Robbie out
Keane ruled out of Brazil clash
Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has been ruled out of Tuesday’s friendly match against Brazil due to a knee injury.
Anthony Stokes has been called into the squad to replace Keane.
Archive for February 2010
Ireland v Brazil: Robbie out with knee injury
Addidas Donegal Junior Football League
Addidas Donegal Junior Football League
Saturday 27th February 2010
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 1:
Tullyvinney Rovers 3 Ramelton Mariners 2
This game was played at the Crossroads Killygordon. It was Tullyvinney who started the stronger and on ten minutes they took the lead when Martin Alexander was upended in the box and Kevin Gilliespe scored from the spot .Then it was Ramelton who took over on twenty minutes they made it one each when Peter Brannigan scored from a header . Ramelton took the lead just before halftime and it was Peter Brannigan again with great shot from twenty yards and it was two one at halftime . Tullyvinney came out in the second half and really put it up to Ramelton . On sixty minutes it was Cathal Mc Gowan with a wonder goal from all of thirty yards, a goal worthy of winning any game . Both sides had chances of winning the game only for some great keeping by Kieran Mc Elchar. Then on seventyfive minutes after a great move the full length of the field the ball fell to Johnny Corcoran who sidestepped the last defender and blasted into the net for the winner . Fairplay to both sides for trying to play football and great game to watch and it was very well refereed by Liam Farren. Team effort by Ramelton
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 2:
Glenree United 1-2 Castlefin Celtic
An understrength Glenree side put up a good fight against a strong Castlefin side at Glenree Park. Both teams had their fair share of chances in the first half with Castlefin opening the scoring through James Mc Menamin as he nipped in at the back post. Glenree rallied and were level within a matter of minutes as a Barney Boyce free-kick dropped dangerously into the box and with a slight deflection of a defender it found the net. Glenree saw a Patrick McGroddy half volley go narrowly wide and further efforts from Barney Boyce, Hughie Bradley and Robert Moore were well saved by the Castlefin keeper. The visitors got what proved to be the winner with twenty minutes to go as a shot from outside the box rebounded of the post and fell kindly to Daryl White who tapped home.
Team performances from both.
Referee: Paul Doherty.
Downtown Saturday League Cup Group 3:
Sunday 28th February 2010
Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure Premier League:
Lifford Celtic 3 Dunlewey Celtic 3
The spoils were shared in a rip roaring contest at the Green Brae, both sides were on the lookout for points; Lifford to stay in touch with the league leaders and Dunlewey to stay ahead of the relegation places. The visitors started brighter going close with an excellent turn and shot in the opening minutes. Their early pressure paid off on 6 minutes when Sean Mc Cafferty found himself in space and made no mistake from close range. Dunlewey continued to press and minutes later went further in front when a shot was parried by Lifford netminder Given and Mc Cafferty reacted quickest to prod home his second. This stung the home side into life, Paul Colhoun flicked on for strike partner Damian Patton and he rounded the keeper to score from an acute angle. The same players linked up for the equaliser, Patton latched on to Colhoun’s flick and when his resulting shot was handled on the line the Dunlewey right-back received his marching orders. Patton calmly dispatched the resulting spot-kick and the teams went into the break on even terms. The home side tried to make use of their numerical advantage in the opening stages of the second half, Kevin Mc Brearty almost putting Colhoun in the clear and moments later a Colhoun cross almost resulted in Dunlewey turning the ball into their own net. However, the away team weren’t going to settle for a point and with Cannon pulling the strings in midfield they always looked dangerous on the break. Paul Given had to react on several occasions to save his team mates when Dunlewey broke clear. The visitors regained the lead on 68 minutes when another swift counter attack left Daniel Cannon in space and he finished well from close range. A desperate Lifford threw everything at their opponents in the search for another equaliser, Patton hitting the post after a mistake from the Dunlewey keeper from a kick out. The equaliser came in the dying minutes when a Mc Brearty cross from the left somehow found it’s way into the net at the keeper’s near post. Lifford could have snatched it at the end but shots from Paul Colhoun and Daniel Carlin both failed to hit the target. Damian Patton was best for Lifford with Daniel Cannon best for Dunlewey. Ref. Vincent Mc Laughlin.
