Donegal Person of The Year 2011  - Press Release 06/02/2012

DONEGAL  PERSON  OF  THE YEAR  2011

The excitement is becoming intense and the days are getting closer to the biggest night of the year in the Annual Calendar of The Donegal Association in Dublin. Yes, it's that time of year again when the Donegal Person of the Year 2011 will be presented with this prestigious Award in The Regency Hotel, Whitehall, Dublin. This year will be an historical year because for the first time ever  a Joint Award will be made and it is shared between World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year, Ann Marie Ward and Raphoe born, New Zealand based businessman, Hugh Green.

The Gala Ball and Award night will be held in The Regency Hotel on Saturday 3rd March next. It certainly will be a night to remember but make sure that you book your tickets as early as you can.

ANN  MARIE  WARD was born in Port na Blagh but now resides in Creeslough. A nurse by profession, she is employed by the HSE as a Disability Service Manager.  One of our Super Sportspersons,  not alone did she swim the English Channel but in 2010 she was the first woman ever to swim the North Channel between Ireland and Scotland. A World Record!  She was part of the team who completed the 'Round Ireland Swim' in 2006. When she swam from Tory island to Maheraroarty she raised  €20,000 for charity but her biggest challenge will take place next Summer when she will be part of a relay of international swimmers to swim the 87 km of The Bering Strait. For that the swimmers will  fly to the USA, from there to Alaska and finally sail to Siberia. A few days later they swim back to Alaska.

To date she has raised over €100,000 for Charity.

Last year she was named World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year.

If there was an Open Water Swimming event for women in The Olympic Games, Ann Marie would be favourite to win the  gold medal.

HUGH  GREEN  was born in Raphoe and at the age of 20 emigrated to New Zealand via Australia. With his friend Barney Mc Cahill he set up the very successful Green and Mc Cahill Contractors.  They went their separate ways in the 1980's but Hugh Green continued to expand his business interests.  Although he received very little formal education he possessed a very keen intellect and business acumen. This helped him to become one of the largest building contractors in New Zealand. His other businesses include land and property development, farming and trading in livestock, oil and gas exploration and shrewd investments in the stockmarket.

Hugh Green has given away millions of dollars to charity, including €200,000 to Letterkenny Hospital and to other projects in Donegal.

In 2006 The National University of Ireland (NUIG) honoured his Lifetime Achievments with a Doctorate of Laws.                                                                                                                                                                                         

Tickets for the ball are priced at €60 each and may be purchased from the website  :  www.donegalassociation.ie  or from any of the following committee members:

Tony Dunlevy - 086 3280605                        

Martin Mc Gettigan - 087 2552037

Sorcha Ni Dhomhnaill - 087 9184072                       

Joe Bonner - 087 9749563

Hugh Mc Groddy - 086 8077965                        

Marian Caffrey - 087 2517225                        

Charlie Mc Ginley - 087 6212609                        

Finian Mac Abhaird - 087 2949993

Emmet Mc Cauley - 087 6285658                       

Elaine Caffrey - 085 7709066     

Niamh Walsh - 087 9726149                        

Liam Mc Dermott - 087 6695390   

Kathleen Sheerin - 086 3774081                        

Michael Mallon - 086 3777348

Hugh Harkin - 087 2554966                        

Peggy Stringer - 086 8052257

Kevin Mc Laughlin - 087 2552328                        

Marie Ryan - 087 2439317

Peter Coyle - 087 2837160     

Accomodation rates in The Regency Hotel on the night are €70 for 2 including breakfast. Free car parking. If you wish to book a room ring The Regency at 01 8373544

Press Release Donegal Persons of the Year 2011 announced:

DONEGAL ASSOCIATION SELECT  JOINT  DONEGAL  PERSONS OF  THE YEAR  2011

For the first time in its history, The Donegal Association has named Joint Donegal Persons of the Year.  The formal announcement was made at a special function  in The Harcourt Hotel, Dublin. 

The 2010 World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year, Ann Marie Ward has shared the prestigious Award of Donegal Person of the Year with New Zealand-based Donegal businessman Hugh Green.

As the proceedings began one could feel the tension and the excitement amongst those present in anticipation of the official announcement.  A total of 19 nominations for the Award

were received by the Association and such was the competition that the committee decided that a Joint Award should be made.

