Finn valley post 15 02 2018 by River Media Newspapers

FinnValleypost Your FREE Local WEEKLY Newspaper

Thursday 15 February 2018

& THE NORTH WEST

www.donegalnow.com

FOCUSCDL L>I= RAN& <?D7D9; TY

7 YEAR WAR

3 YEARS FRE

HEGARTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

E motor TAX

AUTO SERVICES LTD.

â&#x201A;Ź4,000 Sav

ings*

Carnamuggagh, Letterkenny

Tel: 074 912 1095 sales@hegartys.com

* T&Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s APPLY - Call for Details

Cllr challenges report

Ballybofey again tops commerical property vacancy table By Rory Mooney

GardaĂ issue appeal on tenth anniversary of Castlefin murder

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;DEVASTATEDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; By Sean Murphy

editor@letterkennypost.com

Reporter

Ballybofey has once again topped the table for the highest number of commercial property vacancies in the State. The new figures, revealed in the latest GeoView Commercial Vacancy Rates report, show that the Finn Valley town has a vacancy rate of 28.8 per cent. However the quarterly report has been questioned by local councillor Patrick McGowan. "We need to know how these reports are being carried out," Cllr McGowan said. "If you look around Ballybofey and Stranorlar today, the area is doing well with a number of businesses. "Our hotels are doing well and the Base Centre in Stranorlar is flying, so we need to know how these reports are being carried out and what is the criteria that these people are using." Cllr McGowan told the Post that he has asked Donegal Co. Council to carry out some research into the matter. "Council needs to get to the bottom of this because a lot of the buildings along the Main Street are basically old houses that had a shop in the front, that haven't been used in years. "Are these being counted as commercial premises or not? This is what we need know." Cllr McGowan also stated that their is no incentive for prospective businesses owners to take over these premises. "A lot of these buildings are old and in some cases are derelict. It would cost too much for any new business owner to renovate them to meet the required standards."

A senior ranking Donegal garda has spoken of the private heartache suffered by murder victim Andrew Burnsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family. Garda Inspector Pat Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell revealed the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing agony as he again appealed for information about Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s killers, some 10 years after he was gunned down. Burns was shot dead, aged 27, in the grounds of a church in Doneyloop, Castlefin, in February 2008 by dissident republican group, Oglaigh na hEireann. The group declared a ceasefire last month, just weeks from the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Inspector Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell has reminded the public of the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s murder of slain painter and decorator Andrew Burns, from Strabane in Co. Tyrone, and highlighted the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s devastation. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to conclude this for the family. They are still devastated by what happened. They grieve every day for him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sad thing is that the family of Andrew meet [suspects] and relations of these individuals on an ongoing basis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very difficult to see these

people, knowing that these people are involved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother and father died, not seeing total justice for Andrew. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is very difficult for the family that the mother and father died

OFF THE KUFF

KARAOKE WITH DJ PAUL SAT 17th feb CAVANAGH BROTHERS SUN 18th feb KARAOKE WITH DJ PAUL

fri 16th feb

without seeing the conclusion to the investigation.â&#x20AC;? Anyone with information can contact any Garda station. Inspector Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;On 12 February, 2008, Andrew Burns was lured from Strabane to a church

car park in Castlefin, where he was murdered by a group of people. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A person has been convicted of his murder and he is doing life in prison, but this man did not act alone. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4.

Acting 'Royality' The Royal and Prior cast of Blood Brothers who won the inaugural Ben Duffy Perpetual Cup in the Balor Theatre annual Secondry Schools Drama Festival. PHOTO: Clive Wasson. See pages 14, 26 and 27 for more.

terr PPuubb llssste lls lllls UUls tthee YYeeaarr ooffff th

THURS 15th feb

IZgbh 8dcY^i^dch 6eean www.hegartys.com

dd chillishaker Station House - Pearse Road - Letterkenny

TAKE YOUR PICK

JACKPOT

â&#x201A;Ź1,900! 11pm Sharp

chillishaker

Opening Hours: 5.00pm - 11.00pm

074 916

0008

www.chillishaker.com

Value meal pre-theatre 3 amazing courses! Mon - Thurs (ex public hols) 5.00pm - 7.00pm

Meal â&#x201A;Ź14.95 house wine â&#x201A;Ź12.95

take home set meal for 2 only â&#x201A;Ź28.00

2 NEWS

FinnValleypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Disquiet about fodder aid scheme

Chance re-elected as IFA chairman By Chris Ashmore chris@letterkennypost.com

Dr McBride pictured with the 1922 Michael Collins memorial edition of An Saorstát.

Michael Collins memorial newspaper donated to County Museum Donegal County Museum was delighted to receive as a donation, a 1922 Michael Collins memorial edition of An Saorstát. It was published on August 29, 1922 marking Collins’ death in an ambush in Co. Cork. It was preserved by Mrs John McBride (nee Tess McFadden) from Umlagh, Carrigart. It was donated by her

children, Dr Sean McBride, Dr Aldena McBride and Carmel Duffy. Donegal County Museum would be delighted to receive any other material associated with forthcoming Decade of Centenaries events, including: Suffrage, 1918 General Election, WWI, Armistice, War of Independence, Government of Ireland Act and Civil War.

Michael Chance, Chairman Donegal IFA at the Donegal IFA AGM in the Clanree Hotel on Tuesday night. PHOTO: Clive Wasson.

ADVERTISING

NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS

(074) 911 2700

Cassidy Peoples

EDITORIAL

Sales

Chris Ashmore

Mob: 086 774 067

Group Sports Editor

Suzanne Callaghan

chris@letterkennypost.com

Sales

The Finn Valley Post reserves the right to decline, omit, or alter an advertisement submitted for publication, or to terminate any contract. The Finn Valley Post will not be held responsible for any loss caused as a consequence. No liability accepted for any loss or damage caused by an error in the printing of an advertisement, or by the omission of an advertisement. Positioning of an advertisement is at the discretion of the newspaper. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage caused by a delay in the forwarding of box numbers.

(074) 9112715

cassidy@letterkennypost.com

suzanne@letterkennypost.com

Mob: (074) 9112753

Rory Mooney News Editor editor@letterkennypost.com

(074) 9112710

PRODUCTION production@letterkennypost.com (074) 9112746 (074) 911 2726 @DonegalNowNews Donegal Now

Unit 11a, Letterkenny, Retail Park

t: 074 911 4805

t e:info@thepostalstore.ie t

w w w.thepostalstore.ie

The Co. Donegal Executive of the Irish Farmers’ Association has re-elected Michael Chance as its chairman for the year ahead. The Newtowncunningham farmer was ﬁrst elected as chairman of the county executive in 2015. He has served three years and this will now be the last in a four-year maximum term. He was re-elected unopposed at the annual general meeting held in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny. The son of the late Major Neville Chance, who was one of the founder members of the organisation, Michael Chance has been involved with the IFA for many years, and has served on a number of national commodity committees. Brendan McLaughlin remains as the Vice-Chairman. There were no changes to any other positions on the county executive. Meanwhile, the fodder aid scheme introduced to help farmers in the north-west is not having the desired effect – that was the view of several farmers at the agm held in the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny on Tuesday night. Although a transport subsidy scheme has been put in place, it is proving to be of limited use. Farmers have reiterated calls for a meal voucher scheme. Commenting on the issue, IFA Director General Damian McDonald, told the meeting that he realised the frustration out there and stressed the need to put pressure back on Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed. “If the Minister had acted with a meal voucher system in November, it could have alleviated matters,” he said. He stressed that the issue remains a big priority for IFA President, Joe Healy.

New road safety campaign targets mobile phone use while driving The Donegal Road Safety Working Group (DRSWG) has launched a new awareness campaign to encouraging drivers to use a mobile phone signal blocker pouch when driving. This new campaign targeting mobile phone use is a very practical plan. The Signal Blocker is a mobile phone storage pouch that is lined with specialist material. When sealed inside the pouch, a mobile phone cannot receive any calls or alerts, thereby blocking the temptation for a driver to use or check their phone and eliminating the distraction that an alert can create. Large enough to fit all phones, the pouch also protects phones from scratching,

which may occur if stored in the glove box of the vehicle. Instead of leaving the mobile phone in the car switched on while driving and in a mode that is able to distract the driver, the signal blocker pouch can be used to store the phone in the car and will prevent the phone from ringing or beeping when driving thus avoiding distraction. All missed calls and messages can be picked up when the journey is complete. The Signal Blocker isn’t just limited to use while driving, the pouch can be successfully used in any situation that you don’t want your phone to ring or beep, be it at work or school, in the cinema, at a function, attending a sporting event, or even just to guar-

antee conversation at social events. Donegal Road Safety Ofﬁcer Brian O’Donnell: said “I would encourage all drivers to use the mobile phone pouch and remove the distraction from driving. The aim of the campaign is to improve safety, deter motorists from using their mobile while driving and help to further reduce the number of collisions on our roads.” A signal blocker mobile phone storage pouch can be bought at any good mobile phone shop and the DRSWG is urging businesses to encourage their staff to use the mobile phone signal blocker and to get involved with this campaign making the roads safer for everyone.

ONLINE E V I E C E R VERIES UK DELI

Launching the Road Safety campaign urging drivers to use a signal blocker mobile phone pouch are: Kai McHugh, Donegal Youth Council; Brian O'Donnell, Donegal Co. Council Road Safety Officer; Garth Gibson, Donegal Youth Services; Paula Leonard, Alcohol and Drugs Forum; Carlyn Maguire, Donegal Youth Services and Sgt. Joe Hannigan, An Garda Síochana. PHOTO: Clive Wasson.

NEWS 3

FinnValleypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Donegal pipe band’s trip to Russia is recalled

From Raphoe to Red Square When you’re a musician, the world is your oyster. That’s something people tend to forget in pipe bands. It isn’t until you begin travelling as a piper or drummer that you realise there’s a whole world out there to be seen – and you can see it with your instrument. Last year 14 members of Raphoe Pipe Band went to Russia to perform as part of the Celtic Massed Pipes and Drums under direction of David Johnston, Founder and Pipe Major. The Celtic Massed Pipes and Drums is an international union of musicians from European countries who are linked by a common history. In 2007 Vladimir Putin decreed that he wanted his own military tattoo, a celebration of marching and music that would be even bigger and better than Edinburgh’s world-famous event. The band was established in 2016 to perform at the Spasskaya Tower Festival. 2017 saw the 10th anniversary of the Spasskaya Tower Festival, with 120 bagpipers and drummers, performing together, along with the International Scottish Highland Dance Team. After hearing about the Moscow Trip, at the start of last year, the group was approached by a production company from BBC who had planned to do a documentary called “Raphoe to Red

Square” about the band’s trip to Moscow. They chose to follow the lives of three girls, Robyn and Chloe Freen from Raphoe and Victoria Catterson from Castlederg. He filmed their private lives, and their band lives, as he followed their progress in the run up to the Russian trip. It was

Our shows in Red Square were watched by an audience of 7,000 and televised life to over 54 million – not bad for a wee group from Raphoe slightly intrusive for the girls, this camera following them as they went about their day to day business, learning tunes and socialising with friends; however it wasn’t long before they got used to the camera and their trueselves started emerging. Chloe said: “It was a bit daunting having the tv camera in your face and I did feel a bit self conscious at first. I just hope we

have done ourselves and our piping family justice.”

Floods

From the offset it was quite a rocky road to Red Square. The night before they band were setting off from Raphoe was the night of the extensive flooding where roads and bridges were washed away. This made the journey to the airport in Belfast a little trickier than usual due to road closures along the route. They had to turn back time and time again as roads were closed - trying every exit they could. At one point the water started travelling up the stairs in the bus! By the time they’d arrived at the airport, they’d missed check in and therefore missed the flight; and the connecting flight from Heathrow to Russia! their future was uncertain at this point. They were told they might get there a day later, then two days later, then they were told that might not even get there at all. Thankfully all worked out at the end and a bit later than planned the whole group arrived in Russia and finally made it to Moscow in time for breakfast in the hotel. After a shower and some pancakes, they headed to Red Square for a 12 hour rehearsal. They’d hardly had any sleep, and this was the band’s first re-

Victoria Catterson, Chloe Freen and Robyn Freen who are members of the Raphoe Pipe Band.

hearsal together. The standard was unexpectedly high, and many were impressed by the band’s performances over the nine shows. Not only had they performed on Red Square in front of St Basil’s Cathedral but also got to perform at a Railway Station, Poklonnava Hill, outside Gorky Park and groups also got to go on Live TV and Radio. They even got to tour The Kremlin! When asked about her experi-

ence of Russia and its people, Victoria Catterson stated: “It was a great culture shock at first. There were groups from 14 countries around the world taking part in this festival, from China, Uzbekistan to Canada, so it was a real melting pot of cultures, language, dress and food. We made lots of new friends and it was an amazing experience.” Robyn Freen said “it was a great honour to be chosen to take part and represent our

country. Pipe bands are an important part of my life and I was glad to help promote our heritage and culture to such a wide audience. Our shows in Red Square were watched by an audience of 7,000 and televised life to over 54 million – not bad for a wee group from Raphoe.” The girls were featured in the BBC Northern Ireland “True North” documentary series,filmed and directed by Bob O’Brien.

YOUR PARTNER IN HEALTH

Move Better, Feel Better Book Your Appointment or Class Today Physiotherapy - Shockwave Therapy - Reformer Pilates

Attention!!! Starting 26th March 2018

Leaving & Junior Certificate EASTER REVISION COURSES JT Physiotherapy Now Accepting SHOP LK Vouchers

7 Tara Court, Ramelton Road, Letterkenny

Letterkeny Clinic Tel: 074 911 1010 Derry Clinic Tel: 0044 28 7126 9262

E: info@jtphysio.com W: www.jtphysio.com

Enrolling now… Join our top panel of exam teachers for focussed revision, time-saving notes and expert guidance to help maximise your points. Information and Bookings: Rossan College, Ballyraine, Letterkenny enquiries@rossan.com www.rossan.com 074 9127100 (Places limited so please book before Friday 23rd February 2018)

4 NEWS

FinnValleypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

NEWSBRIEFS Justice Minister among guests at unveiling HSE Antenatal Breastfeeding Class An antenatal breastfeeding preparation class is being run by Public Health Nurse's for all pregnant woman, their partners and interested family members. This session will provide participants with practical information on various aspects of breastfeeding. Some of the topics covered will include breastfeeding in the early days, the importance of colostrum, tips for positioning and attachment, a demonstration of various breastfeeding positions and an introduction to hand expressing. Women will have an opportunity to ask questions and group interaction will be encouraged. The event is being held in the Conference Room, Scally House Primary Care Centre, Letterkenny on Tuesday, February 23 from 2-4pm. For further information and to reserve a place please contact Corena or Joan on Tel: 0749137514/ 0749137512.

Local salon raises €65,000

Peter Mark’s Forte Lynne House salon in Donegal celebrated their part in raising a fantastic €65,000 for the Simon Communities and specifically contributed to maintaining the support facilities for homeless individuals in crisis as part of the “Make it Home” campaign.

New Courthouse officially opened Letterkenny’s new multi-million euro Courthouse was officially opened this week. The €20m state-of-the-art facility was opened by the Justice Minister Charlie Flanaghan and Chief Justice, Mr Frank Clarke. The new Courthouse has a floor area of over 5,000m2. Facilities include four courtrooms and public offices. User facilities are a big upAndrew Burns.

grade from the old courthouse and include two vulnerable witness suites, victim support room, legal practitioners room, enhanced custody facilities, jury reception room, media room and consultation rooms. All circulation routes within the building – public, staff/judiciary, custody and jury - are fully accessible. Court sittings commenced on January 2.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister McHugh said: “This is a fantastic addition to the built infrastructure of the High Road.” Minister McHugh added: “This will be a much more comfortable and practical facility for the local legal profession and court service and will be much more amenable to those attending the court, for business such as family

Government Chief Whip and Donegal TD Joe McHugh pictured outside of the new Letterkenny Courthouse.

law and consultations.” The new Courthouse, is the second new courthouse to be completed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project announced in 2012 and PPPs will deliver new courthouses or substantial refurbishments in five further

locations around the country in 2018. In terms of scale, the Courts PPP Bundle project is the largest capital building project ever undertaken by the Courts Service, delivering a total of 31 courtrooms and 36,000 m2 of accommodation nationwide.

Gardaí issue appeal on tenth anniversary of Castlefin murder CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “He was part of a team that planned and carried out the murder. It is the people on the periphery of that team who we are appealing to, to come forward, and assist us. “We know that they are based in Strabane. We know that there are people there who are aware of the planning and what was carried out. “They have this on their con-

science. We are asking them to come forward and bring a conclusion to this investigation.”

Blood on their hands

He added: “We are appealing directly to the people who were involved and their families who may be aware of what happened. “They may be aware of what their relation has done and basically can’t handle it any more, can’t bear the cross.

“People on the periphery may have played a small part, but they have blood on their hands. “We are asking them to come forward, clear their conscience, and put an end to the whole thing.” Gardai can be reached at the incident room in Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 91 67100 or 074 91 67170 or any Garda station or use the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111.

New to Magee of Donegal

Shop their new Collection instore now. Spring Summer 18 New Arrivals Men | Women | Accessories | Home Magee of Donegal, The Diamond, Donegal Town Tel: 074 97 22660 Email: info@magee1866.com

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Over 70 uninsured motor claims recorded in Donegal A total of 77 motor insurance claims relating to uninsured or untraced drivers were recorded in Donegal last year, according to new figures released by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI). This represents a drop of 5% from the 81 claims recorded throughout the county in 2016. The latest annual claim figures matched the 2015 levels, when 77 Donegal claims were also recorded. Nationally the MIBI outlined the raised number of claims received throughout the country during 2016 was sustained in 2017. In total 2,758 claims were made throughout the Republic of Ireland in 2017, which represents a jump of 242 more claims than in 2015. On a countrywide basis there was a marginal 2% decrease in received claims between 2017 and 2016, when a total of 2,802 claims were submitted. The largest number of claims came from Dublin with 1,140 claims arising in the capital. This accounted for 41% of all MIBI claims last year. The number of Dublin claims has also grown year to year, with 2017 seeing a 1% increase

compared to the 1,129 received in 2016, while in 2015 a total of 1,074 Dublin claims had been raised. Cork had the second highest number of claims, although the 212 received in 2017 was lower than both the 2016 figure (243) and the 2015 total (213). Limerick accounted for the third highest quantity with 156 claims submitted in 2017 (152 in 2016 and 155 in 2015). While the national claim figures were broadly similar between 2016 and 2017, some significant regional variations did arise on a proportional basis. Leitrim had the highest percentage increase in the number of claims (70%), followed by Roscommon (60%), Carlow (43%) and Monaghan (42%). The largest percentage drop in claims came in Kilkenny (-39%), followed by Offaly (-34%) and then Wicklow (-33%). The MIBI is a not for profit organisation which was established to compensate victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles. Speaking about the figures, David Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the MIBI said: “Last year the MIBI received a total of 77

claims from Donegal, a figure which matched the local 2015 levels. “This is in contrast to the overall claims picture we have been seeing around the country over the past couple of years. “Since 2016 the MIBI has witnessed a significant step up in the number of claims we receive. “There has been a marked increase from the previous level of claims, which would have been in the region of 2,400 to 2,500 per year on a national basis.” He added: “There are a range of factors behind this step up in activity, including the number of uninsured drivers operating on Irish roads. As the MIBI outlined in late 2016, at that time there were over 151,000 uninsured private vehicles in the Republic of Ireland. “We are continuing to work with the Gardaí, the State and the rest of the motor insurance industry to bring forward measures that will help combat this problem. “The MIBI has also outlined our determination to tackle fraudulent claims around the country, including in Donegal. We estimate 1 in 8 of all claims we receive are suspicious.”

Ultra Energist Ultra Energist VPL Laser has been clinically proven to remove hair from all parts of the face and body eg. Lip, chin, legs, bikini line, underarm back etc resulting in permanent hair reduction Energist VPL also offers a safe , non surgical treatment for many skin conditions such as . Sun damage . Age spots . Pigmentation . Thread veins . Acne prone skin . Diffuse redness . Skin rejuvenation . Wrinkle reduction & Collagen stimulation

Treatment for male and females? Yes.

For FREE CONSULTATION Tel: 0749124624

“As we detailed in our Fighting Fraud strategy we are now making it much more difficult for claims of this type to succeed and we believe this more

aggressive approach will lead to the decline in bogus claims over time, reducing the overall number of claims received in future,” Mr. Fitzgerald concluded.

NEWS 5 NEWSBRIEFS International Pan Celtic Festival The Irish Pan Celtic committee is seeking Irish traditional artists to represent Ireland during the International Pan Celtic Festival, which will be held in Letterkenny from April 3-8. A wide range of competitions were announced recently including fiddle, harp, duet, choral and dance. “The Pan Celtic competitions give a great insight into the culture of the other Celtic Nations, as well as providing a new creative platform for Irish traditional performing artists,” said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of the International Pan Celtic Council. “Irish artists have performed well in the competitions over the years, particularly in the singing competitions. “This year we would like to see similar success in the dancing, instrumental and choral competitions and promote the wonderful rich heritage and culture of Ireland amongst our Celtic friends.” The festival programme will provide an array of events for musicians, singers, composers, dancers, choirs, poets and storytellers. Closing date for entries is March 1. Entry forms are available at http://www. panceltic.ie/ and can be sent via email to competitions@ panceltic.ie or by post to: Comórtais Pan Cheilteach, Oireachtas na Gaeilge, 6 Sráid Fhearchair, Baile Átha Cliath 2.

6 NEWS

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Major careers expo coming to Letterkenny

Daniel and Majella O'Donnell endorse ‘Connect to Your Future’ Careers Expo The Department Of Employment Af fairs and Social Protection (DEASP) together with the Department for Communities (DFC), Nor ther n Ireland and EURES Cross Border Par tnership will host a Hospitality and Catering Careers Expo in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny on Thursday, March 1. The Expo will include both onsite and online events. The onsite event will consist of employers and training providers from across the North West cross border region coming together to offer individuals the chance to explore new career opportunities in a thriving hospitality and catering sector. Training providers and other support groups will be in attendance offering advice on how best to de-

Daniel and Majella have given their backing the expo.

velop your career in this area. The online European jobs event ‘Connect to your Future’ is aimed at attracting hospitality and catering talent from across Europe to join this established and growing sector in the North West region of Ireland. Daniel and Majella O’Donnell have offered their support for the event. Their support is indicative of the contribution Daniel has made to the tourism industry over the course of his career and more recently their joint contribution through their very successful B&B Road Show.

Support

Daniel and Majella are delighted to offer their support to what they feel will be a great event, which brings together employers and employees from across the North West Region and beyond. Commenting on the event they said: “We recommend to get yourself along to it and certainly investigate what’s happening because anything that shows what’s going on in our part of the world is certainly worth it.” The online event will allow employers who require hospitality and catering expertise to access a wider talent pool. The event focuses on what’s happening in the North West and how the hospitality and tourism sector has developed in this area. Declan Doherty DEASP Employer Engagement/Eures Manager, Donegal said: “Finding the right job or career can be an exciting and chal-

Pictured at the launch of the Hospitality and Catering Careers Expo, were, from left: Anne McDevitt, Joe Lavery, Zoe Crowe, Declan Doherty and Carmel Curran. PHOTO: Clive Wasson.

lenging task. “With the increase in tourism, the Hospitality and Catering Sector can offer a rewarding and fulfilling career. “DEASP are delighted to jointly host this EURES Cross Border event with the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland and EURES Cross Border Partnership.

Opportunities

“The Careers Expo promises to be an event where employers in

this sector can showcase the opportunities for jobseekers to realise their career potential.”

Prospective

Sharron Russell, Director, Work and Wellbeing Division, Department for Communities, Northern Ireland said: “Job Fairs provide an excellent opportunity for jobseekers to speak directly with employers, allowing them to ask questions and gain better understanding of the roles they are applying for.

“Employers in turn get to meet a wide range of prospective applicants and recruit effectively. “Being in the heart of the community, this Expo maximises the benefits for the area and gives the jobseeker a chance to see the recruitment opportunities available to them. “The Department for Communities is delighted to be supporting this event which offers real job opportunities to those seeking employment.”

