A Donegal company has been named amongst  ten successful companies across the country that have been awarded funding under Enterprise Ireland’s new Internet and Games Competitive Start Fund.

Franklyweb Ltd, Donegal, which offers a Subscription based clothing product range, will receive 50 thousand euro under the scheme.

It’s aim is to stimulate the emergence of internet-based companies in Ireland and to broaden their international base and scale.

In exchange for the investment the company must give up a 10% ordinary equity stake but will also receive the support of an experienced business mentor.

Donegal County Council’s Public Art officer is urging people to be vigilant after a piece of public art along a motorway outside Moate was stolen.

It’s believed the piece, titled Grainne Og was taken so it’s bronze and steel could be melted down and sold on.

Terre Duffy of Donegal County Council says most pieces commissioned here recently are in towns and are very visible.

She’s urging people to challenge and report any suspicious activity…………..

Finn Harps’ squad strength will be tested to the full on Friday night when they finally play their first away game of the 2011 campaign.  Two weeks ago, Harps’ trip to Athlone was called off due to a waterlogged pitch, but Waterford United await the visit of Harps to the south-east on Friday with both sides looking for their first victory of the season. Harps have opened their campaign with back-to-back home 2-2 draws against Limerick and Monaghan United, leading twice in both games but still only managing to pick up a point.  However, they have finished both games with ten men after Mark Forker seen red against Limerick, and Tommy Bonner was sent-off last Friday against Monaghan. Not only will Gallagher have to plan without the suspended midfield duo of Forker and Bonner and long term treatment tablers Garbhan Friel and Christy Conaghan for Friday’s long trip south, but his squad will also be missing the services of winger Marc Brolly who took a knock to the knee during last week’s draw with Monaghan.  And centre-back Paddy McLaughlin is also a doubt with a groin strain. Raymond Foy, who started in place of Forker in midfield last week is likely to get another start, while Gary Whoriskey and Keith Cowan could also be in line to see their first action of the season on Friday.  Harps have a miserable record in Waterford, and you have to go all the way back to August 2001 to find a last Harps victory at the RSC.  Then, Harps came out winners by the odd goal in seven.  The last three visits there have all ended in defeat.

Donegal’s reign as Ulster U21 champions came to an end on Wednesday night at Brewster Park. Jim Mc Guinness’ side where beaten by Cavan 0-13 to 1-4 in Enniskillen. Dermot Molley scored the games only goal in the first half as Donegal trailed 0-6 to 1-1 at half time. Once Cavan went 9 to 1-1 in front in the second half the 2010 champions found it difficult to cut the deficit. So a disappointing night for Donegal as Cavan go through to their second successive Ulster decider.

Meanwhile Tyrone and Down will meet for a third time next week after their U21 quarter-final finished level after extra time at Healy Park. Connaire Harrison’s goal sent Down in three points ahead at the break before Kyle Coney levelled for Tyrone in stoppage time. Coney gave the red hands a three-point advantage in extra-time but Paul Devlin’s free earned Down a rematch. Monaghan await the eventual winners in the semi-final.

Ireland is being included in the so-called ‘International Appalachian Trail’, an extension of the world-renowned walking route on the Canada/US border.

The original trail stretches for 2,000 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine and attracts 2.5 million hikers every year.

The new proposed link will see the Irish section of the international trail start at the coastal cliffs of Slieve League in Co Donegal and extend to the Antrim coast, finishing in Ballycastle.

The DUP have also shown their committment to the radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin.

The DUP’s Jim Wells, who chairs the assemblys health committee, said his party would reverse the move if they took the health portfolio.

And he also said the money was available and there was no case for a postponement:

The Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, has described the decision to postpone the construction of a radiotherapy unit in Derry as ‘sectarian’.

He said he could “guarantee” to reverse it after the elections in May.

Mr McGuinness said the delay, announced by the Health Minister in the Assembly on Thursday, was “shameful, highly political and sectarian”.

He also said that UUP leader Tom Elliots claim that there had been no firm commitment from the Irish government was nonsense:

Funding has been approved for works at the Arragry / Rossgier water line in Lifford.

785,000 euro has been approved which will pay for pipe replacement along the line.

The water line in the area as proved troublesome over the last number of years, especially during the recent cold snap when 22 bursts were reported.

Local councillor Gerry Crawford confirmed the funding this morning…..

A Donegal businessman and his partner who were among the bidders for the state’s second mobile phone licence have welcomed the publication of the Moriarty Tribunal report.

Dunfanaghy born Michael Mc Ginley and his partner Tony Boyle, whose company Persona was among the unsuccessful bidders, say they will now seek the justice and fairplay denied them during the process, through the courts.

The tribunal found that Michael Lowry, who was then a Fine Gael minister, provided invaluable information to Dennis O’Brien, whose company ESAT Digiphone was awarded the licence.

A Donegal County Councillor says proposed new by-laws in Cork, which will make it an offence to take photos of children in playgrounds, should be considered here.

The draft document states no person, unless they are a member of a family, shall operate, or use a camera, camera phone, video or any other media device in a playground without authorisation from the council.

The move is being labelled as an effort to target paedophiles.

Donegal Councillor Dessie Larkin says councils should be sure that they are implementing best practice at all times, and he will be raising the issue at a Joint Policing Committee meeting next week: