THE Covid-19 pandemic, and the resulting restrictions, have had a negative effect on many businesses across Donegal – but the new reality has also created a small number of opportunities. As an essential business, Letterkenny-based CBM Signs adjusted its business model to create a full range of Covid-19 warning signage and protective perspex screens for […]
Letterkenny IT’s ‘sportsman’ retires
AFTER a career of public service spanning close on 43 years, Paddy Gallagher celebrated his last day at Letterkenny Institute of Technology on Friday last. Former colleagues and family members participated in the celebration by going online to congratulate and pay tribute via a series of zoom calls. Paddy Gallagher joined the staff of Letterkenny […]
‘Pushing things along’ despite Brexit and pandemic
A DONEGAL man is responsible for overseeing daily operations at one of Europe’s and UK’s fastest growing recruitment agencies. Falcon Green is a specialist construction and engineering recruitment agency, which employs more than fifty office-based staff with 1,100 operatives working on sites across the UK and Ireland each week. Joseph Sweeney from Gweedore founded the […]
Is the traditional Irish wake a thing of the past?
IT’S been almost a year since Ireland started putting restrictions in place to limit the spread of coronavirus. For undertakers like Paschal Blake, it’s been a challenging time as the pandemic has caused extra pressure. “It’s been quite a difficult year and one which has been particularly harrowing for families,” he said. Mr Blake, who […]
‘Important we stay safe but also have to try and live’
THE pressures of leading the people of Leitirmacaward and Doochary through the pandemic has kept Fr Adrian Gavigan busy for much of the past year. A native of Glenties, Fr Gavigan (44) was the first priest in the Raphoe Diocese to organise a car park mass last summer. The mass, held in the grounds of […]
Covid-19 cases in hospital drop to five month low point
THE number of Covid-19 patients in hospital in Letterkenny has fallen to its lowest level in almost five months. According to latest figures from the Health Service Executive, there were 13 patients with Covid receiving treatment in LUH, continuing a downwards trend. This compares with 99 this time last month, January 23, while there were […]
Defence Force members receive vaccine in Donegal
Over 40 members of the 28th Infantry Battalion based at Finner Camp, in Ballyshannon received their first dose of the Covid Vaccine on Wednesday. The members received the early dose to enable them to carry out work relating to Covid within the community. Operations Officer at Finner Camp, Captain Neil O’Connor said the troops were […]
Irish Harp is latest creation from ‘horseshoe sculptor’
A DONEGAL man known for his metalwork creations made from used horseshoes has unveiled his latest piece – the Irish Harp. William McCracken is a welder and fabricator from Ardagh, St Johnston who recently made headlines after completing a Covid-19 inspired Celtic Cross. All of his work is made from used horseshoes. He says his […]
‘Very close to tipping point for many small businesses’
STRUGGLING businesses ‘may simply not be there’ when the economy reopens unless further support is given, a Letterkenny accountant has warned. Mr Cathal Roarty, owner of Farren Roarty Accountants, said that many small businesses across Donegal are ‘hanging on for dear life’. While the Covid-19 pandemic is causing a nationwide economic slowdown, it has hit […]
Donegal is well suited for cycling holidays
MARTIN Birney has spent the past few months exploring the highways and byways of Donegal on a bicycle. A qualified cycling coach, Martin (65) has been putting together cycling holidays in Mallorca, France and Italy for more than twenty years through his company, SportActive. At this time of year, the Ramelton native would usually be […]