Drivers in Letterkenny were given a surprise this morning when they 'herd' and seen FOUR cows casually strolling down the road during busy traffic.

Drivers were left shocked to see the four cows stroll down towards Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin in Glencar shortly before 10am this morning.

It seemed the cows wanted to head into school - but they never made it past the gates!

It is believed the cows were keen in learning about 'moosic' and 'cowculus'.

One onlooker quipped, "You know there's a General Election coming up, when the Government reintroduce FREE milk back into the school system!"

The cows were last seen heading down past the school to continue their explorations - so if in the Glencar area be careful!

Ryan McHugh will feature in the Dr McKenna Cup - but who will it be for?

Donegal GAA star Ryan McHugh has admitted he doesn't know who he will feature for in this year's Dr McKenna Cup.

The pre-season competition used primarily to blood new players called into the Donegal squad starts early next month.

However, McHugh, a student at UUJ is eligible to represent both his University and Donegal.

Prior to his enrolment at UUJ - McHugh was a student in Sligo IT, and played for them in the Connacht equivalent of the Dr McKenna Cup which was the FBD League.

McHugh says one way or another he will be playing in the Dr McKenna Cup - but who for will be decided when both sets of management teams discuss the issue.

McHugh told The Irish News, "It’s probably not for me to decide. Managers will have to sit down and talk so I’m not sure what team I’ll be playing for, but I’ll be playing McKenna Cup one way or the other.

"Maybe if one team gets through to the semi-final I’ll get playing for both.

“I enjoyed every minute of the FBD League, you play different teams in a different competition and it was a good standard of football. It’ll be my debut in a different competition so I’m looking forward to it.

“Pitches are heavy, players maybe aren’t as fit as for championship but like every other player in Ireland, I’d rather be out playing games than training. You can’t beat games to improve fitness and sharpness.”

WEATHER TAKES IT TOLL ON DONEGAL SPORT (AND BLOWS A PLAN APART}

The plan had a good portion of Saturday sorted out. First call – the
Colaiste Ailigh grounds in Letterkenny for the Donegal/Derry
fund-raising game. 1.p.m. throw in. Early start for me on a Saturday
but, hey, sometimes you have to make these sacrifices.

Donegal's GAA challenge match with Derry was postponed.

Then, off to the Dave Gallaher Park for Letterkenny R.F.C.’s Kukri
Qualifying 3 fixture against B.S.S.F.P. (kick-off 2.30.p.m.).

On Friday, I knew there’d be no call to get up so early the following
morning and make that sacrifice. Match postponed.

I did check the Letterkenny R.F.C. website on Saturday to ascertain
the fate of their game but while the under-16’s game against Rainey
(never were there more appropriate visitors) at Dave Gallaher Park did
go ahead (Rainey winning by a converted try to no score), the seniors
game floated away into match postponed territory as well, leaving the
day free to concentrate on televised sport.

Miserable would be a mild description of the elements on Saturday and
the preceding days – unbelievable would be a way to label Sunday’s
conditions. How the weather can change from ferocious rain storms to
perfectly calm and sunny in the space of an overnight is something
you’ll have to ask the Met Eireann people or, alternatively, the man
who up to not so long ago delivered the post in Glenfin and the
weather forecasts on a national basis, Michael Gallagher.

In the end the only live sporting action I got in over the weekend was
fifteen or twenty minutes of the Letterkenny Rovers Ulster Senior
League tie against arch rivals, Swilly Rovers, at the Aura on Sunday.

When I arrived to leave our fourteen year old for athletic training,
the host Rovers were leading 2-0 with Swilly having lost Dylan Hegarty
to a red card in the concession of a spot-kick midway through the
opening half.

The hosts were still leading 2-0 when I had to be elsewhere and
consequently missed the additional two goals that helped the
Letterkenny side climb to the top of the table.

