Thursday 2 May 2019 by River Media Newspapers

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Thursday 2 May 2019

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Pan Celtic Champs!

Cor CantiLena winners of best performance at the Pan Celtic Festival Letterkenny. PHOTO: Clive Wasson. See pages 10,11,12,16,17 for more coverage.

SEARCH FOR OIL STILL ON UK exploration company could drill off Donegal next year

Chris Ashmore

chris@letterkennypost.com

A UK-based oil and gas exploration ﬁrm could be drilling off the Donegal coast next year, the Letterkenny Post can reveal. Serica Energy plc has held a number or licences for exploration blocks off the northwest coast for several years. And it is continuing its search for another company to come in and share the costs for further exploration in part of the Rockall Basin, around 150 kilometres off the

Donegal coast. Asked if the company is optimistic that a "farm-in partner" can be found, Serica CEO Mitch Flegg, Chief Executive Ofﬁcer, said: "I think that there have been some signs of encouragement for the Irish offshore industry so we remain optimistic.” In relation to a timescale for possible drilling, he stated: "I think it’s already very unlikely that we would be able to drill in 2019 but 2020 is still feasible." Serica has had a presence in Irish waters since 2006 and in 2009 made an oil discovery

80km off the Mayo coast – the first off the west coast in 30 years. It was awarded an additional licence in the Government’s 2011 Atlantic Margin licensing round, and got a two-year extension to find a funding partner for an exploration well at its two licences in the Rockall Basin off the Donegal coast. Two of these are in the Rockall Basin (off Donegal) and one in the Slyne Basin, south of the Corrib gas field (off Mayo). To date, it has not secured another company to spread the considerable cost of

ALSO INSIDE

drilling in some of the most treacherous and deep waters off Europe. The “Muckish” prospect in the Rockall Basin is not far from an area called Dooish where there were some positive results following drilling for gas by Enterprise Oil in 2002. The company has developed plans to test drill the Muckish prospect and is seeking what are called “farm-in partners” to share the drilling costs. In effect, it is asking for ﬁnancial assistance to fund the cost of drilling in return for a stake in the operations.

While a considerable amount of data has been acquired from the area, whether there are commercially recoverable amounts of oil or gas remains to be seen.

Renewed interest

However, with oil and gas prices rising after several years of low returns, there are signs of renewed interest in oil and gas exploration sector. The company recently published its ﬁnancial results for the year ended December 31, 2018. Regarding its operations in Ireland, the company states

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that it is in talks with the Irish authorities "over an acceptable work programme for extending the licences which were due to expire in November 2018 and January 2019." It is understood that the licences have not expired. A spokesperson for the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment told the Post: "The Department evaluate proposed work programmes from companies seeking new licences or where an extension of a licences may be required. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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2 NEWS NEWSBRIEFS Ireland’s Fittest Family 2019

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Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Hugh Duffy Car Park opened

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The extended family of the late Hugh Duffy pictured with Cllr Ian McGarvey, Cathaoirleach Letterkenny MD and elected members at the official opening of the Hugh Duffy Car Park renamed in his honour on Friday evening last.

The family and friends of the late Hugh Duffy came together with the elected members of Letterkenny Municipal District on Friday afternoon to mark the ofﬁcial opening of the car park. The new car park was officially opened by Mayor of Letterkenny MD Cllr Ian McGarvey. The car park which is known locally as the ‘Old Mart Car Park’ was renamed to

honour one of Letterkenny’s most well known residents, the late Hugh Duffy. Hugh, who passed away in December 2014 aged 85 years old, lived in nearby College Row where his wife Elaine still lives. He was a native of Galway and came to work in St Eunan’s College where he taught Latin and History. He took a great interest in the ongoing development of Letterkenny and

played an active part in keeping the site in Council ownership. A motion was passed by the Members of the Letterkenny MD in October 2018 to name the car park in his memory. Speaking at the ofﬁcial opening Mayor of Letterkenny MD Cllr Ian McGarvey said: “It is a ﬁtting tribute to name this car park in honour of the late Mr Duffy and I am delighted that his wife Elaine is with us today to share this special

occasion. "Mr Duffy made Letterkenny his home and contributed so much to life in the town from being a teacher in St. Eunan’s College to his work in the community. "Mr. Duffy like so many other people in Letterkenny, gave his time and effort generously for the betterment of others and I am delighted to be here today as Mayor of Letterkenny to honour Mr Duffy in this way.”

Road safety appeal over erection of election posters The Donegal Road Safety Working Group (DRSWG) has issued an appeal to candidates contesting the upcoming elections to be mindful of road safety when erecting posters. Donegal Co. Council’s Road Safety Officer, Brian O’Donnell said the group understands that candidates need to erect their posters, however DRSWG are asking them to be mindful of where they erect their posters and to be aware that erecting posters in the wrong location can lead to problems for motorists and pedestrians, such as vision impairment, obstruction or distraction, which could lead to a collision. Mr O’Donnell said: “In the interest of road safety we are appealing to candidates to be conscious of where posters are placed and secure them properly. “We would also ask all candidates to ensure that all campaign workers are made aware of the

dangers of working at the road side and not to place themselves or others at risk when erecting posters. “It is also essential that workers take the practical step of wearing high-visibility clothing when doing so.” He added: “Posters should be placed in a way that does not obscure road signs and does not cause problems for drivers or pedestrians. “We would urge candidates to be particularly mindful of erecting posters at or near roundabouts, speed limit signs, statutory road signs, directional signs, road works sites, STOP or Yield signs and other crucial areas. “These signs are there to ensure the safety of motorists and all road users, so it is important that no action is taken that either obscures the signage or distracts road users from their content.”

Brian O'Donnell Donegal Roads Safety Officer.

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NEWS 3

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Bonagee Link is the key - Coyle

‘Build Now’ petition launched Chris Ashmore chris@letterkennypost.com

With traffic being one of the major issues for local election candidates in the Letterkenny Electoral Area, one local candidate has set up a petition calling for the urgent building of the Bonagee Link. Donal Coyle, who is running for Fianna Fáil, says that the number one priority in the town must be the building of the Bonagee Link, which would involve a new road from the Bonagee roundabout over to the Ballyraine area, with a new bridge over the River Swilly. Mr. Coyle announced his “Build Now” campaign earlier this week, and his online petition is already heading towards the 500 mark. There has been a considerable public outcry from many people living on the eastern outskirts of the town whose properties could be affected by the Ten-T plans for a major upgrading to the roads coming into the town from Lifford and Ballybofey. But he feels that the building of the Bonagee Link should be the first priority – and that would reduce the need for the other projects. Outlining the thinking behind his petition, Mr Coyle states: “Are you sick of the traffic delays in Letterkenny? This is the solution – a new bridge over the River Swilly.” He continues: “A new bridge over the River Swilly linking Letterkenny to the dual carriageway at Bonagee and the Dry Arch roundabout is of

NEWSBRIEFS Mensa weekend

Irish Mensa, the high IQ society, are coming to Letterkenny for their annual Gathering over the May Bank Holiday weekend. The group is planning to enjoy the town, the countryside, Glenveagh, Fanad Lighthouse, good eating locally, and included in the weekend programme are a treasure hunt around the town and a pub crawl. While they’re here, they are running a Mensa test session, at a discounted rate, on Saturday, May 4 at 2pm in Dillons Hotel. All welcome to take the test.

Diabetes Ireland

A bird's eye view of the River Swilly where in the future it is hoped that there will be a new bridge as part of the Bonagee Link which will ease traffic congestion in the town. PHOTO: Aerialscape.ie.

vital importance to alleviate terrible trafﬁc problems that are persistent in Letterkenny. “For too long this issue has been ignored by Council and Government and it is about time a different approach is taken so that the bridge is moved to the top of the Council agenda and that action is taken immediately.” And he added: “I have launched this petition for the people of Letterkenny and commuters to and from

Letterkenny from all over Donegal and the surrounding counties. If you agree that a solution to this problem is urgently needed, help me to make a difference by signing this petition.” While the Bonagee Link project was ﬁrst hatched over a decade ago, progress has been painfully slow. It is understood that the cost of the project is likely to be in the region of €20 million. The opening of the Bonagee Link would divert a considerable amount

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of trafﬁc away from the Polestar area of the town and the busy Port Road, Ballyraine Road and Neil. T. Blaney road. It would, in effect, be a northern by-pass of the town, and provide an alternative route for thousands of motorists every day. For more details, see: https://www. change.org/p/donegal-county-council-bonagee-link-bridge-urban-infrastructure-link-development-buildnow-campaign.

Diabetes Ireland plan to run an evening free group education course for individuals with Type 2 diabetes in Public Services Centre, Neil T Blaney Road, Letterkenny on May 14. Booking is essential as places are limited. For more information or to book telephone Diabetes Ireland on 071-914 6001’.

Aura break-in

An investigation is continuing into an overnight break in at the Aura Leisure Centre. The incident occurred at approximately 11.30pm last night. There are currently no reports of anything taken however a small amount of criminal damage occurred. Gardai are currently reviewing CCTV at the premises. Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny garda station on 0749167100

4 NEWS

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Award-winning Inishowen entrepreneur branching out

BURT ‘SUPER GARDEN’ CONTESTANT HAS NEW FOUND SPRING IN HIS STEP Catherine McGinty reporter

An award-winning Inishowen gardener is the ﬁrst Donegal contestant to take part in RTÉ One’s ‘Super Garden’ programme, which is now in its eleventh series. Viewers will be able to see the Letterkenny garden designed by Paddy McDermott, originally from Burt but now living in Ballybofey, when his episode of ‘Super Garden’ airs on Thursday, May 9 at 8.30pm. Speaking to Inish Times, Paddy, owner of Creative Landscaping Works at Bridgend, remained tight-lipped about the outcome of the overall ‘Super Garden’ competition. Smiling but refusing to be drawn, Paddy said he got interested in ‘Super Garden’ during his annual visits to Bloom in Phoenix Park, the equivalent of Britain’s Chelsea Flower Show. He said: “RTÉ run the programme every year where they pick ﬁve designers from around Ireland to design and build a garden on a budget, which is given by the show’s sponsors. "There is a budget of approximately 16,000 to 17,000 euros to spend on materials for your garden. Whenever all five contestants do their gardens, three judges go around and

Paddy McDermott.

One of the gardens created by Paddy.

them and chose a winner. “The garden we designed was in Letterkenny. Homeowners are selected by the same process as the designers. People can apply for their home to be a part of the show and RTÉ will chose the ﬁve gardens. When they choose the winner out of the ﬁve, that garden is recreated at Bloom, on June Bank Holiday in Phoenix Park. “I was delighted and probably shocked too, when I got picked for the show. I didn’t expect it. Everything happened really, really quickly,

Paddy McDermott and his wife Lynn.

within the space of two or three weeks. I went from filling out an application form to being selected. I was delighted to be selected because I was the first person ever from Donegal to be on the show and it is running 11 years now. “Gary Graham is one of the ‘Super Garden’ judges. He is the man behind Bloom. Bloom was his brainchild. He is in charge of Bord Bia. Brian Green is another judge. "He was on the show five years ago and won and now he is an ambassador for Woodies, who are one of the main sponsors. The third judge is Monica Alvarez, who is a lecturer,” said Paddy. The former Burt Hurler said his ‘Super Garden’ took four weeks to create during a fortnight of “the worst weather this year.” Paddy and his team had to contend with rain, sleet and hail. Married to Lynn, Paddy welcomed a new arrival 11 weeks ago, a daughter, Fianna. The recent recipient of an IDP business award, he is also planning to expand Creative Landscaping Works by opening a new retail store in Letterkenny. Obviously taking everything in his stride, Paddy said: “The IDP award was for a businesses that set up with the help of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance over the last five years. It was mainly about creating employment, overcoming adversity and the potential for more employment. “Myself and another Inishowen fella, Daniel McGrory got

selected as the Inishowen winners and then we went forward to the regional awards, which is for seven counties. We were both actually selected as regional winners as well. The National Awards take place in Tullamore in the middle of May. “We are four and a half years in business. I set up in November 2015 on my own and things are going well. We started off just with the landscaping and about a year, a year and a half later I realised there was a bit of a gap in the artiﬁcial grass market in the northwest. "There weren’t many people doing it. I had done a couple of small jobs and I was buying the grass of other Irish dealers and I realised there was nobody in the North West of Ireland offering it on a wholesale basis so, I trialled it for a while and it worked and then in May

2017, I set up here in Bridgend with the artificial grass and paving displays where people could come in and view it and see it. “Now we do play frames and play accessories and all the artificial grass, paving materials and outdoor cleaning products and a good range of products that we can sell from here. And we sell online as well.” Paddy is also creating employment locally. He currently employs three people and is hoping to take on two more people for the landscaping side and fitting side of the business. Paddy added: “We are also opening a new store in Letterkenny over the next four to five weeks. We have just signed the lease to do what we are doing in Bridgend but on a larger scale, in Ballyraine. “It is going to have a full retail

store, where people can go in and browse products and see some of the products we are selling, which probably aren’t able to physically see in Bridgend at the minute, because of the lack of the retail store side.” GAA to the core and proud of his Burt roots, Paddy’s parents are Mary and the late Brian McDermott. He said: “There are 12 of us in the family. So it is a big family. Brian McDermott is a brother of mine. He is a chef he does a good bit of TV and he runs the Foyle Hotel in Moville. “His was one of the first gardens I did with the artifical grass. He was doing an outdoor cookery school with a cabin at the house and he wanted to do an outdoor area. He had maybe seen it at Jamie Oliver’s. “Brian and then Danny O’Carroll, from Mrs Brown’s Boys, were two of the first gardens we did and funny enough, the two of those, boys were both saying to me why don’t you look into this a bit more and that is why I kind of did start looking into it. It turned out to be a good tip. “Even at the minute, there are a lot of other landscapers now in the northwest starting to do it but we are always going to be the first and we like to try and stay ahead of the game.”

Paddy with his brothers, Benny, Ciaran, Kevin, Brian and his mother, Mary. Missing is Andrew. With the Intermediate Championship Cup won by Burt GAA in 2016.

NEWS 5

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Over €200,000 for Carrigart and Rathmullan Local projects in Carrigart and Rathmullan are to beneﬁt from €225,000 in funding. The Leader funding is going towards the Mevagh Parish Hall while Donegal Co. Council has agreed to fund an updated engineering assessment report at Rathmullan Pier. “I have been pushing for some time for Donegal Co. Council to fund a new engineering report on the state of Rathmullan Pier and I am delighted that the council has conﬁrmed to me funding of €50,000 to pay for that report,” said council candidate for the Milford Electoral Area Eimer Friel. She continued: “I believe passionately that Rathmullan Pier needs to be developed further so it can become an economic driver for the area. “It is already extensively used by a range of marinerelated businesses as well as of course our Naval service.

Major investment is required at the pier and this report will allow council officials to bid for funding from Government departments.” Friel said the funding for Mevagh Parish Hall of €175,000 showed the Fine Gael commitment to rural communities, towns and villages in Donegal. “This Leader funding to Carrigart is a fine example of the support from Government and Minister Michael Ring for projects to help communities and young people,” said Eimer “It will allow Mevagh Hall to do a whole series of refurbishments including a new roof and internal ceiling to make the building more energy efficient and a sports floor and stage and new lights. “The hall is extensively used by local people and it is brilliant when we see community facilities like this, run by volunteers for everyone to

LARA Bealtaine

Letterkenny Active Retirement Association will present their contribution to the Bealtaine Festival – Ireland’s national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny on Thursday, May 2 at 10.45am. LARA members will read short plays they have written. This is followed by lunch and a dance. All older people are invited to participate. Admission is €5 which includes lunch and a door ticket prize.

Bubbles & Brunch

Fine Gael Milford Electoral Area candidate Eimer Friel pictured at Rathmullan Pier.

enjoy, getting rewarded with Government support.” Ms Friel added: “The work that this money will help to pay for will open up the hall

up to all sorts of new social, recreational and cultural events. Ultimately it will mean the facilities get used to their full potential and it

makes a massive contribution to the community with a facility that will be enjoyed by everyone in the area for years to come.”

Gardai renew appeal over Letterkenny assault Gardai are renewing their appeal for information over an assault in Letterkenny. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning outside a nightclub on the Lower Main Street area of the town. It is believed that a male suffered a head injury as a result of a blow he received which caused him to fall back and hit his head. It is believed that the

NEWSBRIEFS

attack was unprovoked. A second male was taken to hospital with injuries linked to this incident also and his involvement in the incident is under investigation at present. Garda Grainne Doherty says they are particularly keen to hear from taxi drivers who may have been in the area at the time and have dash cam footage. She said: "The investigation is at an

early stage and Gardai are viewing all available CCTV and interviewing witnesses who have come forward already. "If anyone has any information to offer in relation to the incident, in particular taxi drivers who would usually park across the road at the taxi rank at that hour of the morning or indeed people who had exited Voodoo nightclub and who witnessed the incidents

while waiting in the area then we would like to hear from them. "If anyone in the area at the time had a dash-cam on their car we would appreciate if they could view the footage on them to check if the incident was captured." Any information can be directed to Letterkenny Garda Station on 074/9167100 or call the Garda Conﬁdential line on 1800 666 111.

McElhinneys are delighted to announce their upcoming Bubbles & Brunch Workshop which will take place on Sunday, May 12 in the Lough Eske Castle Hotel. A day guaranteed to be ﬁlled with fashion, beauty and much more. Doors open 12.15pm with the show starting at 1pm sharp – so be sure to arrive early to get your seat. Popular Irish inﬂuencer, Lisa McGowan who runs Lisa’s Lust List, is your fashion host for the day, as McElhinneys get set to showcase the best of their Spring Summer 2019 collections of fashion, footwear and accessories. Alongside the fashion, special guest LMD Louise McDonnell is set to give an informative and no doubt entertaining makeup masterclass. Tickets are on sale now instore or online at mcelhinneys.com, priced at €75 – limited availability.

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6 NEWS NEWSBRIEFS Forever Fathers Meeting

The next meeting of the Forever Fathers support group for unmarried Separated and divorced fathers who are experiencing barriers to parenting their children positively will be held in the Centre for the Cross Border Friends of Cuan Mhuire, College Court, Main Street Ballybofey on Monday, May 6 at 8pm. Members have been encouraged to sign a petition to make Parental Alienation an offence in Ireland on https:// my.uplift.ie/petitions/makeparental-alienation-an-offence.

Kilmacrennan 5K

The annual Kilmacrennan 5K race will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at 7.30pm. Registration in the school on the day. Entry is €8 per runner, €5 per walker/€10 for family of walkers. Chipped-timed event and medals for runners. Generous prizes to be won. Tea and refreshments served afterwards in the school gym.

Pioneer Association

The monthly meeting of Letterkenny Pioneer Association takes place on Friday, May 3 at 8.10pm. There will be a member of the Association outside the sacristy after Saturday evening Mass on May 4 and all the Masses on May 5 to provide information on the Pioneers.

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Search for oil still on CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 "This ensures that applicants will deliver a work programme which is acceptable to the State in terms of maximising data over licenced acreage before proposals can be recommended to the Minister of State. This work programme sets out what the company proposes to do to explore within its licenced acreage during the term of the licence." However, the spokesperson added: "Licence holders who wish to carry out exploration activities such as seismic surveys or exploratory drilling must apply to the Department separately, where it is considered through statutory processes, which assess environmental impacts of proposed activities at that stage. "An acceptable work programme may require a period of dialogue between the company and the Department, before proposals can be finalised or

deemed acceptable. While the licences were due to expire in November 2018 and January 2019, engagement with the company is on-going regarding the company’s proposals to extend the licences and the work programme for the proposed extension is under consideration. Serica Energy plc’s current operations are centred on the North Sea off Britain where it has a number of oil and gas producing wells. The firm saw pre-tax profits of £45 million (sterling) last year, compared to £8.3m in 2017. Sales revenues grew from £11m (sterling) to £35m (sterling) in 2018. Towards the end of 2018, Serica completed transactions which resulted in Serica UK holding a 98% interest in the Bruce field, a 100% interest in the Keith field and a 50% interest in the Rhum field and being operator of all three fields in the North Sea. It also has interests in Namibia.

