Author name: oisinkelly

A Donegal travel agents has stopped selling holidays to Mauritius following the murder of Michaela McAreavey. Liberty Travel says it has taken the decision due to ‘a problem with policing on the island’ and in solidarity with the McAreavey and Harte families. Speaking on the Shaun Doherty Show, Carolyn Davis says that if anyone looks to […]

The Donegal Clinical Academy Trust has paid tribute to Donegal Person of the year Hugh Green who died in New Zealand last week. The trust says Hugh Green was the first donor to the new Donegal Clinical and Research Academy, which will see Letterkenny Hospital become a teaching hospital with a strong clinical research arm.

Gardai have confirmed they are investigating an alleged sexual assault in the vicinity of Speer’s Lane in Letterkenny. The lane remains closed as forensic tests continue following the alleged assault at around 2.30 this morning. Gardai have not yet said when the area will be reopened.

A member of John McAreavey’s legal team is to make a complaint to police in Mauritius after photos of Michaela McAreavey’s dead body were published in a newspaper on the island. Dick Ng Sui Wa described the printing of the photos as an ‘outrage’. He became aware of the photos after he was contacted by

Donegal VEC is seeking students for a course in Tourism and Culture which is aimed at people with an interest in thopse areas, but have difficulties with some basic skills. The course is being offered in VEC centres across the county under the Learning for Living programme. Coordinator Delores Mc Geady says there are many

Speer’s Lane in Letterkenny has been closed as part of a Garda investigation in to a serious assault on a woman. The incident it said to have occured at around 3.30 on Monday morning It’s not clear when the area will be reopened. No further details of the alleged assault are being released.

The Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore will meet the Mauritian Ambassador today. It follows the publication of crime scene photos and images of the body of Michaela McAreavy in a newspaper in Mauritius yesterday. Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore says the aim of the meeting is to bring the Irish governments’ concerns over the

Fianna Fail’s new Education Spokesperson says he’ll be ensuring the plight of schools in Donegal is highlighted in Leinster House. Donegal North East Deputy Charlie Mc Conalogue was previously the party’s Spokesperson on Children. Deputy Mc Conalogue says having spent the weekend reading up on his new brief, he’s looking forward to shadowing Minister Ruari

Farmers suffering from the effects of one of the wettest summers on record, will be hoping the Agriculture Minister wins some concessions for them in Brussels today. Simon Coveney is to attend a meeting of the Farm Council in Brussels, and the Irish Farmer’s Association wants him to appeal to Europe for an exceptional handout.

Statement by The Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD. The Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD has expressed his deep shock and disgust at the publication of images in today’s Mauritius Sunday Times. Speaking on the matter the Taoiseach said: “The publication of these images represents an appalling invasion of privacy and is a gross affront to human dignity. 

The 12 year old boy who died in a farm accident outside Kerrykeel yesterday has been named locally as Jamie Toner from Churchill. It’s understood he was visiting a farm belonging to a family member when he was injured in an accident involving a tractor at lunchtime yesterday. He was rushed to hospital, but pronounced

Two men aged 25 and 34 have been charged with robbery and grevious bodily harm with intent following an incident in Derry yesterday morning. The two are expected to appear before a sitting of Derry Magistrates Court tomorrow, after the charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. It’s believed the charges are in connection

There’s outrage after a Sunday Newspaper in Mauritius today published images of the body of murder victim Michaela McAreavey, taken at the crime scene at the Legends Hotel. Her family has described the publication as deeply insensitive, while the Taoiseach says the Government will be lodging a formal complaint with the Mauritian Government. The 12

A 12 year old boy has died in an incident on a farm in the Kerrykeel area. The incident happened at half past one this afternoon. Gardai have confirmed both they and the Health and Safety Authority are investigating the incident which involved a tractor.        

There were serious tailbacks on roads into and out of Letterkenny for a time this afternoon as a result of a fire on the Port Road, between the Polestar and Dry Arch Roundabouts. Gardai say smoke is blowing away from the Main Road, they and the fire service are at the scene, and traffic is

The director of public prosecutions in Mauritius says there may be another investigation into the murder of Michaela McAreavey. Two hotel workers were acquitted this week of killing her, while she was on honeymoon last January at the Legends Hotel. The DPP described the verdict on Thursday as “unexpected” – but defended the Mauritian police

Police in Derry are appealing for information following a serious assault in the Argyle Street area of the city this morning. Shortly after 8am, it was reported that a 48 year old man was attacked in the street, sustaining head injuries. He was taken to hospital for treatement for his injuries, which are not believed

Its understood gardai are probing reports of a stabbing in the Glencar area of Letterkenny last night, but they are making no comment on the alleged attack this morning. It’s reported a man sustained slash and stab wounds in the incident, and is being treated in hospital. However, when asked about the incident by Highland

One man was released last night and two remain in custody following a police operation in Derry on Thursday night. Five assault rifles and three handguns were seized in in what’s been described as a major police operation targeting the vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs. PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott said the operation was

Lawyers for two men, acquitted of the murder of Michaela McAreavey, are today expected to say they have information which could lead to the arrest of her killer. It comes as Michaela’s husband John, his father, sister and brother-in-law, Mark Harte, arrive back in Ireland today, following the two-month-long trial in Mauritius. On Thursday, the

A security alert in Strabane has ended. At around 11.20 last night, a suspicious object was found in the Ballycoleman area. Some homes were evacuated as army experts examined the scene. The alert was declared a hoax at around 4.30 this morning.

Acting Garda Chief Superintendent Jim Sheridan has promised to review the overall policing along border areas in Co Donegal. It follows a meeting yesterday between Gardai and members of Fianna Fail including councillors Paul Canning, Ciaran Brogan, Dessie Larkin and Deputy Charlie McConalogue. Cllr Canning, who has been highlighting the lack of Garda manpower in

Acting Garda Chief Superintendent Jim Sheridan has promised to review the overall policing along border areas in Co Donegal. It follows a meeting yesterday between Gardai and members of Fianna Fail including councillors Paul Canning, Ciaran Brogan, Dessie Larkin and Deputy Charlie McConalogue. Cllr Canning, who has been highlighting the lack of Garda manpower in

The husband of murdered honeymooner Michaela McAreavey has appealed for privacy following the acquittal of two hotel workers over his wife’s killing. John McAreavey and family members are expected home in Ireland from Mauritius today and have insisted they do not wish to discuss the outcome of the eight-week trial. In a statement on behalf

Three men have been arrested and five assault rifles and three handguns have been seized in overnight raids in Derry. It was part of a major police operation targeting the vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs. PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott said the operation was aimed at tackling punishment shootings in Derry. Police said a

The home of the mayor of Derry, Kevin Campbell, was raided by the police last night, Sinn Fein have said Sinn Fein MLA Raymond McCartney said laptops and mobile phones were taken away but the police gave no reason for the search. Mr Campbell was elected mayor in June. He lives in the Creggan estate.

Volunteers are being sought for a clean-up tomorrow of a section along the The Old Railway in Falcarragh. The area forms part of the route of The Coastal Cancer Challenge on Saturday the 21st of July. The challenge  includes a 16km run, a 2km Kayak, a 42km cycle  through the Creeslough/Falcarragh railway line concluding with

Journalist Mary Harte is a friend of Hugh Green and compiled this video looking back at the 20011 Donegal Person of the Years’ life. The video was made prior to Mr Green’s passing to mark the honour. Hugh Green was unable to tavel to Ireland to collect his Donegal Person of the Year Award. But

Tributes are being payed today to Donegal native Hugh Green has passed away at his home in Auckland, New Zealand over night. Mr Green was named 2011 Donegal Person of Year recognising his contribution and generosity to Donegal. Hugh Green  was born in Raphoe and at the age of 20 emigrated to New Zealand via

The teenager who died  following a car crash in Drumkeen in the early hours of yesterday morning has been named as 18 year-old Shane Patton from Cloghroe in Drumkeen. Mr Patton was driving a car which was in collision with another vehicle on the Letterkenny to Ballybofey road. He was seriously injured and transported to

Members of the McAreavey family are expected to return home this weekend from Mauritius. The families of John and Michaela McAreavey yesterday issued a statement appealing for privacy after two men were acquitted of Michaela’s murder. They had denied the charges throughout an 8 week trial. A forensic scientist had told the court there was

Nine officers have been injured after trouble erupted last night following a Protestant parade in north Belfast. Petrol bombs and bricks were hurled at police, who used water cannon. There was also violence in Derry, where missiles were thrown at officers. There have been several arrests.

Buncrana Town Council is seeking a meeting with the owner of the Lough Foyle Ferry Company with a view towards agreeing a long term plan for the operation of the Swilly Ferry service linking Buncrana and Rathmullan. The decision to seek the meeting was taken this week as the council agreed a local contribution of

Donegal County Council are appealing to homeowners to contact them if they have received a bill for the household charge in error A small number of households in the County have received a letter asking them to pay the Household Charge, even though they have already paid. Donegal County Councils Director of Finance, Garry Martin,

Buncrana Town Council has confirmed that the first half hour of parking in the town will be free. The pilot scheme will run between Monday the 16th of July and the 3rd of December in a bid to stimulate the local economy. Cllr Ciaran McLaughlin, who raised the issue in Junes council meeting has welcomed

A teenager from Drumkeen has died in Letterkenny General Hospital following an overnight crash on the main N13 Letterkenny to Ballybofey Road. The 18-year-old man was the sole occupant in one of the cars which was involved in the head-on collision involving two vehicles near Drumkeen just before midnight. He was taken to Letterkenny General

Two former hotel workers have been cleared of the murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius. Avinash Treebhoowoon and Sandip Moneea had both denied killing the 27 year old newlywed at the Legends Hotel last January. The jury delivered unanimous verdicts after just two hours of deliberations. Cormac McQuinn of the Irish Independent was in court,

Donegal County Council has warned anyone who has failed to pay the 2012 Non-Principal Private Residence Charge (NPPR) that they currently owe €220 payable by the end of July. The 2012 NPPR charge was due by the 30th June and anyone who has not paid the charge is now accruing late payment fees on a

A man remains in hospital in a serious condition following an overnight crash on the Letterkenny to Ballybofey road at Drumkeen. The two vehicle collision occurred at around midnight. A man in his late teens is in a serious condition in hospital. Two other people involved in the crash also suffered injuries. The road remains

Sinn Féin are introducing a Bill proposing a cap on the interest rates charged by licensed money lenders. Currently there’s no cap in operation and some lenders are charging up to 210 percent APR on loans. The Bill is set to be debated in the Dáil next week during Private Members time, with a vote

The Regional Manager of the HSE says the subsidised bus service which brings people to hospitals in Dublin for out patient appointments is being withdrew because not enough people use it. According the the HSE there is only an average of five people a day using the service. John Hayes says the bus service had

The Post Office in St Johnston has been robbed this morning a year to the day since the premises was last targeted by in a robbery. The incident happened just before 11 o clock when masked men with baseballs bats entered the premises and demanded money. A number of cars were rammed as robbers made

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has launched an investigation into who ploughed a protected beach in South Donegal. An area more than 250 metres long by 50 metres wide was tilled on Murvagh beach near Donegal town. A wildlife ranger yesterday consulted local landowners in a bid to trace the offender, who can be

A 19-year-old man has drowned in a reservoir in Creggan in Derry. The emergency services were called to the scene early this morning, and police divers recovered the body at about 6.30am The police are not treating the death as suspicious.

The jury in the trial of two men accused of murdering Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius last year is expected to retire today. Closing arguments were heard in the case on Monday – and the judge took two days to consider the evidence before the court. He is due to deliver his address to the jurors

The Irish Farmers Association says the the Algae Bloom  currently effecting the coast is having a huge effect on shellfish, oyster and fish farmers in Donegal. Also know as the red tide, the bloom is naturally occurring and is toxic to bottom-dwelling marine species, certain species of fish and shelfish. Earlier this week large numbers

The skipper of a boat whch got into difficulty a mile off Arranmore Island yesterday has said that it is vital that Malin Head Coastguard station remains open. The crew onboard the ‘Flying Heart’ diving vessel got into difficulty yesterday morning  – they recieved assistance from the Arranmore Lifeboat within 30 minutes and were then

Letterkenny Town Council has agreed to spend some money on improvements to Lower Main Street, High Road and Port Road. The council has already secured money to complete improvements on Upper Main Street, and this will be used for the other adjoining streets, backed with money from the Smart Travel Initiative announced last week. Cllr

A decision’s likely today on whether Mick Wallace will face a motion of censure in the Dáil. The Committee on Members’ Interests reported yesterday it’s unable to establish jurisdiction to inquire into the Wexford TD’s admission of tax cheating. It was also revealed he only responded to two of seven questions put to him. Party