Former Donegal manager Jim McGuinness.

Jim McGuinness has insisted he has no regrets about his decision to walk away from the Donegal job after four glorious years in charge.

McGuinness took Donegal football from the gutter to the highest peak possible when they captured the All-Ireland title in 2012.

He also guided Donegal to three Ulster SFC titles for good measure, and almost delivered a second All-Ireland success before becoming unstuck against Kerry in September.

However, McGuinness decided to quit after four-years at that helm, saying he wanted to focus on his Sports Performance Consultant role at Celtic FC.

His former assistant Rory Gallagher has replaced McGuinness.

However, McGuinness insists he has no regrets about leaving the job and says he’s comfortable with the decision he made.

McGuinness told The Irish Daily Star, “I’m very busy with work and it’s a busy schedule in Glasgow. I’m really enjoying it.

“There hasn’t really been any time to reflect. It’ll only really be when the (Donegal) games start – but it’s hard to say.

“It’s something I’m very comfortable with to be honest with you. It’s a decision that I’d going around in my head for a very long time.

“I’m with happy with and I think Donegal football is in a really good place. The future is bright.

“You’d like to think we won’t be too far away competing for major honours.

A woman has pleaded guilty to setting fire to a house belonging to a brother of singer and former presidential candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon.

Letterkenny Court.

Stacey Doran appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court today.

She is charged with setting fire to a property belonging to Mr John Brown at Main Street, Newtowncunningham on April 11th, 2011.

Doran (29), of Ballybegley, Newtowncunningham, pleaded guilty to the charge but said nothing else.

She is charged along with another woman who is also before the courts in relation to the same charge.

Judge John O’Hagan adjourned the case until April, 2015 for sentence and asked to examine suitability for a probation or community service report.

*U21B Championship*

CLG BnaG v Glenfin

Conoy, Saturday @ 2.30pm

After last Saturdays great win over Killybegs the boys now Glenfin this weekend. Throw in time in Convoy is at 2.30pm

*U21B Championship*

CLG BnaG 2-8 Killybegs 1-8

Our U21s advance to the semi final after a thrilling finale againt Killybegs in Killygordon on Saturday. They came up against a good and very organised Killybegs side and matched them for the majority in the first half, yet struggled to get points on the board. They played against bit of a breeze but that wasn’t a major factor in restricting them to not a single score in the first half. The half time scoreline of 1-4 to 0-0 flattered Killybegs somewhat. Killybegs defended well and got numbers back early, and at times Na Galloglaigh were a bit too slow in getting the ball into scoring areas, but at the same time they themselves defended well and restricted Killybegs at the other end, and limited most of their scores to frees. It was almost 15 minutes before the first score was registered, and late on into the half a high ball into the box caused havoc and bobbled about a bit before being finished into the corner of Sean Gallaghers net with 5 minutes of the half remaining. Around the same time the lads suffered a blow when Cathal Mc Gettigan went over his ankle and had to be withdrawn at half time. With the scoreboard 1-4 to 0-0 at half time it looked like an Everest to climb in the second half, but the lads were never out of this game and were as good as their counterparts all over the pitch in the first half, but just didn’t get their scores.Na Galloglaigh however blitzed Killybegs in the opening 5 minutes of the second half, with Kane Barrett getting a goal in the first 30 seconds to bring the lads right back into the game, and 2 more points from Kane and one from his brother Luc O Bairead left just a point between the sides after 35 minutes. Killybegs found their bearings again however and the next 20 minutes were a tit for tat encounter with Killybegs always keeping the lads at arms length. Hugh McFadden for Killybegs, a constant thorn in the side, put Killybegs 3 clear with less than five minute to go, and with Killybegs looking the fitter it looked like game over. However the lads battled superbly, and two more points from Kane Barrett put just a point between the sides as it came up to 60 minutes. Then, 30 seconds into injury time, after a great team move, Gary Merritt went on a great run down the end line, and his pass picked out Tony Mcnamee who fired into the back of the net from around the penalty spot. It was a total smash and grab job as prior to this the lads looked dead and buried. Tony’s goal put the boys 2 points ahead and from the resultant kick out Dylan Hegarty added another point before referee Tony O’Donnell blew the final whistle and send the lads through to the semi final. Rumour has it the lads will now play Glenfin next Saturday, at a time and venue yet to be decided. Well done to all the lads, great performance and they never gave up. Team: Sean Gallagher, Gavin Grier, Sean Black, Kieran Sheridan, James Doyle, Gary Merritt, Jamie Heena, Jonny Logue, Luke Barrett (0-1), Odhrán Coll, Cathal McGettigan, Caolan Bolton (0-1), Dylan Hegarty (0-1), Kane Barrett (1-4), Tony McNamee (1-1). Subs: Gavin McFadden for McGettigan (HT)

