Hackers are targeting people buying Christmas presents online.

SCAM ALERT: HACKERS have devised a scam which is targeting those who are purchasing products online.

The number of people being scammed has increased with consumers purchasing gifts in the run-up to Christmas.

The fraudsters are pretending to be from Amazon.com - and are sending e-mails to consumers saying there's been a problem with the shipment of their product.

While many are ignoring them because they haven't purchased any products online - others that have purchased online have unfortunately fallen for the scam.

The e-mail states that there's been a problem shipping the product to you due to a billing issue.

The legitimate looking e-mail is then re-directing people to a landing page - which asks users to submit their payment details in order to process the online order.

Users are asked to pay a small fee for shipping, but unfortunately many have been scammed and have lost substantial amounts of money as a result.

Consumer watchdogs are asking those purchasing online to be extra vigilant - as the busy Christmas period is a prime target for hackers to strike.

Below is a copy of one of the e-mails which were sent into us at Donegal Daily,

Hello XXXX

We have removed your access to this account because we could not confirm your payment information.

You will not be able to access your account or place orders with us until we confirm your information.

To resolve this matter, please click here  to update your payment information or send the information below to our secure fax line:

-- A copy of your statement for your current payment method, including the billing address
-- Your name, phone number, and the email address registered to your Amazon.comaccount

You can find our fax number on the Amazon.com Help page:
https://www.amazon.com/help/addressverification

We will convert your fax to a secure electronic image. To protect your information, we restrict access to your payment information to a team of account specialists.

Our Customer Service team can confirm that we sent this email, but they cannot view your fax or share more information about this matter.

You can expect a response from us within 24 hours of sending your fax.

We ask that you not open new accounts because any new order that you place may be delayed.

Sincerely,

Anoop Joel
Account Specialist
http://www.amazon.com

The remains of the dead sheep which were attack on lands in Letterkenny yesterday.

This is the gruesome scene after a number of sheep were attacked and killed in Letterkenny yesterday.

The Hoggett ewes, which were valued at €200 each, were set upon by dogs in the Windyhall area.

It is the latest in a number of sheep attacks across Donegal in recent weeks.

Now dog wardens are planning to launch a clampdown on dog owners to ensure that they know where their dogs are and are kept under control.

Dog wardens say that dog-owners can now expect visits in the coming weeks to ensure that they all have valid licenses are are being kept under control - especially at night time.

Dog warden Sammy Parke said he could not put a figure on the number of sheep which have been killed across Donegal this year.

However he said "It is an increasing number at this time of year when the nights are longer and sheep are in lamb.

"It is a natural instinct for these dogs to hunt in packs and to attack sheep. It is up to their owners to ensure that they are not allowed to roam around free at night and to carry out these attacks."

As well as the harm and horrific pain to livestock, farmers have been left with major financial losses due to the attacks.

Donegal's dog wardens are now appealing for anybody with any information on the most recent attack can be addressed by contacting them on 074 91 25259.

Liam Doherty beats his IT Tallaght opponent in Letterkenny IT in teh Quarter Final of the Colleges & Universities Football League Division 1. LyIT went on to win 1-0 with a Paul McVeigh goal, (Photo Paddy Gallagher)

Paul McVeigh's 27th minute goal proved the difference in the CUFL Quarter Final played out on a good surface at Letterkenny IT on Wednesday.

Their opponents, IT Tallaght got to the Quarter Final spot having reached 3rd position in the Division 1 South section of the league.

The Tallaght men travelled in the hope of at least a draw thinking that the extra time set down for this decider would favour their more experienced side, which included a compliment of League of Ireland players.

A concentrated 15 minutes in the opening half saw Tallaght press the Letterkenny defence many times, Peter Doherty and Feargal Harkin in particular can be credited with taking the pressure and eventually creating good set up play for Darragh McDaid in the middle of the park to find Larkin and McVeigh in the front line of attack.

Credit must be given to McVeigh in particular who shipped a lot of tackles from Tallaght's Dan Devine, a member of the CFAI International from last year and a player of considerable ability. Mc Veigh won the battle outright as the afternoon progressed.

