The German Pointer dog which had its tail docked.

A man was ordered to pay a total of €605, after pleading guilty to illegally docking the tail of a puppy.

Cathal Crawford of Ballyarrell, Killygordon, was ordered to pay €355 in costs and a further donation of €250 to the ISPCA at Letterkenny District Court today.

Judge Paul Kelly said he would consider imposing the probation act if both costs are paid by January 21st 2016.

The case heard an investigation began in March 2015, when Crawford attempted to place an advert to sell the puppy online.

The ISPCA was alerted and subsequent enquiries led to a visit to Crawford's home by ISPCA Inspector Kevin McGinley and Garda Sinead McLaughlin.

There they found a three-month-old German Pointer puppy with a docked tail.

The puppy was later given into the care of the ISPCA and subsequently re-homed.

It was established the docking of the puppy’s tail had been carried out without the involvement of a veterinary surgeon, which is contrary to the Prohibition on Tail Docking and Dew Claw Removal Regulations from March 2014.

ISPCA Inspector Kevin McGinley said: "The law has changed and people need to respect that fact. What may have been standard practice in the past is no longer permissible now".

Since March 2014 it has been illegal for a lay-person to perform any procedure involving interference with the sensitive tissue or bone structure of an animal, including docking of tails and removal of dew claws.

Festive gloom: Christmas has been cancelled in Lower Main Street Letterkenny.

A local businesswoman has expressed her anger and annoyance that businesses who operate in Lower Main Street, Letterkenny - will again be left in the dark this Christmas!

Loretta Kelly, an employee of the busy County Dry Cleaners - has been left bemused at the decision to once again have absolutely no Christmas lights or decorations from The Cavern Bar to the bottom of Lower Main Street.

She vented her frustrations at the decision via her Facebook timeline and branded the decision a disgrace.

Her post provoked plenty of reaction with other businesses commenting that the decision to not light up Lower Main Street was wrong.

Loretta told Donegal Daily, "We contacted the council regarding not having any Christmas Lights erected on Lower Main Street, we where told there was no money for them.

"But the point being we in Lower Main Street are negleted in every sense.

"Once you pass the Yellow Pepper that side of the town is forgotten about. Going off the subject of lights, all the buildings have been left depleted over the years - and there was meant to be plans for a regeneration project for Lower Main Street which never happened.

"We pay our rates like every other business, but obviously we are not good enough to deserve lights like the rest of the town."

CHARITY: A massive crowd is expected to descend on Donegal Town next month for the FIRST EVER ZUMBA gig at The Abbey Hotel.

The event has been organised by Donegal ZUMBA teacher Neil McHugh who has a dance school in Barcelona. 

The event has been organised to raise money for a Children's Charity in Belarus.

The video above showcases one of Neil McHugh's dance classes on a beach in Barcelona!

ZUMBA has become hugely popular all across Ireland - and has been described as one of the most fun ways to become fit, healthy and active.

Ahead of Neil's concert in The Abbey Hotel he posted the following on his Facebook timeline.

"Well guys, it's finally arrived - the time to do a ZUMBA gig - have been asked a lot of times so here it is - THE ABBEY HOTEL on Tuesday 1 Dec at 7:45pm!

"I wanted to do this for a while now, so then this chance came up while I'm at home - so we decided to do it with some encouragement from some good friends!

"This will be a great night's craic so trust to se you ALL there!

"So come and enjoy me. As usual the great entertainer on stage and also Julia who really is the dancer perform our routines and have you all dancing and having a laugh.

"It will be an electric atmosphere.

Admission for the concert is €5 - while it's FREE for children.

All money raised is for charity - so save the date and make sure to attend what promises to be a superb night on December 1st.

For more details and info check out their Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1659482194297415/

Chef Martin Anderson

Only ........ Days to Christmas !!

As I said last week I will be concentrating on Christmas dinner for the next few weeks.

I know it's early but now is the time to get your Christmas Cake sorted .

