Daniel O’Donnell has revealed the sadness of spending a first Christmas without his late mother Julia was made a little better by a surprise engagement at his home.

Daniel

The singer revealed how he returned home from midnight mass in Kincasslagh to a very happy occasion with wife Majella.

Daniel revealed “I joined the choir in our local church for midnight mass There really is something very special about this service for me.

“After mass, as we have done for many years, we went back to my sister Kathleen’s house for homemade soup. It was then that my mother’s presence was really missed as she was always sitting in the corner waiting to greet us all as we returned from mass.

“When we got back to our own house Majella, Michael, Siobhan and Siobhan’s boyfriend Gavin opened presents from underneath the Christmas tree.

“We got a great surprise and were delighted to be present when Gavin proposed to Siobhan. Thankfully for Gavin she said Yes!! There was tears and laughter all around.”

Donegal Golf Club  News: (Murvagh)

Death of Finlay Anderson

The Club wishes to extend its sympathy to Adrienne Anderson and Family on the death of Past President & Captain Finlay.

Finlay was Captain of the Club in 1985 and President from 2001 – 2004. A stalwart member of the Club Finlay put his expertise in Machinery Maintenance to use by assisting in maintaining the Club machinery over many years.

He was a central figure in the annual trip to Lahinch and had made many friends there. This friendship was apparent by the number of members from Lahinch who made the journey to his wake and funeral. May he rest in peace.

Men’s Competitions

Friday 26th Dec

Damien Mulhern finished off the competitive season for 2014 by winning the sweep on the 26th of December with 35points.

Sunday the 5th of January

Shaun Meehan began 2015 where he left off 2014 when winning the Sunday competition.

His 38pts left him one point ahead of 2014 Captains Prize winner Adrian Gallagher. Rory Lenihan was a point back in third on 36 points while Jason Conway also continued his 2014 form by taking the gross.

1. Shaun Meehan (14) 38pts

2. Adrian Gallagher (17) 37pts

3. Rory Lenihan (11) 36pts

Gross. Jason Conway (4) 30pts

Milford GAA News:

*Christmas Dance*

The Club held its Annual Christmas Dance last Monday night in the Milford Inn with a large turn out for what was as ever a great nights craic.

Special guest Donegal star Eamon McGee presented the awards and also gave a very interesting and informative Q&A session and the Club would like to thank Eamon for taking the time out to come to our awards night. Music was provided by Paul McCahill followed by the now inevitable Mo show afterwards, featuring sing songs, dance offs and more! The big team winners on the night were the successful U21B team who were presented with their medals. Congratulations to all the winners on the night on their very well deserved awards:

Senior Player of the Year – Paddy Peoples

Ladies Player of the Year – Claire Murray

Young Player of the Year – Gavin Grier

Ladies Young Player of the Year – Katie McAteer

Reserve Player of the Year – Kieran Sheridan

Ladies Most Improved – Michelle Doherty

U21 Player of the Year – Tony Mcnamee

G4M&O Player of the Year – Neasa McBride

G4M&O Most Improved – Sharon Mc Vey-Peoples

Club Person of the Year – Dean Boyce

*2015 Membership*

The 2015 membership rates were decided at Decembers AGM and are as follows:

€200 – Database members (3 panels on weekly lotto). Entitled to 2 full adults and juvenile membership for all children up to 18yrs.

€100 – Database members (1 panel on weekly lotto). Entitled to 2 full adults and juvenile membership for all children up to 18yrs.

€70 – Family Membership. Entitled to 2 full adult membership and juvenile membership for all children up to 18yrs.

€50 – Senior Ladies (Players). Entitled to one full adult membership.

€40 – Adult membership. Entitled to one full adult membership.

€30 – Juvenile membership.

As well as full family membership database members are:

- Entered into every draw every week

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

- Receive 11 weeks free entry to lotto draw

Membership must be paid by St Patricks Day, 17th March 2015. The Club will only be able to source Donegal tickets for fully paid up members. Membership can be paid to any team manager or member of the Executive Committee, or very easily through our Team App on your mobile phone. This extremely useful app (Team App) can be downloaded from the app store. Complete your registration on download and search for CLG BnaG. Membership can be paid via the ‘Shop/Play Lotto’ option.

