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‘Worrying’ number of drink/drug driving arrests in one weekend

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Gardaí in Donegal have expressed concern following a significant number of arrests for suspected drink/drug driving over the past weekend.

Between Friday 25th to Sunday 27th of April, a total of eleven drivers were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

The figure of eleven arrests in a single weekend has prompted gardaí to issue another appeal to motorists.

These numbers are worrying,” stated a Garda spokesperson. “We continue to urge all drivers never to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence.”

 

The post ‘Worrying’ number of drink/drug driving arrests in one weekend appeared first on Donegal Daily.


Car thief arrested in Donegal Town following cross-border search

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A man is due to appear before the courts after being arrested in Donegal Town in connection with a car theft in Northern Ireland.

Yesterday evening, gardaí received a report regarding a car that had been stolen across the border.

Gardaí from Donegal Town were assisted by the local Roads Policing Unit in searching for the stolen vehicle and they detected it a short time later.

The vehicle was stopped and the driver was arrested.

“He remains in custody and has been charged to appear in court,” said a garda statement today.

The post Car thief arrested in Donegal Town following cross-border search appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Investigation underway after arson attack in Bridgend

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An investigation is underway after cars were set on fire outside a property in Bridgend last weekend.

Firefighters attended the scene of the incident at Bonnemaine at approx. 6am on Sunday morning.

Two cars were burnt out, and damage was also caused to a third car as a result.

Gardaí have today issued an appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage.

A statement said: “We appeal to anyone who may have travelled in the area of Bonnemaine or within the general area of Bridgend between 5.30am and 6.30am with a dash-cam, to make the footage available to investigating Gardaí. Should anyone have observed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the area, we ask them to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074-9320540. Any relevant information is being sought.”

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Cyclist injured in West Donegal collision

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A witness appeal has been issued following a collision in Annagry last week.

A cyclist was struck by a small silver car on the R295 in Annagry East shortly after 4 pm (approximately 4:05 pm) on Thursday, 24th April. The driver of the car did not remain at the scene of the collision, which was close to the graveyard in Annagry.

The cyclist sustained injuries as a result of the collision, none of which are believed to be life threatening in nature.

The motorist drove onwards in the Gweedore direction.

Gardaí have issued an appeal to any road users with a dash-cam who may have been in the area to make the footage available to Gardaí.

“Should anyone have witnessed the incident, we ask them to contact Gardaí in Bunbeg on 074-9531333,” a spokesperson said.

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Beloved MacCumhaills’s club treasurer Eugene Gallagher retires after 50 years of service

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After five decades of serving his club, Sean MacCumhaills’ long-time club Treasurer Eugene Gallagher has announced his retirement from the role.

His contributions to the club were celebrated at his final Executive Committee meeting as Treasurer last night.

Following more than 600 meetings in the role, Eugene’s immense commitment to the club over the years was rewarded – as he was named Club President and a lifetime Honourary Member of Sean MacCumhaills.

“After 50 years of loyal service and over 600 Executive Committee meetings later, Eugene Gallagher attended his final Executive Committee meeting as Club Treasurer last night,” MacCumhaills posted via social media.

“To honour Eugene’s commitment to CLG Sean MacCumhaills he was appointed as Club President – an honour only bestowed on a few and he was also made a lifetime Honorary Member of the Club. In addition and to help Eugene and Helen to enjoy his retirement, Eugene was presented with a travel voucher.”

“The Club Executive Committee, on behalf of all members of CLG Sean MacCumhaills would like to sincerely thank Eugene and his family for his 50 years of loyal service.”

“Happy Retirement Eugene.”

The post Beloved MacCumhaills’s club treasurer Eugene Gallagher retires after 50 years of service appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Athletics: Rosses AC celebrate successful Donegal Juvenile Championships

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Main pic: Rosses AC’s Aaliyah Gallagher and Aileen Logue who recently won the U14 and U15 girls Donegal Pentathlon events

Rosses AC athletes took on the Donegal Juvenile Championships and the Boston Marathon this week.

Sunday last saw another great day out for the club’s U14 to U19 juveniles as they travelled to the Donegal Track and Field Championships hosted by Lifford AC. On the day there were many strong performances, new personal bests and podium/medal performances across multiple events from sprint, middle distance to jumps, throws and relays.

Up next for the juveniles it’s heads down in training for the next few weeks with the Ulster Championships coming in early June.