*Christmas Dance*

Milford Inn, Monday 29th December

Our annual presentation dance will take place in the Milford Inn on Monday 29th December with special guests Michael Muprhy and Neil Gallagher. After some short presentations Paul McCahill will kick things off with DJ Mo Kelly taking the reins afterwards. Tickets cost €10 and more information will be available closer to the time. Always a great night! Not to be missed.

*Health and Mental Well Being Awareness Fair*

Our Childrens Officer Marion McNulty, who is also on the Donegal GAA Health & Wellness Committee, will be conducting a focus session on stress & anxiety at the Donegal Mental Health Services ‘Minding Yourself, Minding Your Mind’ taking place in the Mill Park Hotel this Wednesday. There is a whole host of workshops taking place on the night as well as guest speaker Michael Murphy. This will be quite similar to our own ‘healthy Club Day’ which will be returning in the new year. Anyone interested in attending the event all are welcome and admission is free, Doors open at 6.30pm and refreshments served on reception.

*4 Selected for Donegal U14 Ladies*

Well done to Maria Afxentiou, Megan Ryan, Bronagh Durning & Claudia Ward who have been selected for county U14 panel for next year, great to have four players from our club representing our county at this level.

*GAA National Draw*

Tickets are now available for the GAA National Draw. Tickets can be purchased through the Club app or from any Committee member. Instructions on how to get the Club app are on our website. Tickets cost €10 and the 15 great prizes are also listed on our website. Draw takes place on February 27th 2015. For further details see www.gaa.ie/nationalclubdraw.

*Lucozade Sport Kit Out Project*

Lucozade Sport are back with another promotion this year which was very beneficial to us last year. However this year they are NOT looking for the bottle caps, instead they are looking for a promotional code that is found printed on the bottle underneath the wrapper. We would like to ask all our players and supporters to hold on to any Lucozade Sports bottles they come across and leave them in the designated bottle bin at the Clubhouse. Thanks again for the help collecting last year and we look forward to collecting even more this year!

*Lotto*

This weeks lotto numbers were 4-11-21-23. No jackpot winner, 3 match 3 winners, win €25. John McCarron, Nigel Black, and Danny Gallagher. Next weeks Jackpot is €1,800. Don’t forget you can enter the lotto from the comfort of your own home by playing through our own FREE Club App. Usual rules apply, pick 4 numbers per box, €2 and €5 options available. Numbers must be entered before 10pm or else they roll over to the next week. Perfect way for our many supporters and exiles overseas who would like to continue to support their Club.

*Training Schedules*

Seniors/Reserves/U21s/Minors: Mon (8.30pm @ Crossfit LK), Tuesday & Thursday (7pm @ Pitch)

Senior Ladies: (@ Pitch): Wednesday (7pm), Saturday (10am)

Minors: (@ Pitch) Wednesday (4.30pm)

G4M&O: (@ Pitch): Mondays (8pm)

U16s: (@ Pitch): Mondays (6.30pm), Wednesdays (6.30pm)

U14s: (@ Pitch): Tuesday (4.15pm), Friday (4.15pm)

U12s: (@ Pitch) Thursdays (6pm)