I thought of three weeks previously when the Aura pitch had more water
on it than their swimming pool inside and of how sport in the great
outdoors is always subject to climate (yeah, that’s something the
snooker players and darts exponents among you don’t have to worry
about unless you get caught in a storm on the way to the venue in
which case you should heed the advice of R.T.E.’s Teresa Mannion who
told the nation on Saturday from a stormy Salthill in a weather report
that has now gone viral: “DON’T TAKE UNNECESSARY JOURNEYS” prompting
the obvious retort as to why she took one herself to tell us that when
she could as easily (and dryly) got her message across through social
media or the R.T.E. website. After all she was the one standing
outside being rained on while we were sitting comfortably watching her
in our sitting-rooms).

Back in Donegal, meanwhile, we had a whole host of sporting
postponements due to the seasonal soaking but for some the raging
conditions brought even more despair. The flood waters caused a lot of
damage to the clubhouse of Lifford Strabane A.C. and the track was
also under several inches. Hopefully they’ll get it right again in the
days and weeks ahead.

Committees put in an enormous amount of work to keep their clubs
afloat without having this extra burden piled on top of them.

KILLYBEGS MAN WANTS TO NET ENGLAND

Seamus Coleman wants England in the Euro draw next Saturday. Don’t
have any views one way or the other on this as I’m just happy we’re
there having, at times, made such hard work of it particularly in
those two fixtures against the Scots.

In an interview in ‘The Sunday Times’ at the weekend, the Killybegs
man was recalling the game at the Aviva which ended in a 1-1 draw and
looked to have set up Gordon Strachan’s men nicely for a ticket to
France 2016.

Around thirty of Coleman’s former team-mates from his Gaelic football
and soccer days back in his home town came to Dublin for the game
which coincided with the Everton defender’s stag night. On the journey
home, the coach stopped at a number of watering holes (as stag
journeys tend to do) and perhaps Coleman was the only one not drinking
as he’s a teetotaller.

“It was quite strange because I was a little bit down after the
Scotland game. We looked dead and buried at the time, but the lads
were just happy to be on the stag. I am so close to those lads, they
keep me grounded and would never let me get carried away,” he
declared.

A class act is our Seamus on the field of play. And obviously off it
as well. Someone who has never forgotten his roots despite the riches
and fame of the Premiership and all that goes with it. And never
allowed those friendships to sink without trace in his climb to the
top.

Truly a grounded individual and one who I have a sneaking suspicion
might just get his wish and be facing England in the group stages in
France.

THE GREAT ESCAPE – NOT!

The R.T.E. website reported last week that Ian Turner had signed for
Cork City from Limerick.

And followed up the report with: “Turner was a big part of Limerick’s
escape from relegation scoring eight times in 29 starts and
contributing 13 assists.”

Finn Harps

No problem with the stats but a slight head scratcher with the player
being a “big part of Limerick’s escape from relegation.”

What escape was that, exactly? And has anyone informed Ollie Horgan
and the boys?

No wonder the R.T.E. pundits on ‘Soccer Republic’ were hardly able to
muster up a scrap of enthusiasm about Harps promotion to the Premier
Division.

OLLIE ADDS ANOTHER RYAN

Ryan Curran has become the latest capture by Ollie Horgan as he seeks
to ensure  Harps consolidate that recently gained position in the
Premier League next season.

If he’s as classy a player as his father Paul, who once dominated the
centre of Derry City’s defence and also had a spell with Harps, then
the Finn Parkers have a good one on their hands. The 22 year old
performs at the other end of the pitch and netted seven times for the
Candystripes in the Premier Division in twenty-four appearances.

Adding to the signatures on the dotted line of eight of last season’s
first team to date and the signing of former Manchester United ace,
Ryan McConnell, the squad is beginning to take shape.

Finn Harps' new signing Rya Curran who joined from Derry City.

But we’d need to hope that Ollie’s contacts in the game will yield a
couple of major additions in the coming weeks to bring much needed
depth and experience to that squad.

BILL AND THE ‘BORO

A hearty big well done to Bill Robinson from the column this week.
Bill was the winner of the ‘Football League Tonight’ Stand Up & Be
Counted competition, his name announced to the world on Saturday night
on the Channel 5 weekly digest of all footballing matters below the
English Premiership.

A Middlesbrough supporter is our Bill. And not just a Middlesbrough
supporter but a Middlesbrough supporter from Donegal!

