Families living in a Ballymacool estate in Letterkenny have said they are in the “worst position yet” after receiving notices to vacate their homes in 90 days.

Weeks before Christmas 2023, residents of nine houses in The Forest estate learned their homes were being put up on the market by property company Twin Estates.

The company has since been in negotiation with the council over the purchase of some of the properties under the Tenant-in-Situ scheme.

This morning, some residents reported receiving a determination order from the Residential Tenancies Board instructing that their notice of termination still stands and that they must give up their homes.

Meanwhile, Donegal County Council is seeking clarification on new Tenant In Situ scheme restrictions. The scheme allows local authorities to buy properties where tenants are facing eviction and qualify for supports such as Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).

However, the new criteria would leave just two of the nine houses in The Forest qualifying for the scheme.

After receiving today’s RTB order a resident of The Forest told Donegal Daily: “As of today we are currently in the worst position. We have 90 days to leave the property which means if council will not have an answer soon we end up Lord knows where. I have no idea what to do at this stage.”

Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Gerry McMonagle says it’s a worrying time for tenants who are down to the wire.

“The council has sought clarification from the Housing Minister’s office around the tenant in situ scheme but the legislation probably won’t be passed until the end of the month because he’s out of the country with St. Patrick’s Day.”

Cllr McMonagle said much of the delays are down to legislation around defective blocks and testing regimes, which leaves the council unable to sign off on purchasing the homes.

“The council is also awaiting the defective block reports, which have been with the council for quite a while, but they haven’t got an update report from the engineer. That is holding things up,” he explained.

“In fairness to the vendor, he has been dealing with the council since 2023 and is probably fairly frustrated at this stage because we are no further forward. He did offer alternative accommodation to the people involved. To date, no one has taken that.”

Cllr McMonagle said that his heart goes out to the families involved.

“It’s worrying and something the council needs to look at and do better, if we are being honest

“It’s going on too long and in the middle of all this is families. They are going into a market now that is very volatile, with the high cost of rents.”

The Mayor said he has contacted the council to ask what supports it can give to tenants, such as help with deposits, to prevent them from presenting as homeless.

“We have 90 days now to try and help and assist these families and we should use this time wisely.

“My advice to the families is to make the council aware of their current situation and flag it up and I will continue to flag it up with the council for us to give whatever assistance we can.”

The post Ballymacool families in despair over deadline to leave homes appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal County Council has been asked to provide new signs to prevent cars turning down a one-way street in Letterkenny.

Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh raised the issue with Letterkenny-Milford MD Roads Section this week, asking the council to take action to show there is no left turn onto the Port Road for traffic at the traffic lights on High Road.

The council responded to say that a “no left turn” sign at this location would be misleading to traffic as it could indicate to traffic that they are unable to travel down the Justice Walsh Road.

Currently, the council has “No Entry” road markings at the top of Port Road to deter drivers from going in the wrong direction.

Following Cllr Kavanagh’s query, the council has agreed to carry out an assessment to establish if there is a suitable location to erect No Entry signs.

The post Call for signage to prevent wrong turns in Letterkenny town centre appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A series of improvements to patients’ care are to be implemented at Letterkenny University Hospital, following the results of patient feedback surveys.

At a recent meeting at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH), staff, managers and senior leaders from hospitals in the West and North West met to collaborate on the improvements they plan to implement as a result of the National Inpatient Experience Programme.

The meeting also featured members of the National Care Experience Programme, HIQA, the Department of Health, and members of the LUH and National Patients Forums.

The National Inpatient Experience Programme aims to improve the quality of health and social care services in Ireland by capturing patients’ experiences and acting on their feedback.

The survey which is now in its sixth year, invited patients who spent 24 hours or more in a public acute hospital in May 2024 to share their experiences.

The 2024 survey saw over 30,000 patients from 40 acute public hospitals, including Letterkenny University Hospital, invited to take part and share their experiences.

A total of 12,367 patients shared their insights, with 85% of respondents to the survey rating their overall hospital experience as good or very good.

However, the survey also highlighted areas for improvement, such as the need for better communication regarding post-discharge care, more time with doctors, and increased support for patients concerns, including worries and fears.

Martina Porter, Quality and Patient Safety Manager at LUH said, “In response to these findings, LUH is pleased to announce a series of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) aimed at enhancing patient care and experience. These initiatives are part of the ongoing commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services and ensuring patient satisfaction.”