Glenea United 0 Eany Celtic 0
In fine conditions for football the home side continued their unbeaten run but were unable to take all three points. The home side started well and had Eany under pressure but were unable to create any clear cut chances. As the half continued the away side came more into the game and had good chance on 30 minutess when Seamie Cannon took advantage of a defensive error, but pulled his shot wide. Glenea continued to push for the opener and Brian Cuffe came close on 35 minutes when his near post effort was well saved by Kelly. The second half followed a similar pattern to the first with Glenea starting strongly and applying the pressure on the away defence but were unable create any clear chances against the hard working defence, until the 80th minute when Ryan McFadden got free in the box but his effort was well saved. With Glenea pushing hard for the opener they were open to being caught on the break and on 88 minutes were almost punished when Martin Rose’s long range effort came crashing off the bar. Best for Glenea were Conor McGee and Paul Doohan, while it was good team performance from Eany.
Packie Coll was the ref.
Milford Inn Hotel Division One:
Ballybofey United 0 Castlefinn Celtic 3
Castlefinn came out on top in this keenly contested game which was reversed to Castlefinn after FinnView was waterlogged. The first goal came on 39 minutes when a Kevin White shot took a huge deflection and spun over the Ballybofey keeper Eamonn Mc Auley. Their second came just 2 minutes later on 41minutes when three players broke away after a Ballybofey free kick was cleaned and Ronan Tourish got on the end of a good pass from White. Ballybofey made a few changes at half time and should have scored through Alan Patton and Ryan Carlin but Castlefinn defended well. Tourish got his second on 70 minutes when he popped up on the edge of the box to slot past Chris Paton who earlier replaced Mc Auley.
Best for Castlefinn were Ronan Tourish and Cormac O’Brien
Team effort for Ballybofey.
Referee Joe Mc Hugh
Drumbar United 2 Keadue Rovers 2
Conditions were excellent for football in Drumbar. The visiting Keadue side were tested in the very first minute when Fergal Browne muscled his way one on one with the keeper but only managed a corner kick. With the sun in their eyes Keadue found it hard to get out of their half as the Drumbar side built momentum from their opening opportunity. David Giblin created the first goal cutting in from the left wing and delivering the ball onto the head of Tommy Diver who gave the Keeper no chance from eight yards out. Keadue fought their way back into the game with the midfield battle between Sweeney and Cassidy swinging the course of play. Shane Browne carved a number of chances for the home side but the home pressure could not be converted into goals. Adrian Sweeney placed a perfect ball into path of Corey Gallagher slicing open the home defence, a mistimed tackle resulted in a spot kick placed in to the bottom corner by Adrian Sweeney. Comfortably creating chances at one end, one kick of the ball put the home side back to level terms. The visitors hit a second 13 minutes later as a corner passed through six players untouched to find Raymond Sweeney to convert a tap in the back post. The home side got back on track five minutes before the break from the boot of Shane Browne guiding a splilled corner ball into the Keadue net. The second half saw the midfield battle continue with neither side fully taking control. Keadue saw more opportunities come their way but Martin Cassidy was on call, on one occasion making a double save, recovering to stop Corey Gallagher hitting an empty net after rounding Drumbars goalkeeper. Keadue’s shot stopper was not to be outshone at the other end when both Fergal Browne and David Giblin failed to beat him from inside the box. Chances were clear cut for both sides in the second half, but the keepers were determined not to be beaten. Corey Gallagher and Adrian Sweeney stood out for the Keadue, Conor Rooney and Martin Cassidy were best for Drumbar
St Catherine’s 1 Donegal Town 1
This game was a closely fought encounter between near neighbours. There was little to divide both teams in the first half. Both sides created chances but it was the Saints that converted on twenty minutes when Shane Molloy toe poked the ball to the net after the Town keeper let it slip. There was some excellent football played by both sides.
The second half started as the first finished with some great football and both teams threatened from set pieces. Donegal scored from a set piece on seventy minutes when John Paul Byrnes powerful header hit the net. Donegal pressed hard for the winner while the Saints tried to create chances from counter attacks.
Team performance both teams
Referee M McGarrigle
CT Ball Division Two:
Kerrykeel 71 6 Letterbarrow Celtic 0
There was fine weather conditions at Rab’s Park Kerrykeel on Sunday as the 71 club hosted Letterbarrow Celtic. It was a must win for the home side and they did it in a convincing style. Letterbarrow started the better and they should have been in front on the second minute when Charlie Doherty missed from close range. This spurred the home side into action and they went in front on the eighth minute when Kevin Loughrey latched onto a Niall Doherty pass to fire home. It was two nil on the fifteenth minute when Tony Mc Bride slotted home after good work from his midfield partner Cathal Martin. Kerrykeel had a number of chances before half time to finish the match as a contest but the Letterbarrow keeper pulled off some fine saves form Michael Sweeney and Shaun Callaghan.
