The late Orla O'Reilly who was described as 'inspirational' by colleagues.

Friends and colleagues of the tragic youth worker killed in a horrific road crash yesterday have paid tribute to their 'inspiring colleague.'

Beautiful Orla O'Reilly died after she was involved in a two car collision outside Newtowncunningham just before 2.30pm.

Orla, who worked with the Donegal Youth Service at The Loft in Letterkenny, was originally from Cavan but had lived in Donegal for many years.

She was due to marry her fiancée Jimmy next year.

Her heartbroken colleagues at DYS released a statement to Donegal Daily in which they said they were devastated.

The statement said "We in Donegal Youth Service are devastated by the sudden death of our friend and colleague. Our sadness is beyond words and our thoughts and prayers are for her fiancée Jimmy, her family and her friends. Orla was an inspiration to us all and through her work, she helped and inspired so many young people."

DYS will be open today, Saturday, from 2-6pm to support any young people affected by Orla's death.

Messages were pouring in on social media for Orla who was a keen horsewoman and a member of the Inishowen Riding Club.

Orla, who lived in Muff, was one of two people killed in the crash in the townland of Killyvery, less than a mile outside Newtown on the Letterkenny side.

It has been the scene of many fatal accidents over the years including that of a mother who was killed when her car struck a bus in May of last year.

The other man killed in yesterday's crash has been named locally as Mark McClintock from Derry.

Another man, who was in a black Honda Accord which was in collision with Ms O'Reilly's Skoda car, remains in hospital in Derry but his condition is not known.

DDTV: A newly-married Donegal couple took an alternative mode of transport to their wedding reception after exchanging their nuptials.

Siobhan and Brendan Mullen tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony at St. Brigid's Chapel in Ballintra last month.

The wedding reception was then held in the superb Central Hotel in The Diamond, Donegal Town.

However, what turned heads in Donegal Town was the mode of transport used to take the bride and groom to their reception.

There were no flashy motors or vintage cars - instead the farming couple opted for the tried and trusted traditionally tractor - much to the delight of the wedding party.

To view simply click play on the video above and enjoy.

Congratulations to Siobhan and Brendan on their recent marriage.

Letterkenny General Hospital.

Members of the Radiotherapy Project Team, at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, will be holding a public information sharing session to find out more about the new cross border Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital, in Letterkenny General Hospital on Monday 16 November 2015 at 6pm in the Large Conference Room.

Co-operating for Cancer Care NorthWest, is encouraging the public to attend this session in Letterkenny as it will afford them the opportunity to get 'first-hand' information on how this unique cross border project is proceeding and to get questions they have addressed.

It is envisaged the session will provide information on progress regarding the building works, staff recruitment and service development for the new Unit.

If people cannot attend one of the public sessions they can go on line at www.westerntrust.hscni.net/RadiotherapyUnit.htm, access e-newsletters and stay up-to-date on developments. It is also possible to see on this website a 'fly through' video of an architect's insight to what the Radiotherapy Unit will look like when construction is completed.

Members of CCC(NW) have campaigned for a Radiotherapy Unit in the North West Region for over 10years and we welcome news that the Unit is on target to become operational to treat Donegal/NW cancer patients requiring radiotherapy in the autumn of 2016.

Further information sessions include:
Tuesday 17 November, Lecture Theatre One, MDEC Building, Altnagelvin Hospital, 5.30pm;
Thursday 19 November, Seminar Room, Postgrad Centre, Tyrone County Hospital, Omagh, 2pm;
Monday 30 November, Lecture Theatre, Medical Education Centre, South West Acute Hospital, 1.30pm; and
Friday 18 December, Lecture Theatre, MDEC Building, Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, 2pm.

GARDAI have issued a plea to motorists to drive with extra care this weekend as up to 60mm of rain has left many Donegal roads in a dangerous condition.

There are reports of flood waters on roads across the county including around Letterkenny, Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal Town and Termon

Met Eireann said in a statement: "The North West is being particularly badly hit with very heavy rain over a prolonged period of time and there is a risk of flooding in areas prone to floods.

"There will be spells of heavy rain during Saturday, through Saturday night and on Sunday. Accumulations of 40 to 60mm are expected generally. But 60 to 80mm are possible on hills and mountains."

The alert remains in place until 3pm on Sunday.

The tiny pet rabbits which were stolen in the raid

CRIME ALERT: A local man has issued a heartfelt plea to help find two pet rabbits stolen from the back seat of their car in broad daylight in Killybegs on Friday.

Darragh Shine is offering a reward for the return of the much-loved pets.

He says he and his sister parked their red Honda Civic car in the Diamond carpark in Killybegs at around 1.35pm yesterday.

Said Darragh: "We went for lunch in a nearby restaurant and when we got back we were horrified to discover that our car has been broken into. The doors in the back seats were not locked so somebody was able to obtain access to the car.

