A DOZEN schools in Donegal are to get a cash boost as part of a capital grants programme announced by the Government.

Government TD Joe McHugh has welcomed the announcement which includes a go-ahead for the Buncrana campus and expansion plans in Glenswilly among others.

The full list of schools is below.

“I am pleased to confirm that the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has announced the list of schools who are to be included in the School Building Projects 2016 – 2021, in order to continue to meet the accommodation requirements of our growing school going population," said McHugh.

“There are twelve schools in Donegal who are to be included in this six year capital project and I am delighted to see that so many have been successful in their applications. A number of schools will begin work as soon as next year, with all schools being rolled out before the end of 2021.

“I am very pleased to see that so many schools across Donegal will benefit from this capital plan, I have visited most of these schools on a number of occasions and have witnessed first-hand just how much this funding is needed.”

In total, 310 individual major school building projects will proceed to construction between 2016 and 2021 across Ireland.

Below is a full list of Donegal schools included in the School Building Projects 2016 – 2021

ST MICHAEL'S CLUB NEWS:

St. Michael’s Mini Lotto
There was no Jackpot winner in the St. Michael’s Mini Lotto on Sunday Night last; The numbers drawn were 1,5,7, 8,11,14. The match 5 winners were John Joe Boyle Gortnalake and Jenna McMullan Hornhead who won €50 each. This weeks Jackpot be €2150. The Club would like to thank Brian and Margaret Anne Dolan, Molly’s Bar Dunfanaghy, Seamus Sweeney Kildarragh Construction Philadelphia, Shaun Langan Creeslough Pallets and Michael McColgan Dunfanaghy for their continuing sponsorship of the lotto jackpot, it is very much appreciated.
Tickets are on sale in local businesses in Dunfanaghy and Creeslough and at the Bingo Session in Massinass Community Centre Creeslough on Sunday evenings, tickets for the St. Michaels Mini Lotto can now also be purchased on line anywhere at at onlinelotto on facebook .

Drive Home in Style from the Bingo in Creeslough
The winner of the €100 on the 6th game at the Bingo Session in the Massinass Community Centre on Sunday night last was Leo Brennan Creeslough, the €100 on the 9th game was shared between Bernie Boyle and Mary Cullen Kill Dunfanaghy.
You could win a car on every game every Sunday night at the Bingo Session in the Massinass Community Centre Creeslough by winning a house on 45 nos or less. Check on 45 Numbers or less with the magic number in the panel and the lucky number drawn in the first five numbers of that game, you win the car or €10,000. The normal Snowball is also in place every night. The Magic Number from 1 to 90 is drawn out every Sunday night before the bingo begins. The car was in play last Sunday night but was not won. In addition every House winner will receive a free entry to the weekly lotto, this weeks Jackpot is €2100. The single book is €8. Bingo continues every Sunday evening at 8pm in the Massinass Community Centre.
St. Michael’s Lotto Rota
The names for the St. Michael’s Mini Lotto Rota for this Sunday night the 21st November are Dunfanaghy Hugh McGee and Daniel McColgan, Creeslough Ciaran Gallagher.

AGM
Senior board AGM will take place on Friday 4th Dec at 7pm in Day Centre Creeslough. As agreed any adult club member can request a nomination and motion paper from club secretary on 0863084164 or emailsecretary.stmichaels.donegal@gaa.ie
These are to be returned to secretary by post only no later than 5pm on 25th November.

SOS for Photographs!
Nicola is currently gathering photographs for the clubhouse. If anyone has ANY team photographs from winning senior, reserve, u21 or any underage teams in league/championship/Gaeltacht she would really appreciate if you let her know. All hard copies of the photos will be returned to you safely once we make a copy of them or likewise photos can be emailed to secretary.stmichaels.donegal@gaa.ie
Please spread the word as the team photos required date back to 1967!!
All help with this little project would be much appreciated. Thanks everyone.

Annual GAA Draw
St. Michael’s club personnel will be coming around with the annual GAA Draw Tickets in the next fortnight.
The tickets cost €10 each and you will be entered into three separate draw-club, county and national.
The first prize is a car. Please support your local GAA Club as this is our only fundraiser this year.
Club Gear
Michael Murphy Sports & Leisure is now stocking St Michaels club gear in children and adult sizes.
Initials can be embroidered on tops if requested in the shop.
St. Michaels Minor Board
Scor Na Nog
Well done to the quiz team of Aoife Kelly Oisin Cannon, Carlos O’Reilly and Edward O’Reilly who represented the club in the county finals of Scor in Glenfin on Friday night last, finishing third on the night was a good achievement.
Well done also to Paul Johnson and Chloe Doherty who represented us in the instrumental.

ONLINE security staff were key to catching a Nigerian crook behind a scam at McElhinneys' Department Store in Ballybofey, a court has heard.

The alert sparked a garda investigation which exposed Selman Momoh as a thief and a liar, Letterkenny District Court heard.

Momoh was behind bars last night as a result of the investigation sparked by an online purchase of a pair of shoes worth €216.