For many of you it will be your first attempt at "The Cake" and I know a lot of people panic over it but it is simple to make if you get all the preparation done in advance.

Firstly you will need a 9 inch round cake tin for this recipe , make sure it's at least 6 inches deep too , buy good quality grease proof paper and the list of ingredients is below.

Make sure you buy good quality fruit, the cheaper varieties sometimes contain stones or bits of grit!

Have your eggs at room temperature , it makes them easier to mix with .......did you know that? If you don't like cherries leave them out but you must replace their weight with another fruit!! Get it ? If you don't like currents the same rule applies you must replace them by weight with another fruit . Some folk add mixed peel , that's fine but don't add 500g thats over a pound weight, be careful!

Open the bags of dried fruits and spread them out on a tray , pick through them to remove any stalks that may have escaped inspection !

Do you know the difference between raisins & sultanas ............. Raisins are dried black grapes & sultanas are dried green grapes so there you go .
Use real butter, it's Christmas and you really don't want to add cheap margarine to this recipe.

The reason for washing the cherries is to remove all the excess sugar syrup from them. Dry well so that the cake mix sticks to them and always cut them in half or when you dulce the cake you will simply push the cherry down through the cake instead of slicing nicely.

When it comes to the brandy and you don't want to buy a full bottle , simply go to a local bar and buy a couple of measures but remember you will need extra for soaking !

On the day of baking start early, this is an all day job , get everyone out of the house and pay attention to what you are doing Don't open and close the oven door every 20 minutes to see how it's doing. Allow the cake to cook , if you burn it you can scrape off the black bits !!! Just kidding you won't burn it and I'm sure there will be a fantastic aroma all through the house while this cake is baking. Hard to beat.

For the cake you will need......

Oh crumbs - chef Anderson gets it right again.

175g raisins
75g of whole pecan nuts
75g chopped walnuts
75g of chopped almonds
350g of red or green glacé cherries , halved, well rinsed in warm water and thoroughly dried
500g currents
350g sultanas
150ml of brandy plus extra for soaking
the zest of 2 oranges
250g of real butter at room temperature
250g of brown sugar
4 medium eggs
1 tbsp treacle
250g plain flour
1½ tsp mixed spice

Place all the dried fruit, including the cherries, into a large mixing bowl, pour over the brandy and stir in the orange zest. Cover with clingfilm and leave to soak for three days, in the fridge stirring daily.

Grease and line a 9in deep, round tin with a double layer of greased greaseproof paper. Preheat the oven to 140C

How to line a round cake tin

In a large mixing bowl place the butter, sugar, eggs and treacle , beat well until all the ingredients are well mixed ( this really is an electric mixer job ) , Fold in the flour all the nuts & mixed spice , mix well again at a low speed , finally stir in the soaked fruit at this stage I would be mixing by hand as it will be difficult to get all the fruit into the mixing bowl and still have it running without all the fruit shooting over the kitchen counter !! . When well mixed pour into the the cake tin and level the surface.

Testing to see if a cake is cooked

Bake in the centre of the preheated oven for about 4-4½ hours, or until the cake feels firm to the touch and is a rich golden brown. Check after two hours, and if the cake is a perfect colour, cover with foil. A skewer inserted into the centre of the cake should come out clean. Leave the cake to cool in the tin.
When cool, pierce the cake at intervals with a fine skewer and drizzle over a little extra brandy.
Wrap the completely cold cake in a double layer of greaseproof paper and again in foil and store in a cool place , once a week add a dash of brandy , keep it well wrapped up after you soak it . This will keep it moist until you wish to ice it , to be honest I rather the cake without the icing sometimes icing can be too sweet .

When it comes to icing the cake there are several options , Marzipan is always a favourite and there are several available to buy , if you don't like that you can buy Royal icing mixes , all you have to do is add water and follow the instructions , you may also now buy fondant icing , the stuff you see on wedding cakes , easy to roll out and you can add your own colouring if you want to make some edible decorations for your cake .just look online and you will find plenty of ideas.