U12s (Mixed): (@ Pitch) Thursdays (6pm)

Gaelic4Girls: (@ Pitch) Fridays (6pm)

U10s: (@ Pitch): Fridays (7pm)

U8s: (@ Pitch): Fridays (6pm)

-

*Underage Coaching*

Anyone interested in getting involved in the coaching of underage teams are asked to contact Shaun Paul Barrett on 086-6052169

*2014 Membership*

Club membership will be soon due for the 2014 year. Please be aware that Donegal tickets will only be sourced for paid up members of the Club. The rates remain unchanged from 2013:

Family – €50

Senior – €20

U18 – €10

Alternatively you can subscribe to the Club Lotto Database. For €17 a month you will receive:

- Full Family membership

- Entered into every weekly Lotto draw

- Automatically in a Christmas Hamper Draw (For subscribers only)

- 11 free weeks entry into the lotto

For more information contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

*Lotto Database*

Lotto database players are reminded that end of year payments are now due. Anyone wishing to join the lotto database in 2014 can download the standing order form from the Club website or contact Joe McNulty. The benefits of joining the database are:

- Full family membership for 2014 included

- Entered into every draw evey week

- Automatically in Christmas hamper draw (One for database members only)

- 11 weeks free entry to lotto draw

*Child Protection & ASAP Policies*

CLG BnaG Child Protection and Welfare Policy & Procedures and CLG BnaG Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ASAP) prevention Policy information sessions have been held for all members of the club executive and all those involved with underage teams. There will be further information sessions for underage members and their parents/guardians following the next registration in 2014. Please visit the ‘downloads’ section of our website (Milford.Donegal.gaa.ie) and view the policy for yourself. If anyone has any queries or concerns or comments please contact the club Children’s Officer Marian McNulty at 086/8506405 or marian.mcnulty@lyit.ie

*Volunteers Needed for Sub-Committees*

CLG BnaG is currently in the process of creating Sub-Committees to help implement and achieve the targets of a 5 year plan. If you feel you can contribute to the running of the Club in any small way, either in time or in ideas, please contact MilfordDonegalGAA@gmail.com, 0863400082 or send a PM. The Sub-Committees are as follows:

Finance

Underage Games Development

Adult Games Development

Club Administration

Club Facilities

PR, Communication & Culture

*Lotto Sellers Required*

The Club is seeking lotto sellers in the Milford, Ramelton and Rathmullan areas. If you are interested contact Joe McNulty on 086-8547114

*Evolution Fitness*

All paid up club members will now be able to avail of a €10 discount on 3 month membership. Normal 3 month membership is €80 but will be available to members for €70. If interested contact Jack Duddy at Evolution Fitness beside the mart in Milford

*Contact Us*

For all information and queries contact MilfordDonegalGAA@Gmail.com, follow us on Twitter on @CLGBnaG, and on Facebook on www.facebook.com/clgbaile.nangalloglach or see our website www.milford.donegal.gaa.ie/

*Milford GAA Club Gear*

Club gear is now available to order. Anyone who has ordered club gear but yet received it are to contact either Aidan or Barry. The range of club gear includes Hoodies, Tracksuits tops, Windcheaters, hats, navy polo shirts, white polo shirts, and t-shirts. There is some lovely gear available at very reasonable prices and photos are available to view on the club Facebook page. Orders can be placed with Agnes Ryan on 086-8194751.

The protest in Dublin was massive last month and organisers are expecting the same tomorrow.

Sinn Féin Cllr Gary Doherty believes a huge contingent from Donegal are expected in Dublin tomorrow, to join thousands of people in the Right2Water national demonstration outside Leinster House.

The protest is the latest action in the on-going campaign against the introduction of water charges.

Donegal Right2Water PRO Gary Doherty says in the region of 15-20 buses will be leaving Donegal tomorrow.

Speaking today he told Donegal Daily ”We’re aware of at least 15 buses leaving Donegal tomorrow, organised by groups such as Right2Water, Sinn Fèin, Can’t Pay Won’t Pay and others.