The evening started with the MC of the evening, Liam Mc Dermott welcoming everyone to the event. At first he paid tribute to one of Donegal's most famous entertainers, Bridie Gallagher who recently passed away. Describing her as the first entertainer to introduce Country and Irish Music to the Irish entertainment scene, he named the many stars who have since made their names and careers in that category, none greater than Daniel O' Donnell himself.

Liam then introduced President of The Donegal Association Tony Dunlevy to the rostrum and he announced the Joint Donegal Persons of the Year which was greeted with a massive applause from the huge crowd present.

There was a massive applause from the crowd when Tony Dunlevy announced the Joint Donegal Persons of The Year 2011 -  Ann Marie Ward and Hugh Green. . Ann Marie Ward then spoke and the audience showed their appreciation for her wonderful and humble acceptance speech. She said that not only was she delighted to be named Donegal Person of the Year but was greatly honoured to be a joint recipient with such a wonderful man as Hugh Green.                                                 Mary Harte, daughter of retired TD, Paddy Harte spoke on behalf of Hugh Green. She told everybody of the wonderful character her friend  Hugh Green is and how he would have loved to be present at the function. She said that she dearly hoped and prayed that he would be well enough to attend the Award Night on the 3^rd March next.

The MC then introduced Cathaoirleach of the Association, Sorcha Ni Dhomhnaill to the stage and she gave a very warm and wonderful speech stating how wonderful it was that this year we have Joint Donegal Persons of the Year. 'Both Hugh Green and Ann Marie Ward are so deserving of being chosen ', she said and she was so looking forward to the Award Night in The Regency Hotel. She then thanked the hard working committee and reminded everybody that tickets for the Dinner Dance are now on sale and priced at €60 each.

Liam Mc Dermott concluded the formalities and thanked our public representatives who attended – Minister for Sport, Michael Ring, Minister for the Gaeltacht, Dinny Mc Ginley, Deputy Joe Mc Hugh, Senator Jimmy Harte, Senator John Kelly from Roscommon and Cllr. Michael Mc Bride from Kilmacrennan. Also present were members of the media, Gabrielle from The Donegal Democrat, Aine Ni Churrain from Raidio na Gaeltachta and Garret Harte, station manager Newstalk radio. Past recipients of The Donegal Person of the Year, Jim Mc Gettigan, John Carr and Dermot Walsh also attended.

Remember, The Award Night is on Saturday 3^rd March in the Regency Hotel. Tickets are €60 each and are available from any committee member.  All details are also on the website : www.donegalassociation.ie   There is a special overnight rate available in the Regency Hotel at €75 for 2 people including breakfast. Early booking is advisable.

Ann Marie Ward

Ann Marie was born in Port na Blagh but now resides in Creeslough.

One of seven children, she has four brothers and two sisters.

Her father Paddy taught her how to swim in Port na Blagh where he still lives with his wife , Marguerite.

Ann Marie is a nurse by profession and is presently employed with the HSE in Letterkenny as a Disability Service Manager.

She trained as a nurse in Whittington Hospital, London.

2003   Swam from Tory island to Maheraroarty and raised €20,000 for charity.

2006    Took part with a team of swimmers and swam around the Irish coast. (Known as 'The Round         

            Ireland Swim'.)

2007.  Swam the English Channel in 20 hours.

2010    In August 2010 she was the first woman ever to swim the North Channel (a world record)

            The North Channel is between Ireland and Scotland. Anne Marie swam from north of

            Belfast Lough to the Mull of Galloway. She achieved this gruelling swim on her 4^th attempt         

            and completed it in 19 hours. That is 19 hours in the water without any aid.

2011    Named as World Open Water Swimming Woman of the Year 2010

Ann Marie has been chosen to be a member of a relay team of 30  international swimmers to swim The Bering Strait.  That is the strip of 86 km of water between Siberia and Alaska. This swim will take place next July/August. To get there, Ann Marie will fly from London to Seattle, USA. From there a flight to Prince of Wales in Alaska where she meets up with the other 29 swimmers. Boarding a ship there all swimmers will sail to Siberia . Two days later they will swim the 86 km back to Alaska! What an achiever and what a brave and determined sportsperson.

Ann Marie has already raised over €100,000 for charity – mainly for Letterkenny hospital and Letterkenny Hospice.                                                                                                                         She is indeed a very worthy Joint Donegal Person of the Year 2011.