"The incident would’ve occurred between 1.35pm and 2.15pm. For some unknown reason they took absolutely everything that was in the backseat. Our two pet rabbits which we had purchased three years ago were in a large double-decker style steel cage.

"They were taken along with a school bag that contained various items of clothing and important documents. The cage was quite large and expensive so we are assuming this is the reason for it being taken.

"There was quite a significant amount of people in the town at the time so somebody was bound to have seen something."

One rabbit is dark brown and the other is light brown and white. Each has a collar so they would be extremely distinctive. The dark brown one has a red collar that has its name “Cyndi Hopper” and my name and telephone number and the other has a blue collar with its name “Marilyn Bunroe” and the other details also.

The school bag is a bright pink nike bag.

Darragh told Donegal Daily: "Since one rabbit is expecting and they have high emotional value the other items have financial value, we are offering a reward for the return of our pets and the items.

“I am extremely angered and upset that any human being would stoop this low to committing such an act. All we want is the return of what is rightly ours and we will leave it at that."

If you have any information feel free to and email to darraghshine1738@hotmail.com or call me on 0862547666

or email info@donegaldaily.com - please share on social media

THE world is mourning for the 130 people who were brutally and cold bloodedly assassinated in Paris by Jihadi gunmen last night.

Over 200 people are in hospital many of them fighting for their lives in a critical condition.

France has declared three days of mourning for all those who died, men and women of all ages who were out enjoying the start of their weekend.

President Francois Hollande described the carnage on the streets of Paris at six separate venues as an ‘act of war’ carried out by followers of Islamic State.

He has vowed to bring the fight to ISIS and make them pay for the slaughter of his citizens.

Eight Jihadi terrorists armed with AK47 assault rifles with bombs strapped their bodies carried out the indiscriminate and no warning attacks.

Professor Paddy Gray from Magee University in Derry has just posted a picture of one of the restaurants which was riddled with high velocity rounds.

It gives a graphic insight into the terror on the streets of Paris last night as warped gunmen let loose on young diners with an unending volley of automatic rounds, cutting them down as they ate their dinner and drank their wine and beers.

One young Donegal man had been in the area of the restaurant attacks earlier on Friday evening but had decided to go home early.

The Department of Foreign Affairs says one Irish citizen was wounded in the attacks.

WELL-know Magee University professor has told of how he was left “nervous and apprehsenive” after he unwittinggly got caught up in the massarace in Paris.

Paddy Gray is safe and well after a ‘Good Samaritan’ French man gave him refuge in his home as armed police hunted the ISIS killers who slaughtered 128 dead.

French president Francois Hollande has declared the attacks as an “act of war” organised by Islamic State.

President Hollande has declared a state of emergency and the country’s borders have been closed.

There were multiple shootings and bomb attack across the city.

Around 80 people alone were massacred in the Bataclan concert venue watching a death metal band.

Professor Gray, based at the Derry's Magee campus said the attacks in Paris have caused panic on the streets of the French capital.

He was in an Irish bar watching the Ireland v Bosnia match on television when the attacks began.

Mr Gray told the BBC he was “nervous and apprehensive” as the situation developed.

“I walked up towards my hotel, this car stopped and [was left] abandoned,” he said.

“So police told us to run.

“I ran down this road and I was panicking and ended up being pulled into this entry by these people.

“We stopped there for quite a while in the dark.

“There were police marching up and down, all armed, of course.

“The next thing this nice gentleman came out and told us to come into his house – I don’t know who he is and I can’t really communicate with anybody either.”

DDTV: Controversial RTE pundit Eamon Dunphy has lavished Seamus Coleman with praise - following his excellent display for Ireland last night.

Coleman had a superb match as Ireland earned a crucial 1-1 draw with Bosnia in the first-leg of their play-off double header.

Outspoken pundit Dunphy was full of praise for Coleman and said he had a terrific match.

Dunphy said, "Coleman made a crucial tackle, a match saving one - and he has character - he's pure Donegal.

"He's a great little pro, he's a tough little man.

Robbie Brady's away goal could prove decisive and Ireland are now well placed ahead of the second-leg at the Aviva Stadium on Monday night.

To view the clip simply click play on the video above and enjoy.

COYBIG.

Letterkenny Rovers player Paul Boyle receives the Ulster Shield Inter-Firms title.

GAA NEWS: Pramerica have been crowned Ulster Shield Inter-Firms champions following a hard fought win over telecommunications giant Obelisk.

Obelisk who have a HQ in Cavan - provided formidable opponents for Pramerica earlier this afternoon in what was an entertaining match.

The game was played in wet conditions at the fabulous Tyrone Centre of Excellence in Garvaghy.

Pramerica started fast out of the blocks with 3 early points.