If you have any difficulty contact me through Facebook and I will answer your questions as soon as I can .

Next week I'll post a recipe for an alternative soup , gluten , dairy & fat free .

Sarah McLaughlin

A Donegal student is to create 24 hours of live TV in the hope of beating the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Sarah McLaughlin, Communications student of Dublin City University, has inspired more than 250 students to raise vital funds in aid of mental health charity, Jigsaw.

They are, from the 4th December to 5th December, raising vital funds for the youth mental health charity Jigsaw through the production of 24 hours of live television content.

The charity was chosen on the suggestion of Sarah McLaughlin who holds Jigsaw very close to her heart. Sarah explained how delighted she is for the charity to be chosen:

“It was a great support for me when I needed it and I wanted to give back to the charity while raising awareness for my peers at the same time. Jigsaw is such an amazing facility to have for young people suffering from mental illnesses around the country and it’s amazing to be raising so much awareness for them. There’s such a stigma surrounding mental illness in Ireland and I finally think it’s time we did something to make a difference!”

Sarah, who attended Scoil Mhuire Convent of Mercy, Buncrana will assist in the production of shows throughout the 24 hour broadcast, which range from popular television remakes such as ‘The Late Late Toy Show’ and ‘Never Mind The Buzzcocks’ to eclectic original shows proposed by students from all years. The broadcast, which is being run for the sixth consecutive year this Christmas, also features two flagship programmes, including ‘The Apprentice’, which involves students going up against each other to win.

Last Christmas, the broadcast raised over €5000 for charity, through donations received throughout the 24 hours. This year, the target is once again €5000, with all funds going to Jigsaw.

Jigsaw is a charity dedicated to youths.

It operates under Headstrong which is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting communities and statutory services in providing appropriate mental health support for young people, and to changing how Ireland thinks about mental health.

“Jigsaw is our innovative programme that works with communities to offer timely, accessible and appropriate, youth-friendly support for young people. Jigsaw exists in Meath, Galway, Roscommon, Donegal, Kerry, Offaly, North Fingal, Tallaght, Clondalkin and Dublin 15. But we want a Jigsaw in every community.”

The society was selected as the winner of the ‘Best Society’ award at last year’s BICS awards and has, this year, received the backing of Bank of Ireland once again. Bank of Ireland explained how delighted they are to be the title sponsors of the broadcast for the third consecutive year:

“Since 2007, all of our community investment has been channeled into facilitating and supporting employee volunteering and fundraising activities through the ‘Give Together’ initiative. Through this initiative, Bank of Ireland provides one day of paid leave to each employee every year to volunteer their time to a cause of their choice. We have also put in place an annual fund to allow the Bank to contribute to employee fundraising and support their volunteering.

BOI DCU Staff look forward to Supporting & Creating Awareness for Jigsaw and mental illness in general, throughout the DCUtv 24 Hour Broadcast with DCU Media Production Society.”

The DCUtv and Bank of Ireland 24 Hour Broadcast in aid of Jigsaw runs from 9pm on Friday 4th to Saturday 5th of December. How do you donate?
Donations can be made at justgiving.com/dcutv and you can get involved with broadcast on social media using the hashtag #DCUtv24.

JOB VACANCY: Brian McCormick Sports and Leisure are seeking to recruit an experienced Sales Peron for to become part of their innovative, dynamic and hardworking team.

The successful candidate will work as a Sales Person in their Team-Wear Department.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This role will entail building and nurturing relationships with sports clubs locally and nationally - managing team-wear orders, and working with our marketing and management teams to ensure the highest quality service for all our customers.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in retail or sales would be preferable.
• Experience in administration including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Dedicated to providing excellent customer service.
• Thorough knowledge of ecommerce and social media.
• Excellent written and communication skills.
• Experience in marketing would be an advantage.
• Outgoing and friendly manner.

To apply please e-mail your CV and cover letter teamwear@bmcsports.ie

Applications by e-mail only to the address above.