Hugh Green

Born in 1932 in the town of Raphoe in Co. Donegal. He was one of eight children and his father was both a publican and a cattle dealer. Although Hugh was a bright, intelligent pupil he left school at the age of twelve. In his early teens he worked as a cattle drover but the wages of three shillings a day did not appeal to him too much. Emigrating to Scotland at the age of seventeen, he found work as a labourer. A bout of homesickness one year later resulted in him returning home. Spending a year at home with very little work on offer, he quickly realised that he would have to emigrate again. He worked in London for a spell but later moved to Australia and found work there.  At the age of twenty he left Australia and headed for New Zealand. Accompanying him was his friend Barney Mc Cahill. Soon they set up Green and Mc Cahill (Contractors) and they were partners until the 1980's when they went their separate ways..

In 1955 Hugh married Moira whose mother was Irish. Getting married and having a family ensured that New Zealand was going to be their home for the rest of their lives. They return home to Donegal on frequent occasions and Hugh always said that he would loved to have lived in Donegal.

To-day Hugh has one of the largest construction companies in New Zealand. Because of the fact that he received little education Hugh had to use his intelligence to build his empire.

His many business interests includes land and property development, farming and trading

in livestock ( he owns the largest cattle ranch in New Zealand.). He is a shrewd investor

in the stockmarket and is involved in oil and gas exploration.

His Charity Foundation has given away millions of dollars to differents causes, including

€200,000 to Letterkenny hospital. He has also donated to other Donegal charities and of

course to many charities in New Zealand.

But with all his wealth and success he still says that he is homesick and wished that he

never had to leave Donegal.

In 2006  The National University of Ireland in Galway (NUIG) honoured  his lifetime 

achievements with a doctorate of laws.

Hugh Green is indeed a very worthy Joint Donegal Person of the Year 2011.

Anne Marie Ward & Hugh Greene Declared Donegal Persons of the year 2011

Donegal Person of The Year 2011 Announced

A big congratulations to Anne Marie Ward from Portnablagh and Hugh Greene from New Zealand on receiving the honour of being Joint Donegal Persons of the year 2011.

Official press release to follow shortly

Backround information available at the attached links:

http://theforceofnature-northchannelswimmer.blogspot.com/

http://www.donegaldaily.com/2011/01/02/our-ann-marie-is-on-top-of-the-world/

http://www.contrafedpublishing.co.nz/Contractor/Greens+green+grass+of+home.html

http://www.aucklandirish.co.nz/news.php?extend.121

Press Release 11th January 2011:

Donegal Person of The Year 2011

We are all waiting anxiously to hear who will be chosen as Donegal Person of the Year 2011. Remember the criteria was – A person who has close links with Donegal and who has brought honour to Donegal on a local, national or international level. But who will it be this year? Well, the wait is almost over because the Recipient of the Donegal Person of the Year 2011 will be announced at a special function in The Harcourt Hotel, Dublin this Tuesday 17^thJanuary at 8.30 p.m. It is a coveted and  prestigious award and last year it went to Irish and International playwright Brian Friel. And what a night that was! Hundreds of patrons from the stage screen and film were there together with academics from most of our universities. It was a most exciting and entertaining evening!

Proprieters of The Harcourt Hotel are the Mc Gill brothers from Glenties and how appropriate this venue is for this year's announcement as Glenties has such great ties with Brian Friel and all his plays. The announcement will be made at 8.30pm and afterwards refreshments will be served. Music and dancing until midnight and there is no cover charge. The last function organised bty the Donegal Association in Dublin was their Annual Xmas party. Foley's of Merrion Row was the venue for that occasion and it proved to be a wonderful evening and enjoyed by all. Everybody is welcome to The Harcourt Hotel this Tuesday and please do not forget to bring your friends. A large crowd is expected and it will give you an opportunity to meet acquaintances old and new. You are also promised that it will be a brilliant evening.

And then........Do not forget The Annual Donegal Person of the Year Award Dinner Dance which will be held this year in The Regency Hotel, Dublin. The Regency is one of  the Jim Mc Gettigan owned hotels and the function will be held in the recently opened 1000 seater Conference Room. Always a night to remember and a top date in every Donegal person's calendar, the Award Night Dinner  will be held on Saturday 3^rdMarch next. Special room rates and free car parking are available and we expect that guests will be booking soon. Tickets for the dance will be available from any committee member. All information can be seen on the website: www.donegalassociation.ie

Donegal Association News November 2011

NEWSLETTER:  NOVEMBER 2011 EDITION

Donegal Association AGM 19^th October 2011

There was a great turnout for the AGM where Chairperson Mr. Hugh Harkin presented his fourth and final report to the AGM of Cumann Thir Chonaill.  Officers and committee members for the forthcoming years were elected and a full list is available to view overleaf.