Kerrykeel started the second half by ensuring that they secured the win on the forty eighth minute when Niall Doherty put his free kick into the top corner making it three nil. Johnjoe had the easy decision to bring on a few substitutes and it was one of them, Thomas Mc Bride who strolled down the right wing on the fifty fifth minute and his cross took a wicked deflection of a Letterbarrow defender to cruelly crawl over the line making it four nil. Niall Doherty got his second goal of the match and fifteenth of the season when he converted a penalty which was given as a result of a hand ball on the seventy fifth minute. In the dying moments of the match Kerrykeel got their sixth on the eighty ninth minute when man of the match Cathal Martin rounded the keeper and fired home from six yards. A great win for the 71 bhoys and keeps their promotion hunt in full swing.
Best for Kerrykeel: Cathal Martin, Shaun Callaghan and Fergal Friel
Team Performance from Letterbarrow.
Curragh Athletic FC 1 Raphoe Town 1
League leaders Curragh Athletic and the inform Raphoe Town team played out an entertaining one all draw under the floodlights on Saturday night last. The game meant a lot to both teams with the home side looking to extend their lead at the top and the away team looking to further their good recent form and push for promotion. The first half proved a very close affair with little chances at either end. Neither keeper were challenged a lot as both defences were on top. However, within four minutes of the restart, this changed when Stephen Conaghan gave Raphoe Town the lead from close range. This sparked Curragh into action and both Jason Sweeney and Brendan Boyle went close immediately afterwards. For Raphoe Christy Bogle and Stephen Conaghan in defence and Busby Mc Gonigle and Colm Laird in midfield were not allowing Curragh much space. However as the game went on Brendan Boyle, Kevin Rafferty, Jason Sweeney were beginning to dominate with the Raphoe defence coming under immense pressure. The all important equaliser for the home side finally arrived on sixty two minutes when Jason Sweeney burst through from the halfway one on one with the keeper and he slipped the ball top the bottom corned for a deserved equaliser. After this, the home team looked for a winner and had good efforts from Sweeney, Renato, Calvin Bradley. However, the Raphoe keeper Paul Carberry has a fine game in goals for the away team especially in the later ten minutes when Curragh almost grabbed the winner on at least three occasions. The result was probably a fair one, with both teams given their all, but it could also be said the busier keeper on the night by far was Paul Carberry. Man of the match for Curragh was Brendan Boyle. Raphoe Town man of the match. Stephen Conaghan. Referee: Seamus Mc Croary.
Referee: Paddy Martin
Cranford United 0 Whitestrand United 0
Cranford started strongly with Sean bees Mc Bride going through one on one but Paddy Kelly stood up to make the save. The strand played high line and caught Cranford off side on numerous occasions. Liam Doherty had good chance from header after cross from Shay Coyle. Sub Connor Doherty was put through late on but the keeper pulled of good save. Best for Cranford Declan Hunter and Joe Gallagher. Best for Whitestrand Paddy Kelly and James Gallagher.
Ulster Junior Cup
Round 3 Kick
Lagan Harps 2 Dunkineely Celtic 1
Lagan continued their good cup form when they overcame Dunkineely in a closely fought affair in Orchard Park. Both defences were well on top in the first half with Lagan’s best efforts coming from two Kevin Kelly freekicks and a shot just over from Kelly. Lagan keeper Tony Blake pulled off an excellent save at his near post from Conor Ward on ten minutes. Jason Armstrong had a couple of good efforts from distance with Dunkineely’s other opportunities coming from a number of dangerous corners. Lagan broke the deadlock on fifty minutes when Kevin Kelly slipped a ball through to Barney Bradley who dodged a tackle to finish from close range. Barney Bradley went close again two minutes later with a great effort from a thirty yard free which went narrowly over. Lagan doubled the lead on sixty minutes when a long clearance from Tony Blake put Christopher Toner clear and he finished expertly. Tony Blake was called in to action again when he did well to save an Conor Ward free. Dunkineely threw men forward for the remainder of the game with player manager Aidan Duddy just failing to force home from a penalty area scramble. Lagan’s best were Ronan Lennon, Ciaran Mc Carron and Glen Gallagher with Jason Armstrong excellent fro Dunkineely. Referee was Mick Lagan.
