Údarás na Gaeltachta is organising an Information Day to inform the public of employment, training and education opportunities available in the Donegal area.  

The information day, which is to take place in An Chúirt Hotel, Gaoth Dobhair on the 23rd May between 10am and 4pm, would suit job seekers and people interested in further education or training.

Guest speakers from the VEC, the Department of Social Protection, Donegal Local Development Company, Skillsnet, LYIT, Muintearas and Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge will be there on the day to talk about employment schemes as well as education and training opportunities.

Information stands will be held by aforementioned organisations and also by other training and education organisations. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak to career guidance advisers.

The Information Day is free to the public and lunch will be provided. To book a place or for more information visit www.udaras.ie or call Údarás na Gaeltachta, 074 9560100.

Donegal star Rory Kavanagh has said that winning the Sam Maguire in September has “lifted the burden” off Donegal players as all attention focuses back on the Donegal panel ahead of their mouth watering clash with Tyrone on Sunday week. 

The St.Eunans man has said he sees the defense of both the Ulster title and All Ireland championship as “just another opportunity” as he looks forward to next Sundays clash with Tyrone.

Speaking to Gaelic Life Kavanagh said,

“Do you know what, I don’t think there is any burden on us after winning Sam to be honest.”

“The way I look at it is it’s just another opportunity, everyone involved in this panel just loves playing football.”

“You need to like it you need to love the game, the day you stop enjoying it is the day you should pack it in.”

“We were managed very well after winning the All Ireland, once we came back from holiday Jim was quick to put a clamp on the excursions and appearances.”

“The focus is now on again – It has to be. Everyone in the camp is looking forward to it, it’s a huge clash it should be a magnificent occasion being back infront of our home crowd as All Ireland champions.”

“Our last few encounters have been close tactical edgy affairs, and that adds to the spice of it, It means neither Tyrone or us can look past the 26th of May.

One of Ireland’s most famous authors, John B Keane, would have travelled to Co Donegal to hear the case of a family split by a contested will of a farm, a court heard today.

Nora Kelly

The case involving the ownership of a 12 hectare farm at Correnagh, 5kms outside Letterkenny has been heard before Donegal Circuit Civil Court for a total of five days.

Claims and counter claims of assault, threats and forced wills have been made between two families, the Kellys and the Gildeas who are both claiming the land.

The land was left by Willie John Kennedy when he died in 2007 to his niece Nora Kelly who is claiming ownership of the land.

However Mrs Kelly’s mother, 89 year old Nora Gildea claims some of the land should be hers.

Mrs Gildea’s two sons, Christopher and Daniel are also claiming ownership of some of the property.

Christopher is claiming ownership of all the land while Daniel is claiming ownership of a shed and a small portion of land surrounding it.

The Gildeas claim that William John Kennedy never owned the land after he claimed it from their Great Uncle John Kennedy who died in 1937.

They contest that the land is theirs as they have been living on it and grazing animals on it for many years.

Over the past three days, the court has heard various claims by both sides in the case who sat on opposite sides of the courtroom in Letterkenny. There have also been claims of assault and intimidation.

Barrister Peter Nolan for Mrs Kelly claimed his client’s life has been made a “living hell” over the past two years.

She had been followed and assaulted and the court also heard how she was on the verge of a “cracking up” after having 26 sessions with a psychiatrist.

He said the case was simply in that if Mrs Kelly had been born a man then there would be no case whatever saying it was a case of pure sexism

“If John B Keane were alive today he would be here in Donegal writing about this, although the lands involved here are greater than those involving Bull McCabe

He added that the claims of the Gildeas of “adverse possession” because they were on the lands could not be accepted.

“I’m using this courtroom for more than 20 years but I’m not going to claim. They were using lands and I say – so what? The bottom line is that that they do not own it,” said Mr Nolan.

During the case, tempers became frayed and Judge Mary Faherty asked barrister Peter Nolan to keep the emotion out of the case.

“I appreciate this is an emotional case but there are two families involved and it is a difficult case for everyone,” she said.

89 yr old Nora Gildea at Letterkenny courthouse yesterday.

During cross examination it was put to Mrs Nora Gildea, 89, that she had needlessly brought her daughter Nora to court.

