Category: Old Donegal

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of Monika Furgal.

The 39-year-old went missing from her home in Letterkenny on Thursday.

Monika is described as being 5 foot in height with a thin build. She has dark brown hair and green eyes.

When last seen, Monika was wearing a red jacket, black leggings and a light-coloured cap.

Gardaí and Monika’s family are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information on Monika’s whereabouts is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station 074 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

 

The Department of Health has reported an additional 5,622 cases of Covid 19 today.

There’s been a reduction of 41 in the number of patients in hospital compared to yesterday, it stands at 487.

While the number of patients in ICU has risen slightly to 114, up 4 from Friday’s figure.

 

The Letterkenny Vaccination Centre in the Letterkenny Business Park has extended the times of its walk-in booster vaccination clinics today Saturday.

It’s for people aged 60 to 69 who have reached an interval of at least 150 days since their second dose vaccine or an interval of 3 months since receiving a single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The walk-in booster clinics are a further opportunity for people who are unable to make their scheduled appointments, to get their booster dose. It is difficult to anticipate how many people will arrive at the same time and people may have to queue.

The walk in clinic will run until 5pm this afternoon, Saturday December 4.

It is offering booster doses to everyone aged between 60 and 69 and health care workers.

Letterkenny Walk-in Clinics for Booster Vaccine for those aged 60 to 69

· Saturday 04 December from 9am to 5pm. For people who had their second dose on or before 07 July.

· Sunday 05 December from 9am to 5.30pm. For people who had their second dose on or before 08 July.

However, anyone who has had COVID-19 since their vaccination should wait to get their booster dose at least 6 months after the positive test result. Instead, please call HSELive so that they can update the appointment system to call you for a booster at the correct date, at least 6 months after the infection. Call 1800 700 700, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm; or Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm. You will get through quicker between 1pm and 6pm. If you have any other questions about your eligibility for a booster dose for example if you got your previous vaccine in another country, please contact HSELive.

 

Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of Simon McNulty.

Simon is from Sion Mills and was last seen today at approximately 9am.

Simon was last seen wearing an orange Ellesse top, red and white bottoms and white trainers.

He drives a red VW Golf VRM: WHZ5131.

If you have knowledge of Simon’s whereabouts please give police a call on 101.

 

 

There’s been a 50% increase in sexual offences in Donegal since last year.

The offences include assaults and rape.

The stark figures were revealed at the latest sitting of the Joint Policing Committee by Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn who said there that been a significant increase in these type of crimes since the pandemic.

Domestic violence cases are also up in the county.

The Chief Superintendent said that as a result, she made the decision to transfer more resources to this area.

However the move will not mean new officers but moving Gardai around in various divisions.

The meeting also heard that crimes against young women including rape in the 17 to 19 year old cohort had been significant.

Chief Superintendent Terry McGinn also said that permission has been granted to up skill Gardai but that it will take time.

She said that officers would normally be centralised but instead will be moved out to divisions to get a handle on the numbers.

The Chief Superintendent acknowledged that some of these victims are vulnerable, some have special needs and sometimes there are children involved and are therefore time sensitive.

Chief Superintendent McGinn said while moving Gardai around from other units is concerning, she has no other choice but is also confident that it is the right decision.

 

The HSE’s urging people to carefully plan their trip to a booster clinic this weekend, after long queues last weekend.

Over 30 walk-in clinics are open today and tomorrow, where healthcare workers and over-60s can get their third jab.

Close to 1 million people have received an additional dose so far.

In Letterkenny, walk-in Clinics for Booster Vaccines for the 60 to 69 group will be held today in the new vaccination centre at Letterkenny Business Park.

The new clinic will be open 9am and 12:30pm for people who had their second dose on or before July 7th and on Sunday from 9am to 5.30pm for those who received their second dose on or before July 8th.

Dr Lucy Jessop, from the National Immunisation Office, says the HSE’s taking steps to avoid the recent queues.

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The government has banned scientists and doctors on NPHET from speaking in the media without permission.

Members of the crisis committee will have to get permission from the government press office first.

Relations are reported to have deteriorated between ministers and public health officials — with more claims that public health advice was leaked.

Hugh O’Connell, Irish Independent political correspondent, says the Taoiseach’s department is taking control.

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Georgie Kelly. Photo @PFAIOfficial

Georgie Kelly has been named the PFAI Player of the Year.

The Bohs striker beat Shamrock Rovers defender Roberto Lopes and Chris Forrester of St Pats to the top award.

Donegal man Kelly ended the season with a 21 goal tally, six clear of Daniel Mandroiu.

He follows Mark Farren  as only the second player for the county to win the award.

Georgie was obviously delighted when he picked up the gong on Friday night:

A delighted @Georgiekelly161 reacts to picking up the PFA Ireland Player of the Year for 2021.

A brilliant season for @bfcdublin pic.twitter.com/G5GjY7qyv2

— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) December 3, 2021

 

The Taoiseach has denied new Covid restrictions are an admission of failure by the Government.

New measures were announced last night which will mean the closure of nightclubs for a month and restrictions on pubs and restaurants.

Gatherings in homes will be limited to people from no more than four households.

While indoor live events will be limited to 50pc capacity – but weddings will be exempt.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin denied taking action now is an admission of previous failure:

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It’s been confirmed that the disabled drivers scheme is to be reviewed.

It’ll be part of a broader review of Government transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities.

The scheme provides relief from Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT on the purchase and use of an adapted car, an exemption from motor tax and an annual fuel grant.

There are however concerns that the current legislation is out-dated when it comes to the strict qualifying criteria.

Donegal Deputy Thomas Pringle says the scheme is particularly important for people in Donegal and he’s glad that a review is taking place:

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