*Minor Meeting This Friday*

Anyone interested in playing Minors in 2015 are asked to attend a fitness test followed by a team meeting in Ray Community Centre on Friday evening at 6pm.

*McGettigan & Barrett Feature in O’Byrne Cup*

Well done to Cathal Mc Gettigan and Luke Barrett who both Featured in the O’Byrne Cup at the weekend, the Leinster equivalent of the McKenna Cup. Cathal started corner forward for DIT in their 1-12 to 0-14 victory over Wexford in the O’Byrne Cup on Sunday and Cathal and his DIT colleagues now take on Wicklow on Wednesday in Bray in the cup. Luke came on as a sub for Maynooth in their 1-12 to 1-5 defeat to Dublin in Parnell Park. Luke and his side now play Laois in Portarlington on Wednesday. Club physio Conall McFadden is also physio for Maynooth.

*Exiles v CLG Baile na nGalloglach*

An excellent days entertainment was had down at the pitch at our first annual St Stephens Day match with the Exiles. It was great to see 58 players togging out on the hallowed turf, many for the first time in years. Some showed they’ve never lost it, some looked a little rusty, and some made you wonder if they ever had it at all! Goes to show how incredibly strong a squad would be available to the Club if not for emigration! Three 20 minute matches were played with our Club referee James McGinley officiating. The first match was between the Exiles and the current Senior team playing a very entertaining, and high quality given the conditions match which featured 3 ‘Australians’, 2 ‘Americans’, 6 ‘Englishmen’, 2 ‘Canadians’, a Glaswegian, and a host of players currently down the country. The second match seen our U21 Champions from last Sunday take on an amalgamation of the victorious U21 teams of 2002 and 2004, with the 02/04 team coming out on top to secure the bragging rights. Finally the third match seen the Exiles take on our Veterans in another entertaining exhibition. A huge crowd turned out for the games and during a bucket collection they generously donated €235 for the Donegal Hospice. Presentation of the Christmas Cup took place in Dusty’s Bar later this evening, will Lorcan Friel accepting the trophy on behalf of the Exiles. Until next year.

*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 6-7-19-22. No jackpot winner, 2 match 3 winners, win €35 each. Enda McHugh, and Colm McGettigan. Next weeks Jackpot is €600. 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.

*Underage Coaching*

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

*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

*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

*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.clgbnag.com

*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.

West Donegal TD Dinny McGinley has claimed that tourism is on the “cusp of a new golden era” – just hours after a leading hotel closed its doors.

The Seaview Hotel in Gaoth Dobhair which closed last night.

Donegal Daily revealed last night how the Seaview Hotel in Gaoth Dobhair closed yesterday with the loss of 35 jobs.

Owner Jimmy Boyle told us how Government inaction in the area had partially led to the hotel’s closure.

But local TD Dinny McGinley maintained today that tourism in Donegal and Ireland is about to be reborn.

His claim comes following the devastation of the Gaoth Dobhair area including the closure of the Ostan Hotel, the loss of Largo Foods as well as the closure of two local grocery shops in Bunbeg.

Deputy McGinley said the announcement of the hotel clsoure is a terrible blow, not alone to the Boyle family, the over 30 workers losing their jobs, but also to the local parish.

Dinny McGinley TD

“For many years the Seaview was an iconic facility in the area. It was looked upon as a centre of social entertainment for young people, not alone in the Parish, but in West Donegal.

“It also provided excellent facilities for events in the area and attracted many tourists down through the years. It has made a major contribution to the golden era of tourism in the 60’s, 70’s and even later.

“What makes last night’ s announcement even sadder is that we are on the cusp of a new golden era of tourism in Donegal.

“As someone who has been using the facilities of the Seaview for family and public events down through the years, I do hope that this is not the end of an era and that the Boyle family will continue to be involved in the business and catering life of the Parish for many years to come.”

Ulster Colleges All Star Marie O Reilly receives token for achievements from Suzi Roarty ladies board.

Martin Mc Elhinney receives a token for his achievements with Donegal in 2014 from Patricia Kelly.

Colm Mc Fadden receives token for his achievements with Donegal in 2014 from Nicola Ferry senior board secretary.

Christy Toye receives token for achievements with Donegal from Annmarie Kelly minor board secretary.