Some of the areas patients identified as needing improvement included the provision of support for patients with Disabilities or Long-Term Conditions, and regarding patients who wanted to give feedback or make a complaint and did not know how or where to do so.

In a statement, the hospital said:

“LUH are using the results of this survey to help us prioritise quality improvements for the coming year and as part of that we introducing Patient Feedback Initiatives. These initiatives include Improved Feedback Accessibility with the increased availability of feedback forms by placing Perspex boxes in high visibility areas near ward entrances and exits. New posters with QR codes will be placed at each bedside, providing information on how to make a complaint or give feedback. Staff awareness information sessions will be conducted for clinical and non clinical staff to support the patient feedback process. LUH will also be increasing patient partner feedback so complaints will be reviewed quarterly with the Patient and the Family Experience Group to identify areas for improvement.”

“One of the initiatives LUH will also introduce is supports for Patients with Disabilities or Long-Term Conditions. These supports will include the ‘Hello My Name Is’ campaign to help patients with disabilities identify staff members, improving communication, HSE Health Passport Promotion which Encourages the use of the Health Passport for patients with intellectual disabilities to better communicate their needs, including information about John’s Campaign in the Patient Information Booklet to support patients with disabilities and their carers and recruiting patient partners with disabilities to the Patient and Family Experience Group to ensure their representation.”

At the collaborative meeting Angie Gallagher from the LUH Patient and Family Experience Forum delivered an informative presentation on a series of initiates that have been developed at LUH over the last 6 months in improving user experience for children and adults with intellectual challenges and neuro diversity conditions. The initiatives have gone down extremely well with both the patients and their families and even though they have only been implemented over the last 5 months, various elements are already being adopted by other hospitals within the West North West region.

Claire Conlon, QPS Manager at Roscommon University Hospital and Maura Heffernan, Director of Nursing at Sligo University Hospital, also gave informative presentations on initiatives being delivered at their respective hospitals in response to feedback from the National Patient Inpatients Survey 2024.

In addition, LUH will be promoting education sessions and online modules to enhance staff communications skills, designing and displaying posters to inform patients about available pastoral supports and enhancing the use of Patient Information Booklets and ensuring effective discharge planning with clear communication and support information.

Seán Murphy, Manager of LUH, said, “We would like thank all the staff at Letterkenny University Hospital for their hard work and dedication in improving patient care. We are committed to delivering the highest quality of care to our patients. The National Inpatient Experience Survey provides invaluable insights that help us understand our patients’ needs and improve our services. We encourage all eligible patients to participate and share their experiences.”

For more information about the survey and to view the results, visit https://yourexperience.ie/inpatient/national-results/.

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Two remarkable men from Donegal are setting out to walk 100km across the county in a single day, to raise money for charity, and awareness of prostate cancer and the importance of getting checked.

Donegal businessman Joe Coyle will be joined by Thomas Given for the charity walk from Mountcharles to Downings.

Joe is currently living in Mountcharles, but is a Downings native – making this route from the Donegal Bay to the north coast especially poignant.

An avid walker and qualified walking guide, Joe has also been one of the guides on the popular annual Donegal Camino over the years.

The inspiration for this special walk stems from Joe’s own story of surviving prostate cancer – thanks to early discovery and treatment that came about thanks to a chance medical appointment.

His driving licence expired, meaning that he required a routine medical to be completed to get his renewal – a medical that led to the early discovery of the disease – with Joe saying “what should have been a simple renewal became a complete life health check, albeit with a very positive outcome.”

The walk on the 2nd of May will raise much needed funds for Cancer Care West in Donegal, which provided professional and personal support to Joe and his family throughout his cancer journey – leading to him wishing to give back to the service.

Joe and walking partner Thomas Given will depart from the Mountcharles Pier on Donegal Bay at 4am on Friday morning, the 2nd of May, and walk via the picturesque Lough Eske to the twin towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar and onto the commercial capital of Donegal, Letterkenny.

From here Joe and Thomas will continue their walk through Kilmacrennan and the beautiful Lough Salt and onto Carrigart, from where Joe will walk home to his original birthplace of Downings via the Atlantic Drive.

