A man who drove his BMW car the wrong way down a street in Letterkenny during the weekend of the Donegal International Rally has been fined €200.

Josh Wilson appeared at Letterkenny District Court charged with driving without due care and attention on the Port Road at 3.40am on June 22nd, 2024.

Gardai told the court that the 19-year-old was driving his car against the flow of traffic.

He was stopped by Gardai and he produced his license.

A fixed charge notice was later issued which has never been paid.

The court was told that Wilson, of Drumgalvin Road, Ballinahinch, Co Down, has no previous convictions.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham said she found the facts proved, fined Wilson €200 and gave him five months to pay.

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Gardaí have issued an appeal over an incident at Festival Park in Buncrana in March.

It’s believed that a vehicle crashed into the fence of the playground at the Shore Front on the night of Saturday the 29th of March.

Significant damage was caused, prompting public anger.

Gardaí have confirmed that they recently received a report in relation to the incident, which is now being treated as criminal damage.

A spokesperson said: “We appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch with Gardaí in Buncrana on 074-9320540. Any relevant information is sought and as always we appeal for dash-cam footage from the area.”

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A group of young students from Inishowen won a trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg for themselves and their classmates after their project won the prestigious Euroscola award.

Scoil Mhuire Buncrana students Bria Mc Caul, Molly Flanagan, Lily Jordan, Niamh Doherty and Domhnall Doherty and their classmates won the all-expenses paid trip funded by the European Union, after developing a video urging the EU to tackle digital addiction in young people.

The video was inspired by recent European Parliament calls on the European Commission to develop legislation that protects young people from digital addiction.

This week they represented Ireland’s young people at the European Parliament, as they got to experience a day in the life of an MEP.

As part of their visit, the 24 students and their teachers got to see the stunning European Parliament buildings, as well as some of the work carried out by politicians on a daily basis there.

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Sponsored Post

Get ready to launch your future at ATU Donegal’s open evening on Thursday 1st May!

This is your chance to plan your next step in higher education by gaining first-hand insights on the 57 CAO programmes across ATU Donegal’s Letterkenny and Killybegs campuses.

The Open Evening, running from 4pm to 7pm on the Letterkenny campus, is geared towards Leaving Certificate students, postgraduate students, part-time and online, mature students, parents, teachers and anyone interested in studying at ATU.

Academic and student support staff will be on hand providing information and advice to prospective students. Find out everything you need to know about your CAO application and the CAO ‘Change of Mind’ process that will open at the start of May! Attend the informative talks and tour the fantastic campus!

Discover the wide range of programmes in Science, Nursing, Early Childhood Care & Education, Engineering, Computing, Business, Law, Tourism, and Sport.

Open Days are a great way to meet lecturers, staff and current students, helping you find out what it is really like to study at one of ATU’s campuses. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to discuss the student supports available to you, and get an insight into student life on campus. The SU team will also be on hand to answer any queries about student supports and accommodation.

If you are thinking of your next steps and considering your study options, then this Open Evening presents the perfect opportunity to explore ATU.

To find out more – ATU Donegal Open Evening – Atlantic Technological University

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Award-winning Inishowen director Caitríona McLaughlin has landed two major productions as part of her National Theatre debut.

McLaughlin, who is originally from Carndonagh, will direct A-list casts in two 20th-century plays coming to the renowned London theatre.

Stars include Paul Mescal from Gladiator II and Normal People as well as Derry Girls stars Nicola Coughlan and Siobhán McSweeney.

Mescal will star in Tom Murphy’s A Whistle in the Dark in his debut at the National Theatre in London. Following its premiere there, it will transfer to the Abbey Theatre in 2027.

McLaughlin will also direct JM Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World for the National Theatre in London. Starring Declan Conlon, Nicola Coughlan, Lorcan Cranitch, Megan Cusack, Éanna Hardwicke, Siobhán McSweeney and Marty Rea, it will honour the rich heritage and influence of Irish drama on British theatre. Running from Thursday, 4^th December 2025 – Saturday, 28^th February 2026, it will also see Coughlan and Hardwicke make their National Theatre debuts.

Also debuting at the National Theatre are members of the creative team, Irish artists, set and costume designer Katie Davenport and composer Anna Mullarkey.