Co. Development Plan goes out to public consultation A public consultation on the material alterations to the Draft County Donegal Development Plan 2018-2024 has opened, and those interested in making a submission can do so up to and including Thursday, March 8. Donegal Co. Council is proposing to make 40 material alterations to the draft County

Development Plan which sets out the overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Donegal. The Council has determined that a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and an Appropriate Assessment (AA) of the proposed material alterations are required. The Draft County Donegal De-

velopment Plan 2018-2024 and Environmental Report were published in May 2017 for public consultation until September 2017. 312 submissions were received during this period. The Council's Chief Executive prepared a report on these submissions which was considered by the elected members in December and a decision was

reached to amend the draft Plan by 40 proposed material alterations. These are now open for public consultation. Documents are available for viewing on the Councils website www.donegalcoco.ie or can be inspected at any of the Council’s Public Service Centres, libraries or at the County

House in Lifford. Documents can also be purchased for €10 during the public consultation period. Submissions or observations can be made in writing and posted to Donegal Co. Council’s Central Planning Unit, County House, Lifford or can be emailed to donegalcdp@ donegalcoco.ie.

Those making a submission are being advised to make a submission by one medium only for example by hard copy or by email. For further information on how to make a submission visit www.donegalcoco.ie. The final date for making a submission is Thursday, March 8.

Product of the Week 5.)4 s $5.&2), (/53% s #(%34.54 2/!$ "!,,9"/&%9 s #/ $/.%'!, !CROSS 4HE 2OAD &ROM !LDI

Did you know?

You may be entitled to a Free PRSI Exam, Scale & Polish OR Half Price Hygienist Visit

Give us a call and we’ll ﬁnd out for you!

WE SPECIALISE IN s $ENTAL )MPLANTS s #OSMETIC #ROWNS "RIDGES s $ENTURE 4REATMENTS INCLUDING )MPLANT 3TABILISED $ENTURES s #OSMETIC TOOTH WHITENING TREATMENTS

Now offering sedation for nervous patients Find us on Facebook @FinnDentalCare

NICORETTE® QuickMist Mouthspray

Gets to work on cravings in 30 seconds. Ready to quit abruptly? Use the spray whenever you feel the urge to smoke. Over time, you should need to use the spray less in order to control your nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Oldtown Road, Letterkenny Tel: 074 9121369 | Open 6 days

Visit www.mcfaddenspharmacy.com or Find us on facebook

NEWS 7

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Welcome boost for Carrickfinn Airport

New aircraft for Donegal Dublin route Stobar t Air, operator of Aer Lingus Regional, has invested in a new aircraft as the airline’s contract to operate the Donegal-Dublin Public Ser vice Obligation (PSO) route, has been renewed. Stobart Air, operating as Aer Lingus Regional, has operated this route, on behalf of the Irish Government, since 2015 and the renewed contract will run until January 31, 2022. More than 33,000 passengers used the service to Donegal in 2017. This number is expected to grow significantly over the duration of the contract. Last year, Stobart Air announced a €25-million investment in the airline, to include the creation of 60 new jobs and the addition of jet aircraft to its fleet. Commenting, Graeme Buchanan, Managing Director of Stobart Air, said that regional connectivity between Donegal and Dublin is key and the airline is keen to continue to operate and develop this vital route this year: “Aer Lingus Regional’s track record on the Donegal route is strong, with passenger numbers growing yearon-year,” he explained. “We have seen passenger numbers grow by 53% for Donegal over the past two

years. “This is a popular route for tourism, allowing those visiting Ireland to easily access the county and explore some of Donegal’s most magnificent scenery and beautiful beaches. “The Donegal route is also vital for linking rural areas in Ireland with the capital, facilitating opportunities for

Passengers to and from North America can connect seamlessly to Donegal work and business. “We’re confident this route will grow and develop further this year as we have invested in the service with a new plane, meaning added comfort and service for passengers.” Mr Buchanan continued: “At the heart of our offering is connectivity to Dublin and to international destinations, particularly to North America, through mainline Aer Lingus services. “Passengers to and from North America can connect

Graeme Buchanan, Managing Director, Stobart Air and Jim Murphy, Chief Commercial Officer, Nordic Aviation Capital pictured at Dublin Airport with the new ATR42 aircraft which will service the Dublin to Donegal route.

seamlessly to Donegal. The passenger convenience, and wider tourism benefits of this for the Donegal region, is considerable. “Working with our colleagues in Donegal Airport, we look forward to continued success of this important route.” Anne Bonner, Managing Director Donegal Airport said: “We are delighted

Main St, Manorcunningham

Winter Savers

that Stobart Air, operating as Aer Lingus Regional will continue the Dublin – Donegal route under the new PSO contract. The route has shown good steady growth over the last three years with a huge marketing effort involving the airline, airport and the tourism and business development agencies. “The continuity with the same operator on the route

will enable this work to continue with all of the stakeholders and enable access to markets throughout the Aer Lingus world network for the greater good of the entire North West Region.” “We extend our best wishes to the airline and look forward to continuing our good working relationship with them to deliver this excellent service,” she added.

NEWSBRIEFS Town Park outdoor gym opening

A new outdoor gym located in the Bernard McGlinchey Town Park is set to open at the end of March, it has been confirmed. Groundworks have commenced on site by the Roads section of Donegal Co. Council and a playground contractor will be on site shortly to supply and install the new equipment. The overall works will cost approximately €40,000 and represents a very welcome development of improved public park facilities in Letterkenny. Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Dessie Shiels said: "Anyone who is familiar with the concept of outdoor gyms which are very common in warmer European Countries will welcome its development. "The Bernard McGlinchey Town Park has now become synonymous with the weekly holding of the Letterkenny Parkrun and the outdoor gym will further enhance the available uses of the park for persons wishing to avail of its ever improving facilities for outdoor exercise in a safe and welcoming environment."

Tidy Towns AGM

The Annual General Meeting of Letterkenny Tidy Towns CLG will take place in the Station House Hotel Letterkenny on Wednesday, February 28 at 8pm. All are welcome to attend.

MAIN STREET,DONEGAL TOWN TEL: 074 97 21270

3 PIECE COMMUNION SUITS & CONFIRMATION SUITS Slim Fit - 4 styles

from

€99

Your local market

IN PARTICIPATING STORES AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY, END DATE 25/02/2018

www.petersmanshop.com

8 NEWS

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

NEWSBRIEFS St. Patrick's Day parade Mortgage distress guide A new, user-friendly Guide, that legal experts have launched, could help thousands of Irish families in mortgage distress and facing unfair evictions, including many families living in Donegal. The Guide aims to help people to understand and advocate for their rights using vital EU consumer and human rights law. It is also essential reading for people improperly denied tracker mortgages or those who have been given incorrect interest calculations. The Guide, called Your EU Consumer and Human Rights: A Guide for People in Mortgage Distress in Ireland, is available free on http:// abusivelending.org. The laws outlined in the Guide oblige Irish courts to assess the fairness of mortgage terms under the EU Unfair Contract Terms Directive. They should also assess the human rights impact of an eviction on all occupants in the home – including children, older people and people with disabilities – under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. These EU requirements are not new. To date, however, they are not being fully applied in Irish courts, according to the Irish and international legal experts behind the Guide.

Ireland’s Call – Letterkenny listened This year, in response to the fantastic performance of the Ireland Team in the Rugby Six Nations, Letterkenny's St. Patrick’s Day Parade has a new starting time of 2pm. Ireland called and the The Letterkenny St. Patricks Day Parade organisers have listened. The Ireland vs England Six Nationa Rugby Match kicks off at 2.45pm and moving the parade start time by one hour means that spectators and participants will be able be part of the parade and get to see the match on March 17. Groups of dancers, gymnasts, sports clubs and community organisations are already gearing up for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that was launched by

Chamber President Leonard Watson and Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh.

the Mayor of Letterkenny and Chamber President. The parade is always one of the biggest in the County and this year we hope to see entries from a wide range of businesses, community organisations, sports clubs and bands. The parade is organised by Letterkenny Chamber and its volunteers are just starting to raise money to make sure the parade gets bigger and better each year. Chamber President Leonard Watson at the launch said: “St. Patrick’s Day is always an important event in the calendar and it marks the start of the Spring season for all of us in business.

Atmosphere

“This year it falls once again at a weekend so we are expecting a large entry and a high number of spectators. “With the rugby match on the same day there should be a fantastic atmosphere in Letterkenny and we thought it was best to change with tradition and start the parade at 2pm. “The Letterkenny Parade is a great family event in Letterkenny, young and old come out to see the traditional parade work its way through the town centre. “This year we are celebrating Celtic Culture in advance of the Pan Celtic Festival

This year's St. Patrick's Day parade will be held at 2pm this year.

coming to Letterkenny at Easter and we know everyone will get into the spirit of celebrating all things Irish and show how proud they are of Letterkenny, Donegal and Ireland.”

Contributions

Once again we are asking local businesses to come on board to make financial

contributions to the parade and we will be out with our sponsorship banner to acknowledge all contributions on social media. The Parade starts at 2pm on Saturday, March 17 making its way from Station Roundabout (Tesco) via Port Road, through the Main Street past the viewing platform at Market Square to fin-

BARGAIN HOMEWARES 120 Firelighters (2Boxes of 60)

ONLY 2 kw Electric Stove

€89.99

€5.00

(Beside the Courtyard Shopping Centre)

Tel: 074 91 13618

email: bargainhomewares@gmail.com

Lined Log Basket

€10.00

30 Fat Balls €5.00

Firegrates / Back Boiler Fire Grates

Carbolic Soap 3 pack

We’ll Recycle your old grates

4.2 kw Gas Heater with Regulator

18 Lower Main Street, Letterkenny

Waterloo Bucket + FREE Shovel

€16.99

Ember

AS SEEN ON DRAGON’S DEN

Wooden-Floor Protector

€24.99

ONLY

ish in Old Town. It is a traditional parade with a celebration of sport, dance, business and it truly captures the imagination of everyone who takes part. Anyone wishing to participate in the Letterkenny Parade should contact: anne@ letterkennychamber.com or contact Letterkenny Chamber on 074 9124866.

Seed Potatoes, Onions & Shallots, Flower & Veg Seeds

€2.50

40 Toilet Rolls

€10.00

Full Length Mirror

€10.00 €79.99 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE OFFERS

Thursday 15 February 2018

Letterkennypost

INTERIORS LTD Drumrooske Business Park, Donegal Town Tel: 0749725367

Letterkenny Rd. Stranorlar. Tel: 0749130999

TWO STORES

SUPER DEALS ON FANTASTIC FEBRUARY FLOORS 8 MM OAK LAMINATE FLOOR FROM ONLY â&#x201A;¬9.99 PER SQ YARD

PLUS FREE UNDERLAY ON ALL FLOORS DURING FEBRUARY or Shop online @ stockhouseinteriors.com for more great products

LOTS OF FLOORS IN STOCK READY TO GO OAK/ GREY/ WALNUT CALL FOR A SAMPLE AND SEE FOR YOURSELF

10 NEWS

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Holiday World Show 2018…

A great success for Donegal Donegal’s wealth of tourist destinations has been brought to the attention of the thousands of people who visited the annual Holiday World Shows in Belfast and Dublin in recent weeks. Holiday World Show Belfast, Titanic Exhibition Centre and Holiday World Show Dublin, RDS Simmonscourt took place at the end of January with over 40,000 visitors attending. Holiday World Show offers visitors the opportunity to meet with over 1,000 travel experts from across Ireland and the globe, book fantastic breaks and avail of special show-only offers. This is the third year running that Donegal Tourism has joined forces with local tourism trade operators hosting the

biggest Home Holiday stand at the Shows including the following regions/sectors: Discover Donegal, Donegal Town, Inishowen, Letterkenny, Donegal East, Gateway to Sliabh Liag, Northwest & Gaeltacht, Donegal Airport, Donegal Self Catering and Camping & Caravan Parks. This year’s marketing was largely focused on the Star Wars theme promoting the film location at Malin Head, which certainly peaked the interest of attendees at the event and attracted large numbers to the stand. Donegal got some fantastic media coverage across national papers from the official Show Opening in Dublin attended by the Minister of Tourism – Mr. Shane Ross, TD who also vis-

Donegal providers and Donegal Tourism Staff at the Donegal Stand in Belfast.

ited the Donegal stand. Speaking after the event, Barney Mc Laughlin – Head of Tourism Unit, Donegal County

Council said ‘Donegal, once again, working collaboratively was able to promote the County in a comprehensive

and professional manner in both Belfast and Dublin. “All the regions of the County were represented by tourism

providers from their own individual areas which resulted in good one-to-one contact with potential customers.”

Donegal group welcomes abortion referendum A Donegal abortion rights group have welcomed the government’s commitment to hold a referendum on the 8th Amendment. Abortion Rights Campaign Donegal (ARC) have stated that the removal of the 8th Amendment would allow safe, legal and timely access to abortion. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced

the government’s decision to hold the referendum in May on whether to reform the country's near-total ban on abortion. Abortion is currently allowed when a woman's life is at risk - not in cases of fatal foetal abnormality, rape or incest. A straightforward repeal of the 8th Amendment without replacement

– known as repeal simpliciter - as advised by the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC), has been the goal of ARC Donegal, the group has vowed to continue to work for a clear referendum provision that allows pregnant women in Ireland to exercise autonomy in making decisions regarding pregnancy and abortion as a purely private and personal matter.

A spokesperson for the group said: “We are pleased at the clear and very empathic positions that have been expressed by so many people - including TDs - who have taken serious note of both the findings in the JOC report, as well as the very moving personal stories shared by so many of their constituents, and the testimony of medical experts.

“We hope that the people of Donegal will continue to listen and express their trust in women through their votes. ARC Donegal held its first public information stall in January in Letterkenny. The group have called for a respectful, humane and energetic referendum debate.

THE ADVENTURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP! VISIT DERRY’S FIRST AND ONLY INFLATABLE ASSAULT COURSE ON WATER!

DERRY’S NEWEST BUREAU DE CHANGE WE ARE SITUATED AT

• 1 hour session on the water including assault course, canoeing and pier jump only £10 pp

DA VINCI’S COMPLEX ON THE CULMORE ROAD

OFFERING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS

• 1 hour team building or orienteering only £5 pp

THE BEST RATES

• Enjoy a day of fishing or paintball from only £10 pp Now taking bookings for confirmations and first communions

Creggan Countrypark

Creggan Country Kitchen is located on site and open

9am-4pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Fully licensed. TO BOOK A PLACE CONTACT US ON 048 7136 3133 WWW.CREGGANCOUNTRYPARK.COM CREGGAN COUNTRY PARK, WESTWAY , DERRY BT48 9NU

IN THE NORTH WEST

<LIF$JK> s JK>$<LIF WE WON’T BE BEATEN ON PRICE!

K<C1 04871 374 213

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Â¼ 0,//,21 672&. ',6326$/ 6$/( Â¼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

7+(

)851,785( /,48,'$725

/(77(5.(11<

6(//,1* 287 72 7+( %$5( :$//6

.LGV %LNHV

Â½ 7RGD\ 3LOORZ WRS 0HPRU\ 0DWWUHVVHV Â½ RII

$OO .HWWOHV All Kettles, 7RDVWHUV Toasters, %OHDQGHUV Blenders Â½ 7RGD\

)DEULF 6RIDV )URP Â½

*5($7 6$/( '$<6 FRI 23RD FEB )5, SAT 24TH FEB 6$7 SUN 25TH FEB 681 MON 26TH FEB 021

&RUQRU Corner 6RIDV Sofas )URP Â½

'HSRVLWV :HOFRPH

(9(5<7+,1* 0867 *2

12 NEWS

Letterkennypost

Youthscape Project to build confidence and career goals Are you 14-24 years old? Not in full time education, employment or training? Unsure of what to do next? Join Youthscape in Letterkenny or Ballybofey, and you can gain new skills and make new friends. Take the next step in your life with this exciting new cross-border initiative. The only entry requirement is that you are ready to try something new. You will gain OCN Level 1 Qualifications, there will be educational and fun day trips, as well as fun activities and projects in the local community. Participants will create a personal development plan unique to them and their goals. They will also receive

one-to-one guidance and support for six weeks before it begins, as well as during, and also after the programme ends. Finally, there will be refreshments provided each day, as well as support with travel and childcare costs. The programme will focus on three key areas: Personal Development, Good Relations and Active Citizenship Project, which puts team work skills into practice. The programme takes place three days a week in both Letterkenny and Ballybofey for 16 weeks. The project is ongoing, so participants can join at any time, however the next official starting date is in April 2018. The Youthscape programme

Thursday 15 February 2018

FAITHmatters

is a cross-border, crosscommunity interventionist programme developed in association with South West College, as Lead Partner, Donegal Youth Service and TIDES Training. It will operate in Counties Tyrone, Fermanagh and Donegal covering the five areas of Omagh, Enniskillen, Dungannon, Ballybofey and Letterkenny. For more information about the Youthscape project contact Ciara/Jackie on 085 2578223 for Letterkenny, or Caroline/Breege on 085 2578222 for Ballybofey. You can also contact the Donegal Youth Service office on (074) 91 29630, or via email admin@donegalyouthservice. ie.

Members of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association at the IUNVA memorial in Letterkenny with veterans rights campaigner Senator Gerard Craughwell. Pictured are Post 19 members: Michael Crossan, Daniel Toland, Dermott Crossan,S enator Gerard Craughwell, Willie Coffey, Gerard O'Donnell and Eunan Carroll.

This week the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on 14th February. In churches throughout Ireland the faithful will attend to receive the blessed ashes – a symbol of repentance and an intention to do penance for sins. For most of us it is an uncomfortable reminder of the need to face up to a commitment to a certain level of self denial. It may take many different forms. Whatever form of self denial is adopted one should not lose sight of the main focus of Lent which is to prepare for Holy Week and Easter. The short gospel reading for the ﬁrst Sunday of Lent from St Mark simply mentions the temptation of Jesus in the desert and then immediately describes the beginning of his public ministry. Immediately afterwards the Spirit drove him

out into the wilderness and he remained there for forty days, and was tempted by Satan. He was with the wild beasts, and the angels looked after him. After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’ We know from the other gospel writers that Jesus fasted during his long retreat in the wilderness. One of Satan’s temptations was the challenge to turn stones into bread. Let us associate with Him during these weeks in our prayer and in our act of self denial. We will be better prepared to enter into Holy Week with him and ultimately to celebrate the joyous Feast of Easter.

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SERVICES Tel: 074 91 22155 FAX: 074 91 24865 Pearse Rd, Letterkenny Co.Donegal Email: info@dasdonegal.com

REPAIRS & SPARES • Inhouse Service by trained technicians • Parts for all makes of household appliances in stock GAS APPLIANCES INSTALLED & SERVICED

McCARTER CARPETS Specialists in Solid Engineerd and Parquet Wooden Flooring, Professional Fitting service available

• • • • •

Suitable for underﬂoor heating Warm underfoot Lifetime guarantee Can be ﬁtted over tiles Suitable for anywhere in the home GREAT RATE ON EURO 18 Church Brae, Derry, BT47 3QG | Tel: 048 7134 7546 Web: www.mccartercarpets.com

Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday 9.00am to 5.30pm

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

CRAWFORD TILES TILES-BATHROOM SUITES-WOODFLOORING

Dungorman-Castleﬁn| 074 91 43942 | www.crawfordtiles.com

Christmas is over. Time to dust off the cobwebs and get that house in shape for the spring. Crawfordtiles has the answer for you. Need a new kitchen ﬂoor, bedroom ﬂoor, wood or tiles? We have a large selection. What about a complete new bathroom done in 5 days? Then crawfordtiles has the answer for you.

Before

After

Give our friendly staff a ring and they will help you with the choices that suit your home.

5 DAY BATHROOM REFIT AVAILABLE WE TILE WE STRIP WE PLUMB WE DO ELECTRICS WE TAKE AWAY THE OLD AND REPLACE WITH THE NEW

Remember, it’s not just bathroom refits! We will refit anything you need doing in your home, as long as it’s to do with tiles bathware or wood flooring.

14 NEWS

Letterkennypost

Secondary Schools Drama Festival

Thursday 15 February 2018

Budding actors treed the boards Some of the best young actors in Donegal took to the stage of the Balor Theatre, Ballybofey, over two nights last week for the annual Secondary Schools Drama Festival. Organised by Teresa McGowan of the award-winning Butt Drama Circle, the prestigious competition has been running for more than forty years. During that time, it has given the youth of the county the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience in a professional theatre. At the awards ceremony on Wednesday night, students from The Royal and Prior Comprehensive, Raphoe, swept the boards with their powerful production of ‘Blood Brothers.’ They took home the inaugural Ben Duffy Perpetual Cup for first place along with the Best Presentation award. Their teacher and director, Ms Linda O’Boyle, was also awarded the cup for Best Director and ‘Mickey’ received a Best Actor plaque, Colaiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon,

came second with ‘Alias Cinderella’ while the local St Columba’s College finished in third place with extracts from ‘Big Maggie.’ Other award winners were the second Colaiste Cholmcille team with their production of ‘Asking for Trouble’, Errigal College, Letterkenny, with ‘Ernie's Incredible Illucinations,' Loreto College ‘Thank You for the Music’ and The Yard Youth Centre with an original production called ‘Unmask-Ulinity.’ The festival was adjudicated by Maura Logue who awarded many certificates of merit to participants as well as seven 'Outstanding Performance' plaques. She also paid tribute to their teachers who, she said, go beyond the call of duty in taking on theatre productions. Ms Logue said she felt very fortunate to have again been invited to this year’s schools festival. She also delivered some wise words of wisdom for the young actors and to those in the audience.

Errigal College's actors.

The Royal & Priorcast that swept the boards!

The Loreto, Milford cast who performed 'Thank You for the Music'.

The St Columbas, Stranorlar cast of 'Big Maggie'.

HEALTH & LIVING HEALTH & HEALTHLetterkennypost & LIVING LIVING

Page 40 Page 40 Thursday Page 40 15 February 2018

NEWS 15

the Leader || 14 February 2018 the the Leader Leader || || 14 14 February February 2018 2018

03 Dental bringing new technology to dentistry in Letterkenny 03 03 Dental Dental bringing bringing new new technology technology to to dentistry dentistry in in Letterkenny Letterkenny

DENTAL DENTAL IMPLANTS IMPLANTS NOW NOW AVAILABLE AVAILABLE IN IN LETTERKENNY LETTERKENNY

O3 Dental, on Letterkenny’s Main O3 Dental, on Letterkenny’s Main O3 Letterkenny’s Main St Dental, (beside on Magee’s pharmacy) St (beside Magee’s pharmacy) St (beside Magee’s pharmacy) has fast become a leading techhas fast become a has fastled become a leading leading techtechnology practice. nology led practice. nology ledover practice. Since taking Bratton Dental in 2016,

Since taking over Bratton Dental in Since taking Bratton in 2016, 2016, 03 Dental hasover thrived and Dental has welcomed 03 Dental has thrived and has welcomed 03 Dental has thrived and has welcomed numerous new patients. Primarily a private numerous new patients. Primarily a private numerous03 new patients. private practice, Dental also Primarily accepts a qualified practice, 03 Dental also accepts qualified practice, 03 Dental accepts qualified PRSI patients. The also practice is run by Dr PRSI The practice is by PRSI patients. patients. The an practice is run run dental by Dr Dr Damian Flanagan, experienced Damian Flanagan, an experienced dental Damian Flanagan, an experienced dental practitioner with 26 years experience. practitioner with experience. practitioner with 26 26 years years experience. A Queens University graduate, and a A Queens University graduate, and A Queens University graduate, and a a graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons graduate the two Royal College of Surgeons of Englandofwith post-graduate courses of England with courses of England with two two post-graduate post-graduate (oral surgery/oral medicine andcourses dental (oral surgery/oral medicine and (oral surgery/oral medicine and dental dental implantology), he has also attended the implantology), has the implantology),of he he has also also& attended attended Universities Frankfurt Tubingen the in Universities of Frankfurt & Tubingen in Universities Frankfurt & Southern TubingenCalin Germany andofThe University Germany and The University Southern CalGermany and University Southern California over theThe years . ifornia ifornia over over the the years years ..