Tributes were paid to the outgoing Chairperson Hugh Harkin for his hard work and dedication.  New Chairperson of the committee is Gweedore native Sorcha Ní Dhomhnaill and her election to the post was greeted with great applause and enthusiasm.  A very busy schedule has been organised by the committee and your support will be appreciated.  To be a member of The Donegal Association in Dublin is a very exciting place to be.  Please attend any of our functions, ask for details or check our website www.donegalassociation.ie.

Committee members AGM 19^th October 2011

Back Row (l-r) Elaine Caffrey, Martin McGettigan, Peggy Stringer, Hugh Harkin, Finín Mac A Bháird, Peter Coyle, Joe Bonner, Marie Ryan and Kevin Mc Laughlin               

Front Row (l-r) Liam Mc Dermott, Hugh McGroddy, Kathleen Sheerin, Tony Dunlevy, Sorcha Ní Dhomhnaill, Charlie Mc Ginley, Marian Caffrey & Emmet Mc Cauley. (Absent - Niamh Walsh)

MEMBERSHIP SUBSRCIPTION

Finally we would like to ask you to become a member of the Donegal Association.  Enclosed you will find a membership subscription form which can be returned to us at the above address.  Alternatively this can be filled out online together with the subscription payment on www.donegalassociation.ie.

Sympathies

Gabrielle Sweeney

We wish to sympathise with the family of Gabrielle Sweeney who died in Castleknock, Dublin and was buried on Friday 14^th October.  Gabrielle originally from Laghey, Co. Donegal but lived in Castleknock, Dublin, is survived by her 3 children.  She was an active member of the Donegal Executive Committee here in Dublin as Assistant Secretary and P.R.O.

Bill Ward (1937- 2011)

Honorary Life Member of Cumann Thír Chonaill, B.Á.C.

There was shock and sorrow within the Committee as we heard the news on Tuesday 11^th October that Bill Ward (Ballyshannon/ Glasnevin) died at 6.30pm. 

A dedicated member who gave sterling service for 36 years, he held the offices of Chairman, Assistant Treasurer and Trustee.  A man of great wisdom and common sense, a people’s person, popular with all committee members throughout the years!  His short illness was bravely borne with calmness and acceptance, such was his gentle demeanour. 

Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Mary his wife (Croagh, Co. Donegal), their 6 children and 16 grandchildren, who as a family contributed so much love and care for Bill and with their warmth and gratitude to callers and well-wishers who came to their home.  Our sympathy also goes to his brother Phil, wife Chris, nieces, nephews and in-laws.  In keeping with tradition he was waked at home for 2 days and on Friday 14^th October St. Columba’s Church, Iona Road was packed to capacity.

The committee formed a guard of honour as Fr. Michael McCullagh received his remains at the church and was main celebrant of the Mass and Interment.  In his eulogy Fr. Michael spoke so fittingly of the man that sat next to him at the committee meetings.

Pat Doherty (nephew) compounded our sadness with his rendition of the ‘old man’ as his coffin was escorted by Mary and their family to the awaiting hearse.  At the graveside Fr. Michael led us in the hymn Salve Regina.  The grieving family bade their final farewell each one dropping a red rose of love with dignity and feeling.

Bill will be sorely missed by all of us.

Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a n-anamnacha usual dílis.

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Press Release 2nd November 2011 :  Donegal Person of the Year 2010

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Donegal  Person  of  the  Year  2011

(Pearsa  Na  bliana 2011)

It is difficult to believe that Brian Friel’s reign as Donegal Person of the Year 2010 will soon come to an end.  We wish to congratulate Brian for the dignity and humility that he showed on receiving this prestigious award last March.  A worthy recipient indeed but who will forget the wonderful night that we all enjoyed in the Burlington Hotel on that night. We all wish him well for the future and look forward to seeing him again as the Outgoing Donegal Person of the Year at our Donegal Person of the Year Award Night next March.

The very first Donegal Person of the Year was awarded in 1978 to the late Fr. James Mc Dyer.