The recent prestigious Boston Marathon 2025 took place on Bank Holiday Monday with the 129th running of this iconic race. Brendan McBride did what was needed to gain his automatic qualification ticket through his finish time in the London Marathon last year and he certainly earned his medal running a solid time of 3:47.

On the local front Maria Mulligan ran 18:50 in Dungloe Park Run with Bernie Boyle and Charlie Postie O Donnell getting a training run in and running 20 minutes.

At the Letterkenny Park Run Michael Logue ran 20:20 and in Falcarragh Noel Boyd ran 25 minutes.

The post Athletics: Rosses AC celebrate successful Donegal Juvenile Championships appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Lifford home damaged in attack involving outdoor fires and vandalism

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Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to an incident of criminal damage at a home in Lifford last week.

The incident occurred at Croghan Heights at approx. 10.50pm on the night of Thursday the 24th of April.

Garden furniture at the front and a wheelie bin at the rear of the property were set alight. Two windows of the house, one at the front and one at the back, were also smashed.

Gardaí have issued an appeal to anyone who may have travelled in that area with a dash-cam between 10.30pm and 11pm to make the footage available.

A spokesperson said: “We are particularly interested in any sightings of two males on foot in the area or any suspicious vehicles. Gardaí in Letterkenny may be contacted on 074-9167100 with relevant information. The Garda Confidential line can be contacted on 1800 666 111.”

The post Lifford home damaged in attack involving outdoor fires and vandalism appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Appeal after suspects flee Kilmacrennan crash scene

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Gardaí are investigating a hit and run collision in Kilmacrennan after two men fled from one of the cars involved.

The incident occurred on Monday the 21st of April, between 1pm and 1.30pm, on a stretch of the N56 road between Illistrin and Kilmacrennan.

Following the collision, two men reportedly left one of the cars and left the area in a black VW Golf that was not involved in the initial collision.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to the collision or anyone who may have observed the black VW Golf in the area around the time of the incident to come forward.

“If anyone can assist with relevant information, we ask them to contact Gardaí in Milford on 074-9153060,” said a garda spokesperson.

The post Appeal after suspects flee Kilmacrennan crash scene appeared first on Donegal Daily.


Funeral details confirmed for man who passed away on Errigal

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A beloved dad and husband who passed away suddenly while climbing Errigal mountain will be laid to rest in Lurgan this Friday.

Carl Henderson from Moira in Armagh, formerly of Ingleby Barwick, England, suffered a medical episode while hiking Donegal’s tallest mountain on Saturday.

A multi-agency operation was launched to airlift him to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced deceased.

Mr Henderson, a 48-year-old father of three, has close family links to the Gweedore area through his late mother-in-law, Maeve Ryan (née Greene) of Magheralosk, Gweedore / Darlington, who passed away last September.

Carl is survived by his wife Caroline and their three young children, Aibhilín, Rían, and Caoimhe, as well as his father-in-law, Patrick Ryan (Darlington).

Tributes to Carl describe him as a beloved husband, an incredible father and a true gentleman.

“His strength and care will continue to shape Caroline and their children, as they hold his memory close in the years to come,” said the obituary notice.

Funeral Details are as follows:

Carl will repose at Eternal Light Chapel of Rest, Mountain Top, Eircode F92 XE35, Letterkenny, on Wednesday, April 30, from 5.00pm until 8.00pm where family and friends will be welcomed.

On Thursday, May 1, Carl’s remains will arrive at McAlinden & Murtagh Funeral Home, 43 Ardmore Road, Lurgan, BT66 6QP, at approximately 3.00pm. He will repose there until 9.00pm. Family and friends are welcome to call and pay their respects.

Funeral on Friday at 11.15 am to St. Patrick and St Ronan’s Church, Magheralin, where Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 12.00 noon. Burial afterwards in St.Colman’s Cemetery, Kilwarlin.

Requiem Mass in St Patrick and St Ronan’s, Church, Magheralin will be streamed online via https://www.facebook.com/The-Parish-of-Magheralin-991714407531552

The post Funeral details confirmed for man who passed away on Errigal appeared first on Donegal Daily.

National Learning Network showcasing training options at Letterkenny Open Day this Wednesday

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Sponsored Post

National Learning Network in Letterkenny will host an Open Day on Wednesday, 30th April, for individuals considering their next steps in education or employment.