Disability should be a core part of new Letterkenny Area Plan We need to make disability a core part of the new Letterkenny Area Plan, councillor Jimmy Kavanagh has claimd. Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh said: “There is an opportunity now when in the process of devising the new plan to make disability a central part of that plan, this is something I have requested from the planners in our workshops and it is something that I hope they will respond positively to. Disability has for far too long been an “us and them” issue, that approach needs to change and we need to realise that disability is about everyone, anyone of us are only a traffic accident,

a fall or an illness away from finding ourselves disabled, making disability a central part of the plan would also help greatly in supporting our efforts to have an age friendly town, as many of the issues facing people with disabilities impact equally on elderly citizens, we could also in the process, help remove any stigma attached to disability. “We should therefore make disability a core consideration in the planning not just of our buildings, footpaths etc., but also our social housing design, the design of our parks, transport facilities, walks, leisure facilities etc.

“We should also be looking at making our workplaces accessible so that people with a disability are not excluded from applying or getting employment, our own public bodies could lead on an initiative to achieve this. “Currently in Donegal only 18% of people with a disability are in employment, and I have found on my canvass that the issue of young people with a disability both physical and intellectual, finding it extremely difficult to get employment is a recurring theme, even though in many instances these are well educated and very gifted people. “According to the 2016 census al-

most 23,000 people in the county has at least one disability.” “Letterkenny and Donegal has a chance to lead the way in helping to tackle the issues facing the disabled, and we should take the opportunity that the new Letterkenny Area Plan presents to lay the groundwork for improved access and facilities for those with a disability, if we do that we will not just improve the lives of the disabled and elderly we will also enhance the lives of our entire community, by helping people of all abilities to thrive and contribute to the future development of the area,” Cllr. Kavanagh concluded.

NEWS 7

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Council seeking expressions of Interest for Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2019 Donegal Co. Council is seeking Expressions of Interests from towns and villages across the county as part of the recently launched Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2019. This scheme is targeting rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000 and is being funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with the local authority administering the scheme. Expressions of interest are being sought for projects that will enhance and develop towns and villages socially, economically and culturally and proposals should include activities which will have clear positive economic impacts on the town, rather than just public realm-type actions. Applications from towns and villages can range in value from €20,000 to a maximum of €100,000. Funding of up to €200,000 will also be considered for a

limited number of projects which can deliver exceptionally strong economic beneﬁt to a town and its outlying areas. The Council is keen to receive ‘Expressions of Interest’ from groups who may have a suitable project for consideration under the scheme. All ‘Expressions of interest’ will be assessed based on the priorities set out in the Scheme Outline and a maximum of 12 proposals may be selected for further development into detailed applications which will be submitted to the Department of Rural and Community Development for further assessment. The closing date for receipt of completed ‘Expressions of Interest’ is 5.00pm on Friday, May 17. Further information including the Scheme Outline details and Expression of Interest Form are available at www. donegalcoco.ie under ‘Apply for it’.

NEWSBRIEFS 'Repairing Errigal'

Rosita Mahony of Donegal County Council will give a presentation on the plans the local authority has for hill walking on Errigal. This free event will be held at the Station House Hotel, Letterkenny at 8pm on Tuesday, May 7. The event is being organised by the Donegal Association of An Taisce and everyone is welcome. Errigal is, and will continue to be, a very popular hill walking destination. But the current level of erosion on the most frequently used route is unsustainable. It is uncomfortable for walkers, unsightly in the landscape and damages water quality as well as habitats of European importance. Through the international ASCENT Project, and working with the local community and the Errigal Stakeholders Group, Donegal County Council is now well on its way to carrying out habitat restoration and ensuring sustainable access there. This takes account of the environmental challenges presented by the popularity of Errigal and the desire to optimise the potential beneﬁts to the local community. This presentation outlines the progress made to achieve this shared vision for Errigal.

Letterkenny Post Conor Rodgers from Convoy won the Under-21 section of World Irish Dance Championships in North Carolina recently. He dances for the McConomy Bradley Doherty School of Irish Dancing.

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8 NEWS

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Tory Island hotel on the market for €400,000

Ireland's most remote hotel is up for sale

The Tory island Hotel is located beside the harbour in West Town.

Chris Ashmore reporter

Ireland’s most remote hotel is on the market for less than the price of a three-bedroom semi-detached home in Dublin. The Óstan Thóraigh (Tory Island Hotel) is the only hotel on Tory Island, located nine miles off the north-west Donegal coast. The hotel is on the market for €400,000. Tory Island is the most isolated of the inhabited island off the Irish coastline. Fewer than 150 people live on the small, windswept island that often sees ferry services suspended during the winter. But during the summer, the island attracts a considerable number of visitors - with a signiﬁcant increase being noted as a result of the marketing of the Wild Atlantic Way. Selling agent Gareth McLarnon from Glen Estates in Letterkenny, said: “The Tory

Island Hotel is an iconic building situated in a thriving seasonal tourism destination." And he added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a landmark property with huge potential. It is a chance for someone to embrace island life in a strong community on one of Ireland’s most beautifully scenic islands located off the coast of Ireland’s most northerly county. “Properties like this don’t come to market very often in Ireland and we are expecting quite a bit of interest in this unique opportunity. This wonderful island hotel is on the market for around the same price as two-bedroom apartment in parts of Dublin.” The 14-bedroom hotel, with bar and restaurant, is being offered for sale as a going concern by owner Sean Doherty, who was also the island’s former lighthouse keeper. The closing date for offers is Wednesday, July 31, 2019. The family-owned and run hotel is the biggest employer

on the island and has been a focal point for many of the island’s historic moments since

This wonderful island hotel is on the market for around the same price as two-bedroom apartment in parts of Dublin. the 19th century. The business dates from the late 1800s, when the Ward family operated the hotel and a general store, supplying everything from salted ﬁsh to marine chandlery. The store

traded with passing ships while people from what Tory islanders call ‘the country’ also made regular shopping trips to Wards from the mainland. Irish Nationalist and diplomat Sir Roger Casement once stayed at the hotel and Easter Proclamation Signatory Joseph Mary Plunkett sent a postcard from the hotel on his second visit to the island in 1914. Tory Island is steeped in history, mythology and folklore. The island outpost has long been a favourite getaway for artists, nature-lovers, bird watchers and many who simply want to switch off for a few days. A ferry service operates from the island to the Donegal mainland, with additional services in the summer months, to Bunbeg and Magheraroarty. A Coastguard helicopter is used for medical emergencies on the island throughout the year.

Another view of the Tory Island Hotel.

A view of the hotel with the Donegal mainland in the background. Photos: Clive Wasson

Donegal author nominated for International Award James Duffy reports

Author Peadar Ó’Guilín, who spent part of his youth in Donegal, has been nomination for an international award. He is the author the Grey Lands duology, a series set in a post apocalyptic Ireland where children undergo grueling training to survive a phenomenon known as The Call. The book follows Donegal girl Nessa Doherty, who was left crippled by Polio at a young age and now struggles not only with the threat of the Call constantly hanging over her, but with the struggles of being a teenager as well. The duology is made up of The Call and its sequel The Invasion, with the Invasion being nominated for a Lodestar award. The Lodestar award for the Best Young Adult Book is not one of the coveted Hugo Awards but is voted on by the same people and

Peadar Ó’Guilín

awarded at the same ceremony. The Hugo Awards are awarded as part of the World Science Fiction Convention commonly known as Worldcon. This year will be the ﬁrst time Worldcon will be held in Ireland, taking place in Dublin from the 15th to the 19th of August. Competing with Ó’ Guilín’s novel are The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton, Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, The Cruel

Prince by Holly Black, Dread Nation by Justina Ireland and Tess of the Road by Rachel Hartman. When Mr.Ó’ Guilín found out he had been nominated he was absolutely delighted. He said that he would prefer a Hugo to a Nobel peace prize, even if the Lodestar isn’t exactly a Hugo. If he were to win he “wouldn’t know how to describe it,” he said. But in true Donegal style he said that if he won it would be “absolutely massive.” Mr. Ó’ Guilín said that he would advise aspiring authors to “put yourself on the page.” He went on to talk about some of the similarities he shared with his main character in the Call: Nessa. “Nessa’s love of poetry is my love of poetry,” he said. He talked about how the bus journey we see Nessa and her friend Megan make at the start of The Call is similar to the bus journey he used to make as he travelled to boarding school from Letterkenny.

Mr. Ó’ Guilín also talked about how he wrote this book in the present tense because he never knew what was going to happen, similar to the reader. “I like to get a character into an impossible situation,” he explained, then “make it infinitely worse.” The hardest part of writing a book, the author said, is taking criticism to make a better book. Ó Guilín grew up in Donegal though he went to school in Clongowes Wood College in County Kildare. He is also fluent in French, and Italian. He has written a number of stories and novels. His first novel, The Inferior, was published to critical acclaim in 2007 and translations into nine languages including Japanese and Korean. The Times Educational Supplement called his first novel “a stark, dark tale, written with great energy and confidence and some arresting reflections on human nature.”

NEWS 9

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Father-of-six jailed for 11 years for repeated rape of daughter A Donegal father-of-six who repeatedly and regularly raped his teenage daughter has being jailed for eleven years. Maurice Lafferty (50) of Corcullen, Castlefin, Donegal, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to raping his daughter Annie Lafferty at his home on dates between November 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Garda Sergeant John Dorian told Paul Carroll SC, prosecuting, that the accused’s wife worked in Letterkenny and lived away from the home four nights a week during the period of offending. Gda Sgt Dorian said that on a night in November, 2010, Lafferty came into his then seventeen year old daughter’s bedroom. “You’re my good little girl, you’re the only one I can trust,” Lafferty said to her. He started to grope her and said he wanted to “show how much I love you”. His daughter tried to push him away and he called her “a tramp” before pinning her on the bed and raping her. Afterwards he told her not to tell anyone about what he had done. Lafferty said that no one would believe her and that her younger siblings would be taken away if she said anything. Sgt Dorian said that Lafferty continued to rape his daughter once per week when her mother was out. Ms Lafferty, now aged 25, told the court she wished to waive her right to anonymity. Justice Alex Owens said that Lafferty was a violent and controlling man and said his attacks on the girl were coercive and depraved. He said that, in his opinion, an apology offered by Lafferty to the victim, was not genuine. A Probation Services reported indicated that he blamed his intoxication at the time and even laid some blame on his daughter. Justice Owens noted Lafferty was assessed at being at a moderate risk of re-offending. He imposed a sentence of 11 years and ordered that he stay away from any activity with chil-

Accidents / Personal Injury? Be Informed. Get Advice.

The Central Criminal Court.

dren after his release from custody. In her victim impact statement the victim said her parents were more interested in drinking than being parents and she took over caring for her younger siblings. Ms Lafferty said “to say I was scared is an understatement” during the period she was abused by her father. She said that “instead of protecting me, he was the one who did me harm”. “My cry for help was ignored”, said Ms Lafferty. She said she told her mother about the abuse, only for her mother to turn her back on her and believe her father’s version of events. She said he was the one who decided what she did and “it was like I was a puppet attached to strings”. She said the “scars that man left on me will always be there”. Anne Rowland SC, defending, said her client was “drinking extremely heavily” at the time of the offences. She said he suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which caused him to “black out” during fits of extreme coughing. Ms Rowland said that Lafferty built his house himself and it was about to be repossessed.

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Helen Kennedy, Sports Centre Manager, LYIT and supervisor Danny Gillespie presenting a cheque to Anne Mc Gowan of Donegal Hospice- Proceeds of a 5K run by students, staff and others from the wider community and also a soccer match between staff and the LYIT Ladies Soccer Team.

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

10 PICTURE SPECIAL LOCAL

EVENTS Photos: Clive Wasson

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Pan Celtic parade in Lettekenny

Brittany's dancers at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade.

One of the junior members of Carndonagh Brass Band .

Kelda Kelly with her senior dancers in Inishowen Carnival Group.

Carndonagh Brass Band at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny.

Inishowen Carnivla Dancers at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

Inishowen Carnival group at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

Letterkenny Chambers Jimmy Stafford and Toni Forrrester at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

The Welsh group singing at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

PICTURE SPECIAL 11

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

LOCAL

EVENTS Photos: Clive Wasson

Pan Celtic parade in Lettekenny

Crowds watchs the entertainment at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

Carndonagh U10/U12 Camogie teams at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

Kelda Kelly leads her dancers at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

David Evans and Ruby Foster Welsh Dancers at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

The Cornwall group singing at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

Welsh Dancer's Tom Foster and Jess Ward at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

Shannagh Kelly leads the dancers at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

Brittany's taditional musicians playing at the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

Some of the crowd watching the Pan Celtic Festival Parade in Letterkenny on Friday last.

12 NEWS

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Ireland wins International Pan Celtic Song Contest Ireland’s Daríona Ní Dhonnchú performing ‘Ní Thuigim’ scooped the top prize at last night’s International Song Contest hosted in An Grianan Theatre in Letterkenny as part of the 2019 International Pan Celtic Festival hosted by TG4’s Caitlín Nic Aoidh. This is the third year in a row that Ireland has won the competition. The song, which was written by Áine Durkin, was chosen to represent Ireland when it won

the Pan Celtic National Song contest in Carlow in March where it went on to win the International Pan Celtic Song Contest in Letterkenny amidst stiff competition from the other Celtic nations of Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. Elidyr Glyn representing Wales/Cymru came second singing Fel Hyn ‘Da Ni Fod while Cornwalls/Kernog BlackEyed Nancy came third with a song called Anella.

Cymru group ELIDYR GLYN receive there trophy.

The Orr's from Letterkenny pperforming at the interval of the Pan Celtic International Song Contest in An Grianan Theatre.

Mannin group Drogh Yindys receive there trophy.

Kernow group Black- Eyed Nancy finalists at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest in An Grianan Theatre on Thursday last receive there trophy. PHOTOS: Clive Wasson.

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Breizh group Kerdin En Avel finalists at the Pan Celtic International Song Contest in An Grianan Theatre on Thursday last receive there trophy.

FAITHmatters

Fr Brian Grogan S.J. has written a beautiful little book “Finding God in a leaf” It is a collection of short reﬂections for each day, based on extracts from “Laudato Si” the encyclical of Pope Francis on Creation. This reﬂection is for the 5th May, next Sunday. We used to think that spirit and matter were opposed to one another but Laudato Si stresses that the Spirit is active in all matter in order to bring it home to God. Matter is spirit-endowed; it has vast potentiality; it is ‘on the move’. Evolution is now widely accepted amoung Christians as valid, with the added religious dimension that it originates, not of itself, but from the Spirit. The Spirit has been playing in creation over some fourteen billion years, kneading and moulding it like clay, creating the most beautiful and extraordinary diversity of species. Each of these carries the stamp of life, the marks of enlivening Spirit. The Pope says: ‘God has written a precious book, whose letters are the multitude of created things present

in the universe. No creature is excluded from his manifestation of God: from panoramic vistas to the tiniest living form, nature is a constant source of wonder and awe. It is also a continuing revelation of the divine.’ You can learn to read God’s precious book just as you are able to read this book now! In every detail of nature, God is trying to convey something to you. God wants us never to lose the sense of wonder we had in childhood: ‘Children’s faces looking up, holding wonder like a cup’. This is to be our adult attitude too. Jesus says: ‘Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven’. This mysterious ‘kingdom of heaven’ is close. It is already given us in nature, and is all around, to be enjoyed, respected and admired. Admire a plant, a bird, or a bee and ask God, ‘What are you communicating to me here?’ Pierre Teillhard de Chardin, whose insights lie behind Laudato Si could playfully speak of the clouds in the sky as ‘the handwriting of God’. That is the child-mind at work. Try it but not while driving!

NEWS 13

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Another voice

by Mark Loughridge, pastor of Letterkenny New Life Fellowship.

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

What makes a Christian? Was Ireland a Christian country because people here generally believed in Jesus and based their ethics on the Ten Commandments? In the face of a reactionary anti-Church/ anti-God sentiment, is a Christian someone who still holds to the values of the Bible, and views the place of the Church in society as being important? Recent referenda have tended to polarise the nation into two camps—those who hold to ‘traditional’ values, or ‘biblical’ values, and those who see this as a time to move on, to free Ireland from ‘the shackles of the past’. This polarising over simpliﬁes complex issues, and pits people against each other, rather than bringing them together to solve the actual problems. But at another level polarising is dangerous because it puts different things in the one camp, and makes them look the same. It confuses traditionalism, and even cultural Christianity, with Christianity—the two are very different. One is a set of viewpoints which may have their origin in the Bible; the other is a living, vibrant, relational faith in Jesus Christ. The danger for those who hold to Christian values is to think that that makes them a Christian. But it is possible to hold to Biblical standards but not have this living relationship with Christ. John Bunyan, in his classic parable Pilgrim’s Progress (which we have been looking at with the children on a Sunday morning) paints a picture of a man journeying from the City of Destruction to the Heavenly City. En route he meets a variety of characters— some seek to dissuade him, some to join him

on his journey. Struggling on the journey he is urged by one character to turn aside to a village called Morality. In that village he will find a man called Mr Legality, and his son Civility. He is told that they will help him. But as Bunyan says, “Mr. Legality a cheat. As for Legality’s son Civility, he is full of hot air.” Bunyan shows that to detour here would take him off the path to the Heavenly City, and leave him damned forever. For as the Bible puts it, “No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are” (Romans 3:20). The terrible danger is that we would think we are in the right, and yet not be right with God. So what makes a person a Christian? Easter has just passed. I have been thinking over those great cries from the Cross. One stands out—the penultimate cry, “It is Finished”. It is only one word in Greek. It means the task is completed. The tense means it is completed and stays completed. Not like the dishes, when you finish them, they will need to be done again tomorrow. What Jesus has accomplished at the Cross is finished, and remains completed forever. Salvation is not something we do; it is something He has done. A Christian is someone who has come to the Cross, admitted their guilt, and asked Jesus to be punished in their place. They trust in His finished work for their acceptance with God. A Christian isn’t simply one who holds to Jesus’ values; a Christian is someone who has asked Jesus to take hold of them.

Cathedral Quarter to host Street Feast 2019 To celebrate the National Day of Street Feasts, Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter are inviting everyone to join them and thousands of other people around the country and celebrate in a community feast on Sunday, May 5. Running from 1–4pm on the Church Lane, the street feast is open to people of all ages and will celebrate community with music, food and dance. The historic area behind Church Street Cycles in Letterkenny will be transformed with street decorations, dining tables and a host of street food for the unique event.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be games, food and live music and DJ Sean Purser. Local cafes and restaurants in the town are supporting the event through sponsorship of tasty dishes and Cathedral Quarter are asking people to come join in the event on Sunday, May 5. A spokesperson said: “Last year, more than 120,000 people took part in 1344 Street Feasts all around Ireland and we’re looking forward to another great event for 2018. It’s a great excuse to eat good food, meet new people and

have lots of fun. “It’s all about community, diversity and bringing people together, so if you love to cook or play music we’d love everyone to join in the fun, bring a dish too or perform in what's sure to be one of the great outdoor parties of the Summer." For further information on the Cathedral Quarter Street Feast or to get involved contact committee members Nuala Doran on 086 892 7778. Visit the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter social media page for regular updates and news.

People enjoying last year's Street Feast.

