:: News In Brief

Appeal for return of lost wallet 21.07.14
INISHOWEN News has received a heartfelt plea for the return of a lost wallet. The person who owns the wallet has described to us how vitally important the lost property is and how much it would mean for it to be returned. It contained bank cards, important medical information, photographs of sentimental value and receipts. The wallet was mislaid either on the 5pm North West Busways service from Derry to Moville on Thursday, July 17 or on the Moville Shore Path the following morning. It is described as a standard-sized brown leather one-fold wallet. Items in the wallet carry the surname Gillen. Anyone who may have found the wallet is asked to please hand it in to Moville garda station, Ulster Bank, Moville; any driver on the North West Busways or Moville parochial house. Anyone with information may also contact us here at info@inishowennews.com and we will happily pass it on.

Two bodies discovered in Co Sligo 21.07.14
Gardaí are investigating the discovery of the bodies of a nine year old boy and a 21-year old man at Tourlestrane, Tubbercurry, Co Sligo yesterday.
The nine year old child was found with stab wounds in a house at Banada. He was removed from the scene by air ambulance and taken to Sligo Regional Hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later. A 21 year old man was found deceased in an outside shed at the same location. The office of the state pathologist has been notified.
The scene is currently preserved pending a Garda technical examination and investigations are continuing.

"NAMA should aim to make profit" - Donegal T.D. 17.07.14
SINN Féin has said that NAMA should be aiming to make a profit for the Irish people and not just break even and repay its debt.
The party's finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty T.D., was responding to this week's review of the body.
“Earlier this year, NAMA completed the sale of its entire Northern loan book for €400 million less than it paid for it. Considering the loan book was generating an annual income and directly supported 2,000 jobs in the North, it defies logic that this loan book would be sold off so quickly and at a reduction," said Deputy Doherty.
“I have been monitoring the approach of this Government to NAMA with concern. The Government’s main goal with NAMA is to wind it up as soon as possible, which is irrational when some property prices have further to go in recovery, particularly outside Dublin."
He said NAMA did not have to officially wind up until 2020, but the Government wanted the majority of its business completed by 2016.

Laser attacks on aircraft to be criminalised 15.07.14
LAWS to criminalise the directing of lasers at aircraft is expected to be passed in the Seanad this week.
Inishowen News reported on Friday that an air ambulance helicopter was attacked by lasers as it transported a critically ill newborn baby from Letterkenny General Hospital to the Rotunda in Dublin.
The new State Airports Bill, which will turn Shannon Airport and Shannon Development into semi-state bodies, also includes a section criminalising attacks on commercial and military flights. The Irish Aviation Authority confirmed that there were 158 laser attacks on aircraft using Irish airspace last year. The Irish Air Corps told Inishowen News that 50 of these attacks were made on its aircraft. Read previous story .

Enda McLaughlin laid to rest 15.07.14
A CARNDONAGH man who was killed on a Germany motorway last month has been laid to rest in his hometown.
Enda McLaughlin, 27, from Glentogher, was buried yesterday following requiem mass officiated by local parish priest Fr Con McLaughlin at the Sacred Heard Church in the town. The troubled Carn man was knocked down as he reportedly fled police who were pursuing him for allegedly stabbing three people. He had been in and out of the Donegal court system from his teenage years. Fr McLaughlin asked the congregation to pray for the McLaughlin family and those affected by the incidents in Germany and the Netherlands.

