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 […]
Some people ‘easing up’ after getting the jab
DONEGAL people who have had their first Covid-19 vaccination has been urged to keep following the guidelines, amid concerns some may be letting their guard down too soon. Dr Anthony Breslin, Director of Public Health for the North West, was responding to reports that some people who have received jabs in recent weeks had […]
Nurse urges public to ‘play your part’ in Covid battle
A NURSE on the front-line of the Covid-19 pandemic at Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) is pleading for the public to play their part in curbing the spread of the virus. Treasa Toye, who works in the high dependency unit, admitted she and her colleagues are finding it mentally and physically draining working in these very […]
More difficult weeks ahead for Letterkenny hospital
IT’S been another unforgiving week in Donegal’s fight against Covid-19. As of 8pm on Tuesday, there were 103 inpatients positive with Covid-19 in Letterkenny University Hospital and three patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Advertisement On Sunday evening, patients had to wait in ambulances outside before being admitted to the hospital. LUH General […]