While the long trek will certainly be a challenge, Joe also notes that cancer was one too – and he is keen to show his fellow men the importance of getting checked early and avoiding a cancer diagnosis.

“I’m very grateful to have beaten prostate cancer,” Joe said.

“Gratitude is everything in life and especially when you come out the other side of a Prostate Cancer surgery from Jan 2022. It was a stressful time for me and my family and my intention with walking from my home in Mountcharles to my birth home in Downings on Friday May 2nd next is to show men the importance of being aware of their Prostate and getting checked and to thank Cancer Care West Donegal for their support.”

Walkers are welcome to join Joe for some or all of the walk (with those joining being responsible their own safety transport and provisions).

Joe invites everyone to donate to Cancer Care West Donegal via his iDonate page: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/JoeCoyle111. All proceeds go directly to the vital services which the cancer charity provide for men, women and children across Donegal who are on a cancer journey.

“The numbers of men being diagnosed with prostate cancer are increasing,” Joe said.

“Ultimately I’m pleading with men over 45 to go to their GP and get their PSA number (Prostate Signal Antigen which is a marker in the blood for Prostate Cancer) and become familiar with it. When I became aware of mine at the rate of 3.6. I wondered if I had just won the Lotto or was I on the way out? My GP felt that while it was under 4.00 there was no urgent cause for concern. The first test or reading is the most important as all future tests are benchmarked against that one. In my case my previous reading was 2.6”

Joe Coyle guides the annual Donegal Camino 7 day walking festival alongside lead Donegal Camino guide John Mc Groary of John’s Walking Ireland which also raises substantial funds for Cancer Care West Support Centre in Donegal.

You can follow the event’s Facebook page here for updates

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Gardaí are asking for the public’s assistance in finding a woman who is missing from the Letterkenny area.

They are appealing for help in tracing the whereabouts of 60-year-old Kathleen Nic Giollbhain, who was reported missing yesterday,  Friday the 14th of March 2025.

Kathleen is described as being approximately 5 foot 4 inches in height, of slim build, with dark grey hair and blue eyes.

It is not known what Kathleen was wearing when last seen.

Anyone with information on Kathleen’s whereabouts has been asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on (074) 91 67 100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

The post Garda appeal launched to help find woman missing from Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A delegation from Donegal Public Participation Network (PPN) Secretariat recently met with Assistant Garda Commissioner Cliona Richardson to discuss proposals for two Community Engagement Areas (CEA) within County Donegal.

The Donegal PPN delegation presented their arguements to adapt the Garda Community Engagement Area policing model to reflect the unique circumstances of the county – and urging for a three-area approach to be adopted.

The proposed two CEA Garda model has raised important questions within the community about its ability to effectively address the county’s distinct geographical and social landscape, according to the Donegal PPN.

It was emphasised by the Donegal PPN that a three CEA model would allow for enhanced community engagement, equitable resource allocation, and a more localised response to the county’s diverse needs, including Donegal’s expansive rural areas, dispersed population, and proximity to the border, presenting challenges that require a tailored policing approach.

Assistant Commissioner Richardson, who travelled from Galway, acknowledged the feedback provided by the PPN and reiterated An Garda Síochána’s commitment to designing a model that prioritises community trust and safety.

“We value the insights of community networks like the PPN, and we are open to exploring all perspectives to ensure our policing model is effective and inclusive,” said Richardson following the meeting.

The PPN Secretariat voiced the importance of safeguarding services for remote and rural areas, enhancing cross-border collaboration, expansive coastline and addressing local concerns such as access to policing resources.

The neglect of the Gaeltacht area also raised critical concerns according to the PPN, with the delegation stating that Gaeltacht communities have long faced challenges which are specific to their rural areas and highlight the need for a more inclusive approach.

The delegation acknowledged the addition of inspectors to Lifford, Glenties and Letterkenny but also raised their concerns of the lack of a Superintendent in Letterkenny for the past 12 months.

Chairperson of the delegation Joe Boland said, “The meeting with Assistant Commissioner Richardson and Chief Superintendent Sheridan was an open, frank and honest discussion with the Garda representation acknowledging the concerns and issues raised and gave an undertaking to give the proposals some consideration and to engage with the PPN when a review will be held.”

Both parties committed to maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a collaborative process as the Garda model evolves. The PPN also urged community members to stay informed and actively participate in consultations, recognising that public input is critical to shaping a safer and more connected County Donegal.