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14 CARTOON

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Opry le Daniel once again bringing the best of Irish and American country music to Derry!! Opry le Daniel fans and Country Music lovers will be delighted to hear that ‘The Girl from Donegal’, MARGO, will open the 2019 TG4 televised country music concerts at Millennium Forum, Derry on Saturday 15th June. Now known worldwide as ‘Ireland’s Queen of Country’, Margo has been a successful singer for over five decades now, has sold more than 1,000,000 records to date and has performed with country music icons such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and numerous more worldwide, household known artists. Also in concert on the night will be ‘Young Country’, Opry’s tribute to the young, up-and-coming performers of country music with rising stars such as Simon Peters, David James, Shauna Mc Stravock, Gary Fitzpatrick and Chantelle Patton. Sunday 16th and Opry are proud to introduce the one and only CRYSTAL GAYLE!! One of the most famous female singing icons of American Country Music, Crystal will make her first ever appearance in Derry on TG4’s most celebrated country music show accompanied on stage with Ireland’s own Philomena Begley and Susan Mc Cann. Gayle had great pop crossover success in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s with ‘Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue’, ‘Talking In Your Sleep’ and ‘Half the Way’. She is known as the ‘Brunette Rapunzel” in the music industry for her beautiful, floor-length hair and magnetic stage presence and was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world in the ‘80’s. The second concert on the night will be that of our very own ‘Country Heroes’ featuring Louise Morrissey, Frank Mc Caffrey, Paddy O’ Brien and Mary Duff. In keeping with the traditional ‘Country Music Family’ theme of recent years, Country Music favourite Jimmy Buckley and his daughter Claudia, who have just finished their second nationwide concert tour which proved another huge success, take to the Opry stage on Monday 17th before another Irish tour later in 2019. Jimmy Buckley’s career has gone from strength to strength, now recognised as one of the top entertainers in Ireland, while daughter Claudia, having just turned 21, is currently working on completing her first solo studio album which will be released later this year. The first single Jimmy and Claudia released was called “I

Told You So” and shortly afterwards they released “From Here To The Moon & Back”, which they had previously performed on the Late Late Show.

Nostalgia

Monday will also be a night of nostalgia for the dancehall days when Opry pays tribute to the ‘Showband Shows’ and feature the unforgettable stars of those halcyon days DICKIE ROCK, RED HURLEY, GINA and PADDY COLE. Tuesday night, 18th, will begin with ‘Classic Country’ featuring John Mc Nicholl, Trudi Lalor, Gerry Guthrie and Lisa Stanley, all still performing as strongly as ever, bringing us that classic country sound once more and followed by the second of the ‘Country Music Familiy’ concerts, MIKE DENVER and his mother ROISÍN FALLON. Mike has forged a career as one of Ireland's foremost country singers, due in part to a relentless touring schedule and regular studio work. Roisin Fallon, having fronted the house band in the Gresham Ballroom in London for many years, took the young Mike to perform live alongside her around Ireland and the rest is history. On Wednesday 19th the Opry stage will host Ireland’s best known adopted son, Roly Daniels, fondly remembered by many as the ‘Voice of Romance’. Making his first ever appearance on Opry le Daniel, Roly is the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from Irish World newspapers, has recorded such hits as "Hello Darling", the "Fighting Side Of Me", "Sunny Tennessee", "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and "Mr. Jones". Having initially performed with the Memphis and Nevada Showbands in Ireland, he remains one of the top international country and western entertainers in Nashville, Tennessee and, on returning to Derry is looking forward to this night of nostalgia and hoping to see all those who followed him during the dancehall days from The Lilac, Carndonagh, The Fiesta, Letterkenny, The Stardust, Derry, The Golden Slipper, Magilligan, Borderland, Muff and many other venues in the North-West and Donegal as well as his new found generation of country music followers.

Music idol

Also on Wednesday night, GEORGE HAMILTON V [son] and GEORGE VI [grandson] will appear in a celebration of another American country music idol, George Hamilton IV. Widely known for his hit record "Abilene", followed

Daniel O'Donnell

by numerous hits in both America and UK, including "She's a Little Bit Country" until the very late years of his life, Hamilton was a regular at the Grand Ole Opry and they will be accompanied on stage by Sandy Kelly and Charlie Mc Gettigan. The ‘Nashville Country Show’, on Thursday 20th, will be a tribute to those artists who made Nashville the ‘Home of Country Music’ and will feature the genuine country sound of Ashley Campbell, Max T Barnes, Catherine McGrath and I Draw Slow [thee best Country/Appalachian/ Old-Timey/Folk/Bluegrass Band in Ireland/Europe] followed by ‘A Celebration of Country Gospel Music’ featuring the amazingly versatile Cliona Hagan, Michael English, Patrick Feeney and Chloe Agnew. Closing the tenth series of Opry le Daniel on Friday 21st June will be the GLEN CAMPBELL Tribute Show featuring Glen’s very own daughter flying in from Nashville, Tennessee, Ashley Campbell, accompanied on stage by Ireland’s own Johnny Brady, Ciaran Rosney and Marc Roberts, who toured with Glen Campbell. Ashley Campbell is a well known American country music singer and songwriter, having played banjo for her father during his farewell tour in 2011/ 2012 and followed that with her debut single, "Remembering", a song about her father and his struggles with Alzheimer's disease. In 2016, Campbell appeared at the ‘Country to Country’ festival in the UK and such was her popularity that she was booked to play the main stage at the 2018 festival in a special tribute to her father where she released her debut album ‘The Lonely One’. featuring 13 tracks all co-written by Ashley herself. Recorded in front of a live audience, mixing profiles, conversations and comments from both artists and fans, Opry le Daniel brings the essence of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and Ireland’s Best of Country Music to Derry. Tickets are on sale from Millennium Forum Box Office, Derry. Tel: 02871 264455 [04871 from R.O.I.] https://www.millenniumforum.co.uk/shows/opry-ledaniel/

ADVERTORIAL 15

16 PICTURE SPECIAL

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Pan Celtic Festival - Donegal Co. Council Scholarships

LOCAL

EVENTS Photos: Clive Wasson

Cllr Séamus Ó Dómhnaill (Cathaoirleach Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall) at the presentation of the Gaeltacht Scholarships.

Students who received there certificates at the presentation of the Donegal Co. Council Gaeltacht Scholarships at the Pan Celtic Festival on Wednesday last. Pictured are, from left: Seán Ó Daimhín, Oifigeach Forbartha Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall, Paddy Doherty, Divisional Manager, Community & Enterprise Division, Cllr Séamus Ó Dómhnaill (Cathaoirleach Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall), Bláthnaid Ó Brádaigh (Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach 2019), Seamus Neely, CE Donegal Co. Council, Liam Ward, Director of Community Development and Planning Services and Roise Ní Laiseartaigh, Community Irish Laungauge Officer.

Roise Ní Laiseartaigh, Community Irish Laungauge Officer at the presentation of the Gaeltacht Scholarships.

Cór Ailigh ready to perform at the Pan Celtic Festival on Wednesday last. RIGHT: Bláthnaid Ó Brádaigh (Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach 2019) at the presentation of the Donegal Co. Council Gaeltacht Scholarships.

Guests at the presentation of the Donegal Co. Council Gaeltacht Scholarships at the Pan Celtic Festival .

Helen Clarke, Mary Terry, Mary Higgins and Marie Slevin.

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

LOCAL

EVENTS Photos: Clive Wasson

PICTURE SPECIAL 17 Pan Celtic Festival song competition winners

Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha (Cathaoirleach na Comhairle Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach) and Bláthnaid Ó Brádaigh (Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach 2019) presenting Alba's Ceol An Lar with the first place prize in the Tradional Group singing Competition and also the winners of Newly Composed Song Pan Celtic Song Contest Winners.

Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha (Cathaoirleach na Comhairle Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach), Bláthnaid Ó Brádaigh (Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach 2019) and Máire Ní Fhearraigh (Cathaoirleach Pan Cheilteach Leitir Ceanainn 2019) presenting the newly composed song prize and first place Traditonal Solo Singing to Gwilym Bowen Rhys from Cymru at the Panc Cheilteach 2019.

Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha (Cathaoirleach na Comhairle Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach), Bláthnaid Ó Brádaigh (Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach 2019) and Máire Ní Fhearraigh (Cathaoirleach Pan Cheilteach Leitir Ceanainn 2019) presenting Kernow with third place in the Traditional Group singing contest at the Panc Cheilteach 2019.

Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha (Cathaoirleach na Comhairle Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach), Bláthnaid Ó Brádaigh (Uachtarán Idirnáisiúnta Pan Cheilteach 2019) and Máire Ní Fhearraigh (Cathaoirleach Pan Cheilteach Leitir Ceanainn 2019) presenting Brodyr Magee from Cyrmu with seonc place place in the Traditional Group singing contest at the Panc Cheilteach 2019.

The Britanny group performing tradional dance and music at the Pan Celtic Festival.

The Britanny group performing tradional dance and music.

Pan Celtic Song Contest Winners celebrate their sucess.

The Britanny group performing tradional music.

The Britanny group performing tradional dance and music.

0 8

18 FEATURE

g n i t a r

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

YEARS

le b e C

GREENES SHOES . . . CELEBRATING 80 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Orlaith McFadden, Alfie Greene, Tommy Bowe and Maria Greene at Greene's Shoe's Letterkenny Store celebrating their 80 years in business. Photo Clive Wasson

Greenes Shoes are delighted to be celebrating 80 years in Business this year! In Business since 1939, Greenes Shoes are proud to be an Irish owned and operated company based in Donegal with seven stores across Ireland, located in Falcarragh, Letterkenny, Galway and Limerick. They feature top brands from around the world including Amy Hu-

berman, Kate Appleby, Una Healy, Marco Tozzi, Tamaris, Heavenly Feet, Ecco, Fitﬂops, Tommy Bowe, Brent Pope, Vans, New Balance and many more! Ever since launching their online store it has gone from strength to strength, seeing their shoes jetting off across the world to Australia, New Zealand and throughout Europe. CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

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Congratulations to Greene’s Shoes on their 80th Anniversary Letterkenny Shopping Centre, Port Rd, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland t. +353 (74) 9123094

Best Wishes to Greene’s Shoes logo 3 on their 80th Anniversary.

FEATURE 19

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

GREENES SHOES . . . CELEBRATING 80 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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20 FEATURE

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

GREENES SHOES . . . CELEBRATING 80 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Staff at our Galway Store for our Brent Pope Event

Staff at our Galway Store for our Una Healy Event.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 As their customer base continues to grow online they are running fantastic offers and giveaways across Greenes Shoes social media to thank everyone for their continued support. You should definitely check them out!

Alfie pictured with some of his customers!

W A T S O N m e n s w e a r

plus many more! Congratulations to Greene’s Shoes on their 80th Anniversary

O P E N 7 DAYS A W E E K OPEN EVERY SUNDAY 1-6PM

7 Main Street, Letterkenny TEL: 074 9111100

What an achievement it is to develop and grow a business that is still going strong 80 years later. Along with their nationwide presence, they have still maintained that family run, local business feel across all of their stores and even through their online customer support. You will always be met with a

HEEL and KEY BAR

GARRY OFFICE SUPPLIES LTD.

Gortlee, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Congratulations to Greene’s Shoes on 80 years in business Office Stationary, Furniture & Comptuer Supplies Tel: 074 91 21345 / 074 91 03542 Fax: 074 91 29464 Mob: 087 2220535 Email: garryofficesupplies@eircom.net

smile, from the office team to the shop floor; everyone gives the same enthusiasm and love for what they do. This passion trickles down from the owners and walks out the door with the customer. Thank you for a wonderful 80 years, and here’s to many more!

HIGH QUALITY LOCAL FOOD :_bbedi 8Wh =h_bb e\\[hi Wd [nj[di_l[ c[dk i[hl[Z Wbb ZWo" m_j^ [l[hoj^_d] \hec b_]^j idWYai je [l[d_d] c[Wbi$

Best Wishes to Greene’s Shoes on their 80th Anniversary. Main Street, Letterkenny www.dillons-hotel.ie

T: +353 (0) 74 9122977 info@dillons-hotel.ie

Household and Car Keys Scissor & Shear Sharpening Heels Repaired ALL WHILE U WAIT Huge congratulations to Alﬁe and co. on 80 successful years in business, here’s to another 80! From Michael and James at the Heel and Key Bar. Now in Stock

Selection of Abus Security Padlocks Shoes not collected within 2 weeks will be disposed of.

Letterkenny Shopping Centre

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Congratulations to Greene’s Shoes on their 80th Anniversary Kiltoy Road, Letterkenny Phone: 074 91 21064

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9.30am – 5.30pm Late Nights Thur/Fri 7pm

Unit 13, Letterkenny Shopping Centre, Letterkenny Phone: 074 91 25333

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9.30am – 6.00pm Late Nights Thur/Fri 7pm

E: grovefurniture@eircom.net

www.facebook.com/grovefurnishings

www.grovefurnishings.ie

FOOD SERVED ALL DAY Congratulations to Greene’s Shoes on their 80th Anniversary Letterkenny Shopping Centre, Port Road., Letterkenny, Co.Donegal T: (074)912-4455 E: oasis@foodﬁghters.ie

FEATURE 21

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

GREENES SHOES . . . CELEBRATING 80 YEARS IN BUSINESS

0 8

leb e C

ting a r

Staff in our Limerick Store for our Una Healy Event.

YEARS

Staff at our Galway Store for our Brent Pope Event

Staff at our Letterkenny Store for our Tommy Bowe Event.

LETTERKENNY SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING ENQUIRIES TEL: 0749164044

Congratulations to Greene’s Shoes on their 80th Anniversary.

T H E

W E D D I N G R I N G S P E C I A L I S T S

Wishing Green’s Shoes all the best on their 80th Anniversary. R. McCullagh Jewellers | Estalished 1869 16/20 Main street, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal | Tel: 074 91 22120 Letterkenny Shopping Centre | Tel: 074 91 22120

LETTERKENNY SKIP HIRE & RECYCLING PORTLAND PARK, BALLYRAINE, LETTERKENNY, CO DONEGAL TEL: 00353 (0)74 9164044 | FAX : 00353 (0)74 9164044

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22 FASHION

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

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FASHION 23

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

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24 SPORT

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

ATHLETICS

Over 65 events listed from May

A summer fe 5ks, 10ks, an

The Point 10k, held around Dunkineely, is one of the most scenic 10ks in the county.

MAY . . . GRAND PRIX ROAD RACE SERIES 2019 No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Day Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Tuesday Thursday Friday

Date 5/5/2019 5/7/2019 5/8/2019 5/9/2019 5/10/2019 5/11/2019 5/12/2019 5/14/2019 5/15/2019 5/16/2019 5/19/2019 5/21/2019 5/22/2019 5/23/2019 5/24/2019 5/26/2019 5/28/2019 5/30/2019 5/31/2019

Distance 10K 5K 5K 5K 5K 5k 13.1Ml/5k 5K 5k 5K 5k 5K 5K 5k 5K 5k 5K 5K 5K

Event North West 10K Charity Walk & Run Kilmacrennan NS 5K Walk & Fun Run Colaiste Ailigh 5k Walk & Fun Run Crana College Walk & Fun Run Ballyshannon 5K Muff NS Lifford Strabane Half Marathon Event Hickey Clarke & Langan Inter Firms Rás Glas Trentagh NS 5K Walk & Fun Run Scoil Eoin Baiste Carrigart Drumoghill F.C. 5K Furey Insurances Buncrana 5K Ayr Hill NS Walk & Fun Run Donegal Town 5K Drummond NS 5K Walk & Fun Run Scoil Mhuire Ramelton - Walk & Fun Run Letterkenny Gaels GAA Cappry Rovers F.C. 5K

Time 2.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.00am 10.30am 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 3.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.00am 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

By James Duffy and Chris Ashmore Venue Pearse Raod,Letterkenny Kilmacrennan Letterkenny Buncrana Ballyshannon Muff Co.Donegal Strabane Aura,Letterkenny Buncrana Trentagh,Letterkenny Carrigart Drumoghill Buncrana Ramelton Donegal Town Ballyare,Letterkenny Ramelton Letterkenny Ballybofey

Contact Herbie John Frances Laurence Marita Johanne Brendan Herbie Vinny Norma Syria Kevin Eoghan Gillian Marita Pat Frances Sean Cora

0868113947 0868200680 0866000466 0876134988 0872463425 0877962024 0860489377 0868113947 0876378862 0830380064 0877541306 0868551559 0879474883 0877931599 0872463425 0868904850 0866000466 0851742175 0872653833

It’s going to be another great Summer for 5k and 10ks Donegal. In May alone almost 20 running events will be held across the county in the Donegal Athletics Board Grand Prix Road Race Series 2019 in association with Brian Mc Cormick Sports and Leisure. First on the docket is the North West 10k charity Walk & Run on Sunday, May 5th in Letterkenny with the Community Centre on Pearse Road being the headdquarters for the big annual event which has a 2pm start. This is always a popular event and draws a great crowd. It’s fantastic fun for all the family and helps

The start of the 2018 Northwest 10k in Letterkenny.

JUNE . . . GRAND PRIX ROAD RACE SERIES 2019 No. 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Day Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Friday Sunday Tuesday Sunday

Date 6/4/2019 6/6/2019 6/7/2019 6/8/2019 6/11/2019 6/12/2019 6/14/2019 6/15/2019 6/16/2019 6/18/2019 6/21/2019 6/23/2019 6/25/2019 7/7/2019

Distance 5K 5K 5k 5k 5K 5k 5K 10K 5k 5K 10k 5k 5K 10k

Event Donegal Creameries/Auriva Charity 5K Ballyraine NS - Walk & Fun Run Donoughmore NS 5k Donegal Air Port Runway 5k Convoy A.C. 5K Illistrin NS Fun Run/Walk Mantis 5k Buncrana Summer 10K Charity Event Red Hughes GAA Glenswilly GAA 5K Aghyaran 10k Ionad Naomh Pádraig 5k Termon Donegal Town Festival Summer 10k

Time 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.00am 7.30pm 7.30PM 7.30pm 6.30PM 11.00am 7.30pm 7.30pm 12.30pm 7.30pm 10.30am

Venue Killygordon Letterkenny Castleﬁnn Carrickﬁnn Convoy Illistrin, Letterkenny KIllygordon Buncrana Cross Road KIllygordon Letterkenny Aghyaran, Co Tyrone Gweedore Termon Co.Donegal Donegal Town

.com £1 = €1.20

WL520 LADIES

€80

CW997 LADIES

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WL574 LADIES

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U220 MENS

Contact Gerard 0864007634 Ballyraine NS 0749124758 Dermot 0872682856 Rosealeen 0873920375 John 0866634476 Fergus 0876831313 Niall 0872925385 Eunan 0871266317 Kathy 0877647168 Lee 0866059117 Mark 07809764733 Mary 0868259752 Gerard 0862117979 Eamon 0872797548

Ciaran McGonagle, from Burtonport and now running for Letterkenny AC, finished second overall inlast year's Strabane-Lifford Half Marathon in 1:15.19

BEST FOOTWEAR STORE 2016

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SPORT 25

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

y to September JULY . . . GRAND PRIX ROAD RACE SERIES 2019

east of nd more

No. Day Date Distance 34 Tuesday 7/2/2019 5K 35 Wednesday 7/3/2019 5k 36 Thursday 4/4/2019 5k 37 Friday 7/5/2019 5K 38 Wednesday 7/10/2019 5K 39 Friday 7/12/2019 5K 40 Friday 7/12/2019 5K 41 Tuesday 7/16/2019 5k 42 Friday 7/19/2019 5K 43 Sunday 7/21/2019 15K 44 Tuesday 7/23/2019 5K 45 Friday 7/26/2019 5K 46 Saturday 7/27/2019 5K 47 Tuesday 7/30/2019 5K

Event Raphoe 5K Ardara 5k - Donegal Hospice Fund Finn Harps F.C. Fund Raiser JG Memorial 5K Lifford 5K Rathmullan Festival 5K Spraoi agus Sport - Walk & Fun Run H.S.E. Abbey Village, Kilmacrennan Churchill Festival 5k Danny McDaid 15K Burtonport Festival 5K Castlefinn 5K Cranford “Tommy McBride” 5K & (Juv.Races 5.30pm) Dungloe Festival 5k

Time 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 11.30am 7.30pm 7.30pm 6.30pm

Venue Raphoe Ardara Methodist Hall Finn Park, Ballybofey Cranford Lifford Rathmullen Carndonagh Kilmacrennan Churchill,Letterkenny Aura,Letterkenny Burtonport Castlefinn Cranford

Contact Tony 0868765289 Alan 0872615011 Finn Park 0749130070 Kevin 0860620332 Brendan 0860489377 Margaret 0874152435 Niall 0863426698 Eddie 0879982164 Charlie 0863678483 Herbie 0868113947 Owen 0879725243 Dermot 0872682856 Geraldine 0876320703

7.30pm

Dungloe

Owen

0879725243

to get everyone active, so come along and run, jog or walk. Many of the events such as this one help raise funds for local charities. Thousands are expected to turn out to 65 events from May to September. The events are spread throughout the week, but there will usually be at least one event every Tuesday and Friday. But these are only those listed in the Grand Prix Series so the real number is probably a lot higher. While every event has winners, participation in any of these events has its own rewards such as a healthier lifestyle and better mental health. With the hordes of people about it also presents the opportunity for both adults and children to make new friendships. As well as the 5ks, and 10ks, there are also a number of races over longer distances.