“We’re delighted with the commitment that the people of Donegal are showing to the Right2Water campaign, and the fact that such numbers are travelling to Dublin tomorrow is a testament to the level of feeling in the County against these water charges.

Doherty added, “Tomorrow’s protest will prove to the Government once and for all that no concessions will be enough to buy our acquiescence to water charges.

“We have seen in the last number of weeks that citizens in Donegal have been amongst the most active in the country in opposing the instalation of meters.

“We will not be bought by cheap promises by this coalition which has repeatedly failed the Irish People. We are taking no more.

“The thousands outside Dáil Eireann tomorrow will hopefully signal the death knell for the Government, and the beginning of the end of Irish Water.

Those travelling to Dublin are being urged to contact their local Right2Water organiser for departure and pick-up times.

Donegal and Termon Ladies GAA star Geraldine McLaughlin has been nominated for the HER.IE Irish Sportswoman of the year award.

The popular woman’s website has nominated McLaughlin for her stunning efforts this season.

McLaughlin has been shortlisted for the award alongside other notable stars like Katie Taylor, Nina Carberry and Stephanie Roche.

McLaughlin was quite simply sensational throughout Termon’s incredible fairy-tale journey to All-Ireland success.

This was evidenced by McLaughlin scoring a remarkable 3-8 of Termon’s total of 3-12 in their All-Ireland win a fortnight ago.

She’s firmly established herself as one of the most talented Sportswoman in Ireland.

She’s already been described as without doubt the best Ladies GAA player in Ireland.

If you’d like to vote for McLaughlin go to www.her.ie and cast you’re vote now.

Workmen remove a fallen tree between Castlefin and Raphoe in today’s heavy winds.

Donegal County Council has this evening issued an urgent weather warning to the public on foot of the Orange Status Weather Warning issued by Met Eireann.

As well as severe winds, the council is warning of extremely high tides along the Donegal coastline.

There are already trees and phonewires down across the county as our picture above shows.

They council says staff are on standby to respond to any emergencies which may arise tonight.

Met Eireann has issued an Orange Status Weather Warning for Donegal and other counties forecasting  windspeeds of 45 to 65 km/hr with gusts of 70 to 100 km/hr early tonight.

It will become very windy or stormy from midnight onwards with westerly winds reaching mean speeds of 50 to 70 km/hr and gusting to speeds of 100 to 130 km/hr.

Donegal County Council has also received a High Tide Advisory notice from the Office of Public Works (OPW).

They are advising that there will be a period of high astronomical Spring Tides tomorrow which when combined with storm wave conditions are likely to result in sea levels exceeding Highest Astronomical Tide (HAT) in coastal areas including Donegal.

They say this will increase the risk of flooding in coastal areas.

Sea levels during this period are expected to be highest during the morning of Wednesday 10th December 2014, especially in and around the predicted times of High Water.

Donegal County Council has urged the public to exercise caution particularly in areas adjacent to the coastline and areas which are susceptible to coastal flooding.

The Council will monitor conditions and staff are on standby to respond to emergency call outs.

In the event of an emergency during business hours call 074 9153900.

In the event of an out of hours emergency call 074 9172288 for Roads Service or 074 91 72399 for Water Service.

To keep up to date on all road conditions this Winter by following us on Twitter @roadsdcc or @donegalcouncil or on our Facebook page

Well known actor Gerard McSorley chats to a Garda as he left a previous sitting Letterkenny District Court. (NewspixIrl)

A JUDGE has dismissed a case brought by AIB Bank agains the Gaoth Dobhair-based actor Gerard McSorley.

Judge Paul Kelly dealt with an application by AIB to examine Mr McSorley’s means in Dungloe District Court today.

Their summons claimed a debt from the 64-year-old actor totalling €20,026.

McSorley, who has starred in a number of movies including ‘Omagh’ was accompanied in court today by his solicitor Brendan Twomey who told the judge that Mr McSorley is on disability and has medical and health issues.