“We’ll be flying Bill over to see a Middlesbrough game later this
season,” the presenters declared, announcing the winner of the
competition open to all corners of the globe and attracting an entry
of over 52,000 viewers.

Don’t know who you are, Bill, but, as I say, congratulations even if
it did prompt the slightly cynical reaction from one John Presswell on
the show’s Facebook page: “Around the world and Paddy wins. Ummm a
fix!!!”.

These boys can’t take their beating, Bill. Just like the ‘Boro who
haven’t being taken many beatings at all this season and should be
well worth flying over to see.

CROSS COUNTRY WINNERS

Well done to the Donegal boys under-13 team who took home team gold
from Sunday’s National Underage Cross Country Championships in
Dungarvan.

A hugely impressive outing for the young athletes and, in particular,
the Letterkenny A.C. contingent of Liam Hannigan, Evan Keown, Ryan
Canning and Jack Holian who also secured bronze as the third club team
overall. The other victorious members of the Donegal team included
Finn Valley A.C.’s Oisin Toye and Cranford’s Oisin Kelly.

Great to see the future right there.

WATERY END

Due to the severe storm flooding, the column has been watered down this week.

[NOTE TO EDITOR: Are you going to pay me by the hour or the job this week?]

A dog which was found wandering the streets of Ballybofey after it was abandoned has found a loving new home!

Two months ago, well-known Finn Harps supporter Rodney Dullaghan found the poor little pooch.

Rodney launched a social media campaign in the attempt to contact his owners - but despite his best efforts - they were unable to find the owners.

Left with the option of sending the dog to the pound - Rodney decided to adopt the adorable little fella instead!

He was christened Oscar by his new family and judging by the picture above it seems that the decision has worked out well for both Oscar and Rodney and his family.

Rodney posted the following on Facebook, "Exactly two months ago today, this wee dude was homeless.

"Oscar as he was christened here, is now a big part of the family and spends his nights sharing my armchair instead of wandering the streets. Some boy!

Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan did contact Rodney, but only because he thought the Chelsea FC star Oscar was crashing at his gaffe!!

Councillor John O'Donnell on the RTE documentary.

A total of 40% of Donegal County Councillors say Independent Councillor John O’Donnell should resign following allegations arising from the RTÉ Investigates programme.

The research was carried out by RTÉ RnaG in Donegal yesterday, and revealed that all nine Sinn Féin councillors said that O’Donnell should resign, and that there was a need for an emergency meeting on the matter.

Fianna Fáil councillors were reluctant to call for his resignation.

Of the six independent councillors contacted, five said O’Donnell should resign.

RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta contacted 30 councillors yesterday by phone, not all of whom responded.

The councillors were asked two questions – whether O’Donnell should resign, and whether there was a need for a special meeting about the matter.

This report was featured this morning on the Adhmhaidin programme on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Boxer Jason Quigley to be honoured today.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Ciaran Brogan and elected members of Donegal County Council will be honouring Donegal’s ‘King of the Ring’ 24-year-old Jason Quigley this afternoon at a civic reception in the County House, Lifford at 5pm.

This Civic Reception is being hosted in recognition of Jason’s achievement in winning the Gold Medal in the European Amateur Boxing Championship (Middleweight Division) and all his achievements in the sport of Boxing to date.

The Cathaoirleach, elected members and staff of the Council will be joined by Jason, his management team, representatives of the Amateur Boxing Association, local boxing clubs, family and invited guests.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ciaran Brogan has described Jason as one of Donegal’s most illustrious sporting sons and is delighted to be in a position to host this civic reception as a tribute to his achievements in boxing to date.

“It is only fitting that we honour and recognise Jason Quigley’s outstanding achievements in the world of boxing. Jason has brought great pride to the people of Donegal and he is not only a wonderful role model for our young people but he is also a great ambassador for our county and one of our most illustrious sporting heros”.

“Whilst this is Jason’s day, it is also a great opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the amateur boxing fraternity in Donegal and to pay tribute to not only the sports people but to all those who have brought amateur boxing to the stage it is at in Donegal today. The hard work, commitment and selfless dedication of all these men and women cannot go unrecognised and this is a day for them to sit back and reflect on all they have achieved.”