Running on a runway. An aerial view of the participants in the Donegal Airport Runway 5k last year. Photo: Eoin McGarvey.

Some of the Letterkenny Run 4 Fun group who ran in the Northwest 10K.

AUGUST . . . GRAND PRIX ROAD RACE SERIES 2019 No. Day Date Distance 48 Thursday 8/1/2019 5k 49 Friday 8/2/2019 5K 50 Sunday 8/4/2019 5k/10k 51 Tuesday 8/6/2019 5K 52 Friday 8/9/2019 10K 53 Saturday 8/10/2019 10k 54 Monday 8/12/2019 5K 55 Tuesday 8/13/2019 5K 56 Sunday 8/18/2019 13.1Mls 57 Friday 8/23/2019 6K 58 Friday 8/30/2019 5K 59 Saturday 8/31/2019 5k

Event Dunlewey Festival 5k Milford AC John Kilmartin Memorial 5k Kilcar Festival Convoy GAA 5K Ballyare 10K Run & 5K Walk (Start Time 19.00) The Point 10k Doochary Festival 5K Manorcunningham 5K Donegal Half Marathon Brockagh Festival 6K Sean McCumhaills 5K Malin GAA Fund Raiser

Time 7.00pm 7.30pm 2.00pm 7.30pm 7.30pm

Venue Dunlewley Milford Kilcar, Co.Donegal Convoy Letterkenny

Contact Josephine 0868234449 James 0868212778 Trevor 0863333320 Laurence 0876134988 Pat 0868904850

11.00am 7.30pm 7.30pm 9.20am 7.30pm 7.30pm 4.00pm

Dunkineely,Co.Donegal Doochary Manorcunningham Aura,Letterkenny Brockagh Ballybofey Malin Town

Laura Patrick Gerard Herbie Neil Shane Linda

0879913360 0863026851 0861585185 0868113947 0866030616 0868108465 0863452769

Contact Brendan Gráinne Dermot Aidan Herbie Aideen

0863530537 0872366571 0872682856 0862251630 0868113948 0877589208

SEPTEMBER . . . GRAND PRIX ROAD RACE SERIES 2019 No. Day 60 Monday 61 Tuesday 62 Friday 63 Sunday 64 Friday 65 Sunday

Date 9/9/2019 9/10/2019 9/13/2019 9/15/2019 9/20/2019 9/22/2019

Distance 5K 5K 5k 5k/10K 5K 5K

Event Charles McGuinness 5K Loreto Convent 5K Dromore NS 5K Milford School Fund Donegal Grand Prix 5k Fun Run Carn GAA

.com £1 = €1.20

LADIES 22823

€75

LADIES

13290

€80

LADIES

12955

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MENS

Time 7.00pm 7.00pm 7.00pm 11.00am 7.30pm 2.00pm

Venue Glenties Letterkenny Cross Road KIllygordon Milford Divers Hyundai,L/Kenny Carndonagh,Co.Donegal

BEST FOOTWEAR STORE 2016

52631

€55

MENS

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€75

MENS

52957

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26 CINEMA

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Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

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NEWS 27

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Fáilte chun na Gaeltachta! Over 30 eager and enthusiastic young pupils from all corners of Donegal received full Gaeltacht summer scholarships at the Presentation of Scholarships Ceremony that took place in the Mount Errigal Hotel recently as part of the annual Donegal County Council Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme. The Scholarships were presented by the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Séamus Ó Domhnaill. This event formed part of the Pan-Celtic festivities which ran in Letterkenny from 23 April to 28 April 2019. Present at the awards ceremony too were the Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, Seamus Neely together with other staff members. In attendance as a special guest, was the President of the Pan-Celtic Fesitival, Bláthnaid Ó Brádaigh who shared her love for and experience of the Irish language with those present. Donegal County Council is very grateful to the Gaeltacht Colleges of Donegal that support the scheme in a partner-

ship involving joint funding between the Council and the Colleges. The total value of the Scholarships each year can come an estimated €25,000 depending on the duration of the courses selected by the successful applicants. The Scholarship Scheme has been in place for over twenty years now, with more than 600 pupils throughout the county having received full scholarships down through the years. The Summer Colleges play a huge role in the economic life of the Gaeltacht, bringing jobs, income, retail customers, and greater use of services. In return, the pupils get steeped in the rich native language of the Gaeltacht, and get a ﬂavour of community and home life in the Gaeltacht. In addition to the courses and classes, many of the colleges offer a wide range of social events, activities, sports etc. Most of the courses take place throughout the months of June, July and early August and feedback to the Council continues to be extremely positive.

Enthusiastic young pupils from all corners of Donegal who received full Gaeltacht Summer Scholarships from the Donegal County Council Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme pictured with (seated)Sean O’Damhain, Rannóg na Gaeilge, Paddy Doherty, Donegal County Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Seamus O’Domhnaill, Bláthnaid Ó Brádaigh, President of the Pan Celtic Festival, Seamus Neely, Chief Executive Donegal County Council, Liam Ward, Director of Service, Donegal County Council and Róise Ní Laifeartaigh, Rannóg na Gaeilge.

Garda Assault incident

Gardai at Letterkenny Garda Station are seeking witnesses in relation to an assault that occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, the 29th of April at approx. 2.45-2.50am. The incident happened at Lower Main Street in Letterkenny in the area outside the Voodoo nightclub. It is believed that a male suffered a head injury as a result of a blow he received which caused him to fall back and hit his head. It is believed that the attack was unprovoked. A second male was taken to hospital with injuries linked to this incident also and his involvement in the incident is under investigation at present. The investigation is at an early stage and Gardai are viewing all available CCTV and interviewing witnesses who have come forward already. If anyone has any information to offer in relation to the incident, in particular taxi drivers who would usually park across the road at the taxi rank at that hour of the morning or indeed people who had exited Voodoo nightclub and who witnessed the incidents while waiting in the area then we would like to hear from them. If anyone in the area at the time had a dash-cam on their car we would appreciate if they could view the footage on them to check if the incident was captured. Any information can be directed to Letterkenny Garda Station on 074/9167100 or call the Garda Conﬁdential line on

1800 666 111.

Criminal Damage

Gardai at Letterkenny Garda Station are appealing for information in relation to a spate of recent Criminal damage incidents which occurred between the 24th and the 26th of April: • On the 24th of April a number of cars were damaged at Letterkenny University Hospital car-park between the hours of 7.15pm and 8.30pm. The damage to these cars was believed to have been caused by rocks which were found laying around the cars in question when the damage was discovered. Substantial damage was caused to the cars in question including smashed windscreens, damaged panels and damaged bumpers. Some of the cars involved belong to staff of the Hospital and it was extremely upsetting for them to return to their car after a long shift in the hospital to ﬁnd that their car had been damaged. We are appealing to anyone who was in the area of the hospital car-park on that date, last Wednesday evening and who noticed anything untoward to contact us at Letterkenny Garda Station on 074/9167100 or the Garda conﬁdential line on 1800 666 111. • Gardai are appealing for information in relation to a Criminal damage incident on Beechwood Road, Letterkenny between the 24.04.19 and the 25.04.19 between 10pm Wednesday night and 7am on Thursday morning.

In a new weekly column Garda Grainne Doherty will be seeking public assistance in solving and preventing crime A car was damaged while parked in the driveway of a private residence, the windscreen was smashed and the wing mirror on the driver’s side was broken off. Again, if anyone seen anything that they think might aid our investigation in the matter, they are asked to call Letterkenny station on 074/9167100 or the Garda Conﬁdential line on 1800 666 111. • Gardai are appealing for information in relation to a Criminal damage incident at Ard O Donnell, Letterkenny between the 24.04.19 and the 25.04.19, between 11pm on Wednesday night until 11.30am on the Thursday morning. Two vehicles parked outside the owners address were damaged, one had damage to the wing mirror and the other had damage to the wing mirror and also to the tail light. • Gardai at Letterkenny Garda Station are appealing for information in relation to a criminal damage incident at Whitethorn close, Letterkenny on the 26th of April (Friday past) between 4.30pm and 5pm. Damage was caused to the door of a garden shed and there had been reports that a group of youths may have been seen in the area during that time period. If anyone did see a group of youths in the area on Friday evening and can offer a description of them between 4-5pm or indeed if they observed anyone whom they had suspicions in relation to, we would urge them to con-

tact Gardai in Letterkenny on 074/9167100 or the Garda Conﬁdential line on 1800 666 111.

CCTV

I have been asked in recent times to clarify a few rules regarding the installation and the privacy laws attached to said CCTV at your home. A lot of people are considering having CCTV installed as a security measure in light of recent burglaries, criminal damage incidents etc. If anyone is considering having exterior CCTV installed at their home, please remember the following: • Place a sign in a visible/ prominent position to inform people that CCTV is in operation. If you have your CCTV installed by a registered company they usually provide you with a sign. • CCTV should only cover the area within your property/boundry. • Do not supply CCTV footage to anyone as it may be in contravention of Data protection laws. The Gardai may seek a copy of your CCTV if they believe that it will assist in the investigation of a crime.

Burglary

Gardai in Letterkenny are seeking the assistance of the public in relation to a burglary that occurred at a house in Ard Lonan, Letterkenny on the 26.04.19 between Midnight and 7am, the early hours of Friday morning. A 43” Hitachi tv, a Dell laptop, an Acer notebook and a couple of other smaller value items were stolen from the

property. There was no sign of forced entry to the property. If anyone has any information that might assist in the investigation please contact Letterkenny Gardai on 074/9167100 or the Garda Conﬁdential line on 1800 666 111.

Update on previous incident

On a previous Community Garda slot a few weeks ago an appeal was issued for witnesses to an assault involving the use of a hammer on the Pearse Road in Letterkenny on the 14.04.19. A man has been arrested, charged and brought before the Court and has been remanded in custody to appear again on a later date. We would like to thank the public for their assistance in the matter.

Clarification

Gardai are aware that there is a story being circulated on Social Media at present in relation to an alleged attempted kidnapping of a female at the Tul na rí nightclub, Carndonagh in recent weeks. A minor incident occurred on the date in question which is not believed to have been of a Criminal nature and Gardai wish to assure the public that an attempted kidnapping did not occur. Gardai wish to advise people to be careful when posting/sharing stories on Social Media that have not been veriﬁed and in particular in relation to making the identities of people whom they believe may have been involved

known. This is very unfair to the people in question and could prove to be very distressing to them and their families especially when no Criminal offence is believed to have occurred. The spreading of stories of this nature also creates unnecessary fear within communities.

Garda Youth Awards

The National Garda Youth awards ceremony was held on the 27th of April in Portlaoise. The National Garda Youth award winners, Mr Odhran O Neill from Ballyshannon and Ms. Ruby Hurst from Rossnowlagh were presented with their award on that date. Both had trained on a CPR course as volunteers which was run by the Irish Water Safety organisation in Ballyshannon. In 2017 these two youths put their CPR training to great use when they showed immense bravery and remained level headed when they saved the life of one of their friends. On behalf of An Garda Siochana I want to say Congratulations to them both and to say that they were very deserving winners of their award. I would also like to acknowledge the Irish water safety organisation in Ballyshannon who volunteer their time and efforts into training young people such as Odhran and Ruby and they too deserve recognition because without them and the training that they provide, lives would most certainly be lost.

28 HEALTH/COMPUTER COLUMN The

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Other Side of the Coin

The Dangers of Mobile Phone Masts,Wi Fi, Cordless Phones, Baby Monitors Part 1 So you think everyday appliances that you accept and take for granted in your home are safe? ....well think again! Dangerous Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF’s) are produced today by many items in your home and outside your home. Is your Wi-Fi safe?, is that digital wireless monitor harming your baby? Can you believe that your harmless looking DECT home cordless phone actually pulses out microwaves 24hrs a day even if its not in use? Can they affect the heart? Could they be the cause of some cancers? And could certain members of your family be more susceptible to this form of radiation than others? You will be surprised at the amount of information and scientific data, and controlled tests that point to the fact that Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF’s) produced from Radio Frequencies (RF) especially the Pulsed Microwave variety of your Wi Fi router, Digital Wireless Baby Monitor and Home Cordless Phone may be very damaging to your health. In 2011 The World Health Organisation(WHO)/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classiﬁed radiofrequency electromag-

Sharing the ancient wisdom that is Chinese medicine read the study just type into google- havas wiﬁ heart.

netic ﬁelds as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer1, associated with wireless phone use. Read here- http://www.iarc.fr/ en/media-centre/pr/2011/pdfs/ pr208_E.pdf I have uncovered some hard hitting facts that everyone should be aware of, and how you can simply and easily protest yourself with a little bit of effort and dilligence.

Cordless Phones

Most cordless phones and baby monitors used in the

Computer Guide

Most baby monitors are now advertised as using DECT phone technology which runs 2.4 GHz which is the same as the microwave oven frequency. With ‘talk back’ digital baby monitors, where parents can talk back to the baby, both units ccontinuously emit pulsing radiation, not just when the baby is making a noise or the parent is talking to them. Babies and children are more at risk because of their thin and developing brain barriers, Hence, a child’s brain is extremely sensitive to the effects of any type of EMF radiation. Babies are more at risk because of the close proximity of the monitor to the babies head. Parents too because of the close proximity of the monitor reciever to their head at night or during the day. To inform yourself more, please do your own research, just “google” the dangers of cordless phones, baby monitors and wi ﬁ . As well as serious dangers to health, pulsing digital monitors seem to be far more disruptive of the infant's sleep and state of contentment causing restlessness, irritability and crying.

they offer a refund. They may even call to say the company is going out of business and offering refunds. Don’t fall for it. They will want your credit card or bank information, saying it’s necessary to deposit the refund. If you get a call like this, hang up on them and report it to the FTC. Earlier this year, several defendants that used highpressure techniques to peddle

unneeded tech support settled with the FTC. A court order required Inbound Call Experts, LLC (doing business as Advanced Tech Support) to give legitimate refunds on average of $277 to 36,830 people. The more than $10 million settlement also blocks the defendants from misleading consumers into thinking they have security problems on their computers.

Baby Monitors

Mobile Phone Masts

A newly published study comparing people living close (within 80 meters) and far (over 300 meters) from a cellular antennas found that the people living closer to the cellular antennas had statistically signiﬁcant effects- increases in blood damage considered biomarkers predictive of cancer. So if you are living close to a base station, you must object and form community groups and raise awareness to have this health hazard removed. A mobile phone mast should not be in a residential built up area close to where people live. To read the study type into a Google search- “researchgate mobile phone base stations”

home today are DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Technology). These cordless phones as do baby monitors continuously emit microwave radiation at full power 24 hours a day. Cordless phones emit radiation whether they are being used or just sitting idle in their base station and they pulse out microwaves 24/7, this is actually similar to having a mobile phone mast in your home. This exposes people and babies to unnecessary microwave radiation and has been raised as a potential health concern by scientists and doctors in many countries.

If you have a cordless phone and a baby monitor and a Wi Fi router all running in your home at the same time then your health and the health of your children could be seriously at risk over a period of time. In 2010, Dr. Magda Havas, Ph.D, an electro-smog and electro-sensitivity expert, published results of a ground-breaking study in the European Journal of Oncology. A cordless phone base station was used and demonstrated that wireless EMFs can adversely affect heart function and heart rhythm as well as many other symptoms. To

Warnings

So why are there not warnings on these appliances to infom us of these dangers. Simply put: the” industry” driving all wireless technology unto the market has far too much power and money and can inﬂuence politicians and governments as well as all the NGO’s and health watchdog organisations. Also as well as that most people take it for granted that wireless technology is safe. Safe levels for microwave radiation whether it comes from a cordless phone, wireless internet router or baby monitor are all based on levels considered safe if they are not high enough to heat you or cook you. The nonthermal biological effects are not considered. There are many studies on the non-thermal effects of microwave radiation on the human body by imminent doctors, professors and scientists. But don’t panic, there are many solutions and next week in Part 2 as well as looking the dangers of Wi Fi use, and we will be looking at solutions and the many ways you can protect your self and your family from the damaging effects of EMF’s in our homes.

brought to you by Inishowen Computer Systems Ltd

Popular new scam appears to freeze your computer until you pay up A new internet scam targeting internet browsers tricks users into paying for fake tech support. Many internet users may be familiar with the panic that comes when a message appears on the screen saying a virus has infected your computer. Many internet users also do not realize that more often than not, those pop-ups are the beginnings of a popular scam. In 2017, the federal Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received 11,000 complaints related to tech support fraud. These scams come in all shapes and sizes, with con artists contacting people by phone, e-mail, pop-up messages and through search engines when people are trying to find legitimate computer help. The criminals often claim to be from well-known companies like Apple of Microsoft and say they detected malware on your computer. Inevitably, the communica-

tion ends with the scam artist asking you to pay for services you don’t need, or that may actually be harmful to your device. But one scam technique that has appeared on Google’s Chrome internet browser may have users panicking that something dire has happened to their computer. These tech savvy scammers make your browser think it needs to save a ﬁle over and over, according to ArsTechnica. The browser can’t keep up and becomes unresponsive, but only after a phony error message tells the user to call a fake tech support number. And Chrome may not be the only internet browser affected. Malwarebytes security researcher Jérôme Segura tweeted that this screen-freezing scam also hit Firefox. ArsTechnica reports representatives from Google and Firefox say they are addressing the issue. Remember nearly any legitimate tech support company

will not contact you unsolicited, so you should never call these phone numbers. There are other precautions to take to avoid becoming a victim, starting with the installation of ad-blocking software and making sure all software is up to date. If a so-called tech support company does contact you, be wary of any pressure to act quickly and never give remote access to your devices. If a tech support scam does come your way, IC3 recommends shutting down the device immediately, ignoring any pop-ups telling you to do otherwise. Whether or not you fall prey to a tech support scam, you should ﬁle a complaint with the IC3and be as descriptive as possible, noting any phone numbers, names, websites and e-mail addresses used by the criminals. If you do get scammed, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says to get rid of any malware that you or the criminals may have installed.

If you gave someone credit card information to order bogus services, let your credit card company know so they can reverse the charges. Comment on this story The FTC also reports that following these scams that sell you unnecessary (and potentially harmful) services, you may get a call from someone asking if you were happy with the service. When you reply negatively,

HOROSCOPES/CROSSWORD 29

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

WIN TEABREAK TEASERS

Weekly Horoscopes Aries (March 21-April 19) Tread softly today because you feel cut off from others. Yesterday was upbeat and friendly; but today is much more reserved. Avoid a dispute about money or possessions because this irritation will pass quickly. Especially if you drink a lot of water. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Someone in authority might not approve of you today or be critical. Even a friend or someone older might withhold their praise or approval. Yikes! Relax. Tomorrow is just ﬁne. This is just a conservative, low key day. No biggie. Gemini (May 21-June 20) The easy-going quality of yesterday has diminished somewhat today. Therefore, go slowly. Be tactful when dealing with others, especially bosses and parents. Someone, perhaps a female, might be short tempered. If someone criticizes you, don’t take it personally. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Someone might rain on your parade today, especially regarding travel plans or dealing with people from other cultures or different countries. They seem to be keen on telling you why you can’t do something instead of why you can. Meanwhile, disagreements about shared property might arise. Stay chill. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Yesterday’s easy-going joy is subdued today. In fact, you might be disappointed with your fair share of something or what someone gives you. “This measly offering is all I get?” Be patient with a female friend or partner to avoid a spat. Keep a low proﬁle. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Relations with partners and close friends are a bit restrained today. People are more concerned about practical matters than having fun. Obligations and duties still exist. Steer clear of an argument with a female c-worker.