Lyit: Peter Burke, Michael Kusigbagbe, Feargal Harkin, Peter Doherty, Caolan McDaid, Daire McDaid, Liam Doherty, Darren Gallagher, pau McVeigh, Dean larkin, Anthony Appiah, Keelan McElwaine, Ross Coughlan, Ryan Connolly, Brian McVeigh, Mark McElhinney, Daniel Doherty, Cian Mullighan, Subs used Ryan Connolly, Cian Mulligan, Keelan McElwaine.

Tallaght: Darren Brennan, Cranny Ola, Mark O Hagan, Karl Malone, Dan Devine, Eddie Eibno, Ruari Rotane, Abrem Crossai, Rob Meers, Jamie Mulhall, Ian Fowley, Dean Doyle, Ciaran Rafter, Phil Abinasde,

Marc Walsh in action for Ireland against Poland.

SOCCER: Gweedore Celtic star Marc Walsh capped a dream few days by scoring for the Republic of Ireland U15 side against Poland.

Ireland defeated Poland 3-1 in an entertaining friendly international this afternoon.

Walsh was a constant menace to the Polish and his direct running caused them all sorts of problem in defence.

Poland took the lead early on before Ireland levelled shortly after the restart.

Walsh then won the penalty for Ireland's second goal, before scoring Ireland's third after excellent and expertly dispatched finish.

Marc's brother John posted the following report on Facebook, "Great win today for Ireland, they went down 1-0 at half time but came out far stronger in the second half.

Ireland's captain scored a free kick, Marc then went on a run down the right cut inside and was taken down by the polish full back inside the box. The penalty was scored, 2-1 Ireland.

Then with 5mins to go with Poland pressing, a great ball from the back put Marc one-on-one with the keeper, his first touch took him wide but he cut back inside again and with everyone thinking he was going to square it, he fired a peach into the far top corner.

FEATURES: GO4IT coaching are presenting an innovative new series of talks aimed at inspiring you!

There will be an array of top-class guest speakers at the event in The Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town later this evening.

The event kicks-off at 19.45 - and speakers will include Paul Diver, Gareth Britton and Enda Healy.

It promises to be a superb event - and tickets are just €10 - so don't miss out on this inspiring event.

For further details contact go4itcoaching on their Facebook page or call them directly on 0872579931.

BUSINESS: THE BLACK FRIDAY epidemic has swept all the way across the Atlantic Ocean in a very big way - and even Diver’s Hyundai, Canal Road, Letterkenny have been effected.

Starting at 10am, it’s Black Friday Madness on quality Used Cars with prices ‘ Slashed’.

Due to unprecedented new car sales  at the Canal Road premises and the success of the all new Hyundai Tucson, space has to be made to accommodate the  large number of January trade-ins, so the time is now right if you are looking for a second hand.

Finance can be arranged for you (terms and conditions apply)

If you visit www.carsireland.ie from tonight Thursday- you will see just what is on offer.

Remember it kicks off at 10am Black Friday and with the reductions that are on offer this Friday won’t darken your spirits if you come along to purchase.

Oh, and the good news is that the offers will run until Friday next 4th, December.

TV3 is calling out for Donegal families to share their ‘Coming Home For Christmas’ experiences.

Do you have loved ones or family members living or working abroad? Are they flying home for Christmas this Year? If so, TV3 would love to hear from you.

Presenter Andrea Hayes will be at Dublin Airport to capture the magic moments when family and friends are reunited with their loved ones who have been living abroad.

If you have a story to share and are interested in taking part, please visit
http://www.tv3.ie/take_part.php

Applications close Monday December 7th 2015 and TV3 will announce the air date for ‘Coming Home For Christmas’ in the coming weeks.

To apply please fill in the application form, all applications need to be filled in and returned by email by: Closing date of Monday 7th December 2015 and please note applicants will need to be available for 2 to 3 days filming commitments in December 2015.

TV3 will announce the air date for ‘Coming Home For Christmas’ in the coming weeks

The last picture of missing John Concannon taken from CCTV on a bus

GARDAI in Donegal are investigating a report of a possible sighting of missing pensioner John Concannon.

A lady has told Gards that she saw a man last Thursday or Friday in Fahan matching John's description.

She said she didn't report it at the time as she was not aware anyone was missing.

The new development comes as volunteers, relatives, friends and neighbours today crossed the border from Derry to Donegal to search for missing John.

The 71-year-old has been missing now for two weeks and two days.

He went missing on Derry's Lenamore Road after getting on the wrong bus.