XG3D Dental CT scanner XG3D XG3D Dental Dental CT CT scanner scanner

03 Dental is a progressive dental practice, 03 Dental is a dental practice, 03 Dental a progressive progressive practice, leading byisinnovation. Thedental practice offers leading by innovation. The offers leading innovation. The practice practice all of theby latest technologies around. offers all of the latest technologies around. all of the latest technologies around. The most recent addition is a state of the The most addition is of The most recent recent is a a state state of the the art XG3D Dental addition CT scanner, (the first in art XG3D Dental CT scanner, (the first art XG3D Dental CT makes scanner, first in in Letterkenny) which 3D(the treatment Letterkenny) which makes 3D Letterkenny) whichimplants makes more 3D treatment treatment planning for dental accurate planning for implants more accurate planning for dental dental The implants more accurate and predictable. implant placement and predictable. The implant placement and predictable. implant placement position can be The performed by virtual position can be by virtual position canshown be performed performed virtual surgery and to a patient by before the surgery and shown to a patient before the surgery and shown to a patient before has the actual treatment is carried out. Damian actual treatment is carried out. Damian has actual treatment is carried out. Damian has found this scanner essential and extremely found this essential and found this scanner scanner essential and extremely extremely beneficial in achieving successful implant beneficial in achieving successful implant beneficial in achieving successful implant treatment outcomes in his other practices. treatment outcomes in his other practices. treatment outcomes in his other practices. The practice has also added HD intra-oral The practice has also added intra-oral The practice added HD HD x-rays, as wellhas as also an intra-oral HDintra-oral camera, x-rays, as well as an intra-oral HD camera, x-rays, as well as an intra-oral HDdecay camera, accurately detecting early tooth by accurately accurately detecting detecting early early tooth tooth decay decay by by

biofluorescence colour coding. There is biofluorescence colour coding. There is biofluorescence colourfor coding. There is no charge to patients the use of this no charge to patients for the use of this no charge to patients the part use of this special camera, as it for forms the special camera, as forms special as ititperformed. forms part part of of the the thoroughcamera, examination thorough examination performed. thorough examination performed. In addition, 03 Dental utilises an operating In addition, Dental utilises an In addition, 03 03 utilises an operating operating microscope forDental intricate treatments, with microscope for intricate treatments, with microscope for intricate treatments, with Zeiss optics. Imaging is an important part Zeiss optics. Imaging is an important part Zeiss Imaging is an part of the optics. treatments carried outimportant at 03 Dental of the treatments carried out 03 Dental of treatments carried out4at atHD 03screens Dental for the accuracy, hence there are for accuracy, hence there are 4 HD screens for accuracy, hence there are 4 HD screens in the surgery to assist this. in the surgery to in surgery to assist assistathis. this. 03the Dental provides full oral surgery 03 Dental provides a full oral surgery 03 Dental a for full the oral surgery service (andprovides on referral) removal of service (and on referral) for the of service referral) the removal removal of wisdom (and teethonetc, and for is registered with wisdom teeth etc, and is registered with wisdom etc, and is registered all majorteeth healthcare policy providers.with On all major healthcare policy providers. On all major some healthcare policy providers. On occasion patients qualify for implant occasion some patients qualify for implant occasion patients qualify implant treatment some benefit. This can be for discussed treatment benefit. treatment benefit. This This can can be be discussed discussed at the consultation. at the consultation. at the consultation. 03 Dental has a full Intravenous Sedation 03 Dental has a Intravenous Sedation 03 Dental a full fullpatients, Intravenous Service forhas nervous with Sedation full intraService for nervous patients, with Service for nervous monitoring. patients, with full full intraintraand post-operative and post-operative monitoring. and post-operative monitoring. Dr Damian Flanagan has extensive expeDr Damian Flanagan has extensive expeDr Damian extensive rience in, Flanagan and takeshas referrals for,experoot rience in, and takes referrals for, root rience in, and takes referrals for, gum root canal, cosmetic dentistry, dentures, canal, cosmetic dentistry, dentures, gum canal, cosmetic dentures, gum treatment, crowndentistry, and bridge, veneers, treatment, crown bridge, veneers, treatment, crown and and bridge, smile makeovers as well as veneers, general smile makeovers as well as general smile makeovers as well as general dentistry. dentistry. dentistry. Damian is a former board member of the Damian is member of Damian is a a former formerofboard board member of the the British Academy Cosmetic Dentistry, British Academy of British Academy of Cosmetic Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentistry, and also holds memberships of many and also holds of many and holds memberships memberships of organmany dentalalso professional and associated dental professional and associated organdental professional and associated organisations. Damian’s postgraduate course in isations. Damian’s course in isations. Damian’sispostgraduate postgraduate in implant dentistry regarded as course the gold implant dentistry is regarded as implant regarded as the theSt.gold gold standarddentistry and his is training in Harley for standard and his in St. for standard his training training in Harley Harley by St. the for cosmetic and dentistry was provided cosmetic dentistry was provided by the cosmetic dentistry was provided by the world-renowned Dr Chris Orr, who used to world-renowned Dr Chris Orr, world-renowned Orr, who who used used to to work with DamianDratChris his practice. work with Damian at work withyour Damian at his his practice. practice. To book consultation please To book your consultation please To your callbook Leona on consultation 074 9122409 please call Leona on call Leona on 074 074 9122409 9122409 www.o3dental.com www.o3dental.com www.o3dental.com

before before before

Missing front teeth Missing Missing front front teeth teeth

before before before

Teeth replaced with implants and crowns Teeth Teeth replaced replaced with with implants implants and and crowns crowns

after after after

Failed decayed teeth Failed Failed decayed decayed teeth teeth

before before before

Teeth replaced with implants Teeth Teeth replaced replaced with with implants implants

after after after

Before Smile Makeover Before Before Smile Smile Makeover Makeover

dental

After Smile Makeover After After Smile Smile Makeover Makeover

25 Main Street, Letterkenny 25 25 Main Main Street, Street, Letterkenny Letterkenny

Tel: 074 91 22409 Tel: 074 Tel: 074 91 91 22409 22409 www.o3dental.com | info@o3dental.com

www.o3dental.com www.o3dental.com || info@o3dental.com info@o3dental.com Opening Hours Monday to Friday 9am -- 1pm | 2pm -- 5pm Opening Opening Hours Hours Monday Monday to to Friday Friday 9am 9am - 1pm 1pm || 2pm 2pm - 5pm 5pm

implants | cosmetics || excellence implants implants || cosmetics cosmetics | excellence excellence

Accurate 3D Scanning which makes planning for dental implants Accurate 3D which Accurate 3D Scanning Scanning which makes makes planning planning for for dental dental implants implants more accurate and predictable more accurate and predictable more accurate and predictable

XG3D Dental CT scanner (First one in Letterkenny) XG3D XG3D Dental Dental CT CT scanner scanner (First (First one one in in Letterkenny) Letterkenny)

•• Dental Implants Implants •• Dental Dental Implants Cosmetic Dentures •• Cosmetic Dentures Cosmetic Dentures •• General Dentistry General Dentistry •• General Dentistry Dentistry (Inc. wisdom teeth) •• Surgical Surgical Surgical Dentistry Dentistry (Inc. (Inc. wisdom wisdom teeth) teeth)

after after after

•• IV Sedation • IV IV Sedation Sedation •• Tooth Whitening Tooth • Tooth Whitening Whitening •• Cosmetic Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry • (Inc. Cosmetic Dentistry smile makeovers) (Inc. (Inc. smile smile makeovers) makeovers)

•• Periodental (Gum) Treatment Periodental (Gum) Periodental (Gum) Treatment Treatment ••• Root Canal Treatment Root Canal Treatment •• Root Canal Treatment & Bridge •• Crown Crown & Bridge Crown & Bridge •• Veneers • Veneers Veneers

Dr. P.D. Flanagan BDS BSc (Hons) FDSRCS (Eng) MFGDP DiplmpDentRCS (Eng). Adv. Cert. Dr. (Eng) MFGDP DiplmpDentRCS (Eng). Adv. Cert. Dr. P.D. P.D. Flanagan Flanagan BDS BDS BSc BSc (Hons) (Hons) FDSRCS FDSRCS DiplmpDentRCS (Eng). Adv. Cert. Formerly(Eng) BrattonMFGDP Dental Formerly Bratton Dental Formerly Bratton Dental

16 NEWS

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Rathmullan’s moving forward

Exciting times ahead for seaside village By Rory Mooney editor@letterkennypost.com

There have been promising signs that Rathmullan is moving in the right direction, local residents have been told. The village’s local development group ‘Rathmullan – The Way Forward’ explained that ‘remarkable progress’ had been made in regenerating the seaside village in the past 12 months. Since the formation of the group, a number of objectives have been completed, including securing funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for district name stones and signage; creating a vision and mission statement; restoration work beginning on the Abbey; the near completion of the new toilets by the beach; a new website and Facebook page; the return of the Irish navy ships to the pier; the launch of a new Foroige youth club and playing host to its first Film Festival. Since it’s first meeting, when the assembled community was asked what it thought would move Rathmullan forward, a support team and seven focus area teams were set up to form Rathmullan – The Way For-

ward. The focus teams are: Communication & Marketing; Outdoor Activities; Signage & Tidy Towns; Infrastructure; Harbour Area Development; New Festivals & Gatherings; Youth & Football Clubs. Mick McGlynn and John Gallagher head up the Way Forward Group, and they have been active in engaging with Donegal County Council, Failte Ireland, Donegal Tourism and local busi-

2017 was a great year for Rathmullan, and it really showed us The Way Forward nesses, in supporting the focus area teams, as well as securing funding and identifying funding opportunities. The Way Forward also works closely with all stakeholders in Rathmullan including the History Society, CE Scheme and all local clubs and associations. “2017 was a great year for Rathmullan, and it really

the creation of a ‘Nautical Garden’ featuring the Rathmullan anchor.

Consultation

Always time for a laugh! Rathmullan - The Way Forward group have explained that 'remarkable process' has been made in the past 12 months to regenerate the area.

showed us ‘The Way Forward’,” said Mick. “It just goes to show what can be achieved when our community puts its heart and soul into working together. "That was Sean Quinn’s (former Chief Executive at Failte Ireland) advice to us at our first meeting, and you can see that happening daily. There’s been so much progress made.”

He also explained that The Way Forward operates under the RDRC parent company, and that the RDRC was at the centre of all the good work done in Rathmullan.

Updates

Deirdre Friel updated the meeting on developing five new walking trails plus a healthy walk in conjunction with the Heart Foundation; creating a GPS mountain

bike loop, facilitating activities trips for Transition Year Pupils and Active Retirement groups; looking at ways to showcase all Rathmullan has to offer outdoors – walking, cycling, paddle boarding, sailing, kayaking, swimming, kids’ activities. Eilish McGlynn, Aine Ni Dhuibhne and Michael Connolly gave an update on the progress of signage and Tidy Towns initiatives including

Garret Carton highlighted plans for one-way system around the village is now going to public consultation stage; two stages of work on The Battery – plans to erect a footbridge from the carpark to the ramparts, and restoration work required to which end the team have secured plans from the 1851 National Archives; future planning for a continuous footpath from Rathmullan to Flight of the Earls departure point at Portnamurray. John Gallagher and David McGloin updated the community surrounding the development of the harbour area. They expressed concern regarding the lack of an appointed Harbour Master. They also revealed the group has applied for a licence and funding for floating breakwater. Donegal Co. Council Community Liaison Officer, Christine O’Donnell was extremely impressed at the team work involved in the Way Forward Group and how they had achieved so much in Rathmullan in just a year.

NEWS 17

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards

Donegal girls announced as finalists Donegal girls Áine Sweeney from Letterkenny Elaine Magee from Lifford have been recognised for the ir exemplary volunteer work carried out in their local community as Pramerica announced its 20 finalists for the 2018 Spirit of Community Awards. A fourth-year student at The Royal and Prior School, Elaine was motivated to volunteer with the 'something special' group which is based in Raphoe when her younger brother was diagnosed with autism. Over the past number of years Elaine gave her time throughout July and August to assist the parents in the group to take the children on outings and trips. Many of the children with autism or ADHD needed one to one attention and Elaine worked with the children to make sure all of their needs were met. Some of the children didn’t like to be touched by people and Elaine was mindful to deal with these children in a certain manner so that they weren’t distressed in any way. Áine, a Fifth-year student at Loreto Secondary School, is one of 26 students sitting on The Donegal Youth Council. She also volunteers with the Irish Wheelchair Association Charity and in 2017 travelled to Lourdes as a student volunteer carer raising over €1,200. Representing Letterkenny on the Council, Áine is passionate about making sure that issues affecting young women in her local community, including sexual health, body image and sports recognition for girls, are addressed. Along with her fellow Youth Councilors, Áine was instrumental in organising the Sports Recognition for Girls Roadshow which saw girls from all secondary schools in the Letterkenny district at-

tending. She is also been part of the HSE Healthy Ireland promotion team and played a role in the Children and Young People’s Services Committee in Donegal. “Each year I continue to be humbled by the incredible volunteer work carried out by teenagers and young people in towns and villages across Ireland,” said Andrea McBride, vice president, Pramerica Systems Ireland. “From caring for disabled relatives to helping people with learning disabilities, brain injuries and dementia, so much of the volunteering activities that young people are involved in is going under the radar. "Our awards programme aims to shine a light on these dedicated students, by applauding their achievements and encouraging others to give back to their hometown.” The post-primary students will be presented with €500 and an engraved silver medallion at the awards ceremony on March 22 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This year the top two Junior Honourees will also receive an additional €500 for their chosen charity for the first time. At the event, two of the 20 students will be named All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year, receiving €1,000, a gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their school and an all-expense paid trip to the United States in May to participate in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards ceremony. For more information about the 2018 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, which is supported by Volunteer Now, Volunteer Ireland, Scouting Ireland and Foróige, follow the Pramerica Spirit of Community Snapchat (Pramerica.soc) Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter feed @Pramerica_SOC, or visit spirit.pramerica.ie.

RIGHT: Jenny Deane modelling her Plastic Revolution.

ESB apprenticeship

Applications from people in Donegal are now being taken for the prestigious ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme. This year will see ESB Networks recruit up to 70 new electrical apprentices. ESB is known for its highquality apprenticeship programme, which offers onthe-job experience as well as classroom based learning. Successful apprentices obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate with a utility that serves 2.3 million domestic and business customers in Ireland. Mr O’Doherty, who also chairs the Government’s Apprentice Council, said: “Apprenticeships are invaluable in developing high quality skills which are needed in a modern economy and ESB has been very well served by our investment in apprenticeships over many decades. Irish industry and businesses can greatly benefit by the expansion of apprenticeships into other sectors of the economy.” Applications will be accepted online until Wednesday, March 14. To apply, visit: https:// www.esbnetworks.ie/careers.

Pro-life meeting RIGHT: Elaine Magee (centre) has been recognised for the exemplary volunteer work carried out in her local community as Pramerica announced its 20 finalists for the 2018 Spirit of Community Awards, the only all-Ireland youth initiative of its kind. Pictured, from left: Dr Howard Welch, Elaine Magee and her mother Doris Magee.

Errigal College into Junk Kouture finals Students for Errigal College will be among those strutting their stuff on the catwalk at the finals of this year's Junk Kouture. Now in its eight year Ireland’s leading fashion and art competition for secondary schools challenges students to create unique, original and innovative outfits from recycled materials and junk. The brightly-coloured creation from the Letterkenny students, entitled 'Plastic Revolution', will no doubt have the judges speechless! The thrifty students collected a vast array of unwanted “junk” to fashion their entry which sees them go forward to compete in the Northern regional final of the competition on March 1 in the Millennium Forum, Derry. For the full list of 400 silver ticket winners who have made it through to the regional finals for Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2018 visit https://www.facebook.com/ BOIstudents.

NEWSBRIEFS

A pro-life public meeting will be held in the Plaza Ballroom in Buncrana this Friday (february 18) at 7.30pm. The meeting will focus on the impact of a repeal of the 8th Amendment on the Constitution.

www.donegalprolife.com

l Pro Life a g e n o D View Video ’ h t 8 e h T p e e NEW ‘K ebsite w w e n r on ou lprolife.com a g e n o .d w ww ake an M decision r fo in med

"HELP SAVE THE UNBORN CHILD !" Make a donation today to the Donegal Prolife Charity VISIT

www.donegalprolife.com Alternatively cheques may be made payable to: "Donegal Prolife" and post to: Donegal Prolife, C/o R. Hannigan, Secetary, Sancta Maria, Ballyare Ramelton, F92P6W8, Co. Donegal

PEOPLE OF DONEGAL, STAND FAST! STAND BY THE EIGHTH AMENDMENT. ARE YOU CONSIDERING AN ABORTION OR HAVE YOU BEEN HURT BY ABORTION? ORGANISATIONS WHO CAN OFFER HELP AND SUPPORT ARE LISTED BELOW

ASK MAJELLA

www.askmajella.com ROI :1890252639/640 N.I: 028 90923346 E: help@askmajella.com

Cura

ROI: 1850622626 N.I:003534762070 E: curacares@cura.ie

Gianna Care

ROI: Dublin 01 53222116 Cork City: 021 2355999 E: info@giannacare.ie

PRECIOUS LIFE Bernadette Smyth

N.I. Tel: 028 90278484 E: info@preciouslife.com

Good Counsel Network Ireland

Tel: 087 6505670 E: abbey24365@gmail.com

18 NEWS

Letterkennypost

World famous adventurer to visit Donegal World famous TV broadcaster, marine biologist and marine adventurer Monty Halls will be visiting Donegal in March to speak at the Donegal Marine Tourism Conference 'Connecting our Coastline - The Future of Sustainable Coastal Tourism’. The event is being hosted by Donegal Co. Council in association with Donegal Tourism CLG. Monty Halls is best known for his three BBC2 series ‘Great Escapes’, where he lived on the west coast of Scotland and Ireland with his dog Reuben. He also presented the multiaward winning series ‘Great Barrier Reef’ as well as the ground-breaking expedition series ‘Lost Worlds’ for the Discovery Channel. He has also written several books and is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers, many of them communicating his enthusiasm for the natural world. “We are thrilled that Monty Halls has agreed to speak at our Donegal Marine Tourism Conference in March,” said Chief Executive and Chair of Donegal Tourism CLG Seamus Neely. “This conference is about exploring topics such as sustainable marine tourism development, new marine

Another voice

by Mark Loughridge, pastor of Letterkenny New Life Fellowship.

He can be contacted on 074 9123961 or anothervoice@newlifefellowship.ie

Trying to get our morals back In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal and a whole pile of other celebrity accusations it has been sadly fascinating watching the west trying to claw its way back to some form of morality. At the Golden Globe awards earlier in January actors and actresses wore black as a way to say ‘Enough’ or ‘Me too’. This would be the same Hollywood that releases 50 Shades of Grey and a host of other films, that endorses a hook-up and casual sex culture—and then acts self-righteously shocked and surprised that the culture that they created isn’t what they want to live in. Society tried to disconnect the sexual revolution from morality, and seems shocked when people behave in immoral ways. We want to be free to watch, but kid ourselves that watching won’t shape us. Cue frantic back-peddling, or as some more cynically might call it, ‘virtue signalling’— that quick rush to show that you are just as virtuous as anyone else, whether or not your adoption of these virtues is a recent acquisition or even genuine at all. I do wonder how many of the artists parading around in black have paraded around in a lot less when it suited them. The cat is out of the bag, the horse has bolted, and popular culture did the opening. The problem now is that they are trying to remoralise sex without any external guidelines. They want all the freedom of the sexual revolution, but want few of the consequences—men (and women) who treat sex like an appetite to be satisfied, or a tool to be used selfishly (for advancement or gratification). Not to mention consequences like STDs, bro-

TV presenter and marine biologist Monty Halls will be visiting Donegal to speak at a marine conference aimed at maximising the county's coastline.

technologies, digital marketing tips, trends and strategy and eco-tourism and having Monty Halls on board who has such a vast array of experience as a marine adventurer and marine biologist is a great coup for the county.” This conference will take place in the stunning setting of the Shandon Hotel in Marble Hill, Portnablagh on Thursday, March 8. Other speakers include: Naomh McElhatton from Smart NI, Thomas Furey from the Marine Institute and Beckey-Finn Britton from the Clean Coasts initiative in Donegal.

Thursday 15 February 2018

There will be a local business case study in the afternoon and also lots of useful information stands on the day. A questions and answers session will take place offering attendees the opportunity to discuss marine tourism topics with the expert panel of guest speakers. This conference is open to anyone with an interest in marine tourism opportunities and development of Donegal as a marine tourism destination of excellence. Register to attend this conference at https://goo.gl/TYpH5g.

ken marriages and shattered family life. Yet the consequences are an inevitable outcome of taking one of God’s gifts and removing God’s guidelines for use. What we are seeing now is an attempt to conjure up a new set of guidelines—manmade guidelines; Heaven forbid that we would return to God’s guidelines, that can’t be done at any cost. New guidelines will be drafted that will give freedom, but only as far as society defines it. And then society will shift, and all those who went as far as society previously permitted will be the new pariahs. And more black dresses will be worn, and more victims named. When we get rid of God, it’s not that we have no standards, it’s that our standards have no foundation, and constantly shift. This frantic remoralising of sex will not lead to greater chastity, but it will lead to a governing by fear—fear of transgressing ever shifting boundaries. What we need is a rich, safe, beautiful, trust-filled environment for sexual intimacy with fixed and sacred boundaries. Sound familiar? If sex is to be remoralised, we need to do it God’s way. We need to teach our sons and daughters that it is for the sacred haven of marriage where God designed it to be. And we need to practise what we preach. We are made in God’s image, and life runs best when we live according to his rules. Hence why the Biblical writer says: “Remember your creator in the days of your youth before the days of trouble come” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Letters to the Editor

MOVING TO THE UK TO WORK IN CONSTRUCTION?

Please send your letters to editor@letterkennypost.com

UK Labourers Course 20th Feb (Limited places left), 28th Feb, 16th Mar Call Louise on: 0749127786 or email: uktraining@safetech.ie

Charlie McConalogue Charlie will be holding clinics and meetings with constituents in the following areas. For clinic times or to arrange a house call, please contact the Constituency Ofﬁce at 074 9177282

Friday 16th February:

Glenswilly - Glenswilly GAA Churchill - Callaghan’s Bar Termon - An Craoibhin Kilmacrennan - Kilmacrennan Hall Letterkenny - Constituency Ofﬁce Clinics every Friday in Letterkenny. Contact Constituency Ofﬁce for appointments.

Charlie

McConalogue Pat the Cope

Gallagher

Constituency Ofﬁce, Market Square, Letterkenny Co. Donegal - 07491 77282 Home Address, Carrownamaddy, Burt, Co. Donegal Tel: 074 9177282 Email: charlie.mcconalogue@oireachtas.ie WORKING FOR DONEGAL Issued by the Director of Elections, 65/66 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. Printed by The Printed Image, Font House, Fonthill Industrial Park, Dublin 22.

Irexit - need for study group in happen in every Irish town Sir, four of us from Donegal were among the 400 or so who attended the Nigel Farage ‘Irexit’ symposium held recently at the RDS. If you want to hear what Farage said at the conference look up Marian Finucane interview with Farage (3 February) which preceded it. There is plenty of coverage of the symposium itself on the web if you look up "Irexit." What Farage, Professor Anthony Coughlan, Dr Karen Devine and the other members of the symposium all suggested in conclusion was that there should be an ongoing study group in every town in Ireland about the nature and continuance VOTof VOTE E our EU membership. If anyone would like to

Nigel Farage speaking at the ‘Irexit’ symposium held recently at the RDS.

participate in such a group please contact me by email: btﬂan@hotmail.com.

Cheers, BRIAN FLANAGAN Buncrana.

Letterkennypost

5 Steps to the Perfect Wedding

20 FEATURE

Letterkennypost Letterkenny etterkenny etterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

5 Steps to the Perfect Wedding

Providing the ‘sparkle’ for your big day R. McCullagh Jewellers is one of the oldest established businesses in Letterkenny. The original firm was started in 1869, and since those early days, has progressed to become the leading jewellery stores in Donegal. All staff undergo jewellery training certified by the RJI (Retail Jewellers of Ireland) and the NAG (National Association of Goldsmiths). With the introduction of our new workshops to design and craft our own jewellery on the premises, R. McCullagh can now offer a comprehensive service with handmade engagement and

wedding rings a speciality. There is now the option to select your individual stone from our range of loose diamonds, and have them mounted in a setting of your own choice. Our design consultant is available in-store by appointment. Our jewellery lines include: Newbridge Silverware, Nomination, History of Ireland, and fashion ranges from Coeur de Lion and Absolute. R McCullagh Jewellers have been Donegal’s time keepers since 1869, and are the local suppliers for quality watches such as:

Michelle Herblin, Seiko, Cluse, Jacques Lemans and a wide range of other brands to suit prices and taste. After five generations in business, we pride ourselves on our tradition of quality and friendly service whilst offering the latest in watch and jewellery designs. R McCullagh’s has been synonymous with fine jewellery, quality watches and giftware. Today, we continue to offer excellent value and innovative design with bespoke jewellery, such as The Letterkenny Collection. In our store at Main Street, Letterkenny , you can choose from our quality product range in a relaxed atmosphere, and our sales staff will be happy to help you make the right choice whatever the occasion.

Wedding Rings

Wedding rings are available in plain, yellow gold, white gold, platinum and palladium. They can also be diamond set. You can choose from hundreds of style in our standard range, or our celtic

range, which has been inspired by the Book of Kells. We also manufacture individual wedding ring pairs to suit customer requirements. To ensure that “sparkle” at your wedding ceremony, we offer all couples who purchase their wedding rings from us a complimentary bespoke wedding coin and

complimentary engagement ring cleaning. Additionally, we engrave the names and wedding date on the inside of the wedding rings, again, with our compliments. We have a private viewing room and also that booking an appointment is advised for lunch times and at the weekend.

Emerald Video

What’s covered on your wedding day? • • • • • • • • • •

Brides home (if required) Groom & guests at church Wedding Ceremony Greeting at church door Photoshoot with your photographer Arrival at hotel Cutting of cake Speeches Dancing in the evening Your Wedding ﬁlm on USB and presentation case

Your wedding ﬁlm will be fully edited and include music of your choice. A short highlights compilation of the day will also be included. The above is the most popular option, however we are happy to arrange a suitable package to meet your individual requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us for further info.

t: (028) 7137 0631 m: 079 69 308916 e: emeraldvideo3@gmail.com

/emeraldweddingvideo

Emerald Video is a professional wedding and events videography company. In that time it has gained an excellent reputation for its friendly unobtrusive service and quality productions. Having been in the wedding business for many years, we understand that every wedding is unique just like the couples involved and so every wedding ﬁlm is tailored to your individual requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your special day! Find us on Facebook

Letterkennypost Letterkenny etterkenny etterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

5 Steps to the Perfect Wedding

J E W E L L E R S

R.MCCULLAGH JEWELLERS 20 Main Street, Letterkenny & Leterkenny Shopping Centre Tel. 074 91 22120

FEATURE 21

22 FEATURE

Letterkennypost Letterkenny etterkenny etterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

5 Steps to the Perfect Wedding

Evolve Menswear - Dress to impress Evolve Menswear in Letterkenny is the North West of Irelands largest menswear store and number one independent retailer. Evolve continues to prove its first-class reputation since opening its first store in Letterkenny almost a decade ago. The name Evolve is synonymous with quality and customer service. Due to its trusted reputation and fashion forward approach Evolve quickly made a name for itself as go to store for weddings & formal occasions. Due to an increased amount of grooms opting to buy suits for their entire wedding party, Evolve, newly expanded & refitted, have recently introduced a new range of suits. These suits are being used exclusively in the wedding department and come at extremely competitive prices, with suit packages starting at only €99 which includes a 2 piece suit, a new shirt, tie & cufflinks.

All of our wedding suits are available to hire with the matching page boy sizes for that special little man in your life.

Whiterose Clinic

WE CARE YOU SMILE

Specialist Dental & Implant Clinic

Exclusive

group discounts and packages available for you and your bridal party ahead of your special day! Ask about our teeth whitening today!

7 Culmore Point Road,

www.whiteroseclinic.com

Derry, BT48 8JW

Email: info@whiteroseclinic.com

T: 02871 35 55 66

@whiteroseclinic

F: 02871 35 55 12

/whiterose-clinic

he maintenance of the patient’s oral health prior to, during and after the procedures are so important and our hygienists also help achieve this goal. As with all in the dental profession, my staff and I like to keep up-to-date with the new advances and maintain these standards. These standards can only be achieved with the help of the appropriately trained dental technicians and their teamwork. Radiology within the practice allowing in-house CT scanning which cuts down travel, waiting time

and inconvenience to the patient when referred to distant hospitals. It also allowed surgical planning by computer for many implant cases. Our plans for the future are to keep updating knowledge and offer our services on referral basis. Please enjoy our web-

site, and feel free to contact us with any questions that may arise during your viewing. Dr Dan McKenna BDS (QUBelf),FDS RCS(Ed), MGDSRCSI MFGDP(UK), FFGDP(Eng), FICD, DipImplantDent RCS(Eng),FADFE, MPhil. (Q.U.B.)

Thursday 15 February 2018

Letterkennypost Letterkenny etterkenny etterkennypost

5 Steps to the Perfect Wedding

FEATURE 23

Unit 4 , Letterkenny Retail Park Open 7 days Thursday and Friday til late .

PACKAGES START AT ONLY

â&#x201A;¬99

24 FEATURE

Letterkennypost Letterkenny etterkenny etterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

5 Steps to the Perfect Wedding

Wedding Showcase at Harvey’s Point Harvey’s Point invites you to an exclusive showcase of our delightful hotel, sitting on the shores of Lough Eske, 10 minutes from Donegal Town, on Saturday 24th of February 2018 from 1 pm – 5 pm. We want you to see our beautiful hotel ﬁrst hand and experience all the magical services that we have to offer you, the Bride and Groom, as you plan your very special day! You will experience what the entire Hotel has to offer and to make it more exciting we have invited a small number of our preferred suppliers to be in attendance to help with any queries regarding other requirements on your wedding day. At Harvey’s Point, we have done an extraordinary amount of restyling of our venue and

Harvey's Point Ballroom.

LAKESIDE RESORT - EST. 1989

Swans at Harvey's Point.

Wedding Showcase

Saturday, 24th February 1pm - 5pm Lough Eske - Donegal Town - Tel: +353-74-9724315 events@harveyspoint.com - harveyspoint.com Bridal suite.

we want you to see these improvements and indeed see the reason that we are the number one choice for so many Brides & Grooms. Our biggest asset is our Team throughout the Hotel. We have the best Wedding Planners in

Ireland, Samantha and Joanne who have dealt with hundreds of Brides and Grooms. They have a wealth of experience and their advice is fun, interesting and exciting. The Team at Harvey’s Point look forward to meeting you.

Perfect location for an outdoor wedding.

MOVIE OF THE

WEEK By Rory Mooney

Director: Lawrence Sher Starring: Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, Glenn Close Genre: Comedy Run Time: 113 minutes Release Date: February 16

CINEMA 25

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

FATHER FIGURES Kyle and Peter Reynolds are brothers whose eccentric mother raised them to believe their father had died when they were young. When they discover this to be a lie, they set out together to find their real father, and end up learning more about their mother than they probably ever wanted to know.

t %0-#: %*(*5"- 463306/% 406/% t 8)&&-$)"*3 "$$&44 t '3&& 1"3,*/( t -001 4:45&. '03 )"3% 0' )&"3*/( t 7*1 4$3&&/ )*3&

)3 */'03."5*0/ "%7"/$& #00,*/( 8&# 888 $&/563:$*/&."4 *& &."*- */'0Å©$&/563:$*/&."4 *&

KIDS CLUB PADDINGTON 2

G 103MINS FRI/SAT/SUN 12 NOON

ADMISSION - â&#x201A;¬2.50

Friday 16 th february 2018 to Thursday 22 nd february 2018 The Shape of Water

CINEMA TICKETS

12A 134mins Daily 5:30pm, 8:30pm & Fri/Sat/Sun 2:30pm & Fri/ Sat/Tue 10:50pm

15A 123mins Daily 5:30pm, 8:15pm & Fri/ Sat/Tue 11pm

Fifty Shades Freed

Father Figures

Black Panther

15A 113mins Daily 6pm, 8:35pm & Fri/Sat/ Tue 11:10pm

18 105mins Daily 8:30pm & Daily except Thu 6pm & Fri/Sat/Tue 11pm

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

15A 115mins Daily 6pm, 8:40pm & Fri/Sat/Tue 11:10pm

MUST BE

WON! To win a family pass simply answer the following question

Which actor plays Winston Churchill in the movie Darkest Hour? Send the answer along with your name, address, and contact number to: Century Cinema Competition, C/O The Editor, Letterkenny Post 26 Balliniska Road Springtown Industrial Estate Derry N. Ireland BT48 0NA

CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition

Katelyn & Kirstie McCrudden, Ballybegley, Newtowncunningham Last Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Answer: Black Panther

The post 12A 116mins Daily except Sun 6:15pm, Thu 8:35pm

Jumanji:

Welcome to the Jungle 12A 119mins Daily 3:30pm & Fri/ Sat/Sun 1pm

The Greatest Showman

The 15:17 to Paris 15A 94mins Daily except Mon 8:40pm & Fri/Sat/ Tue 11:10pm

Status Update 12A 106mins Daily 3:55pm & Fri/Sat/Sun 1:30pm

Tad the Lost Explorer

and the Secret of King Midas G 85mins Daily except Thu 4pm & Fri/ Sat/Sun 12 Noon, 2pm

Coco

PG 105mins Daily 6:05pm & Fri/ Sat/Sun 3:45pm & Tue/Wed 8:50pm

Maze Runner: The Death Cure

12A 141mins Fri/Sat/Sun 2:30pm

Early Man

PG 105mins Daily 3:40pm & Daily except Thu 6:05pm & Fri/Sat/Sun 1:20pm

Star Wars:

The Last Jedi 2D 12A 153mins Fri/Sat/Sun 12:15pm

PG 89mins Daily 3:50pm & Fri/Sat/ Sun 12 Noon, 1:45pm

NT:Cat on a Hot Tin Roof(Live) LIVE 185mins Thu 7:30pm

26 PICTURES LOCAL

EVENTS

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Royal and Prior Variety Concert

Photos: Clive Wasson

Cain McGinley playing guitar and singing on stage.

The High School Musical finale.

Chione Fitih singing Blinded.

Lucy Parke performs 'Lightouse' completing 6 Years in the Variety show by performing the song she first preformed at the Royal and Prior Variety Show.

Thriller dancers. Brian McLaughlin, Colin Kiarns and Wendy Mason.

Charles Rodrigues and Andrew Mason.

Zara Tiney part of the Transition Year Fashion Show.

Emma Boyle singing.

The cast of Blood Brothers which won the inaugural Ben Duffy Perpetual Cup.

John Clay on piano.

MC's Leeanne Patterson and Zara Gillespie.

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018 LOCAL

EVENTS

PICTURES 27

Royal and Prior Variety Concert

Photos: Clive Wasson

Tori Stewart singing at the Variety Show. Carolan Carlin, Derina Giblin and Rachel Mongan.

Megan Lucas performing at the Royal and Prior Variety Show.

Doris Miller Arthur, Mrs Miller and Sarah Miller Arthur.

Sophie Speer, Jessica Wilson, Olivia Moore and Hannah Moore.

Alisha Wasson, Farah Warke and Rianna Wasson. Rebecca Peoples.

Sophie Lowery on stage.

Ulanda Anthony and Holly Johnston part of the award winng Blood Brothers cast.

Isabella Robinson perfoming.

Samantha Rose Bradley and Katie McKinley.

Sarah Jeffrey.

Mrs Johnston, Ulanda Anthony with her sons Mickey, Darragh Keaveney and Edward, Mark Brown in the final scene of the Blood Brothers.

Piper, Mark Buchanan at the Royal and Prior Variety Show.

28 LIFESTYLE The

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Other Side of the Coin Sharing the ancient wisdom that is Chinese medicine

Acupuncture for rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inﬂammatory disorder principally involving the synovial joints and most likely to start in the hands. The synovial membrane of the joints become swollen and congested secreting synovial fluid into the joints which then become extremely tender and stiff, then erosion of the cartilage occurs and muscles and bones get smaller by lack of use. In Western medicine the cause of arthritis is unknown, there are many theories as to the origin of the condition, none of which are totally convincing, and they include infection, autoimmunity, genetic, food sensitivity and psychological. But what has been established however is that in about 90% of cases an abnormal protein called rheumatoid factor is present in the blood. Western doctors test the blood for rheumatoid factor to establish their diagnosis for the disease. Females are affected more than men on a ratio of 3:1.

Symptoms and Signs Rheumatoid arthritis affects mostly the joints of ﬁngers with characteristic swelling of the knuckles, and then goes to wrist elbow, ankle, knee and most other joints. Usually both sides of the body are affected. Pain can be at rest or with

movement with stiffness mainly in the morning, cold damp weather triggers pain and stiffness. Sometimes there is fever, feeling of uneasiness, and weight loss. 15% of people develop Sjogrens Syndrome which is the drying up of the saliva and tear glands this leads to difﬁculty with swallowing and sore, inﬂamed eyes.

Two Types of Arthritis Temperature and weather conditions can cause and affect this condition. With everyone now cooked up in over warm houses environmental

dry heat can affect the joints causing inflammation especially in Ireland where the cold weather is around for almost 8 months of the year. On the other hand extreme cold and damp conditions with not enough heat can also cause pains in the joints. If it is the cold damp type arthritis then hot acupuncture (moxa) would be used with herbs that warm the joints, and for the hot inflammation type acupuncture points used for reducing inflammation and cooling herbs would be the order of the day. When diagnosing arthritis it is very important to get this differentiation correct so that the proper treatment protocols are utilised. Many people think rheumatoid arthritis is a disease without hope, as one Western paper put it, “the cause is unknown and there is no cure.” As practitioners of Chinese medicine, we take a different view. Rheumatoid arthritis and all other types of arthritis are controllable and reducible and also completely curable providing the person gets treatment over many months. Relatively few arthritis patients would have the uncontrolled pain, numbness and limitation of the affected joints, which can develop into crippling deformity if they had been treated earlier and regularly by effective Chinese medical techniques.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be used to prevent re-occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis once it has been successfully cured.

Effectiveness Acupuncture on its own or with a combination of Chinese herbs is extremely effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Acupuncture in particular, is the treatment of choice in this condition giving excellent results in both acute and chronic cases. Acute cases, in fact can usually be resolved in a few treatments. However, the majority of patients we see with this problem present with very chronic conditions and usually come to us at a very late stage. These cases can be treated successfully too, but the more long-standing the condition, the longer it will take to clear over many months or perhaps even a year. I would highly recommend treatment for

very chronic conditions to be twice weekly, but for milder cases once per week would be sufﬁcient. Osteoarthritis is easier to treat than rheumatoid arthritis but this can also be helped, sometimes even when bone deformities have already set in. Most osteoarthritis usually effects the weight bearing joints and is commonly caused by overweight. In such cases, the treatment may take a long time or many months. In my own clinics as well as acupuncture and herbal therapy I always recommend the herbal formula Zheng Gu Shui which means bone mend liniment it is applied twice daily and is a very effective liniment to treat all types of arthritic pain and swellings. Also the Chinese herbal formula called Du Huo Ji Zheng Wan is very effective in strengthening the bones and ligaments.

Kim-Dip.Ac. Lic.Ac. C.Ac. China MQP is a registered licensed practitioner of Chinese Medicine. Treatments are VHi, LAYA healthcare (forerally Quinn), Hibernian Health (Vivas) and HSF Healthplan approved. E mail kim@naturalhealthireland.com or write to the Natural Health Centre, Millfield, Buncrana, Tel. 074/9362606, From North 00353749362606 or to the The Traditional Chinese Medical Practice, 5 Academy Court, Oliver Plunkett Rd., Letterkenny, Tel. 0863981882, from North 00353863981882. Visit the Website www.naturalhealthireland.com

Computer Guide

brought to you by Inishowen Computer Systems Ltd

10 questions to ask yourself before starting a New YouTube channel - Part One 4. What audience are you targeting?

So you’re thinking about starting your own YouTube channel, eh? Before you pick up your camera or choose a username for your new YouTube account it’s important to ask yourself some questions. These ten questions will get you thinking about your goals for your new channel and will get you on the right track to YouTube success. Note: While just thinking about the answers to these questions is ﬁne and dandy, you’ll get the most out of this process if you actually take the time to write your answers down. That way you can take a look back at what you wrote later on down the road to see how you’ve progressed.

1. Why do you want to start a YouTube channel?

What are the reasons you want to start making YouTube videos? This is probably the most important question to ask yourself before you dive into the world of YouTube content creation. Do you have a passion for video production? Are you looking at online video as a vehicle for driving more trafﬁc to your personal website? Do you want to voice your opinion about an issue that is important to you? Do you want to gain exposure and recognition for your talents? All of these are great reasons. On the other hand, if your answer

What do you know about your audience? How old are they? What part of the world are they from? What sort of style to they like? Do a bit of research and create a proﬁle of your average viewer. This will help you cater your content to the people that are most likely to become viewers and fans.

5. Are other YouTubers serving this audience?

to this question is something like “I just want to go viral and make tons of money,” you may want to rethink things. Yes, sometimes people luck out and go viral with a video they uploaded of their HYPERLINK “http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=HttF5HVYtlQ” \t “_blank” baby laughing or their HYPERLINK “http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0Bmhjf0rKe8” \t “_blank” cat acting surprised, but you can’t bank on this. For most people, ﬁnding success on YouTube takes time and effort so if you aren’t ready to put in the work then you may be sorely disappointed.

2. What will you make videos about?

3. Is this a niche that you’re actually interested in?

Have you decided what you’re going to make videos about? The possibilities are endless—you can make videos about your everyday life, your pets, your industry, your hobby, your political views… anything. However, it’s important to note that when it comes to building a subscriber base it’s best if you stick to a speciﬁc topic or niche. If you are making a video about video games one day and about how to roast a turkey the next you’re going to have a hard time building a consistent fan base.

A big mistake that many people make when starting a YouTube channel, a blog, or really creating any sort of online content is that they choose a niche or topic because they think it will be popular and not because it’s something that they actually care about. Keep in mind that once you start creating your videos you’re going to be fully immersed in the subject that you’ve chosen to make videos about, so it better be something that you’re passionate about.

Before you jump in, do a little research to ﬁnd out whether any other YouTubers are catering to your audience. You can ﬁnd them by searching YouTube for key words related to the niche you’ve chosen. If there are other YouTubers making videos about the same topic (and odds are, there are), how will you do things differently? How will you add to the coverage of this niche in the ways that other YouTubers are not? Note that just because somebody else is already making videos about the topic you want to make videos about doesn’t mean you can’t. In fact, you may be able to collaborate with similar YouTubers later on down the road. We’ll get into YouTube collaboration more in future posts.

Inishowen Computer Systems Ltd, Riverside, Mindoran, Clonmany, Co. Donegal Tel: ++353 7493 76019, Website: www.ics-ltd.ie, Facebook: www.facebook.com/inishowencomputers

ENTERTAINMENT 29

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Latest releases at Eclipse Cinema Black Panther

After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. When a powerful enemy sud-

Father Figures

denly reappears, T'Challa's mettle as king -- and as Black Panther -- gets tested when he's drawn into a conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda and the entire world at risk.

Faced with treachery and danger, the young king must rally his allies and release the full power of Black Panther to defeat his foes and secure the safety of his people.

Tad the Explorer: Secret of King Midas Owen Wilson and Ed Helms are Kyle and Peter Reynolds are brothers whose eccentric mother raised them to

believe their father had died when they were young. When they discover this to be a lie, they set out together

to find their real father, and end up learning more about their mother than they probably ever wanted to know.

T: 00353 (0)74 914 1973 www.eclipsecinemas.com Fri 16th FEBRUARY to 22nd FEBRUARY 2018 *FLS- FREE PASSES MAY NOT BE USED FOR THIS MOVIE CRAZY TUESDAYS All Tickets €4.00/£3.50

Tad is a celebrity archeologist and adventurer just like his hero Max Mordon... in his dreams! In reality, Tad is a Chicago construction worker. One day, however, he is mistaken for a real Professor and

takes his place on a flight to Peru in search of the Lost City of Paititi. Professor Lavrof and his beautiful daughter Sara are waiting for the famous professor to crack the code. Unfortunately for Tad, Sara

is engaged to real-life hero Max Mordon, but Max has secretly betrayed the Professor by teaming up with the evil Kopponen and his shady Odysseus corporation. Time for Tad to step up.

WEDNESDAY OVER 50’S All Tickets €5.00/ £4.50

FATHER FIGURES

FIFTY SHADES FREED

TAD THE EXPLORER G – 85min FLS Fri – 12.15, 2.00, 5.30 Sat – 12.15, 5.00 Sun – 12.15, 2.00, 4.15, 6.15 Mon – 6.15 Tues – 4.15, 6.15 Wed – 6.15 Thurs – 6.15

THE 15:17 TO PARIS 15A – 94min FLS Fri – 8.30 Sat – 8.30 Sun – 8.30 Mon – 8.30 Tues – 8.30, 11.00 Wed – 8.30 Thurs – 8.30

COCO

BLACK PANTHER 12A – 134min FLS

Fri – 4.00, 8.45, 11.00 Sat – 4.30, 8.45, 11.00 Sun – 4.00, 6.15, 8.45 Mon – 6.15, 8.45 Tues – 4.00, 6.15, 8.45, 11.00 Wed – 6.15, 8.45 Thurs – 6.15, 8.45

Fri – 4.00, 6.15, 8.30, 11.00 Sat – 4.00, 6.15, 8.30, 11.00 Sun – 4.00, 6.00, 8.30 Mon – 6.00, 8.30 Tues – 4.00, 6.00, 8.30, 11.00 Wed – 6.00, 8.30 Thurs – 6.00, 8.30 Pre Booking Advised

PG – 105min Fri - 1.45, 4.30 Sat – 1.45 Sun – 1.45 Tues – 4.00

LATE NIGHT FRIDAYS All Tickets after 10.30pm €4.00/£3.50

15A – 113min FLS

Strictly 18 – 106min FLS

(2016)

Fifty Shades Freed

Thursday Meal Deal Admission + Popcorn & Drink €10.00/ £9.00

PG – 114min

Fri – 12.15, 3.00, 6.00, 8.45, 10.45 Sat – 12.15, 3.00, 6.00, 8.45, 10.45 Sun – 12.15, 3.00, 6.00, 8.45 Mon - 6.00, 8.45 Tues – 6.00, 8.45, 10.45 Wed – 6.00, 8.45 Thurs – 6.00, 8.45

Sat 17th Only – 2.15 - Tickets €4.50/£4.00

Princess & Pirates Day - Meets & Greets from 1pm – 3pm

JUMANJI:

STATUS UPDATE

WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

12A – 106min FLS Fri – 2.15, 6.15 Sat – 2.15, 6.15 Sun – 2.00, 6.15 Mon – 6.15 Tues – 6.15 Wed – 6.15 Thurs – 6.15

12A – 118mins Fri – 2.30 Sat – 2.30 Sun – 2.30

DEN OF THIEVES

EARLY MAN PG – 89min FLS

15A – 140min FLS Sun – 8.15 Mon – 8.15 Tues – 8.15 Wed – 8.15 Thurs – 8.15

Fri – 12.15, 2.15, 4.15, 6.15 Sat – 12.15, 2.15, 4.15, 6.15 Sun – 12.15, 2.15, 4.15 Mon – 6.15 Tues – 4.15, 6.15 Wed – 6.15 Thurs – 6.15

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

12 STRONG 15A – 130min FLS Mon – 8.15 Tues – 8.15

PG – 105min Sun – 8.30 Wed – 8.30 Thurs – 8.30

Download the App and Pre Book your Tickets - Skip the Queues Kids Club SATURDAY TO THURSDAY €1.80/£1.60 12 Noon Shows ONLY

Believing they've left behind the shadowy figures from the past, billionaire Christian Grey and his new wife, Anastasia,

fully embrace their inextricable connection and shared life of luxury. Just as the Greys begin to

step into their new roles, sinister events come to light and jeopardize their happy ending before it even begins.

