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Early Childhood Educators Demand Pay Parity Amid 20.7% Turnover

URGENT UPDATE: Early Childhood Ireland has launched a bold call for immediate pay parity between early childhood educators and primary school teachers. This demand comes in response to alarming statistics revealing a staggering 20.7% turnover rate among educators in Donegal, raising concerns about the sustainability of early childhood education in the region.
As part of their Budget 2026 submission, the organization is urging the government to set a timeline for implementing pay equality for Early Years and School Age Care graduates, who are equally educated and trained as their counterparts in primary education. Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, stated, “Guaranteeing public pay and conditions for these graduates would mark a turning point for Donegal, where too many talented educators are lured away by sectors offering better pay and job security.”
This urgent plea comes as Donegal grapples with a significant workforce crisis in early childhood education. National figures reveal that over 2,000 staff with a National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 7 or above left their roles in 2023/2024 due to inadequate pay and conditions. The high turnover rate is undermining the quality of education and care available to young children, which is critical for their development.
Byrne highlighted the government’s current trajectory towards a graduate-led workforce, yet stressed that immediate action on pay issues is crucial. “Unless urgency is injected into resolving these pay disparities, our 127 member settings in Donegal will continue to lose their most qualified staff,” she added.
In response to the ongoing crisis, there have been proposals to increase minimum pay rates for staff by 10%, raising base wages from €13.65 to €15 per hour. While Byrne acknowledges that any increase is beneficial, she warns that the Early Years and School Age Care workforce remains vulnerable to annual fluctuations dictated by the Joint Labour Committee and the national Budget process.
“Year after year, staff are left uncertain about their financial future, while essential benefits like annual increments, pensions, and maternity leave top-ups remain out of reach,” Byrne explained. “Bringing Early Years and School Age Care graduates under public sector pay in line with teachers will not only provide much-needed stability but also recognize the vital role these educators play in shaping children’s lives.”
As this situation develops, the call for urgent government action is gaining traction. Early Childhood Ireland’s advocacy highlights the critical need for reform in the sector to ensure the retention of skilled educators and the overall quality of early childhood education in Donegal and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates on this pressing issue as the government responds to these compelling demands from the early childhood education community.
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Donegal Councillor Urges Urgent Action for Endometriosis Care

UPDATE: A Donegal County Councillor is urgently calling for a state-of-the-art endometriosis care center as thousands of women across Ireland struggle with inadequate treatment. Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman, who has battled endometriosis since her teens, highlighted the pressing need for improved healthcare access during a heated debate in the Dáil on October 16, 2023.
This urgent motion, spearheaded by Sinn Féin, is set for a pivotal vote today. Cllr Nic Mheanman emphasized that no woman should have to “fight for her own healthcare,” a sentiment echoed by the alarming statistics revealed in recent surveys.
According to Sinn Féin, over 1,420 responses were collected in an online survey, with 95% of participants reporting missed education or work commitments due to debilitating symptoms. Shockingly, 58% of respondents have suffered for more than 10 years, and nearly half waited over 12 months for a consultation with a gynecologist.
Cllr Nic Mheanman stated, “Endometriosis care in Ireland has failed thousands of women. No one should be forced to fight to be believed, diagnosed, and treated.” This urgent plea underscores a wider systemic failure in women’s healthcare, where it takes an average of nine years to receive a formal diagnosis, leading to severe physical and emotional repercussions.
During the Dáil session, Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty shared a harrowing account of a local woman who endured a nine-year struggle to receive a diagnosis, facing constant dismissal and misdiagnosis. “We need to start listening and believing our sisters, mothers, aunties, nieces, and daughters,” he urged. The emphasis on prioritizing women’s health is now more crucial than ever.
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill acknowledged the importance of the discussion, advocating for a different approach that establishes regional centers for endometriosis care. “What I am interested in is service delivery and the quickest possible way of ameliorating the sheer lack of service delivery for women’s health,” she stated.
Cllr Nic Mheanman concluded with a powerful message of solidarity: “Sinn Féin will fight with you and for you. We will keep this campaign going until you have the treatment, services, and healthcare you deserve here in this country.”
The outcome of today’s vote could mark a significant turning point in the fight for better endometriosis care in Ireland. The urgency of this issue resonates deeply with countless women who have been waiting too long for the care they need.
Stay tuned for updates as the vote unfolds, and join the conversation on social media to raise awareness about endometriosis care and the urgent need for change.
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Galway Player Scores €625,081 in EuroMillions Windfall!