The pensioner told the court that she did not want her daughter’s name mentioned to her and swore on two occasions.

Barrister Sean MacAodha, instructed by Dan Gildea and Christopher Gildea, dealt with both of his client’s claims separately.

He claimed Daniel Gildea had exclusive possession and was in occupation of the shed on the land since 1989.

He also claimed that Christopher Gildea had never said his claim was about “adverse possession” through grazing” but related to the family home and the fact that he had worked the land and was involved in a ‘joint operation’ or ‘family operation’ on the named land.

Judge Mary Faherty then reserved judgement in the case and said she will contact all parties in the case in June.

GARDAI have confirmed that Polish national Bogdan Michalkiawicz was murdered.

The 41-year-old man who came to start a new life in Letterkenny in 2005 and was let down for a job was found battered to death on Wednesday.

At a press conference at Letterkenny Garda Station today, Inspector Michael Harrison said: “It has been confirmed he suffered a brutal death and this case has been upgraded to a murder investigation.

“It would be no exaggeration to say that his death was horrific.”

Mr Michalkiawicz was part of a group of workers who found themselves stranded when they arrived in Ireland from Poland in 2005.

The men arrived here with the promise of three months’ work but found themselves stranded without jobs or money.

The 13 Polish and four Latvian men, ranging in age from 18 to 54, had travelled to Letterkenny after accepting an offer of work on a building site.

But after a week they were told that there was no more work.

The dead man’s brother Tomasz found him yesterday at 11am at Westside Apartments. Bogdan had last been seen 48 hours earlier around lunchtime on Monday.

Garda Inspector Harrison asked anyone who can help the case to call 07491 67100.

He said at the press conference: “Bogden was last seen outside his apartment at 15 Westside, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny at lunchtime on Monday 13th May.

“Westside is location between Lower Main Street and Pearse Road. We believe he was in the vicinity of his apartment all weekend. His body was found on Wednesday morning at 11am. It is now being confirmed by the Assistant State Pathologist that Bogden Michalkiawich suffered a brutal death and this is now being upgraded to a murder investigation.

“The reason why we are here is to appeal for information from members of the public, both Irish and Non National communities living in Letterkenny to contact Gardai on any unusual or suspicious activity they may have seen or heard in the apartment block at Westside or the surrounding area over the weekend 10th – 13th May.

“Anyone with information can make contact with the Gardai at Letterkenny 074 9167100 or alternatively on the Garda Confidential number by calling 1800 666 111 or they can simply call in person to Letterkenny Garda Station.”

Garda w Letterkany prowadzi dochodzenie w sprawie morderstwa Bogdana Michalkiewicza, lat 41 ktory by1) polkiej narodowosci ktory mieszkal w Irlandi przez ostatnie 7 lat.

Bogdan byl widziany po raz ostatni przed swoim apartamentem na 15 westside, lower Main Street w Letterkanny w czasie lunchu w poniedzialek 13go maja. 

Westside jest zlokalizowane pomiedzy Lower Main Street I Pearse Road. Wierzymy ze przebywal on w poblirzu I w swoim apartamencie przez caly weekend. Jego cialo zostalo znalezione o 11;00 we srode rano. Zostalo potwierdzone przez Assystenta Patologa to ze pana Bogdn Michalkiewicz zostal brutalnie zamordowany I ze wzgledu na to garda prowadzi dochodzenie w zwiazku z ta sprawa.

Jestesmy tu pot ze zwracamy sie z prosba do wszystkich narodowosci irlanckiej I wszystkich spolecznosci zamieszkujacych irlandie I ktore mieszkaja w letterkanny aby skontaktowali sie z garda jezeli naja wiadomosci o nie typowych zdarzeniach I zachowaniach widzianych przy apartamencie Westside lub w okolicach podczas wekendu miedzy 10 a 13 maja

Ktokolwiek posiada informacje proszony jest aby zadzwonil do Gardy w Letterkanny pod numerem 074 9167100 lub alternatywnie pod numerem poufnym 1800 666 111 lub kazda osoba moze przyjsc na posterunek Gardy w Letterkanny.

Anyone with information can make contact with the Gardai at Letterkenny 074 9167100 or alternatively on the Garda Confidential number by calling 1800 666 111 or they can simply call in person to Letterkenny Garda Station.

Yuk! Lifford water

DONEGAL TD Pearse Doherty has sent a picture of dirty mains water first revealed on Donegal Daily to Environment Minister Phil Hogan.

The Sinn Fein politician said he was horrified when he saw our exclusive story at the weekend.

Siobhan Kelly, from the Castlefin Road in Lifford, has had to put up with water like this for the past six years.

“It’s a disgrace in this day and age that anyone should have to put up with this,” said Deputy Doherty.

“When I saw the picture on Donegal Daily I couldn’t believe it. Families have a basic right to clean water.

“So I sent it to Phil Hogan to see what he thinks.”

DDTV VIDEO: It’s just down the road from Donegal – and it’s certainly not as crazy as trying to fly out of Dublin or Belfast.

So when Ireland West Airport at Knock wanted to get the message out about their destinations and facilities, they called in the GAA big guns.

Click to watch this video featuring top GAA stars getting behind the airport – including Donegal captain Michael Murphy and a certain Mr Lacey!

At the launch of Club Tir Chonail in Dublin from left Sean Dunnion, Grace Boyle, Kevin Moran, Kieran Kelly, Catherine McCarron the Donegal Rose, Jim McGuinness, Mick McGinley, Michael McMenamin

DONEGAL Senior team manager Jim McGuinness has helped to launch Club Tir Chonaill in Dublin this evening.

The coach took a break from team preparations ahead of the clash with Tyrone on Sunday week to meet and greet fans wanting to join the club – and help the development of the team and new facilities at Convoy.

The event at the Harcourt Hotel was attended by many Donegal fans based in the capital.

Sean Dunnion, John Carr, Donegal Rose Catherine McCarron and Mick Mc Ginley

At launch in Dublin: from left Finian s, Grace Boyle, Sean Dunnion. Donegal rose Catherine McCarron, Kieran Kelly & John Carr

Congratulations to the girls team in Scoil Mhuire in Glenties who won the Ulster Title in Gortakeegan in Monaghan in the Aviva-sponsored Girls Primary School Soccer Competition.

They now go on now to play in the All Ireland Final on Saturday 25 May in the Aviva Stadium Dublin.

The team under the management of Principal John McCann won their 3 games comfortably.

The team members are: Bronnagh Gallagher, Niamh O’Donnell, Shannagh Quinn, Sophie Connaughton, Amy Boyle Carr, Danielle McDevitt Orlaigh McGuinness and Niamh Agnew

Hopefully Saturday week another All Ireland Title will be returned to Glenties & Donegal.

There were Ulster titles also for Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana Boy’s, St. Patrick Boys, Carndonagh and Whitecastle girls!

Also at the tournament there were silver medals for both the Gaelscoil Adhamhnain girls and the Lurgybrack boys.

St. Eunan’s U14 Boys will represent Donegal at this year’s All-Ireland Féile Peil na nÓg that is being held in Derry between June 28th – 30th.

The St. Eunan’s boys won their way to this year’s Féile after defeating N. Conaill in last year’s U13 County Final.

Last week they claimed the Northern Board League title after a good 4-13 to 1-07 victory over MacCumhaills.

The team will be hosted by The Loup and will play in division 2 of this year’s competition after Donegal teams were promoted when St. Eunan’s claimed the Div. 3 title in 2011 under Ciaran Maguire.

The St. Eunan’s U13 boys team will also participate this year as a host team, their visitors will be St. Anne’s from Dublin and they will line up in Division 5.

With this year’s Féile taking place in neighbouring Derry, several Donegal clubs including Burt, Buncrana, N. Colmcille, Letterkenny gaels, N. Conaill and St. Naul’s will all act as hosts from teams travelling from all corners of Ireland.

The St. Eunan’s boys will hold a fundraising Country Dance in the St. Eunan’s Clubhouse this Saturday, May 18th from 9:30pm. Music by Country Traditions and supper will be served, all for just €7! All proceeds will go to the funds to send the U14 boys to Derry.

Award winning Letterkenny restaurant the Sargasso is continuing it’s May Special offers for the rest of the month. 