Downtown United 3 – Donegal Town Reserves 0
Downtown United : 3
Donegal Town Res : 0
Downtown United move three points clear at the top of group three with this win over Donegal Town today . In a game played in perfect conditions it was Downtown who took the lead on fitfhteen minutes when Rory O Gorman headed home from a corner from Corkey, Donegal Town game back into the game after this and creted some good chances, but it was Downtown United who extened there lead on twenty fifth minute when Sebastian Martens went on a run beating a number of players, before firing his shot home for twenty yards to the top right hand corner giving the keeper no chance. Downtown kept the pressing after this and extended there lead on the half hour when Brian Murphy shot home to the bottoem right hand corner from eighteen yards. the second half produced no more goals as both teams cancled each other out, with Donegal Town creating the better chances but failing to convert.
Best for Downtown United : Sebastian Martens, Rory O Gorman
Beat for Donegal Town Res : Team Performance
Ref : Victor Rainey
Postbank pulls the plus on Irish operations
Postbank Ireland Ltd (a joint venture between An Post and BNP Paribas Fortis) has informed the Financial Regulator of its intention to wind down its business by the end of 2010. It’s CEO is Kilcar native, Margaret Sweeney.
This is a commercial decision and Postbank’s joint venture shareholders have committed to fully support the bank throughout this period. The Financial Regulator is working with Postbank to ensure the orderly management of the process and that customers’ interests are protected in accordance with the statutory Consumer Protection Code.
Postbank will be contacting all customers about their options and has advised that customers will be able to conduct their banking, insurance and related Postbank activities in the normal way. Postbank’s deposits are guaranteed under the Government Guarantee and Deposit Protection Schemes.
This decision does not affect An Post savings accounts which will continue to operate as normal.
Postbank has established various customer contact points. Customers with any concerns or questions about their accounts are advised to contact Postbank directly on 1890 30 30 40 on www.postbank.ie
€1.82 million grant aid confirmed for fishing communities – O’Domhnaill
Senator Brian O'Domhnaill
Some €1.82 million of grant aid is to be made available to provide support to coastal communities dependant on fishing, according to Donegal South West Senator Brian O’Domhnaill.
The grant aid is part funded by the European Union and will be provided in support of an investment of €4.5 million in 2010 to protect the fishing industry, he said.
Welcoming the announcement by his colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Tony Killeen TD, Senator O’Domhnaill said: “This grant aid will be provided under four schemes to support safety at sea, inshore fisheries management, environmental management of fisheries and LEADER type support.”
“They will be delivered by BIM and will be focused in particular on the inshore sector. They’ll be focused on aspects of inshore fisheries management and environmental management systems, providing the tools for the industry to improve their operations and increase the value of their produce.”
“BIM will also be launching a LEADER type scheme for coastal counties like Donegal. This is a very positive development and I look forward to the implementation of these schemes,” concluded Senator Brian O’Domhnaill.
Breastcheck expand Donegal screening area
Breast screening - more Donegal women being contacted
Having almost completed the screening of women living in Donegal Town and surrounding areas, BreastCheck – The National Breast Screening Programme has recently begun inviting women from the next screening area for their free mammogram. Mammograms are being provided at the BreastCheck mobile digital screening unit located in the grounds of Donegal Public Service Centre, Drumlonagher, Donegal Town.
BreastCheck is a Government-funded screening service that is offered to women aged between 50 and 64 every two years. A mammogram is a simple procedure and an appointment only takes about half an hour in total. BreastCheck encourages every woman in Donegal who receives an invitation for a mammogram to go for her appointment.
Women from areas including Ardara, Fintown, Glencolumbkille, Glenties, Kilcar and Killybegs will be invited for screening at the BreastCheck mobile digital screening unit located in the grounds of Donegal Public Service Centre.
BreastCheck was introduced to Co Donegal in October 2009 and will remain in the county until all eligible women aged 50-64 have been offered a screening appointment.
BreastCheck compiles a register (list) of women eligible for screening from information supplied by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, General Medical Services and private health insurance providers. The register contains a woman’s name, address and date of birth. This information is used to invite a woman for her mammogram when BreastCheck is screening in her area.
BreastCheck advises all women aged 50 to 64 to make sure their name is on the BreastCheck register by calling Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or checking online at www.breastcheck.ie.
Once on the register and known to the programme, a woman will automatically receive her invitation for a mammogram when BreastCheck is screening in her area.
If a woman is not on the BreastCheck register, there are two simple ways to have her details added. She can either register herself online in the ‘self search and register online’ section of www.breastcheck.ie or there are self registration forms available from BreastCheck that can be completed and returned by Freepost. These forms are available on request by calling the BreastCheck information line on Freephone 1800 45 45 55.
