GARDAÍ investigating claims that a Donegal man collecting for animal charities was not legitimate have given him the all-clear.
Friends say the charity worker was “gutted” after reports questioning his motives.
Charities who receive money from him also say he works very well for them.
One report had called his work in towns and villages in south and west Donegal ‘bogus’.
“You couldn’t meet a nicer man and for one news report to say he was bogus was devastating for him,” said one friend.
“He’s absolutely gutted by that.”
A number of Facebook posts also questioned his motives.
The friend added: “He’s asked a solicitor friend to get in touch with various people to have comments and reports removed.”