The post Donegal PPN meet with Assistant Garda Commissioner to push for further community engagement appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A Donegal singer is to present a new BBC music show, Ceolta, which aims to showcase Ulster’s finest musical talent.

BBC Northern Ireland Gaeilge announced the launch of Ceolta, an exciting new six-part music series set to premiere in March 2025.

The show will be hosted by Gaoth Dobhair singer Eve Belle and Fiachna Ó Braonáin of Hothouse Flowers.

Ceolta brings audiences on an unforgettable journey through the rich and evolving music scene of Ulster.

Filmed in six carefully selected venues, Ceolta captures the raw energy of live performances in intimate and unique settings.

Designed to immerse viewers in the heart of Ulster’s music scene, the series showcases a stellar line-up of both established artists and emerging talents, offering a dynamic blend of contemporary and traditional influences.

Each episode of Ceolta transports audiences to an atmospheric venue, celebrating the depth and diversity of music across the region:

Episode 1: Dungiven, County Derry – McReynolds Bar | Featuring Mary Dillon, Neil Martin, The Paul Casey Band, Muireann Bradley, and Briana Corrigan

Episode 2: Moy, County Tyrone – Tomney’s Bar | Featuring North x North West, Cliona Hagan, Joe McVeigh, and Pinnsleep

Episode 3: Belfast, County Antrim – Madden’s Bar | Featuring Clare Sands, Arborist, Gráinne Holland, and Duke Special with the Acro Quartet

Episode 4: Forkhill, County Armagh – The Welcome Inn | Featuring Dani Larkin, Brian Finnegan, Cathal Murphy, and Eve Belle

Episode 5: Bangor, County Down – Court House | Featuring Winnie Ama, Hothouse Flowers, And So I Watch You From Afar, and The Open House Choir

Episode 6: Boho, County Fermanagh – The Green Linnet | Featuring Houseplants, Seamie MacPeak and his band, Máire Ní Churraoin, and jazz-folk group Le Chéile with Múlú.

The series is filmed in intimate venues, evoking the atmosphere of a lock-in, where world-class artists perform up close with engaged audiences. This immersive setting allows for raw, energetic, and heartfelt performances that celebrate Ulster’s rich musical traditions and evolving contemporary scene.

Singer Eve said “I always feel lucky to be part of the music scene in the North, and so I’m incredibly grateful to be working on Ceolta, a series that shines a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible music in this area.”

Her co-presenter Fiachna Ó Braonáin shared his excitement saying “I have felt exceptional energy and warmth in Ulster for many years while performing music in the area—both from musicians and audiences alike! I am delighted now to have the opportunity to immerse myself fully alongside the Ulster musician Eve Belle and visit magical music venues as part of the new television series Ceolta!”

Ceolta is set to premiere on BBC2 NI at 10pm on 17th March 2025, with episodes airing weekly. The series will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer on the 17th of March 2025, ensuring audiences can experience the magic of Ceolta at their leisure.

The post Gaoth Dobhair singer to front new BBC music show appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Scoil Niall Mór Killybegs were crowned winners of the 2025 Garda Schools Quiz this week.

They took the top spot as schools from around the county gathered at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny for the Donegal Divisional Final.

After a fun evening of quizzing competiton, a brilliant effort from the Scoil Niall Mór Killybegs team saw them come out on top.

Creevy N.S. Ballyshannon claimed second place, with Scoil Naomh Fiacra rounding out the podium in third place.

On social media, An Garda Síochána Donegal praised the efforts of all involved on the night.

“All of the students have done themselves, their families and their schools very proud,” they said.

“Thank you to everybody who took the time to come along to support them.”

The event was sponsored by Donegal County Council, the Donegal Road Safety Working Group and Donegal Motor Club.

The post Scoil Niall Mór Killybegs crowned 2025 Garda Schools Quiz winners appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal Dubai GAA enjoyed a supremely successful first season, capped off by three league title wins last week.

The newly-formed club had five teams enter the final round of the league with all to play for, with RAK Ropairí GAA at Ras Al Kaimah playing host.

There were big successes for the Men’s C, Men’s D social and Ladies’ D sides, as they both claimed titles on the day.