Inspector Michael Harrison told the court that online security staff became suspicious when an attempt was made to purchase items online using a stolen credit card last month.

The purchase was declined.

However a second order was placed using a different credit card, but giving the same address as the first order.

McElhinneys called gardai as the address for delivery in Stranorlar didn't exist.

On October 28 Momoh called the shop twice to ask when his shoes were going to be delivered and he was invited to call into the shop to pick them up.

But gardai were waiting and watched Momoh collect the parcel before returning to an S-Type Jaguar parked outside.

Gardai arrested Momoh and carried out a follow-up search at an address in Stranorlar.

They discovered a fake Irish passport - in a different name - which had been used to gain a tenancy of the property. They also discovered Momoh's real name because had used this to order a Sky TV dish.

They later discovered Momoh had been in McElhinneys store two weeks earlier where he had stolen a pair of Newbridge silver ear-rings.

Momoh admitted a range of offences including using a computer with the intention to make a gain, theft, handling stolen goods, gaining a tenancy in a false name, driving without tax, driving without insurance, driving with a licence, possession of a fake passport.

He had been in custody for almost three weeks after claiming his Nigerian passport was out of date - when in fact he had a new one.

Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said Momoh had been foolish and had admitted spending €1,100 buying the fake Irish passport.t.

"He made full and frank admissions," said Mr Gallagher who had asked for community service or a suspended prison sentence.

However Judge Paul Kelly said: "He went to some lengths in these crimes. They were not the act of a fella trying something off the cuff. He put a considerable amount of effort into this. Community service not an appropriate way to deal with the matter."

Momoh was fined €450 and given two three month terms in prison.

All the goods stolen from McElhinneys were returned to the shop.

A NEWMILLS man who was drunk and abusive to gardai has been fined €250.

Noel Carr, from Glenkeeragh, Newmills, was intoxicated on Letterkenny Main street in the early hours of April 25 last, Letterkenny District Court was told.

Gardai gave the 25-year-old several chances to move on, said Inspector Michael Harrison.

But Carr had refused the offer, telling a garda: "Don’t tell me what to f***ing do. I’ll stay here if I fucking want."

The court heard Carr was given 200 hours community service for an assault in Sligo in 2013.

He was also convicted of dangerous driving in 2012.

Judge Paul Kelly fined Carr €250 for the offences.

The Rostas were caught on CCTV

TWO Romanian women caught after an appeal for information on Donegal Daily have appeared in court where they have admitted the theft.

Florica Rostas, who is 31 with an address at 29 Booth Road,  Clondalkin, Dublin and Monica Rostas, who is 28 and from 14 Sweetrush Street in Tallaght, Dublin, admitted theft from a shop in Falcarragh on November 5 last.

Garda Niall Maguire told Judge Pal Kelly at Letterkenny District Court that the two women had entered the Bluestack Shop on the afternoon of Thursday November 5 and they had been duped a shop assistant into handing over €819 worth of gold rings and bracelets.

"It was a slight of hand," said Garda Maguire.

"The shop assistant had handed over the goods but the women appeared to change their minds and handed back the goods but the bag was empty," he said.

Both ladies were arrested two days later and charged at Letterkenny Garda Station.

The court heard Forica Rostas is due to appear in a Dublin court today in relation to a suspended sentence handed down there on July 28.

She had been caught in Monaghan in June for theft and fined €400.

A solicitor for Monica Rostas, a single mother of three who sells The Big Issue, said she wished to apologise to the court for the 'stupid' Falcarragh theft.

Both women were fined €150. All the stolen items were recovered and Judge Kelly issued an order for their return to the shop.

A large crowd attended the Donegal Association Annual Mass and Lecture on Sunday, 15th of November in the Regency Hotel. The mass was concelebrated by Fr. Michael Mc Cullagh and Fr. Charlie Cunningham.

After the mass the Fr. McDyer Memorial Lecture was delivered by historian, Sean Boner from Dungloe. It was fitting this year that the lecture was based on the Arranmore Disaster as it was as a result of this tragedy that the Donegal Association was founded 80 years ago.

At the lecture, Sean gave an insight into the tragedy which ‘struck a chord with the emerging Irish state at the time.’ The drowning took place on the 9th of November 1935 and four days later a meeting was held in the Gresham Hotel which marked the foundation of the Donegal Association in Dublin. At around 6pm, a yawl left Burtonport with 20 passengers many of whom had been returning from the potato harvesting in Scotland. Sean spoke of how the speed the boat was making caused confusion to the passengers as to their exact location when the yawl hit a rock. All but one of twenty people on the boat drowned with Patrick Gallagher being the sole survivor. Sean spoke of the fact that Patrick watched the lights going out in Arranmore on the night of the tragedy and sang to his brother during the night.

The Irish Press and The Irish Independent took photographs including one of a crowd of people saying the rosary at the Lifeboat Station. The photographs which are available today are a result of the national coverage which the tragedy received at the time because of the number of lives which were lost.