2014 St Michaels Senior Board Committee.

Senior Players of Year Ciaran Rock Gallagher and Andrew Kelly receives award from Mick Mc Ginley.

Reserve players of Year Sean Doak and Paul Creamer(accepted by James Alcorn) from Denis Harley.

Oisin Langan young player of the year 2014 receives award from Seamus Sweeney.

Moses Alcorn clubperson of the year receives his award from club president Brian Mc Ginley.

Minor League champions.

U 16 A County Champions.

Above are a selection of images taken from the St Michaels GAA Presentation Dinner Dance which took place at the weekend.

A large crowd of almost two hundred club members and players attended the presentation which was held in Arnolds Hotel in Dunfanaghy.

The all-conquering St Michael’s U16 side who won the county championship title were awarded with their medals at the function.

Paddy McBrearty lined out for his club Kilcar when he was just 16.

A new rule has been passed which will stop players who are sixteen-years-old from lining out with their club and county at senior level.

For years talented sixteen-year-olds have turned out for their respective clubs at senior level.

This season St Michael’s underage starlet Michael Langan played regularly for their senior side and started in a number of their club championship matches.

Donegal minor star Michael Carroll from Gaoth Dobhair also played for his club when he was just 16.

While high profile stars like Patrick McBrearty and Michael Murphy lined out for their club when they were sixteen.

In fact the duo also made their senior bow for Donegal at just seventeen years of age.

The Minor Review Workgroup was established to tackle the evidence that teenage GAA players are put under too much stress.

It is expected they’ll make the recommendation to Central Council that the eligibility of playing adult football should be raised by one year from sixteen to seventeen.

It is expected that Central Council will pass the motion proposed by The Minor Review Workgroup.

However, the motion is expected to receive strong criticism from struggling rural clubs who are finding it difficult as it is to field teams due to emigration.

Deputy Pearse Doherty, has described the announcement by management of Gaoth Dobhair’s ‘Seaview Hotel’ that the venue is to close as ‘extremely sad and deeply regrettable.’

Deputy Pearse Doherty

He has now called on the Government to immediately publish the findings of a delayed working group report tasked with examining job creation and economic development in the Gaoth Dobhair area.

“This announcement of the hotel’s closure is very disappointing and has of course come as a huge blow to both the staff and management at the Seaview Hotel.”

“The decision to close the hotel is of course particularly upsetting given that the hotel’s staff and owners now begin this New Year with such an uncertain and bleak outlook for the months ahead – my sympathies go out to all of them during this distressing time.”

“This is the second hotel in Gaoth Dobhair to close in the past few years with Óstan Gaoth Dobhair also owned by the Boyle family closing recently.”

“The company has been a huge provider of employment in the area for decades. In fact, I can speak of my personal sadness at this news today as one of my first jobs growing up was working for the family in one of their hotels.”

“I understand that the owners have cited increasing overheads and costs as a contributing factor which ultimately led to the closure of the business.”

“This is not at all surprising given the government’s complete lack of understanding with regards to the difficulties businesses face today.”

“In fact, last March following the relocation of Largo Foods from its base here in Gaoth Dobhair to Ashbourne in Co. Meath the Government had promised to establish an Economic Development Forum which would look into job creation locally. They had promised that it would meet in April and run for six months after which time their findings would be published in September – however here we are in January 2015, over three months later and this report has still yet to be published.”

“This delay is not acceptable, particularly given the fact that the Gaoth Dobhair area has become an economic black spot in recent years; I am now calling on the Government to publish the report’s findings before any further jobs are lost.”

“The policies of this Fine Gael/Labour Government have simply failed to address the current challenges businesses now contend with as part of their operations. Instead, Government policy has created an environment in which many small and medium businesses here struggle to survive due to a serious lack of support coupled with mounting costs.”

“And while the Taoiseach and his Government may like to boast that they want to create the best small Country in the world in which to do business, the reality is – as this news from Gaoth Dobhair today proves – that this is simply not the case.”

“While today’s news of the closure of Seaview Hotel and the liquidation of Boyle Entertainment is of course very regrettable, I would hope going forward that someone may see this as a possible viable business venture and one which may just help preserve jobs locally.”

Almost 30 people found in a popular Donegal bar at 2.30am were family chatting, a court has been told.

Gardai called into Andy’s Bar in Stranorlar on December 29th, 2013.

