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RTÉ News
a day ago
- General
- RTÉ News
Calls for new public holiday in honour of St Colmcille
Donegal County Council is set to ask the Government to establish a new public holiday in honour of Saint Colmcille - also known as St Columba - the only Irish patron saint without a public holiday. Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh, whose motion calling for the public holiday was accepted at the council's latest meeting told RTÉ News there are two elements to the proposal. "Ireland is two days behind the European average of 12 public holidays per year. "St Colmcille is Ireland's third patron saint along with St Patrick and St Brigid, but he isn't recognised with a public holiday. We're looking to even that up," he said. Today marks St Colmcille feast day. Cllr Kavanagh has suggested two options as there is already a bank holiday in June. "The June Bank Holiday could be renamed in honour of St Colmcille (Columba), but that wouldn't solve the problem of Ireland having less public holidays than the rest of Europe. "Alternatively, we could go for a new public holiday on the first Monday in July. We don't have a public holiday in July in the Republic of Ireland," he said. Cllr Kavanagh added: "St Colmcille's story is a great story. I think it would be an excellent bank holiday. We're hoping the Government will look at the proposal in a positive way." He also said there would be all-Ireland, cross-border and international dimensions to any recognition, given St Colmcille's story. It is believed that St Colmcille was born in Gartán, Co Donegal in 521AD and established over 50 Christian sites throughout Ireland. In the English language, Colmcille translates as 'Dove of the Church'. He is regarded as one the three patrons saint of Ireland alongside St Patrick and St Brigid. There are many sites in the north west and in the eastern region associated with St Colmcille including Gleann Cholm Cille, Toraigh, Kells and Swords. The influential Irish monk is known the patron saint of Derry - as Gaeilge - Doire Cholmcille, meaning 'oakwood of Colmcille'. He was a significant historical figure in the spreading of Christianity in Britain. One of his most important monasteries was in Iona, off the coast of Scotland. Much history was written and recorded in his monasteries. One of Ireland's most famous books, the Book of Kells, written in Latin is believed to have been crafted by monks in the Columban monastery on Iona. Colmcille died in Iona on 9 June, 597. His legacy, as well as devotion to the saint, has endured to modern times. Many schools, churches and GAA clubs nationwide are named in his honour. Ireland has ten public holidays per year, and St Brigid's Day was the most recent addition to the list in 2023. The legislation which provides for public holidays is the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (OWTA). The OWTA Act is under the policy remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the power to introduce an additional public holiday is provided for within this legislation.
Belfast Telegraph
11-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘We are all scarred by this': Community unites in grief at vigil for teens who died in Donegal drowning tragedy
Emmanuel Familola, 16, and Matt Sibanda, 18, were remembered by family, friends, and the local community, who came together at St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana on Sunday afternoon in the wake of the terrible loss. The two friends drowned after getting into difficulty off the coast at Buncrana close to Ned's Point. A third teenager, believed to be aged 19, was also taken to hospital. It is understood the boys had entered the water to retrieve a football. Matt was a student of Crana College, while Emmanuel attended Scoil Mhuire. There was standing only in the church as the large crowd spilled out into the car park during the special vigil. Among the mourners were friends and family of the two teenagers, the local community, members of Donegal County Council and representatives from the emergency services. Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, led the service, which was concelebrated by Fr Francis Bradley, Fr John Walsh and Fr Patrick Baker. In his opening remarks, Bishop McKeown acknowledged the pain and heartache that comes with such a sudden loss. He reflected that the bright and sunny weather contrasts greatly with the cloud of grief that now hung over the town. 'Yesterday, this time 24 hours ago, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the sea was attractive, everything was wonderful. 'Today, a dark cloud has come over everybody in different ways but especially the families of Emmanuel and Matt. 'Whatever our reason for being here today, can we open our hearts with nothing but questions, with no answers, facing the awfulness of death, the suddenness of loss and the terrible wounds that are left by those who were snatched from us,' said Bishop McKeown. The service included prayers for the families of Emmanuel and Matt, the emergency responders who worked tirelessly at the scene, and for all those affected by the tragedy, both in Buncrana and in the boys' home countries of Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Bishop McKeown said the tragedy had affected 'all sorts of different people in different ways' but particularly the families of the boys who had come to Buncrana seeking safety and a new life. 'We have two families who came here to find welcome in Buncrana, who travelled here for safety and found this tragedy. 'The community is affected as well because there are many people here who have been touched by other tragedies in their lives, in the water or on land,' said the Bishop. News Catch Up - Friday 9th May He also acknowledged the impact on the younger members of the community, particularly students at Crana College and Scoil Mhuire. 