FERDINAND G – 106mins Fri – Sun 12noon Kids Club

Gift Card Available

PADDINGTON 2

At the Box Office & Online Ideal for any occasion

G – 103mins Fri – Sun 12noon Kids Club

30 PETS/KIDS

Letterkennypost

Website: www.animalsinneeddonegal.com

ANIMALS IN NEED Jacquie Knox Animals In Need Donegal

It may not feel like it with the current wintery weather, but it's almost Spring and love is in the air! Which is why this is the perfect time to have any cat - or dog for that matter - over 6 months old neutered or spayed, especially as we are on the brink of this year's kitten season. Last year Animals In Need (AIN) rescued and rehomed almost 900 animals, simply because there are still too many cats and dogs being born and not enough homes for them to go to. You may love your pet to the extent that you believe the World would be a better place with mini versions of them in it but the bottom line is that every extra cat or dog being deliberately bred is taking up a home that a desperate, homeless animal needs. The overpopulation problem is so serious in this country that there are approximately 20 dogs more per person in Ireland than in the UK which is why neutering is the only way forward. So please neuter or spay your pet. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution. There has finally been movement onwards for some of AIN's foster dogs, with 13

Thursday 15 February 2018

Rebel was rescued last week.

dogs heading off to the Dogs' Trust's rehoming centre in Dublin on Tuesday morning, following a ﬁnal vet check up on Monday morning. Moving such a large number of dogs around would not be possible if not for the backing of the people of Donegal and beyond, who contributed with such generosity to the fundraising appeal which allowed AIN to purchase a new van back in the Autumn. The van has been put to good use ever since and has already clocked up over 11,000 kms from transporting and rescuing dogs all around the county. AIN's cattery is still full with gorgeous cats and kittens looking for homes. A special, indoor home is being sought for two Maine Coon/Persian brothers that

arrived at the cattery last week when their owner could no longer keep them due to a change in circumstances. These two gentle giants are 7 years old, neutered and for a loving home, preferably together. They have always lived indoors and are quiet, well behaved cats. If you can offer these stunning boys a home, please contact the cat helpline. A 4 month old ginger kitten was also taken into foster care this week. Morris had been found in Raphoe by a teenage girl in early December, when he was only around 9 weeks old. He was in a bad way, with 3 deep puncture wounds to his body. The vet who examined him concluded that the wounds were bite marks, most likely from a dog and

said that it was a miracle that Morris was alive. Following treatment, Morris made a full recovery but his ﬁnders were unable to keep him and he was transferred to AIN's care. After a tough start to life, Morris' luck has finally changed. This loveable kitten was booked by a new home within a day of arriving at his foster home and he will be moving to Dublin at the weekend to live with his new family and his new kitten companion Olive, which is a fantastic outcome for him. AIN has a number of feral and semi-feral cats currently looking for homes. Feral cats provide excellent, enviromentally friendly rodent control, requiring just somewhere warm and dry to sleep, such as a barn or shed, and fresh water and food every day. AIN's feral cats are neutered and healthy so if you can offer them shelter in return for their skills, please contact the cat helpline. Finally, a date for your diary. AIN's annual Easter Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday March 24th from 12 noon until 4pm at St Patrick's Pastoral Centre in Donegal Town. Further details to follow nearer to the day. To help AIN’s animals, please donate €2 to AIN’s ‘Help Us To Help Them’ fundraising appeal via your phone by texting

Indoor home wanted for Maine Coon-Persian Brothers.

the word ‘KITTEN’ to 50300. Every last cent goes directly to the rescued animals for

their food, bedding, vet bills, worming treatment and vaccinations.

Morris is moving to a new home in Dublin.

For further information on adoption, fostering, volunteering etc, please contact the main helpline on 087 1356188. For cat/kitten enquiries please call 087 7644420. Animals In Need Donegal is also on Facebook and has a website at http://www.animalsinneeddonegal.com.

LIFESTYLE 31

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

WIN TEABREAK TEASERS

Weekly Horoscopes Aries (March 21-April 19)

In the next six months, you will think a lot about your future. This is a powerful time of harvest for you - the peak of a 30-year cycle. You see what direction to take and what to leave behind. If you need financial help and assistance to move in a new direction - you will get it this year. Your relationship with your kids or a romantic partner will be a major focus for the first part of this year. Your question is how does this relationship fit in with your future plans? Some years we can coast. Other years, decisions are vital. This is one of those years. What kind of success do you want to enjoy 12 to 18 months from now? That’s where you need to put your energy.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You are high viz. Bosses, parents and VIPs admire you. Relations with close friends and partners are supportive, and will continue to be this year. Last week’s mega Lunar Eclipse joined the top and the bottom of your chart. No matter what you do, you cannot escape the inﬂuence of family right now. You might be dealing with parental authority or the expectations of family. The degree to which you ignore family might lead to some high drama. Be careful. Instead, focus on how you can be best prepared to make your secret dreams come true in 2020-21. What can you do now to move in that direction? Do what’s best for you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

You are the wordsmith of the zodiac. You love the stimulation of exchanging stories and learning new, exciting ideas. In the next six months, there will be a shift to your everyday awareness. Something about your daily pattern and daily routine will change. You will love exploring something new and will have a lot of opportunities to learn much, especially in a daily way. The pull of travel will be there but you might have difﬁculty travelling as much as you want. It’s important to get your days organized because you are learning to take care of yourself at a deeper more self-sufﬁcient level, and this is a good thing.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Last week’s Lunar Eclipse was a money eclipse for you! You might be taking a second look at something or reevaluating shared property, inheritances, your job, your earnings or even something that you own. Could be anything. Quite likely, you had a fairly ﬁrm idea about something and now you’re rethinking things. Actually, you might keep making adjustments about something until the fall. That’s okay. Lord knows you’re never casual about money because thrift is in your soul. You are also slowly beginning to acknowledge how much power you have and how much power you will begin to use in the future. Money is energy to get things done!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

Well, you certainly feel a shift since last week because this special Lunar Eclipse occurred in Leo! Those of you who will feel it the strongest are born from July 27 to August 3. Quite likely, one of the areas you will be giving much thought to in the next six months is partnerships and close friendships. These might include old partnerships or current partnerships probably both. Some drama might be taking place. A changing of the guard. Fortunately, your home and family will be happy and supportive this year, and this gives you the base you need to explore new approaches to these relationships. Your back is covered. Your ﬁnances look good for the next month. Sweet!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Your great strength this year is your own optimism and belief in a positive future. Do not let this waiver. The next few weeks are a lovely time to deal with partners and close friends because people are friendly, accepting and forgiving. You can handle the increased activity and chaos on the home front. Don’t worry about this. (You love the challenge.) Where you will feel a shift and change of ideas and expectations will be with anything related to your work, your job and your health. In fact, something regarding these areas might be a bit secretive. You feel

€10

VOUCHER

Sponsored by

the change but you’re not broadcasting it. That your prerogative. Some will undergo a change of attitude to a pet. Curious. Woof!

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Letterkenny

You will handle the change that ﬂows from last week’s Lunar Eclipse well. Whatever happens will not be too demanding or difﬁcult. And your ability to boost your earnings this year will make things easier. (Money isn’t the root of all evil - greed is.) You’re social. You enjoy restaurants, resorts, hotels and schmoozing with friends. In the next six months, these activities will be fun! (Oh the pain of it all.) You might rethink a relationship with a friend, especially a female. You might also be aware of a shift in your relationship with your kids. Expect a heightened awareness about your own creative potential. You might decide to tackle something brave and exciting! “I can do this!”

Name.......................................................

Address...................................................

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Last week’s, Lunar Eclipse was a big deal for you. For the next six months, you will give more thought to a parent or a changing situation at home or in the family. This heightened awareness will be a maturing, beneﬁcial experience; however, you might feel caught between two parents, or two ideals, or two ways of being - one being more external and out there in the world and the other being more withdrawn and home-based. Nevertheless, Venus will bring fun and games your way in the coming month! No matter what happens, you have the divine blessing of Jupiter in your sign this year, and this is no small thing indeed.

................................................................

Tel: ..........................................................

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You are the seeker of the zodiac. This is not just because you love to travel but because you constantly seek “truth” - the big answers to the big questions. Like how to break the bank at the Bellagio. (Just kidding.) In the next six months, you want to learn as much as possible. Some will seek lofty information and study subjects of higher learning. Others will acquire street smarts. What’s the best, fastest way to play this game called life? Whichever direction you choose, you will have energy to burn because ﬁery Mars is in your sign for the next six weeks. Enjoy entertaining at home and tweaking your digs.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

The major Lunar Eclipse last week hit both your Money Houses. You’re never casual about money. You hate waste. You like the security that money can promise. In fact, the security of money and possessions is what you will think about in the next six months. What really is security? Maybe you have to know what it is you really value? We always think we know what we value until we lose something. The reason you need to know what you value is you are setting out on a new path - not just for the next six months - but for the rest of your life. What really makes you happy?

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You are part of the Leo/Aquarius axis of last month’s Lunar Eclipse. This means the next six months will usher in a subtle shift in your attitude to partnerships and close friendships. This is big stuff! You will be braver and more bold about the ideas that you entertain because with Jupiter at the top of your chart this year, you appear so successful to others. And success makes one conﬁdent and willing to entertain risks. Oh yes! I’ve said it before but it bears repeating. For a relationship to be rewarding, you must be as good for your partner as he or she is for you. It’s a twoway street. Marriage is just a word - not a sentence.

Send your entries to: The Editor, Letterkenny Post, 26 Balliniska Road, Springtown Industrial Estate, Derry, N. Ireland BT48 0NA

Across

Down

7. Short old lag with class now has to (7) 9. Not a person to be found at midday at the end of June (2,3) 10. Sounds like colour squared (3) 11. A tank for William to beat everybody (9) 12. Mr. does without tea and hoards money (5) 14. Continent gets a twitch on to become a native (7) 16. Castle in Spain? No, across the border (7) 18. Game with robbers, say, in the bushes (5) 19. With sucking and blowing, this creates air (9) 20. It’s alright after we start using Chinese pot! (3) 21. The limits of misplaced anger (5) 22. Typewriter key left French water to produce a picturesque effect (7)

1. Of purely theoretical interest to a professor (8) 2. An imperial weight without you is in the past (4) 3. Is Willie singing in this U.S. freight wagon? (6) 4. Evil spirits found in tin cubicles. (6) 5. Ed troops staggers ,and pauses here to enter (8) 6. Put up with bare changes (4) 8. Small,artist mixed up with you,makes someone who paints little (11) 13. Right in being frugal is like shadow boxing (8) 15. Look at this . A last dart ﬁnish ! (8) 17. ‘E ran away with ‘er to Gretna Green! (6) 18. Grouchy moving sideways? (6) 19. Rent not lower, we hear (4) 20. Stimulate changes the whole beginning (4)

Last weeks solution

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

It might take a while for you to consciously acknowledge the shift of awareness that is taking place for you in the next six months. This is not because you’re asleep at the wheel. Au contraire! You are highly tuned in. The reason is because this particular Lunar Eclipse is generating a shift of awareness for you that is rather obscured and hidden. You have to be very still, very quiet, very mindful and alert to begin to be aware of the change taking place within you. I’m not being dramatic. What will unfold will be a series of little epiphanies that will be a rich path of growth and deeper understanding for you. A blessing!

Congratulations to: Conal McCann 2 Crievesmith Park Letterkenny

32 PETS

Letterkennypost

Pet’s Corner

Doggy Do's & Don'ts International

by Kathleen Murray. Tel: 0863192247

By-laws of interest for dog owners Many local authorities have introduced bye-laws to indicate areas where dogs must be kept on a leash or even prohibited. Your local authority will be able to inform you of the bye-laws that apply in your area. Breaches of these bye-laws can result in ﬁ nes on summary conviction. Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 it is an offence to allow a dog under your control to foul a public place. This means the owner or person in charge of the dog is required to remove dog faeces and dispose of them in a suitable, sanitary manner. You can complain to the District Court under the litter laws against an owner or someone in charge of a dog who allows that dog to foul public places and who fails to act responsibly. Before you do this, you must first inform the dog owner of your intention by completing a special form available from the Dog Control Unit of your local authority. Excessive dog barking that causes a nuisance is an offence. You may be able to solve such problems by talking to the dog owner.

If you don’t get a satisfactory response, you may complain to the District Court and seek a hearing. When you have received a court date, you must inform the dog owner of your complaint by using the form prescribed for this purpose under Section 25 of the Control of Dogs Act 1986. These forms are available from the District Courts and from

local authorities. The court may make an order requiring the occupier of the premises in which the dog is kept to abate the nuisance by exercising due control over a dog. The court may limit the number of dogs that can be kept on a premises or may direct that a dog be delivered to a dog warden to be dealt with as unwanted.

WE ARE

DIGITAL! Visit www.donegalnow.com for more AVAILABLE ON

Thursday 15 February 2018

Bow-wow’s Know How Brought to you by www.BwamPets.com

Importance of an active dog Life can be hectic, and it’s easy to get so busy that we forget to take proper care of ourselves and our dogs. Regular physical exercise is crucial for maintaining health and preserving youth. Regular exercise with a brisk walk or light run can help support longevity and quality of life for both our dogs and ourselves. The cliché “use it or lose it” is very appropriate when it comes to muscle strength and tone. Challenging the body with physical work also promotes healthy hormone activity. Most of us know that a lack of exercise can contribute to fat accumulation. What’s less well known is that a lack of physical work allows the muscles and other tissues to degenerate. This degeneration, along with an increase in body fat, produces a negative impact on metabolism and general wellness. The following are just some reasons to keep you and your canine companion moving every day! Exercise prevents premature aging. As our animals age, their muscle mass diminishes. Similarly, if humans lose muscle, the risk of disease increases and the potential to recover declines. Regular exercise and good nutrition therefore help to maintain good muscle strength and integrity. Exercise maintains strong bones. Exercising muscles directly works the associated bone and helps maintain healthy bone density. The physical stimulation of exercise actually activates specialised cells within the body that also help improve bone mass. Exercise helps with arthritis. Contrary to conventional thinking, exercise is important even if your pet is dealing with disease, such as arthritis. Exercise helps your pet's natural body ﬂuids

to lubricate their joints which allows them to move more smoothly. Also, the chemicals (endorphins) which are released by the body during regular exercise actually help alleviate pain. Exercise reverses obesity. Obesity increases the risk for diabetes, bone disease, cancer, dementia and more. Regular activity improves metabolism to the point where fat management becomes easier and obesity can be reversed. Exercise truly is the elixir of life! Exercise improves insulin health and metabolism. Physical activity helps jumpstart natural body systems involved in regenerating and maintaining insulin health and helping to reverse diabetes. Improvement of insulin resistance literally enhances biological age and general health as well as energy, stamina and strength. Exercise pumps toxins out of the body. The lymphatic system is designed to eliminate byproducts and toxins, and it is pumped by working muscles. Laid-back lifestyles allow this sludge to back up and choke the cells. Physically working muscles literally helps to pump toxins out of the body, supporting health and vigor. This is one reason we feel invigorated and more mentally alert when we exercise regularly. Physical activity reduces the risk for disease, improves biological age, prevents premature aging and enhances quality of life. No matter how busy you are, try to pencil in time to take regular brisk walks with your dog. Couple this new level of physical activity with a healthy diet and you and your canine friend will both beneﬁt!

Compiled by Bow-wows & Meows. For further information on Dog Walking or other Pet Care Services, please call us on 086 156 3347 or visit our website at www.BwamPets.com or find Bow-wows & Meows on Facebook.

FARMING 33

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

Letterkennypost YOUR FREE LOCAL WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

& THE NORTH WEST

=Xid`e^

McGinley Motors

NEWS MART RESULTS PHOTOS

Pearse Rd., Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

www.landrover.com

Tel: 074 91 25666

IFA President tells Commissioner to 'dig in' for farmers on Mercosur negotiations IFA President Joe Healy met with EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan in Brussels this week and discussed the latest update on the Mercosur negotiations. He said with reports from Brussels that the Brazilians are looking for way more access in the Mercosur negotiations, beyond the 70,000t already offered. Mr Healy said: “EU Trade Commissioner Cecelia Malmstrom cannot be allowed to give away any more. “The Commissioner has already capitulated to the Brazilians in these negotiations, moving from 45,000t to 70,000t and Europe should go no further.” Mr Healy said Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan has made it clear that the 70,000t is the only formal offer from the

Commission. The Commissioner has to dig in on this and not allow Commissioner Malmstrom to be rolled again in the negotiations. IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said Commissioner Hogan has to face down the Trade Commissioner and insist that the EU does not give any more concessions to the Brazilians. He said: “Commissioner Malmstrom has already conceded way too much in the giveaway of an additional 70,000t of EU beef market access. Ireland, using all diplomatic and political channels, and Commissioner Hogan need to say bluntly: this has to stop.” Mr Woods said talk of the EU Commission renegotiating existing TRQ (tariff rate quotas) and giving further concessions to

the Brazilians is nothing short of a threecard trick. He added: “Commissioner Hogan must dig in and stop Commissioner Malmstrom in her tracks from conceding on the double to Brazil.” “The negotiating strategy ﬂies in the face of everything that the EU stands for, and what is happening in terms of Brexit.” He accused the Trade Commissioner of blatantly undermining European policy and values on the environment and animal welfare. “One arm of the Commission is prepared to do this deal and undermine the environment and animal welfare, while European farmers are asked to play their part on climate change and maintain the highest welfare standards.”

EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan.

INHFA NW fodder and Glas payments protest

Some of the farmers from the NorthWest who took part in the INHFA protest. PHOTO: Brian Farrell.

In artic conditions on a bitterly cold February monday m orning, the Iris h Natura and Hill Farmers Association(INHFA) were forced onto the streets to highlight the impracticable fodder aid package announced by the Minister for Agriculture Mr Creed and to also call on him to issue overdue Glas payments to cash strapped farmers. The protest was held outside DAFM offices Drumshambo, Co.Leitrim where INHFA members vented their anger at what can only be described as a pure shambles according to association President,Colm O Donnell. The farm leader read out

a letter which called on the Minister to reconvene the fodder action group to address the many inconsistencies and problems with the package designed by his Department and the co operatives. "This package was not what was proposed by the stakeholders action group and to give credibility and confidence back to the forum set up by Minister Creed he must now call those stakeholders back to adjust elements of the package to make it workable for affected farmers. "We have outlined in the letter the following steps that must be taken," • A meal voucher scheme

to be included which was the unanimous recommendation by the stakeholders action group. • Licenced hauliers who traditionally source quality fodder to be involved in the transport subsidy scheme. • The 100km zone to source fodder to be changed. • Local Agri stores to be added to the scheme where there Is no co op in the area, e.g. nearest co op to Connemara is over 50 miles. • Square bales of hay and straw to be included in the scheme because farmers with environmental restrictions on their farms they can only feed square bales to out-wintered livestock. • The DAFM must cover

the cost of fodder assessment by approved advisors. Speaking on the non payment of Glas to thousands of farmers O'Donnell stated that "its totally unacceptable that farmers are now almost three months waiting for their money since the Minister announced the issuing of Glas payments which is a breach of the farmers charter of rights." Concluding the INHFA President said: "Farmers have enough problems of their own trying to run a business without a proper Rural Broadband service and called on the Minister to get on top of his brief, fix the I.T problems once and for all and pay farmers on time."

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE

Letterkennypost YOUR FREE LOCAL WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

& THE NORTH WEST

CALL CASSIDY TODAY

Pictured with Northwest Macra Vice President Sharon Corcoran (middle) are the new Northwest Macra King and Queen 2018 Luke McClintock from Donegal and Paula Kiernan from Leitrim. PHOTO: Darran Smyth.

Tel: 07491 12748 Mob: 086 7714067

34 CLASSIFIEDS

Letterkennypost post

Thursday 15 February 2018

TRADES & SERVICES .. EMPLOYMENT .. PUBLIC NOTICES

:hkc^_bb FbWdj BjZ$

WE SPECIALISE IN REPAIR & SERVICE OF ALL DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL BOILERS & ALL CENTRAL HEATING & PLUMBING SOLUTIONS

Â&#x161; Â&#x161; Â&#x161; Â&#x161;

REGULARLY SERVICING YOUR BOILER CAN REDUCE FUEL COSTS BY UP TO 25% REGISTERED & APPROVED ENGINEER

Â&#x161;

CLEAN, RELIABLE AND PROMPT SERVICE

Â&#x161; Â&#x161; Â&#x161; Â&#x161;

I_j[ :[l[befc[dj :hW_dW][ =hekdZ mehai :[ceb_j_ed [dg aVg\Z VcY hbVaa hZXidgh# FbWdj ^_h[ ( " )* idccZ :mXVkVidgh l^i] gdX` ]VbbZgh ViiVX]bZcihÂ½ I_j[ :kcf[hi I^kjj[h[Z MWbbi%JWdai HeWZi <ekdZWj_edi

BdW^aZ/ %-*&+,-'+( IZa/ %,).&*%.&*

COLL CLEANING Carpets, Upholstery, Hard Floors ECO SAFE CLEANING SOLUTIONS:

No harmful chemicals or detergents used.

WE ARE

DIGITAL!

Safe for Children & Pets.

EXPERT CLEANING OF LEATHER SUITES & ORIENTAL RUGS! EXCELLENT RESULTS GUARANTEED!

074 91 36119 / 087 2203389

Visit www.donegalnow.com for more

AVAILABLE ON

www.collcleaning.com

LETTERKENNYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

JOB VACANCY: General Manager Crocknagee Oysters Ltd is a family run business based in Roxtown, Clonmany, Co.Donegal which operates three oyster farms around Inishowen The General Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the business with guidance from the directors Previous people management experience essential Key Responsibilities/Duties: â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢ â&#x20AC;¢

Personal attributes:

Manage work force â&#x20AC;¢ Self motivated Work distribution & time management â&#x20AC;¢ Good decision making skills Record keeping â&#x20AC;¢ Ability to learn a specialised industry HR management â&#x20AC;¢ Excellent communication skills Stock/supplies ordering â&#x20AC;¢ Organisational skills/ Strategic planning skills Salary commensurate with experience Please send CVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to Crocknagee Oysters Ltd, Crocknagee, Roxtown, Clonmany, Co.Donegal. or email to crocknageeoysters@gmail.com

FAVOURITE

PASTIME VERAGE O C A A G L A C O L P O T

Y A D S R U H T Y R E V E

Letterkennypost YOUR FREE LOCAL WEEKLY NEWSPAPER

River Media operates six award winning and market leading local newspaper titles. This includes the Derry News and the County Derry Post in County Derry; the Letterkenny Post, Finn Valley Post, Inish Times and Donegal Post in County Donegal; and the Kildare Post in County Kildare.

The following position has arisen:

FIELD SALES EXECUTIVE DONEGAL POST n n

Competitive salary with bonus potential Professional training and development

We are looking for: An exceptional field sales executive, with an impressive track record of personal sales performance and a creative approach to selling, to join our professional sales team. You must be: Industrious, and motivated with a flair for maximising business opportunities and have excellent communication skills. To submit your CV and give us some further information please log on to www.rivermediajobs.com Closing date: Thursday 22 February 2018 at 12.00 pm River Media is an equal opportunities employer

Donegal Post Your Local Newspaper

& THE NORTH WEST

Food and Beverage Supervisor We are seeking an experienced Food and Beverage Supervisor to join our professional and friendly team here at the Station House Hotel. The candidate must have a proven track record, be hard working, highly motivated, be able to multitask, have a friendly and professional manner and be able to liaise in a professional way with our existing dedicated team.

Minimum Requirements and Responsibilities: â&#x20AC;¢ Have 2 yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience in a similar role. â&#x20AC;¢ Be a good leader with clear communication skills. â&#x20AC;¢ Possess excellent customer service skills, always ensuring high standards are met. â&#x20AC;¢ Responsible for supervising a team focused on quality and customer care. â&#x20AC;¢ Assist the Manager with the team members training, continually refreshing their training according to standards and requirements of the department and of the hotel. â&#x20AC;¢ Promote good working relations between team members and to foster high morale through empowering employees.

â&#x20AC;¢ Keep abreast of all relevant customer information to work closely with the bar and restaurant team to adapt service as appropriate. â&#x20AC;¢ To ensure all cash handling procedures are followed. â&#x20AC;¢ Assist in food and beverage service as required in all other areas. â&#x20AC;¢ To coordinate with the Manager in reference to Conference and banqueting areas with weekly banqueting business. â&#x20AC;¢ Conference and Banquet set-up and execution. â&#x20AC;¢ Assist in day to day Hotel operations.