The event will take place at the NLN centre in Rossview Business Park, Letterkenny, F92 Y96F, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Attendees are invited to drop in, meet the team, and explore the range of free, certified, and inclusive courses on offer for students with disabilities or those needing extra support to enter the workforce.

The Open Day is a fantastic opportunity to explore the facilities and learn more about how National Learning Network supports individuals on their personal journeys, offering pathways to further education and sustainable employment.

National Learning Network (NLN) is the education and training division of Rehab Group.  NLN provides inclusive education and training opportunities with specialist student supports to promote student success in personal, vocational, and occupational goals.

The national open day coincides with World Autism Awareness month, focusing on breaking down the barriers to employment for neurodivergent individuals.

The NLN centre in Letterkenny provides a wide range of free vocational and rehabilitative training courses to people who have had an accident, illness, injury or have a disability and extra support needs.

To find out more, join the NLN National Open Day.

To get in touch with the Letterkenny Centre, visit: https://rehab.ie/national-learning-network/centres/national-learning-network-letterkenny/

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Three in a row for Credit Unions as they top Ireland’s Reputation Index

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Sponsored Post

Credit unions have been ranked as the most reputable organisation in Ireland, topping the Ireland Reputation Index 2025 for the third consecutive year.

The annual study, based on the perceptions of over 5,000 members of the public, measures the level of trust, respect, admiration and esteem the public has for 100 of the largest, most familiar and most important organisations in Ireland, alongside 100 reputation, brand, purpose and ESG indicators. 

With a reputation score of 82.4, credit unions were one of just two organisations to score in the ‘Excellent’ range. Credit unions ranked first in three out of seven key drivers of reputation – Citizenship, Conduct and Workplace as well as taking first place when the public were asked if they would Give them the Benefit of the Doubt in a crisis, Welcome them to their community and Recommend their Company

An Post were ranked in second position in the study, with a score of 80.8, followed in third position by Boots Ireland, with an overall score of 79.5.

Welcoming the first-place ranking for 2025, the Chairman Bearnaí O Gallchobhair, from Comhar Creidmheasa Ghaoth Dobhair Teo said: “Securing the top spot for the third year in a row reflects the consistent effort, dedication and focus that our volunteers and staff bring to serving our members. This recognition strengthens our commitment to doing things well and continuing to improve the credit union experience. We’re proud to serve our local community and remain fully focused on maintaining the high standards this award represents.”

David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions said, “Being voted as Ireland’s most reputable organisation for the third consecutive year is a true honour and a testament to the enduring trust and respect that members place in credit unions. This recognition highlights the critical role credit unions play in supporting communities nationwide. As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus remains firmly on fostering trust, building meaningful connections and delivering value to those who rely on us every day.”

Credit unions were perceived to be the most down-to-earth, fair, flexible, genuine, sincere and straight forward organisation amongst the 100 studied. Credit unions continue to stand as a vital pillar in local communities. These results are a reflection of the trust placed in credit unions by the public, as well as the deep appreciation for our personalised, community-driven approach.

For more information about Comhar Creidmheasa Ghaoth Dobhair, please visit gaothdobhaircu.ie.

 

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History made as Supreme Court sits in Donegal for the first time

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Significant legal history was made on Monday when the Supreme Court sat in Donegal for the first time.

The sitting, at Letterkenny Courthouse, was only the fifth time in history that the Supreme Court sat outside of Dublin and the first time in the north-west.

Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell was in attendance and said it was a “great personal pleasure to be in Donegal”.

District Court Judge Éiteáin Cunningham, Garda Chief Superintendent Gorertti Sheridan and other high-ranking Gardaí and legal practitioners were among those in court number 1 as the five-judge court got underway.

Members of the Supreme Court in Letterkenny for the first time- with Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell seated in the centre. Photo Clive Wasson

Ms. Justice Elizabeth Dunne from Roscommon, Mr. Justice Gerard Hogan of Tipperary and Dublin-born judges Mr. Justice Brian Murray and Ms. Justice Aileen Donnelly sat either side of Mr Justice O’Donnell in a notable moment in the legal world of Donegal.

Mr Justice O’Donnell said he was making good on a promise made by former Chief Justice Frank Clarke at the opening of the new courthouse in Letterkenny in 2018.

The first sitting of the Supreme Court in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

The Supreme Court sat for the first time in June 1924 and the first Chief Justice, Hugh Kennedy – whose father was from Kilclooney – spoke. “This is surely a precious moment – the moment when the silence of the Gael in the courts of law is broken,” Mr Justice Kennedy said 101 years ago. “The moment when Irish courts are thrown open to administer justice according to laws made in Ireland by free Irish citizens.”

Mr Justice O’Donnell said: “What we are doing today in hearing a case is in itself a precious thing. The administration of justice in public under the Constitution means that any citizen of Ireland can come in and see the administration of justice in any court in Ireland, can see the argument of counsel, the evidence of witnesses and hear and read the decisions, or in the case of the Supreme Court the reasons for the decision.

“That is something that is both precious and valuable, but also fragile. The purpose, in many ways, of the court sitting outside Dublin is not just giving people an opportunity to see the Supreme Court, but it is a demonstration of the fact that the protection of the rule of law and the performance of the rule of law and the performance of justice is a job for every day.

“The rule of law is something that has life and reality in every court in every courthouse on every day.”

At the first sitting of the Supreme Court in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

The Supreme Court first sat outside of Dublin ten years ago when it heard cases in Cork in 2015, followed by Limerick in 2018, Galway in 2019, and Waterford in 2020, before the practice was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

“It is a great personal pleasure for me to be back here in County Donegal, the historic land of the O’Donnells and to be able to sit at this, the first sitting of the Supreme Court not only in Donegal, but the historic province of Ulster,” Mr Justice O’Donnell said. “For the first 90 years, the Supreme Court sat exclusively in Dublin – all cases that came to the Supreme Court came from all over Ireland eventually. The country came to the Supreme Court rather than the Supreme Court going to the country.

At the first sitting of the Supreme Court in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. Photo Clive Wasson

“Some of those cases were inconsequential and some were very consequential.

“In 2013, we saw a significant change with the passing of the 33rd amendment to the Constitution, which established the Court of Appeal, the first addition to the structure set in 1924.

“The creation of the Court of Appeal in fact created a new jurisdiction for the Supreme Court…It was now much less likely that cases from Donegal would come to the Supreme Court. It is much more likely now that decisions of the Supreme Court affect everyone, and therefore it was thought that it was important for the Supreme Court to sit more outside of Dublin.

Monday’s sitting of the Supreme Court heard the case of Imran v Minister for Justice.

This case involved the Minister for Justice and a man, Mohammad Imran, who was granted a permanent residence card in Ireland, based on his marriage to an EU citizen.

Later, the Minister revoked this card, saying that Mr. Imran had submitted false or misleading documents – specifically, fake invoices that claimed his wife was working as a self-employed childminder in 2016. However, Mr. Imran’s own lawyer later stated that his wife left Ireland in January 2016 and hadn’t returned, which would make the invoices impossible.

Mr. Imran challenged the revocation and the High Court sided with him, saying the Minister should have carried out a “proportionality assessment” – essentially, weighing up if taking away the residence card was fair, considering Mr. Imran had been living in Ireland for many years, was married, and had no criminal issues.

However, the Court of Appeal disagreed. It found that because the residence was obtained through fraud, the Minister was right to revoke it and didn’t need to do a separate fairness test. The court also said that Mr. Imran’s legal team had failed to mention important facts earlier in the case.

While in Letterkenny, the Supreme Court has also engaged with the local practising professions, Atlantic Technological University – where lectures and seminars were conducted – second-level schools in Stranorlar and Milford and local civil-society organisations.

Mr Justice O’Donnell thanked Circuit Court Judge John Aylmer, District Court Judge Cunningham, the Court Service staff in Letterkenny and the various practitioners.

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Langan, O’Baoill & Patton win GAA Team of the Week honours

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Three Donegal players have been named in the GAA.ie Team of the Week.

While Jim McGuinness’ men didn’t get too far out of second gear against Down, they still did more than enough to secure their place in the Ulster Final.

Now a rematch of last year’s Ulster finale against All-Ireland Champions Armagh is on the table in two weeks’ time.

Michael Langan, Daire O’Baoill and Shaun Patton all earned nominations for their superb individual performances in the Semi-Final.

Langan set up Paddy McBrearty for Donegal’s only game of the contest in the first half, as well as knocking over a super 2-point free late in the contest to earn his second Team of the Week nod in as many weeks.