Closing date for applications is noon, Tuesday 24th of November.

A MAN who admitted driving his car whilst using his mobile phone has walked free from court because of our country's barmy road traffic laws.

Patrick Gallagher, who is 30, and from Trimragh, Letterkenny, told Judge Paul Kelly at the District Court that he had admitted the offence when he was stopped by Garda Elaine Gordon this year.

The offence happened on April 11 not far from his home.

However Gallagher said he never received the penalty points notice in the post and was unable to pay the fine.

Inspector Michael Harrison asked Gallagher if he had been stopped whilst using his mobile phone and he admitted that he was.

Judge Kelly dismissed the case - the latest across courts in Ireland to be dismissed as penalty points notices are still sent by ordinary post and there is no proof of delivery.

BUSINESS: Mavericks are yet again leading the way as we all get ready to enter the festive season.

Management at Mavericks have just launched a fantastic range of hampers and vouchers for the dapper man!

The hampers aren’t simply a great present, nor are they just great value but they solve for you that never ending problem of “what can I get him for Christmas?”

The hampers range from €40 up to €155, they only consist of the best products on the market, which Mavericks themselves have hand selected to use in the barbershop, to obtain the best results.

All of these products that Mavericks use from the Hair Pomade to the Moustache combs are for sale at all times in Mavericks Barbershop and are well worth a look!

Each hamper also has enclosed a voucher for at least one complementary treatment worth up to €34, completely free of charge!

To mark the occasion, Mavericks are giving away a Premium Hamper worth a total value of €189!!

To be in with a chance just log on to Facebook and like and share this same add on our Facebook page “Mavericks Traditional Barbershop”

There has been widespread condemnation and disgust among locals at the disgusting illegal dumping of rubbish in a scenic area of Donegal.

Locals who regularly walk in the scenic Kirkstown Woods area of Letterkenny were appalled and shocked at the amount of rubbish dumped in the area.

The pictures above were sent into us at Donegal Daily - which illustrate clearly the vast amount of rubbish that has been dumped in the area.

The person who sent the photos into us wishes to remain anonymous.

However, they did tell Donegal Daily, "Some of us who regularly walk in the Kirkstown Woods area of Letterkenny were shocked and angered at what we found.

"To find large amounts of household waste dumped in what is one of the towns most scenic areas was just disgusting.

"Judging by the amount of waste dumped some of it into the nearby stream it would have took a large vehicle like a van to deliver.

The local Council Environmental Officer has been informed and they will be carrying out an investigation into the matter.

JOB VACANCIES: Due to continued expansion - one of Donegal's most successful and reputable Car Parts and Accessories company are looking to add new staff.

TEAM PR REILLY are looking for an experienced SENIOR PARTS person to join their dynamic, innovative and hardworking team.

The position is an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate - as they get the chance to with a progressive company that has grown over the last SEVENTY years to become Irelands largest distributor of car parts and accessories.

It's a great job for anyone with experience in car parts and accessories.

You will be working at a busy trade/retail counter where you will get the opportunity to work with a strong established customer base as well as develop new business.

Personal Requirements:

• Car Parts and Accessories  ESSENTIAL
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to motivate and manage your team
• Target/deadline focused – ability to work on own initiative
• Strong customer service and support skills
• Have excellent organizational, communication & interpersonal  skills
• Strong visual merchandising skills
• Have experience working at a trade counter

Training:

Full introductory product and on-going training is part of the programme.

Job Description:

• Manage and grow established customer base
• Generate new business
• Customer product queries and service liaison
• Working on monthly targets
• Stock and cash control
• Data entry and order processing

Benefits:

• Excellent remuneration package
• Sales and IT training
• VHI discounted group scheme
• Salary
• Excellent package for Successful Candidate.
• Our objective is to expand an enthusiastic and well organised sales team with people who have the personal commitment and ability to deliver.

It's a smart operation which we want you to "make your own" and deliver the results that will give you serious financial and personal reward.

