who has just announced his first headline show at the 3Arena for later this year, will also sit down with Patrick this Friday night for a chat.

Nerves are building and the tension is rising as the winner of this year’s Dancing with the Stars is just days away from taking home the coveted glitterball. Joining Patrick on the show tonight are the anticipatory finalists Jack Woolley, Rhys McClenaghan, Kayleigh Trappe and Danny O’Carroll along with their pro-partners Alexandra Vladimirov, Laura Nolan, Ervinas Merfeldas and Salome Chachua. They’ll be chatting about their time spent on and off the dancefloor, the friendships they’ve made and more.

Get ready for a ‘Rollercoaster’ of a performance as B*Witched make their return to The Late Late Show this Friday night. Chart toppers Keavy, Edele, Sinead and Lindsay will be performing an ultimate fan favourite.

And that’s not all, Irish rugby fans in Rome will have the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Italy v Ireland match this Saturday.

The post Packie Bonner to relive Italia 90 glory on the Late Late Show appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Speeding at Bridgend in Ramelton has been described as “an accident waiting to happen” by concerned local councillors.

Urgent traffic calming measures have been called for to slow traffic entering Ramelton from the Milford road.

Local residents have described the throttle of passing vehicles as “like earthquakes”, according to Cllr Pauric McGarvey. He and Cllr Declan Meehan both raised motions on this road at Tuesday’s meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.

Cllr McGarvey said that while a flashing speed sign has been installed at the top of the road, it’s not enough.

He added the family that owns the Bridge Bar is in constant fear for the safety of their children crossing and of customers who stand outside in times of good weather.

Cllr Declan Meehan said there have been countless near misses at the corner.

“It’s not Russian roulette, it’s a case of Ramelton roulette with the speed of people coming down that road,” Cllr Meehan said.

“I genuinely believe that it is an accident waiting to happen on that hill and that corner.”

Donegal County Council’s roads section has agreed to carry out an assessment of this location and consider options for improving safety. While the gradient would not suit ramps, Councillors were told that possible sources of funding to carry out safety works would be through a NTA Active Travel Scheme.

The post ‘It’s not Russian roulette, it’s Ramelton roulette’ appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Featured photo: Visualisation of the re-imagined Market Square by Landscape Architect Joseph McCallion

The Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford MD Gerry McMonagle has called on the council to engage with businesses, residents and users of Letterkenny Main Street to ensure they reap the rewards of future development projects.

The Main Street area is in line for major investment of up to €20million through several major urban regeneration projects. These include the Old Courthouse, Cathedral Quarter Park and creative enterprise hub, Alpha Beta Buildings and the re-imagined Market Square.

“People are asking what can we do with the main street going forward with all this investment. When the Market Square is opened up into a plaza, how do we make the Main Street more amenable?” Cllr McMonagle asked Tuesday’s meeting of the Letterkeny-Milford Municipal District.

“We all know it’s suffering from dereliction,” Cllr McMonagle said of the street, adding that he has been contacted by people concerned about the type of retail units emerging on the main street, such as the growing number of takeaways.

Cllr McMonagle said it’s important that businesses, residents and users can share their views on how to develop the street alongside the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) projects on the way in the next 3-5 years.

“Does the Main Street, as it sits today, benefit all that, or should we now consult with businesses on how they can reap the rewards of the investment we are putting into the area to increase footfall and possibly increase the amount of people looking to invest?” he asked.

In a response, Patricia McIntyre, Town Regeneration Officer said that URDF projects has or will in the future involve public consultation. The council is set to collaborate with Elected Members to explore opportunities for showcasing URDF project details at future public consultation events alongside larger-scale information days.

Councillors were also told that the Market Square project is expected to progress to site this year.

Councillor McMonagle was also provided with an update on funding awarded to Letterkenny’s substantial Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).

Call 2 of the fund includes the reimagining of Market Square with €750,000 in URDF funding from a €1 million overall investment, the development of the Cathedral Quarter Park receiving €7.5 million of a €10 million project, the revival of the Courthouse with €2,925,000 from the URDF for a €3.9 million budget, and the establishment of a Regional Transport Hub supported by €1,275,000 for the project totalling €1.7 million.

€750,000 of investment will enable renewal on Lower Main Street (totalling project €1 million), and phase 2 of the LK Green Connect will be supported with €1.7m, of which the URDF component is €2,925,000.

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The Book of Evidence has been served on an Inishowen man charged with manslaughter over the unlawful death of a man in Clonmany last year.

Kevin Grant, of 21 Parkmore, Buncrana, did not appear before Buncrana District Court to answer the serious charge, but a judge has warned that he must appear before her next month.

It is alleged that Mr Grant did unlawfully kill James Devine at Main Street, Clonmany on May 12, 2024.

Mr Grant (37) is also charged with a series of other offences in relation to the incident.

Several members of Mr Devine’s family were present in court for the brief proceedings.

Detective Sergeant Killian Callaghan, of Buncrana Garda Station, testified how he had served the Book of Evidence on Kevin Grant’s solicitor Mr Pat McMyler.

The DPP has directed that Mr Grant be sent forward for trial on indictment but his solicitor Mr McMyler sought to “pause” matters for one month due to the seriousness of the charge.

“Our application would be to pause, because this is a very serious charge to consider. It’s at the very highest end.”

Mr McMyler further asked Judge Eiteain Cunningham ahead of the upcoming trial: “Would you certify for two counsel, please?”

However, the judge opted not to do so at this stage.

“I’m not going to do that at this juncture. It would be one junior [counsel] and then going forward you can certainly make another application in relation to that – but not at this juncture.”

Judge Cunningham adjourned the case until April 10 next, when it’s expected Mr Grant will be formally sent forward to the Circuit Court for trial.

Garda Sergeant Emmet Brady asked that the defendant be ordered to attend the next court hearing in-person rather than through his legal representative.

“Could he be marked to be present the next day, please, judge? It’s just that he hasn’t appeared on a number of previous occasions and he’s not here today either.”

Judge Cunningham said Mr Grant would have to appear the next time.

“Oh, yes, he will have to be present. I can’t send anyone forward [for trial] without first giving them the alibi warning.”

Mr McMyler indicated that his client would be in attendance at the next scheduled hearing at Buncrana District Court.

“Yes, Judge, of course,” he said.

Judge Cunningham emphasised how she had made a “specific note” that Mr Grant is to appear in court next month. She also extended Legal Aid to Mr McMyler in the matter.

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