Elderly driver dies in crash 11.07.14
DONEGAL gardaí are investigating a single vehicle fatal collision in Ballyshannon in which a female pensioner died last night.
The accident occurred at Cloghore, a minor road of the Ballyshannon to Belleek Road at about 10.20pm. The victim, named locally as Charlotte Naylor, 72, was the driver and sole occupant of the car. She was fatally injured when her car hit a ditch. She was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was removed to Sligo General Hospital. The road is currently closed for an examination forensic crash investigators and local diversions are in place. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them at Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071 9858530, the Garda confidential line 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

Want to see Europe for free? 10.07.14
DONEGAL Youth Service will hold a European Volunteer Service information session this evening to highlight opportunities for travel and community work in other EU states.
"If you are interested in living abroad for free as a volunteer in a range of projects promoted by the European Commission you cannot miss this opportunity to find out more and to talk with staff from the Donegal Youth Service who can support you in applying," said a spokesperson. The EU project is open to 17-30 year olds.
The event will take place at the Donegal Youth Service headquarters, 16-18 Port Road, Letterkenny, this evening at 6pm. More info at 91 29630 or email yicletterkenny@donegayouthservice.ie 

Free magazines for library members 09.07.14
DONEGAL libraries are now offering members free digital copies of top magazines ranging from 'OK' to 'The Economist'.
Donegal County Council has installed the Zinio for Libraries service at its branches, giving members access to 30 full-colour magazine titles on their smart phones, tablets or laptops.
There is no limit to the number of editions members can download.
"Publications can be read seamlessly across any mobile and desktop device meaning users can browse on the go or at home," said a spokesperson.
If you are an existing library member, all you have to do is visit Online Resources at www.donegallibrary.ie and follow the Zinio Guidelines. Otherwise contact or visit your local library for more information.

Hopes fade for pilot whales 08.07.14
PILOT whales believed to have been rescued yesterday evening beached again, with most now expected to die.
Marine mammal experts and environmentalists have now advised that nature should be allowed take its course in relation to the tragic creatures which became stranded at Balliness strand, Falcarragh.
Up to 100 people went to the mammals' aid yesterday, hydrating them with buckets of water. Their efforts had been boosted by a rising tide but sadly the creatures became beached again last night.

Nine pilot whales rescued 07.07.14
THE majority of a pod of pilot whales have now been refloated after 13 washed up earlier today near Falcarragh.
The local community has been praised for their efforts in getting nine of the marine mammals that became beached at Balliness strand, back into the sea.
It is understood a group of up to 100 people have gone to their aid today, hydrating the whales with buckets of water. Their efforts have been boosted by a rising tide. Representatives of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group are reportedly on their way to the scene.

Yachtsman's body recovered from water 04.07.14
The body of a man missing for two weeks has been recovered from the sea off Downings. The body of Michael Green from Rathmullan was taken from the water at 5.40pm yesterday. A search for the missing Donegal man had been ongoing after the discovery of an empty yacht and dinghy moored for some time at Ards. Funeral arrangements click here .

Irish MEP elected parliament vice president 02.07.14
MIDLANDS North West MEP Mairead McGuinness has been elected vice president of the European Parliament. The Fine Gael MEP was elected yesterday by members of the Parliament on the first ballot with 441 votes (absolute majority 359 votes).
“It’s a great honour for me personally as well as for my party and indeed for Ireland, particularly the constituency of Midlands North West, that members of the Parliament should express such confidence in my abilities.
“I take the responsibilities of the role very seriously and I will be working extremely hard to ensure that the work of the Parliament is fair, efficient and above all, cognisant of, and responsive to, the needs of European citizens.”

Average Donegal house price now €114K 01.07.14
THE average house price in Co Donegal now stands at €114,000 - 58 per cent below peak levels, latest figures show.
The statistics also show that Donegal property prices in early 2014 were 9 per cent lower than in the same period last year.
Commenting on the Dafe.ie report, the company's economist Ronan Lyons said: “There has been much talk of the housing market being illiquid, with a lack of homes available to buy. The evidence from the period between April and June is that the tide may be turning.
"More than 6,000 Dublin homes were listed during the second quarter, the largest number since early 2008. As a result, the total stock sitting on the market rose in Dublin from less than 2,300 in March to more than 2,800 in June. Further increases in supply will be needed, though, to work through the backlog in pent-up demand from the years of the crash.”

Fisherman to be laid to rest 30.06.14
THE Glengad fisherman who tragically drowned off Inishowen Head at the weekend will be laid to rest on Wednesday.
The body of Danny McDaid, Glentoskert, was discovered on Saturday after search and rescue teams responded to a call shortly after 10.30am.
The alert was raised when wreckage was spotted in the water. The Greencastle Coast Guard, the Lough Swilly and Portrush Lifeboats, the Irish Coast Guard helicopter from Sligo and other local vessels responded to the call. The Glengad community has been shocked by the death of the 56-year old who was a very experienced fisherman.
Meanwhile, the search continues for an Inishowen yachtsman who has gone missing in the Sheephaven Bay area. The search began after the discovery of an empty sail boat moored in the waters at Ards. It is understood the boat has been anchored in the area for some days. A dinghy attached to the yacht by a rope has also been discovered.

Daniel dedicates fan magazine to mum 30.06.14
SINGER Daniel O'Donnell has dedicated the latest edition of his quarterly fan magazine to his late mother Julia.
The June-August 2014 edition of 'Daniel' is currently being mailed out to members of the performer’s official fan club. Julia O’Donnell (94) passed away after a short illness on May 18. Her month's mind mass took place in the O’Donnells’ home village of Kincasslagh on Friday evening.
Many fans who have already received the magazine, have complimented Daniel on the "wonderful tribute" to his late mother.

Inishowen T.D., launches LGBT document 27.06.14
INISHOWEN Sinn Féin T.D., Pádraig MacLochlainn TD, has launched the party’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights document.
The document 'Equality, Diversity, Solidarity – Fighting with Pride for LGBT Rights in Ireland' outlines the party's commitment to LGBT equality in Ireland and includes ten proposals. Deputy MacLochlainn said: “Sinn Féin is an Irish republican party and equality is at the core of all that we represent. Nothing less than full equality of rights and opportunities under law for the LGBT community should be tolerated in a modern, progressive and inclusive society." Included in the document's ten proposals is a commitment to tackle work place discrimination; to combat homophobic bullying and to legislate north and south for equal treatment of prospective LGBT parents in reproductive and adoptive services.

Getting out of your depth at Swim Week 23.06.14
IRISH Water Safety (IWS) is urging sea lovers to go along to its popular Swim Week at Shroove, Greencastle, next month. The five-day event, facilitated by IWS qualified instructors, will help children and adults to improve their confidence and safety in the water. Young swimmers will be allowed to tackle tasks wearing wetsuits. Advanced swimmers and swimming groups will be required to swim in clothes, depending on ability. Participants are asked to bring warm clothes, food, hot drinks and suncream. When children are out of the water they must be supervised by a parent or guardian. Swim Week runs from July 14-18 and registration is on the first day at 9am. More info available at msg.water.safety@gmail.com

Donegal food businesses urged to enter awards 19.06.14
INISHOWEN food businesses have been urged to enter the Blas na hEireann awards in a bid to boost the growing Donegal food sector. The awards accreditation is the largest competition of its kind in Ireland attracting over 2,000 entries annually. This year's deadline for entries has been extended to June 24. Last year Gallaghers and Mulrines between them took gold, silver and bronze medals for products made with locally sourced ingredients. The winning producers will be presented at an awards ceremony in Dingle, Co Kerry on October 4. For more information and to enter visit  www.irishfoodawards.com .

Cash back for long term ill 17.06.14
DONEGAL TD., Thomas Pringle has welcomed the decision to reimburse the prescription charge to those who are on the Long Term Illness Scheme and had a medical card, but had to pay this charge to receive their medication.
“I had been contacted by constituents who were a part of this scheme but because they also had a medical card, this meant they had to pay the prescription charge which can add up to a lot for those that have medical conditions. This was a very unfair situation as these people were effectively being punished for having a medical card." Deputy Pringle said the HSE is currently "in the process of identifying those who are entitled to this refund of their prescription charge".

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