The Men’s C team were victorious in an all-Donegal final, with Captain Conor Gibbons named as Player of the Tournament.

The league wins also secured promotion for two of the sides, who will be competing at Men’s Junior B and Ladies’ Junior C level next year, in Dubai’s highly competitive league system.

The evening ended with a presentation of a signed Donegal jersey from Club county board representative Cieran Kelly to the club, for use as a prize at the club’s end of year banquet.

All-in-all, over 75 players played for Donegal Dubai in a highly successful first year for the side.

The post Donegal Dubai GAA claim three titles after brilliant first season appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The main Letterkenny-Lifford N14 road has been closed following a serious road traffic collision.

The accident took place this afternoon at Pluck, Manorcunningham – just before the dual carriageway.

Donegal Daily understands that at least three vehicles were involved in the collision.

Members of the emergency services including Gardaí, ambulance service and fire service are currently attending the scene.

Local diversions are currently in place through Manorcunningham as they continue to attend to the scene.

We will provide more updates as we have them.

The post BREAKING: Main Letterkenny-Lifford road closed after serious collision appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Fermanagh 1-08 v 1-20 Donegal

Donegal’s Minor footballers strolled to their second League win in as many games this afternoon away against Fermanagh.

They were seven points to the good at the half-time break, with a dominant performance seeing them ahead by 0-11 to 0-04.

Donegal kept their foot to the throttle in the second half, a 40th minute goal from Joseph Gibbons helping to further press the advantage all the way until the full-time whistle.

Their 100 percent winning record means that they have now topped their group and will advance to the Semi-Finals of the competition in two weeks’ time.

The post Donegal Minors make it two wins from two with Fermanagh victory appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A woman who had been missing from the Letterkenny area has been located following a public appeal.

The 60-year-old woman was reported missing to Gardaí yesterday.

However thankfully, Gardaí say that she has now been located and is “safe and well”.

Gardaí have thanked the public for their assistance in the matter.

The post Update: Missing Letterkenny woman found “safe and well” after appeal appeared first on Donegal Daily.

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Congratulations to the amazing students who took part in the Irish League of Credit Unions School Quiz Regional Chapter Final on Sunday at the Radisson Hotel in Letterkenny.

27 teams comprising of x108 students took part in the regional chapter final from thirteen credit unions; Ballyshannon & Killybegs, B&S, Derry, Donegal Town, Ghaoth Dobhair, Inishowen, Letterkenny, Lifford, Pennyburn, the Rosses, Sheephaven, Swilly Mulroy and Waterside, coming together to support their local schools.

You could hear a pin drop during the rounds, as the teams nervously went through the quiz rounds, with a nail biting final of 3 tie breakers to determine the under 13 years winner.

Judges at the Credit Union School Quiz Regional Final

Huge congratulations to the winners who now go through to the national credit union school quiz final in Dublin on 6th April:

1st under 11 years Woodland NS under Letterkenny CU

2nd under 11 years Scoil Aodh Rua & Nuala under Donegal Town CU

1st under 13 years Scoil Aodh Rua & Nuala under Donegal Town CU

2nd under 13 years Four Master NS under Ballyshannon & Killybegs CU

1st place winners of group A = under 11 years – Letterkenny Woodlands

Winners of group B = under 13 years from Donegal Town

Donegal Town 2nd A winners

“We want to thank all the students who worked so hard preparing for the quiz and everyone who supported the event, with special thanks to the teachers, parents, spectators and credit union colleagues,” said Sally Kemp, Regional Chapter Quiz Co- Ordinator.

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and we wish the very best of luck to the winning teams taking part in the national final.”

Donegal Town CU school won 1st & 2nd place

The post Over 100 young bright sparks take part in Credit Union School Quiz Regional Final appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A woman was taken to hospital following a three-car collision this afternoon.

The incident took place on the N14 Lifford-Letterkenny road at Raymoghy, at approximately 2:30pm.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of the incident, including members of the fire service, ambulance service, and Gardaí.

Gardaí say that a female occupant of one of the cars was transferred to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment of injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

They say that no other injuries were reported in the collision.

The post Woman hospitalised after three-car crash on N14 Lifford-Letterkenny road appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Some brave souls will face a chilly Atlantic Sea dip tomorrow morning to raise money for a good cause.

The fundraising Sea Dip, being held at Marble Hill, will benefit St Bernadette’s Special School in Letterkenny.