'Many of our young people are always very much affected by occasions like this – to lose a school mate at Crana College or Scoil Mhuire, the ground seems to move under your feet. 'It is no surprise there are so many from this generous welcoming, community here today to gather around the two bereaved families because we are all scarred by this, and memories of pass losses are awakened again. 'Christians are in the season of Easter, but events like this bring us back to Good Friday. 'A mother at the foot of the cross as her son is dying and she is helpless. While there are no words, just tears. 'Tears of incomprehension, tears of love, tears of loss. 'Life is so precious and so fragile,' said Bishop McKeown. Two Buncrana schools, Crana College and Scoil Mhuire, have paid tribute to the two young men who died in a drowning tragedy off the coast of Donegal. A spokesperson for Donegal ETB said the entire community of Crana College and Scoil Mhuire, including students, staff, Board of Managements, and parents, are heartbroken following the tragic events that occurred in Buncrana on Saturday. 'It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the loss of our beloved students, Emmanuel and Matt, who tragically lost their lives at sea. 'Our heartfelt condolences go to Matt and Emmanuel's families, who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their cherished sons and loved ones.' Upon learning of the tragedy, Crana College and Scoil Mhuire immediately activated their Critical Incident Plans. Student Support Teams, Critical Incident Teams, and entire staff are working closely together to provide comfort and support to students, parents, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and Donegal ETB, are offering professional guidance to ensure the wellbeing of all affected. In a joint statement, Principals Kevin Cooley (Crana College) and Evelyn McLoughlin (Scoil Mhuire) said the school communities are devastated by this heartbreaking loss. 'Emmanuel and Matt were deeply respected and valued members of our student bodies, and their passing has left us all in profound shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and with the wider Buncrana community. 'This is a tragedy that words cannot fully express. 'In the coming days, weeks, and months, we will continue to support our students, families, and staff with care and compassion. 'Our priority remains the wellbeing of everyone in our community. Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to the emergency services and rescue teams for their swift and courageous response.' Crana College and Scoil Mhuire said they will provide a space for students, staff, and parents to gather, support one another, and begin the healing process. The schools will reopen as normal on Monday, with extensive supports in place for those affected. All three were international protection applicants understood to be from Africa and who had lived in the area with their families for a number of years and had attended school locally. Gardaí and emergency services conducted a search and rescue operation after gardaí were alerted by the Coast Guard to a report of three males aged between 16 and 19 in difficulty in the water at approximately 4pm. One of the trio managed to swim to shore while another was later rescued from the water. He was taken from the sea by rescuers and rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital. However, he died overnight. A widespread search for the third person was launched and a body was recovered from the water around 9pm on Saturday night. The search centred on the shoreline in Buncrana between Ned's Point and Fahan. Speaking at mass at St Mary's Chapel in Cockhill on Sunday morning, Fr Francis Bradley prayed for the two young men who lost their lives in the tragedy. "We are conscious of having lost two of our new parishioners overnight,' Fr Bradley said. "We are heartbroken at their loss but we pray for them and for their families.' Speaking later on RTÉ, Fr Bradley added that there was a terrible feeling of "here we go again" in Buncrana today. "We've had so many tragedies here, far too many like this. I suppose we are a beauty spot and because of that, it's almost like there are sirens that call us into the water," he said. "These young lads I suppose just weren't aware of the dangers. It's beautiful, yes, but there are tremendous dangers, especially when the tide is pulling out, there are huge currents. "Unfortunately they were not able to fight that, or maybe to understand how to go along with it until they could find a little eddy where they could maybe get out of the water. 'Who knows how any of us would react in such circumstances? "The feeling among the community is one of great bewilderment and of solidarity too, and a great sense of loss. "These are new parishioners. They're not immigrants, they're new parishioners, new members of our community." Following the incident, Lough Swilly RNLI expressed their condolences to the young men's families and thanked those who assisted in the search. "Everyone at Lough Swilly RNLI is deeply saddened at the tragic loss of life yesterday evening. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two boys. "Thanks to everyone who was involved in the rescue effort yesterday, all the volunteers and especially those that joined the search from Fahan Marina." Local county councillor Jack Murray said there were no words to describe how the community in Buncrana felt following the tragedy. He praised the work of local volunteers as well as the emergency services who assisted in the search and rescue operation. 'Our emergency services have once again demonstrated courage and professionalism in unthinkable circumstances,' Cllr Murray said. "We have been hit with so many tragedies and horrendous events in this area. Each time the emergency services are called upon, they stand up without fail.' A spokesperson for gardaí said their investigations were ongoing. The local coroner has been notified of the teenagers' deaths and post-mortem examinations will be arranged in due course.