You will be working as part of a strong team with professional back up from marketing and logistics.

All the facilities are here.

The rest is entirely up to you.

Apply with CV and Cover Letter outlining previous experience and suitability to Mona@team.ie

We looking forward to talking to you.

Check us out on www.team.ie

Sports journalist Declan Bogue has claimed in his weekly column with the Belfast Telegraph that Jim McGuinness asked Kevin Cassidy to return to the Donegal squad in 2012.

Cassidy was axed from the Donegal squad in 2011, for his contributions to a GAA book written by Bogue entitled 'This is our Year'.

McGuinness said Cassidy's revelations in the book had broken a confidentiality agreement within the squad - and he had contaminated the group.

McGuinness therefore felt he had no other option but to axe Cassidy from the squad.

However, Bogue revealed that McGuinness approached Cassidy to return to the squad in Easter 2012.

Bogue claimed that in an interview with Matt Cooper in 2012 - McGuinness admitted asking Cassidy to return - but didn't make this admission in his book Until Victory Always.

In an interview with Balls.ie Bogue said, "Jim McGuinness was willing to admit this. He didn't admit it in his book but he did say it in his interview with Matt Cooper. In Easter 2012, Jim McGuinness called to Kevin Cassidy's school, and asked Kevin Cassidy to return to the Donegal panel.

"I often see and laugh at these accounts of Jim McGuinness is so ruthless that he needed to get rid of Kevin Cassidy and put down a marker there.

"And even Jim's own reasoning now, that Kevin contaminated the group, I mean that's okay to say that, but if you're fully willing to take him back a few months later.

SOCCER: Finn Harps under 19s can make history tomorrow when they face Sligo Rovers at Maginn Park tomorrow afternoon.

A win for Harps, will see them crowned winners of their League of Ireland section for the first time in the club's illustrious history.

Finn Harps host North-West rivals Sligo Rovers, in what should be a thriller of a game.

Both teams are level on top of the table with 20 points, however harps have a goal difference of +12 while sligo have a goal differnce of +11. If harps win or get a draw they will have home advantage for the play offs.

Finn Harps only defeat this season was to Sligo Rovers, in the showgrounds when they were beat by a dominating Sligo.

The u19 fixture scheduling of Finn Harps and Sligo Rovers has been causing some problems due to waterlogged pitches this week but Harps have now announced on their fb page that the fixture will go ahead in Maginn Park on Saturday at 2pm.

Finn Harps u17s face Drogheda United in which will be a tough game.

In the reverse fixture the game finished 0-0, the game was nearly won in the last minute of the game however Shane Blaney couldnt get his foot on it.

If Harps get a win and Derry lose, Harps will go above Derry and into 4th spot.

The game kicks off at 2pm in the curragh.

RAPHOE NOTES:

Raphoe Family Resource Centre:

16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women

Raphoe Family Resource Centre is once again taking part in the Women’s Aid National Action Campaign to highlight the fact that one in five Irish women live with domestic violence.

On Monday 7th December at 7.30pm, in front of the Volt House, we are asking people to gather to observe a minute’s silence, followed by a poetry recital and the release of balloons in memory of the women who have been murdered in the Republic of Ireland since 1996.

The 16 Days of Action Campaign provides the opportunity for individuals and groups around Ireland and the world to assist women in finding their voice, raise awareness of violence against women and to show solidarity with women who are suffering domestic violence.
Domestic violence is not acceptable and it is the responsibility of each of us to break the silence around domestic violence. It takes everyone in our communities and society to change attitudes about what is a healthy relationship. Everyone has the right to freedom and safety.
We hope to reach out to as many women as possible by our participation in the 16 Days of Action but it is also important that men show their support, so please come along to the event on Monday 7th December.

Something Special Group

The Something Special Support Group’s next meeting is taking place on Tuesday 8th December at 8.00pm.

If you are a parent/guardian of a child with delayed communication or learning skills or Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will find support, advice and information by attending this support group.  New members are always.