Jason initially enjoyed a glittering amateur career which saw him rise to number one in both the AIBA European and World amateur rankings. Apart from numerous local and national titles, he has also represented his country and has picked up three European gold medals at Youth, Under-23 and Amateur levels as well as Silver at the World Amateur Championships between 2009 and 2013.

In April 2014 Jason decided to turn professional and just as he swept all before him in the world of amateur boxing, he is now doing the same at professional level from his base in Los Angeles, USA. He recently notched up his ninth professional victory boxing out of the Golden Boy Promotions stable which is run by Oscar De La Hoya - Olympic Gold medal and winner of 10 world boxing titles in six different weight classes.

In 2013 Jason win gold at the European Amateur Championships in Minsk, Belarus and on that occasion he defeated former European Cadet Champion and World Amateur Boxing Championship Bronze medal winner, Bogdan Juratoni from Romania in the Middleweight (-75kg) decider.

A Donegal man who hadn't been home for almost two and-a-half years gave his mother the best Christmas present she could've asked for!

Shane Ward, 30, from Keadue has been living and residing in Brisbane, Australia for the last five years.

Shane hasn't been home since he got married here in Donegal in June 2013, and gave his mother Sally Ward a fantastic early Christmas present yesterday evening.

Shane pictured with his wife Tennille in Australia.

With the help of his sisters Shane planned the surprise, although from the video it's clear Sally and Francie suspected something was up!

A bewildered Sally could hear noises coming from the kitchen before her grandchildren and Shane came into the room - to the delight and shock of Sally and Francie!

Shane is a talented runner, who was formerly a member of Letterkenny AC before he emigrated to Australia - and is the son of former Masters Bronze medallist Francie Ward who also excelled in Athletics.

Shane turned 30 last week and his wife Tennille decided to surprise him by getting him flights back to Ireland for Christmas.

To view the video simply click play on the link above.

Now that's a nice story for you!

SOCCER GRAND FINAL: The Donegal Soccer Academy Primary Soccer 7s (sponsored by Sellm8.com) returns to action this Friday 11th December in Ballyare, Letterkenny.

Each area winner will come together to compete in the competition's Grand Finals.

The 10 school teams who have navigated a tough qualifying campaign will battle it out to claim the inaugural Primary Soccer 7s title and the prize of a set of 10 jerseys for their school.

The winners of the Boy's section will receive the Blue DSA kit (above left), whilst the Girl's section winners will receive the White DSA Kit (above right), both emblazoned with the competition sponsors Sellm8.com and manufactured by Adidas.

The runners up of each section will also receive an assortment of soccer equipment for their school.

The first schools to guarantee their place in the Grand Finals were St Patrick's NS (Lurgybrack) and Woodland NS, who won the boys and girls sections, respectively, in the Letterkenny Town Area on the 6th October.

They were soon followed by St Cronas NS (Boys) and Scoil Mhuire (Glenties - Girls) who persevered through the West Donegal Area at Keadue Rovers.

The following week saw schools from East Donegal compete for a Grand Final spot and it was Scoil an Coimin (Boys) and Dooish NS (Girls) who took the spoils.

The competition returned to Ballyare for the North Donegal Area qualifying and it saw Scoil Mhuire (Milford) complete the double as both their boys and girls team advanced to the Grand Finals.

Finally it was down to South Donegal where 12 teams battled it out for the remaining places. It was Scoil an Linbh Íosa (boys) and St Nauls NS (girls) who progressed from a highly competitive area.

The Grand Finals will kick of at 10:45am and it promises to be a highly entertaining day of primary school soccer.

Owner of the Donegal Soccer Academy, and Finn Harps star Kevin McHugh told Donegal Daily, " We want to say a massive thanks to SellM8.com for sponsoring all of the below prizes.

"We've had a hugely successful 1st year, and we would like to thank all schools who participated in 2015 and good luck to all schools who have reached the finals.

"We will hopefully be in a position to open up to more schools and include Inishowen area in 2016."