Irish Independent
11-05-2025
- Irish Independent
‘We are all scarred by this' - Community unites in grief at vigil for teenagers who died in Donegal drowning tragedy
Emmanuel Familola, 16, and Matt Sibanda, 18, were remembered by family, friends, and the local community, who came together at St Mary's Oratory in Buncrana on Sunday afternoon in the wake of the terrible loss. The two friends drowned after getting into difficulty off the coast at Buncrana close to Ned's Point. A third teenager, believed to be aged 19, was also taken to hospital. It is understood the boys had entered the water to retrieve a football. Matt was a student of Crana College, while Emmanuel attended Scoil Mhuire. There was standing only in the church as the large crowd spilled out into the car park during the special vigil. Among the mourners were friends and family of the two teenagers, the local community, members of Donegal County Council and representatives from the emergency services. Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown, led the service, which was concelebrated by Fr Francis Bradley, Fr John Walsh and Fr Patrick Baker. In his opening remarks, Bishop McKeown acknowledged the pain and heartache that comes with such a sudden loss. He reflected that the bright and sunny weather contrasts greatly with the cloud of grief that now hung over the town. ADVERTISEMENT 'Yesterday, this time 24 hours ago, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the sea was attractive, everything was wonderful. 'Today, a dark cloud has come over everybody in different ways but especially the families of Emmanuel and Matt. 'Whatever our reason for being here today, can we open our hearts with nothing but questions, with no answers, facing the awfulness of death, the suddenness of loss and the terrible wounds that are left by those who were snatched from us,' said Bishop McKeown. The service included prayers for the families of Emmanuel and Matt, the emergency responders who worked tirelessly at the scene, and for all those affected by the tragedy, both in Buncrana and in the boys' home countries of Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Bishop McKeown said the tragedy had affected 'all sorts of different people in different ways' but particularly the families of the boys who had come to Buncrana seeking safety and a new life. 'We have two families who came here to find welcome in Buncrana, who travelled here for safety and found this tragedy. 'The community is affected as well because there are many people here who have been touched by other tragedies in their lives, in the water or on land,' said the Bishop. He also acknowledged the impact on the younger members of the community, particularly students at Crana College and Scoil Mhuire. 'Many of our young people are always very much affected by occasions like this – to lose a school mate at Crana College or Scoil Mhuire, the ground seems to move under your feet. 'It is no surprise there are so many from this generous welcoming, community here today to gather around the two bereaved families because we are all scarred by this, and memories of pass losses are awakened again. 'Christians are in the season of Easter, but events like this bring us back to Good Friday. 'A mother at the foot of the cross as her son is dying and she is helpless. While there are no words, just tears. 'Tears of incomprehension, tears of love, tears of loss. 'Life is so precious and so fragile,' said Bishop McKeown. Two Buncrana schools, Crana College and Scoil Mhuire, have paid tribute to the two young men who died in a drowning tragedy off the coast of Donegal. The two, Emmanuel Familola (16) from Nigeria and Matt Sibanda (18), who was from Zimbabwe, died after getting into difficulty off the coast at Buncrana. A third teenager believed to be aged 19 is in serious condition in hospital. It is understood the boys had entered the water to retrieve a football. Matt was a student of Crana College, while Emmanuel attended Scoil Mhuire. A spokesperson for Donegal ETB said the entire community of Crana College and Scoil Mhuire, including students, staff, Board of Managements, and parents, are heartbroken following the tragic events that occurred in Buncrana on Saturday. 'It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the loss of our beloved students, Emmanuel and Matt, who tragically lost their lives at sea. 'Our heartfelt condolences go to Matt and Emmanuel's families, who are grieving the unimaginable loss of their cherished sons and loved ones.' Upon learning of the tragedy, Crana College and Scoil Mhuire immediately activated their Critical Incident Plans. Student Support Teams, Critical Incident Teams, and entire staff are working closely together to provide comfort and support to students, parents, and colleagues during this extremely difficult time. Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and Donegal ETB, are offering professional guidance to ensure the wellbeing of all affected. In a joint statement, Principals Kevin Cooley (Crana College) and Evelyn McLoughlin (Scoil Mhuire) said the school communities are devastated by this heartbreaking loss. 'Emmanuel and Matt were deeply respected and valued members of our student bodies, and their passing has left us all in profound shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and with the wider Buncrana community. 