A total of 28 people were on the premises at 2.30am but closing time was 12.30am with half an hour ‘drinking-up’ time.

Letterkenny District Court was told that extended members of a family had met up for Christmas and were talking.

They hadn’t noticed the time and when they tried to get taxis, it was very difficult to get one.

Solicitor for the bar said the bar had been in the Fitzgerald family for generations and they had never been before the courts on licensing matters.

Judge Paul Kelly ordered the bar-owners to pay €250 to Planet Youth in Ballybofey.

The coveted Con-Sean Cup.

The 17th annual Con Sean Darts Tournament takes place in the Bridge Bar, Carrick on Saturday 17th January at 4pm SHARP.

€650 in prize money plus trophies for winner, runner up and highest checkout, this tournament attracts some of the top players in the North West and is always an enjoyable day four times winner John Flood will again be the man to beat as he tries to win the event for the fourth time in six years.

Limited to 64 players all entry’s to be in by 9pm Friday 16th January the draw takes place that night in the Bridge Bar at 9:30pm and will be online that night.

Enter this event by leaving your name on the Facebook event page here or text/phone 086-9969256.

First Round best of 5

Second Round best of 7

Third Round best of 7

Quarter Finals best of 9

Semi Finals best of 9

Final best of 11

Past Finals:

2014 John Flood (Milford) 6-4 Gerard McGlynn (Glenfin)

2013 Dermot McGuire (Glen) 6-1 John Gallagher (Meenanary)

2012 John McGinley (Glen) 6-4 Andrew Gillespie (Carrick)

2011 John Flood (Milford) 6-4 John Murray (Milford)

2010 John Flood (Milford) 5-1 John D Gallagher (Killybegs)

2009 Dermot McGuire (Glen) 5-0 Declan Cunningham (Inver)

2008 John McGinley (Glen) 5-4 Declan Cunningham (Inver)

2007 John Flood (Milford) 4-2 Kenneth Kennedy (Kilcar)

2006 Kenneth Kennedy (Kilcar) 4-2 Tommy Feeney (Ardara)

2005 Charlie Grant (Quigleys Point) 4-1 Declan Cunningham (Inver)

2004 Garry Bell (Lurgan) 4-0 John Con McGinley (Glen)

2003 Raymond Hegarty (Kilcar) bt John Con McGinley (Glen)

2002 John Ward (Sligo) bt Joe Byrne (Sligo)

2001 Gerald Harvey (Ballybofey) bt Alan McBrearty (Killybegs)

2000 Seamus Curran (Carrick) bt Hugh Doherty (Carrick)

1999 Kenneth Kennedy (Kilcar) bt Bernie Mullen (Killybegs)

Coláiste Ailigh’s Young Scientist students and teachers prior to leaving for this years BT Young Scientist Exhibition in Dublin’s RDS.

The school has a total of ten projects qualified for this year’s Exhition maintaining Coláiste Ailigh’s strong success in this National Event.

Eamon McGee has called on the GAA to revise and re-structure the championship series.

Donegal defender Eamon McGee has called on the GAA to revise their championship structure and make the All-Ireland series more balanced for all counties involved.

Ulster is without doubt the most competitive province in Ireland, and has traditionally always been the most competitive.

Armagh, Tyrone and Donegal have all captured All-Ireland titles over the last twelve years, but they all had had to first come through a bruising championship in Ulster.

Donegal stalwart McGee reckons Ulster teams are at a massive disadvantage due to the competitiveness of the Ulster Championship, and as a result other counties in Ireland have a big advantage over northern teams.

Donegal face Tyrone in a preliminary fixture in Ulster in May, and if they overcome that Rory Gallagher’s side will have to face Armagh who they narrowly defeated in the All-Ireland series last year in the quarter-final of the Ulster Championship.

If they manage to overcome Armagh, they then have to overcome the winners of Derry and Down just to reach the Ulster Final.

McGee has said the time has now come for the whole championship format to be revised and re-structured.

McGee told The Irish News, “ think they should take a look at the championship system.

“Ulster teams have to be at full throttle from the start of the season and there is not a chance of a gradual build-up.

“We will be going flat out from the first game and this is just not right.

“Kerry, Dublin or Mayo don’t have to go through the same rigours as the rest of us and certain teams are kept apart.