McLaughlin, who is the Co-Director of the Abbey Theatre (Artistic Director)  in Dublin, said: “It is very meaningful for us at the Abbey Theatre to have such fulsome engagement in this next chapter of the National Theatre of Great Britain. It will be an honour to bring The Playboy of the Western World and A Whistle in the Dark before audiences in London. Every generation deserves to see these two seminal works of the Irish canon.”

Separated by five decades, these works of Murphy and Synge pushed the boundaries of Irish theatre, challenging audiences with disturbing images of Irish life, forcing them to reflect on emigrant and peasant lives respectively.

It is the first time that Tom Murphy’s work will be staged by the National Theatre in London.

McLaughlin added: “I am thrilled to take on these two great Irish plays. The Playboy of the Western World (1907) holds a special place in my heart because it is synonymous with the origins of our theatre and has such significance to the history of our artform. A Whistle in the Dark (1961) is a taut, explosive, pressure cooker of a play and remains Murphy’s best-known and most performed play.

“Both plays hold in common the opportunity to reinvent yourself, the desire to realise one’s own potential, and what happens when that opportunity is squandered or lost.”

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The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is seeking to recruit a Clerical Officer (Temporary Specified Purpose Contract) for their Port office in Greencastle.

To apply please visit www.consciatalent.com/sfpa jobs – this role closes on Tuesday 6^th May at 5pm

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The R242 road near Malin was reopened this evening following a serious collision yesterday.

A female motorcyclist (aged in her 30s) was seriously injured in a collision involving a lorry on Monday afternoon.

The collision occurred at Norrira, between Lagg and Malin shortly before 2.35pm.

The motorcyclist was removed from the scene to be taken to Letterkenny University Hospital to receive treatment for serious but non-life threatening injuries. The lorry driver was not injured.

The road was closed for much of the day for a technical examination, but reopened before 5pm.

Gardaí have issued an appeal to anybody who may have witnessed the collision to make contact with Gardaí in Buncrana on 074-9320540.

If anyone travelled along that route (Malin Town to Lagg Road) with a dash-cam around that time, gardaí ask them to make the footage available. 

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Gardaí are investigating the theft of a flatbed trailer from a yard in the Newmills area last weekend.

The incident occurred at a yard near the Corn & Flax Mill in Newmills sometime between 5pm on Friday, the 25th of April, and 9am on Monday, the 28th of April.

Access to the yard was gained after locks were cut off two gates. The trailer stolen is described as a 10ft by 4ft Mc Kelvey flatbed trailer with twin axles.

Gardaí are particularly appealing to the public to report if they come across a trailer matching the description being offered for sale second-hand.

Anyone who may have observed any suspicious activity or vehicles in the Newmills area during the timeframe of the theft (Friday evening to Monday morning) is asked to come forward to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074-9167100.

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Gardaí are appealing for dash-cam footage following the theft of an electric bike in Letterkenny.

The theft reportedly occurred on Tuesday the 22nd of April at the Port Road, Letterkenny.

A woman had parked her black ‘DYU’ electric bike at the back of her place of work, but it was stolen shortly before 1.20pm.

A garda spokesperson said: “CCTV has been viewed and a male youth wearing a black puffer jacket can be seen leaving the area on the bike.

“If anyone travelled in the area of the Station roundabout, the Port Road or Letterkenny Shopping Centre with a dash-cam between 1pm and 1.45pm on that date, we ask them to make the footage available to Gardaí.

“If anyone can assist with relevant information they are asked to contact Gardaí in Letterkenny on 074-9167100. Should anyone come across a similar type of electric bike for sale on a second hand basis, we ask them to alert us.”

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Main pic: Maxine Beales (right) and her daughter, Arianna.

A popular east Donegal café has reopened its doors this week under new ownership.

Steaming Monkey Coffee (formerly Ohh LaLa) is based at the CAKE Centre/Curragh Athletic Sports Complex in Killygordon.

The café is now operated by Maxine Beales, a familiar face in the local food scene. It marks the return of a sit-down coffee option for the Killygordon and Crossroads areas.

Maxine previously assisted the former owner, Louise Robinson, and worked with the famous Tullan Tin Can food van in Bundoran

For more details and updates about the café, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.

The Oaktree (CAKE) Community Centre, Killygordon.

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A man and a woman will stand trial over a series of burglaries in Letterkenny.

Books of evidence have been served on Matthew Lafferty and Amanda Coleman, who will go before Letterkenny Circuit Court in May.

The pair have been charged in relation to the burglaries in Letterkenny last September and also with causing €700 of criminal damage to a business premises.