Meanwhile Sean Patton was as solid as ever in goal for his county – including a crucial save following a rare kick-out error in the final ten minutes of the match, as he also made the Team of the Week for the second time in a row.

Daire O’Baoill as ever was the engine of the Donegal side, knocking over a fine 2-pointer himself in the contest also to earn himself a well-deserved nomination.

 

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Green light for 40 new social homes in Newtowncunningham

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A housing scheme of 40 social homes at Ballyhaskey, Newtowncunningham has taken another step forward after part 8 approval was granted by county councillors this week.

The social housing development will comprise four 1-bedroom apartments, sixteen 2-bedroom apartments, eleven 2-bedroom houses, seven 3-bedroom houses, one 4-bedroom house, and one 5-bedroom house, along with a new vehicular entrance onto the L-2051-1, connection to existing services, and all associated site development works.

The site for the proposed development is a brownfield site, owned by Donegal County Council, situated between two established housing estates – Meadowfield Manor and Hawthorn Hill.

The site is located within the 50kph speed limit for Newtowncunningham and is in close proximity to amenities such as a primary school, primary care centre, churches, a credit union, shops and a garda station. It is also within walking distance to existing bus stops.

The scheme, when put out to public consultation earlier this year, received ten submissions with concerns including a possible strain on local services, loss of privacy of nearby residents, traffic and impact on infrastructure. 

A report on the project outlined that the scheme will “enhance the character and quality of the surrounding area and provide a high quality and sustainable housing scheme under the Government’s Housing for All Plan”. All existing services such as storm, foul, ESB, Broadband and water supply are available to the site.

Ballyhaskey is one of several in-house projects, totalling 162 units, currently at planning and detailed design stage across Donegal.

A proposal for 19 housing units at Doire Beag will be presented to councillors in May, with phase one of the project to comprise of 12 units.

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‘No place for hate’– Planned anti-immigration protest sparks calls for unity in Donegal

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Donegal County Council has called on the people of the county to “uphold the values of kindness, fairness, and unity that define Donegal.”

The statement comes after county councillors held discussions on a protest planned for Letterkenny this Saturday.

The grassroots gathering has been described as a “peaceful assembly” at Market Square in opposition to undocumented migrants in rural communities, which campaigners have described as “illegal migration”. The rally has been scheduled for 1pm.

A counter demonstration has also been scheduled for Market Square at midday on Saturday by United Against Racism. The group says: “Racism has no place in Irish society. The people of Donegal have welcomed those who have escaped conflict, oppression, climate, and economic catastrophe to Ireland in search of safety and a better life. Ireland also has obligations to this under domestic and European law.”

A statement from Donegal County Council today says that councillors have agreed on the need to work together constructively, to support social cohesion, and to ensure that Donegal remains a place where everyone feels safe and valued.

As of 16th April, there were 2,071 people, including 892 children, residing in 30 IPAS centres in Donegal.

In a statement following Monday’s meeting, which was held in committee, the Council said: “Donegal is a county where everyone belongs. We are committed to integration, inclusion, equality, and respect for all communities. Through our Black and Minority Ethnic Inclusion Strategy, we send a clear message: there is no place for hate here — only welcome, respect, and a shared sense of community.”

Donegal County Council emphasised its ongoing commitment to ensuring that the county remains a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful place for everyone who calls it home.

This commitment is rooted in the goals of the Council’s Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Inclusion Strategy, which focuses on promoting integration, equality, participation, and access to services for all ethnic and cultural communities.

 

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Man caught with €2,170 of cocaine in Letterkenny is fined €850

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A young man caught with more than €2,000 of cocaine in Letterkenny has been fined €850.

Gianni Lemienpop, aged 24, appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with having drugs for sale or supply on June 8th, 2023.

The court was told that the accused was observed by Gardai on a footpath at Manor View Park in Letterkenny at approximately 10.35pm.

He was acting suspiciously and Gardai noticed he had a small bag of white powdery substance in his clenched fist and was then arrested.

He was brought back to Letterkenny Garda Station at Newline Road where a search warrant was executed and 31 grammes of cocaine with a street value of €2,170 was found.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that the accused man was fully cooperative and compliant.

The court was told that Lemienpop, with an address at Whitechapel Court in Clonsilla, Dublin had previous convictions for criminal damage and obstruction but none under the Drugs Act.