“So in Ulster we are not on the same level playing field as the rest of the country so it is time something was done about this inequality.

McGee and the majority off the Donegal side that featured in September’s All-Ireland defeat to Kerry are being rested for the Dr McKenna Cup.

Rory Gallagher is using the competition to try and unearth some future talents for the forthcoming season.

An experimental Donegal side was comfortably beaten by Derry at Owenbeg on Sunday.

Donegal face Queen’s University Belfast in the second game of the competition this Sunday at Mac Cumhaill Park. (2pm throw-in)

Ferry’s – owes Donegal’s ratepayers more than €300,000

A JUDGE has given a Donegal waste collection company a final warning over an astonishing unpaid €319,614 bill to Donegal County Council.

The cash-strapped local authority is taking legal action against Ferry’s Refuse and its owner Jim Ferry for failing to pay landfill fees.

The county council has been pursuing Ferry’s for the monies since 2010, Letterkenny District Court was told.

Solicitor Lisa Finnegan, acting for Donegal County Council, said the authority hadn’t been paid any monies towards the debt.

Kevin McElhinney, solicitor for Mr Ferry, said he had just received instructions for the case as it had been dealt with by a Dublin legal firm up until now and they didn’t want to incur the costs of travelling to Letterkenny.

He said Jim Ferry had told him that he had paid monies to the council but “there appears to be an element of confusion” as these monies had been taken off other landfill charges and not the debt.

Judge Paul Kelly commented that there had been a “substantial number of adjournments from March 2010 and every month since then”.

The judge said that there was “scant respect being shown to the creditor or the court” in the case by Mr Ferry.

On the explanation that Ferry’s monies to the council had come off the ‘wrong’ county council account, Judge Kelly commented: “He would have to pay that other bill anyway.”

Mr McElhinney responded: “Yes and I have explained that to him (Jim Ferry).”

Judge Kelly said that despite the outstanding debt since March 2010 no statement had been entered into the court on behalf of Ferry’s.

He said he was adjourning the case for a month to give Ferry’s “one last opportunity” to respond.

He ordered that Jim Ferry appear at Letterkenny District Court on February 4, that his solicitor file a statement of his means and income and a full schedule of payments and non-payments be filed to the court and to council solicitor Ms Finnegan.

“Mr Ferry must be present,” added the judge.

Earlier this week the refuse company was fined €2,000 for failing to tax two of its bin lorries.

Last year the company faced fines and charges of €42,000 for illegally dumping outside Falcarragh.

The company has been given until later this year to pay those fines.

DDTV: Click on the video above to watch this stunning point from former Four Masters Ladies star Denise Dunnion.

Dunnion’s incredible point from an acute angle earned her Jerome Quinn’s approval as he awarded her with the ‘Score of the Year’ title.

Dunnion scored the wonderful point in the New York Championship final for a Kerry/Donegal representative side.

Simply click play on the video above and enjoy.

Well done Denise.

Joseph Duffy has penned a sensational deal with the UFC.

Burtonport’s MMA fighter Joseph Duffy has penned a sensational deal to join the UFC.

Duffy is the last man to beat current UFC poster-boy Conor ‘Notorious’ McGregor and he also inflicted defeat on Ireland’s other UFC star Norman Parke.

Duffy only returned to Cage Warriors in August having become disillusioned with the sport in 2011.

Duffy tried his hand at professional boxing and had a perfect record of 7-0, before being enticed back into MMA by Cage Warriors who offered him a lucrative six-fight contract.

Duffy’s return to Cage Warriors was welcomed by MMA fans who were massive supporters of the explosive Duffy in his formative years in the sport.

It was hoped that if Duffy could be successful in Cage Warriors he could use it as a stepping stone to break into the UFC market.

However, nobody could’ve have expected that after just SIX months back, Duffy has earned himself a sensational deal.

Stunning victories over Damien Lapilus last August at Cage Warriors 70 in Dublin, before stopping Julien Boussuge with a spectacular KO at Cage Warriors 74 in London in November ensured Duffy attracted attention. .

UFC officials have been in negotiations with Cage Warriors for quite a while about securing the signature of Duffy, who they expect to be a valuable commodity in the growing Irish MMA market.

Duffy’s signature now increases the Irish presence in the UFC, it’s reported the Burtonport man penned a lucrative contract with UFC officials who negotiated the deal.