Lafferty, who is 33, of no fixed abode and currently in custody in Castlerea Prison and Coleman, a 39-year-old now an address at Kilmacrennan Road, Milford, have each been sent forward to the Circuit Court.

They are each charged that they did enter premises as a trespasser and did commit an arrestable offence, to wit criminal damage and theft, therein. The charge is contrary to Section 12(1)(b) and (3) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

The charges relate to offences on September 20, 2024 at Zen Hair & Beauty, Port Road; Mr Chippie Takeaway, Ramelton Road; Ace Barbers, Oliver Plunkett Road; Uviolki, Pearse Road; Future Style Barber Shop, Unit 2 Pearse Road; and Hue Hair Salon, Pearse Road.

The pair are also charged that, at Bronze Age, Port Road, they did without lawful excuse damage property, to wit, the glass of the front door, to the value of €700 belonging to Bernard Gibbons intending to damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be damaged. The charge is contrary to section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991 and also related to an incident on September 20, 2024.

Coleman is also facing charges in relation to: the theft of €15 of groceries from Lidl, Pearse Road, Letterkenny on February 24, 2024; the theft of groceries worth €10 from Lidl, Pearse Road, Letterkenny, on February 28, 2024; the theft of four cameras worth a collective €208 from Home Savers, Pearse Road, Letterkenny; and the theft of €21 worth of clothing from St Vincent De Paul, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny.

Lafferty appeared by video link from prison while Coleman was present in court.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for Lafferty, said there was no bail application on behalf of his client.

In the case of each, legal aid was granted to Mr Gallagher and one legal counsel assigned.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham administered the alibi warning and made a section 56 order relating to video recordings of interviews.

Among the conditions of Coleman’s bail are that she: reside at her home address; maintain a curfew from 11pm-8am; be available to be contacted by Gardai on telephone 24-7; remain sober and abstain from all unprescribed drugs; sign on at a Garda Station twice a week; commit no further offence and be of good behaviour; not contact any witnesses in the matters; and not associate with two named individuals.

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A young student at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada on Arranmore Island has won an individual prize for his work on a first aid project.

Fifth year student Sean Boyle was recognised for his project, which involved creating a first aid handbook for his local community.

Sean’s project, Guide to First Aid: A Community Care Handbook, was praised for its heartfelt manner and its intention to make a real difference within his community.

He claimed the €500 prize on offer for the Senior Individual Prize, at the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards ceremony in Dublin on Monday.

The AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards celebrate schools making a positive impact on their community, centred on three key pillars of activity: Environmental, Social, and Financial. These pillars encompass a wide range of activities that contribute to the betterment of communities, including volunteering, fundraising, awareness campaigns, mentoring, peer education, skills-sharing, and environmental conservation.

The event was hosted by digital creator, presenter, and teacher John Sharpson, and participating schools across Ireland were celebrated for their amazing work contributing to the betterment of their communities.

Speaking about Sean’s win, Lisa Brennan, teacher at Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, said: “It is our first year entering it so we are delighted! Sometimes these competitions don’t cater for all different types of students but the 2025 AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards fitted Sean’s project down to a tee.”

As part of AIB’s commitment to sustainable communities, the AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards provide a platform to showcase and reward the endeavours schools are undertaking to inspire and ignite positive change, such as fundraising, volunteering, activism, mentoring, and more.

Orlaith Ryan, Chief Customer Officer at AIB, said: “I want to congratulate all the winners of today’s AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards. We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by schools and young people across Ireland through the AIB Future Sparks School Impact programme. These awards not only offer students a chance to engage in a new form of learning outside of the regular syllabus, but also inspire students to continue to make a positive impact on their local communities.”

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An investigation is underway after an intruder fled a house during an attempted burglary in Donegal Town.

The incident was reported at the home in the Ardeskin area on Sunday the 27th of April between 2am and 3am.

A resident of the house woke to discover that a male intruder was in her home. The intruder, upon being discovered, immediately left the property and nothing was stolen. However, the glass in the front door is believed to have been smashed by the intruder.

Gardaí have issued the following statement: “We appeal to anybody who may have been in that area between those times with a dash-cam, to make the footage available to Gardaí. If anybody observed any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in the area between those times, we ask them to contact Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071-9858530. The Garda Confidential line may be reached on 1800 666 111.”