Obelisk responded on 10 minutes with a well-worked goal.

Pramerica's strength showed however, and kept the scoreboard ticking over with some fine scores from Brenden McGuire, Ronan Dunne and Damien Hanlon.

After a good run from Ronan 'Baker' Boyle and some fine linkup play Brendan McGuire (Killybegs) couldnt miss to find the net from close range on fifteen minutes.

Another goal follwed for the Letterkenny based company when Michael Moreton (St Eunan's) found the net with a excellent finish to leave the score at HT 2-06 to 1-3.

A very fortunate goal for Padraic Sheerin (Foreglen) found the net in the second half to really seal the victory even though a spirited obelisk team made a good attempt of a comeback with the game finishing 3-10 to 2-6.

Great team performance for the lads from Pramerica with Gerard Coyle, Brendan O Brien and Damien Hanlon exceptional throughout.

YES! Karl Lacey and Eamon McGee are staying on for Donegal next season!

GAA NEWS: Donegal supporters have been given an early Christmas present following the news that a number of our most experienced servants are staying on for the forthcoming 2016 season.

There had been question marks over the future of a number of Donegal's senior players.

However, it has been confirmed that Karl Lacey, Neil Gallagher, Christy Toye, Colm McFadden and Eamon McGee will all remain on for next season.

The news will come as a huge boost to Donegal supporters who feared a mass exodus after last season's All-Ireland quarter-final exit to Mayo.

In the immediate aftermath of Donegal's exit in August, Rory Gallagher admitted he would give the senior players plenty of time to think about their futures.

He did stress at the time he was hopeful that all of them would remain on - as Donegal look to win back the Ulster SFC they relinquished against Monaghan last season.

The confirmation that none of them are ready to walk away is a massive boost for Donegal.

Gallagher will be keen to blood new faces - but it's important to have plenty of senior experience around them to help them bed into life as a senior inter-county player.

Aidan McLaughlin will ne a key figure for Bonagee tomorrow as they host Letterkenny Rovers.

USL PREVIEW: Bonagee United welcome local rivals Letterkenny Rovers to the Dry Arch Park tomorrow afternoon - knowing a victory will put them joint-top.

However, Letterkenny Rovers also know a victory for them will put them one point clear at the top of the USL.

It promises to be a intriguing clash between two sides who have enjoyed fine seasons to date.

Both are in FAI Intermediate cup action in a fortnight's time against Dunboyne AFC and Killester United FC respectively.

Both sides have also made the semi-finals of the League cup - and are at the right end of the USL table.

So tomorrow's clash should be a cracking encounter between two sides in good form.

Bonagee came from behind twice last weekend to hold reigning USL champions Cockhill Celtic.

A late, late goal from Aiden McLaughlin ensured Peter Moran's side earned a deserved share of the spoils.

Letterkenny defeated Fanad United 3-1 last Saturday night, but they didn't have it all their own way.

It was a tough match, and it took a late penalty from Johnny Bonner to ensure Letterkenny took maximum points.

Peter Moran's side with home advantage will be confident of a win, but Letterkenny are a team with serious title ambitions and know the importance a win will be tomorrow.

VERDICT: Draw

In the USL's other fixture, Swilly Rovers entertain Fanad United.

Swilly blew a three goal lead against Bonagee United last time out - and they'll be hoping to get back on track tomorrow afternoon.

Fanad have yet to register a win but they are improving every week and will be confident of gaining a result in Swilly Park.

Jason Gibson has improved his squad and a win will put them right back into the title mix.

Arthur Lynch has steadied the ship at Fanad in recent weeks and they earned a good point at home to Cockhill last month.

VERDICT: Swilly Rovers

The scene of yesterday's crash. Pic by Northwest Newspix.

The Letterkenny to Derry Road at Killyvery outside Newtowncunningham has re-opened.

The late Orla O'Reilly who was described as 'inspirational' by colleagues.

It follows a major Garda forensic examination at the scene where two people were killed yesterday afternoon.

Youth worker Orla O'Reilly and Co Derry man Mark McClintock lost their lives when the cars in which they were travelling collided just before 2.30pm.

Garda have not released any details of there investigation into the crash as of yet.

The junction where the traffic lights have gone down.

Motorists in Letterkenny have been warned to slow down when approaching Letterkenny's busiest junction after a traffic light malfunction.

The three sets of traffic lights at the courthouse junction at Gallagher's Hotel and the local courthouse have been down for a number of hours this evening (SAT).

There have already been a number of near misses as traffic approaches the junction from three different directions.

CRIME ALERT: THERE is anger in a Border community tonight after burglars raided a home, stole a van and then smashed into a car with six people on board.

Two people were hurt in the incident and were later treated in hospital.

The crime gang raided a house in Quigley's Point earlier this evening.