If you would like more information about the support group contact Melanie on 0749145796 / 0873641503

‘Connecting With Young Men’ Training

The Family Resource Centre and the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) are hosting a free one day workshop on engaging with young men on Monday 30th November 2015. The workshop has been developed by MHFI, a new Unit within the highly successful ‘Engage’ National Men’s Health Training Programme. It has been funded by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention.

From March 2011 to October 2012, the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland coordinated an all-island action learning project which sought to identify a range of possible means to promote positive mental health among young men. The final report made 12 key proposals with number 10 outlining the need to develop a training programme for frontline staff on how to effectively engage with young men. The Workshop content/format is based upon follow-up research which MHFI conducted to identify the training needs of a wide variety of organisations, how the training might be delivered and the content of the package.

The Workshop will focus on the WHY and HOW to build relationships with young men and the objectives are to demonstrate why it is important to work with young men as a specific group; help participants reflect on their own value base, experience, attitudes towards, and expectations of young men; explore the world of young men, the issues that they face, and the opportunities that exist to engage with them; consider the practicalities of what works; increase the confidence of participants in relation to working with young men.

The workshop will be of interest to a broad range of service providers and practitioners who wish to connect in more meaningful ways with young men. To book a place please contact Tony on 074-9145796 or on 087-3641503.

Little Smiles with Big Dreams

Little Smiles with Big Dreams is a parent and toddler group that meets every Wednesday morning at 10:30am – 12 noon in the Family Resource Centre.  Anyone who is in care of a child whether an aunt / uncle/ child-minder or grandparent is welcome.  The kiddies can get involved in messy play, free play, story time and music time where the adult can enjoy a cuppa tea and meet other adults.  Parent and Toddler Groups are a great way to enhance your little one’s confidence and meet others of their age.

Raphoe Walking Group

The Walking Group meets every Thursday morning at 10.30am.  All abilities are catered for. And an important element of the group is coming in afterwards to have a chat and a cuppa! New members are always welcome so please feel free to join us on Thursday mornings!

Raphoe Boxing Club

Congratulations goes to Raphoe’s Ballindrait- based schoolboy starlet Liam Crawford who turned in a veterans display of ring craft on Thursday night last in Newry Co. Down when he outpointed Ryan Haughty, Carrickmore B.C. to win the Ulster 9 Counties Schoolboy 42kgs Championship title in front of a crowd of 400 plus.  Well done Liam from everyone at your local club.

On Saturday night last, Raphoe Intermediate boxers Ruairi McGlinchey, Danny Duggan and Cathal McLaughlin were in action at a major tournament in the Bayview Hotel, Killybegs, when a Donegal Select faced the Garda Boxing Club, Dublin.  Ruairi McGlinchey turned in a very impressive display of power-punching when he outpointed Garda Barry Purcell.  At 71kgs Danny Duggan was red-hot on the night when he disposed of Garda Mark Grant midway through Round 3.  At middle-weight, Cathal McLaughlin turned in a great display of guts and courage only to lose out on a split decision to Garda Dan Hoolahan from Kildare.

On Sunday night last club boxers Liam McMonagle, Danny Duggan and Cathal McLaughlin represented Donegal versus Sligo/Leitrim in Letterkenny.  Liam gave a good display of quick-fire fist action only to lose out on a split decision to Paddy Myres from Sligo.  Danny Duggan lost on points to James Lynch of Leitrim, but Cathal McLaughlin was red hot on the night when he out pointed Sligo’s Barry Kennedy in a great battle of skill and wits.  Well done to all three from everyone at the Raphoe Club.

Tickets are now on sale for the Clubs Annual Christmas Draw and there are five prizes up for grabs.  Tickets are keenly priced at €1 each or a book of six for €5.  Sincere thanks to Ciaran McCullagh and Christy O’Donnell for the sponsorship of this annual fundraiser for the boxing club.