It was a fitting tribute on the 80th anniversary of the association that long standing members Kathleen Sheerin and Charlie Mc Ginley were recognised and presented with a token of appreciation for their hard work and commitment to the association down through the years. Kathleen has been a member of the committee since 1973 and was the first lady chairperson and the second lady president. Charlie first joined the committee in 1956 and has been part of the committee for the majority of those years. He has been joint treasurer since the late 1980s. Kathleen and Charlie are two familiar faces of the Donegal Association and it is through committed individuals like them that the association continues to grow from strength to strength.

The association had an exhibition of old photographs from the Arranmore Disaster and artwork from the children of the Arranmore Schools based on the tragedy on display. There was also an exhibition of old photographs from Donegal Association events over the years and live music for the 80th commemoration was provided by the fantastic Early Family from Arranmore Island.

Final Call for Nominations for Donegal Person of the Year!!
A final reminder that the closing date for the receipt of nominations for Donegal Person of the Year is the 30th November. Any individual or group of people may submit a nomination. The person nominated should have made a significant contribution to the promotion of the county at local, national, or international level. Nominations should set out the reasons for the nomination and include supporting documentation and endorsements from individuals and groups. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the Association’s website www.donegalassociation.ie or you can send your nomination directly to us by letter at The Donegal Association, The Teachers Club, 36 Parnell Square West, Dublin 1.

THE times, dates and venues have been set the 2016 Allianz National League campaigns of Donegal's footballers and hurlers.

The first game of Rory Gallagher’s campaign will see Donegal travel to Newry where they face Down at 7pm on January 30.

The footballers have home games through the campaign in Ballyshannon, Mac Cumhaill Park and O'Donnell Park.

The hurlers open their Division 2B campaign away to Mayo Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar at 2pm on February 14.

National Football League

Round One

30/1/16

Division One

Down v Donegal, Páirc Esler, Newry, 19.00

Dublin v Kerry, Croke Park, 19.30

31/01/2016

Division One

Cork v Mayo, Páirc Uí Rinn, 14.00

Roscommon v Monaghan, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, 14.00

Division Two

Derry v Fermanagh, Derry GAA Centre, Owenbeg, 14.00

Meath v Armagh, Páirc Tailteann, Navan, 14.00

Tyrone v Cavan, Healy Park, Omagh, 14.00

Laois v Galway, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 14.00

Division Three

Clare v Sligo, Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay, 14:00

Limerick v Tipperary, Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, 14:00

Offaly v Longford, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 14:00

Westmeath v Kildare, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 14:00

Division Four

Louth v London, Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, 13:00

Carlow v Antrim, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, 14:00

Wexford v Leitrim, Innovate Wexford Park, Wexford, 14:00

Wicklow v Waterford, County Ground, Aughrim, 14:00

06/2/16

Division One

Mayo v Dublin, Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, 19:00

Division Two

Armagh v Laois, Athletic Grounds, Armagh 19:00

Cavan v Derry, Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan 19:00

Divison Four

London v Carlow, Irish TV Grounds, Ruislip 13:00

07/02/16

Division One

Donegal v Cork, Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon, 14:00

Kerry v Roscommon, Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, 14:00

Monaghan v Down, St Tiernach’s Park, Clones, 14:00

Division Two

Fermanagh v Meath, Brewster Park, Enniskillen, 14:00

Galway v Tyrone, Pearse Stadium, Salthill, 14:00

Division Three

Kildare v Offaly, St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 14:00

Longford v Limerick, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford, 14:00

Sligo v Westmeath, Markievicz Park, Sligo, 14:00

Tipperary v Clare, Clonmel GAA Field, Clonmel, 14:00

Division Four

Antrim v Wexford, Corrigan Park, Belfast, 14:00

Leitrim v Wicklow, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 14:00

Waterford v Louth, Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 14:00

27/02/16

Division One

Dublin v Monaghan, Croke Park, 19:00

Division Two

Armagh v Fermanagh, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 19:00

28/02/16

Division One

Cork v Roscommon, Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork, 14:00

Donegal v Mayo, MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey, 14:00

Down v Kerry, Páirc Esler, Newry 14:00

Division Two

Derry v Galway, Celtic Park, Derry, 14:00

Laois v Tyrone, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 14:00

Meath v Cavan, Páirc Tailteann, Navan, 14:00

Division Three

Longford v Kildare, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park Longford, 14:00

Offaly v Sligo, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 14:00

Westmeath v Tipperary, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 14:00

Limerick v Clare, Newcastlewest, Limerick, 14:00

Division Four

Wexford v London, Innovate Wexford Park, Wexford, 13:00

Antrim v Leitrim, Corrigan Park, Belfast, 14:00

Carlow v Waterford, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, 14:00

Louth v Wicklow, Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, 14:00

05/03/16

Division One

Dublin v Cork, Croke Park, 19:00

Division Two

Cavan v Armagh, Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan, 19:00

Tyrone v Derry, Healy Park, Omagh, 19:00

Division Four

Waterford v Wexford, Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 19:00

06/03/16

Division One

Roscommon v Down, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, 14:00

Kerry v Donegal, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 14:30

Monaghan v Mayo, St Mary’s Park, Castleblayney, 14:30

Division Two

Fermanagh v Laois, Brewster Park, Enniskillen, 14:00

Galway v Meath, Pearse Stadium, Salthill, 14:00

Division Three

Tipperary v Offaly, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 12:45

Clare v Westmeath, Cusack Park, Ennis, 14:00

Kildare v Limerick, St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 14:00