The recently crowned Ulster winner of the Bord Bia award for their Just ask campaign has launched a fantastic new deal for it’s customers. Wine & Dine for just E50!! 3 course meals with a glass of wine and a sirloin steak included in the main courses. It will be available every evening for the remainder of May.

The Sargasso are also running competition on Facebook with the prize being the Meal for 2, so like and share their Facebook page to be in with a chance of winning   http://www.facebook.com/sargasso2277

To get a look at the stunning menu on offer at the Sargasso check out the link below for more details
http://www.sargasso.ie/dinner-menu/  

EXCLUSIVE: Double killer John Gallagher has been arrested on charges of making threats to kill and harassment.

John Gallagher

Gallagher, 46, who is originally from Lifford, now lives in Strabane, Co Tyrone.

Donegal Daily can reveal Gallagher was arrested on Tuesday following an incident outside a shopping centre in Strabane.

It is understood Gallagher, who killed daughter and mother Anne, 18, and Annie, 51 Gillespie in 1988, was involved in an altercation with an estranged family member.

Threats were made and Gallagher was arrested by the PSNI.

He was charged and is to appear in court on June 6th next.

A spokesman for the PSNI confirmed “A 46 year old man was arrested in Strabane on Tuesday, 14 May. He has been charged with Threats to Kill and Harrassment.

“He is due to appear at Strabane Magistrates Court on Thursday, June 6, 2013. As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the PPS.”

Gallagher was released from the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin in June last year adfter he handed himself in after 12 years on the run.

Gallagher was found “guilty but insane” at his trial in 1989, but absconded and later set up home in Strabane.

He had voluntarily returned last May, but was discharged two months later.

It followed a decision by a mental health panel which had been assessing his case.

A number of conditions had been imposed on Gallagher.

He was allowed to visit his mother in Lifford, but was banned from any contact with the Gillespie family and his own estranged relatives.

There have been a number of reports of altercations between Gallagher and his estranged family.

The 2013 Northwest Garden Rose will be crowned tonight at an event in McBride’s Lounge in Castlefinn.

The second annual Garden Rose competition sponsored by McElhinney’s Department Store sees many businesses promoting their brands by entering a Rose.

Last year’s winner was Rachel Ewing from Crossroads, Killygordon who represented the Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey. She will hand over her title this Friday night.

Speaking ahead of the event she says she really enjoyed her year which has in fact brought her many new opportunities.

“Since the Northwest Garden Rose finale last May I have worked with McElhinneys Department Store as a model. They approached me after the contest and invited me to become part of their team for in-house and external events.

“I’ve also grown in confidence and the PR that it generated has add greatly to my portfolio. I would like to thank the Northwest Garden Show organisers for the opportunity and wish all the girls the very best of luck this weekend.”

Each Northwest Garden Rose contestant will represent a sponsoring company. The budding beauties will be hoping to impress the judging panel and charm the crowd in their quest to be crowned Northwest Garden Rose 2013.

Garden Roses may also take the opportunity to do a performance piece if they so wish however this is not mandatory and will not affect the selection of the overall winner.

The candidates will represent their sponsoring company on the run up to the Northwest Garden Rose event. Meanwhile the winning rose will be invited to attend all Northwest Garden Show related events and promotions throughout 2013/2014. She will also be invited to return to the 2014 Garden Rose finale to crown her successor.

The winning Rose will receive a perpetual crown designed by Newbridge Silverware, a McElhinney’s gift card valued at €1000; a stunning Lancome and Newbridge hamper and she will be invited to attend and mix with the crowds at the two-day Northwest Garden Show on May 25th and 26th at CPI Complex, Castlefinn.

All finialists will receive a professional Lancome makeover at their counter in McElhinneys and an upstyling by Public Image on the evening of the event.

Entry to the Northwest Garden Rose costs €8 or €15 for two and are available at the door. For more information email gardenrose@nothwestgardenshow.ie or call Shane on 086-1729500.

For more information log onto northwestgardenshow.ie or follow us on Facebook and twitter.

The 2013 Northwest Garden Rose Finalists are:

Cliona Rushe representing The Navenny Grill

Cliona works in McElhinney’s Department Store in Sales but she is also an Assistant Buyer.

Ciara McBride representing The Finn Valley Voice

Ciara is from Killygordon and is a hair stylist with Public Image in Ballybofey.

Laura Friel representing Public Image

Laura is a hair stylist and is representing her employer Public Image. She is also involved in drama and works part-time in the Balor Theatre.

Leeanne Sweeney representing Kees Hotel

Leeanne is currently studying to be Primary School Teacher. She also works part-time as a lifeguard and swimming instructor in Kees Hotel.

Aisling Rader representing Finn Valley Nurseries

Aisling is a student but works part time in Kees Hotel. She enjoys playing the fiddle and guitar.

Grace Doherty representing The Villa Rose Hotel

Grace works part time in the Villa Rose Hotel and loves playing the piano.

Leslie Magee representing Media Box

Leslie is a nursing student at St. Angela’s College Sligo. She is also involved in voluntary work with day services the local area.

Bronagh Kelly representing Murray’s Pharmacy, Castlefinn

Shona Molloy representing McBride’s Bar

Shona is a full-time student

Michelle Gallagher representing Sign Worx

The crash scene at Letterkenny this morning

One man has been injured following a head-on collision in Letterkenny.

The elderly man has been taken to Letterkenny General Hospital following the crash which happened at Ballyraine Road at the rear of the LYIT just before 10.30am.

The emergency services were on the scene quickly and the driver of the Ford Fiesta was taken by ambulance to hospital.

The other man involved in the crash appeared unhurt.

It is not known how badly injured the elderly man driving the Ford Fiesta is.

One of the cars struck a wall after the collision.

Two Mountcharles men are looking for Donegal people to ‘row’ in behind them.

Martin O’Boyle and Michael McGroarty have set their sights on a unique rowing challenge from Arranmore Island to Mountcharles Pier to raise much needed development funds for St. Peters N.S., the school they once attended.

Beginning on Friday the 7th of June the brave duo will take to the waters of North Donegal, embracing the Atlantic ocean and it’s elements for 48 hours, in hope of reaching Mountcharles Pier on Sunday the 9th of June.

Like all challenges, Martin and Michael have a goal and hope to raise much needed funds required to finance the school’s new general purpose room.

Enthusiastic rowers since their childhood years, the idea to tackle the 112km challenge came to them in light of the 112km distance that many pupils currently travel every day to attend St. Peters N.S.

Speaking this week, Michael says, “the training is intense to prepare for this extreme 48 hour challenge, one in which will be both mentally and physically demanding, but a challenge we are very excited by. We are heartened by the great show of support so far and ask you to continue to support us as our journey draws closer.”

“The sport of rowing itself has a strong emphasis upon teamwork and community-building and we are delighted to team up and take on this challenge to aid St. Peters N.S., a focal part of our community here in Mountcharles and indeed, as past pupils, an important part of our lives” says Martin.

All donations will be greatly appreciated and can be made to any member of the St. Peters N.S. Parents Association or to the Mountcharles Rowing Club. Alternatively you can donate directly to the AIB Fundraising Account: Sort Code – 937304 | Account Number: 17482346.

A unique exhibition featuring many old photographs is taking place at Ballybofey’s Butt Hall.

The exhibition celebrates 200 years of Donegal’s unique history and the relevance of local history for people living today and will run until mid June.

The exhibition showcases Donegal County Archives’ many and varied archival collections. Nine panels are on display which are based around the following themes- Homesteads; Donegal Wains; Fun and Games; Days of Toil; Faith and Worship; Landlords and Tenants; Conflict; Local Democracy; Journeys in Time.

The panels contain a brief history of the themes and are accompanied by images scanned from the County Archives’ many collections. Images include photographs, posters, leaflets, extracts from letters, registers, minute books and other items.

Included in the exhibition are some of the photographs kindly loaned to the County Archives for the purpose of the exhibition.

Letterkenny AC kicks off its big weekend with a five mile road race tonight.

The out-and-back course starts at the roundabout at O’Donnell Park and finishes at the back of the Aura Leisure Centre.

The race, which is part of the Donegal grand prix series, has a 7.30 pm start, with registrations being taken from 6.30 pm.

The official opening of the Danny McDaid Athletics Track takes place tomorrow evening, with the club’s 40th anniversary dinner taking place in the Station House Hotel at 9 pm. MC for the evening will be Charlie Collins of Highland Radio. A number of tickets are still available for the function.