Slimming World Raphoe

Raphoe Slimming World has moved to a new venue. We will now meet every Tuesday night in the Cathedral Hall, Raphoe at 7.30pm. Now is your chance for a fresh start. How would you like to be a half stone or a stone lighter by Christmas? Come along and join our warm friendly group. For further information contact Geraldine on 086-3348048.

Please note that items for the Raphoe Notes should be placed in the box provided in the Post Office on or before 12 noon on Fridays. Items can also be emailed to raphoefrc@eircom.net or handed in to the Family Resource Centre, The Volt House. Items should be submitted at least one week in advance of publication of local press.

Photo PB180983: Cllr Gerry Mc Monagle, Mayor of Letterkenny, with Dan Armstrong, Chairman of the Ulster Dancing Council at the launch of the Ulster Dancing Championships in Letterkenny.

Oireachtas Rince Uladh/Ulster Irish Dancing Championships 2015 is taking place in Letterkenny this weekend.

It is estimated that in excess of 10,000 people will attend the championships from all over Ulster and its bordering counties during this four-day major event.

Irish dancing is becoming more popular than ever before and this will be a magnificent showcase for those young (4yrs – 21yrs) performing and competing in the traditional art of dancing at national and world level as well as for the impassioned audience it attracts from all over the global community.

It adds a festival dimension to the gateway town as an out-of season event and will benefit Letterkenny and its neighbouring towns economically, socially and culturally. The success of the Ulster Dancing Championships event in County Donegal to date has resulted in the imminent return of Oireachtas Rince Uladh to Ballbofey in 2016.
A Céad Míle Fáilte is extended to everyone who wishes to view and experience Irish Dancing at its ultimate best and to explore what the Ulster Dancing Championships event holds in store for the avid Irish dancing enthusiasts and local communities. This event is being hosted in the Mount Errigal Hotel for four whole days in the form of high class competitive entertainment.

Donegal County Council recognises the value of this annual cultural event and is delighted to be providing financial support to the event through the Tourism and Strategic Development Fund initaitives

GARDAÍ have issued a safer driving alert to motorists in County Donegal after snow, sleet and hail made driving conditions treacherous in many areas.

Passing heavy showers of the white stuff have hit many parts of the county.

The back of Errigal road is particularly slippy in places with many rural roads in higher areas of Fanad and Finn Valley also affected.

Forecasters had warned of wintry showers yesterday. A Yellow Status Wind Warning is also in place.

There will be further snow and sleet showers tonight and on Saturday but the forecast has been revised for Sunday with clear sunny spells predicted.

A Garda spokesman told Donegal Daily: "With hail, sleet and snow forecast motorists are advised to slow down, maintain a safe driving distance and always expect the unexpected.

"Gardaí are advising motorcyclists and cyclists to take extra care. All road users are advised to take extra are and allow extra time for your journey."

Met Eireann's Wind Warning is as follows:

Wind Warning for Connacht, Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal and Waterford

North to northwest winds of 45 to 60 km/h with gusts of 80 to 100 km/h on Friday night and early Saturday morning, strongest in exposed and coastal regions.

Friday 20 November 2015 18:00 to Saturday 21 November 2015 06:00

The RSA shuttle bus at St Eunans.

The senior students of Saint Eunan’s College participated in a class with a difference.

The school’s Student Council arranged for the Road Safety Authority Shuttle bus to come between last Monday 17^th and Wednesday 18^th of November.

It was booked months in advance by the Student Council who felt it was important to educate students more about road safety.

By Evan Mc Croary, Kieron Clarke. Photos by Nathanael Giddey

Students from Transition, Fifth and Sixth year all had the opportunity to test their hazard perception skills on the motorbike simulator, practice their driving skills on the driving simulator, test their break reaction time, do a mock driving theory exam, and enjoy a fully interactive road safety educational experience.

The RSA shuttle bus’ main aim is to provide the general and targeted audiences with the chance to interact with various road safety campaigns and to spread the message about the importance of road safety. The shuttle includes a presentation area, with lectern, projector, screen and seating to hold twenty five people.