For further information or to send through your resume, contact shiloe@stationhouseletterkenny.com

Letterkennypost SPORT Thursday 15 February 2018

www.letterkennypost.com

RALLYING

Main sponsors secured for county’s biggest sporting event

Joule on board again for Donegal Rally With less than ﬁve months remaining to the biggest sporting event in Donegal, it has been conﬁrmed by the Donegal Motor Club that Joule Energy Systems will once again be the main sponsors of the Donegal International Rally. This news ensures that the event will go ahead as planned. Joule Energy Systems is now in its fourth year as title sponsors of the biggest rally in Ireland. CEO of the Company, Ian Barrett, said he is delighted to be back on board backing the event - and he is looking forward to e bringing his fabulous Fiesta WRC to compete in the event which takes place over the weekend of 15th to 17th of June. Donegal Motor Club Chairman, Brian Brogan, said “It’s great to have Joule on board again for 2018, their support of the event is very much appreciated and we look forward to working with Ian and his team in making the event yet another special occasion.” Clerk Of the Course Eamon Mc Gee also commented: “I would like to thank Joule for their continued support of the event, we aim to make the 2018 Joule Donegal International bigger and better than ever”. With plans well under way for the June spectacle its sure to be yet another great event, with entries over the last few years well over subscribed. It was also announced this weekthat The Pulse Nightclub in Letterkenny will come on board as an associate sponsor of the Donegal International Rally. Proprietor Mark Crossan has

Manus Kelly and Donal Barrett in action during the 2017 Joule Donegal International Rally. Picture Courtesy of Philip Fitzpatrick/Sportsfile

pledged his support to the Donegal Motor Club and they will run a Rally Party night on Good Friday 30th March in the Pulse Night Club Letterkenny. Headline acts on the night will be Hit the Diff Star Marty Moane ,The

Whistlin Donkeys and Local Country Star David Craig .All monies on the night will go the Donegal Motor Club Support fund. Mark Crossan said: “We have had a long association with the Rally and we are glad to be on board to help the

Club as a sponsor and be part of yet another super Rally.” Club Chairman Brian Brogan stated: “We would like to thank Mark and all at the Pulse for their support. This kind of help from local businesses will make it another great year in Donegal.

I would urge for as much support for this special Night on Good Friday.” More details of the Joule Donegal International Rally and the Pulse Good Friday Party Night are now available on www.donegalmotorclub.com and the www.pulsevenue.ie.

Countdown to the 2018 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship

Cork venue beckons for Donegal crews By Chris Ashmore

The 2018 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship gets underway on St. Patrick's weekend, March 16h-18th) with the Quality Hotel Clonakilty West Cork Rally – and history could be made yet again. With the traditional season opener, the Galway International Rally not running this year it means the lead up to this year’s series is six weeks longer. Donegal’s Donagh Kelly and co-driver Conor Foley captured the title in dramatic fashion in 2017 to take the honours for an unprecedented fourth year in succession. There has been a lot of interest in the event and Kelly has signalled his intention to go for a ﬁfth consecutive title. The format for the rally will be eight stages on the Saturday and six stages on the Sun-

day, with all stages to be run in daylight. This doesn’t appear to have dimmed the enthusiasm of the crews looking to participate though, with strong interest from most of the regular contenders. Pettigo’s Kevin Eves won the national section of the West Cork Rally last year. The event will also be the ﬁrst round of the FIA Celtic Trophy and the PlasticBags. ie Southern 4 Rally Championship. Last year’s Irish Tarmac champion Sam Moffett had a remarkable year, winning championships both on tarmac and forestry surfaces. While not planning as hectic a schedule for 2018, he does nonetheless plan to defend his title starting with West Cork in March. With two outright wins on international rallies last year Sam with co-driver Karl Atkinson will be pushing hard to

Donagh Kelly in action...can he win West Cork again?

add to that list for this year. Sam’s younger brother. Josh, is also looking forward to the forthcoming season after a mixed year last year. He will be hoping for a more consistent run in 2018 and had his best result of the championship in Clonakilty

last year when he ﬁnished second overall and took his only maximum points score of the year. He had a titanic struggle with Sam on the Cork 20 only to go off the road on the ﬁnal stage when leading and will be hoping for better luck this

year. Josh Moffet led after stage one of last weekend’s Carrick Foresty Rally with Stephen Thornton in their Ford Fiesta R5, but they had a major incident on the second stage which dropped them down to last place, although they did finish the event. Robert Barrable only competed on four rounds last year and finished on two of them. He brought the fi rst Hyundai i20 R5 to Ireland and showcased its enormous potential with some strong performances and very quick times. He reckons he is 80% certain to contest this year’s championship but hasn’t disclosed which car it will be at this time. The Irish Tarmac Rally Championship is heading into its 40th season having started back in 1978 (the 2001 championship didn’t happen due to Foot & Mouth Disease).

Irish Tarmac Championship West Cork Rally - 17-18 Mar 18 UAC Easter Stages Rally, 6-7 Apr 18 Killarney International Rally of Lakes - 5-6 May 18 Donegal International Rally, 15-17 Jun 18 Ulster Rally, 17-18 Aug 18 Cork 20 International Rally, 29-30 Sep 18 Other selected rallies Birr Stages Rally, February 18th ALMC Spring Endurance Trial, February 24th Mayo Stages Rally, March 11th Circuit of Kerry Rally, April 8th Monaghan Stages Rally, April 22nd Cavan Stages Rally, May 27th Sligo Stages Rally, July 8th

36 SPORT

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

INDOOR BOWLS

Not many sports in Donegal can boast of having 44 clubs, stretching from Malin Head to Ballyshannon. And many individuals as well as Donegal teams have brought home titles to the county. Indoor bowls may not get much recognition, but it remains very popular.

Denis Doherty and some of the Donegal players with the McIlroy Cup last year.

The Donegal zone team (Men). Photos by Owen Gallagher and Fred Aicken.

Over 700 players in 44 clubs around Donegal

Indoor bowls - the quiet game with a big following By Chris Ashmore chris@letterkennypost.com

Mention indoor bowls and it’s fair to say that the majority of people in Donegal have never played or even seen the sport live. But it’s actually far more popular than many people realise. Indeed, Donegal has 44 indoor bowling clubs, and has plenty of bowlers who have won numerous honours ranging from local to national and international level. The season runs from Sep-

tember to March and during that time the majority of clubs, scattered all over Donegal, host their own tournaments. Add in the annual competitions (leagues and cups), not to mention Ulster and national events, and the time required to take an active part soon adds up. “Normally games are played on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays,” explains Donegal Zone Convenor, Denis Doherty. “Matches start at 8.00 pm and it can be 11.00 pm or 11.30 pm before they ﬁnish up.”

John Quinn playing for Donegal in the final of the Boomer Cup

The break for tea is an important part of proceedings, and the social side of matters is one of the big appeals for those involved. The best players in the county are selected for the Donegal and Inishowen Zone teams who compete at a national level. The Donegal Ladies team has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, winning the national title three years ago, reaching the ﬁnal in 2016 and winning the shield competition last year. The men’s team has also been to the fore, and has just missed out on titles in recent years. The men have been somewhat unlucky in that they have had a lot of away draws. As Doherty notes, that means more travel and more costs. The Donegal Bowls Association is always on the look-out for extra sponsorship, he adds. A number of Donegal players have excelled. John Quinn, from the Ballylennon Bowling Club in the east of the county, has represented his county and country and won a string of titles and medals. Likewise, Rachel McDonnell has been to the fore individually and for the Donegal ladies indoor bowling team. Most games in Donegal are played in church halls, al-

Rachel McDonald, John Quinn and Colin Glackin study the head while David Bonner sits it out.

though some are in school halls. There has been a dip in numbers in some clubs over the past few years, and – as is the case with other sports – there are so many competing sports and other leisure time attrac-

tions on offer. Of some concern is the falloff in young players in some areas, although a number of clubs to buck the trend. Maghery Bowling Club, outside Dungloe, for example, is a hive of activity when it comes to juve-

nile competitions. It has a particularly strong representation at under-18 level. Doherty notes that the majority of players take up the game because member so their families have played, often their mum or dad. But there is no shortage of clubs. Anyone interested should look at the Donegal Indoor Bowls website (www. donegalbowls.com) for contact details. As well as indoor bowls in the county, there is also lawn bowling. Indeed the sport has had many different governing bodies. Consequently, the Irish Bowls Federation (IBF) is a federated organisation incorporating the The Irish Bowling Association (IBA); The Association of Irish Indoor Bowling (AIIB); The Irish Women’s Bowling Association (IWBA); and The Irish Women’s Indoor Bowling Association (IWIBA).

Next local competition:

The Ballylennon Singles competition started on Monday and runs through until Friday.

DONEGAL PLAYERS IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The National Championships will be played in Shawsbridge in Belfast over two dates in March. The Donegal competitors on March 10th are: Pairs - Mervyn White/Isabel Duncan; Lee Jacob/Charlie Callaghan; Conor Connolly/ Johnnie Shields. Triples - John Quinn/Eddie Curran/David Crawford; PJ Gallagher/David Bonner/Mal McLaughlin. Ladies Singles - K Duggan Juvenile Pairs - Colin Glackin/Dan Bonner Over 55s - Pat Walsh/Paddy Boyle

The Donegal competitors on March 24th are: Singles: Danny McLaughlin, Seamus McLaughlin, John Quinn, Daniel O’Kane, Malcolm Scott, PJ Gallagher, Jamie Glackin. Rinks (4): Lee Jacob/Charlie Callaghan/ Thomas Moore/Wesley Baird. Ladies Pairs: Rachel McDonnell/Vanessa McHugh Ladies Triples: Kathleen Duggan/Phyllis Lyttle/Barbara Aicken Juvenile Singles: Colin Glackin Jamie Glackin showing great concentration

Colin Glackin in action

SPORT 37

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018 INDOOR BOWLS

Donegal Ladies miss out on final The Donegal Ladies travelled to Enniskillen recently to meet Western Zone in the semi-final of the McIlroy Cup, quite hopeful of making their second final in three years. Unfortunately, Western had other ideas and Donegal, inexplicably, went down to their heaviest defeat in ten years. After five ends of the first half, Donegal were adrift by eight shots but their spectators were anticipating a rally to level terms. Regrettably this did not occur and the deficit increased to eighteen shots by the interval. On mat one, Ann Watson, Lisa O’Kane, Donna Hegarty and Ruth Crawford lost by eight-

The Donegal Ladies who won the national shield in 2017.

DONEGAL INDOOR BOWLING CLUBS Ardara Community Centre Ballintra Ballylennon Ballymore Ballyshannon Burtonport Carnone Cathedral Hall (Raphoe) Conwal Donegal Pres Donoughmore Dunfanaghy Forresters/Dunkineely Glenmore Glenties Gortahork Greenbank Hillhead (Carndonagh) Inch Island Knowhead Laghey Lettermacaward Maghery

een shots to three shots and Dorothy Montgomery, Kathleen Lynch, Isobel Duncan and Martina Brogan lost by ten shots to six shots. On the third mat, Ann Hume, Margaret Montgomery, Sylvia Bell and Audrey Gilfillan had a narrow twelve shots to eleven shots victory. After the interval, Donegal were hoping to make early inroads into the deficit. However, they were unable to make any impact and the margin had widened to twentyfour shots after five ends of the second half and the game was over. On mat one, Jean Buchanan, Barbara Aicken, Pearl Bustard

and Paula Friel lost twelve shots to three shots and on mat three , Arlene Robinson, Geraldine Robinson, Vanessa McHugh and Rachel McDonnell lost sixteen shots to three shots. In the middle mat, Phyllis Lyttle, Lila Finlay, Kathleen Duggan and Vera Patterson won by ten shots to seven shots. A very sporting game but it is difficult to fathom Donegal’s lacklustre performance. Western played well, produced telling bowls at crucial times and thoroughly deserved their win. They will now face the North West Zone in the final on February 24th.

Manorcunningham Milford Moville Newtowncunningham Pollan Ramelton Pres Raphoe Pres Rossnowlagh Stranorlar St Eunan’s Raphoe St Johnston B.C St Johnston Masonic St Johnston Pres St Johnston Resource Centre St Mary’s Buncrana St Ninian’s Convoy St Patrick’s (Clonleigh) St Patrick’s (Killea) St Patrick’s (Malin) • A small number of other clubs are not included on this list.

Runners up in the Gortahork Pairs bowling tournament were Michael Gallagher and Antoin Gallagher, pictured with club president, Tony McAuley.

Indoors Bowls – the background

John Quinn, winner of the Dunfanaghy Bill McKinley shield, presented by James McKinley.

The short mat game was reputedly first played in Wales by two South Africans who came to work there. They had played the outdoor game in South Africa and, when the outdoor season closed in autumn. they began to play a simulation of the outdoor game on a strip of carpet in a church hall. Sometime later, they moved to Northern Ireland and brought the game with them. Short mat bowling, as we know it, came to Northern Ireland in the middle 1920s but detailed information of the early days before the formation of the Indoor Bowling Association in 1961 is somewhat sketchy. Ballymacarret Presbyterian

Church claims to be the first club in existence and have, hanging on the wall, a photo, taken in 1929, showing their minister delivering a bowl on what seems to be a three foot wide piece of carpet and through a hoop. It was after the war that the game began to develop and the first league was founded in 1952 in Belfast. Other leagues were formed between then and 1961, with the laws and rules varying from one area to another. With the rapid expansion of the game, it became clear that there was a need for uniformity in the rules of the game and consequently it was proposed that an association be formed to regularise matters. An inaugural

meeting was held in September, 1961. The licencing of tournaments started in 1967, again to ensure uniformity in the organisation. In 1981, 58 clubs and 5 leagues were affiliated to the association and this grew to some 1,000 clubs and some 40 leagues, with in excess of 250 tournaments licensed annually and some 40,000 bowlers enjoying the sports. The clubs are split into 26 zones, with each zone selecting a convener to represent them at monthly committee meetings. The success and development of the indoor game in the North West was largely due to the late Jackie Semple. Jackie was the

Fr. Gavigan and Hegarty win Gortahork Pairs tournament

From left: Tony McAuley (centre) Gortahork Bowling Club President, presents the Johnny Conlon memorial shield to Fr. Adrian Gavigan and John Hegarty, winners of the Gortahork Pairs Tournament.

Gortahork Pairs was won by one of Donegal’s gentlemen, John Hegarty and Fr Adrian Gavigan, Glenties, who squeezed out Antoin and Michael Gallagher, Gortahork, in the concluding end of an excellent final. Semi-final spots were filled by Rachel McDonnell and John Quinn,

Ballylennon, and Dan Bonner and Jamie Glackin, Maghery. Other competitors on Finals Night were Colin Glackin & David Bonner, James Collum and Owen Gallagher, Gortahork, George and Christopher O’Kane, St Eunans, Raphoe and Tony Macauley and Peter Day, Gortahork.

Fr. Adrian Gavigan

Zone Convener for North West from 1977 to 1981 and, as the Zone expanded, clubs in Derry and Strabane formed Foyle Zone, with Jackie taking over as their convener from 1981 to 1983. As the game began to spread into Donegal, Donegal Zone was formed , again with Jackie as their Convener from 1983 to 1986. The first club established in Donegal was that of Newtowncunningham Presbyterian Church and the Zone now has some 44 affiliated clubs, stretching from Malin to Sligo. Tom Patton took over to 1992, followed by Fred Aicken to 2016. The current Convener is Denis Doherty, Moness, Inch Island.

38 SPORT SPORTBRIEFS

Raphoe 5k for Kelsey

There will be a fundraising 5k in Raphoe this Sunday, starting at 10.10 am. Kelsey Barnett was diagnosed with neuroblastoma when she was 4 years old. This brave little girl has stood up to the challenge always smiling and never complaining. When she lost her hair through treatment she was unable to wear her hair clips. So she got some costume made soft hair-bands so she could wear her lovely bows. So on the day of the 5k Kelsey would like for all the ladies, girls (and men if they want) taking part to wear a bow, ribbon or clip in their hair or on their hats. The organisers are hopeful Kelsey will be there on the day to start the 5k. But unfortunately she will miss the prize giving as she has to head to Crumlin to get settled in for her bone marrow transplant on the Monday. So get the bows on for Kelsey and make it a day to remember while showing support for this very brave little girl and her family. Registration is at the Royal and Prior School from 9.30 am. There will be tea and refreshments afterwards. Chip timing will be used. Meanwhile, the Snog and Jog 5k takes place in Ballyshannon, also, this Sunday, with a 10.00 a,m start.

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

ATHLETICS

Letterkenny AC Round-Up (Continued from back page) Donal Farren had an excellent run while competing for Trinity College Dublin in Friday's Irish Universities Indoor Track and Field Championship. Donal clocked 9.03.39 in the 3000m in a very keenly contested race. Stephen Shiels had a top 10 finish in

Saturday's Letterkenny parkrun. He was the leading M45 runner in 22.38. Cathal Roarty's time of 23.55 gave him 2nd place in the M50 category. James McBride clocked 25.03 to finish first in the M65 group. Noel Lynch's time was 25.14. Peter McLean completed his 65th Letterkerkenny parkrun in 27.21 and was 3rd in the M55 category.

Letterkenny AC has selected the Glaslough 5K road race in Co Monaghan on Sunday March 4th as an event which adult members are being asked to consider competing in. The club hope to travel in large numbers and to make it a club day out. It is hoped that as many members as possible from the various training groups will mark

it into their schedule. The race has a 1.30pm start, with travel time from Letterkenny to Glaslough estimated at 90 minutes. The winning Lotto numbers on February 8th were 3, 7, 13, 17. There were no jackpot winners. 1 Match 3 winnerEdel Frize, Trentagh- won €80. The jackpot remains at €2,000.

Sommer's on track

Top three in the Irish Life Health National Women's Intermediate Cross Country, first, Mary Mulhare, 2nd, Nikita Burke (LK AC, pictured on the right) and third, Ashley Ryan.

Finn Valley AC's Sommer Lecky had another international victory over the weekend at the IFAM international event in Belgium. The Castlederg based athlete recorded her winning jump at her first attempt, clearing 1.86m to secure the win ahead of Bulgaria's Mirela Demireva. Lecky's winning jump equalled her own national junior record, which she set last month winning the Scottish senior women's title. In April, she will compete for Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The Finn Valley team that was fifth at the Irish Life Health Juvenile B, Intermediate and Masters Championships in Clarinbridge, Galway.

Letterkenny 24/7 Triathlon Club

IWS Sport Pool Rescue Championships 2018 Congratulations to our swim coaches Lisa Dalton and Paddy Bond on winning silverware at the National Lifesaving championships held in UL at the weekend. Lisa won Silver in the50m Manikin carry. This involved a 25m freestyle swim and a dive to recover a submerged 60kg manikin to the surface within 5m of the pick-up line, before carrying the manikin to the edge of the pool. She also won Bronze in the100m obstacle swim which involved a 100m freestyle swim during which she had to swim under 4 immersed obstacles. Paddy won Gold in the Manikin tow with fins, Gold in the 100m manikin carry with fins and he also won Silver in the 100m obstacle swim. Well done coaches!

Swim Training- Trial change

As you are all aware the club swim sessions have become increasingly busier over the last two years. In an effort to help the below trial changes will come into effect this week: Wednesday Swim sessions: 7-8pm; Beginners session 8-9pm; Saturday swim Sessions: 2 Adult Lanes/1 1416year old lane There will be 2 adult swim lanes but in an effort to accommodate 14-16 year old club members there will be an additional 1lane on a Saturday for this age group. 14-16year old’s MUST be accompanied by a guardian during the full session and in the changing areas. If parents wish to they can take part in the Adult swim lanes.

“Be Bright - Be Seen” Letterkenny 247 Triathlon club have a policy of “Be Bright - Be Seen” for all training events. Cyclists: You must have a front white light and rear red light (preferably flashing) fitted to your bike at all times and also be wearing bright or reflective coloured clothing. Runners: You must be wearing a hi-viz top on all club runs. Hi-viz means reflective. The club provide these free of charge to all club members so please contact Elaine Gallagher if you have not yet received your hi-viz vest.

Marshals required

We still require marshals for our upcoming Duathlon and Children’s Fun Duathlon Festival, anyone available to help who has not already expressed their interest please let Clara/Martin or any committee member know. Children’s Fun Duathlon Festival This is the inaugural hosting of an event of this kind by our club and it will be run after the club’s hosting of the Standard Distance National championships and Junior Sprint Distance National Championship Duathlons on March 11th. The aim of the children’s duathlon is to encourage young people to get active and take part in this ever-growing sport with the emphasis on FUN! The event will not be timed. Join hundreds of children taking part in the 247 Letterkenny Children’s Duathlon where they will run, bike & run all within the O’Donnell Park GAA grounds.

Thursday 15 February 2018

Letterkennypost

SPORT 39

ATHLETICS

The current running craze is there for all to see. You can hardly go out without seeing joggers on the side of the road. Michael Reynolds, who was on work experience with the Post, has compiled this report about some of the big running events that competitors all over the north-west are looking forward to.

The running craze – take four

Countdown is on to major events in the north-west

Flashback to the 2017 Walled City Marathon in Derry.

N Sunday, June 3rd the spectacular SSE Walled City Marathon will take place in Derry. It has built up a great reputation in recent years, with many of the those taking part being repeat entrants.

The course and the backing of the Derry public have meant that his is a very popular event. The race will take place at the Everglades Hotel at 8.30 am and the race will go through a challenging routes as it will go through old rural villages and it will also go through some of Derry’s famous bridges and then the marathon will end at Derry’s historic wall to finish of a magnificent race. There is an entry limit of 2,000 – so anyone not already entered is advised to do so soon as the race is expected to be a sell-out. Prior to the SSE Walled City Marathon, the SSE Walled City Ten Mile event takes place on Saturday, March 3rd. Registration for this event has closed. Omagh Half Marathon Preparations are in full swing for the experience that is the Omagh half marathon which takes place on April 7th. The half marathon will take place just outside from the Omagh leisure centre. This year Omagh Half Marathon charity partners will be Aware NI and Support2gether so this will be an important event to help spread awareness about mental health illness and depression around Northern Ireland. Interested participants are advised to register as soon

as possible to avoid disappointment, as numbers will be capped. Last year 3,500 participants came to this event from as far away as Dallas, in the United States. This year Spar has been announced as the Omagh half marathon sponsors of the race, which is going to be organised by the local athletics club Omagh Harriers. The chairman of Omagh Harriers Michael Ward said: “There are so many different people involved in making an event of this size a success and we’re confident that the

2018 race will not disappoint. There’s something for everyone with the highly-regarded half marathon for runners who have a very good fitness base while the 5k fun run is perfect for those who may have set them a fitness goal for the New Year or just want to get involved in a local organised event. Whether you’re running, walking or cheering on your loved ones it’s a great event for the whole family and we’d encourage as many people as possible to sign up and come along.” There will be a massive £5000 prize fund up for grabs at this spectacular event. There will also be two £250 bonus for the first male and female to break

Runners get off to a good start in the Walled City Marathon 10 Miler last year. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

the Omagh half marathon records which are 64 minutes and 46 seconds for male and 74 minutes and 51 minutes for female. All the participants who take part in this race will receive some memorabilia as all the half marathon runners will receive a branded race Tshirt and the competitors who are taking part in both races will receive a newly designed medal. Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge The Ballylffin Coastal Challenge in Inishowen will challenge even the toughest of athletes on Easter Saturday the 31st of March 31st. The run will start of at 1.00 pm in the afternoon. This shall be the 11th staging of the race. Last year a record 1,200 participants took. Those taking part have a choice of 7 or 10 mile distances. The Ballyliffin race is a very unique experience as the race attracts people nationally and internationally with many of the participants staying the weekend at the beautiful seaside area. The thing that makes the Ballyliffin race so distinctive is the fact that the last two miles of the event is on the beautiful Pollan Beach. Cara Bundoran Saturday, March 10th will se the eighth staging of the popular Cara Bondoran 10k/10m event in the Donegal seaside resort. The event attracts a big entry from all over the north-west and over 1,500 are expected to take part. There is also a 5k on Friday, March 9th with a 21k cycle on Sunday, March 11th.

The Cara Bundoran 10k/10m draws big numbers from all over the north-west.

The Walled City Derry Marathon is expected to attract 2,000 entrants.

40 SPORT

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

SCHOOL SPORTS

Letterkenny Educate Together National School

Sports Council Weekly Blog

Operation Transformation at Letterkenny ETNS We are the Sports Council at Letterkenny Educate Together National School and we represent our National School in all things sporty. In this, our weekly blog, we will be sharing our experience of the Operation Transformation Challenge which our whole school is engaging in. Our motto Healthy, Happy, Learn is central to this dynamic project. The motto will be our focus throughout the six-week programme and this week, our fifth week of the challenge was all about Teamwork

Week 5: Teamwork

We’re now on the second last week of our challenge! After a week of fun and sport we started week five – Teamwork, to learn more about working together.