Searchers met this morning at the Halfway House at 11 am.

They are widening their search to take in Buncrana for any signs of John.

Yesterday, they visited Bridgend and Burnfoot.

Niece Rachel Concannon posted on Facebook: "I am aware people may not be able to stay long so I extend my plea from Derry right across to Donegal for volunteers to help, any amount of time that can be offered is well and truly appreciated by all.''

A Facebook page has been set up entitled 'Foot search for John Concannon' giving daily updates on areas being searched.

There is also a Twitter feed called #letsbringjohnhome.

Donegal Daily readers are asked to share this story with as many people as possible in the hope that someone have saw John at some stage.

Below is a picture of the clothing John was last seen wearing.

Oisin randles, Shane O'Donnell, Padraig Mc Gettigan and Peter McGee with mayor Gerry McMonagle

A special civic reception was held for St Eunan's u14 footballers tonight in Letterkenny public service centre to to acknowledge their achievements - in which they won every competition they entered...including the All-Ireland.

The rising stars lifted the All Ireland Feile title as well as league and championships in Donegal.

Some team for one team: The history boys at their civic reception tonight

Kavanagh in the gold and green of Donegal

BOOK REVIEW: There are a lot of books on the market at this time of the year and it's always hard to pick one from the crowd, but Rory Kavanagh's book 'Winning' stands out from the jumble on the shelves this Christmas.

The former Donegal player was, of course, an integral part of the team which won Sam in 2012; but he was also in that squad before McGuinness's arrival.

His book is brutally honest about every single part of his life in gaelic games; a sharp perspective of life as a player in these modern times of ever-increasing dedication.

‘Winning: How Donegal Changed The Game Forever’ is beautifully crafted, written with twists and turns all the way; it's fun, it's sad, it's hard to leave down once you start.

McGuinness is much of the focus of Kavanagh’s book.

He describes first meeting McGuinness the manager and trying to square if this was the same man who had ‘completely lost it’ during a county game involving the two men just a year earlier when McGuinness was still playing.

In 2009 St Eunan’s met Glenties in the Donegal senior football championship final.

“McGuinness, as usual, was trying to influence proceedings, especially with the referee,” says Kavanagh.

“In the second half he was going at it non-stop and we were making sure that he kept it up. We would target him no doubt. He was one of their leaders. We couldn’t let him dictate the game.”

He says McGuinness continued to question the referee.

“McGuinness was gone. He had lost all discipline, all composure, he had lost all intent of playing the game to win,” says Kavanagh who recalled the win over Glenties that year.

Less than a year later Kavanagh recalls meeting McGuinness at a Donegal hotel to discuss if he wished to continue playing with the county.

He says McGuinness told him he wanted to move him from the half-forward line to the midfield, he wanted to him eat a minimum of six times per day to put on a stone and a half and be at early morning gym sessions every day before going to work as a primary school teacher.

McGuinness repeatedly told him to ‘snip the ties’ code for an end to any sort of social life for players who had been dubbed ‘the party boys’ until that point.

“I wondered was he credible, was he believable,” says Kavanagh.

“Bloody hell – that’s what most of us (players) were thinking. Has this man changed?”

“Is this the man who is actually going to bring us to the Promised Land? That was the biggest question most of the Donegal players were asking themselves.”

Kavanagh says the players continued to doubt McGuinness for months afterwards.

“We all had concerns, all of the senior players, and we talked about them every chance we got in the first few weeks and months.”

Kavanagh details Donegal’s run to the All-Ireland in 2012 on a roller-coaster of emotions.

And he credits McGuinness – who he repeatedly calls ‘Jimmy Tunes’ because of the Celtic coach’s previous life as a DJ - and his then No2 Rory Gallagher with making his team believe they could become All-Ireland champions.

However he says he hasn’t seen or even spoken to the Glenties man since both of them left the county set-up last year.

Kavanagh walked away from Donegal after last year’s final defeat to Kerry.

“I never said my goodbyes to the other boys. I never shook one hand. I never said good luck to the ones staying on and I never spoke to Jim McGuinness.

“We were in one another’s company for the longest three days of our lives and I never once put my hand out to him. Or thanked him deeply and personally.

“And I have never met the man since.”

Kavanagh also criticises the All-Star selections of 2012, believing he should have won one in a year he landed both All-Ireland and county club championship and league medals.