Portsalon Golf Club had reason to celebrate recently as the club received confirmation it had secured its highest ever position in the prestigious Golf Digest Ireland Top 100 Courses in Ireland.

Portsalon has been steadily climbing up the list in recent years, largely down to a sustained commitment to self-improvement undertaken by the council and greens staff at the club.

The hard work and commitment paid rich dividends once more as Portsalon took its place at No.22 in the rankings for 2016 – up one place from the year just past.

The rise of Portsalon has coincided with the club partnering with former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley's Golf Course Design team to enhance the playing experience for members and visitors alike on the iconic Fanad links.

Since a major revamp of Portsalon by renowned course designer Pat Ruddy in 2000, the club has continuously strived to subtly improve this founding member of the Golfing Union of Ireland.

Paul McGinley and his team have been working closely with Portsalon Golf Club since 2011 and in congratulating the club on their 2016 standing, he suggested that further improvement in the Golf Digest Rankings are "a very attainable goal" for the club to aim at.

Paul Armstrong, Captain of Portsalon, attributes the success of the club to the vision, hard work and commitment of Links Superintendent Johnny Shields and his team in working alongside their partners at Paul McGinley Golf Course Design as well as the backing received from Portsalon's members.

McGinley believes Portsalon has the capability to push itself towards the top ten in Ireland, a dream that is shared by the club.

Paul Armstrong said this week: "We look forward to continuing to work together and share Paul's ambition that someday soon we will be a top ten course."

Johnny Shields has been head of greens staff at Portsalon since 2007. Under his leadership, the club have climbed the Golf Digest Rankings from No.75 to their current position on the cusp of the top 20.

Whilst implementing the changes advised by the McGinley team, the greens staff have also incorporated a series of aesthetic improvements that further enhance the 'Portsalon experience'.

Membership is open at Portsalon with extremely competitive rates for both beginners and experienced golfers alike.

Despite the rain that battered Donegal during Storm Desmond last weekend, the links at Portsalon showed its resilience in remaining open for play throughout and it prides itself on providing all-year-round golf.

This jewel in the Irish golfing crown hosts weekly Open competitions (Wednesday and Saturday, Seniors – Friday) where visitors can enjoy 18-holes at surprisingly reasonable and very competitive rates.

Come along and see for yourself, one of Ireland's top golf courses in the heart of the breathtaking Fanad peninsula.

Ned has been missing for almost THREE weeks!

MISSING: A Donegal Daily reader has contacted us to try and help her find her beloved missing pet dog.

The lovely dog named Ned, (pictured above) went missing a number of weeks ago.

They had hoped the dog had got lost and would return - but unfortunately he hasn't came back.

Tara Marie Hughes contacted Donegal Daily today and is appealing for help.

Tara and her sister are desperate to find Ned - and are appealing to anyone who have seen him to contact them immediately.

Tara said, "My dog has been missing for almost three weeks now, my sister and I are heartbroken.

"He could be anywhere, and was last spotted in Kilmacrennan.

"He came from the Newmills direction of Letterkenny.

"My phone number is 0862249525, his name is Ned, and he has a black, white and brown coat.

"Please like and share this post. "

UPDATE: National Utility approach by Irish Water has allowed for temporary emergency water supply from neighbouring counties including County Fermanagh through co-operation with Northern Ireland Water.

Irish Water and Donegal County Council continue to implement their major incident plan following the major flooding of the Bundoran Water Treatment Plant which still remains non-operational.

Irish water would like to assure all customers that the situation at the treatment plant is under constant review considering the current weather conditions where further intense rainfall is expected over the next number of days.

Irish Water can confirm that the flood waters at the Bundoran Water Treatment Plant have been pumped off site and that the temporary flood defence wall has been reinforced.

Further to these works a clean-up operation is currently underway to facilitate an assessment by engineering staff on the condition of key process treatment plant and equipment affected by flood waters.

Operational changes to the network have been undertaken as part of this major incident plan to keep customers in supply where possible.

These temporary changes are under constant review to maintain normal standards of service to the vast majority of customers who are normally served from the Bundoran Water Treatment Plant.