'This is a tragedy that words cannot fully express. 'In the coming days, weeks, and months, we will continue to support our students, families, and staff with care and compassion. 'Our priority remains the wellbeing of everyone in our community. Finally, we extend our deepest gratitude to the emergency services and rescue teams for their swift and courageous response.' Crana College and Scoil Mhuire said they will provide a space for students, staff, and parents to gather, support one another, and begin the healing process. The schools will reopen as normal on Monday, with extensive supports in place for those affected. All three were international protection applicants understood to be from Africa and who had lived in the area with their families for a number of years and had attended school locally. Gardaí and emergency services conducted a search and rescue operation after gardaí were alerted by the Coast Guard to a report of three males aged between 16 and 19 in difficulty in the water at approximately 4pm. One of the men managed to swim to shore while another was later rescued from the water. He was taken from the sea by rescuers and rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital. However, he died overnight. A widespread search for the third person was launched and a body was recovered from the water around 9pm on Saturday night. The search centred on the shoreline in Buncrana between Ned's Point and Fahan. Speaking at mass at St Mary's Chapel in Cockhill on Sunday morning, Fr Francis Bradley prayed for the two young men who lost their lives in the tragedy. "We are conscious of having lost two of our new parishioners overnight,' Fr Bradley said. "We are heartbroken at their loss but we pray for them and for their families.' Fr Bradley said vigil later today aims to support the families of the young boys as they come to terms with their loss. He said the community of Buncrana were devastated by the tragic incident. 'It is not what we look for on a lovely summer's evening after such a wonderful day in the midst of beautiful weather, it is now tinged with bewilderment and heartbreak,' he said. 'There is immense sorrow and grief at the loss of two lovely young boys. 'There was a sense of urgency in trying to console their mothers and siblings but also being respectful of their need for privacy. 'These people have lost so much and faced so many challenges already. 'They came here from Zimbabwe and Nigeria. 'It is just heartbreaking.' Speaking later on RTÉ, Fr Bradley added that there was a terrible feeling of "here we go again" in Buncrana today. "We've had so many tragedies here, far too many like this. I suppose we are a beauty spot and because of that, it's almost like there are sirens that call us into the water," he said. "These young lads I suppose just weren't aware of the dangers. It's beautiful, yes, but there are tremendous dangers, especially when the tide is pulling out, there are huge currents. "Unfortunately they were not able to fight that, or maybe to understand how to go along with it until they could find a little eddy where they could maybe get out of the water. 'Who knows how any of us would react in such circumstances? "The feeling among the community is one of great bewilderment and of solidarity too, and a great sense of loss. "These are new parishioners. They're not immigrants, they're new parishioners, new members of our community." Following the incident, Lough Swilly RNLI expressed their condolences to the young men's families and thanked those who assisted in the search. "Everyone at Lough Swilly RNLI is deeply saddened at the tragic loss of life yesterday evening. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the two boys. "Thanks to everyone who was involved in the rescue effort yesterday, all the volunteers and especially those that joined the search from Fahan Marina." Local county councillor Jack Murray said there were no words to describe how the community in Buncrana felt following the tragedy. He praised the work of local volunteers as well as the emergency services who assisted in the search and rescue operation. 'Our emergency services have once again demonstrated courage and professionalism in unthinkable circumstances,' Cllr Murray said. "We have been hit with so many tragedies and horrendous events in this area. Each time the emergency services are called upon, they stand up without fail.' A prayer vigil is being held at 4pm today in St Mary's Oratory, Buncrana, to offer support to the families and the local community. Cllr Joy Beard, who attended the scene on Saturday evening, said the community is in shock and disbelief. "This morning we awoke to the devastating news that a second teenager involved in yesterday's tragic events has sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning,' she said. "As a community, we are devastated beyond words to have lost two young lives so full of promise. "We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to their families, friends, and all those affected by this unimaginable loss. In the days ahead, we will stand together to support one another in grief and in love.' A spokesperson for gardaí said their investigations were ongoing. The local coroner has been notified of the teenagers' deaths and post-mortem examinations will be arranged in due course.