His partner in midfield Neil Gallagher was nominated.

“A pair of midfielders from a winning All-Ireland team never get recognised together,” says Kavanagh.

He says not being recognised ‘hurt’.

“I did not expect it to hurt as I walked away from Croke Park one month earlier. Nor in the days that followed did I or anyone else give a damn,” said the 34-year-old.

“But one month later when you do not get an All Star it is surprisingly disappointing. I felt I had done enough.

“I did feel I had done more than Aidan Walsh from Cork who was named as Neil’s midfield partner. It was Walsh’s second.

“It’s a selfish game at heart. Football, they say, is a team game and there is no ‘I’ in ‘team’ but that’s not strictly true.

“Everyone has to be bloodthirsty in their own right to be the best they can be, and that is what makes a team.”

Indeed.

A riveting read, this is no stocking-filler. It's much more than that.

Former Man Utd starlet Ryan McConnell has signed for Finn Harps

Finn Harps have made their first major signing for life back in the Premier Division and it's a major one.

The club revealed that former Manchester Utd starlet Ryan McConnell has signed on the dotted line.

McConnell from Oldtown in Letterkenny, spent 3 years on the books of the Red Devils, where he captained the United U21 side.

His last season was dogged with a serious groin injury, limiting him to only had a few minutes of football resulting in his departure from Old Trafford.

The Irish under-age International and former Letterkenny Rovers schoolboy may have had a recent injury problem, but he is relishing the task with his local club.

Ryan says ”I am delighted to have signed for Harps for the 2016 campaign. Everyone is still talking about the play-off win and there will be huge anticipation in the County about us playing in the premier next year.

"Ollie has shown that he can get players performing to their full potential, so I am already looking forward to getting started in pre-season and hopefully playing my part in what should be an exciting time for everyone at Finn Harps”

Harps boss Horgan is delighted with the signing.

"I know Ryan well and he is a lad with good character who knows he is going to have to work very hard over the next 12 months. If he does that, then he has the qualities that are needed to succeed at senior level .

"We are looking forward to working with Ryan to offer him the best opportunity to progress his football.”

Meanwhile four of the Harps promotion winning squad have re-signed again with the Ballybofey club for the upcoming 2016 Premier Division season.

The quartet of Kevin McHugh, Ciaran Coll, Gareth Harkin and the club’s 2015 Young Player of the Year Tony McNamee were mainstays in the Harps side that won promotion to the Premier Division. All four started the exciting finale against Limerick and will be important players in Harps quest to consolidate their place in the upper tier of Irish football.

Harps manager Ollie Horgan tonight told Finn Harps Dot Com ”It was important to starting formulating the squad for next year so I am pleased that Gareth, Ciaran, Tony and Kevin have agreed to commit for the 2016 season.

It will be a big challenge for all of us to step up to premier level, but I think supporters will be happy if the four lads give the same commitment and display the same quality as they did during our promotion campaign.

Like all clubs we are presently talking to a number of players and we hope to announce further signings in the coming weeks.”

Damien Mc Cauley demonstrates how weak the blocks are from his house built in 2006 . all the outer walls have to be replaced at his family home, and his family had to be moved out. Photo Brian McDaid

BREAKING NEWS: DONEGAL Minister Joe McHugh says he is delighted a special Government panel is to investigate problems in concrete blocks in Donegal.

Paudie Coffey, the Minister with Responsibility for Housing, Planning and Coordination of the Construction 2020 Strategy says he intends to establish an expert group to investigate the problems that have emerged in the concrete blockwork of certain dwellings in Donegal and Mayo in order to assist the parties directly involved in reaching a satisfactory resolution to their difficulties.

Minister Joe McHugh told Donegal Daily:“I am extremely pleased to see the Minister’s statement.

"I have been working closely with the MICA Action Group and the Minister to drive the establishment of an expert panel. I have had almost weekly meetings with the Minister to ensure this happened as quickly as possible and the same delay that we saw happening with those affected by Pyrite did not happen again.

“The Minister has confirmed that arrangements are now underway to identify a suitable candidate to chair the expert group, where nominations will be sought from a number of professional bodies for suitable persons to participate on the group which it is envisaged will comprise no more than technical experts.”