Letterkenny

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Children might be an increased responsibility today for some reason. But then, hey - that goes with the territory. Be reassured that tomorrow is a much better day! Therefore, take care of business today. Avoid an argument with a female family member or a partner.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) It’s easy to fall into Gloom Mode today and feel that your glass is half empty. And of course, this is true. But it is also true that it is half full. It’s simply a point of view. Observe your point of view. Don’t let the alligators get you down. There are three kinds of people in the world: those who can count and those who can’t. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Some kind of ﬁnancial situation might disappoint you today. Frankly, you expected more. But hey - it happens. Don’t let this affect you, especially to the point that you have a difﬁcult conversation with a family member - especially a female. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) People are more reserved today. The good news is that tomorrow is a lovely day and the Moon will be in your sign lined up with your ruler Neptune. Lucky you!

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Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Work might be drudgery today. (“Don’t you have a ﬂagellation to go to?”) It’s mild - but it’s there. In the midst of this, someone might be short tempered or have a bit of a hissy ﬁt. Keep your cool because appearances are everything.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Family relations are somewhat subdued today. People are restrained and playing their cards very close to their heaving bosom. That’s okay - this is nothing you can’t handle. But do avoid a passionate outburst with a co-worker, sibling or relative. Not cool.

€10

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

Across 8. Keep it near, possibly (6) 9. Implied vessel is not communicating (8) 10. No rest, I gather, having a Spanish address (8) 11. Somewhat eccentric, he squanders wealth (6) 12. Back with series, and change things around (9) 13. Pretend to joke about (3,2) 15. Theatre production omitting quiet song (3) 17. They are responsible for disturbing the game (7) 18. Decide upon way to swallow drug (3) 21. Right now, twisting round a tree (5) 22. Motion revolutionary socialist kept an eye on (9) 25. Articles about alcohol leading to heart trouble (6) 26. Was self-indulgent, and amused everyone inside (8)

Last weeks solution

Congratulations to: PJ Stevenson Glencar Letterkenny

27. One going around shooting ? (8) 28. Detective left to get into the US, possibly (6) Down 1. Tough spot clergyman reversing into (6) 2. Catholic idol and child featured in stonework (7) 3. Answer held by accused, it’s suggested (9) 4. Conventional ship isn’t complicated (15) 5. Surrey opener takes heart and gets twenty (5) 6. Food and drink brought round for the snobbish (5,2) 7. Frightful rogues upset me (8) 14. In bar, drunk and a little stupid (9) 16. Not in a bad way, Edward is blessed (8) 19. US president deranged ? I take issue (7) 20. As worn on head by nobles etc, or on model (7) 23. Impartial way to reverse results (6) 24. Trusting one to put in part of church (5)

30 PICTURE SPECIAL LOCAL

EVENTS Photos: Brian McDaid

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Derek Hill Art Exhibition at the Glebe

Enjoying the summer evening at the opening of the Glebe Gallery Art Exhibition.

Rosin Mc Bride, Marian Dee, and Peter Farley.

Karol McGarvey Annie Dunne and Jasper Cardos.

Johnny and Christine Boyle and Glynn Hughes.

Adrian Kelly and Shaun Hannigan.

Oisin Farley and Mary Friel welcome guests to the Glebe.

PICTURE SPECIAL 31

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

LOCAL

EVENTS Photos: Brian McDaid

Derek Hill Art Exhibition at the Glebe

Peadar Mc Daid and Peter Keardos at the opening of the Derick Hill Art Exhibition.

Shaun McCarron and Lisa Burkit.

Joan Murray winner at the Glebe Gallery makes her way through the crowd to collect her prize.

Philip Mackey and Less Allen.

Artists Daniel Mc Nelis and Orla Egan. Ray Mc Dermott and his daughter Orla.

Saun Hannigan who presented the prizes at the Derek Hill Art Exhibition pictured with Heilan Daiser from Russia now livening in Germany who was one of the guests at the Glebe Gallery.

Daniel Nellis who was a winner pictured with Adrian Kelly and Shaun Hannigan

Joan Murray who was one of the winners pictured with Adrian Kelly and Shaun Hannigan.

32 COOKERY/KIDS

Home COOKING

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

by Barbara Collins

MARMALADE MUFFINS I was searching around for a mufﬁn recipe when I came across this one from Bord Bia. It was great with Seville Orange marmalade but I will try it with other ones including a grapefruit one. This recipe makes 12. You should have most of the ingredients already. METHOD Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4, 180ºC (350ºF). Line a muffin tin with deep paper cases. Melt the butter in a small pan or in the microwave. Remove from the heat. Sift the plain flour, baking powder, bread soda and salt into a bowl. Stir in the wholemeal flour. Beat together the milk, yoghurt, eggs, warm melted butter and orange rind. Make a well in the dried ingredients and stir in this mixture along with the marmalade. Spoon the mixture equally into the paper cases and bake for 20-25 minutes until well risen and golden brown. Leave to cool for five minutes, then serve warm with a pot of hot coffee.

TIP

INGREDIENTS 75g butter 225g plain flour 1 tbsp baking powder ¼ teasp. bread soda Pinch of salt 100g stone-ground wholemeal fl our 120ml milk 5 tablesp. natural yoghurt 2 eggs, beaten Finely grated rind of 1 orange 100g marmalade

If you don’t fancy using marmalade try making them with lemon curd instead.

Contact Barbara:- Twitter: @thegoodchinaset | Email: barbara@thegoodchinaset.com

FARMING 33

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Letterkennypost Your FREE LocaL WEEKLY NEWspapEr

& THE NORTH WEST

Farming

McGinley Motors

NEWS MART RESULTS PHOTOS

Pearse Rd., Letterkenny, Co. Donegal

Forest walks in support of green ribbon campaign IFA President Joe Healy has encouraged farm families to attend and support ‘Let’s Talk and Walk’ forest walks organised by IFA in partnership with See Change, Coillte, and Mental Health Ireland in support of the Green Ribbon campaign this month. Nine walks have been organised in venues throughout the country during May, which is Green Ribbon month – a month dedicated to encouraging people in Ireland to End Mental Health Stigma. The Donegal walk will be held in Ards Forest Park on Sunday, May 12 at 3pm. Mr Healy said: “This has been a particularly tough year for many farm families, the uncertainty of Brexit and continued high input costs and low prices have contributed to a lot of additional stress and strain on many farm families. “It is hoped that the walks will provide an opportunity for friends, families and communities to connect while being mindful of their own and others’ mental health and wellbeing.” National Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair, Caroline Farrell, said that this is the seventh year that IFA has organised the walks and they have proved to be ex-

Cheque presentation

Aurivo, which is headquartered in the North West of Ireland, has presented a cheque worth €40,000 to Down Syndrome Ireland. Over the course of 2018, Aurivo employees organised a number of fundraising events for Down Syndrome Ireland’s local branches across the North West region, as part of the co-op’s Charity of the Year Programme (COTY). L-R: Aurivo Staff at Aurivo House. PHOTO: James Connolly.

tremely popular. The walks provide an opportunity for rural communities to show their support for a very worthwhile campaign by taking time out from farming and to spend with family and friends. By getting together and talking openly about mental health issues we have found that there is greater acceptance of mental health issues, and people realise they are not alone. Jim Daly, Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health welcomed the ‘Let’s Talk and Walks’ initiative. He said: “We know that individuals who often work alone – like farmers – are identiﬁed as a priority group within our national strategy to reduce suicide, Connecting for Life. “People working in this area can often feel isolated and may not be aware of how to access supports. “These walks will help to strengthen connections within the farming and wider community, while sharing knowledge about what supports and services can maintain positive mental health.” Mark Carlin, Managing Director at Coillte said: “Coillte is delighted to continue our support again this year for the

IFA President Joe Healy (left) has encouraged farming families to take part in this month's 'Let's Talk and Walk' forest walk in Ards Forest Park.

“Green Ribbon - Let’s Talk & Walk” initiative. “The health beneﬁts to both our physical and mental wellness from contact with forests and nature is well established and this initiative aims to encourage everyone to get outdoors and use our forests, trails and recreation parks as a place to focus on improving our mental wellness, a challenge we all face in this increasingly fast paced and hectic world.” He continued: “Coillte are very proud to able to host a number of the events around the country to help raise pub-

lic awareness of mental health and encourage everyone to begin to talk about or support others in acknowledging and coping with the challenges they may be facing. “I hope that everyone enjoys a walk in one of the many outstanding forest venues for this event and encourages their friends and family to participate. “The Let’s Talk and Walk series of walks create a space to spend some uninterrupted time with our friends and family away from the many everyday distractions. Being outdoors in nature, enjoying

good company while getting some gentle exercise really promotes positive mental health and a sense of wellbeing.” John Saunders, Director of See Change said: “You don’t need to be an expert to start talking about mental health and you don’t have to have all the answers, sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is listen and let someone know that you are there for them. “Stigma is a barrier to recovery and prevents people from seeking help. By wearing the Green Ribbon during the month of May you can help put a stop to stigma.”

www.landrover.com

Tel: 074 91 25666

IFA to protest over €100m Brexit beef losses

IFA President Joe Healy has announced details of an IFA protest at the Cabinet meeting in Cork this morning (Wednesday). Mr Healy said farmers who have been hammered by financial losses arising from Brexit have been ignored. He said the Government commitments to support farmers have amounted to nothing so far. “Farmers need a retrospective aid package to cover losses of €101m Brexit related beef price cuts,” he said. The IFA President said the Government and the EU Commission must honour the commitments that they have made regarding Brexit losses. The Cabinet is due to meet at Blackrock Castle in Cork at 10am this morning, where the IFA will be sending a strong message to the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his Government Ministers that beef farmers cannot be hung out to dry on Brexit. IFA Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said the IFA has put a detailed set of proposals to both Minister Creed and Commissioner Hogan on the losses in the beef sector. “Minister Creed needs to make the beef issue and the Brexit losses his priority. “We have met with the officials in the Department of Agriculture and the EU Commission and they accept that Irish beef farmers have incurred significant Brexit beef losses.”

IFA urge Minister to pay all outstanding 2018 payments IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy has urged the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to pay out approximately €45m which is owed to farmers in respect of schemes that they applied for in 2018. Mr Kennedy said that it is unacceptable that this money is being held up at a time when farmers are on their knees and are in desperate need of income support. A small number of outstanding BPS, ANC and BDGP payments worth €2m. He also reminded farmers that the Department of Agriculture is holding clinics around the country to assist farmers with their online applications.

34 PETS

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

Pet’s Corner

Doggy Do's & Don'ts International

by Kathleen Murray. Tel: 0863192247

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

Training your dog How long does it take to train a dog? This is a frequently asked question. The answer is... It takes as long as it takes. Dogs go through different phases in their lives the same as us. They have their puppy stage, their adolesence and their adult lives to get through. Puppy stage is for setting the boundaries and learning many new things, adolesence is for surviving the hormonal influences, and the boundary stretching rebellion, and adulthood is the reward for all the previous learning and hard work. Training is on-going. Commands are not "training". They are a small part of a

dog's training. People can often get hung up on teaching commands and they don't put enough time into the relationship between the dog and themselves. What does that mean? A relationship is two way trafﬁc. There's give and take. A dog needs affection and play. A dog needs to be part of your life. Some people put a dog outside in a yard and expect it to know everything by itself and some people only give dogs commands, they never say a kind word to it or play silly, fun games with it. If you worked with your dog, creating what you want it to be like (well mannered), for the ﬁrst year especially,

then you could achieve a lot. You and your dog could have a great life together. Keeping an eye on things after that and sorting out any new problems that arise is all that's needed then. When the basics are done the hardest part is done. If you get a dog that is older, where this important work was not done then that is a different story. You have to work with what you have then, that may be difﬁcult in the beginning but worth it in the end 0863192247. Never leave a dog and child unsupervised no matter how well behaved your dog is. Keep up the good work.

Nervous dogs Nervous dogs need extra care when being introduced to new situations or people, as they are naturally more cautious than other dogs. It is therefore vital that, as a puppy, they are properly socialised and regularly exposed to situations where they will receive positive experiences. Great care must be taken so as not to overwhelm or scare a nervous puppy or adult dog. Some of the signs of a nervous dog may be subtle and go unnoticed. The dog may lick its lips, look away, yawn or try to back away and hide. If you notice these signs, prevent increasing the nervousness by either moving your dog away from the situation or doing something else your dog enjoys to help distract them. This also helps your dog to associate the situation with something pleasant. If the first subtle signs are not noticed (or ignored) the dog may begin to cower, tuck its tail between its legs or pant. Do not force your dog into situations like this in an attempt to help your dog get used to it. If continually forced into situations and unable to escape, your dog may resort to growling, lunging forward or snapping in an attempt to remove whatever is causing the nervousness. If this happens, it is important that the dog is not punished for this behaviour, as this will only intensify the reaction, and your dog will learn that aggression is effective at keeping scary situations away. Punishing a frightened dog may also result in your dog becoming afraid of you and even biting you in defence. Some dogs may be nervous of specific things such as loud noises or strangers. This can be helped by controlled exposure to the specific event, linked with something your dog likes to do, such as play or food treats. However, this must be done under the guidance of an animal behaviourist recommended by your vet.

If you have a nervous dog (that has not shown any aggression) you can help prevent defensive actions by being patient and taking things slowly. Observe your dog carefully and when you notice the first signs of nervousness, move your dog away from the situation to relax. Keeping your dog in the situation with reassurances only reinforces nervousness but, by moving away, you have taken control and shown that your dog can trust you to be a protector. When you are aware of the situations your dog is afraid of, avoid them, but whilst stuck in a difficult situation start to build confidence by encouraging your dog to play with you and a favourite toy. You can also teach simple commands so your dog is under your control. Keeping a dog occupied is a useful way to take the mind off scary situations and the physical effort will also help to keep your dog relaxed and comfortable in these surroundings. When your dog is keen to play with you and is responding to your commands, begin to resocialise your dog to the situations in which your dog was nervous. Gradually expose your dog to the situations, keeping your dog at a safe distance and watching for any signs of nervousness. Before the dog reacts nervously, encourage a short game with a toy or have a short, fun training session. Repeat this at the safe distance as often as you can. As your dog gains confidence and relaxes you can gradually move the animal closer and closer until your dog no longer shows any sign of nervousness. This may take many weeks. Whenever your dog copes well with a scary situation, reward with food and lots of praise. If your dog is defensive it is important that you discuss the problem with your vet who may refer you to an animal behaviourist to help resolve the problem.

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.

We are

digital! Visit www.donegalnow.com for more available on

Letterkennypost SPORT Thursday 2 May 2019

www.letterkennypost.com

WILD ATLANTIC ADVENTURE RACE

WAAR READY FOR TAKE OFF Photo credit: Rory O’Donnell

With fierce displays of stamina, strength and speed the Wild Atlantic Adventure Race, or WAAR, one of the most challenging adventure races in Ireland, returns to the Donegal coast on Saturday, May 11 hosted by Naomh Muire GAA club with headline sponsor Randox Teoranta in tow for the fifth year. This year’s race has already seen entries flying in from across the country and even further afield with numbers expected to reach 600. There are a limited number of spaces left with online registrations

closing today (Wednesday, May 1). As well as being recognised as the world’s number one most scenic airport for two years running. Donegal Airport is also extremely supportive towards the local community and once again they have opened up their live runway to the running route of the WAAR event. Eilis Barrett from Donegal Airport commented “We were delighted to continue our support of this very successful event and look forward to having hundreds of competitors run on the runway as they did last

year.” She added “What other adventure race in the world can competitors run on the live runway of the most scenic landing in the world, in the coolest place on the planet to live? It really is a special event.” The full WAAR route features a 10km run, 42.5km cycle, 2km hike and 1km kayak, starting and ﬁnishing at C.L.G. Naomh Muire in Mullaghderg. This year, for the ﬁrst time, the race will also be included in the National Adventure Race Series, allowing

HORSE RACING

competitors to gain points towards becoming the all-Ireland Adventure Race champion 2019. There is also a shorter Sprint option for newcomers of this growing sport. Brian O’Donnell of the organisers committee paid thanks to the many people including sponsors, providers of facilities, volunteers and everyone who help making it a successful and growing event. He said “Our thanks to Donegal Airport for allowing our WAARiors the unique opportunity to run on the runway.”

WAAR seeks to encourage all standards of participants from the give-ita-go competitors to the elite athlete all with the objective of highlighting positive mental and physical wellbeing. Anyone interested in taking part in the event can visit the website at www.waar.ie. The event is open to anyone who is 16 or over on May 11. If you would like to help out on the day of the event and be part of it all then please send your name and contact number to info@waar.ie.

GOLF

Winners in the Peggy Forde Open Competition pictured with Peggy's sons Sean and Michael, daughter in law Yan and grandchildren Conal and Oisin.

Letterkenny Ladies Golf Club Dylan Browne McMonagle will be one to watch again this year

Local horse racing season begins The local horse racing season gets under way this Sunday, May 5 at Carrickadawson outside St Johnston. The ﬁrst race is set to get underway at 2.30pm sharp with an eight race card down for decision. Last year’s National Champion Top Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle has

a good book of rides and will be one to watch as will Co Antrim crack rider Sam Ewing who will be eagerly looking forward to the action as well. There will be bookmakers on course and refreshments will also be available on the day, Those attending are ad-

vised to get along early to avoid delays. Directions to the course: Take a right coming from Lifford after driving roughly ﬁve miles at Ballinalecky crossroads towards St Johnston. Coming from Letterkenny take a left at the Ballinalecky crossroads after travelling around 10 miles.

The Homeland sponsored competition on 23/4/19 was won by Competition Secretary Angela Kilgallen with 36pts. 2nd Pauline Curley 35pts. and 3rd Mary McGlynn 34pts. The Peggy Forde Competition was the ﬁrst Open of the year kindly sponsored by the Forde Family attracted a huge entry of over 60 ladies. The winner for the second year running was Mary Beth McBrearty (14) with a terriﬁc score of 42pts. Margo Birmingham (30) was 2nd with 39pts.(bot), Lady Captain Angela Bradley is continuing her run of good

form winning the Gross with 25gross pts. Another lady finding good form lately is Competition Secretary Angela Kilgallen (18) taking 3rd spot with 39pts.(bot). Cathy Marren (34) was 4th with 36pts. The visitors prize went to Mary Ferry 33pts. Front 9 Laura Crawford 20 pts and Back 9 Sarah McBrearty 19 pts (bot). Mary Beth McBrearty and Triona Daly both had 2s on the 16th There will be a re-entry competition over the May Bank Holiday Weekend sponsored by Geraldine Og’s and club

members Anne Condon and Jackie Ireland. The May Medal will be on Tuesday 7th May and Healthwise Pharmacy will sponsor an 18 hole on Thursday 9th. The Voucher Competition takes place on Tuesday 14th, the draw for this will take place on the 9th so ensure your name is on the list in the locker room. The ladies club would like to express their sincere condolences to Veronica McAteer on the tragic loss of her Grandson Donagh McBride. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

36 SPORT

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

MOTORSPORT

Donegal success at Monaghan Stages Rally

Kelly does it again – and Eves also celebrates He’s done it again – Donegal’s Donagh Kelly won this year’s Monaghan Stages Rally, just as he did in 2018. In a dramatic final loop Former National and Tarmac Rally champion Kelly and his Monaghan co-driver Conor Foley, in a Ford Focus WRC, withstood the strong challenge of Monaghan’s Josh Moffett and Wexford’s Andy Hayes, in a Ford Fiesta WRC, to win the Monaghan Rally, round three of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship by a margin of 5.7 seconds. “We knew we had a big challenge from the man behind (Moffett) and we had to go for it,” he said. Back in the Focus WRC, rather than in a R5, it was also a useful event with the Donegal International Rally less than two months away. Clonmel’s Roy White and his Cork co-driver James O’Brien (Fiesta WRC) were 27.1 seconds further behind in third. On the 11.76 km opening stage Josh Moffett was 3.8 seconds ahead of Kelly with Roy Whyte’s Fiesta 3.6 further behind and 0.7 of a second ahead of the Fiesta R5 of Sam Moffett followed by Declan Boyle’s Fiesta WRC, 0.6 of a second further adrift in sixth. Josh Moffett was also quickest on the second stage and then on the very technical third stage - the longest of the rally at 16.08 kilometres - he took total command with a stage time that was over seven seconds better than any of his rivals. A cautious Declan Boyle (Fiesta WRC) was fourth and was well pleased to finish having endured some disappointment in the Midlands and Easter rally events. “I wanted to get the car around and home in one piece,” he said. Former national champion Peadar Hurson overshot on the third stage, hit a bale that did some cosmetic damage to the left front left wing of his Ford Fiesta WRC, he too was on the wrong tyres. Donegal’s Joe McGonigle’s Mini WRC suffered a misfire on all three stages in the morning.