They loaded their loot into a van stolen from the property and drove at speed towards Muff.

Once there, the van accelerated past a queue of vehicles on the wrong side of the road as they tried to get to the Border.

At Donaghy's filling station the van collided with a people carrier with three couples inside, before driving across the Border.

The gang abandoned the van and made their escape towards Derry in a getaway car.

The couple in the car which was struck by the van were treated at Letterkenny General Hospital for minor injuries before being discharged.

But there is anger in the communities in Inishowen over the lack of garda resources to deal with crime gangs crossing the Border.

It's understood the PSNI is helping gardai with their investigation.

However a friend of the couple told Donegal Daily: "It's a free for all here now; these crime gangs can come and go as they please and we all know there aren't enough gardai along the Border."

The scene at Blue Cedars in Ballybofey where there is a threat of major flooding.

Major flooding has been reported in a number of housing estates in Ballybofey tonight (SAT).

Our picture above shows the flooding at the Blue Cedars on the Fintown Road out of Ballybofey.

Roads are passable but people are asked to take extreme care.

However, the road at Welshtown is blocked with large swathes of water after the River Finn burst its banks at Glenmore.

With further heavy rain forecast over the weekend, Gardai are asking people to take care when driving.

The late Orla O'Reilly

Tragic road victim Orla O'Reilly is to be buried in her native Co Cavan.

The popular and much loved youth worker died following a car crash outside Newtowncunningham on Friday afternoon last.

Orla, who worked with Donegal Youth Services, was due to marry fiancee Jimmy McKinney next year.

Her remains have been reposing at her home in Muff but will be removed to her family home in Kilnaleck, Cavan at noon today.

Viewing times from later today between 6pm to 10pm, and tomorrow, Monday 2pm to 10pm.

Requiem Mass on Tuesday 17th November at 12 noon in St. Mary’s Church, Kilnaleck followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Family flowers only with donations in lieu to Donegal Young Carers c/o Eddie Murphy Funeral Director or Connie Briody Funeral Directors.

Many of those whose lives Orla touched in so many positive ways over the years are expected to attend her funeral.

Several cars have been left destroyed after the River Finn burst its banks and flooded the carpark of Jackson's Hotel in Ballybofey overnight. Pic by Northwest Newspix.

BREAKING NEWS: These are some of the devastating scenes after the county woke up to a night of heavy flooding.

Cars have been destroyed and land flooded after consistent rain caused havoc in many parts.

Fields at Conwal in Letterkenny completely flooded by water. Pic by Paddy McGlynn.

At least three cars are missing and several other cars destroyed after the River Finn burst its banks sending a flood of water into the carpark of Jackson's Hotel in Ballybofey.

Other cars have been left completely destroyed as they sit in several feet of water.

As well as the Twin Towns, many parts of Letterkenny have been hit by huge volumes of water.

Many fields around the Conwal area of Letterkenny have been left deep under water as our pictures show.

The main road from Ballymacool out to Conwal has now been closed just after 9am.

Thankfully there have been no reports yet of anybody being injured during the floods.

We will bring you more news and pictures as we get them as the clean-up to this horrific night of flooding in many parts continues.

If you have been hit by the floods, please emails us your pictures and stories to info@donegaldaily.com

Many of the cars are almost completely submerged under water. Pic by Northwest Newspix.

THESE are some of the scenes around Donegal today after 24 hours of non-stop rain.

The training pitch at O'Donnell Park in Letterkenny is water logged as flood waters poured over levees.

And grounds of the Aura Leisure Centre look more like a lake than a running track.

In Castlefinn the bridge has all but disappeared under water.

Below is the scene in Killygordon, with waters perilously close to homes.

The scene in Clarendon Drive in Donegal Town today. Pic NorthWestNewsPox

BREAKING NEWS: RESIDENTS have been rescued from their homes in Donegal Town today by fire crews responding to one of the worst floods the county has seen in recent times.

Five people had to be taken to safety from their homes in Clarendon Drive in the town by fire officers after flood waters poured into their homes.

It is one of a number of weather related incidents across the county today.

Cars were destroyed in the car park of Jackson's Hotel after overnight floods poured in.

Roads around Castlefinn are impassable; the Castlefinn Bridge has all but disappeared.

Cllr Patrick McGowan said roads to Lifford, Castlederg and Clady are all flooded.

Farmers in Ballyarr outside Ramelton have been rescuing sheep from fields all morning as they became marooned on little islands surrounded by flood waters from tributaries to the River Lennon.

Donegal Fire Service crews have been working overnight and today to help families hit by flood waters.

In Letterkenny O'Donnell training pitch has been turned into a lake. The St Eunan's v Ballyshannon U21 semi-final has been postponed.

The car park at the Aura Leisure centre is also flooded (below) with the astro pitches and running track also under water.