Sligo v Longford, Markievicz Park, Sligo, 14:30

Division Four

Leitrim v Louth, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 14:00

London v Antrim, Irish TV Grounds, Ruislip, 14:00

Wicklow v Carlow, County Grounds, Aughrim, 14:30

05/03/16

Division One

Down v Dublin, Páirc Esler, Newry, 19:00

Division Two

Fermanagh v Cavan, Brewster Park, Enniskillen, 19:00

Division Three

Limerick v Westmeath, Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, 19:00

13/03/16

Division One

Cork v Monaghan, Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork, 14:00

Mayo v Kerry, Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, 14:30

Donegal v Roscommon, O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny, 15:00

Division Two

Laois v Derry, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 14:00

Meath v Tyrone, Páirc Tailteann, Navan, 14:00

Armagh v Galway, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 14:30

Division Three

Kildare v Sligo, St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 14:00

Longford v Tipperary, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford, 14:00

Offaly v Clare, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 14:00

Division Four

London v Leitrim, Irish TV Grounds, Ruislip, 13:00

Antrim v Waterford, Corrigan Park, Belfast, 14:00

Carlow v Louth, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, 14:00

Wexford v Wicklow, Innovate Wexford Park, Wexford, 14:45

26/03/16

Division One

Dublin v Donegal, Croke Park, 19:00

Division Two

Tyrone v Armagh, Healy Park, Omagh, 19:00

27/03/16

Division One

Cork v Down, Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork, 14:00

Monaghan v Kerry, St Tiernach’s Park, Clones, 14:00

Roscommon v Mayo, Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon, 14:00

Division Two

Cavan v Laois, Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan, 14:00

Derry v Meath, Derry GAA. Centre, Owenbeg, 14:00

Galway v Fermanagh, St Jarlath’s Park, Tuam, 14:00

Division Three

Clare v  Longford, Cusack Park, Ennis, 14:00

Sligo v Limerick, Markievicz Park, Sligo, 14:00

Westmeath v Offaly, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 14:00

Tipperary v Kildare, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 14:00

Division Four

Waterford v London, Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 13:00

Leitrim v Carlow, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 14:00

Louth v Wexford, Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda, 14:00

Wicklow v Antrim, County Grounds, Aughrim, 14:00

26/03/16

Division One

Kerry v Cork, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 14:00

Mayo v Down, Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, 14:00

Monaghan v Donegal, St Tiernach’s Park, Clones, 14:00

Roscommon v Dublin, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon, 14:00

Division Two

Armagh v Derry, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 14:00

Cavan v Galway, Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan, 14:00

Fermanagh v Tyrone, Brewster Park, Enniskillen, 14:00

Laois v Meath, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 14:00

Division Three

Kildare v Clare, St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 14:00

Limerick v Offaly, Newcastlewest, Limerick, 14:00

Longford v Westmeath, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 14:00

Sligo v Tipperary, Markievicz Park, Sligo, 14:00

Division Four

Antrim v Louth, Corrigan Park, Belfast, 13:30

London v Wicklow, Irish TV Grounds, Ruislip, 13:30

Waterford v Leitrim, Fraher Field, Dungarvan, 13:30

Wexford v Carlow, Innovate Wexford Park, Wexford, 13:30

09-10/04/16

Semi-finals

23/04/16

Division Three and Four finals

24/04/16

Division One and Two finals

National Hurling League

13/02/16

Division 1A

Tipperary v Dublin, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 19:00

Division 1B

Limerick v Wexford, Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, 19:00

14/02/16

Division 1A

Galway v Cork, Pearse Stadium, Salthill, 14:00

Waterford v Kilkenny, Walsh Park, Waterford, 14:00

Division 1B

Clare v Offaly, Cusack Park, Ennis, 14:00

Laois v Kerry, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 14:00

Division 2A

Derry v Antrim, Derry GAA Centre, Owenbeg, 14:00

Kildare v Carlow, St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 14:00

London v Westmeath, Irish TV Grounds, Ruislip, 14:00

Division 2B

Armagh v Down, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 14:00

Mayo v Donegal, Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, 14:00

Wicklow v Meath, Pearse Park, Arklow, 14:00

Division 3A

Fingal v Warwickshire, Lawless Memorial Park, Swords, 14:00

Louth v Roscommon, Louth GAA Centre of Excellence, 14:00

Monaghan v Tyrone, Darver St Mary’s Park, Castleblayney, 14:00

20/02/16

Division 1A

Cork v Waterford, Pairc Uí Rinn, Cork, 19:00

Dublin v Galway, Parnell Park, Dublin, 19:00

21/02/16

Division 1A

Kilkenny v Tipperary, Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, 14:00

