Ballybofey brothers restore vandalised Gort Scith picnic area

Two brothers worked overtime to restore a picnic area near Stranorlar to its beautiful best

Early last week, graffiti was daubed around the Gort Scith picnic area in Gortletteragh. Locals were angered and frustrated at the incident, which is believed to gave occurred on Tuesday night.

Pro-IRA graffiti was among the slogans scrawled at various locations throughout Gort Scith, but Stephen and Alex McCafferty, of SMC Painting and Landscaping, painted around the clock from Friday-Sunday.

On a voluntary basis, the brothers managed to skilfully remove all of the slogans and paint.

‘Too early’: Charlie McConalogue side-steps Fianna Fáil-Sinn Féin coalition question

Donegal Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConalogue, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, was pressed on the possibilities during a panel discussion, at the MacGill Summer School in Glenties.

“They everything as it was if not better,” said local community spokesperson Frank Kelly. “A big shout out to these men. They definitely deserve support going forward.”

Regarding the graffiti, Mr Kelly said the Gardai, who are investigating the incident, ‘have already had some positive feedback’.

In 2022, Gort Scith was enhanced significantly. The picnic benches were replaced, a grass area was relayed while a new decking area and fencing were installed.

The work was aided by the Minor Tourism Related Works Grant Scheme, which was administered by Donegal County Council.

Funding was allocated to BASICC following an application submitted in 2021 with works carried out by North West Forest Services.