However, customers in the following areas may experience intermittent/no-supply during peak periods of demand;

• Rathmore to Lissacholly
• Loughside Group Scheme (Co. Leitrim)
o Derrynaseer
o Lareen to Edenvella

Irish Water is monitoring these areas to ensure return of normal water supply as soon as possible.

Where a customer has water coming from their tap, this water can be used in a normal manner; it does not have to be boiled before use.

For people experiencing outages Mobile Water Tankers and Standpipe are located at strategic points throughout the Bundoran network. Please note that water taken from these tankers and the standpipe whilst fully treated, and safe to drink must be boiled before use.

The tanker locations are as follows:

• Bowser Location No. 1: Sea Front Carpark, Astoria Road
• Bowser Location No. 2: Central Lane Car Park
• Bowser Location No. 3: Old Tullaghan Road, Magheracar
• Bowser Location No. 4: BMG Hardware, Access Road
• Standpipe Location: Market Yard, Ballyshannon (adjacent to fire station)

Customers may experience low pressure or loss of supply over the coming days and are asked to report any such occurrences to the Irish Water customer service call centre.

Customers are requested to conserve water and check their premises for leaks.

Irish Water would like to apologise to all customers affected by this incident.

Irish Water would like to thank Donegal LA staff, Northern Ireland Water, Leitrim County Council, Sligo County Council, EPA, HSE and the ESB for their continuing efforts with dealing with this on-going incident.

A map showing the location of the tankers is available on Irish Water’s website, (www.water.ie) and Donegal County Council’s website, (www.donegalcoco.ie).

Customers are advised to contact the IW website at www.water.ie or alternatively contact its customer service call centre at 1890 278 278.

Irish Water will provide further updates tomorrow the 10th of December.

Bernard Gallagher owner of CBM signs - conducts business - while holding his baby daughter Clodagh.

Donegal businessman Bernard Gallagher has shown he is the quintessential 'modern' man by taking to fatherhood like a duck to water!

His wife Emma gave birth to their beautiful baby girl Clodagh on Tuesday morning.

Bernard owns and runs the hugely successful CBM Signs company - which is located on the Port Road, Letterkenny.

Christmas is a busy time for all businesses and it is a particularly busy time of year for CBM signs.

However, the Termon entrepreneur knows the show must go on, and has already shown his 'multi-tasking' skills from the photo above.

Which shows he can do both jobs with ease!

Who said men can't 'multi-task?

The great Brian Friel is laid to rest in Glenties. Pic by Northwest Newspix.

THE bright lights of Broadway have been dimmed in memory of legendary Irish playwright Brian Friel.

The award-winning writer, who penned the Donegal-based Dancing at Lughnasa — died in October at the age of 86 and was buried in his beloved Glenties in October.

The late Brian Friel.

The marquees of Broadway theatres in New York dimmed their lights for one minute yesterday evening, in honour of a man who has been described as “a colossus in theatre”.

The tradition of dimming the lights for theatre greats dates back decades and is reserved for people who are “synonymous with Broadway”.

Charlotte St Martin, president of the Broadway League, said: “Known as a gifted storyteller whose work achieved international acclaim for over four decades, Brian Friel’s writing explored social and political life in Ireland through lyrical dramas which played notably on the Broadway stage.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and many fans.”

Friel was born in Killyclogher, near Omagh, Co Tyrone, in 1929.

He moved to Derry with his family at the age of ten and then to Greencastle, Co Donegal, in the 1960s, where he penned most of his great works including Philadelphia, Here I Come and The Freedom of the City.

Judge gave the woman a suspended jail sentence.

WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT CONTAINED: A woman only realised she had sexually abused a young child when she undertook a child protection course.

The woman appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court yesterday facing two charges of sexual abuse against the girl in the mid 2000s.

The court heard how the two incidents took place while the child, who was 10 or 11 years old, was in the care of the accused woman.

In the first incident the woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim,
was invited over to the woman's home.

After watching television, the accused woman kissed the child, rubbed her breast and then rubbed her own breasts.

The little girl told her mother what had happened but when approached by the child's mother, the accused woman said she had only been playing with her.