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The launch of a new digital training programme for the north west has been hailed as a significant milestone in regional educational collaboration and digital workforce development.

The North-West Digital Employment Pathways Training Hub (DEPTH) was launched on Tuesday at ATU Donegal by Minister Marian Harkin, Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education.

Backed by a near €10 million investment under the EU’s PEACEPLUS Programme, North-West DEPTH is set to provide access to over 2,000 participants in digital and cybersecurity education, free of charge.

Speaking at the event Minister Harkin said that her Department is also investing €12.8m over the lifetime of this programme.

The programme will span the full digital skills spectrum, from basic digital literacy to advanced cybersecurity and workforce-specific upskilling. Participants will benefit from personalised supports including guidance on course selection, prior learning recognition, technical assistance, and career pathway planning—all designed with work-life balance in mind.

“This is an innovative programme because participants can acquire high-quality digital and cyber security skills at different levels and the duration of these courses can vary considerably thus allowing participants to stack smaller awards and build up to leading industry-certified courses. This programme has been created to suit diverse learner pathways so therefore while it is flexible it is also structured to deliver the possible learning outcomes”

Minister Harkin emphasised that, beyond education, one of the key results will be the development of a Digital Strategy for the North-West, which will deliver a longer-term vision for the North West as a place that supports the growth of innovative digital enterprises operating in the border region and it will also make the region more attractive for the establishment of new smart enterprises.

At the heart of the launch is the North-West DEPTH programme, a collaborative, cross-border initiative designed to deliver an innovative framework for upskilling and reskilling. This programme, involving Ulster University, ATU, Donegal ETB, and North-West Regional College, integrates the strengths of each institution to build a digital-first, future-ready workforce.

Minister Harkin extended her thanks to the leadership team from the partner institutions, including Dr. Orla Flynn (ATU), Paul Hannigan (ATU), Prof. Malachy O’Neill (Ulster University), Leo Murphy (North-West Regional College), and Anne McHugh (Donegal ETB) for their vision and commitment to this landmark programme.

She concluded with a strong message to local employers: “Your workforce is your greatest asset. Invest in your people, support their growth, and your business will thrive.”

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A man in his 60s is to stand trial for a range of alleged sex assault charges in Co Donegal between 1990 and 2000.

The man was extradited from Northern Ireland last month to face the allegations.

The alleged offences are against three different people.

The accused man appeared by videolink at Letterkenny District Court from Castlerea Prison.

Garda Pauline Doherty told the court she had served the man’s solicitor, Mr Donough cLeary, with a book of evidence in the case on his client’s behalf.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins said the Director of Public Prosecutions had consented for the accused to go forward for trial at the next sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court commencing on May 20th next.

Mr Cleary requested two counsel for the upcoming trial given the nature and number of charges before the court.

Judge Eiteain Cunningham consented and also gave the accused man the alibi warning.

There was no application for bail as the court was told the accused does not have an address to reside at currently.

Legal aid was also granted in the case.

Judge Cunningham previously said she was also issuing a publication order on the accused man’s identity at this juncture.

The post Man to stand trial for alleged sex offences in Donegal over ten year period appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has recognised Letterkenny man Pat McArt, renowned journalist, author, and former Editor of the Derry Journal, as one of the recipients of its inaugural ATU Alumni Awards.

McArt received the Alumni Award in Design, Education & Humanities, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Irish journalism and public life.

With a career spanning over three decades, McArt is best known for his impactful editorial leadership at the Derry Journal, where his work shaped public conversation during some of the most pivotal moments in Northern Ireland’s recent history.

Receiving his award at the conferring ceremony in Letterkenny with his wife Rosie, Pat McArt said “I’m absolutely honoured to receive this ATU Alumni Award. It means a lot to me. We were the first cohort of students to arrive here in 1971.

“And seeing this as the first year of the ATU Alumni Award, it closes the circle as far as I’m concerned brilliantly. For those graduating today, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. The standard of education being provided here is absolutely first class.”

President of ATU, Dr Orla Fynn presents ATU’s first Alumni Award to Pat McArt, pictured with ATU Donegal Head of College, Paul Hannigan at a special ceremony in Letterkenny.

The 2025 Alumni Awards marked the launch of a new ATU tradition, celebrating graduates who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and positive impact in their professions and communities.

Pat is one of seven distinguished alumni recognised at the 2025 ATU Alumni Awards, which celebrated graduates who have demonstrated determination, ambition, and impact across a wide range of sectors.