Here’s the timetable for this festival of athletics this weekend:

LETTERKENNY sub 4 mile Challenge Event sat 18th May at aura.

History in the making

4.15PM 1 Hour Run M/W

5.30pm Opening Ceremony Speeches

6.00pm 100m M 6.00pm L.J. W

6.10pm 3,000M Mixed 6.05pm H.J. M

6.25pm 800M W 6.10pm Shot M

6.35pm 400m M 6.40pm Javelin M

6.45pm 1 Mile M 7.05pm Shot W

7.00pm 200m W

7.10pm 800M M

7.20pm 3,000M M

7.35pm 4 X 400M Relay M

Harry in his new Donegal GAA wellies – Pic courtesy of stockists McElhinneys of Ballybofey

LITTLE Harry McGlynn may one day follow in his dad’s footsteps to All-Ireland glory!

But he wasn’t getting fitted for football boots today – he was getting his new wellington boots instead.

Harry – son of Frank and Diane McGlynn – looked as pleased as punch as he got his new wellies at McElhinneys in Ballybofey.

The Donegal GAA wellies, first pitched on TV’s Dragon’s Den, are the latest craze in GAA fashion.

Muff native Blathnaid Logue is supporting SAM, the national conference on Sport Aiding Mental-Health which will take place in Jacksons Hotel on Friday 31 May.  

Having experienced from mental health difficulties since her teenage years, Blathnaid, mother to two young children is passionate about breaking the silence around mental health and challenging the stigma and discrimination still exists today.

As a Tenant Support Worker with STEER Housing Association, Blathnaid feels that she has an opportunity to work with individuals and families who need a certain level of support and she can highlight issues relating to mental health and the most important message for Blathnaid is to say to people, who are affected by depression or other mental health difficulties, you can recover and recovery is a reality.

“I experienced depression for many years, it was a long battle but I can safely say that I am well on the road to recovery.”

“I availed of many services and supports over the years and for the most part they were beneficial to me, I found the mental health advocacy support particularly helpful when I was first diagnosed.”

“I was quite young and did not know a lot about depression, the advocacy service helped me and my family to get up to speed with the medication, I was using and helped me gain a great insight and understanding of my mental health difficulties and the services and supports available to help me on my road to recovery”

“I think it is really important that people who are experiencing mental health difficulties know that recovery is a reality and that there are supports available to help you on your road to recovery.”

Blathnaid will be speaking about her own experiences and her own journey of recovery at the Sport Aiding Mental-Health conference in Ballybofey later this month.

“I think it is great that this conference will be highlighting the link between physical activity and positive mental health, There is a lot of evidence to show the strong link and I have found that everyone is different.”

“Some people will enjoy going to the gym, while others will prefer an aerobics class or a nice long walk. Whatever your preference, I would encourage everyone to take the time to do some sort of physical activity everyday.”

Blathnaid is one of a number of speakers who will be participating in this national conference. Other speakers include Dr. Tony Bates founding Director of Headstrong, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, Charlie McHugh, well known Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist from Donegal and Martin Rogan, Assistant National Director for Mental Health Services in the HSE.

The conference will also include exhibitions and stands from numerous groups and organisations who are providing services and supports throughout the country. This conference will be chaired by well known RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan.

Everyone is welcome and although the conference is free, booking is essential. To book your place email SAMconference2013@donegalcoco.ie or call 074 91 53900.

Kelly’s Centra Mountain top are getting the weekend off to a flier for motorists with more reductions in fuel prices for this weekend, Fri sat and sun at a staggering 146.9 for diesel and 156.9 for petrol.

Kelly’s ran a similar fuel promotion during the May bank holiday weekend to thank their customers for their patience during their extensive re development and it was a huge success with people from all over west Donegal stopping in to avail of the great prices.

This weekends fuel promo corresponds with a huge 1 euro and 2 euro price promotion in the Centra store on site.

If they weren’t offering customers enough value for money as it is if you SPEND 50 EURO IN FUEL (excludes shop purchases) you will be entered into a draw to win 4 Donegal V Tyrone tickets

There’s plenty of reasons to plenty to pop into KELLYS MOUNTAIN TOP this weekend.