It is being organised by Fionnuala Power, whose son attends St Bernadette’s.

Fionnuala will be joined by a number of others at the Wee Beach at Marble Hill tomorrow morning to raise vital funds for the special school.

The Sea Dip gets underway at 10am on Sunday morning, the 16th of March.

You can donate on the day at the event, or through Revolut via the following link: https://revolut.me/fionnu5mgw

The post Marble Hill Sea Dip to raise money for St Bernadette’s Special School this Sunday appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Two young Ukrainian women are highlighting the reality of war through two autobiographical plays, coming to the Balor Arts Centre on Wednesday 26th March. 

Anastasiia Todchuk (19) and Tatiana Novokhatnia (25), who are both Drama Students at Ulster University, have turned their personal experiences of survival, identity, loss, and hope into plays entitled Only Hope and The Escape Artist.

The plays reveal two perspectives on the same story, The Russia – Ukraine war. The protagonists are individually forced to leave their homeland, families, and the only life they have known, in search of safety.

Written and performed by Anastasiia Todchuk “Only Hope” presents the inspiring story of Stacey, a courageous 16-year-old girl, who is thrust into a world of uncertainty and grief as the violence of war ravages her country. Fleeing without her family, Stacey’s journey from her war-torn city to an unknown future in a foreign land, (Ireland) highlights the immense physical, emotional, and psychological toll that war takes on the innocent, especially the youngest among us.

Tatiana Novokhatnia performs “The Escape Artist”, an autobiographical performance about a young Ukrainian refugee whose journey of survival and self-discovery is intertwined with her imagination and creative writing. This gripping theatrical experience will explore the intersection of trauma, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling, as one woman seeks to reclaim her sense of agency and hope after losing everything in the wake of war.

This work is a timely and poignant reminder of the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in Ukraine and around the world. The performances filled with sorrow and hope, serves as both a call for empathy and a reflection on the resilience of the human spirit. Total running time 65 minutes. 

The play is suitable for audiences of 12+ and is a powerful educational tool for discussions surrounding the refugee experience, war, and survival. 

The production is part of the Ulster University Drama ‘Playmakers Series’.

‘Playmakers’ is an in-house production company on the UU Drama degree program, founded by Dr.Adrian O’Connell (UU Access Ambassador) for the development of professional practice among the diverse and talented student cohort. Adrian has 30 years’ experience in the industry and has a professional background which combines Co-Creative Media, Theatre, Digital Storytelling and Community Engagement.  O’Connell directs both Only Hope and The Escape Artist.

Tickets are available now from the Balor Arts Centre and online.

The post Ukrainian women to share personal war stories on stage in Ballybofey appeared first on Donegal Daily.

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Prepare for a roaring good time at a 1920s Murder Mystery Dining Experience with West End performers at the Silver Tassie Hotel this March!

On Saturday, 22nd March, the hotel will transform into the setting of “A Murder at Brookview Manor”. Guests are invited to step back in time and become detectives for the night to solve the perplexing crime.

The evening begins with a sparkling glass of prosecco upon arrival, followed by a three-course meal.

As guests dine, they will be drawn into the unfolding drama as a killer lurks among them. A talented cast will provide the suspense, clues, and a twist at every turn. See if you can crack the case before time runs out!

The dress code is 1920s and there will be a prize for best dressed. Flapper dresses, dapper suits, and all the glitz and glamour of the Jazz Age are welcome.

Tickets are €81.42pp and available now via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-murder-at-brookview-manor-tickets-1128188194259

For previews and more, follow the Instagram page: @dark_shenanigans_

The post Last call for thrilling theatrical murder mystery in Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The quest to find 77th Miss Ireland is underway and the Miss Ireland Organisation is searching for the next Miss Donegal – a dynamic ambassador who will represent the county at the much anticipated Miss Ireland final on June 14th.

Young women across Donegal are invited to step into the spotlight and embrace a journey of empowerment, leadership, and community impact to follow in the footsteps of our last Donegal Miss Ireland Lauren McDonagh who won the national contest in 2017 and is now a judge at the event.