Mr Twomey said he wrote to the bank and their legal team replied to say they were seeking an adjournment. He attempted to phone the bank but he could not get anybody to discuss the matter.

Mr Twomey said there was “a significant level of debt”. The bank’s debt was secured by a mortgage judgement on Mr McSorley’s house. He asked for the application to be struck out.

The solicitor added: “I am confident he will be a suitable candidate for an arrangement under the insolvency act.”

Judge Kelly struck out the bank’s application.

Gardaí are investigating a fatal road traffic collision which occurred on the N15 at Cartron, Bundoran Road, Sligo this evening at approximately 6.40pm.

A female pedestrian, who was 86 years, suffered serious injuries when she was struck by a car.

“She was brought to Sligo General Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. A post mortem is to be arranged,” said a Garda spokesman.

No other injuries were reported.

The road – the main route between Donegal and Sligo – is currently closed to facilitate Garda Forensic Collision Investiagtors. Diversions are in place.

A man who pleaded guilty to being in possession of child pornography had his case adjourned to the next sitting of Dungloe District Court because his solicitor was ill.

Judge Paul Kelly was told at Dungloe District Court that defence solicitor Jacqui Sharkey was ill and unable to be present to represent Neil McBride.

McBride, 44, was convicted at an earlier court when he admitted having 43 child pornography images on his Dell lap-top computer. He also admitted having a further 51 images of children under 17 years of age who were either fully or partially clothed.

The earlier court that key words used by McBride in google searches included “kids in bath”, “12-year-old boys”, “nude boys”, “nude teens”, and “cute boys.”

Unemployed McBride, originally from Gweedore, but with an address at Fortwell Apartments, Letterkenny, pleaded guilty to possession of the child pornography images on his laptop in August 2011.

In court today Inspector David Kelly said he reluctantly agreed to a postponement of sentence earlier when Ms Sharkey said she was seeking a medical report for the purpose of arguing for mitigation.

He accepted that Ms Sharkey was ill today but if the case was being further adjourned he wanted it to be dealt with peremptorily – finally – at the next sitting;

The judge adjourned sentence to January 13.

TWO people have been hurt after a collision involving two vehicles in Liscooly this evening.

Fire and ambulance crews attended the scene of the smash.

One person was seriously injured in the incident, while a second person was treated for minor injuries.

Gardai have carried out a follow-up investigation.

A woman has pleaded guilty to two charges of sexually assaulting a female in Co Donegal.

Letterkenny Court.

The incidents happened between January 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2006.

The woman, who cannot be named, appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court yesterday.

She pleaded guilty to both charges.

Judge John O’Hagan ordered that a social worker prepare a report on the case and also directed that the woman should be assessed for suitability for probation or community service.

He also said the victim should b asked if she wants to give a statement on the matter to the court.

The case was adjourned until April.

A BINMAN caught on camera illegally dumping in Co Donegal still hasn’t paid his €12,000 fine – more than a year after his conviction, a court has heard.

Jim Ferry, of Rossbracken, Manorcunningham, but originally from Falcarragh, contested 12 charges but was found guilty after a three day trial at Letterkenny District Court in October 2013.

The illegal dumping took place at Doire Uí Fríll, Falcarragh, on June 10, 2010 on land right in front of his own mother’s house (pictured).

In March Ferry withdrew his application to appeal the conviction when it came up before the Circuit Court in Donegal.

But at Letterkenny Circuit Court yesterday, Dara Foynes, barrister for the Director of Public Prosecutions told Judge John O’Hagan that the €12,000 fine hadn’t been paid. It should have been settled on April 29 this year.

She asked for a ‘distress order’ be attached to the fine and costs so that the State could liquidate assets to get the money.

Judge O’Hagan agreed to the request. Ferry also faced costs totalling €30,750.

At this point solicitor Ciaran McLaughlin asked for more time for the monies to be paid.

“It’s a situation where no-one came looking for the money,” he said.