On the second occasion, the girl's father had been forced to leave his daughter with the woman as his wife had been in a car crash and he had no babysitter.

This time the child was ordered to take a bath and the woman rubbed the child's vaginal area with a flannel for five minutes.

The woman told the court that she only appreciated the seriousness of the incident when she undertook a child protection course and disclosed the abuse.

The incidents were then followed-up on by support services and the Gardai.

A victim impact statement on the child revealed how the victim is a very changed girl as a result of the attacks.

She stays at home a lot and gets upset very easily.

She is still unable to develop relationships with boys and remembers the abuse when she takes a bath or shower.

The court also heard how the accused woman also suffered prolonged sexual abuse and became pregnant at the age of 12 before miscarrying.

She was abused sexually, emotionally and physically by siblings, her mother’s partners and people who came into her house.

A doctor who treated her said she had suffered “the most grave and prolonged case of sexual abuse that I have come across.”

Judge John Aylmer said he put the offences on mid-range of seriousness but at the lower end of mid-range.

He said he did not want to overlook the impact on the victim so he was imposing a custodial sentence but suspended it in light of mitigating factors including the guilty plea that saved victim from cross examination.

He sentenced the woman to 18 months in jail for each of the two offences to run concurrently but suspended them for two years

He also ordered that she have no unsupervised contact with any person under 18 years of age or any vulnerable adult.

She was also ordered to engage in a treatment programme for sexual offenders and answer all questions truthfully in relation to her offending while remaining on the sexual offenders register for a statutory five years.

The LYIT campus

An allocation of €750,000 has been granted for Letterkenny IT to carry out maintenance and development of facilities and equipment.

The allocation has been welcomed by Junior Minister Joe McHugh who said it was part f an overall package of €10 million for institutes around the country.

“I am delighted that Letterkenny IT is to receive €750,000 in funding as part of a nationwide Infrastructure Maintenance Fund Grant for Institutes of Technology, worth €10 million. The Institutes can use the funds to discharge costs already incurred on a range of small-scale building works, refurbishment of existing facilities and / or upgrading equipment.

“Last week I attended the official opening of the North West Science Park with Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, which was part of a €250 million regional jobs strategy to support regions to play to their strengths and accelerate jobs growth across all areas. With 100% occupancy in Fort George, Derry and 60% occupancy at LYIT Letterkenny, this project is already providing a major cross border dividend to the North West.

“The newly extended CoLab is situated at the Letterkenny Institute of Technology campus, where a team is already involved in numerous initiatives and programmes for technology entrepreneurs ensuring the latest trends and thinking across many industry sectors are catered for.

“I have attended many functions in Letterkenny IT, and I am aware of the continuous hard work here in promoting the Institute over the years, and as a direct result also promoting the area of Letterkenny. I wish to commend Paul Hannigan and all the team in their success here.

“Letterkenny IT is a hugely valuable resource in the North West region, producing highly educated and skilled graduates to meet the employment demands created by our recovering economy. Over 135,000 jobs have been created since the Government launched its Action Plan for Jobs in 2012. The regional Action Plan for Jobs that will impact on Donegal plans to create 28,000 more jobs in the region by 2020.

“Funding like this is crucial to keep Letterkenny IT well maintained and equipped so that it can provide a top class working environment for its students. Fine Gael has a plan to keep this recovery going and to create even more employment. More jobs mean increased tax revenue with which we can make these kinds of investments in our education system.”

Patrick Gildea

Every season we update our clothing, shoes and footwear - even our skincare regime gets updated.

From bright T-shirts to dark winter woollies, textures and colours get updated multiple times throughout the year so our hair colour and texture should be no different.

Patrick says “adding colour and texture to your hair doesn’t always mean a dramatic make-over, subtle changes can be made to enhance your favourite look, making it relevant and sexy”.

More often than not it is the Celebrity starlets that give us inspiration- because let’s face it nine times out of ten they get it so right.

We have listed some of our favourite celebrity colours for this winter below.

Rich Espresso- Kendall Jenner

This rich dark brunette shade is so beautiful. The solid hue tends to reflect a lot of light meaning instant shine which is always welcome in the depths of winter. Kendall Jenner looks effortless and natural keeping up with the latest colour trends. Depending on your skin tone you can go warmer or cooler which can be decided between you and your Master Colour Technician during your consultation.