Division 1B

Kerry v Limerick, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 14:00

Offaly v Laois, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 14:00

Wexford v Clare, Innovate Wexford Park, Wexford, 14:00

Division 2A

Carlow v London, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, 13:00

Antrim v Kildare, Páirc MacUílín, Ballycastle, 14:00

Westmeath v Derry, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 14:00

Division 2B

Donegal v Armagh, O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny, 14:00

Down v Wicklow, McKenna Park, Ballycran, 14:00

Meath v Mayo, St. Loman’s Park, Trim, 14:00

Division 3A

Roscommon v Monaghan, Waldron Park, Athleague, 14:00

Tyrone v Fingal, Healy Park, Omagh, 14:00

Warwickshire v Louth, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, 14:00

05/03/16

Division 1A

Dublin v Cork, Croke Park, 17:00

Division 1B

Laois v Clare, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 19:00

Division 2A

London v Kildare, Irish TV Grounds, Ruislip, 14:00

Division 3A

Tyrone v Warwickshire, Healy Park, Omagh, 17:00

06/03/16

Division 1A

Kilkenny v Galway, Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, 14:00

Tipperary v Waterford, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 14:30

Division 1B

Kerry v Wexford, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 12:45

Offaly v Limerick, O’Connor Park, Tullamore, 14:00

Division 2A

Carlow v Derry, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, 14:00

Westmeath v Antrim, Cusack Park, Mullingar, 14:00

Division 2B

Wicklow v Armagh, County Grounds, Aughrim, 12.45

Down v Mayo, McKenna Park, Ballycran, 14:00

Meath v Down, St. Loman’s Park, Trim, 14:00

Division 3A

Monaghan v Louth, Tiernach’s Park, Clones, 13:00

Roscommon v Fingal, Waldron Park, Athleague, 13:00

Division 3B

Sligo v Fermanagh, Markievicz Park, Sligo, 12:45

Longford v Leitrim, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 14:00

12/03/16

Division 1A

Cork v Kilkenny, Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork, 19:00

Division 1B

Limerick v Laois, Gaelic Grounds, Limerick, 17:00

Division 2A

Kildare v Westmeath, St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 14:00

Division 3A

Warwickshire v Roscommon, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, 14:00

13/03/16

Division 1A

Galway v Tipperary, Pearse Stadium, Salthill, 14:00

Waterford v Dublin, Árann Walsh Park, Waterford, 14:00

Division 1B

Wexford v Offaly, Innovate Wexford Park, Wexford, 13:00

Clare v Kerry, Cusack Park, Ennis, 14:00

Division 2A

Derry v London, Derry GAA Centre, Owenbeg, 13:00

Antrim v Carlow, Páirc MacUílín, Ballycastle, 14:00

Division 2B

Armagh v Meath, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 12:45

Mayo v Wicklow, Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, 12:45

Donegal v Down, O’ Donnell Park, Letterkenny, 13.15

Division 3A

Fingal v Monaghan, Lawless Memorial Park, Swords, 14:00

Louth v Tyrone, Louth GAA Centre of Excellence, Darver, 14:00

Division 3B

Fermanagh v Longford, Brewster Park, Enniskillen, 14:00

Leitrim v Sligo, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 14:00

20/03/16

Division 1A

Kilkenny v Dublin, Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, 14:00

Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium, Thurles, 14:00

Waterford v Galway, Walsh Park, Waterford, 14:00

Division 1B

Clare v Limerick, Cusack Park, Ennis, 14:00

Laois v Wexford, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, 14:00

Offaly v Kerry, St Brendan’s Park, Birr, 14:00

Division 2A

Carlow v Westmeath, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, 14:00

Kildare v Derry, St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 14:00

London v Antrim, Irish TV Grounds, Ruislip, 14:00

Division 2B

Armagh v Mayo, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 14:00

Down v Meath, McKenna Park, Ballycran, 14:00

Wicklow v Donegal, Pearse Park, Arklow, 14:00

Division 3A

Louth v Fingal, Louth GAA Centre of Excellence, 14:00

Monaghan v Warwickshire, St Mary’s Park, Castleblayney 14:00

Roscommon v Tyrone, Waldron Park, Athleague, 14:00

Division 3B

Leitrim v Fermanagh, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 14:00

Sligo v Longford, Markievicz Park, Sligo, 14:00

26/03/16

Division 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B Finals

02-03/04/16

Division One finals

THE Donegal LGFA has ratified county managers for 2016 at its AGM in Letterkenny last night.

The Senior Ladies manager is Micheal Naughton who takes over from Davy McLaughlin. Micheal has vast experience in this role in the past.

The Minor Ladies Manager next year is Termon's Trevor Alcorn, a coach with vast club experience.

The U16s management team was confirmed as Moville's Liam Skelly and Termon's Paddy McMenamin. Liam Skelly was one of the coaches of this year's successful U14 county set-up whilst Paddy McMenamin has had huge success with his club.