Since 1947, the Miss Ireland pageant has celebrated intelligence, ambition, and cultural pride, evolving into a platform that champions female leadership and philanthropy. This year’s competitors will join a legacy of inspiring role models including Former Miss World Rosanna Davison, Pamela Flood, Holly Carpenter, current Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt and many more.  In recent years the Miss Ireland Franchise has raised over €350,000 for various charities including Laura Lynn, Temple Street, Alzheimer’s Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Each finalist will advance to the national event for a chance to claim the Miss Ireland crown at a spectacular final in the luxurious Knightsbrook Hotel and Resort in Trim Co Meath on June 14th.  The 77th crowned Miss Ireland will receive a lucrative agency contract and a host of prizes and will then have a chance to jet off to represent Ireland next year on an international stage at the Miss World Festival which is televised in over 100 countries around the world. She will also enjoy a trip to Indonesia.

The search is now on to find contestants to begin their Miss Ireland journey which includes various events and appearances. The finalists of Miss Ireland are put through their paces in a challenging competitive process testing their skills in debating, public speaking, talent, sports, modelling, social media and each finalist will be tasked with raising much-needed awareness and funds for their chosen charities.

Full details on how to enter are available on www.miss-ireland.ie or on the MI org App now available from Apple App Store or Google Play or @missirelandorg on Instagram and Facebook.  Applications close on March 31st at 5pm

The post Who will be the next Miss Donegal? appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A Strictly-style dancing fundraiser in Letterkenny has raised an incredible  €19,620 for the Cancer Care West Donegal Cancer Support Centre.

Dancing with your Local Stars, organised by Gabrielle’s Diary, took place in the Clanree Hotel on 1st March to a sold-out crowd of 500 in the Clanree Hotel.

The grand total raised was revealed last night and presented to Patricia Doherty, client services co-ordinator for Cancer Care West.

Patricia Doherty, client services co-ordinator for Cancer Care West, Gabrielle McMonagle (Gabrielle’s Diary) and dance instructor Marian Shiels. Photo: Kevin Dooher

“We are just over the moon to present this sum,” said Gabrielle McMonagle. “This would not have happened without your support, donations and sponsorship, and to all the fabulous nine couples who just proved that you can dance especially if you have our tutor Marian Sheils who was just simply the best.”

The participating couples, who had been practicing since September under the expert guidance of professional dancing tutor and choreographer Marian Shiels, delivered a spectacular show two weeks ago to raise funds and awareness for the vital work of Cancer Care West. The event was MC’d by charity patron Noel Cunningham.

The couples who took to the dance floor were: Fiona Gibbons and Liam Deeney, Catherine Doherty and Cllr. Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly, Rachel McLaughlin and Robert O’Connor, Bernie Frain and Brian McMonagle, Alice Diver and Joe Terry, Mairead McFadden and Donnan Harvey, Kelly McIntyre and Peter Socha, Aoife Toner and William Coyle, and Anna Soffe and Manus McFadden.

The judging panel, comprised of Carolynne Murray, GM & Director of the Shandon Hotel, Stephen Maguire, Director of Donegal Daily, and Kevin Dooher, the Wild Atlantic Traveller, faced the difficult task of selecting a winner. After much deliberation, the prize went to Anna Soffe and Manus McFadden for their fantastic line dance.

You can take a look back at the action here on our photo gallery: https://www.donegaldaily.com/2025/03/03/picture-special-dancing-with-your-local-stars-raises-the-roof-for-cancer-care-west/

Find out more about Cancer Care West at: www.cancercarewest.ie

The post Dancing with your Local Stars raises spectacular €19,620 for Cancer Care West! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Michael Murphy is one of numerous additions made to Donegal’s starting lineup as they prepare to take on provincial rivals Tyrone in the Allianz National League this afternoon.

Murphy will start for the first time since returning to the Donegal fold under Jim McGuinness, having made a number of substitute appearances during the League campaign so far.

Amongst the raft of changes after Donegal’s victory over Derry is Gavin Mulreany, who gets the nod ahead of Shaun Patton in goals.

Kevin McGettigan, Peadar Mogan, Odhran McFadden Ferry, Finnbarr Roarty, Caolan McColgan, Domhnaill Mac Giolla Bhríde, Jeaic Mac Ceallabhuí, Odhran Doherty and Charles McGuinness also all step into a much-changed Donegal side.

Throw-in this afternoon at O’Donnell Park is at 3pm, with the game also scheduled to be shown live on TG4.

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