Photo Geraldine Diver
Paddy McGrath has retired from inter county football with Donegal.
The 32 year old spent 12 years with Donegal and during that time won five Ulster titles and the All Ireland in 2012.
Over the last few seasons since he picked up the bad knee injury against Mayo in 2019, McGrath has struggled with injuries.
Speaking with Frank Craig in this mornings Donegal News, Paddy says he will focus on his club Ardara for the coming years.
Searches are continuing in Strabane for missing man, Michael McGinty.
Michael was last seen in the Church Court area of the town on Saturday morning at 8am.
He was last seen wearing a black and red top and black bottoms.
Police say they are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of Michael and are appealing to anyone who may know of his whereabouts to contact them on 101.
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Anglo Irish Treaty.
It was signed on December 6th 1921 by Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins on behalf of the Dail, along with British Parliament representatives to establish the Irish Free State.
An Post has unveiled commemorative stamps to mark the occasion.
Former Taoiseach John Bruton says the delegates did the job they were supposed to do, and that the country has benefitted:
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Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy among young people has dropped by 48 percentage points in the past 12 months.
The Ipsos MRBI poll for the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association reveals the number of 18 – 34 year olds who would refuse a vaccine fell from 19 percent to six.
It also found the number of people who said they were undecided about taking a vaccine fell from 38 per cent to 3 percent.
Bernard Mallee, from the IPHA, says Ireland’s vaccination rate is impressive:
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Third level students are to be given free antigen tests on campus.
The Government is to announce a €9 million fund for colleges to provide the tests.
Last week, the Government abandoned plans to subsidise antigen tests, saying many retail outlets had started offering them at a cheaper rate already.
The Irish Times reports that, higher education institutes will be able to apply to the Department for funding to supply antigen tests to students on campus free of charge.
Higher Education Minister Simon Harris says students have been asking for assistance with the cost of tests.
An awareness campaign will also be rolled out to show how to use the tests properly.
Anyone arriving into the Republic of Ireland from overseas will now need proof of a negative Covid test.
It must be a professionally taken antigen or PCR test, and came into effect yesterday.
Meanwhile, passengers arriving into Northern Ireland from abroad will be required to take a pre-departure Covid test from 4 o’clock tomorrow morning.
The test can be either a lateral flow or PCR.
The measure applies to anyone aged 12 and over, including people who have been double vaccinated.
Hospitality groups will meet with the Tanaiste and Minister for Tourism later to discuss supports for the sector.
It follows the announcement that restrictions will be reintroduced tomorrow to deal high Covid case numbers.
People who lose their jobs as a result of the measures will be allowed reapply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment at the top rate of 350 euro.
Professor of health systems at DCU, Anthony Staines, says Government is right to reintroduce restrictions due to the threat of the Omicron variant:
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A crisis management meeting was held over the weekend by Government departments, Met Eireann and Local Authorities, ahead of storm Barra, which is due to make landfall here tomorrow morning.
The Road Safety Authority is also warning people to only undertake essential journeys during the storm.
A status yellow wind warning comes into effect for Donegal tomorrow morning at 6am.
Local Authorities have activated their Crisis Management Teams and Local Co-ordination Groups ahead of the anticipated impact of Storm Barra tomorrow.
Coastal flood defences are being put in place, with the west of Ireland set to take the brunt of the storm.
The public are being advised to stay away from all coastal areas for the duration of the Met Éireann warnings.
All road users should be aware of the hazardous traveling conditions, and only necessary journeys should be undertaken.
High sided vehicles are particularly vulnerable during this time.
People are being asked to take account of the local conditions and advice from their Local Authority.
If there are fallen or damaged wires, keep clear and phone ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999.
The Vice President of the Garda Representative Association says how can Gardaí in Donegal attend emergency calls when they don’t have the basic tools at their disposal.
Several applications have been made to Garda HQ in the hope of filling the gap however it’ll be the New Year before the purchasing of new cars will be considered.
Vice President of the GRA Brendan O’Connor says it’s ironic that Gardai are getting negative press lately over the 999 calls debacle yet in many cases don’t have a car to attend the emergencies:
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A man is due before Letterkenny District Court this morning over the weekend theft of a charity donation box at the Whoriskey’s Christmas Lights display in Kerrykeel.
The box was stolen at around 9pm on Saturday night.
Gardaí in Milford were alerted to a theft with investigations commencing locally – they were later assisted by Letterkenny District Detective Unit.
Within four hours of the initial call Gardaí recovered the donation box along with the substantial amount of money.
A man in his 20s was arrested and charged in connection with incident and will appear before the court later.