At U14s Greg Harkin from St Eunan's returns for a second year in 2016 having led the county team to an Ulster championship title and an All-Ireland final this year.

The development league U14 team will be managed by Sabrina White from Red Hughs.

The AGM also saw hard-working chairman Hugh Devenney re-elected unopposed.

Meanwhile tickets are selling fast for the Donegal LGFA Gala Banquet which is being held on Saturday, January 2, at the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny. The Senior County players who won this year's Ulster Championship will be honoured on the night.

A GAY couple from Co Louth tied the knot in Co Donegal today in one of the country's first same sex marriage ceremonies.

The rainbow flag flew alongside the tricolour at Harvey's Point Hotel today as DJ O'Hanlon and Wayne Gough said 'I do'.

New laws allowing same sex marriage came into operation today. The couple cancelled their civil partnership yesterday to allow the ceremony to go ahead today.

Fine Gael Minister Joe McHugh TD , has said that farmers across Donegal will benefit from a relaxation of farm inspections announced this week by the European Commission.

“A new package of implementation measures has been announced by the European Commission which will make like easier for farmers in Donegal. Essentially they can expect a relaxation of the farm inspection regime, which I’ve no doubt will be welcomed by all farmers. Any reduction of bureaucracy in relation to this means more time for farmers to be out on the land doing what they do best- farming.

“The full details of the measures are yet to be finalised however the Commission has indicated that the minimum rate of on-the-spot inspections should be reduced from 5% to 1% in certain circumstances, as well as increased flexibility in the procedures for conducting inspections under the integrated administration and control systems (IACS).

“The Council of the European Union Agriculture and Fisheries meeting also announced today that increased flexibility for the Rural Development Programme (RDP) will allow Member States such as Ireland amend their Programmes to target specific measures. Minister Coveney has welcomed this saying that the conditions in which we operate are constantly changing and so any increased flexibility for Ireland is welcome.”

Maurice Power, CEO, Saolta University Health Care Group; Siobhan Kelly, Clinical Nurse Manager 2; Dr Paul O Connor, Consultant Anaesthetist; Theresa Mellett, Clinical Nurse Manager 2; Carolanne Boyle, Clinical Nurse Manager 2; Jean Kelly, Group Director of Nursing and Maeve McGinley, Physiotherapist.

Staff at Letterkenny University Hospital received an award at the recent Saolta University Health Care Group Staff Recognition Awards.

The Enhanced Recovery Unit at the hospital won the award in the Innovation in a Clinical Area category.

Presenting the award to the team from Letterkenny, Maurice Power, CEO of the Saolta Group said: “This project owes its success to the multi-disciplinary team working to re-design the Joint Replacement Program –it is an excellent example of process re-engineering, delivering quality outcomes for patients and improving efficiencies in the hospital."

A number of other Letterkenny projects were shortlisted as finalists on the night including; the Breast Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Course from Letterkenny University Hospital, which was shortlisted in the Education and Training category, the Friends of Letterkenny General Hospital which was shortlisted in the Best Team category, Leading the Way in Urinary Catheter Care Initiative, which was shortlisted in the Quality Improvement category and the Cancer Research and Website - Stop Cancer, which was shortlisted in the Research category.

This is the second year of the Saolta University Health Care Group Staff Recognition Awards which aims to recognise and reward excellent staff performance, promote a sense of pride and reinforce the Saolta University Health Care Group as an excellent place to work.

The awards celebrate achievements in the areas of patient care, education and research. Applicants from across the Group’s hospitals were invited to participate in eight categories. A total of almost 140 entries were received and these were shortlisted to finalists in each category by an independent judging panel. The winners were announced on the evening by event host Norah Casey at an event attended by the finalists. The Saolta Staff Recognition Awards Scheme is self-funding from sponsorship received.

Exclusive: THERE is shock in the business community today after Donegal Daily learned that the company which runs Easons at the Courtyard Shopping Centre in Letterkenny was placed in examinership.

The interim examinership which was granted in the High Court in Dublin on Friday afternoon.

It gives protection to the company from its creditors for up to 100 days. It is different from liquidation or receivership in that it is designed to allow a company in financial difficulty to re-structure debt in the hope of continuing to trade.

However it also means creditors owed money won't be able to claim it before Christmas.

Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton, Chartered Accountants was appointed by the High Court as Interim Examiner of Bookfinder Limited.

The company's current directors are Alan Bundschu and Mark Bundschu. It was founded in Galway in 1986 is headquartered in Salthill.

The prime purpose of the Examinership process is to assist companies in financial difficulty and to allow the Examiner formulate a rescue plan for the Company.

"The protection period of the Court can extend up to a maximum of 100 days from the presentation of the petition. During this period no creditor is entitled to institute any proceedings against the Company nor can a secured creditor seek the appointment of a Receiver," Bookfinder Limited said in a letter to people owed money today.

The letter goes on: "If the Examiner considers that the Company is capable of surviving he must then formulate what is termed a “Scheme of Arrangement” (“the Scheme”), dealing with liabilities of the Company as at the date of presentation of the petition.