Solicitor for the accused, Mr Rory O’Brien, said his client is now ashamed and embarrassed of the situation he found himself in.

He said he was born and raised in Ireland and that his parents were hard-working people and that the accused had worked in construction in Letterkenny previously.

He said he began using and abusing drugs but that he had saved Gardai a lot of time and a lot of effort in prosecuting the case by cooperating fully.

He added that he was not working at present but was trying to get a SafePass for the construction industry.

Passing sentence, Judge Eiteain Cunningham noted the quantity of drugs was “significant.”

Mr O’Brien replied that his client appreciated the seriousness of the case but again stated that he had cooperated wit the state.

Judge Cunningham fined the accused €850 and gave him six months to pay.

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New festival takes root at Glenveagh National Park

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Featured photo: Glenveagh National Park. Tourism Ireland. Photographer/Creator: Chris Hill

A new festival is launching at Glenveagh National Park in May with a focus on biodiversity, art, music and film.

Le Chéile don Dúlra (Together for Nature) will take place from 16th – 24th May 2025 for National Biodiversity Week.

It will be a week of free activities for all ages, bringing together professionals working for nature, artists, musicians and film makers, along with National Park staff.

The festival, which forms part of a national series of biodiversity themed events, will showcase the landscape of Glenveagh, its natural history, culture and people with a special emphasis on the role of arts in highlighting our connections with nature.

The festival is a collaboration between Glenveagh National Park, Donegal County Council, Creative Ireland, the OPW and The Glebe Gallery. Contributions from ATU, Leave No Trace, ETB, three local community groups and other businesses and nature based projects will all be showcased throughout the week of festivities.

Glenveagh National Park has also partnered with the National College of Art & Design to host a special residency for graduates of the Art & Ecology Course.

Running all week will be a nature library, pop up nature shop, artists in residence and hands on fun and learning in a large nature themed marquee. There are a variety of workshops for adults and school groups, live music, dawn chorus walks, nature yoga and demonstrations as well as a special book launch of a new book by Ralph Sheppard on the birds of Donegal.

Local young people are opening the festival on Friday 16th May with a special event called ‘Voices For Nature’, with musical performances and special guest artist Roisin Doherty.

During the festival, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD will launch a new event space, An Foscadh Mór, on Monday 19th May.

A real highlight of the week will be a unique gathering of film makers, along with Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, who have worked in Glenveagh over the years and together they will share their stories and experiences, past and present in filming Glenveagh’s landscape, wildlife and its people. Both award winning companies, Crossing the Line and Paper Owl Films will host this special evening with music, film clips and a special preview of a new children’s film currently under production.

Being part of the Natura 2000 network makes Glenveagh a very unique and special place for nature conservation. To celebrate Natura 2000 Day on Wednesday 21st the park will host a special biodiversity café brunch event to encourage greater networking, collaboration and knowledge exchange between all those in Donegal working for biodiversity and nature protection.

All events are free to attend and early booking is advised.

View the full programme and book your place at: www.nationalparks.ie/glenveagh/things-to-do/events/

Any organisation wishing to take part in the Biodiversity Market place exhibition in the visitor centre running all week is invited to make contact with the Glenveagh Nature Education team. Watch out on the Park’s social media feeds for further updates, announcements and news over the coming weeks.

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BREAKING: Foul play ruled out as cause of Derrybeg Church fire

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Gardaí say that foul play has been ruled out as a potential cause of the devastating Derrybeg Church fire.

The tight-knit community in West Donegal was shaken by the sudden blaze, which began in the early hours of Easter Monday.

The cause of the fire has been subject to much rumour and speculation on social media in the aftermath – with only the steel support beams of St Mary’s Church left standing in the wake of the fire.

However, investigating Gardaí have confirmed to Donegal Daily this evening that foul play has been ruled out as the cause of the blaze at this time.

In a short statement, Gardaí said that: “Following initial assessments and a technical examination, foul play has been ruled out at this time.”

No further details as to any other probable causes of the fire were given by Gardaí.

Gargantuan fundraising efforts have been made in the week following the fire, which at the time have raised over €118,000 for the reconstruction of the church.

At the weekend, some of Donegal’s biggest music superstars also gathered for a special fundraising gig in aid of rebuilding St Mary’s.

Daniel O’Donnell was amongst those who took to the stage for the star-studded gig in Crolly.

