A CONVICTED Castlefin rapist has been jailed for nine months after pleading guilty to stalking a Tyrone mother. Desmond Leitch (36), of Skelpy, Castlefin, was sentenced at Strabane Magistrates Court for committing the offence on dates between May 21 and May 23. In her sentencing remarks, District Judge Alana McSorley observed that it had been a ‘calculated and sinister’ offence […]
Sister of murdered girl calls for public inquiry
THE sister of a murdered schoolgirl who went missing almost 30 years ago after attending a disco in Donegal is appealing for a public inquiry into the handling of the case by police. Arlene Arkinson, a Tyrone schoolgirl, was 15 years old when she disappeared after going to a disco in Bundoran with her friend Donna […]
McGuinness names starting 15 for All-Ireland Group 3 opener with Tyrone
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has named his starting 15 for Saturday night’s All-Ireland group opener with Tyrone in Ballybofey. McGuinness has named the same starting team which was named ahead of the Ulster Final clash with Armagh – although Eoghan Bán Gallagher was included from the start ahead of Patrick McBrearty who was named at […]
RUC officer’s memorial now in a safe place
THE memorial stone placed on the grave of murdered RUC man John Doherty on the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which was then stolen, defaced and put back, has now been cleaned and is securely displayed in a British Legion Hall. Mr Doherty, was shot dead while visiting his mother in Lifford in 1973. A […]
No reduction of jail time for former Convoy resident who murdered his wife
A “CRUEL and controlling” husband who murdered his wife on a family boating trip is not entitled to any reduction in his prison term, the Court of Appeal has ruled. Senior judges rejected claims the minimum 20-year sentence imposed on Stephen McKinney for killing Lu Na McKinney at Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh in April 2017 […]
Letter to Editor: Donegal going well, but lack of investment in facilities embarrassing
AS Donegal GAA supporters prepare for next Sunday’s Ulster Final meeting with Armagh in Clones, the Donegal News received a letter from fan Christy Galligan who still can’t understand why supporters are being forced to watch games in venues that offer facilities from a by-gone era. Here’s Christy’s letter in full: I had the honour […]
Statements requested in Bundoran fatal collision case
THE legal team representing Sergee Kelly (23), charged with causing a fatal collision in Bundoran, resulting in the death of Tyrone schoolboy Ronan Wilson (9), has asked for immediate access to case statements. Addressing Ballyshannon District Court this morning, Mr Kelly’s solicitor, Gerry McGovern, suggested the case could be elevated to the Circuit Court with a […]
Donegal TD insists A5 road upgrade has to be prioritised
BY JEROME HUGHES DONEGAL TD Pearse Doherty is demanding that the A5 road upgrade is prioritised following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive, describing the route as “critical infrastructure”. The A5 connects Derry with Strabane, Omagh, and Aughnacloy in Tyrone. Advertisement Just south of Aughnacloy lies the border with the Republic, where the A5 […]
Man in court charged in connection with Bundoran hit-and-run
A MAN from Sligo has been released on bail after being charged in connection with the death of nine-year-old Ronan Wilson in Bundoran on Saturday night. At a court hearing in Carrick-on-Shannon District Court, Serge Kelly (23) from Upper Mullaghmore, Cliffony, faced three charges, including failing to stop after a collision. He was also charged […]
Call for Donegal voices to be heard in railway review
RAILWAY campaigners in Donegal are calling on the public to enter submissions on ‘All Ireland Strategic Rail Review’ to ensure the county’s rail network remains a priority. Despite much speculation over the past few months, the ‘All Ireland Strategic Rail Review’ officially included a recommendation to extend the railway into Tyrone, from Portadown to Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane […]