AN acceleration of the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out in Donegal has resulted in 1,000 people getting their first dose each day this week. It is expected that all people aged between 50-59 in Donegal, who have registered for the vaccine online, will have been offered their first dose of the vaccine in the vaccination centre at […]
Easing of lockdown restrictions agreed
THE Government has agreed to ease lockdown restrictions from May 10. On May 10, hairdressers will reopen, along with libraries, museums and galleries, and team sports training will also resume. Intercounty travel can also resume from May 10. Advertisement Up to 50 people will be allowed to attend religious services including weddings, funerals and masses […]
Donegal pilot is just grateful to have a job right now
LIKE many, international pilots have had to adjust to a drastically different work environment over the past 12 months. Letterkenny woman Louise Gilroy is an Airbus A320 captain based in Dublin. She is also involved with ‘Recover Irish Aviation’, a group of aviation professionals who are campaigning to ensure that their industry survives the […]
Looking back on a steep learning curve
FOR school principal Damien McCroary, the phrase “every day can be a school day”, perfectly sums up the past academic year. In that time Covid-19 has presented considerable challenges to Mr McCroary, his staff and students at St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, including closures, cancellations, remote learning and more. Leaving Cert students returned to the classroom […]
Pandemic helped Letterkenny company grow nationwide
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 […]
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 […]
‘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 […]
What happened the Creeslough man who left school early?
THE founder of an Irish pharmaceutical services company, which has begun trials on a new Covid-19 nasal spray vaccine is Donegal man Cathal Friel. Mr Friel (57) from Creeslough was a finalist in the International category as part of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2020. He left school after his Junior Cert to work […]