The UFC hope to give Duffy his debut in the octagon in March or April. No further details are available just yet, but all we know for now is that it can’t come quick enough.

Christy Toye has been named in the Donegal team which will face Queen’s University Belfast on Sunday afternoon.

The Donegal team to face Queen’s University in Belfast on Sunday at Mac Cumhaill Park has been announced.

Donegal host QUB on Sunday afternoon and will be confident of recording a victory after Sunday’s comprehensive defeat to neighbours Derry.

An experimental Donegal side featured several players who made their first competitive appearances for Donegal.

Despite a decent opening period, Donegal were picked off easily in the second-half by their more experienced counterparts.

Donegal have selected a stronger looking side for this Sunday’s clash with the students of QUB.

However, as we know these provisional teams are usually subject to change prior to throw-in.

Rory Gallagher is using the competition to try different systems and personnel in attempt to improve his squad ahead of the National Allianz League and Championship campaigns in 2015.

The Donegal team to face Queen’s University Belfast is:

1 Michael Boyle An Tearmann
2 Conor Parke Naomh Adhamhnáin
3 Éamonn Doherty Naomh Adhamhnáin
4 Paddy McGrath Ard an Ratha
5 Ciarán McGinley Cill Chartha
6 Declan Walsh Málainn
7 Frank McGlynn Ghleann Fhinne
8 Martin McElhinney Naomh Mícheál
9 Christy Toye Naomh Mícheál
10 Corey Gallagher An Clochán Liath
11 Odhrán Mac Niallais Gaoth Dobhair
12 Eoin McHugh Cill Chartha
13 Daniel McLaughlin Naomh Mícheál
14 Hugh McFadden Na Cealla Beaga
15 Martin O’Reilly Seán MacCumhaill
16 Mark Anthony McGinley Naomh Mícheál
17 Joe Gibbons Gleann Súilí
18 Sean Hensey Naomh Adhmhnáin
19 Éamonn Ward Gleann Súilí
20 Eunan Doherty Naomh Conaill
21 Ciaran McCaughey Realt na Mara BunDobhrain
22 Gary McFadden Gleann Súilí
23 Dermot Molloy Naomh Conaill
24 Ryan Melley Ard an Ratha
25 Malachy McDermott Bun an Phobail
26 Willie Gillespie Naomh Colmcille

A well-known Irish dancing teacher from Donegal has said he simply does not have the means to pay €400,000 to a young woman he was found guilty of sexually abusing.

Michael Quigley at an earlier court appearance.

Michael Quigley, from Letterkenny, had been ordered to pay the compensation to his former pupil Dana Doherty by the High Court.

But the 70 year old told Letterkenny District Court yesterday that he was only surviving on €339 a week from his pensions.

Quigley, of Barnhill Park, told Ms Doherty’s solicitor Orlagh Sharkey “I have not made any effort because I’m not in a position to pay anything. My only assets are my pensions.”

Quigley said he had nothing left once he had paid his bills when outlining his statement of means.

Ms Sharkey challenged him on his claim that he paid half – or almost half – of the mortgage on his home.

“This is in direct contradiction to a statement made by your wife to the High Court in which she said in evidence and in an affidavit that she paid all of the mortgage on your home,” said Ms Sharkey to the witness.

“That’s not the case,” replied Quigley.

He added that he didn’t have any bank accounts, but rather a credit union account into which his pension is paid.

Quigley told the court that he used that account to withdraw his pension and to pay bills and also revealed he had Stg£5,919 in the credit union account in Derry.

Judge Paul Kelly asked Ms Sharkey how much her client was looking for and was informed Ms Doherty was seeking €1,000 per month.

Ms Sharkey said Quigley’s statement on his monthly expenditure was ‘entirely contradictory’ set against previous court hearings.

Quigley’s wife Alice, she said, had claimed in one court to the sole owner of property whereas in court yesterday Quigley was now claiming the ownership of the property was “a joint exercise”.

She added: “Alice Quigley is a retired national school teacher in receipt of a very healthy pension.

“Mr Quigley fails to appreciate the serious nature of the High Court judgement against him and he has made no effort whatsoever to compensate our client.”

Judge Kelly ordered that Quigley should provide details of all or any of his accounts for the whole of 2014 and also this month.