Active Homework

Eddie, Marty and Kevin who are local firemen taught us about how they work together. The importance of teamwork for them could be a matter of life or death. They highlighted to us the benefits of being a good leader and a good listener. They gave us homework for the week which was to discuss with our families what to do if there was a fire in our homes. We do fire drills in school all the time but we realised we have to have a plan in place for our houses too and to have an assembly point outside our homes.

Visitors

Danny and Alannah Ryan (3rd place winners of Fittest Family in Ireland) came in and taught us the different exercises we could do to keep fit. We knew skipping was fun but it is great for our bodies too. They talked about teamwork and made us think about working together and helping each other through difficult times. Danny showed us his GIANT boxing belt – it was bigger than some of the 2nd class children! Nicki and Pat, two of the coaches of the Special Olympics team – North West Special Olympics Club, came in with athletes Joe, Mark, Trevor and Rosaline. We enjoyed listening to their training techniques and asked lots of questions. Two of the athletes will represent Ulster in the All-Ireland Games in Dublin in June. The athletes who play basketball and football, gave us an interesting insight into teamwork, diet and training from their perspective.

Members of the fire service gave a very informative talk

dancing so much better! We went to visit Declan in his gym (Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre) and he demonstrated some machines and exercises. We even got to test them. Our week ended with assembly and a presentation from our own school teams. The representatives of each team explained to the whole school the details of what they do. We had good questions and interest from the children who would like to join a team. We’ve really enjoyed our Operation Transformation Challenge. It’s been busy but worth it and we have only one week left. Check back next week to hear about our wrap up event and what we have planned going forward.

How it's done...at the Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre.

Student Opinions

“We liked when the army came in and showed us the video.” “We enjoyed when the firefighters came in and we all shouted FIRE as loud as we could” “Danny impressed us with his skipping and balancing.” “Ballyraine NS came in and we played with them and did sports too.” Contact us at sports@letterkennyetns.ie www.letterkennyetns. ie Facebook: letterkennyeducatetogetherns

Members of the Army spoke about the importance of team-work

Army

Conor and John from the army came in and talked about how they work in teams and practice problem solving activities. They showed us lots of pictures and everyone enjoyed the video. We teamed up with Ballyraine National School and spent a fun-filled few hours getting to know them and doing different activities inside and outside our school. We had great fun with relays, football, basketball and board games. We hope to do it again soon. Thanks to Jessica (Zona Dance) for showing us the importance of teamwork in dance. We learned that trusting your dance partner can make

Danny and Alannah Ryan who took part in the Ireland's Fittest Family series on television, go through some exercises with pupils.

Jessica of Zona Dance talks about the importance of team work

Thursday 15 February 2018

Letterkennypost

SPORT 41

SCHOOL SPORTS

10 at 10 fitness leaders come with RTE cameras to Letterkenny School

Operation Transformation at Scoil Cholmille There was a surprise visit from the leaders at 10 at 10, part of Operation Transformation, as the RTE cameras came to Scoil Cholmcille in Letterkenny! Gráinne Bleasdale and Micheál Ó Ciaraidh are getting active while having fun for 10 minutes every morning at 10 o’clock and again at 3 pm on RTÉ. And they took in Scoil Cholmcille as part of their efforts to make Ireland fitter. The programme which is broadcast on a Tuesday and Wednesday Night on RTE, asked for all primary schools to upload their videos of the pupils doing their 10 at 10 exercises every day! Each week a primary school in Ireland is selected for a surprise visit from Micheál and Grainne (the two leaders) and Scoil Cholmcille Letterkenny was the school selected last week. Micheál is a former pupil at Scoil Cholmcille and all at the school were delighted to welcome him.

Class action....Pupils at Scoil Colmcille taking part in the 10 at 10 fitness plan.

Yes, you can do it....Gráinne Bleasdale and Micheál Ó Ciaraidh with some of the younger pupils

Former pupil Micheál Ó Ciaraidh, a fitness leader for 10 at 10 with Operation Transformation, pictured with teachers at Scoil Colmcille in Letterkenny.

Teacher Rory Kavanagh and fitness instructors Micheál Ó Ciaraidh, a past pupil, and Gráinne Bleasdale, issue the instructions to the pupils.

Getting the balance right...one of the pupils doing the 10 at 10 exercises

42 SPORT

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

SOCCER

Harps players in minute's silence for Liam Miller Finn Harps players stand for a minute's silence on Saturday in memory of former Republic of Ireland midfielder Liam Miller who died aged 36. Harps drew 1-1 with Derry City in a preseason friendly played in Carrowmena, Inishowen. Ronan Hale scored for Derry while Harps equalised though Michael O'Connor, on loan from Shamrock Rovers, who scored with the last kick of the game from the penalty spot. Harps begin the First Division campaign on Friday, Feburary 23rd, away to Drogheda United. Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Donegal players in Irish squad By Chris Ashmore Two Donegal soccer players are hoping to make their mark for the Republic of Ireland’s under-17 team. Marc Walsh, who is with Swansea City, and Seamus Keogh, who is with Sligo Rovers, were both named in the Irish squad for two games against Turkey. The double header will act as the ﬁnal preparation for March’s UEFA European Under 17 Championship Elite Round. The Colin O’Brien managed side will travel to Poland for games against the hosts along with ties with Georgia and Macedonia. The top two sides will then Seamus Keogh (Sligo Rovers) qualify for May’s Finals which will take in Ballyshannon, has previously capplace in England. Walsh, from Loughanure, who had been tained the Republic of Ireland under-15 part of the Finn Harps under age set-up, side. “This is a big opportunity for the playjoined the Swansea City Academy in July 2017, and plays with the Welsh club’s ers,” O’Brien commented this week. “This is our last camp before the Elite under-18 sqaud. Keogh, a student at Coláiste Cholmcille Round next month and they are two important games for our development,” he

Marc Walsh (Swansea City)

said. “The two games will be a challenge for everyone. There are places in the team up for grabs.” The first game against Turkey was played last night at Eamonn Deacy Park in Galway and ﬁnished 1-1. The second game will be on Thursday at the same venue with a 1.00 pm start.

SOCCER SCOREBOARD DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE FIXTURES Saturday 17th February K.O. 2p.m. (Unless Stated) Glencar Inn Saturday Division One Glenea United Res v Glencar Celtic Keadue Rovers Res v Milford United Res Orchard F.C. v Donegal Town Res Cappry Rovers Res v Strand Rovers

Cockhill Celtic

Old Orchard Saturday Division Two Kildrum Tigers Res v Drumbar F.C. v Fintown Harps AFC v

Temple Domestic Appliances Division One Keadue Rovers v Raphoe Town Gweedore Celtic v Ballybofey United Convoy Arsenal v St. Catherines Dunkineely Celtic v Lifford Celtic

Lagan Harps Res Raphoe Town Res Drumkeen United Res

Sunday 18th February K.O. 2p.m. (Unless Stated) Knockalla Cup Castleﬁn Celtic v Glengad United (1.30 Kildrum Tigers v Greencastle F.C.(1.30 Glenea United v Letterkenny Rovers (1.30 Coothill Harps v Finn Harps Res (1.30 Bonagee United v Clonmany S'rocks (1.30 Buncrana Hearts v Derry City Res (1.30

p.m.) p.m.) p.m.) p.m.) p.m.) p.m.)

Cavan Town (1.30 p.m.)

Brian Mc Cormick Sports Premier Division Cappry Rovers v Kilmacrennan Celtic Milford United v Lagan Harps Donegal Town v Rathmullan Celtic

Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two Eany Celtic v Drumkeen United Cranford United v Letterbarrow Celtic Copany Rovers v Whitestrand United Deele Harps v Curragh Athletic Kerrykeel ’71 F.C. v Gweedore United

Ireland or Scotland?

Rangers striker Matthew Shiels has been named in both Scotland and Ireland’s under-19 squads ahead of their ﬁxtures later this month, causing just a small degree of confusion. While born in Scotland and having played with his country of birth at under-16 and under-17 level, Shiels’ Donegal-born grandparents make him eligible to represent the Boys in Green, which he has done from under-18 level.

SOCCER SCOREBOARD DONEGAL JUNIOR LEAGUE TABLES Brian McCormick Sports Premier Division P W D L Kildrum Tigers 10 8 2 0 Glenea United 9 5 3 1 Milford United 10 6 0 4 Donegal Town 10 4 2 4 Castlefin Celtic 8 4 1 3 Kilmacrennan Cel 10 4 1 5 Cappry Rovers 6 4 0 2 Rathmullan Celtic 8 2 2 4 Drumoghill FC 9 1 1 7 Lagan Harps FC 10 0 2 8

F 22 23 16 23 28 15 20 12 14 10

A Pts 10 26 9 18 14 18 13 14 13 13 17 13 8 12 21 8 31 4 47 2

Temple Domestic Appliances Division 1 P W D L St Catherines FC 11 8 1 2 Keadue Rovers FC 12 8 0 4 Erne Wanderers FC 14 7 1 6 Gweedore Celtic 12 5 1 6 Ballybofey United FC 10 5 0 5 Bonagee United FC 10 4 2 4 Raphoe Town 10 4 2 4 Convoy Arsenal FC 10 4 1 5 Lifford Celtic FC 9 4 1 4 Dunkineely Celtic FC 12 1 1 10

F 34 27 22 18 17 25 18 26 21 15

A Pts 17 25 17 24 27 22 25 16 15 15 22 14 17 14 19 13 21 13 43 4

Donegal Physiotherapy and Performance Centre Division 2 P W D L F Drumkeen United 12 10 0 2 41 Glenree United 14 8 3 3 35 Cranford FC 11 7 2 2 42 Whitestrand United 10 7 0 3 26 Letterbarrow Celtic 12 6 2 4 35 Deele Harps 13 6 2 5 27 Kerrykeel 71 12 4 3 5 23 Curragh Athletic 12 4 1 7 21 Eany Celtic FC 12 2 3 7 15 Copany Rovers 12 2 1 9 18 Gweedore United 14 2 1 11 11

A Pts 7 30 19 27 21 23 10 21 27 20 26 20 33 15 25 13 26 9 50 7 50 7

Glencar Inn Saturday League Division 1 P W D L Strand Rovers 13 10 3 0 Glencar Celtic 12 10 1 1 Donegal Town 12 6 2 4 Castlefin Celtic 13 5 3 5 Orchard FC 12 4 4 4 Arranmore United 11 4 1 6 Glenea United 10 2 4 4 Keadue Rovers 11 3 1 7 Milford Utd Res 12 3 0 9 Cappry Rovers 12 2 1 9

F 41 43 31 33 24 19 17 19 19 16

A Pts 15 33 9 31 23 20 32 18 26 16 21 13 22 10 29 10 40 9 45 7

Old Orchard Inn Division 2 P Gweedore Celtic 15 Dunlewey Celtic 14 St Catherines FC 14 Drumbar FC 14 Killdrum Tigers 12 Raphoe Town 13 Drumkeen United 11 Fintown Harps AFC 14 Drumoghill FC Res 15 Lagan Harps FC 12

F 43 35 32 31 25 20 17 32 28 22

A Pts 20 31 20 30 11 29 28 21 23 18 29 17 25 14 38 13 48 10 43 4

W 9 9 8 6 5 5 4 4 2 1

D L 4 2 3 2 5 1 3 5 3 4 2 6 2 5 1 9 4 9 1 10

SPORT 43

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018 GAA – ALLIANZ NHL DIVISION 2B

Result in Wicklow could hold key to staying up

Attack minded Donegal travel with no fear was a very good victory over last year’s Nicky Rackard champions”. “It was well deserved and missed two or three goals including a penalty in the first half. “But we were winning all the major battles and really when the chances came we took them well. “Our goals sealed it for us fairly early on in the second half and normally we would be just holding out, but on this occasion the lads just kept going and it was a thoroughly deserved victory,” he said. “That is very important in hurling and we told the lads not to give up”. Donegal face a huge challenge in staying in this higher division but that victory over Derry will stand to them, according to McCann. ‘This is a very big victory for us and gives us a great boost of confidence ahead of the long trip to Wicklow. “And if you look at it, Down only just beat Derry in the first match so we will not fear any of the rest of the teams from now on.” As well as being welcome,

By Gerry McLaughlin sports reporter

Donegal senior hurlers make the long and tricky trip to Wicklow with a bit of hope from a bit of history made last Sunday week. For Mickey McCann’s men made history on the double, getting their first ever victory in Division 2B of the National Hurling League. And it was their first competitive victory over Derry side that was admittedly without their Slaughtneil contingent. But that should not detract from a superb team performance that swatted aside the Derry defence in the second half. And they did it without the considerable services of commanding defender Jamesie Donnelly, while ace marksman Kevin Campbell only came on towards the end of the match. For team manager Mickey McCann and his team, this was a huge psychological advantage ahead of a difficult task against frontrunners Wicklow on Sunday. “I know Derry did not have the Slaughtneil boys but this

GAA SCOREBOARD LEAGUE TABLE

Allianz NHL Division 2B P W Down 2 2 Mayo 2 2 Wicklow 2 1 Donegal 2 1 Derry 2 0 Armagh 2 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 1 1 2 2

+/- Pts. 17 4 15 4 6 2 4 2 -20 0 -22 0

FIXTURES

Sunday, February 18th; Down v. Arrmagh; Derry v. Mayo, Wicklow v. Donegal.

Donegal manager, Mickey Mc Cann, addressing his team, after a great victory over Derry, in the league game in O Donnell Park, Letterkenny. Photo Michael O Donnell

the Derry victory was essential after a pretty comprehensive defeat to Mayo in the opening round.

Setanta

But that was achieved without the full services of the Setanta contingent that will now be available for the rest of the season. And their extra fitness from reaching the All-Ireland Junior Hurling semi-final is a welcome boost to McCann and Co as they strive to stay in Division 2 B. Donegal have a very strong panel this year and McCann has loads of potential on the bench. “Some of the lads up front were not at their usual peak so Kevin Campbell came on and hit a point for us”. And it is up front that Donegal has some pretty potent finishers. Tipperary and Armagh natives Davin Flynn and Declan Coulter are as good a duo as you will get in this Division. Add in the likes of Kevin

Campbell, Bernard Lafferty, Ronan McDermott, Gerard Gilmore and Lee Henderson, who are all noted ball players and finishers and you can see why this Donegal side is in with a real chance of staying in this division. In defence, they have seasoned campaigners like Christopher McDermott and Joe Boyle who have loads of power and panache with Offaly native Niall Cleary adding some real grit and grace. When Jamesie Donnelly returns, this defence will be even stronger and they will need to be at their very best to overcame a pretty potent Wicklow attack.

The Gaels of Kilcar have said a very warm Slan agus Beannacht to one of their true giants that passed way and was laid to rest last Friday. For the late Proinnsias Carr was a true man for all seasons. He served as player, secretary, treasurer for 26 years and was president in 1993 when the club won a great championship county final with a victory over local rivals Killybegs. In his poignant eulogy, club chairman John Carr said Proinnsias was the quiet man with his wee black money box under the counter. And whenever money was needed for a football or other essentials the money was always provided by the diligent Proinnsias. This was not easy, as Proinsias grew up in hard times, but he always managed to put the nclub first even though there were so

Proinsias Carr

many lean years. But his home house was also a place where the players were provided with tea, sandwiches and scones after home matches, something which will never be forgotten in and around Towney.

Leader

But this team has a powerful leader in Danny Cullen, one of the finest midfielders Donegal has ever had. Cullen is the general, the Franz Beckenbauer of this side, setting up attacks, having superb positional sense, able to pull off vital catches at seminal moments and also

Death of Proinnsias Carr This was an era long before sponsorship but Kilcar teams certainly benefited from Proinnsias’s generous spirit. For although he never shouted about it, but the blue and gold of his native Kilcar was stitched into his big heart. And after all those years of great service it was fitting that he finished up as club president. Also, it was richly fitting that his beloved Cill Chartha won the senior league and championship double last year. Proinnsias enjoyed this hugely as he always took great delight in the success of others. And, that is just one of the things that made this quiet giant of Kilcar GAA so really special. He was also very proud of the great developments around the Towney pitch in recent years. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh A Anam Uasal.

able to finish a move and score when it really matters. His partner Ciaran Matthewson was always an exceptional stickman, but has bulked up

considerably in the past few years. He now has the ability to win dirty ball and withstand hard physical challenges that might have bothered him a few years ago. And his Sean MacCumhaill club mate Lee Henderson is one of the sweetest strikers in any division. He continues to be the county’s marksman and a vital part of Mickey McCann’s armoury. And if Henderson is off form, then Setanta star Kevin Campbell is well used to slotting over frees for his county. So the challenge of Wicklow does not luck quite so daunting and it would not be a major surprise if Donegal get another victory or a draw, which could prove to be very valuable in the latter stages of this competitive league. Either way Donegal hurling seems to be firmly on the up and that can only be good news for those faithful followers of the small ball in the county.

Niall Cleary, mops up at the back for Donegal, in the league game in O Donnell Park, Letterkenny. Photo Michael O Donnell

SOCCER

Letterkenny Rovers It’s a big occasion for our u15s side on Saturday as they welcome Galway side Mervue to the Aura in the last 16 of the SFAI National Cup. Kick off is at 2pm and all support would be very much appreciated and we wish James Bonner, Rory McMorrow and all the lads the very best of luck. The weather had a huge influence on club activities last weekend with both the Youths game and Senior game falling foul of the wintry conditions. The underage academy also had to be postponed and it will now commence this Sunday at the Aura at 945am and is available to boys and girls aged 5-10 years and will be organised by Anthony Gorman and all are welcome. The Seniors are in Knockalla Cup action also on Sunday when travelling to play Glenea Utd with an earlier kickoff time of 130pm. Last Man Standing has now completed two weeks and 118 entrants still survive.

All details can be found on the clubs facebook page. This weeks mini lotto numbers drawn were 1-9-17 and 19. There were two people who matched three numbers with Celia McCormick and Michael McGahey receiving 40 euro each. Next weeks jackpot is 5000 euro. Bingo continues on Thursday nights in the Station House Hotel with snowball of 3100 euro on 45 numbers or less. Its eyes down at 830pm sharp and all support is once again appreciated. Meanwhile, the opening fixtures for the Donegal schoolboys league have been released. Here are the fixtures for our teams; u12s Premier; Free week U12s Crusaders Home to Glenea Cubs u12s United; Home to Ballyraine Celtic u14s Premier; Away to Gweedore Utd u14s Crusaders; Away to Bonagee u16s; Rovers; AWAY to Gweedore Celtic u16s Crusaders AWAY to Swilly Rovers

44 SPORT

Letterkennypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

LADIES GAA - LIDL NFL DIVISION 1

Donegal were ahead when game abandoned

Snow go in bid for first win Donegal were heading for their first win of the Lidl Ladies National Football League on Sunday when heavy snow led to the abandonment of their game with Westmeath in Mullingar. At the time, Donegal were leading by 3-9 to 1-8, having led by 1-7 to 1-4 at the break. The game was abandoned in the 48th minute. With heavy snow making playing conditions impossible, the referee had little option but to put an end to the game. Having lost to Dublin and drawn with Galway. they appeared to be on course for their first win of the campaign. Westmeath had already lost to Dublin and Mayo. The game will now be re-scheduled for later in the season.

Yvonne Bonner got a goal and point for Donegal in the first half, and they were the better team from early on. Sarah Jane McDonnell impressed again and Aoife McDonnell set up Bonner for her goal. The Donegal side had a set-back when Nicole McLaughlin was sent to the sin bin with 16 minutes gone. Maud Anne Foley got Westmeath’s only goal, with a long range free that managed to evade Donegal goalkeeper Niamh Mailey. Johanna Maher levelled with a great score before Donegal struck with three unanswered points to hold a lead by a goal, at the end of the first half. Scores were traded early in the second half before two goals from Eilish Ward put Donegal firmly in the driving seat.

With the players struggling in the deteriorating conditions Foley sent over a 47th minute free for what was the final score before play was halted. Westmeath: Karen Walsh; Rachel Dillon, Amie Giles (0-1), Nicole Feery (0-1); Kelly Boyce Jordan, Fiona Claffey, Fiona Coyle; Karen McDermott, Ellen Cronin; Karen Hegarty, Maud Annie Foley (1-4, all frees), Johanna Maher (0-2); Sarah Dolan, Laura Lee Walsh, Lucy McCartan. Donegal: Niamh Mailey; Treasa Doherty, Nicole McLaughlin, Olive McCafferty; Eilish Ward (2-1), Ciara Hegarty, Aoife McDonnell; Katy Herron (0-1), Emer Gallagher; Karen Guthrie (0-3 2f), Niamh Hegarty, Blaithnaid McLoughlin; Roisin Friel, Yvonne Bonner (1-2), Sarah Jane McDonald (0-2).

The scene in Mullingar as the game was abandoned.

GAA SCOREBOARD LEAGUE TABLE

Ladies National Football League Division 1 P W D Dublin 3 3 0 Cork 3 2 1 Mayo 3 2 1 Galway 3 1 1 Kerry 2 1 1 Donegal 2 0 1 Westmeath 2 0 2 Monaghan 2 0 2 Note: 3 points for a win in ladies NFL.

L 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0

F 45 66 36 47 29 23 18 23

A Pts 35 9 37 6 37 6 42 4 35 3 27 1 27 0 47 0

RESULTS

Dublin 3-09 v 1-14 Cork Galway 1-7, Mayo 2-7

FIXTURES The Donegal team faced Westmeath.

GAA – BANK OF IRELAND ULSTER CLUB U21 FINAL

Tom Beag Gillespie’s side hoping to win Paddy McLarnon Cup

Saturday, February 24th Mayo v. Dublin Sunday, February 25th Monaghan v. Donegal ; Cork v. Westmeath; Kerry v. Galway

What a win for Amy!

Gaoth Dobhair face Lavey By Michael McMullan sports reporter

Gaoth Dobhair will be hoping to become the first Donegal side to win the Ulster Club Under-21 title this weekend. Before a ball was kicked in the Derry U21 championship, Lavey weren’t the fancied horse but Seamus Downey’s ever-improving side are just one game away from being crowned Ulster champions. In the previous eight seasons of competition, only teams from Derry, Down and Tyrone have taken the Paddy McLarnon Cup down the Staffordstown Road. Kilrea and Ballinderry both lost finals before Glen’s allconquering machine rolled up the finishing ramp for the last three seasons. Standing in the way of a fourth successive Derry triumph on Sunday are a highly rated Gaoth Dobhair side that lost last season’s semi-final rollercoaster to Glen after extra time. Former Donegal wing-back Kevin Cassidy credits Tom ‘Beag’ Gillespie for the groundwork to his game. The hours spent kicking points, with a bag of balls, at the club’s base in Magheragallon was the foundation for Cassidy’s thundering winner against Kildare

in 2011. Gillespie is in charge of the Gaoth Dobhair U21 crop, with Cassidy at his side and they have reached the final following wins over Rossa, Donaghmoyne and Carryduff. So far in the campaign, Donegal senior player Cian Mulligan has been unavailable with injury. Donegal play Tyrone in Saturday’s Dr McKenna Cup Final, with Michael Carroll and Daire Ó Baoill currently in Declan Bonner’s squad. Two seasons ago, Rory Gallagher prevented the county contingent from lining out for Kilcar, as they were playing a challenge game with Donegal. Last year Gaoth Dobhair were plagued by injury and an assortment of cards in their defeat to Glen. This year, a routine win over Rossa ensured they didn’t slip up in the preliminary round. In the quarter-final, the Donegal champions led a David Garland inspired Donaghmoyne team by six points at half-time. Monaghan senior player Garland rattled off five points on the bounce going into the last 15 minutes, before spurning a goal chance when the game was in the melting pot. Up stepped U17 player Ethan Harkin who grabbed a point to steady the ship. Harkin was too young to feature last season but slammed home

a Gaoth Dobhair goal to set them on their way. In the semi-final two goals from Éamonn Ó Colm proved the difference against Carryduff. At the other end of the pitch, it was Odhrán McFadden-Ferry’s curbing of James Guinness that tamed the Down men. He is likely to pick up Lavey ace Thomas Donnelly this weekend – a tussle that will go a long way to deciding the outcome. Kieran Gillespie missed Donegal’s U21 final win over Derry last season and like Mulligan, has been plagued by injury. Lavey’s patient, measured and controlled possession game has served them well. Probing, passing and waiting on an opening. But it is McGill’s runs, Shea Downey’s link play and the ball-winning ability of the Bradley/Donnelly axis in attack that are the key components of Lavey’s success story. All tied together with a well organised side that has kept two clean sheets so far. GGaoth Dobhair are a step up in class again. Lavey have emerged from the tougher side of the draw but if they continue their improvement, the title is within their grasp. But it’s very much in the balance. An intriguing game is in prospect.