Agriland
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Agriland
High fire risk warning now in place
A condition orange fire risk warning is now in place until Monday (May 12) according to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The department said that based on current weather patterns 'a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where hazardous fuels such as dead grasses and shrub fuels such as heather and gorse exist'. DAFM has issued a public warning urging people to 'be prepared, be vigilant and prevent forest fires'. A number of county councils have also appealed to landowners and members of the public to 'exercise caution' and be aware of the potential risks posed by the warmer weather. One of these is Donegal County Council, who said: 'Landowners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the fire service by dialling 999 or 112'. The council has also advised landowners and members of the public that under the Wildlife Acts, 1976 and 2000 it is 'an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between March 1 and August 31 in any year'. Fire risk According to DAFM current high-pressure dominated weather and warm, dry weather conditions are expected to remain in place over the weekend. 'Elevated fire risks are expected in all areas during this period. 'Fire behaviour and spread rates may be moderated by increasing levels of live growth in upland vegetation, but will also be influenced by low humidity levels and variable light to moderate windspeeds. 'Windspeeds may exceed 20km/h in some areas at times,' it warned. The department also highlighted that because of the weather, higher levels of visitor activity are expected in the countryside this weekend. 'Continued vigilance is warranted in areas with open public access and areas associated with active turf cutting. ' 'Visitors to public recreational areas should cooperate with all fire safety requirements and not light open fires or barbeques in high-risk areas. 'Landowners and managers should remain vigilant to all fire activity and report all suspicious activity to An Garda Siochana,' DAFM has urged. It has also called on rural users to co-operate with 'all requests regarding fire safety, obey all relevant bye-laws and be considerate in parking vehicles so as not to impede access by emergency vehicles'. DAFM has advised forest owners and managers to be well prepared for any possible scenarios. 'The department recommends that forest owners and managers should consider the fire mitigation measures that they can put in place to help prevent loss or damage to forest resources through fire,' it added.
Glasgow Times
29-04-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Council seek help for exhibition examining Donegal diaspora in Glasgow
The exhibition was announced last year and will focus on people from the Irish county who spent time working in Glasgow between 1940 and 1990, reports our sister title The Herald. Entitled Working Over By, the exhibition is being developed by the culture division of Donegal County Council in partnership with the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies. READ NEXT: Glasgow man scammed out of £3k to rogue trader capitalising on Grenfell disaster It will examine the relationship between Donegal and Glasgow and gather and share personal stories of Donegal men and women who made a life, temporarily or permanently, while working 'across the water' in Scotland. The exhibition will launch in the Donegal County Museum in Letterkenny this summer with a show in Glasgow also. Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer, is appealing for anyone who can help to record a short video of either themselves or their family member who may have worked in Scotland and submit it for use. READ NEXT: Rappers Kneecap release statement after Swinney calls for trio to be axed from TRNSMT Some of the videos submitted will be edited into a film that will be shown as part of the exhibition and offers a chance to contribute to a lasting record of the working lives that shaped families and communities on both sides of the Irish Sea. Joseph Gallagher said: 'If you have a story to tell, you're invited to record a short video - no longer than five minutes - using your smartphone. 'It might be your own memory or that of a parent, grandparent or relative. The project team is especially interested in what the work was like, what the working conditions were, and how it felt to be part of that community of Donegal people who worked in Scotland. 'Many people from Donegal found employment in Scotland between 1940 and 1990 including on farms, buses, roads, building sites, tunnels, bridges, dams, hydro-electric schemes, shipbuilding, domestic service, hotels, shops, biscuit or chocolate factories, health service, religious life and teaching. 'Some went for seasonal work and came home regularly; others stayed and built new lives there, often maintaining strong ties with home. Through the Working Over By exhibition, there's an opportunity to record and share those memories for future generations.' For more information, visit