He also asked for receipts for January showing his day by day expenditure.

All this information should be given to Ms Doherty’s solicitors Callan Tansey Solicitors in Sligo and to the court by the end of February, the judge added before adjourning the case until March 4th.

An American based family who had agreed to purchase a business venture in the Milford area has been forced to abandon the project due to red tape in the Department of Justice.

MIlford has lost out on a major investment because of red tape.

It has emerged that to comply with visa regulations to take up residence here the family, as non EU citizens would have to produce evidence of an investment in the region of €300,000.

The family with strong Irish roots had agreed the purchase of a locally owned business for an estimated figure believed to be €150,000.

And they have reacted to the requirement of €300,000 with total disbelief.

The Tirconail Tribune reports that a representative for the family has now accused the Judicial Immigrations Department that while trying to insure that those who come to Ireland do not pose a burden financially to the State, are in fact hurting more of Ireland’s citizens in the process.

Cllr. Ian McGarvey who met with the investors while in America as Mayor of Donegal was instrumental in them coming to Donegal with a view to purchase a business.

Cllr. McGarvey has said he is shocked that this genuine venture has collapsed and he is of the opinion that many others in America of Irish origin but do not comply with the EU citizenship proviso are being prevented from coming here.

He intends to raise this issue at the next meeting of Donegal County Council in Lifford at the end of January.

The premises involved is a well-known landmark, said Cllr. McGarvey and with the current owners due to retire he fears that an opportunity to save the facility and create jobs has been lost.

However, said Ian McGarvey, since the American family members are not EU citizens they found themselves with an insurmountable situation and despite long and tedious negotiations no progress whatsoever has been achieved. This demand for €300,000 is seen a residency guarantee and is operated by the judicial immigration department in Dublin. It is well out of the reach of many Irish emigrants hoping to relocate here in Donegal.

A representative for the family told the Tribune: “The investment schemes set by the judicial immigration department are reserved for multimillionaires and not for merely successful professionals. Today’s exchange rate would require an investment of $360,835.27 in American Dollars, in order to begin to fulfill their requirements. As you know, our investment in the business near Milford is well below that figure. And the other schemes offered are way beyond any reasonable consideration.

When you look at the huge number of business properties on the market presently, in the range we were looking at, you will see what we have been talking about. Many of these properties have been on and off the market for over three years. Some have gone out of business as result due to no suitable Irish buyers, leaving more people out of work, and out of money.

While others, though showing positive cash flow with good to average returns are in the same boat as the aforementioned businesses that most folks do not have the financial resources to complete the transaction. These businesses too will eventually follow in the footsteps as mentioned.

At the figures we were looking at we would have had enough funds to sustain our extended family for at least four years, without income from the business we were pursuing. In addition to hiring part time staff with wages equal to current standards. Not to mention, providing and improving service to the community where these businesses operated.

In our extensive travels across Ireland it was sad to see so many derelict and run down business properties and homes, even though some were not at the top of tourist destinations, they did offer convenience to the many residents of those given areas. The town we stayed at south of Letterkenny had it’s own areas of blight that took away from what was a beautiful town.

The Judicial Immigrations Department while trying to insure that those who come to Ireland do not pose a burden financially to the State, are in fact hurting more of Ireland’s citizens in the process.

It is sad that a family like ours, with dreams and vision, who desire to make Ireland our permanent home are restricted due to what most would consider outrageous investment requirements. Many of these businesses perhaps were at that €300,000.00 price a few years back but due to a dismal economy brought about by bureaucratic red tape have fallen to the point where they are today.

We have never been afraid of investing in higher risk ventures We are cautious where to invest, but just because a business we are interested in is under performing, does not equate to certain failure,” added the family spokesman.

Can’t Pay Won’t Pay have condemned the “arrogant and heavy-handed approach” of Irish Water meter contractors who have moved into Letterkenny in force this week.

And have pledged their full support for residents who resist metering or remove installed meters.

Residents of Thorndale and Elmwood Downs awoke this week to find their footpaths ripped up and Irish Water vans putting in water meters in the area.

A spokesman for Can’t Pat Won’t Pay said the residents had been given no notice of the water supply being cut off.