Marsala - Rhianna

Red and Copper tones are extremely popular this season and this seductive shade works remarkably well on a surprising number of skin tones. If you want to be right on trend and turn heads this season this rich hue will certainly do that!

Bronde - Rosie Huntington –Whiteley

We’ve heard a lot about Bronde this year – the not quite brown not quite blonde look that works well all year round but works particularly well on dark hair in the winter months. Bronde adds dimension to your hair as it tricks the eye into seeing depth and creates the illusion of fullness.

Sombre - Jamie Chung

Each new season we get another piece of lingo to be added to the beauty dictionary. From Ombre, Balayage, Bronde to the latest Sombre. Sombre is a more natural-looking take on Ombre. Like Jamie Chung dark roots blend seamlessly into lighter ends with zero harsh lines. This look gives an amazing illuminating effect around the face which is beautiful in winter. The darkness at the roots keeps your skin from looking washed out.

Golden Blonde - Gigi Hadid

Think on warm golden sun-kissed highlights we immediately think on a summer’s day lazing on a beach- without doubt warm golden hair works beautifully during the summer but did you know that it works even better in winter? Why? Simply because gold adds warmth to everything and counteracts the cold that everyone is feeling. Gigi Hadid is a perfect example of beautiful golden locks suitable all year round.

Students form Loreto with Donegal County Childcare presents for Percy Appeal. Photo Clive Wasson

More than 250 children, parents, grandparents from all corners of the county passed through the doors of the Radisson Hotel in Letterkenny yesterday for Donegal County Childcare’s Party for Percy!

The staff team at DCCC are delighted with the success of the celebration which marks the end of the Presents for Percy Appeal.

Children experienced a variety of entertainment and the all-important Santa Grotto was expertly manned by a range of Donegal County Councillors. There was to be no evasion of difficult questions in the Santa Grotto as children asked questions such as ‘Why did you bring me a scooter that was broke last year?’ and ‘Santa can you get me a magic wand because then I can magic anything I want?’ or ‘Do you know where Carn is – what colour is my house?’ Answers were expected and given – some causing more duress than others!

Elf McDaid tell Santa what he really wants for Christmas. Photo Clive Wasson

The Presents for Percy Appeal has raised just under €20,000 this year for needy families across the county which has now been distributed. We have donated to 20 individual SVDP Conferences which cover all 6 SVDP Regional Areas across the county. In addition, we have facilitated requests from Donegal Womens Domestic Violence Centre, Lifeline Inishowen, and 4 different branches of ParentStop Donegal.

Overall, since its inception for Christmas 2011, the Presents for Percy Appeal has raised €82,000. The Donegal County Childcare appeal is unique in that it simply aims to preserve the magic of a Christmas memory for young children living in vulnerable home circumstances.

Avril McMonagle, Manager of Donegal County Childcare says she is indebted to everyone who either donated or helped out in any way to make the Percy Appeal and the children’s party a success.

Elf Kavanagh has a laugh with the Big Man!

‘Particular thanks to those that donated their time or services free of charge especially Cooney’s Home and Garden for kitting out our winter wonderland, the students and teachers from Loreto Convent, Clive Wasson Photography, Bizz Prints, Blue Splat Design, Manna Design, Cllrs’ Michael McBride, Liam Doherty, Gary Doherty, James Pat McDaid, Gerry McMonagle, Jimmy Kavanagh, John Campbell and Martin McDermott.

Also thanks to everyone who made a donation to the Presents for Percy Appeal 2015 either large or small – everything was put to good use and made a huge difference!

A range of images from the day can be found on the Donegal County Childcare Facebook page www.facebook.com/DonegalChildcare

Some of the children at the Presents for Percy Appeal Day.

Naomh Columba Senior Manager Post.

Expressions or interest are now being sought for the vacant post of senior manager.

Anyone wishing to apply for the post should contact the club secretary Martin Carr  on 087 6797995 no later than 9.00 pm on Tuesday 15th December.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 16th December.