Other recipients included leaders in, business, engineering, sport, and health sciences:

* Breege Conroy Walsh, Founder & Managing Director, BWC MedTech Consulting – Alumni Award in Science & Health
* Dr Shane Loughlin, Founder and President, ESE Academy – Alumni Award in Engineering & Computing
* Enda Mc Guane, Head of Asset Management, Land Development Agency – Alumni Award in Business
* Evelyn O’Toole, Founder & CEO, Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) – Alumni Award in Science & Health
* Lauren Cadden, Record-breaking Irish Sprinter and Paris 2024 Olympian – President’s Alumni Award
* Lisa Lynch, Senior Manager R&D, Boston Scientific – Alumni Award in Science & Health

The awards are being presented during ATU’s Spring Conferring Ceremonies. The ceremonies brought together students, staff, families, and friends to celebrate those who graduated and the achievements of ATU’s most inspiring alumni.

ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, commented “The Alumni Awards reflect the determination, ambition, and impact of our graduates. Pat McArt’s career is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of journalism in shaping society. We are proud to recognise his achievements and those of our fellow alumni whose work is making a difference across Ireland and beyond.”

This first-of-its-kind celebration marked a major milestone in ATU’s growing alumni engagement, highlighting the university’s commitment to recognising graduates who make meaningful contributions in Ireland and around the world.

The post ‘It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish’ – ATU’s first Alumni Pat McArt appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The Bear Run 74 will again be visiting County Donegal as part of the 2025 route.

The charity fundraising car run will also feature a very special guest at the head of the queue, as social media star Nadia Adan from Ashford Motors will be leading the way.

This year’s selected charity for the car run is Bumbleance, the children’s ambulance.

Mark down Saturday morning on your calendars if you want a chance to see some of the rarest performance cars on the road today take off from Ballybofey.

The run will begin on Friday evening from Cookstown, before cars will then set off from the official start line at Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey on Saturday morning between 9am and 11am.

An online fundraiser has been launched for the 2025 edition of The Bear Run 74 in support of Bumbleance, which you can donate to here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/TheBearRun742025

And you can find out more about this year’s Bear Run at their official website: https://thebearrun74.com/

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The 2025 edition of the Coláiste Ailigh 5k is taking place tomorrow evening, Thursday May 1st.

The annual 5k run and walk is set to raise much-needed funds for the school.

There will be plenty of prizes and fun for all the family, with chipped timing available at the event also.

It’ll also prove as an excellent final preparation for those more serious runners who are set to take on the North West 10k on Bank Holiday Monday.

Individual entries are €10, €5 for Under 18s, and €25 for a family entry.

Registration can be done on the day, or online at the following link: https://in.njuko.com/colaiste-ailigh-5k-2025

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The Donegal Public Participation Network (PPN) recently hosted a plenary event aimed at empowering community groups and individuals with valuable insights into funding opportunities.

Held at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny on Tuesday, April 29th, the event featured engaging talks from representatives of key funding initiatives such as PEACEplus Changemakers, the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), and the CLÁR 2025 programme.

Attendees were treated to an advice session on preparing effective funding applications, alongside access to information stands showcasing various opportunities. The evening was not only informative but also lively, with music and refreshments adding a touch of celebration to the networking atmosphere.

The Donegal PPN continues to be a vital resource for fostering collaboration and supporting community-driven projects across the region.

The post Donegal Public Participation Network hold successful funding plenary event appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A Status Orange fire alert has been issued for Co Donegal and will last until next Monday.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine issued the warning for areas where hazardous fuels such as gorse, heather, dried grasses, and other vegetation exist.

Donegal County Council has now appealled to landowners and members of the public to exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent the occurrence of wildfires.

The Council is also urging landowners and members of the public not to engage in activities
that could cause wildfires.

Landowners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the fire service by dialling 999 or 112.

Householders or building owners in areas susceptible to wildfire are advised to remove or cut back any vegetation in the immediate vicinity of their house, building or oil tank to prevent wildfires damaging or destroying their property.

Cleared areas should be maintained free of vegetation and combustible material.

Donegal County Council is also reminding landowners and members of the public that under the Wildlife Acts, 1976 and 2000 it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st day of March and 31st day of August in any year.

Members of the public are also reminded that the burning of domestic, industrial, agricultural
and construction waste is an offence under the Waste Management Act, 1996.

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