He said that he was “…saddened for what happened in Gweedore,” but that “out of the ashes great things grow, and I know that you’ll rebuild and you’ll have a place that you’ll gather (in) again.”

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Countdown now on ahead of the 2025 North West 10k!

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The countdown is now on in earnest to the 28th North West 10k Charity Run and Walk.

The annual fundraiser will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, the 5th of May in Letterkenny at 11am.

Online entry numbers have been very encouraging and the organisers are asking runners and walkers to keep registering on northwest10k.com – with online entries closing on Friday.

The two benefitting charities this year are Donegal Horizons CLG and Multiple Sclerosis Ireland Donegal Branch.

With the wider Donegal community’s support the committee is hoping that the North West 10k charity event can surpass the 1 million euro mark next Monday. Currently close to €984,000 has been raised over the 27 years for 40 charities.

North West 10k Chairperson Neil Martin is quietly confident that the magical million euro milestone can be achieved with the public’s support.

“We just over €16,000 short of the 1 million now. I would be quietly confident that this North West 10k will push us over that €1 million figure which would be great for everyone involved going back to the committee that started it all in 1997 under Charlie Kelly who was Chairperson at the time and is now our Honourary President. The two charities have put in a huge amount of work over the past three months in terms of other fundraising initiatives so we are in a good place,” Mr Martin said.

Over 30 members of the Irish Defence Forces based at the Finner Camp are set to take part in the North West 10k Run and Walk in Letterkenny on the May Bank Holiday Monday in Letterkenny. The army personnel will stick together for every step of the 10k in military uniform. Historically the army has had a massive association with the North West 10k going back to the 1980s when the Rockhill Barracks was the base for the charity run. It was the army that started the Rockhill 10k back then. 28th Company Sergeant Ciaran Friel and Lieutenant Colonel James O’Shea are lending their support as the North West 10k attempt to pass one million euros.

On the competitive end of the Bank Holiday Monday event the defending male and female winners from last year are set to defend their titles. Mark Grennan fresh from helping the Letterkenny AC Masters Team to a national title last weekend will be on the start line. He also won the North West 10k in 2022. Another Letterkenny AC athlete Noleen Scanlan will be going for a three-in-a-row having won both the 2023 and 2024 events. Scanlan was a member of the Letterkenny AC team that represented Ireland at the European Club Cross Country Championships in February.

Neil Martin also acknowledged the support of the sponsors, the Gardai, the Donegal Volunteer Centre, the Civil Defence, the race day stewards and businesses like Hegarty’s Ford, Kelly’s Toyota, Hegarty’s Haulage, Glenside Hire and Crumlish Applicances who supply vehicles for the charity event.

“Without our five main sponsors the North West 10k would not be in a position to present the big cheques that the charities have been getting in recent years. So thanks again to Brian McCormick Intersport, Century Complex, Donegal Daily, the Mount Errigal Hotel and the Value Centre for their support” Mr Martin said.

Online entries remain open for the Bank Holiday May 5th event by going to www.northwest10k.com or clicking on the following link: https://in.njuko.com/north-west-10k-20251732297749168

The online entries will close on Friday evening. Registrations will be taken on Saturday and Sunday (3-6pm) at the Letterkenny Community Centre.

Those already entered online are asked to come along and collect their t-shirts and numbers in order to avoid queuing and delays on Monday morning. Final entries will be taken on Monday morning between 8 and 10am.

The post Countdown now on ahead of the 2025 North West 10k! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Van found abandoned after theft in Letterkenny

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Gardaí in Donegal have issued an appeal following the theft of a van from Letterkenny, which was later found crashed in Bridgend.

The van, a white Ford van, with a partial registration of ’09 DL’, was stolen from Dromore Letterkenny between Tuesday the 22nd of April at 8pm and the early hours of Wednesday the 23rd of April.

The van was later found abandoned in Bridgend on Wednesday morning after it had collided with a roundabout. The collision is believed to have occurred between approx. 5.30am and 5.50am.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have travelled in the Bridgend area between 5am and 6am with a dash-cam to make the footage available to Gardaí. If anyone witnessed the collision or if they can assist the investigation with relevant information, they are asked to contact Gardaí in Letterkenny on 074-9167100 or Gardaí in Buncrana on 074-9320540.

The post Van found abandoned after theft in Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

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