Puncture

After service, there was little between Josh Moffett and Kelly through stages

four and five, however, on Special Stage Six, Moffett’s Fiesta WRC suffered a rear left wheel puncture and lost considerable time as Kelly arrived at the final service as rally leader - 15.9 seconds ahead of Moffett. The new rally leader reckoned he should have been on a softer tyre but was quite content as he continued to build his pace on what was his first time in the car since last year’s Donegal International Rally. A disconsolate Moffett was at odds to explain the circumstances of the puncture. Meanwhile, White - just two tenths of a second behind in third - was untroubled as Boyle occupied fourth but was concerned about a differential problem. Sam Moffett’s Fiesta R5 benefitted from a change of spark plugs and a new coil pack. Darren Gass (Skoda Fabia R5) was in sixth place with Eves continuing to rule the two-wheel drive category whilst holding an impressive seventh in general classification. The top ten was completed by Declan McCrory (SubarWRC), Joe McGonigle (Mini WRC) and the Ford Focus WRC of Hugh Hunter. Peadar Hurson (Ford Fiesta WRC) slipped to thirteenth when he spun at a hairpin and with no reverse gear and no spectators to help him, took considerable time to get back on track. Despite a continuing misfire, Shane Maguire (Mitsubishi) continued to lead the Motorsport Safety Team Group N category.

Deficit

A charging Josh Moffett took 5.8 seconds from Kelly on the seventh stage to cut the deficit to 10.1 seconds. The margin was reduced to 5.3 seconds when Josh Moffett punched in the best time on the penultimate stage. However, Kelly withstood the challenge and was actually quickest on the stage to claim the additional Triton bonus point. The top six remained unchanged with Boyle, Sam Moffett and Gass. Joe McGonigle (Mini WRC) backed off on the final loop and finished seventh. Eves won the two-wheel drive category as local driver Michael Carbin (Mitsubishi) and Hurson completed the top ten, the latter spun again

at the same location as he did on S.S. 6. Shane Maguire and codriver Anthony Nestor (Mitsubishi) won Motorsport Safety Team Group N category.

Donegal’s Donagh Kelly (second from right) and his Monaghan co-driver Conor Foley (second from left) celebrate their victory in the Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan Rally, round three of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship. Also included are Frank McKenna (Four Seasons Hotel) pictured extreme left, clerk of the course, Eoghan Corr (centre) and Laura McMenamin (Registrar, Triton Showers NRC). Photo: Martin Walsh.

Top Ten

1. Donagh Kelly/Conor Foley (Ford Focus WRC) 1h.05m. 00.2s 2. Josh Moffett/Andy Hayes (Ford Fiesta WRC) 1h. 05m. 05.9s 3. Roy White/James O'Brien (Ford Fiesta WRC) 1h. 05m. 33.0 4. Declan Boyle/Brian Boyle (Ford Fiesta WRC) 1h 05m. 44.8s 5. Sam Moffett/James Fulton (Ford Fiesta WRC) 1h. 06m. 12.4s

Donegal cousins Declan and Brian Boyle (Ford Fiesta WRC) were fourth overall in the Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan Rally, round three of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship. Photo: Martin Walsh.

6. Darren Gass/Enda Sherry (Skoda Fabia R5) 1h. 07m. 19.0s 7. Joe McGonigle/Ciaran Geary (Mini WRC) 1h. 08m. 39.6s 8. Kevin Eves/Chris Melly (Toyota Corolla) 1h. 08m. 52.7s 9. Michael Carbin/Conor Mohan (Mitsubishi EvoVIII) 1h. 09m. 36.6s 10. Peadar Hurson/Damien Connolly (Ford Fiesta WRC) 1h. 09m. 39.6s

Triton Showers National Rally Championship

(Provisional positions after Round 3): 1. J. Moffett 59pts; 2. R. White 50pts; 3. P. Hurson 39pts; 4. J. McGonigle 35pts; 5. D. Boyle 33pts & 6. K. Eves 31pts.

Donegal’s Kevin Eves/Chris Melly (Toyota Corolla) won the two-wheel drive category in the Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan Rally, round three of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship. Photo: Martin Walsh.

Dates for the diary May 4th-5th International Rally of the Lakes, Killarney May 6th EMC St Angelo Stages Rally May 12th Carlow MiniStages Rally May 18th Donegal Forestry Rally May 26th Cavan Stages Rally Donegal’s Donagh Kelly and his Monaghan co-driver Conor Foley (Ford Focus WRC) on their way to victory in the Four Seasons Hotel Monaghan Rally, round three of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship. Photo: Martin Walsh.

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

SPORTING

EVENTS

Photos: Stefan Lassus

SPORT 37 Donegal crews in action at the Monaghan Stages Rally

Donagh Kelly & Conor Foley Ford Focus.

Shane McFadden & Eimear McFadden Honda Civic.

Joseph McGonigle & Ciaran Gearty BMW Mini.

Johnny Jordan & Paddy McCrudden Toyota Starlet.

Ryan Moore & Christopher Moffit Honda Civic.

Cathal Mulgrew & Johnny Baird Ford Escort.

Roy Baldrick & Dermot Friel Talbot Sunbeam.

38 SPORT

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

COMMUNITY GAMES

Glenswilly members who competed at the Community Games Crosscountry finals, Erin Friel, Orlagh Faul, Anne Russell, Aoife McGeehan.

Girls U13 competitors at the Community Games Crosscountry finals in Ballyshannon.

Crosscountry winners at the Community Games finals with K.McDevitt.

Community Games cross country finals The Community Games cross country and mixed distance relay finals were held at the Lakeside Centre, Ballyshannon last Saturday. Despite the inclement weather it did not lessen the enthusiasm of the young runners who attended from the different areas. The races commenced with the U12 400m event, winners were: O,Faul, H.M. Sweeney and A. Moore. In the 600m race the winners

were: Erin Friel, Emma Bonner and Sophie Ellis. In the boys 600m relay first across the line were Harry Shiels, A.Plumb, D. Naughton and J. Robinson. These four boys will makeup the U12 mixed distance relay team at the national finals. In the girls U13 cross country, the winner was Anna Russell, Glenswilly/Churchill followed by Lauren Foy and Aobhinn Flanagan, Ballyshannon. The first two boys home

were Eoghan Farren and Mark Galvin Lagan with Ronan Delahaunty and Samaire Fern 3rd and 4th. In the 7K marathon, Aengus Flanagan and Nuala Bose were first home in a very fast time. Maitiu Tierney and Catherine took the silver medals. Meanwhile, the Ulster Finals in the team events takes place in Derry this Saturday. Registration is from 10am in Magee University. Games commence at 11am.

Mixed distance relay winners, H.Shields, A.Plumb, Darragh Naughton, J.Robinson.

Competitors at the Community Games cross country finals in Ballyshannon.

The boys U12 mixed distance relay team under starters orders.

Medal winners at the Community Games cross country finals in Ballyshannon with K.McDevitt.

Marathon winners at Community Games Athletic finals: C.Brown, N.Bose, J.Flanagan with co-ordinators Majella Greleash and James Flanagan.

SPORT 39

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

SOCCER

Super sub McGlanaghy has the answers for the islanders

Arranmore United sink Cockhill in extra time Arranmore United 3 Cockhill Youths 1

(After extra-time)

Arranmore United claimed a hard fought extra-time victory over Cockhill Celtic Youth in the Ulster Junior Shield Final at a blustery and rain soaked Ballyare on Saturday afternoon. The islanders started the game in determined fashion and pressed Cockhill at every chance allowing them no time or space and without creating any clear chances the Arranmore men did produce a few good deliveries from set pieces into the box from central defender Justin McBride. Cockhill produced their first chance of note on the half hour mark when Darragh McDermott received a pass from Ronan McLaughlin before setting Adam McLaughlin clear through on goal with a well timed pass but the young forward dragged his shot wide of Frankie Early’s right hand

Daniel O’Donnell of Arranmore just about wins this tackle against Cockhill Youths in the Ulster Junior Shield Final.

SOCCER SCOREBOARD Goalmouth action from the Ulster Junior Shield Final between Arranmore United and Cockhill Celtic Youths. Photos: Gary Foy.

post. Cockhill started to gain a foothold in the game but the last 15 minutes of the first half they were caught offside on five different occasions after getting awarded frees in good positions. Cockhill’s keeper Kyle Dou-

MacNiallais hits four! Odhran MacNiallais – who is best known for his Gaelic football exploits - reaffirmed that he is a dab hand on the soccer field as well as he notched all four goals on Sunday for Gweedore Celtic as they defeated Raphoe 4-1 to preserve their Donegal League Division One status. The Gaeltacht side eventually triumphed after extra-time in the Division One/Division Two Promotion/Relegation Play-Off decider at Ballyare. MacNiallais put Celtic ahead ten minutes before he break and with Raphoe having to play the second half with ten men after goalkeeper Roy Duffy was sent off, Gweedore appeared to be in the driving seat. But battling Raphoe managed to equalise late on through a Christy Bogle penalty. However, MacNaillais bagged three more goals in extra-time as Gweedore’s superior fitness showed and in the end they were comfortable winners. Last month, MacNiallais confirmed that he was not re-joining Declan Bonner’s

gal made a smart save on 38 minutes when he dived low to his right to keep out an effort from the Paul Early. Arranmore opened the scoring on 54 minutes when the impressive Brian Proctor latched onto a through ball from Daniel O’Donnell to calmly shot low left footed to the corner past Dougal’s outstretched right hand much to the delight of the large group of support for the islanders. Cockhill bounced back and within five minutes Jack McDaid had the ball in the net. The Cockhill wide midfielder received a pass from captain Christopher Duffy to advance into the area and find space to rifle a right footed effort into the top right hand corner past Early’s left hand,

giving the keeper no chance. Cockhill created a few chances late on but extra time followed. Substitute Gavin McGlanaghey. who was introduced in the 68th minute, was the difference in the sides in extra time. Seven minutes in Arranmore took the lead again after a long kick out by Early caught out the Cockhill defence and McGlanaghey superbly drilled the ball past Dougal. Then just two minutes into the second period of extra time he struck again when Cockhill’s defence got it all wrong and gifted McGlanaghey the chance to lift the ball over Dougal to give Arranmore their first Ulster shield title.

Odhran MacNiallais

senior panel for the Ulster Senior Football Championship. He was one of the stars for Gweedore in their double winning season and run to the All-Ireland Club SFC semi-finals. But, just as he did in 2017, he has opted to take a break from the senior panel.

Arranmore United’s Brian Proctor in typical attacking mode during his side’s Cup Final victory over Cockhill Celtic Youths.

LEAGUE TABLES

Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Premier Division P W D L + - +/- Kilmacrennan Celtic 16 12 2 2 33 11 22 Castlefin Celtic 16 12 2 2 34 15 19 Milford United 17 10 2 5 38 26 12 Killdrum Tigers 15 8 3 4 36 27 9 Cappry Rovers 16 7 2 7 30 26 4 Keadue Rovers 16 6 5 5 26 23 3 Rathmullan Celtic 18 4 6 8 22 31 -9 Donegal Town 17 4 5 8 36 38 -2 Glenea United 17 4 1 12 23 38 -15 St Catherines 18 1 2 15 15 58 -43

Pts 38 38 32 27 23 23 18 17 13 5

Temple Domestic Appliance Division One P W D L + Bonagee United 16 12 3 1 52 Cranford FC 16 10 5 1 34 Drumkeen United 16 9 1 6 39 Ballybofey United 16 8 3 5 39 Lifford Celtic 15 7 3 5 44 Convoy Arsenal 16 6 3 7 31 Drumoghill 15 6 0 9 24 Gweedore Celtic 16 3 1 12 20 Lagan Harps 16 0 1 15 9

Pts 39 35 28 27 24 21 18 10 1

- 22 12 25 22 35 30 35 54 57

+/- 30 22 14 17 9 1 -11 -34 -48

Donegal Physiotherapy & Performance Centre Division Two P W D L + - +/- Pts Kerrykeel 71 18 13 3 2 62 29 33 42 Letterbarrow Celtic 18 11 4 3 50 24 26 37 Raphoe Town 18 11 3 4 51 20 31 36 Whitestrand United 18 8 5 5 37 25 12 29 Curragh Athletic 18 8 3 7 37 28 9 27 Deele Harps 18 8 1 9 39 48 -9 25 Glenree United 18 5 6 7 31 38 -7 21 Gweedore United 18 6 3 9 37 46 -9 21 Dunkineely Celtic 18 3 1 14 20 61 -41 10 Copany Rovers 18 1 3 14 16 61 -45 6 Saturday Glencar Inn Division One P W D L Strand Rovers 18 13 4 1 Arranmore United 16 11 2 3 Donegal Town 17 11 1 5 Glencar Celtic 18 9 4 5 Oldtown Celtic 17 6 3 8 Keadue Rovers 17 5 5 7 Glenea United 17 5 4 8 Castlefin Celtic 18 5 3 10 St Catherine’s Res 17 5 1 11 Dunlewey Celtic 17 2 1 14

+ 58 47 48 40 35 38 20 34 26 23

- 17 23 24 25 41 35 36 52 51 65

+/- 41 24 24 15 -6 3 -16 -18 -25 -42

Pts 43 35 34 31 21 20 19 18 16 7

Saturday Old Orchard Division Two P W D L Killdrum Tigers 14 11 1 2 Fintown Harps AFC 14 9 1 4 Milford United 14 8 3 3 Cappry Rovers 14 6 2 6 Drumoghill FC Res 14 4 6 4 Drumkeen United 14 4 2 8 Drumbar 14 3 3 8 Gweedore Celtic 14 1 2 11

+ 43 44 35 36 30 22 23 18

- 17 30 22 35 34 33 38 42

+/- 26 14 13 1 -4 -11 -15 -24

Pts 34 28 27 20 18 14 12 5

40 SPORT

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

SOCCER - AIRTRICITY LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

Harps 50th anniversary plans Finn Harps Football Club is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the club's entry into the League of Ireland this year, and to mark the milestone, it is hosting a celebration dinner in Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey on Saturday, August 17. It will be a night to celebrate not only the milestone, but, to pay tribute to past players who have represented the club during those ﬁfty years. On the night rare video footage will be shown along with interviews with some of the players who have repre-

sented Finn Harps, including legendary strikers Brendan Bradley, Kevin McHugh and Con McLaughlin. Harps, along with Athlone Town, joined the League of Ireland back in 1969, and in the early years the bulk of the players were from Derry. It will be an ideal night for past players and supporters to mix and recall past matches, memories and players from the ﬁfty years. There will be a limited amount of tickets on sale. Details of how to obtaintickets for this event will be released shortly.

Pictured are Finn Harps legendary goal scorers Kevin McHugh, Brendan Bradley, and Con McLaughlin who got together to launch the start of the celebrations. PHOTO: Gerard McHugh.

Harps denied ﬁrst win of the league as Sligo get 90th minute penalty

Donegal Encouraging draw stops the rot referee gets Sligo Rovers 1 call-up for Finn Harps 1 European U-17 championships Sligo Rovers grabbed a dramatic late penalty to deny luckless Finn Harps what would have been their first win of the Airtricity League Premier Division campaign at the Showgrounds on Friday. Harps were leading through a Sean Boyd goal when Rovers were awarded a 90th minute penalty for a foul on Ronan Coughlan by Daniel O’Reilly, who was subsequently sent off. Coughlan stepped up to score from the penalty spot. Interestingly, with first choice goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher out through injury, former Donegal GAA goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley was named on the bench for Harps with Peter Burke playing in nets. And Derry native Niall Logue got the nod to start in defence with captain Keith Cowan having to be content with a place on the bench. Tony McNamee was the instigator of the best of the Harps’ moves in the first half, and Caolan McAleer, a former Sligo player, was always lively coming in from the flanks. But Sligo missed a great chance to take the lead when Ronan Murray and Romeo Parkes combined to set up Coughlan but he blasted over from a good position on 35 minutes. And five minutes before the break Murray sent a curling effort just wide as the Bit o’ Red finished the half strongly. However, Harps broke the deadlock just before the interval as Sligo failed to clear a set-piece and 20-year-old striker Boyd, on-loan from Shamrock Rovers until July,

Sean Boyd, on-loan from Shamrock Rovers, scored his first goal for Finn Harps in the 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers.

pounced to get his ﬁrst goal for the Donegal club. Parkes and Coughlan had chances before Sligo thought they had scored on 66 minutes when Lewis Banks found Parkes, but to his dismay he was ruled off-side after ﬁnding the net. Burke was called into action to make decent saves from Coughlan and Parkes while at the other end Mitchell Beeney denied McAleer. Sligo pushed hard in the closing stages and got their reward with the late penalty. After ten league defeats on the trot, Harps have stopped the rot, but they really needed to win this game, and will feel unlucky not to have bagged

all three points. But overall it was probably a fair results as Sligo were much improved in the second half. Sligo Rovers: Beeney; Mahon, Dunleavy, Leverock, Banks; Cawley, Morahan, Warde; Coughlan, Murray, Parkes. Subs: Donlon for Murray (45 mins), Fordyce for Morahan (55 mins), Twardeck for Warde (75 mins). Finn Harps: Burke; Kavanagh, Logue, Todd, Russell, O’Reilly; Coyle, McNamee, Cretaro; McAleer, Boyd. Subs: Cowan for Russell (67 mins), Boyle for Cretaro (70 mins), Borg for McNamee (80 mins). Referee: Mr. B. Connolly (Dublin).

Similar to a player earning a call-up to represent their national team, referee Paul McLaughlin was equally as surprised and delighted to get the green light to be involved in the 2019 UEFA European Under-17 Championships. The Donegal native is one of four men who will be controlling the technical areas as fourth official when the games kick off on Friday, May 3 and he is excited for the action to start. "It’s not a call I was expecting, but I can’t wait to get going now and am really looking forward to meeting up with all the other officials and getting started," he said. From Burnfoot in Inishowen, McLaughlin continued: "It will be very special having it here in Ireland. I think the whole football family of Ireland have been looking forward to hosting this big tournament. "It will be a great boost for football in Ireland and the economy having so many visitors into the country for the finals. I was looking forward to attending some of the games as a football fan myself and taking the kids to a few games, but to now be involved personally is even better." McLaughlin, who is on the FIFA International Referees Panel, normally looks after men's senior football, so there will be a difference overseeing Under-17 games but he does not expect a drop in standards. "These are the stars of the future you will be watching at international level and in the UEFA Champions League in the next two-three years. I’ve refereed in quite a few of the Elite Qualifying Rounds of the Under-17s since 2014, when I first became an International referee," he explained. "In my first Under-17 International tournament in Holland in 2014, Ousmane Dembele was playing for France, he is now a senior international and plays for Barcelona. Donny Van de Beek was playing for Holland, he is also now a full international, and we see him excelling with Ajax in the later stages of the Champions League. This is to name just two.”

Paul McLaughlin referee.