"This process is done in close consultation with the management, shareholders and creditors of the Company. The Scheme, when formulated, is presented to the various classes of the Company’s creditors so they can express their views as to its acceptability or otherwise.

"The Examiner then reports the outcome of those meetings to the Irish High Court who will then decide whether the Scheme has sufficient support to warrant an order to put the Scheme into effect. Once this order is made the Scheme becomes binding on all creditors and comes into effect not later than 21 days after the Scheme has been approved by the Court.

"For Examinership to succeed it is essential that the Company continues without undue disruption while it is under the protection of the Court. In this regard, the Examiner, unlike a Receiver or Liquidator, does not take over the executive powers of the Company."

Creditors are told to contact Grant Thornton with details of the money owed to them.

THE company behind the Easons shop at the Courtyard Shopping Centre has confirmed the business is in examinership.

Bookfinders Ltd say the move does not affect its shop at Letterkenny Shopping Centre or any of its other franchises.

HE never complained about it - not once.

But when Seamus Coleman wasn't picked for the Ireland squad in 2012 for the European Championships, it certainly upset his supporters.

After last night's victory over Bosnia, 2016 in France looks wonderful for the Killybegs man.

Sean St Ledger was preferred to the Everton full-back at Euro 2012, when Ireland lost all three matches to Croatia, Spain and Italy.

But this time Coleman can get his passport papers in order.

"You grow up wanting to be in these tournaments and now I can’t wait,” he said.

"From day one, we’ve all believed we can get there. We have had a few difficult moments along the way but what a feeling now – I haven’t experienced anything like that playing for my country.

"In the changing room, when the manager spoke to us, it was an amazing feeling. When you are long gone and retired, these are the moments that you will remember.

"I was so disappointed to miss out on the last one, although I have no complaints about not being there.

"Hopefully I will be in the 23 when we go there (to Euro 2016). It’s an amazing feeling."

The search for missing Derry man John Concannon is continuing today.

Mr Concannon has been missing now for almost a week.

PSNI Supt Mark McEwan said: “The last confirmed sighting we have is of Mr Concannon at Lenamore Road.  Searches continue to be carried out in the area and by Gardaí in adjacent locations across the border.

“A short time ago, an underwater search team began a search of a waterway in the area.”

If you have seen him at any time in the past week, please contact police or Gardaí.

Below are the kind of clothes John was wearing when he was last seen:

Cathal and his wife Liz with the Donegal Civil Defence Officer Edel Flynn at the presentation ceremony in Ballybofey.

Cathal Carr, Downings, Carrigart has just completed an illustrious 30-year career working with Donegal Civil Defence.

He joined as a volunteer in September 1985 and soon became immersed in all aspects of the organisation.

In 1986 he attended his first course in the then Civil Defence School, Ratra House Phoenix Park, Dublin to undergo a Teaching Methods course. In 1989 Cathal qualified as a Casualty Instructor, a natural progression for him, giving his background in nursing prior to taking up a career in teaching.

Keen to put his qualification to good use and give something back to his community, he set up the Casualty Class in the Hay Hall in Carrigart, an area that still has very active members in to this day.

During his career as a Casualty Instructor, Cathal also became an Examiner in this field and would travel to other counties to assist with Intermediate Examinations as they were known then.

Although Cathal was a busy man both in his daily life as a Teacher, working at night time as an Instructor for Civil Defence, Cathal still found time to deliver first aid training to the Donegal County Council staff on a regular basis and became known across the county in the council circles as’ Cathal, the first aid instructor’.

In 1997, Cathal received recognition for his hard work, commitment and dedication to Civil Defence by being promoted to Area Commander for the then Milford Electoral Area, a position he held until his retirement.

With this appointment came responsibility. Cathal was responsible for the volunteers in his area, all the community duties / events in the area, such as the Kerrykeel Vintage Show, Donegal International Rally, Lennon Festival, the Glebe Gallery Heritage week …the list goes on. He was also responsible for ensuring that Civil Defence continued to develop in the Milford EA.

As first aid progressed through the years with the advancement of technology and more modern methods of administering first aid, Cathal became very active in promoting CPR and the use of the Defibrillator and he joined the Irish Heart Foundation, also as an Instructor, in 2005.

In 2008, Civil Defence nationally joined the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and with that came a lot of changes in the area of the casualty service. First Aid moved from Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels to Cardiac First Responder (CFR), Occupational First Aid (OFA), Emergency First Responder (EFR) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) qualifications.

Cathal too made the change and qualified as a Casualty Instructor under the PHECC Programme and continued to deliver training in these areas until his retirement.

At a recent presentation night for Cathal, which was held in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, Edel Flynn, Civil Defence Officer told the gathering ‘that it was with regret and sadness’ that she received the phone call from Cathal informing her of his plan to retire.

She said it had been a privilege to serve as his CDO in the last 14 years. A presentation was made to Cathal to mark his retirement. The members of Donegal Civil Defence wish Cathal a long and happy retirement to enjoy with his wife Liz and family.