Reaction to Hughes & Hughes examinership news
Reacting to yesterday’s announcement that both Bestseller (Retail) Ireland and Hughes & Hughes are going into examinership, Retail Ireland director Torlach Denihan said: “Retail stores such as these are under severe pressure. The unwillingness to renegotiate and reduce rents shows the short-sightedness and stubbornness of landlords. The fact is that Ireland is a very expensive place to do business. Only when we bring down our costs to those of other European countries will we avoid this sort of regrettable situation where retailers are forced to close locations and reduce staffing levels.”
Retail Ireland is the representative body for the entire retail sector in Ireland and is affiliated to IBEC. Its members have 3,000 shops, including department stores, DIY, electrical retailers, fashion and footwear retailers, major supermarket groups, symbol groups and specialist retailers.
Hit and Run Killorglin, Co Kerry 26th Feb 2010, 1 male fatally injured
Hit and run in Kerry
Gardai in Cahirciveen, Co Kerry are investigating a Hit and Run collision which occurred at Tinahalla on the Killorglin to Milltown Road(N70) at approx 20.30hrs on the 26th February 2010.
The collision involved a male (51yrs) pedestrian and a vehicle which left the scene. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased was taken to Cork Regional Hospital. .
The road remains closed for a Forensic Collision Examination and is expected to re-open at approx 14.00hrs, diversions are in place.
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact the Gardai in Cahirciveen on 066 9473600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Conservation of buildings welcomed
Cllr Seamus O'Domhnaill
Donegal Independent Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill has this week welcomed the Grant Scheme which has been introduced by the Heritage Council and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food to conserve Old farm buildings.
This Scheme is open to Farmers who are Currently within the Rural Environment protection Scheme 4 or REPS 4. O’Domhnaill maintains that “ This is a positive step forward whereby farmers can obtain Funding to Conserve old Farm buildings that exist on their farms while also benefiting the wider community as these old Buildings are an important footprint of Times gone By. The Closing date for Applications is the 26th of March and all works must subsequently be completed by June 2011”.
O’Domhnaill continued “ the maximum funding that is available is €25,000 and this allocation can include works such as Exterior render, Re-pointing of walls, Roof or Window repairs as well as pillar and stand alone wall repairs. This Grant is only applicable to Exterior structure or Exterior Aesthetic Works and will cover up to 75% of the overall cost of works, and I believe that this offers Good Value to the Farmer while adding to the local Landscape.
In Conclusion Cllr. O’Domhnaill enthused that he “ would advise all interested Farmers in Donegal to speak to either himself or alternatively to the Heritage Office at Donegal County Council where more information can be obtained. As the Closing date for this scheme is quickly approaching it is essential that Farmers act on this soon to avail of the scheme.
Donegal: New support scheme for Fishing sector
Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food yesterday opened the Irish Skipper – Inshore Fisheries Expo in Galway. This is an annual event which showcases products and services for the fishing sector and the latest technologies. It specialises in the inshore fisheries sector.
Minister Killeen said “The great success of the IRISH SKIPPER EXPO year on year and the large attendance here today, demonstrates the size and vibrancy of the inshore sector and its importance around the coast. The skippers and crew of vessels involved in fishing, the processors and marketing companies and all of the shore based support network such as net makers and chandlers make a vital contribution to the economic activity of our coastal communities. The activity is not just in the large harbours but in every one of the 800 small harbours and landing piers. Expo is especially important in giving fishermen an opportunity to meet and discuss their industry and its future.”
At the exhibition, Minister Killeen launched four schemes to support safety at sea, inshore fisheries management, environmental management of fisheries and LEADER type support for coastal communities dependant on fishing. The schemes which are part funded by the EU will provide €1.82 million of grant aid in support of an investment of €4.5 million in 2010 to assist industry.
Minister Killeen said “I am pleased to launch new schemes to support the fishing industry, which are being delivered by BIM and are focused in particular on the inshore sector. These supports will particularly focus on aspects of inshore fisheries management and environmental management systems, providing the tools with which industry can not only improve their operations but also increase the value of their produce. BIM will also be launching a LEADER type scheme involving coastal areas dependant on fishing.”
Minister Killeen also launched a new Stock Book for Inshore stocks. The Stock Book will provide information on all inshore stocks around Ireland and has been prepared and published jointly by the Marine Institute and BIM.