“Despite what Irish Water have promised, no notice is being given to residents that their water supplies have been cut off. We have heard from people who have gone to work leaving washing machines or dishwashers on who have been worried that their appliances may have been damaged by the sudden loss of water supply,” said spokesperson Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig.

“Even where people have made it clear they did not want meters, the contractors have ignored them and continued the installations. Their actions are arrogant and heavy-handed. I have stopped installers on a number of occasions in West Donegal by standing over the connection and I fully support anyone who does the same in Letterkenny. Make it clear you do not want a meter, stand in their way, ask them why they have not given you the required notice. In short, get in their face and make it difficult for them. At the very least it will slow them down and they may decide to move on to where they will get less resistance.”

“Where they do succeed, it is easy enough to remove the meter and I encourage people to do it. I believe this is rightful civil disobedience. The government can claim no mandate to implement these charges. There is overwhelming opposition to the charges and they should have scrapped them not modified them.”

“It is important to remember that even if they install a meter on your supply, you can still join the boycott. Tens of thousands in Donegal will not pay regardless of whether we have meters or not. In the end it will be the impossibility of getting us all to pay that will make water charges uncollectable and will finally kill them off. Can’t Pay Won’t Pay’s message is: resist metering, support the protests and join the boycott.”

Could Harps face yet another logistical nightmare if Tralee Dynamos are added to the Airtricity First Division?

Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan will assemble his side for pre-season training next Monday night as preparations for the new season get underway.

The Finn Harps squad will gather next Monday night at Ballyare as they undergo a intense six-week training period ahead of the new season which kicks-off in March.

It is believed Harps have secured friendly matches with Cork City, Galway United, Sligo Rovers and Drogheda ahead of the new season.

It is not yet known whether Harps will compete in a seven or eight team league.

At the moment the league contains seven sides which are Finn Harps, Waterford United, Wexford Youths, Shelbourne, UCD, Cobh Ramblers and Athlone Town.

There is speculation that Kerry Intermediate outfit Tralee Dynamos could make the step-up into senior football.

That would be another logistical nightmare for Finn Harps as they already have to travel to Cobh, Waterford and Wexford.

Another journey to Tralee would be taxing, but it’s believed officials close to the club would prefer Tralee in the league than to have a B team play in the league again.

Shamrock Rovers B team competed in the First Division last season but that pilot project was terminated by new Rovers manager Pat Fenlon this season.

St Patrick’s Athletic are considering entering a B team into the league if Tralee’s application to the league is rejected.

In this slightly colder article on the Donegal great outdoors, hidden gem series we are going to visit the north face of Muckish Mountain on a very wintery day.

Winter in Ireland is a very fleeting mistress with a sudden drop in the ambient air temperature and an even swifter rise in temperature, Winter conditions in the Irish mountains can come and go in a single day.

It is when a period of extended cold weather hits the Emerald Isle, it is then that its mountains are transformed into a true winter wonderland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBrVLA_nSUM

North Face of Muckish Film

At the northern end of The Derryveagh Mountains in County Donegal lives a huge flat topped mountain called Muckish named from the Irish, Mucais or an Mhucais, meaning the pig’s back.

The south face of the mountain holds the easiest and most popular route to it’s huge flat topped summit.

With the north face of Muckish is a completely different beast as the entire face is dominated by a huge steep sided corrie.

This corrie holds the remains of the ancient mining works used long ago to extract the high grade quartz sand from the mountain, the sand was then used to produce high quality glass.

The old miners track into the corrie provides an excellent and easy summer navigation route into the corrie and up onto the summit of the mountain.

When winter hits county Donegal this corrie is transformed into an outstanding winter mountaineering venue.

The steep normally wet sides of the corrie freeze and are plastered with snow.

With a few freeze/ thaw cycles this snow soon consolidates and is quickly transformed into superb neve.

This neve provides outstanding underfoot conditions for winter walking into this magnificent corrie.

The miners track is quite steep in places and a single walking axe and crampons are recommended as the track weaves it’s way up and through several amazing but steep gullies to the huge summit plateau.

From the summit of Muckish Mountain the views are vast, uninterrupted and breathtaking as far as the eye can see towards the Slievetooey massif to the South.

The Inishowen Peninsula to the North and the surrounding Derryveagh mountains. Muckish Mountain is living proof that you do not have to travel abroad for a truly great winter mountaineering experience.