Minister Coffey admitted: “I am acutely aware of the extremely difficult and distressing situations that affected homeowners in Donegal and Mayo are facing on account of damage to the structural integrity of their homes having visited a number of homes in Donegal earlier this year.

"While building defects are in the first instance, matters for resolution between the relevant contracting parties, i.e. the homeowner, the builder, the supplier and/or their respective insurers, I propose to set up a small expert group, with a strong technical background, to establish, insofar as it is possible, the number of affected dwellings in Donegal and Mayo, the root cause of the problems and the technical solutions for remediation.”

Both Minister McHugh and Minister Coffey acknowledged the hard and vital work of the MICA Action Group, including providing a number of technical reports to the Department earlier this year to provide a scientific insight into the problems that have emerged in the affected dwellings in north Donegal.

The expert group will have the following terms of reference: -

•- To identify, insofar as it is possible, the numbers of private dwellings which appear to be affected by defects in the blockwork in the Counties of Donegal and Mayo;

•- To carry out a desktop study, which would include a consultation process with affected homeowners, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, testing laboratories, industry stakeholders and other relevant parties, to establish the nature of the problem in the affected dwellings;

•- To outline a range of technical options for remediation and the means by which those technical options could be applied; and

•- To submit a report to the Minister of State by 31 May 2016.

"I look forward to continue working closely with Minister Paudie Coffey now in establishing the expert panel as soon as possible so that they can get to work and report back," added McHugh.

THEY'RE banned from catching herring off our own coast because of barmy EU laws and Irish red tape.

But this evening the defiant men of Arranmore went fishing for herring again...from a pier

"Tonight for the first time in living memory herring was caught, not by fishing in a boat but by casting a net off the pier at Stacamor on Arranmore Island," said Jerry Early.

"Meantime a fisherman from Arranmore had to travel for two days to Dunmore East to fish herring because he is banned from doing it in Donegal.

"The reason he is banned is because the scientists can't or won't make up their mind if these herring are Scottish or Irish! If we're guilty of catching these herring come and arrest us. Irish government shame on you."

JOB VACANCY: One of Donegal's most successful hotels are looking to expand their workforce.

The Silver Tassie Hotel and Spa are looking for new staff to join their dynamic, innovative and hardworking team.

Management at the award-winning hotel are seeking to recruit both part-time and full-time Qualified Chefs and Chef De Partie.

If you're interested then send your CV NOW to sales@silvertassiehotel.ie

Or alternatively send your CV via post to:

HR Manager

The Silver Tassie Hotel & Spa

Ramelton Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Chef Martin Anderson

Yes folks the most stressful meal of the year is only four weeks away.

Love it or hate it Christmas dinner is without a doubt a mystery to a lot of people.

But if you think about it, it's just a larger dinner than normal and if you're organised it'll all go to plan .

Preparation, preparation , preparation it's as easy as that .

The first thing you need to do is decide what you are going to cook, how many people you're cooking for, what time do you want to eat, do you have enough fridge space, is there anyone going to help you and who is going to do the washing up , that's one of the most important things.

Are you having a starter? Last week I gave a recipe for prawns and this week the recipe is for a vegetable broth, turkey flavoured of course .

Perhaps melon, pate with toast. Personally we serve small hot pastry hors d'oeuvres usually an hour before the dinner just to get us in the mood for eating and of course a wee glass of bubbly too.

Are you going for the traditional turkey and gammon , perhaps a goose , roast beef or even lamb.

Now is the time to get it your fresh meat ordered from your butcher. Pay a deposit and arrange a collection time. Many butchers have an ordering system in place so get organised.

Next week I will be giving the turkey and gammon recipe so keep an eye out for that.

Are you making your own gravy and cranberry sauce , cranberries can be bought at any time now and kept in the freezer and the sauce may be made three days in advance.

What vegetables will you be cooking , mashed potatoes , roast potatoes or perhaps cheese and garlic just to be different.

Have you decided on a desert yet? Which reminds me, it's time to soak your Christmas cake with a little brandy. Baked Alaska is a favourite, trifle or the traditional plum pudding with brandy cream.

We generally don't have desert until a couple hours after the main meal and a wee nap of course before it's served. The joys of Christmas Day !!

As regards refrigeration remember you are going to need enough room for a raw turkey or the other meet you are cooking , if you're going for a vegetarian Christmas dinner then you are not going to be stressed out at all .