Students also had the option to experience the roll over simulator which replicates the motion of a car crash by rotating 360 degrees slowly in a car suspended above the ground.

The overall reaction was extremely positive as the students of the college enjoyed this practical learning opportunity.

The Student Council found it very worthwhile and would highly recommend booking it again. They received great feedback from students who were involved.

It was described as ‘a memorable experience’ that ‘really makes you think about the dangers on the roads and the importance of road safety.’

BOXING: Jason Quigley looks in superb condition as he weighed-in ahead of his latest bout in the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Quigley faces Marchristopher Adkins later tonight (SAT - IRISH TIME) and will be hoping to continue his unbeaten record.

Quigley has won ALL eight of his professional fights since turning professional in 2014.

Fighting out of Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions stable - Quigley has been tipped for the top.

Present at his weigh-in, was former World Champion and Boxing great Bernard Hopkins.

Quigley has plenty of Donegal supporters over in Vegas for the bout - which include the manager of the Irish Amateur Boxing team - Peter O'Donnell.

Quigley has had a good training camp and is itching to get back in the ring - but expects to face his toughest opponent since turning professional in Vegas tonight.

Quigley looks in excellent condition at his weigh-in earlier - and looked in determined mood as he looks to continue his impressive start to life as a professional boxer in the USA.

THE GOVERNMENT has done a u-turn on permits for non-EU fishermen working in Co Donegal.

Lobbying from Killybegs fishermen's group has succeeded - meaning trawlers here who need workers from overseas because they can't recruit locally can now hire them.

The decision by the Minister for Agriculture & the Marine Simon Coveney has been welcomed by MEP Marian Harkin.

She said: “Recently in the European Parliament I called for measures to protect the rights of migrant fishermen in Ireland and the EU and Minister Coveney deserves great credit for the speed in which he acted.

“It is to be hoped that other EU countries will quickly follow the Irish action."

A car has left the road near Errigal. Picture Brian McDaid

THIS is the latest from the back of Errigal road linking Gaoth Dobhair and Letterkenny.

One vehicle has left the road in atrocious conditions after snow earlier.

Frequent snow showers are continuing in the area. Photographer Brian McDaid just took this snap as darkness fell.

Please see our roads warning on our main story here:

http://www.donegaldaily.com/2015/11/20/roads-warning-as-snow-sleet-and-hail-hit-donegal/

Meanwhile traffic in Letterkenny is at a standstill this evening with delays leaving town of up to 45 minutes.

BREAKING NEWS CRIME ALERT: Gardai in Donegal have issued an urgent warning to advise the owners of track machines -  in particular Hitachis -  to keep a sharp eye on them and to take steps to store them in a secure area.

This follows the recent theft of a number of machines in the North and along the Tyrone/Fermanagh/Monaghan Border.

Sgt. Paul Wallace Divisional Crime Prevention Officer told Donegal Daily: "With the uplift in construction and general excavating work the criminals are also shaking off the dust and getting involved in the theft of machinery again as recent thefts illustrate.

"Excavators are valuable pieces of equipment and can be stolen quite easily by criminally minded persons who are organised.

"Owners across County Donegal are advised to consider installing ‘kill switches’ tracking devices and covert marking to aid recovery and/or when possible park them in a secure compound."

Sgt Wallace added: "Prospective purchasers should always bear in mind if you purchase stolen items you have no title to ownership and indeed you could be open to being prosecuted for handling stolen property and also you are feeding into criminal activity – it's very much Buyer Beware."

Owners of plant should consider registration in the property marking initiative ‘Theft Stop’ which is currently being promoted by An Garda Siochana as part of Operation THOR in conjunction with the IFA.

More Information: www.theftstop.ie / www.garda.ie

Garda Stations in Donegal providing a 24/7 service are:

• Letterkenny on 91-67100
• Milford on 91-53060
• Buncrana on 93 – 20540
• Ballyshannon 071-98 51002.

Remember 999/112 in cases of emergency & www.garda.ie/crime prevention for further information.