McLaughlin, who is a Garda based in Monaghan, continued: "The standard will be exceptionally high, and all the big footballing nations have qualified. I’d urge everyone to come out and watch a few of the games if they can. It’s not very often Ireland gets to host a competition of this stature and you won’t want to miss it. With the games being in Bray, Dublin, Waterford and Longford, it gives everyone a chance to come and experience this great tournament." While the focus will very much be on the players, with the tournament tagline of 'Tomorrow's Stars Today' befitting of what McLaughlin preaches about, it is also a massive endorsement of the rising reputation of Irish officials who continue to earn major appointments. "Personally I feel it’s great and deserved recognition from UEFA and FIFA with many Irish officials being appointed to elite tournaments and games," he stated. "It proves they are very happy with the standard of referees and assistant referees we are producing, and when we get appointed to these big games and tournaments we do the business and produce professional and high class performances on a par with referees from all the bigger nations, the majority of whom are full time professional referees. "Only recently Rob Harvey and Rob Hennessy were appointed to this tournament in England last year and they both really excelled and had great tournaments. We have Michelle O’Neill going as an assistant referee to the Women's World Cup shortly. "Paula Brady has been appointed to many high-profile international and Champions League games and continues to go from strength to strength, and we have Neil Doyle, who has had many high-profile appointments, including World Cup qualifiers. "Long may these calibre of appointments continue, and I hope it may encourage young boys and girls to take up refereeing, when they see the opportunities and experiences that refereeing can give you,” he said.

SPORT 41

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

SOCCER - AIRTRICITY LOI PREMIER DIVISION 2019

Second away draw in a row as

Improving Harps frustrate Cork Cork City

Finn Harps

Finn Harps may not exactly be on a roll, but when you notch up two successive away draws on the back of ten defeats on the trot, there must be good grounds for some fresh optimism. On Monday night, Ollie Horgan’s charges frustrated a Cork side who have now gone eight games without a win. And Harps were good value for this point at Turners Cross with captain Keith Cowan getting a 75th minute equaliser to cancel out Kevin O’Connor’s free shortly after half-time. Harps had almost beaten Sligo Rovers on Friday and despite the squad being stretched they made the long

trip south with more hope than in recent seasons. City began with purpose, Karl Sheppard going close on six minutes, shooting wide following a good Cummins flick-on. Shortly afterwards, Cummins headed just wide at the back post, but it wasn’t all one-way traffic as Harps’ Mark Russell whipped in a free kick from the right which landed on the net while Seán Boyd headed into the arms of Mark McNulty. Sheppard and Cummins continued to link well up front for City and ten minutes before half-time, Harps goalkeeper Peter Burke had to save well when Cummins met his partner’s cross. Soon after that, good work from Shane Griffin on the left saw him deliver for Kevin

SOCCER SCOREBOARD Airtricity League Premier Division Shamrock Rovers Dundalk Bohemian FC Derry City St. Patrick’s Athletic Waterford Sligo Rovers Cork City UCD Finn Harps

P 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 15

W 11 9 9 7 6 4 4 3 3 0

D 1 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 1 4

L 3 2 2 4 5 6 6 7 10 11

+/- Pts. 15 34 16 30 11 30 6 24 1 21 -3 16 -5 16 -7 13 -13 10 -21 4

FIXTURES. Friday, May 3rd: Bohemians v. Cork City; Dundalk v. Derry City; St. Patrick’s Athletic v. Waterford; Finn Harps v. UCD. Saturday. May 4th: Sligo Rovers v. Shamrock Rovers.

O’Connor, whose header was saved well by Burke, Sheppard firing the rebound over the bar. The lively Caolán McAleer had the last chance of the half as Harps finished positively, curling a shot over from outside the area. City broke the deadlock within four minutes of the restart. When Burke came off his line and was unable to clear, Cummins was fouled as he attempted to catch the goalkeeper off his line. O’Connor stepped up and curled in a fine effort to Burke’s left from 25 yards. However, the goal didn’t signal an opening of the floodgates for City and Harps responded well. On 58 minutes, they won a free kick on the left and McAleer’s delivery found Niall Logue, his header saved by McNulty. Then, just before the midway point in the half, a good cross

a 2-2 draw before the Donegal girls drew 0-0 with Mayo. Doherty’s hat-trick, and another by Mary Ann Ward, helped Donegal to defeat neighbours Inishowen 4-2. It was a similar story in their next game with Sligo, as Doherty scored three and Ward one, in a 4-1 win. Donegal: Aine Ferry, Maria Gallagher, Mary Ann Ward

from the right by Michael Gallagher fell for Jacob Borg at the back post but his header came back off the post. Immediately after that, a Sheppard shot from a tight angle at the other end also hit the post, deﬂecting out for a corner, but Harps continued to press and when a corner wasn’t cleared, sub Tony McNamee sent the ball back towards the six-yard box, where

captain Keith Cowan was able to fire past McNulty. City sought to find a winner, but the efforts were in vain, Conor McCarthy going closest. And Harps hung on for a point which sees them cut the gap on UCD to six. They are still seeking a first league win since promotion, but at least the tide is turning their way again.

Cork City: McNulty; Horgan (Bennett 75), McCarthy, McLoughlin, Grifﬁn; Phillips (Rainsford 79), K O’Connor (D O’Connor 69), Buckley, Tilley; Cummins, Sheppard. Finn Harps: Burke; Todd, Cowan, Logue; Gallagher, Coyle, Borg (McNamee 73), Russell; McAleer (Cretaro 73), Boyle (Ascroft 89); Boyd. Referee: R Hennessy (Limerick).

Harps face UCD in crunch game Chris Ashmore chris@letterkennypost.com

Finn Harps face UCD in the proverbial six-pointer at Finn Park this Friday. And there is no doubt that a win for Finn Harps would not only really kick-start their season, but it would send out a signal that there is still hope that they can yet escape the dreaded drop.

Third for Donegal Women's League Donegal Women’s League 2007/08 squad ﬁnished third in Sunday’s FAI Inter-League qualiﬁers in Longford. The Donegal Women’s League were unbeaten across their four games. Orlaith Doherty from Lagan Harps helped herself to a stunning eight goals – including two hat-tricks. Doherty scored twice against Sligo in

Captain Cowan helps Finn Harps pick up useful away point against Cork City.

(Gweedore United); Alicia McCullagh, Enya McBride, Samara McBrearty (Raphoe Town); Amy Doherty, Niamh Ryan, Orlaith Doherty, Sine Harris-Ryan, Sophie Canning (Lagan Harps); Eabha Daly, Orla Malseed (Illistrin FC); Kaylagh Sweeney (Mulroy Academy); Meave Brady (Kilmacrennan Celtic); Sarah McGuinness (St Catherine’s).

Victory for Ollie Horgan’s charges would leave them just three points adrift of second bottom UCD – with 20 games still to play.

Massive game

Horgan knows that it is a massive game for Harps. UCD have lost four games in a row, and their last win was at home to Cork City, the side that Harps drew away to last time out.

But when the teams met earlier in the season at the UCD Bowl, it was Collie O’Neill’s who came out on top, 3-0, with a second half performance that blitzed Harps. Horgan will point out that last year Harps failed to beat the Dubliner who went on to lift the Division One title. And earlier this season, he expressed the view that the students could ﬁnish higher in the table than many people

might think. With injuries and suspensions impacting on his squad, Horgan will once again have to shufﬂe his pack. But he’ll be hoping that the Finn Park faithful can get behind his side and give that what would be their first league win of the season. Having notched up two draws in a row, Harps at least go into the game with some fresh self-belief.

Mulroy College through to national Cup ﬁnal Megan McLoughlin was the hero of the hour as Mulroy College booked a place in the FAI Schools First Year ‘B’ Girls National Cup ﬁnal McLoughlin’s double secured a passage into the decider for the Mulroy scholars. McLoughlin was on the

mark twice in the ﬁ rst half and they were able to hold onto their lot after Fiona Roache pulled one back for St Joseph’s. McLoughlin caught out St Joseph’s goalkeeper Shannon Maloney on 16 minutes for the opening goal of the day.

Seven minutes later, she doubled the lead following a weaving run in from the right. Kaylee Brennan, the Mulroy ‘keeper, denied Heather Maloney with a fine save early in the second half. Roache did ﬁ nd a way, but Mulroy advance.

42 SPORT

Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

USL League Cup Final

Banda weaves magic as Letterkenny Rov

The Ulster Senior League Cup Winners 2019, Letterkenny Rovers F.C.

Action from the USL League Cup Final between Letterkenny Rovers and Cockhill Celtic.

BJ Banda who scored twice for Letterkenny Rovers against Cockhill Celtic in the USL League Cup Final.

Letterkenny Rovers 3 Cockhill Celtic

Two goals in the final ten minutes by BJ Banda saw Letterkenny Rovers finally clinch League Cup glory at Finn Park, Ballybofey on Sunday afternoon last. Cockhill Celtic were attempting to win a seventh Ulster Senior League Cup on

Mark Moran of Cockhill Celtic breaks forward chased by Letterkenny Rovers’ Brian Mc Veigh.

the trot, but Banda’s ‘late late show’ gifted the day to the Cathedral lads. With the sides level at 1-1, it was nip and tuck going into the latter stages with momentum appearing to go towards the reigning champs, but then all changed. With nine minutes left on the clock, Banda got on the end of a fine passage of play to leave Stephen Conroy with no chance to save. Then in added time, Conroy saved a Lee Toland free-kick with Banda again pouncing on the rebound to put the result beyond result. It was a sweet reposte for Rovers to round off their season. Cockhill, without the injured Laurence Toland who broke two ribs in last weekend’s title winning victory over Finn Harps Reserves, went with Bart Wesolowski in attack and Gerard McLaughlin in midfield in place of Marty Doherty. Cockhill started well with Gerry Gill involved in so much of their early positive play and it was from his cross that Cockhill went close to opening scoring early on but Rory Kelly saved from Wesolowski’s header. Rovers however, soon settled into their stride and Lee Toland, up from left back, produced a wonderful delivery which blasted across the face of goal. It was an early warning for Cockhill and soon after, Toland’s quick-thinking from a free-kick saw him slip BJ Banda through on goal but the striker’s touch let him down and the chance was wasted.

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USL League Cup Final

vers finally end Cockhill's Cup victories

Letterkenny Rovers’ players celebrate Lee Toland’s openeing goal as Cockhill Celtic goalkeeper Stephen Conroy look dissappointed in he background.

Rovers got their first break on 25 minutes. Banda was played through on goal only to be brought down by keeper Stephen Conroy and Toland stepped up to hammer home the resulting penalty. Cockhill replied in typical fashion and dominated until the break. Brendan McLaughlin and Mark Moran were seeing no end of supply on either wing while Gill and Gerard McLaughlin began to stamp their authority in the middle. Gill was inches away from equalising on 38 minutes when his wonderful free-kick from 20 yards bent around the wall

only to come crashing back off the inside of the post. He was denied by the woodwork a second time from the penalty spot after Mark Moran went down under the challenge of Rory Kelly in the box. Compared to the game’s first penalty, this was less clear cut, but referee Marty McGarrigle was close at hand to award the penalty. Unfortunately for Cockhill, Gill’s spot-kick was pushed up onto the crossbar as Kelly made a quite superb stop and Rovers went in at half-time with a one-goal advantage. Cockhill started the second

Letterkenny Rovers’ goalkeeper Rory Kelly who saved a penalty during the USL League Cup Final.

half well but goal chances did not come. Rovers were deprived of Conor Tourish through injury just after the hour. He was replaced by Christyn Connaghan with Chris Malseed dropping back into defence. Banda, midway through the half gave Cockhill a fright when his run and shot from 25 yards drew an excellent diving save from Conroy. However, on 70 minutes, Cockhill got the equaliser.

Rory Kelly misjudged a Gill corner and while Wesolowski’s header rebounded off the crossbar, Jimmy Bradley was on hand to score. But with Cockhill threatening a second, Rovers took the lead again After 81 minutes. Jonny Bonner and Ryan Lonergan created the opening with Lonergan’s cross clinically finished to the net by Banda. Then in injury time Banda’s next goal sealed victory for

Ryan Lonergan of Letterkenny Rovers in control of possession but under pressure from a Cockhill Celtic opponent.

Rovers. Cockhill’s frustration resulted in red cards for Gerry Gill and unused substitute Derek Doherty. It is a day that will be remembered in Rovers soccer folklore for many years to come. Letterkenny Rovers: Rory Kelly, Ryan Lonergan, Lee Toland, Ryan McConnell, Conor Tourish (Christy Connaghan 64), Chris Malseed,

Jonny Bonner, Brian McVeigh, Darren McElwaine (Pajo Rafferty 72), BJ Banda, Kevin McGrath (Luke Nelis 92). Cockhill Celtic: Stephen Conroy, Kieran McLaughlin, Jason Breslin (Adam McCarron 49), Peter Doherty, Oisin McColgan, Gerry Gill, Gerard McLaughlin, Jimmy Bradley, Brendan McLaughlin, Bart Wesolowski, Mark Moran. Referee: Marty McGarrigle Assistants: Packie Coll, Zack McLaughlin.

The Cockhill Celtic side who were defeated in the Final of the Ulster Senior League Cup by Letterkenny Rovers at Finn Park on Sunday afternoon.

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GAA – ELECTRIC IRELAND U-17 CHAMPIONSHIP

Defeat but qualifiers will still offer hope

Donegal lose out to Tyrone’s late surge

What’s next for Donegal

Donegal now go into round two of the qualilfiers where they will meet the winners of the round one qualifier between Armagh and Antrim this Saturday. The Donegal match will be in Ballybofey on Saturday, May 11th with a 6.00 pm throw-in. Whoever wins progresses, but defeat will mark the end of the campaign. Elsewhere, Tyrone will face Monaghan in round two of the Ulster Minor Championship on the same day, May 11th, while Derry will tackle Cavan. Fermanagh and Down will also meet, in what will be a round two qualfier for them.

Eoin Dowling, Donegal, going past Tyrone's Ruari Campbell, in the championship game in MacCumhaill Park.

Conor Roarty gets a foot in for Donegal as the ball breaks loose in the game in MacCumhaill Park.

Donegal

1-8

Tyrone

1-12

A powerful last ten minutes from Tyrone and some heartbreaking turnovers gave the Red Hands a deserved victory over a battling Donegal side in an entertaining affair in Ballybofey. Tyrone hit five unanswered points in this exciting contest that included six minutes of extra time, to clinch victory for Collie Holmes’ boys. Donegal actually led for the first time when the outstanding Johnny McGroddy put them a point up as they led by 1-8 to 1-7 in the 47th minute. The goal which came in the 38th minute was a thing of real beauty, as Donegal had a mosaic of passes that ended with team captain Senan Rooney threading a great ball through to substitute Paul O’Hare, who cooly picked his spot. O’Hare’s clinical strike levelled matters on a score of 1-7 to 1-7 each and there was a big cheer when McGroddy struck a fine point. They were largely on control at this stage, but a few crucial turnovers and Tyrone’s grace under pressure brought them back in to contention with Mark Devlin and the outstanding Daniel Fullerton steering

them home. The Red Hands mercilessly punished the home side’s mistakes and were deserving winners.

Decisions

But Donegal can take heart from the fact that they were very close to a talented outfit and they were on the wrong side of some strange decisions from Cavan referee Conor Dourneen. And irate Donegal team boss Gary Duffy was adamant that Tyrone should have had a man red carded following an alleged incident with one of the Donegal players. But they have the personel to do pretty well in the qualifiers. Donegal won the ball from the throw in and Carlos O’Reilly got on the end of a lightning move. The ball fell at the feet of the soccer star, but he was a bit tentative and Tyrone keeper Finton Coney easily smothered his effort. Big Michael McGleenan then elegantly finished a Tyrone move with a soaring languid point, to get Tyrone off the mark. Donegal keeper Daithi Roberts then saved smartly in the third minute, before Tyrone marksman Mark Devlin increased their lead. O’Reilly had another goal chance, but Red Hand keeper

deflected the ball around the post for a 45.

Goal

But the young Red Hands then struck for a swift goal when O’Reilly lost possession for Donegal, and the ball was swiftly transferred from the impressive Daniel Fullerton to wing back Sean O’Donnell who hammered the ball high to the roof of the Tir Conaill net in the 8thminute. It was looking bleak for Gary Duffy’s men as O’Reilly atoned by hitting a fine opening point for Donegal in the 10th minute. Johnny McGroddy hit three points for Donegal, from a free and play as Tyrone’s Michael McGleenan added to the visitors tally. They had most of the possession in a first half dominated by a swirling wind but were often turned over by a more economical Tyrone. They also hit six wides from pretty scoreable positions which came back to haunt them. In contrast, Tyrone looked far more composed in possession, while playing into the treacherous wind. The Red Hands turned over with the advantage of the breeze on the resumption and the contest upped by several gears. Donegal played with much more purpose and verve as they fought their way back into matters, but the Tyrone subs made

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Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

GAA – ELECTRIC IRELAND U-17 CHAMPIONSHIP

Jack Gallagher, soloing upfield for Donegal, with Ronan Mc Hugh, Tyrone, closing in on him.

quite an impact on this always absorbing affair. Donegal: Daithi Roberts; Kieran Tobin, Dylan Dorrian; Conor Coyle, Jack Gallagher, Ryan McShane; Kealan Dunleavy, Eoin Dowling; Carlos O’Reilly (0-1) Senan Rooney, Ciaran Moore; Johnny McGroddy (0-75f), Shane Monaghan, Eoin Martin. Subs: Paul O’Hare (1-0), for Eoin Martin (27), Matthew

Coyle for Ryan McShane (47), Jamie Grant for Conor Coyle (54), Eric Carr for Shane Monaghan (57) Tyrone: Finton Coney; Conor Cuddy, Michael McCann, Seamus Sweeney; Sean O’Donnell (1-0), Niall Devlin, James Donaghy; Shay Gallagher, Ruairi Campbell; Mark Devlin (0-53f), Ronan McHugh, Michael Quinn; Daniel Fullerton (1-5), Shea Daly,

Ryan Mc Shane, Donegal, at full stretch to win the ball, in the game in MacCumhaill Park, with Tyrone.

Michael McGleenan (0-2). Subs: Shea Browne for Shea Daly (39), Aaron McGrath for Michael Quinn (46), Ethen Neill for Conor McHugh ((50), Conor McGillion for James Donaghy (56), Stephen Donaghy for Conor McGillion (inj 58) Referee: Conor Dourneen (Cavan)

The outstanding Johnny Mc Groddy, who carried the fight to Tyrone all night, about to win possession for Donegal, in the game in MacCumhaill Park.

Senan Rooney wins this race for posession for Donegal in the championship with Tyrone.

Irate Duffy queries some refereeing decisions Gerry McLaughlin sports reporter

Irate Donegal team boss Gary Duffy hit out at a few decisions that went against his county and suggested that Cavan referee Conor Dourneen erred in not giving a Tyrone player a red card following an incident with a Donegal player. And he also bemoaned the amount of errors his side made in a frenetic encounter in Ballybofey. “We made a number of errors that are unforgivable if you make them at this level and we were punished for it heavily. “We got a mark and gave it away. “There were a number of simple hand passes that we did not execute, we dropped balls on and in the possession stakes we were dominant especially in the first half when we had 27 to their 16. “That is disappointing that we did not take those

chances. “We came in at half time three points down and we missed two goal chances but there were a few tough decisions that we took on the chin.”

“I am not here to give out about officials, but we took a bit of punishment from them today.” He added: “I am not here to give out about officials, but we took a bit of punishment from them today. “There was a boot drawn and it should have been a red card and the linesman said he saw it. “And then a yellow card was awarded and maybe the ref-

Donegal minor manager, Gary Duffy, has a word with Sean Clerkin, during the game in MacCumhaill Park.

eree did not see it. “It is disappointing to see a lad get hurt. “We teach our lads to be disciplined and it was not nice to see what happened and I am making no bones about it.” However, Duffy agreed that his side had a poor start. “They went five points up

which was a big start to give them. “We took a good look at ourselves at half-time and we came out stronger in the second half. “And then we levelled matters, but their impact subs had a bigger impact than ours.” “One of our subs Paul O’Hare

did get the goal from a bit of magic from Senan Rooney. “Senan is liable to do a bit of magic from time to time but we just needed a few more tricks from him but it did not happen today.” He added: “But we are not far away. “Tyrone are an exceptional side and we showed good character in coming back at them. “Our handling was not great, but we missed chances at one end, and they went up the field and got a score and that is very hard to contend with. “We had loads of possession, but we just did not turn it into scores. “It depends on the draw and we will be hoping to turn things around and there is loads of potential in this squad. “We had a very good third quarter and maybe we were a wee bit nervous and hopefully we will get them settled and sometimes we play better away than we do at home.”