Is someone going to help you? Perhaps your family are coming for dinner so maybe they can store some of the food in their fridge and bring it with them on Christmas morning. Even ask them to do some of the preparation and their own homes and take the pressure off you.

Are you cooking on gas make sure you have a spare gas cylinder ready , I know for a fact that some folk have run out of gas on Christmas morning it will be no joke trying to find a shop open at the last minute.

Who is doing the washing up? Surely you deserve a wee rest after doing all that cooking I don't cook on Christmas Day so I do the washing up - very relaxing !!

So here you go my turkey broth recipe.

But you will be boning turkeys so simply ask him for some of the bones.

Make sure you make a large part of stock as you can use it for the gravy as well that recipe will be included next week

Turkey Broth (4 covers )

The most important thing to remember is that a soup or sauce is only as good as the stock and ingredients that you use.
You will need for the stock
2lb of turkey bones , leg bones are fine
1 large carrot peeled and roughly sliced.
1 Chopped leek
4 stalks of celery chopped
1 onion roughly chopped or sliced
Bouquet garni.
1 bulb of garlic.
Seasoning.
Water.
white wine.
For the Broth .
1 bag of prepared soup vegetables or the equivalent in chopped fresh vegetables usually 500g
100g of barley , lentils or split peas
50g of real butter.

Method.

Trim the bones of any excess fat and place on a roasting tray with the onions roast at (180c) until well browned.
Place the vegetables in a large pot with a little oil and fry until they begin to soften, add the bones, bouquet garni , garlic and water........... enough to cover the bones.
Simmer for at least 4 hours and top up the water as it reduces , keeping the bones covered.
Remove any excess fat which comes to the surface during the cooking process.
When finished allow the stock to cool slightly and strain , keep the stock and discard the rest .
Add the white wine if desired and reheat.
You may now allow the stock to cool completely in preparation for the broth .
This stock will keep for three days in the fridge or can be frozen , you can use it straight from the freezer if you wish , it will just melt in the pot !
On Christmas morning place your pot on a medium heat add the butter and prepared vegetables. Allow to cook slightly without colour until they begin to soften , add the barley or whatever you have chosen to use , stir for a minute , finally add the stock and simmer until the barley is cooked , you may add water at anytime just make sure the broth using too thick making sure it doesn't burn !!
Season when cooked , I love to add frozen peas just a few minutes before its finished , they give a lovely colour to the broth .
Serve with crusty buttered bread rolls
This broth can be gluten free if you leave out the barley & serve toasted gluten free breath with it
For vegetable stock, use the same recipe, leave out the bones and add extra vegetables.
Why not have a go at making this recipe this weekend , it's the time of year for a good bowl of broth and it will give you an idea if you'd like to serve it on Christmas Day .
Thanks for your messages and shares last week for the cake recipe.
Follow my page on www.facebook.com/chefmartinanderson

A Donegal Youth Council contingent are on their way to Croke Park today for Dail na nÓg 2015.

The event, which happens every 2 years, will see 200 young people aged 12-17 from all over Ireland come together to help discuss and vote upon a number of issues related to this years identified theme.

Youth Councillors Ailbhe McGowan (St Catherines Killybegs) Aoife Gillespie (St Columbas Stranorlar) Hannah Healy (PCC Falcarragh) Megan Skinnader (Loreto Letterkenny) Meabh McDaid (Loreto Milford) David Moore (Glenties CS) and Joanne Brady and Tarlach Doherty (Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair) will represent the young people of Donegal at the event.

The theme for this year will be: ‘The need for young people to have a stronger voice in their education.” This theme came out of workshop discussions at the Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase, in which over 400 young people voted on the areas of their lives in which they least had a say. Education and School came out on top.

Participants will take part in workshop discussions before voting on the issues they feel most important for further work at national level. They will also contribute questions at the Q&A session with relevant ministers and government officials in the Department of Education.

Following the event a Donegal delegate will then be elected to attend the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive monthly, with Aoife Gillespie, Tarlach Doherty and Megan Skinnader all going up for election in front of their fellow Donegal Youth Councillors at the upcoming December meeting. One of the trio will replace Maria Ferry from Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair, who was an outstanding representative over the last 2 years.