Deputy Pringle

SCHOOLS will have to wait years to get new buildings, independent TD warned today after a government announcement on capital grants.

“Despite the fan fair around the recent announcement, Gaelscoil na gCeithre Máistrí unfortunately will not see a cent until 2019," said Deputy Pringe.

"This is absurd as the school already has planning permission and has so for years. The site they have permission to build on is owned by the Department of Education itself and its even fully serviced with water, sewerage and electricity facilities", says Pringle.

“Despite the many representations I have made on the school’s behalf and the urgent need for permanent accommodation, the school has not been granted the much needed funding to allow building to commence.

“It’s clear the Government lacks a balanced approach to investment in education. I don’t know how a school that has been in temporary accommodation for 17 years with pre-fab classrooms for several of those years is not prioritised under this new programme.

“Most unfortunate is that the school children will suffer the most. They deserve to see funding as soon as possible so they can get the most out of a new school building. The current heating and maintenance costs are a distraction for teachers and students alike.

“The Government has a lot of making up to do after years of under-investment in Donegal’s schools. This should have been reflected in the programme through a timely and tailored funding schedule targeting the accommodation needs of schools like Gaelscoil Máistrí”, concludes Pringle.

The scene outside Ramelton as flood waters from the Lennon increase

GARDAÍ have issued a roads warning this afternoon after another day of heavy rainfall in parts of Donegal.

A number of roads are impassable today as a result.

There is severe flooding on roads in and around Ramelton where the River Lennon has burst its banks. Diversions are in place.

Motorists are being advised to drive with extreme caution, especially on country roads and especially after dark this evening.

MILFORD GAA CLUB NEWS:

*Underage Presentation Night*
The Club held its Annual Underage Presentation night in Milford Parochial hall on Saturday past and it was great to see such a large crowd present.

Special guest was St Michael's and Donegal star Martin McElhinney who presented the awards and gave some great advice to the kids of all ages in attendance. The successful U14 and U16 Ladies picked up their league and championship medals as well as our Minors who won the Northern league and championship double. The individual award winners on the night were:

U12 Girls Most Improved Player of the Year: Anna Russell
U12 Girls Joint Players of the Year: Aisling McCormack & Kelsey McAteer
U12 Boys Most Improved Player of the Year: Odhran Doherty
U12 Boys Player of the Year: Owen McElhinney
U13 Boys Most Improved Player of the Year: Jake Doherty
U13 Boys Player of the Year: John Matthews
U14 Girls Most Improved Player of the Year: Aisling Irwin
U14 Girls Joint Players of the Year: Taylor Doherty & Bronagh Durning
U14 Boys Most Improved Player of the Year: Kevin Gormley
U14 Boys Players of the Year: Odhran McGee
U15 Boys Players of the Year: Conor Coll
U16 Girls Most Improved Player of the Year: Claudia Ward
U16 Girls Players of the Year: Maia Nyhan
U16 Boys Most Improved Player of the Year: Peter Curran
U16 Boys Players of the Year: Ryan McMahon
Underage Ladies Player of the Year: Megan Ryan
Minor Ladies Player of the Year: Niamh Gallagher

There was also a presentation made to those that had played underage for Donegal throughout the year:
U14 Ladies: Kellyanne Buchanan, Claudia Ward, Maria Afxentiou, Bronagh Durning, Megan Ryan
U15s: Conor McHugh
U16 Ladies: Niamh Gallagher
U16s: Connor Gormley
Minor: Kane Barrett

*AGM*
Our AGM will take place on Saturday 28th of November at 8pm in the Clubhouse. Anyone with any interest in the running of the club is asked to attend

*Minor Board AGM*
Our AGM will take place on Friday the 20th of November at 7.30pm in the Clubhouse. Anyone with any interest in the running of the youth structures of the club are asked to attend

*Scor na nOg*
Well done to the girls who represented the club at the Scor na nOg County Final last weekend. They performed beautifully and hopefully they will represent the club again in the competition. They will have learned from their experience and will have seen the kind of standard that is required to succeed in these competitions. Well done again girls. Thanks to everyone who took part in the competition and to all who helped prepare them.

*Lotto*
This weeks lotto numbers were 9-7-9-20. No jackpot winner, 2 match 3 winners, win €35 each. Kevin Egan and Maureen & Sean McCormack. Next weeks Jackpot is €1,420. 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 2015 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 2015 included
- Entered into every draw every 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

*CLG BnaG Club Gear*
A selection of club gear is available to order. Photos and prices of these items are on the club website and on the new Team App. Orders can be placed with Agnes Ryan 0868194751

MET EIREANN has issued a new Yellow Status weather alert for Co Donegal for this afternoon and this evening.

The worst of the winds from Storm Barney are hitting Munster and Leinster where an Orange level warning has been issued.

The Wind Warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo wants of West to southwest mean winds which will reach speeds of 50 to 65 km/h with gusts of 90 to 110 km/h this afternoon and evening.

Heavy rain is also affecting many roads in Donegal today.