Wins for Derry, Cavan and Monaghan In the other Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football Championship quarter-final games on Saturday, there were wins for Derry, Cavan and Monaghan. In the Athletic Grounds the windy conditions made things difficult for football and Armagh led by a 0-3 to 0-1 at half time. Derry asserted themselves in the final quarter outscoring Armagh 1-3 to 0-1 in this period, PJ McAleese with the goal and the Downey’s Enda and Matthew on target with points to leave the final score Derry 1-5 Armagh 0-4. In Corrigan Park, Antrim and Monaghan played out a similarly low-scoring encounter. Monaghan led 0-4 to 0-1 at the break. They held on for a 0-6 to 1-2 win. In Kingspan Breffni park, Cavan proved too strong for Fermanagh to record a 2-14 to 1-7 victory.

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Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

GAA – ACL PREVIEWS There’s been great interest so far in the All-County Leagues and there should be some big attendances again this Bank Holiday weekend with some exciting games in prospect. Gerry McLaughlin looks ahead to the action.

Naomh Conall fancied to bag the points Cloughaneely v. Naomh Conaill.

Both sides had valuable victories last time out - Glenties are understandably fancied to take both points. They will not have new county man Eoghan McGettigan, Leo McLoone or Ciaran Thompson which might even matters up a little in their trip to Falcarragh. But they still have loads of experience in Marty Boyle, Eoin Waide, Dermot “Brick” Molloy and Anthony Thompson. The McGuire’s are still a factor for Cloughaneely, but Glenties look set to pick up another two points.

Bundoran v. St Michael’s

This could be an intriguing tussle in Gaelic Park as both teams are looking to get back on track after defeats to Kilcar and St Eunan’s last time out. Bundoran have a big strong physical side and caused Kilcar plenty of problems in the first half, but could not live with the power and pace of the Towney men in the second half. St Michael’s lost to St Eunan’s, but still have a core of vastly experienced players like Martin McElhinney, Christy Toye and Daniel McLaughlin.

GAA LEAGUE TABLES Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Division One P W D L F A PD Pts CLG Chill Chartha 4 4 0 0 101 59 1.71 8 St Eunan's 5 4 0 1 90 71 1.26 8 Gaoth Dobhair 3 3 0 0 64 36 1.77 6 Naomh Conaill 4 3 0 1 85 63 1.34 6 Realt na Mara G.F.C 5 3 0 2 95 99 0.95 6 St Michael's 5 2 0 3 69 81 0.85 4 Cloich Cheann Fhaola 3 1 0 2 36 38 0.94 2 Sean Mac Cumhaill 5 1 0 4 73 85 0.85 2 Glenswilly 5 1 0 4 62 89 0.69 2 Milford 5 0 0 5 64 118 0.54 0 Marley Travel Division Na Cealla Beaga Gleann Fhinne CLG Naomh Náille Aodh Ruadh B’sh Ardara CLG An Tearmainn Four Masters An Clochán Liath CLG Bun Cranncha Naomh Columba

Two P W 5 5 4 3 5 3 4 2 4 2 5 2 5 2 5 2 4 1 3 0

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3

F 97 56 62 61 53 60 62 61 50 38

A PD Pts 56 1.73 10 50 1.12 6 63 0.98 6 53 1.15 4 51 1.03 4 64 0.93 4 68 0.91 4 71 0.85 4 74 0.67 2 50 0.76 0

Yes Chef Catering Division Three P W D Burt 5 4 1 Gaeil Fhánada 5 2 2 Red Hughs 4 2 2 St. Mary’s Convoy 3 2 1 Naomh Colmcille 5 2 1 Downings 5 2 0 Naomh Bríd 3 1 1 Naomh Ultan 5 1 1 Málainn/Malin 4 0 1 Naomh Muire, ÍNaR 3 0 0

L 0 1 0 0 2 3 1 3 3 3

F 77 75 51 45 59 70 30 53 44 34

A PD Pts 56 1.37 9 59 1.27 6 36 1.41 6 32 1.40 5 57 1.03 5 70 1.00 4 31 0.96 3 76 0.69 3 74 0.59 1 47 0.72 0

Jim McGlynn Catering Moville Urris Letterkenny Gaels Na Rossa CLG Carndomhnaigh N. Pádraig Muff Pettigo Robert Emmets N. Pádraig Leifear

Division Four P W D L 5 4 0 1 4 3 0 1 4 3 0 1 3 3 0 0 4 2 0 2 5 2 0 3 4 1 0 3 4 0 1 3 5 0 1 4

F 87 81 81 37 59 73 64 54 36

A PD Pts 62 1.40 8 46 1.76 6 55 1.47 6 23 1.60 6 47 1.25 4 88 0.82 4 75 0.85 2 92 0.58 1 84 0.42 1

Senior Hurling League Setanta Burt CLG Bun Cranncha St Eunan's Sean Mac Cumhaill

P 2 2 3 3 2

F 51 46 55 47 32

A PD Pts 35 1.45 4 40 1.14 4 57 0.96 2 61 0.77 2 38 0.84 0

W 2 2 1 1 0

D 0 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 2 2 2

Bundoran will be minus Jamie and Paul Brennan due to county duty but could still just edge matters. Sean MacCumhaill’s v. Glenswilly

Both teams will be looking to get back to winning ways after losing to St Michael’s and Gaoth Dobhair respectively, last weekend. Glenswilly will be minus the considerable talents of Michael Murphy who will be on duty with the county in an inter county challenge match against Down in the Mourne County. And MacCumhaill’s will be without the exciting Oisin Gallen, but will have Marty O’Reilly at full tilt in an absorbing encounter which the home side might just shade.

St Eunan’s v Milford

It doesen’t get any easier for bottom placed Milford as they make the short trip into O’Donnell Park to tackle a resurgent St Eunan’s. The sleeping giants of Letterkenny are arising and had a good win over St Michael’s in a match where they had a fine spread of scorers. In contrast Milford were well beaten by an Eoghan McGettigan inspired Naomh Conaill and are badly in need of points. But it is unlikely that they will get much joy from one of the top four teams in the county. * Due to the Gaeltacht Championship, neither Gaoth Dobhair nor Kilcar are in action on Sunday.

Ciaran Thompson, Brendan Mc Dyre, and Ethan O Donnell will be hoping to play their part when Naomh Conaill take on Cloughaneely this coming weekend.

Division Two previews

St. Naul’s can shade it St Naul’s v. Glenfin

This could be a real cracker in south Donegal as there is never too much between these sides. St Naul’s had a point to spare over Termon while Glenfin missed out by two points against Ardara. But this is still a very evenly poised affair with Glenfin being minus Frank McGlynn while Naul’s in theory have a full complement of players. Home advantage and a

slightly better scoring spread might just shade it for the home side. Killybegs v. Four Masters

Undoubtedly this is the big clash in the south of the county between the rising stars of Killybegs and a Four Masters side in transition. Both teams had victories over Buncrana and Dungloe last time out and both will be keen to pick up more points. Rory Gallagher is coaching

this young exciting Killybegs side who have been racking up big scores while Masters seem to be getting over a choppy start. It could be close, but the momentum must be with the Fishermen. Ardara v. Buncrana

Ardara had a good away win over Glenfin whle Buncrana fell to a rampant Killybegs-so there is only one real winner here. Veteran marksman Gareth

Concarr remains a big scoring threat for Ardara while Buncran badly need the services of John Campbell, Darach O’Connor and Jack O’Loughlin if they are to make any attempt at curbing the home side. They will be minus county tied Caolan McGonagle while Ardara will be without Paddy McGrath for this tussle in the Davy Brennan Park. Anything other than an Ardara win would be a major shock.

Ticket incentives can boost crowds

Special deals for Ulster Championship games

Following increased attendances at the AIB Ulster Club Championships and the Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup, Ulster GAA has announced ticket prices and admission offers for the 2019 Ulster Senior Football Championship. This year’s draw has thrown up some exciting ties with the first ball being thrown in at Healy Park, Omagh on Sunday 12th May for the first round clash of Tyrone v Derry. The quarter-final match-ups to follow this will be: Cavan v Monaghan (Saturday, 18th May), Down v Armagh (Sunday, 19th May), Antrim v winner Tyrone/Derry (Saturday, 25th May) and Fermanagh v Donegal in Enniskillen (Sunday, 26th May). To ensure that as many supporters as possible have the opportunity to enjoy the Ulster Championship a special ‘Buy

Early’ offer remains in place, semi-finals and the Ulster Final with savings of up to 30% ver- on 23rd June.” Concession tickets for senior sus tickets bought on the day citizens and students will be of the game. Ulster GAA Provincial Sec- available for all games. These retary Brian McAvoy com- tickets can be purchased through county boards mented: “Ulster GAA has and give an average taken feedback from “Stand saving of 30% on stakeholders on the full ticket last year and felt ticket prices price. that there was For 2019, merit in sepafor the first round three addirating ticket and quarter-final tional ticket prices for first offers will be round/quargames have been made available ter-final games reduced by up to for the Champiand semi-final onship. games. Accord17%” The Ulster GAA ingly, stand ticket Group Pass is availaprices for the first ble to clubs for the first round and quarter-final games have been reduced by round and quarter finals as an up to 17%, with a pre-purchased incentive to bring youth teams to experience their county in ticket now only £20/€25. “The price of a terrace ticket Championship action. Juvenile terrace tickets are has been frozen for all games, as have all ticket prices for priced at £5/€5 and one adult

goes free for every ten juveniles. The Ulster GAA Club Pass is also available for first round/ quarter-final games and offers reduced price terrace tickets to club groups of between 15 and 50 adults. These tickets are priced at £13 (normal £15) and €15 (normal €18). The third package, the Triple Play ticket, will guarantee Ulster football supporters entry and a seat to both Ulster SFC semi-finals and the final, for the reduced price of £65/€70. This equates to a saving of 30% on match day prices. Further information on Ulster Championship fixtures, ticket prices and special offers is available at http://ulster.gaa.ie/ ulsterchampionship2019 Tickets are now on sale from tickets.ie and in participating Centra, Supervalu and O’Neill’s Sports Stores.

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Letterkennypost Thursday 2 May 2019

McShea’s Say

With Pauric McShea

CONTROVERSY IN DONEGAL It was very disappointing to see Donegal again the focus of National Media around the proposed suspension of the Naomh Colmcille club in Newtowncunningham for hosting an unauthorised fund raising event for their member Paul Dillon who has motor neurone disease. Paul needs adaptable facilities in order to be able to remain at home and he is currently using a wheelchair. We have not been informed ofﬁcially how the information came to the attention of the county board but it could be that they were left with no option but to conduct their own investigation. Knowing many members of the Donegal executive the last thing they would want to do is to stand in the way of such a worthy cause; maybe they should have taken a little time to reﬂect before applying the letter of the law in this case a minimum period of suspension, eight weeks. Curiosity is not to be underestimated, and curiosity is increased by differing versions of this incident. The suspension was to be appealed last night and I did not have

a result of the appeal before this week’s column. There are those who become judge and jury when it comes to having a “Go” at the GAA but it is wrong to do so without knowing all the facts. I have no doubt that every GAA person in Donegal will give Paul Dillon and his committee every support, but it is time that such negative PR must be avoided and a review of some rules in Croke Park should take place sooner rather than later.

Ar an bóthair

I was out socially at the weekend in the company of Michael Mc Loone the great Donegal forward of the sixties and seventies.At a time when Down were the super power in Ulster and Kerry were the team to beat on the National stage Mc Loone was the top scorer in Ireland and there were no super eights and Donegal had not won their ﬁrst Ulster title. On our travels we met Barry Cunningham the Killybegs man who did so much in the 1992 All Ireland ﬁnal to ensure that Sam was destined for the Hills. Both Barry and Michael spoke

with guarded optimism regarding Donegals championship prospects this year. Both players had a quality that can not be accurately defined,and both had an ability to kick points from 40 to 50 metres with unerring accuracy and remarkable consistency. Then Barry Breen the Mountcharles based doctor appeared and he was still smiling with genuine pride after Leitrims fine performance in their league final. The GAA really is one big family and no matter where ones travel takes them you are sure to meet people of a similar love for the Association. I was disappointed to see that Marty Reilly from MacCumhaills is no longer part of the Donegal panel. Marty is a footballer of much ability and he is also very versatile. He was equally at home in the half back line or in any number of forward positions,and his decision to concentrate of club football is a disappointment to Doegal fan. I was reading an article on Mickey Linden the great Down forward last Sunday who won footballer of the

Islanders win the Ulster Junior Shield

Sports Columnist

year in 1994 when Down last won the All Ireland titleMickey was still playing club football at 54 years of age. Along came little Robbie Cullen from Donegal town and he was anxious to tell me that he had his ﬁrst training session with his club Four Masters the previous day. Robbie was at the under 4 coaching - Yes! under 4. What a contrast with Mr. Linden and Master Cullen.

Paul 'Diddler' Dillon at the starting line at the Dash for Diddler 5k fundraiser in Newtowncunningham recently.

Donegal face Down Chris Ashmore reporter

Paddy McBrearty and Eoghan McGettigan look likely to feature for Declan Bonner’s Donegal when travel to take on Down in a senior challenge game on Sunday. The game will be played at the Tullylish club which is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and this will be one of its major events. With the Ulster Senior championship just three weeks after Sunday’s match, McBrearty is expected to get his first start in nearly a year. The Kilcar man’s per-

Arranmore United, winners of the Ulster Junior Shield 2019, after their 3-1 defeat of Cockhill

Sympathy

It was with much regret that I learned of the deaths of Ann O’Neill Pastor and Nora Grimes last week, both from Ballyshannon. Ann was a sister of the late Joe O Neill, his brother Owen Roe and sister Cautie. The O’Neills are an exceptional GAA family and Owen Roe is the current President of Aodh Rua.Nora Grimes, late husband Jack played for Aodh Ruadh for many years and was also an administrator with the club. To both the O’Neill and Grimes families our sincere sympathy is extended.

formances for his club since the commencement of the league in early April have been impressive, and have helped to underpin their unbeaten start to the league. The game against Down may also give senior management a chance to see how Eoghan McGettigan, who has impressed for Naomh Conaill in the league and been rewarded with a call up to the Donegal squad, fares at county level. The match throws in at Páirc na nÓg, Tulach Lis (between Portadown and Banbridge) at 3.00 pm and admission is £10 for adults, £ 5 for OAPs and juveniles are free.

Donegal's Paddy Mc Brearty strokes over one of his points from play with Brendan Mc Ardle, Down, in his wake, during the 2-22 to 1-12 Ulster SFC semi-final win last June. McBrearty is due to don the Donegal colours again this Sunday in a challenge game with Down.

Pictured are the U-14 hurlers from Letterkenny Gaels and St. Eunan’s who took part in the recent Féile na nGael qualifiers at Páirc na nGael and the O’Donnell Park.

Letterkennypost All County League Preview P46

Rovers lift USL League Cup P42-43

Thursday 2 May 2019

www.donegalnow.com

Clar Road, Donegal Town

Tel: 074 97 21396 www.dmgmotors.ie

Newtown ban: appeal heard last night

Representatives from Naomh Colmcille attended a hearing last night (Tuesday) where they appealed a proposed eight week ban imposed on them for hosting an ‘unathorised tournament’. The Newtown-based club were found to have infringed GAA rules by allowing their grounds to be used for a combined soccer and GAA tournament arranged to raise funds for local man and former player Paul ‘Diddler’ Dillon, who has motor neurone disease. The matter attracted nationwide attention, with the GAA coming under severe criticism for their decision to penalise the club. Naomh Colmcille appealed the decision and put their case before the hearings committee (a body independent of the Donegal county board) at 8pm last night. At the time of going to print, the outcome of the hearing had not been released. A Donegal GAA spokesman told us: “What happens in the course of the hearing is entirely at the discretion of the hearings committee. “In some cases their decision is communicated to the representatives in attendance on the night, but it could also be the case they go away and deliberate and the decision is sent out in due course, to both the club and the county board, through the proper channels.”

ATHLETICS: ALL THE DATES FOR THE BIG 5k, 10k AND OTHER RACES IN DONEGAL THIS SUMMER SEE PAGES 24-25

Representatives of the three charities that will benefit from the proceeds of this year's North West 10K.

Support Northwest 10k charities call North West 10k Chairperson Neil Martin is encouraging people from across the County and further afield to come out next Sunday and support the 23rd North West 10k which is set to benefit three charities Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Ireland Donegal Branch, the Little Angels Association and Donegal Cancer Flights & Services, who have all been doing outstanding work across Donegal. The 23rd North West 10k Charity Run & Walk takes place next Sunday the 5th of May in Letterkenny with a 2.00 start on the Pearse Road near the Community Centre. Since the first staging of the charity event in 1997 it has raised close to 800,000 euros for over 30 charities. Neil Martin says there has been a very positive response to the charities with encouraging on-line entry numbers already registered. “We have had a really good online entry already for next Sunday’s Charity Run & Walk but we want to see those numbers increase during the week to make it a really special event for everyone involved but most especially for our three charities this year Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Ireland Donegal Branch, the Little Angels Association and Donegal Cancer Flights & Services. These three organisations have

put in a huge amount of work with various fundraising initiatives over the past six weeks and it would be really great now if we could get a huge turnout of runners, walkers and families entering to boost the cheques that we will be able to present to them next month” Mr Martin said. The North West 10k has been a hugely successful charity event with hundreds of the same people coming back year after year to support very worthy causes and take part in a massively popular community event. “The North West 10k is a unique event here in Donegal. There is always a great build-up to it and on the day it is a great social event that brings people together for a couple of hours in the heart of Letterkenny. Coming up to 1.00 next Sunday you will see the Community Centre Car Park ﬁlling up which is a

great sight and makes the work of our hard working committee so satisfying. Runners, walkers and families are mingling and talking before they are called to the start line on the Pearse Road. Family and friends are out along the route supporting the runners and walks. The fact that a good part of the 10k is in the town of Letterkenny adds to the atmosphere. Then back at the finish line at the Community Centre as the runners and walks come in there is an atmosphere that really would do your heart good” Mr Martin said. There is no change to the route this year and as always the committee is appealing to motorists to be patient and obey the instructions of the Gardai and stewards who will be there volunteering to ensure that the event passes off safely. “The North West 10k will have huge numbers taking part and the top priority is ensure that it passes off safely. There will be some disruption to traffic flow for a couple of hours so we’d asked motorists who have to travel through Letterkenny to leave plenty time for their journeys. Please be patient and comply with the instructions of our stewards and the Gardai. We would just ask the general public to remember that the 10k is taking place to help three very worthy charities.”

Neil Martin also acknowledged the support of the five sponsors who are backing the 23rd North West 10k. “Without the backing of the five charities DonegalDaily.Com, Brian McCormick Intersports, Century Cinemas, the Value Centre and the Mount Errigal Hotel , it simply wouldn’t be possible to stage an event of the size of the North West 10k. Century Cinemas, the Value Centre and the Mount Errigal Hotel have come on board for 2019 while we have had DonegalDaily.Com, and Brian McCormick Intersports for a number of years.” On-line entries will be taken up to Friday at www.northwest10k. com. A registration office will also be opening at a Marquee beside Letterkenny Community Centre on Thursday and Friday evenings from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday 3-6 p.m. The first 1,500 entries will get the new North West 10k T-Shirts. Runners and Walkers who have entered on-line can also pick up their numbers and T-Shirts at the registration office during those opening times on Thursday, Friday Saturday. Registrations will also be taken on Sunday morning from 10 am till 1 pm. The 23rd North West 10k Charity Run & Walk will start at 2 p.m sharp on the Pearse Road.