Judge O’Hagan ordered that the money should be handed over by April 1 next year.

A bus driver is being hailed a hero after he managed to brake just seconds before a falling tree hit his bus in Letterkenny this morning.

The driver of the ‘Home James’ bus was taking children to school in the Lisnennan area close to Woodlands when the incident happened.

The driver managed to break in time escaping the full force of the brunt of the falling tree.

A number of the children and the driver were shaken but there were no injuries.

The front of the bus was damaged following the incident just before 9am.

Donegal Democrat reporter Diarmuid Doherty came across the accident just moments after it happened.

H revealed how he spoke to the bus driver who explained how the incident happened in “slow motion.”

He said the driver revealed how they had a very lucky escape and how he was thankful he managed to apply the brakes.

The bus has since ben towed away and the parents of the children have been informed of the incident.

People are being asked to take extra care on the roads across the county as an Orange Weather Alert status remains in place from Met Eireann.

There are numerous reports of trees down while up to 500 homes are without power in Falcarragh this morning.

Christmas Day Dinner

The 9th Annual Christmas Day Dinner for people living on their own will be held in the Conwal Parish Hall, behind the Church of Ireland on Christmas Day from 1pm until 4pm.

The purpose of the event is to help people who are living on their own to break through isolation and loneliness on the day, to provide company and celebration.

Transport can be provided if required.

If you wish to avail of a dinner or have any enquiries please contact Kathy on 0868676565.

Mullaghderg – Picture by Hugh Bonner

MET Eireann has warned that today’s storm will get worse as gigantic waves and high winds pounded Donegal this morning.

* Wind gusts of 115km/hr have been recorded by the weather station at Finner.

* Waves of up to 50-feet high have also been recorded off the west Donegal coast.

* There is a power cut to homes in Portnoo, where more than 800 homes have been affected. ESB Networks staff are working to restore power there.

* 36 homes in Carndonagh and more than 100 in Gaoth Dobhair also without power. Kincasslagh latest area to lose power.

* There are trees down on more than 20 roads across the county.

* Gardaí have asked motorists to slow down.

* Weather to worsen later

Trees down in Gaoth Dobhair

A man charged with 50 counts of sexual offences against two young girls in Donegal and Dublin will stand trial next year at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The 51-year-old man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was sent forward from the District Court earlier this year in relation to the offences which are alleged to have happened on dates between 2007 and 2011.

The charges sent forward include 40 counts of child exploitation by inviting, inducing or coercing the alleged victim to engage in or participate in a sexual, indecent or obscene act. This includes engaging in the production of child pornography.

There are three counts of alleged sexual assault and seven of defilement of a child under the age of 17.

Today Sarah Jane O’Callaghan BL, defending, told Judge Mary Ellen Ring that the trial was likely to take two weeks.

PICTURE SPECIAL: These are a selection of images sent into us that show the extent of the adverse weather currently battering our coastline.

The images above show the beautiful scenic areas of Marble Hill and Portnablagh getting absolutely battered by monster waves.

The images were sent into us by Moses Alcorn.

The Arranmore Car and Passenger Ferry and Arranmore Fast Ferries have both suspended their service for today due to the horrendous conditions.

It is hoped that the weather will subside later this evening but Donegal is still being placed on a Orange Weather Alert.

If you’ve got any pictures or videos send them into us at info@donegaldaily.com

Despite the terrible weather Danny McDaid officially opened the new Universal Ballymacool Park yesterday.

This means, for all our community, that there is finally a park that exists allowing all children of all ability to play in a single space.

Snap Charity worked together with local bodies to secure enough funding to supply some truly fantastic pieces of equipment.

An “Ability Whirl Roundabout” with gates that open and close to secure wheelchairs and an incredible giant seesaw that you can run over, roll over, push over and wheel over!

SNAP (Special Needs Accessible PlayPark) Members were delighted to have the ribbon cut and to close a chapter in their operation “Unite Our Kids” in time for Christmas.