Amy Greene of Rosses AC, on her way to winning the Girls U15 Event during the Irish Life Health Intermediates, Masters, Juvenile B & Juvenile Cross Country Relays at Kilcoran Estate in Clainbridge, County Galway. Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Defeat for Dungloe boxer Dungloe boxer Matthew McCole was unable to get into the semi-finals of the National Elite Championships at the National Stadium in Dublin last weekend. The light-welterweight Donegal boxer was beaten by the well-regarded Wayne Kelly of Portlaoise in a 64kgs quarter-final on a 5-0 verdict from the judges.

SPORT 45

FinnValleypost

Thursday 15 February 2018 GAA

Having a big population and lots of players and clubs naturally has some bearing on who the stronger counties are in terms of Gaelic football, and hurling. But some more than others do punch above their weight. In this special report, the Donegal Post looks at some of the statistics to ﬁnd out more.

Where Donegal stands in the GAA players’ index By Chris Ashmore sports reporter

There is no doubt that Dublin top the rankings charts in terms of Gaelic football at the moment, have done for the last few seasons, and could well do for a few years ahead such is their current dominance. Kerry, Mayo and Tyrone are generally seen as next in line while Donegal and Monaghan are certainly in the top eight with the likes of Galway, Kildare, Roscommon and Cork probably staking claims to be in that elite bracket as well. But is there a link between a county’s population, the number of players, and ﬁnances? Well, the simple answer is that it is complicated. As in so many other sports, it seems that the stronger sides are getting ever stronger and that the gulf between them and the rest is widening. In hurling, there is a massive disparity with a handful of counties quite literally being in a different league to the rest. So the football comparisons are probably more apt. While there are numerous variables in compiling a ranking list, the population of a county and the numbers playing the game does provide for an interesting study. Indeed, the Donegal Post GAA index (see right) makes for some interesting reading. It suggests that, quite clearly, some counties are doing better or worse than others based on crude population and number playing statistics. Interestingly, in Ulster, Donegal has the most people playing Gaelic games. The county has 13,701 players registered with the GAA, Down had 11,283, Tyrone comes next with 11,034 while Derry is fourth in this

ranking, with 10,714. At the other end of the scale, Fermanagh has just 3,887 players registered – only Leitrim of the 32 counties has a lower ﬁgure.

Money

Money talks as well. From 2010 to 2014, Dublin received 48% of the GAA’s entire budget of Games Development money. So, the other 52% of Games Development money was shared between the other 31 counties (plus London & New York). It meant that over that five year period, Dublin received €274.70 for every club player in the county. The investment in the capital appears to be paying off. On the field of play, Dublin have made huge strides, primarily in Gaelic football, but their hurlers have made big progress as well. At club level, Cuala, from the leafy south Dublin suburb of Dalkey, are the AllIreland Club Hurling Champions, and are hoping to defend their title next month. They became the first Dublin club to win the title last year. The GAA’s latest accounts show that it spends about 17% of its income on Games Development. The GAA’s Central Council dished out over €15 million in 2017 to counties and clubs to underwrite their operating costs and to defray the cost of their participation in the various competitions. Over €10 million was spent on games development and coaching, over €9 million on capital investment and grants, over €6 million on player welfare, over €12 million on match and competition costs, and over €10 million on administration.

Index

The Donegal Post index shows a county’s population, the players registered with the GAA, and the per-

centage of the population who are registered. In the case of Derry, the county has a population of 247,132 with 10,714 players registered. That’s 4.3% of the population. On the surface, that ﬁgure may appear small, but one has to remember that many people do not play any sport at all, play sports other than Gaelic games, are unable to do so, or are too old or too young. The percentage varies around the county, with other factors including tradition. And, in Northern Ireland, it must also be taken into account that a higher proportion of the overall population traditionally do not play Gaelic games. In percentage terms, Westmeath, Laois, Roscommon, Longford and Leitrim are “hot-beds” of GAA, in that they have the highest percentage of people registered. However, there is no doubt that there are other “hot-bed” pockets around the country in certain counties, and in strong nationalist areas of the North. The county with the biggest choice of players is Dublin with 37,917 registered. That’s more than ten times the ﬁgure for Ireland’s least populated county, Leitrim. Dublin has a total population of 1,345,402 people. Out of this, 37,917 people (of varying ages) are registered as players with the GAA. In pure percentage terms, just 2.8% of Dublin’s population are registered as GAA players – the third lowest percentagewise. But the sheer numbers do give the county a major advantage. Generally, counties with a greater urban population, like Dublin, have a higher proportion of young people, but they often offer a great choice of sporting outlets for those who are actively participating in sport.

Eoghan Ban Gallagher, taking on four Dublin defenders, as he carries the ball upfield for Donegal, on one of his many forays forward, in the league game in Croke Park. Dublin has almost three times the number of players registered with the GAA that Donegal does.

GAA Player Registration – County by County Pop* County Population Province 1 Dublin 1,345,402 Leinster 3 Cork 542,196 Munster 5 Galway 258,552 Connacht 9 Meath 194,942 Leinster 12 Tipperary 160,441 Munster 7 Kildare 222,130 Leinster 15 Kerry 147,554 Munster 13 Donegal 158,755 Ulster 8 Limerick 195,175 Munster 17 Mayo 130,425 Connacht 4 Down 531,665 Ulster 10 Tyrone 179,000 Ulster 6 Derry 247,132 Ulster 18 Louth 128,375 Leinster 19 Clare 118,817 Munster 14 Wexford 149,605 Leinster 2 Antrim 618,108 Ulster 11 Armagh 174,792 Ulster 22 Westmeath 88,770 Leinster 23 Laois 84,732 Leinster 20 Waterford 116,401 Munster 16 Wicklow 142,332 Leinster 21 Kilkenny 99,118 Leinster 25 Cavan 76,092 Ulster 24 Offaly 78,003 Leinster 27 Roscommon 64,436 Connacht 29 Monaghan 61,273 Ulster 26 Sligo 65,357 Connacht 30 Carlow 56,875 Leinster 31 Longford 40,810 Leinster 28 Fermanagh 61,170 Ulster 32 Leitrim 31,972 Connacht *Counties ranked in order of population size.

GAA Players in Ulster Counties County Donegal Down Tyrone Derry Antrim Armagh Cavan Monaghan Fermanagh

Population 158,755 531,665 179,000 247,132 618,108 174,792 76,092 61,273 61,170

Players 37,917 32,732 21,462 15,172 14,740 14,432 13,759 13,701 12,739 11,312 11,283 11,034 10,714 10,011 10,005 9,554 9,324 9,044 9,040 8,631 8,560 8,531 8,083 7,232 6,756 6,507 6,394 5,838 5,121 4,193 3,887 3,585

Players 13,701 11,283 11,034 10,714 9,324 9,044 7,232 6,394 3,887

% 2.8% 6.0% 8.3% 7.8% 9.2% 6.5% 9.3% 8.6% 6.5% 8.7% 2.1% 6.2% 4.3% 7.8% 8.4% 6.4% 1.5% 5.2% 10.2% 10.2% 7.3% 6.0% 8.1% 9.5% 8.67% 10.1% 10.4% 8.9% 9.0% 10.3% 6.4% 11.2%

%of Pop 8.6% 2.1% 6.2% 4.3% 1.5% 5.2% 9.5% 10.4% 6.4%

46 SPORT

FinnValleypost

Thursday 15 February 2018

GAA – DR. MCKKENNA CUP FINAL PREVIEW

Chance of silverware will spur Donegal on

Murphy’s return a boost - Doherty Bonner’s minor and U-21 sides have had some feisty clashes with the Red Hands at these levels and it is clear that this will have a real competitive edge. “We are happy enough and we are able to got at it full tilt this week. “Some boys have found form, some boys are looking for it and some boys are under pressure to find it quick because the second half of the league is beckoning fast.

By Gerry McLaughlin

Eamonn Doherty seen here earlier in the season in a Dr. McKenna Cup clash against Queen's.

So while Donegal has been supping sorry from the rusty spoon of defeat for the past three weeks, there is some hope as spring comes with delicate footsteps in between some ice snow showers. And if heartache had a colour it would certainly be the green and gold of Tir Chonaill as they ponder what might or could have been against Kerry, Galway and Dublin. In all three matches Declan Bonner’s boys have given tantalizing glimpses of a very bright future from a squad that has 16 men at six feet or over. But their understandable inexperience has also been pretty obvious in the final frenetic moments when matches are won and lost in an ultra competitive league. But the long awaited return to action of Donegal’s talismanic Michael Murphy has opened up a whole range of options for Declan Bonner’s young charges. Murphy made a late appearance against Dublin at the weekend, and while he looked a little ring rusty, his comeback gives Donegal load of versatility. Bonner’s boys are gearing up for a Dr McKenna Cup Final clash with old rivals Tyrone. And for teak tough defender Eamon Doherty, the tie and Murphy’s return could not have come at a better time. When asked what Murphy back in the side means Doherty unhesitatingly said “versatility”.

Tough

Michael Murphy's return is a big boost

Doherty, who was speaking at the Ulster Council press launch of the Dr McKenna Cup Final in O’Neill’s of Strabane, said Murphy would now give the team a range of choices. And Doherty and Donegal will also be hoping to end Tyrone’s long run of victories in this competition.

Versatility

“Michael brings versatility. Last year he was played a lot at midfield and this year he looks like he could be played a bit more advanced. “You can play Michael anywhere, but with Paddy (McBrearty) on top form you might not need Michael as much inside.

DONEGAL GAELTACHT CHAMPIONSHIPS The draws have been made for the Donegal Senior and Junior Gaeltacht Football Championships, and the dates decided. Cloughaneely picked up the senior Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta crown last year as they overcame 14-man Glenfin at a sun-kissed Pairc Naomh Fionnan. Naomh Naill won the junior title. The senior draw is as stated below. First round: Naomh Columba v. Naomh Michael (A) Gleann Fhinne v. Naomh Naille (B) Naomh Muire v. Gaoth Dobhair (C) An Clochan Liath v. Baile na n Galloglach (D) Ard a’ Rátha v. Naomh Conaill (E) Cloich Cheann Fhaola v Cill Charta (F) Games to be played on Sunday, March 4th Quarter-Finals A v B; C v D; E v. F

An Tearman v. Gleann t Súili Games to be played on Saturday, March 17th Semi-finals on May 6th. Final on May 7th. Junior Gaeltacht Championship First Round An Tearmann v. Cloich Cheann Fhaola (A) Ard a’ Ratha v. Na Rossa (B) Naomh Columba v. Baila na nGalloglach (C) Gleann Fhinne v. Gaeil Fhánada (D) Games to be played on Saturday, February 24th Second Round A v. B; C v. Naomh Naill D v. Naomh Conall An Clochan Liath v Naomh Mhuire Naomh Michael v Cill Charta Gaoth Dobhair v Glenna tSúili Games to be played on Sunday, March 4th Quarter-finals to be played on Saturday, March 17th. Note: Na Dunaibh have a bye into the quarter-finals. Semi-finals on May 6th Final on May 7th

CLG St. Nauls, Donegal Junior Gaeltachta Champions 2017

“Michael of course would have a huge presence in there, but the way Paddy is playing you just want to let him at it. “You could play Michael anywhere and that is his greatest strength.” But this weekend’s clash has added importance for Doherty and Donegal after three pretty narrow defeats where they played very well in periods but seemed to lack the experience to deliver the killer blows when it really matters. And they are facing a formidable opponent in Tyrone who has had the better of Donegal when it really mattered, especially in the Ulster Final of 2016 and the semi-final of last year. Add in the fact that Declan

“This is going to be a very tough game and both sides are going to be fielding strong. “And it is a chance of silverware and it is not a competition that we have been near winning for the past few years. ‘They are going for seven and a row so it would be nice to pip that. It would be a good boost to win especially after those three league defeats. But Tyrone always field strong in these competitions and they enjoy playing in them. “We enjoy it to and it is very good to get to the final. “It would be a really good one to win, not only for the obvious silverware and bragging rights-but we are also playing Tyrone in Omagh in the NFL in a few weeks time so it would be a real morale booster as that will be a really big League clash”. Doherty added: “We have been doing well in games and moral victories are fine but nothing beats winning and to win the Dr McKenna Cup would a real boost to the confidence of the whole team. ‘So hopefully we will get a result”.

SPORT 47

FinnValleypost

Thursday 15 February 2018 GAA – DR. MCKENNA CUP PREVIEW

Donegal aim to topple Tyrone By Gerry McLaughlinreporter There was a time not so very long ago when some GAA “purists” looked on the Dr McKenna Cup like the way a man with a BMW might look at a Lada. It was old, ugly, creaky and nobody wanted to be seen dead near this old jalopy. But, the past decade, with a modern phenomenon called marketing, the Ulster Council has re-modelled this Lada and turned into a sleek up marker product that is sampled by thousands at a very cold time of the year. There has been one other great marketing tool as the proud county of Tyrone decided they wanted to win this competition, which was pretty self- fulfilling, and they are now going for their seventh title on the trot. And that has brought the fans back as well as the necessary marketing. Donegal has not won this trophy since the reign of John Joe Doherty. But this weekend, Declan Bonner’s boys will be hoping to get to know Dr McKenna once again as they collide with champions Tyrone. And there is much more at stake than some badly needed silverware. For these two counties are already in the lower half of Division One and will meet in a high stakes NFL clash in March. So whoever wins this weekend will have laid down a priceless platform in confidence. Of the two Donegal’s need to win is

greater, on the basis that they are already two points behind Tyrone in the League. So if looks like Declan Bonner will be fielding a pretty strong squad for yet another searching test of their credentials.

Favourites

On balance, Tyrone would be slight favourites and showed true grit in getting the points when it really mattered against Kildare at the weekend. Team captain Mattie Donnelly hit a magnificent left-footed point to clinch the points for Mickey Harte’s men. The very well built midfielder showed real leadership when it mattered. And the supremely influential Colm Cavanagh might also be an option for Harte who has made no secret of his desire to take their seventh title on the trot. Tyrone’s precious two points last weekend will give them an extra bounce going into this weekend’s decider. Peter Harte, Niall Sludden, Lee Brennan, Padraig Hampsey, Cathal McShane, Darren McCurry and Conor McAliskey are also major figures for Harte. He also has a very strong bench that is vastly more experienced than Donegal’s whilst also having a decent smattering of U-21 players that won an All-Ireland a few years ago. In contrast Donegal are firmly in transition. They have a towering young side with loads of potential and the return of Michael Murphy can only have a positive effect. Hugh McFadden is showing real leader-

ship, Paddy McBrearty is the in-form forward in the country, his younger brother Stephen is also looking sharp while Leo McLoone has returned as a major figure. Jamie Brennan looks capable of unlocking defences while the versatile Ryan McHugh continues to be one of Tir Chonaill’s brightest stars while Eoghan Ban Gallagher and Paul Brennan are stalwarts of the engine room. It is a team teeming with potential with the likes of Neil McGee, Frank McGlynn, Paddy McGrath, Marty McElhinney, Jason McGee, Michael Langan, Cian Mulligan and Michael Carroll still in reserve. They don’t lack height either so should be well able to stand up to the considerable physical challenge that Tyrone will carry into this contest.And that is the operative word. For such is the deep rivalry between the sides that neither will take defeat kindly. Tyrone have got the upper hand of Donegal in the Ulster Final of 2016 and the semi-final of 2017. Donegal won last year’s NFL clash in Ballybofey. But that proved to a very false dawn so Bonner and Co will be expecting nothing less than a major battle this weekend. And they will be meeting again in a crunch League encounter in Omagh in a few weeks time. But for now all eyes are on the Dr McKenna Cup this weekend. So let’s hope Donegal finally get back to winning ways, and their chances will be greatly increased if the returned native Michael Murphy plays a little bit like his old self.

GAA SCOREBOARD Allianz NFL Division 1 Dublin Galway Kerry Monaghan 2 Mayo Tyrone Donegal 3 Kildare

P W 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 0 3 1 3 1 0 0 3 0

D 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0

L 0 0 0 0 2 2 -7 3

+/- Pts. 17 6 10 6 4 4 2 -7 2 -8 2 0 -9 0

Results: Dublin 0-20, Donegal 0-15; Galway 1-13, Mayo 0-11; Kildare 0-18, Tyrone 1-16; Monaghan v. Kerry (Off ). Fixtures: Saturday, Feb 24th: Mayo v. Dublin; Monaghan v. Tyrone. Sunday, Feb 25th: Donegal v. Kildare; Kerry v. Galway.

Allainz NFL Division 2 Cork Down Meath Cavan Tipperary Roscommon Clare Louth

P W 3 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 3 1 3 1 3 0 3 0

D 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 0

L 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 3

+/- Pts. 7 4 5 4 14 3 13 3 4 3 -3 3 -14 2 -26 0

Results: Clare 0-11, Tipperary 0-11; Cork 2-11, Louth 0-10; Roscommon 0-7, Down 0-12; Cavan v. Meath (Off ). Fixtures: Sat, Feb 24th: Tipperary v. Meath. Sun, Feb 25th: Cork v. Cavan; Down v. Clare; Louth v. Roscommon;

Allianz NFL Division 3 Armagh 3 Longford 3 Fermanagh 2 Westmeath 3 Sligo Derry Wexford 3 Offaly

Declan Bonner, Donegal manager and his players after the game in Croke Park, with Dublin.

“Bottom line is we’ve no points” - Bonner Three games, three defeats, no points. Talk of relegation. That’s what it looks like at first glance. Yes, it’s disappointing, but delve a bit deeper and there is at least the consolation that Donegal have been playing well – in parts – and that this period of transition under Declan Bonner is at least throwing up as many reasons to be positive, than to be negative. Donegal appear to be going in the right direction. But, so much is about how you interpret things. Come the end of the summer, the league will be largely forgotten about. Ultimately, it’s about the championship. Bonner was understandably disappointed that Donegal had missed out again. Against Kerry and Galway, the defeat was by just a point. And with five minutes left at Croke Park, a point separated the sides. “We had our chances and played well in the second half,” Bonner said afterwards. “I think at one point we kicked eight points to three. We had a couple of opportunities we didn't take - missed a few

and dropped a couple short.” But he acknowledged that when you are playing against the best team in the county, the margin for error is slim. “Against a team of Dublin's quality you will be punished. We battled so hard to get back on terms. We were so we're disappointed we didn't get a result.” Reflecting on the game, he felt that they had given Dublin too much space early on. “We just maybe stood back a bit from Dublin,” he noted. “We knew that there wasn't much in it in the first half.” He felt that they had got things sorted out at half-time and in the second half Donegal “really asked Dublin a lot of questions.” But he added: “The second half was positive but we've no points and that's the bottom line.” Looking ahead, Bonner was also asked about the players still receiving treatment, namely Paddy McGrath, Frank McGlynn, and Neil McGee. “They're back training at the minute so hopefully Frank might be back for next

weekend and Paddy is pencilled in for the last couple of league matches. “With Neil, we're hoping he's not too far away. That experience will be vital cause a lot of those young lads came of age out there against a very, very good Dublin side. They really are top class.

Dublin reaction

Meanwhile, Dublin manager Jim Gavin acknowledged that his side had “to dig deep” to see off Donegal. “There’s no doubt we’re a little bit behind other teams,” he insisted. His players were in South Africa early last month, and he maintained that they are still some way off their best. “The intensity was there and Donegal really went at the game. We had to dig deep mentally to get a result, that’s very positive.” Meanwhile, Gavin confirmed that Paul Clarke, a colleague of his in the 1995 All-Ireland winning team, has joined his coaching group.

P W 3 0 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 2 0

D 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 0

L 24 17 13 -3 1 2 -11 2

+/- Pts. 6 4 4 4 -11 2 -10 0 0 -19 0

Results: Armagh 1-11, Longford 1-10; Wexford 1-10, Westmeath 0-16. Derry v Offaly (Off ); Sligo v. Fermanagh (Off ). FixturesS Sat, Feb 24th: Fermanagh v. Derry. Sunday, Feb 25th: Longford v. Wexford: Offaly v. Armagh; Westmeath v. Sligo;

Allianz NFL Division 4

P W

Carlow Laois Antrim London 3 Wicklow 3 Waterford 3 Limerick 3 Leitrim

3 3 3 1 0 0 0 3

0 0 1 1 1 2 2 0

0 0 0 4 -9 -12 -12 3

3 3 2 1 2 1 1 0

+/- Pts. 20 19 18 3 2 1 1 -28

6 6 5

Results: Antrim 0-12, Wicklow 0-12; Carlow 2-11, Leitrim 0-5; Laois 0-18, Waterford 1-11; London 2-8, Limerick 2-8. Fixtures: Sat, Feb 24th: Waterford v. Carlow. Sunday, Feb 25th: Leitrim v. Limerick; London v. Antrim; Wicklow v. Laois.

FinnValleypost Donegal Rally boost Special Report: Indoor Bowls P36-37 P35 Thursday 15 February 2018

www.donegalnow.com

THE GAA INDEX - HOW DOES DONEGAL FARE?

Donegal has more players registered with the GAA than any other county in Ulster. See page 45 for our county by county guide on the numbers playing Gaelic games around the country.

GAA – DR. MCKKENNA CUP FINAL

Not what the doc ordered! Declan Bonner’s new-look Donegal will be bidding to land a piece of silverware this weekend. But Donegal fans aren’t happy with the venue for the Dr. McKenna Cup clash with Tyrone. Celtic Park in Derry would have been the natural neutral choice, but with the Oak Leaf County having a re-arranged National Football League Division 3 game with Offaly at the venue on Sunday, the decision was taken to move the Dr. McKenna Cup Final to the Athletic Grounds in Armagh. That’s certainly handier for Tyrone fans. Tyrone will be odds on favourites as they go into the McKenna Cup decider (throw-in is 6.00 pm on Saturday) seeking to record a record seventh title in a row. Having lost all three NFL games to date, victory over Mickey Harte’s side would be a real tonic for Bonner’s side – and it could be the springboard for better times ahead in the league. Donegal’s remaining games are against against Kildare (home), Tyrone (away), Monaghan (away) and Mayo (home). Dr. McKenna Cup preview Page 46.

McFadden is Sligo captain Ramelton's Kyle Callan-McFadden has been named as captain of Sligo Rovers for the 2018 season. The 22-year-old moved to Rovers last summer from Orlando City, establishing himself in the centre of defence, and went on to be voted player of the year by Rovers fans. He captained Rovers for a number of matches in the middle of 2017 and has ofﬁcially taken over the role, with Rhys McCabe as vice-captain.

ATHLETICS

Niall Wilkinson, Sommer Lecky''s award winning coach

2018 is turning out to be a great year for Sommer Lecky. Photo: Athletics Ireland.

Teenage moves up in the world rankings

GOING PLACES

By Chris Ashmore

chris@letterkennypost.com

Finn Valley Athletic Club’s Sommer Lecky is now ranked 37th in the world at senior level for the indoor high jump – even though she is only 17. The Castlederg native beat an Olympic silver medalist last Saturday night at the IFAM international event in Belgium. Lecky recorded her winning

jump at her ﬁrst attempt, clearing 1.86m to secure the win ahead of Bulgaria’s Mirela Demireva. Demireva landed silver at the Rio Olympics, where she cleared 1.97m to secure her place on the podium behind gold medallist Ruth Beitia. Lecky’s winning jump equalled her own national junior record, which she set last month winning the Scottish senior women’s title. The Tyrone native will compete for Northern Ireland at the Com-

monwealth Games in Australia this April. Lecky is now looking forward to the Irish Senior Indoors this weekend in Abbotstown Dublin. She is coached by Niall Wilkinson. Elsewhere, Letterkenny’s Caitriona Jennings smashed her own Irish record to win the National 50K Championship in Donadea Forest Park, Co. Kildare last weekend in a time of 3 hours 24.29. She eclipsed the record she set

in Qatar in 2015, by 6 minutes for a distance. The 50K is 8k more than a marathon – and an event that relatively few people have negotiated. Over the gruelling course, Jennings averaged a tremendous 4 minutes, 5 seconds for each of the 50 kilometres, or 6:34 for each of the 31.07 miles. Meanwhile. Finn Valley Rugby Club’s annual 5k will take place on Sunday, February 25th at 11.00 am at the Finn Valley Centre.