Donegal Youth Council is funded by Donegal County Council, HSE Health Promotion and the Dept of Children & Youth Affairs and is co-ordinated at local level by the Donegal Youth Service.

Caption - Jade McClafferty on her horse London Jen after getting a lesson with Olympic medallist Cian O'Connor

It's not every day you get a lesson from an Olympic medallist.

That's the prize Jade McClafferty from St Johnston won at the Dublin Horse Show.

The 14 year old spent a day with top Irish show jumper Cian O'Connor at his yard near Ashbourne.

As it turned out it was a special day for both of them.

Not only did Jade get a lesson from Cian, she also got to watch him win the Grand Prix at Killossery Show on the same day.

"It was unbelievable as I thought I was going to spend an hour with him and as it turned out we were with him all day, he could not have been nicer," said Jade.

"It was great to see him in action and then to get a lesson with him in his indoor arena was really special. It's a day I won't forget."

Cian was just back from the US where he was competing in Florida and the next day he was off to Canada to teach students.

He is hoping to qualify for the Olympics in Rio next year and is confident he can go one better than the London games in 2012 where he finished with a bronze medal.

The prize lesson was sponsored by Gain Horse Feeds, one of Cian's many sponsors.

BREAKING NEWS: A post mortem is to be held today after a man's body was found in a flat in Letterkenny.

The remains were found overnight at a flat at Lower Main Street sparking an investigation.

Gardai were called and the remains of the male was removed to Letterkenny General Hospital.

The remains of the male are currently at the morgue at the hospital.

The man is 59 years old but his identity has not been released.

A full post mortem is expected to be carried out today to determine a full cause of death.

Gardai are awaiting the results of the post mortem before deciding what direction any investigation will take.

DONEGAL TD Pearse Doherty has called on the Government to do more to defend the seafood industry here in the wake of new Chinese restriction on Live Crab exports.

Deputy Doherty made his comments following a decision last month by Chinese authorities to impose strict new limits on levels of heavy metal ‘Cadmium’ found in crab meat entering the Chinese market.

Deputy Doherty told Donegal Daily today: “Naturally, access to the Chinese market for our crab exporters was a very positive development when it was first granted back in 2010 following bi-lateral co-operation between the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and authorities in China.”

“The Industry has subsequently expanded in recent years and Live Crab exports are estimated to be worth €3 million in value, which means that companies here have benefitted from having gained access to the Chinese market when selling their products.

“However, following recent concerns which I’ve received from Irish crab exporters locally in relation to these new limits which have been imposed on consignments of Live Crab to China, specifically Brown meat Crab, I decided to raise the issue with Minister Coveney in which I highlighted the negative impact which these new restrictions would have on the industry here, and I asked him what assistance was now being provided to exporters to ensure that they would not be impacted by this development."

Response

“The Minister responded by acknowledging the fact that exports have increased in recent years with the help of exports to China however, he said that the new limits were introduced in October following concerns raised by Chinese authorities about the levels of Cadmium in Live Crab shipments from Ireland.”

“The Minister stated that the SFPA has notified exporters of these new limits and that the authority has informed them that the new rules pose difficulties for exporters to now obtain health certificates for Live Crabs intended for export to the country.”

“The Minister also claimed that attempts have been made to raise the issue of these new restrictions with authorities in China in the hope that the limits would be reconsidered however, the Minister conceded that so far these attempts have been unsuccessful.”

“Of course, while I welcome representations which have been made by the SFPA, and the Marine Institute with their Chinese counterparts, the government must take decisive action to resolve this issue.

“It is essential that every effort is made to stand up for our industry here and to defend ours exporters who in recent years have successfully built a good reputation abroad for their products and who have become dependent on these overseas markets – including China – as part of their business operations.”

“I will of course raise this matter with the Minister again and I will ask that he outlines what action he will take to ensure that our industry is properly represented in any future negotiations with Chinese authorities.”

Dinny McGinley TD

Minister for Children & Youth Affairs James Reilly has announced extra funding for local youth groups.

He says that €49, 434 has been approved for Donegal Youth Organisations. Amongst the Youth Organisations being funded are, Foroige (Youth Development Officer Programme) Foroige Office, Main St., Ballybofey with €11,648.00 and Donegal Town (The Deck Youth Development Project), Tirchonaill St - €4,218.00.

The funding has been welcomed by TD Dinny McGinley.