A sign will be installed this week to attribute the hard work and kindness of those responsible for funding the equipment so far.

They admit that it was a long process with an extremely worthwhile outcome and haven’t finished yet.

A brochure is in the process of being printed with proposed pieces for Letterkenny and funding has already begun towards the next stage.

There is great hope that people’s generosity will long continue to help achieve what has been a great start.

This is the first “Universal Play Park” in the North-West of Ireland with the closest being 116km away in Cavan.

Every child has the right to play and not having public equipment locally to cater for every parent’s need is unfair.

In Donegal there are many schools that have children with need of extra care and attention yet there is a serious lack of outside activity and so with great pleasure a start has been made to take care of this.

If anyone is interested in funding for or sponsoring pieces and having their name attributed to future park wonders then please contact Samantha Robinson at artforyourchildren@gmail.com

The Donegal squad will travel to either Dubai (pictured) or Miami for their team holiday.

Donegal GAA players have become embroiled in a row with County Board officials over their team holiday.

Negotiations between both parties are ongoing in an attempt to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

However, there appears to be a major sticking point regarding the players that aren’t able to go on the holiday.

Normally those players not able to travel on the team holiday would be reimbursed with travel vouchers.

However, according to The Irish News today it seems that players not able to go on the holiday will not be compensated.

The Ulster champions and All-Ireland finalists are expected to go on holiday during the three-week break in the National League between rounds two and three.

The players are expected to either go to Miami or Dubai.

The GAA will provide a grant of €80,000 towards the cost while the team’s holiday fund has raised an additional €110,000 but as stated above the players who are unable to travel will not receive any compensation in the form of travel vouchers.

Donegal treasurer Cieran Kelly told The Irish News, “We are working within the guidelines of the GAA and Revenue.

“Before a county board can draw down the grant for the holiday they have to sign up to those guidelines from Croke Park and that is what we have done.

“This is being driven by one or two individuals. I am not a man for airing stuff in public.

“I am the county treasurer and I want to do what is right for Donegal GAA. We will work within the guidelines.

“If there are one or two people who want to drive an different agenda that is up to themselves.

“We were lucky enough that we had the foresight to budget for this at the start of the year.

“Back last January, whenever I was doing the budgets, there was no word of an All-Ireland final.

“It was the furthest thing from our minds. We are working within the GAA and Revenue guidelines as they are supplied to us by the finance directors in Croke Park.

Independent candidate Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has called for people to stand firm over water charges.

Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig has said now is the perfect opportunity for Trade Union leaders to call a general strike.

The Independent county councillor is in Dublin to take part in the national demonstration against the water charges the Government are attempting to implement.

Mac Giolla Easbuig has called for people to stand firm on the Right2Water protests, but firmly believes that now is also the perfect opportunity for Trade Unions to call a general strike.

“I’d be hoping that Trade Union leaders would use this opportunity to call a general strike.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to do it, and I’m calling on them to use their power to support the boycott.

Mac Giolla Easbuig is amongst a large group from Donegal attending the demonstration in Dublin this afternoon.

He’s calling on people to stand firm over the issue, and believes if people continue to stand firm and support the boycott then the Government will have no other option but to scrap the water charges legislation.

“I’d appeal to people not attending the demonstration today to stand firm over these unjust charges.

“We’re winning, the campaign is getting stronger and there is a real anger among people.

“We need to stick together and continue to send a clear message to the Government that these charges will not be tolerated and accepted by the Irish people.

Mac Giolla Easbuig also said that for many protestors on his bus, today was the first time they had gone to a protest rally.

He revealed that they had paid the household charge and property tax but that the water charges were the straw that broke the camels back.

“We have people on this bus attending a protest rally for the first time.

“They paid the property tax and the household charge, now they weren’t happy about it but they accepted it and paid it.

“But since the Government introduced their plans to charge for the basic human right of using water they simply said enough is enough.

“That was the straw that broke the camels back for them, and they believe that if the water charges are passed they will eventually be sold and privatised.”