BREAKING: A lucky EuroMillions player in Galway is celebrating an incredible win of €625,081 following Tuesday night’s draw on July 15, 2023. This remarkable victory comes as the player matched five numbers along with one Lucky Star, marking a significant boost to their midweek routine.
The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased at Eurospar in Carraroe, Co. Galway on the very day of the draw. This store has a history of big wins, having also sold a €7 million Lotto jackpot ticket last November, making it a local hotspot for fortune.
In addition to the Galway win, another Irish player from Louth matched five numbers to take home €14,609. That winning ticket was bought at Dunnes Stores in Dundalk, Co. Louth.
The winning numbers for last night’s EuroMillions draw were: 24, 38, 41, 45, 49, with the Lucky Stars being 1 and 6. While there was no jackpot winner for the whopping €96,858,365 EuroMillions jackpot, over 40,000 players in Ireland still walked away with prizes, including these two fortunate winners.
Emma Monaghan, spokesperson for the National Lottery, expressed excitement over the wins, stating,
“What fantastic news to wake up to – another substantial win for two Irish EuroMillions players! Huge congratulations to our winners in Galway and Louth.”
Monaghan encouraged all players to check their tickets closely, noting,
“You could be holding a winning ticket!”
This latest development adds to the growing excitement around EuroMillions in Ireland, demonstrating that luck is still very much alive. Players across the nation are urged to seize the moment and verify their tickets, as fortunes could change with just one draw.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the reactions and celebrations from the winners, and the impact of these significant prizes on their lives. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next big win!
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Tributes Surge for Donegal Man Repatriated from California Today

UPDATE: Tributes are pouring in today for Damien O’Brien, a 35-year-old man from Donegal, who tragically passed away after being struck by a car in Huntington Beach, California. O’Brien died on July 6, 2025, while walking home from a night out with friends. His repatriation is occurring today, and community members are expressing their profound sorrow.
The Red Hughes GAA Club, where O’Brien previously played, has shared heartfelt condolences, highlighting the loss felt within the local community. “Damien was beloved by many, and his spirit will be missed deeply,” the club stated in a recent announcement.
O’Brien’s funeral services are scheduled for Friday, following a Requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Killygordon. This tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of support and remembrance from friends, family, and local organizations. Mourners are encouraged to pay their respects as the community comes together to honor his memory.
The circumstances surrounding O’Brien’s death have raised concerns about pedestrian safety in California, drawing attention to the risks faced by individuals walking at night. His passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of sudden tragedy on families and communities.
As tributes continue to flow, many are sharing their memories of O’Brien online, creating a collective moment of reflection and grief. The community’s response underscores the strong connections that exist among residents, particularly in times of loss.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and remember to reach out to loved ones during this challenging time.
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Fyre Festival Fraudster Billy McFarland Sells Brand for $245K

URGENT UPDATE: Convicted fraudster Billy McFarland has just sold the intellectual property of the infamous Fyre Festival on eBay for $245,300 (approximately €211,135). This sale comes as McFarland continues to grapple with an outstanding restitution order of $26 million related to his 2018 conviction for wire fraud.
The auction, which concluded recently, drew intense interest with 175 bids, but the final price has left McFarland visibly disappointed. During a livestream, he lamented, “Damn. This sucks, it’s so low.” Despite the lackluster result, McFarland is framing the event as a stepping stone, stating on social media that “Fyre Festival is just one chapter of my story.”
The identity of the buyer remains unknown, but the sale includes vital assets like trademarks and social media accounts connected to the Fyre brand. McFarland claims the auction became the most-watched non-charity listing on eBay, further emphasizing his belief that “attention is currency.”
Authorities report that this sale will barely impact his financial obligations. McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison after the disastrous 2017 Fyre Festival, which was marketed as a luxury music festival but ended in chaos, with guests facing inadequate accommodations and substandard food. Many influencers, including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, were involved in promoting the event, which falsely advertised its location on a private island previously owned by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.
The aftermath of the failed festival led to numerous lawsuits and an investigation by the FBI. The ordeal was captured in popular documentaries, including Netflix‘s “FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” and Hulu‘s “Fyre Fraud.” McFarland has attempted to relaunch the festival multiple times, including a failed attempt at Fyre Fest II, which was slated for a tropical island off Cancún, Mexico but only secured permits for a limited event.
Now, with the rights to the Fyre brand sold, McFarland is pivoting to a new venture—a tech platform aimed at capturing the value of online views. However, skepticism lingers over whether this latest endeavor will succeed, given McFarland’s troubled history.
As developments continue to unfold, the global community watches closely. Can McFarland truly turn his brand around, or will he face further setbacks? Stay tuned as more details emerge around this controversial figure and his next moves.
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