Other  Donegal Persons of the Year are:  Fr. James McDyer;  Larry Smyth;  Dermot Walsh;  Donal K. O’Boyle; Aine Nic Giolla Bhride; Willie Joe Cunningham; Canon Tommy Doherty;  Peter McLean; Danny McDaid; Eamonn Doherty;  Fergus Cleary; Daniel O’Donnell;  Packie Bonnar;  Tomas Mac Fionnghaile;  Brian McEniff;  Charlie Bennett;   Sean O Heochaigh;  Sean McEniff;   Hugh Gallagher;  Sean McGinley;  Paddy Harte;  Joey Murrin;  Gerry Robinson;  Patsy McGonagle;  Brid Rodgers;  Jim McGettigan;  Fr. Micheal Sweeney;  Michael Mor O’Domhnaill;  Margo O’Donnell;  John Carr ; Joe Mulholland and of course Brian Friel.

At the moment we are seeking nominations for the Donegal Person of the Year 2011 and the criteria is :

1. Having a close link with Donegal.
2. The person has brought honour to Donegal  on a local, national and/or international level.

Any person or group may nominate a candidate.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 30^th November 2011 and the formal announcement will be held in The Harcourt Hotel, Harcourt Street on Tuesday 17^th January 2012 at 8.00pm. There are only 4 weeks left to forward  your nominations . Application forms  are available on the website: www.donegalassociation.ie   or you can apply to   Ms. Sorcha Ni Dhomhnaill, Secretary Donegal Association, c/o The Teacher’s Club, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.

Committee members AGM 19^th October 2011

Pictured above is the new committee of the Donegal Association  (CUMANN  THIR  CHONAILL) which was elected  last week.

Back Row (l-r) Elaine Caffrey, Martin McGettigan, Peggy Stringer, Hugh Harkin, Finín Mac A Bháird, Peter Coyle, Joe Bonner, Marie Ryan and Kevin Mc Laughlin               

Front Row (l-r) Liam Mc Dermott, Hugh McGroddy, Kathleen Sheerin, Tony Dunlevy, Sorcha Ní Dhomhnaill, Charlie Mc Ginley, Marian Caffrey & Emmet Mc Cauley. (Absent - Niamh Walsh)

A very busy schedule of social events has been organised by this committee for the near future.

First date to remember is their Annual Mass for all deceased members of the Association. This will take place in All Hallows College, Drumcondra on Sunday 13^th November at 6.30pm. Tea and refreshments will be served after the mass.

The Annual Christmas Party of the Donegal Association  takes place in Foley’s Lounge, Merrion Row (just below the Shelbourne Hotel) on Thursday 8^th December at 8.30 pm. Everybody is welcome. A great night of music,  finger food etc…….and there is no charge. Bring your friends.

The Donegal Person of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Saturday 3^rd March 2012.

In the meantime, a large number of the committee will be travelling to London this Saturday 5^th November to attend the Annual Dinner Dance of the Donegal Association in London. Held in the Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood, it is always a most enjoyable night and is organised by Falcarragh born Tony Mc Fadden.

So, to be a member of the Donegal Association is a very exciting place to be at the moment. Please attend any of our functions and ask for details or check our website.

Liam McDermott

Donegal  Person  of  the  Year  2011

(Pearsa  Na  bliana 2011)

It is difficult to believe that Brian Friel’s reign as Donegal Person of the Year 2010 will soon come to an end.  We wish to congratulate Brian for the dignity and humility that he showed on receiving this prestigious award last March.  A worthy recipient indeed but who will forget the wonderful night that we all enjoyed in the Burlington Hotel on that night. We all wish him well for the future and look forward to seeing him again as the Outgoing Donegal Person of the Year at our Donegal Person of the Year Award Night next March.

The very first Donegal Person of the Year was awarded in 1978 to the late Fr. James Mc Dyer.

Other  Donegal Persons of the Year are:  Fr. James McDyer;  Larry Smyth;  Dermot Walsh;  Donal K. O’Boyle; Aine Nic Giolla Bhride; Willie Joe Cunningham; Canon Tommy Doherty;  Peter McLean; Danny McDaid; Eamonn Doherty;  Fergus Cleary; Daniel O’Donnell;  Packie Bonnar;  Tomas Mac Fionnghaile;  Brian McEniff;  Charlie Bennett;   Sean O Heochaigh;  Sean McEniff;   Hugh Gallagher;  Sean McGinley;  Paddy Harte;  Joey Murrin;  Gerry Robinson;  Patsy McGonagle;  Brid Rodgers;  Jim McGettigan;  Fr. Micheal Sweeney;  Michael Mor O’Domhnaill;  Margo O’Donnell;  John Carr ; Joe Mulholland and of course Brian Friel.

At the moment we are seeking nominations for the Donegal Person of the Year 2011 and the criteria is :

1. Having a close link with Donegal.
2. The person has brought honour to Donegal  on a local, national and/or international level.

Any person or group may nominate a candidate.

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 30^th November 2011 and the formal announcement will be held in The Harcourt Hotel, Harcourt Street on Tuesday 17^th January 2012 at 8.00pm. There are only 4 weeks left to forward  your nominations . Application forms  are available on the website: www.donegalassociation.ie   or you can apply to   Ms. Sorcha Ni Dhomhnaill, Secretary Donegal Association, c/o The Teacher’s Club, 35 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.

Committee members AGM 19^th October 2011

Pictured above is the new committee of the Donegal Association  (CUMANN  THIR  CHONAILL) which was elected  last week.

Back Row (l-r) Elaine Caffrey, Martin McGettigan, Peggy Stringer, Hugh Harkin, Finín Mac A Bháird, Peter Coyle, Joe Bonner, Marie Ryan and Kevin Mc Laughlin               

Front Row (l-r) Liam Mc Dermott, Hugh McGroddy, Kathleen Sheerin, Tony Dunlevy, Sorcha Ní Dhomhnaill, Charlie Mc Ginley, Marian Caffrey & Emmet Mc Cauley. (Absent - Niamh Walsh)

A very busy schedule of social events has been organised by this committee for the near future.

First date to remember is their Annual Mass for all deceased members of the Association. This will take place in All Hallows College, Drumcondra on Sunday 13^th November at 6.30pm. Tea and refreshments will be served after the mass.

The Annual Christmas Party of the Donegal Association  takes place in Foley’s Lounge, Merrion Row (just below the Shelbourne Hotel) on Thursday 8^th December at 8.30 pm. Everybody is welcome. A great night of music,  finger food etc…….and there is no charge. Bring your friends.

The Donegal Person of the Year Award Dinner will be held on Saturday 3^rd March 2012.

In the meantime, a large number of the committee will be travelling to London this Saturday 5^th November to attend the Annual Dinner Dance of the Donegal Association in London. Held in the Crown Moran Hotel in Cricklewood, it is always a most enjoyable night and is organised by Falcarragh born Tony Mc Fadden.

So, to be a member of the Donegal Association is a very exciting place to be at the moment. Please attend any of our functions and ask for details or check our website.

Liam McDermott

Following the summer break we would like to take this opportunity to take a look back at the events of the past few months together with our upcoming events for the year ahead.

AGM Notice

Enclosed please find ‘Notice of our Annual General Meeting’ which will be held on Wednesday 19^th October at 8.00pm in the Regency Hotel.  We would be delighted to see as many of you as possible.

Donegal GAA fundraiser

Congratulations to Pauric McMenamin and the Donegal fund raising committee for the fantastic event organised in support of the Donegal Senior Football team.  The committee raised over €10,000 in the Edmonstown Golf Classic on the weekend of the Semi-Final. The best score of the day came from a team captained by former Donegal Star Seamus Bonner. 

The day kicked off with a shot-gun start.  Quite appropriate as the golf did resemble a spaghetti western at times, (The good the Bad the Ugly comes to mind).

That said it was a most enjoyable event.  All teams retired to the Harcourt Hotel for the prize giving and the wonderful hospitality of the McGill Family.  It was great to see so many Donegal faces out for the occasion and perhaps we will be able to go one better next year...fingers crossed.

                              Left to right - Michelle McGill (Harcourt Hotel), Finnan McDonnell (Glenfinn) winner of signed Jersey, Manus Boyle and Hugh Harkin.

Sympathies

Sympathies of the association are also extended to the following:

·                   Joe Cannon and family on the death of their mother Hannah, Kilcar.

·                   To Gabrielle and the McGowan family on the death of their father Con.

·                   To Mary Sarsfield and family on the death of her husband Liam, Clonskeagh/ Mountcharles.

·                   The family of the late Johnny Byrne, Dublin/Kilcar.

·                   To the family of the late John Gallagher, Dunloe/Dublin.

·                   The family of the late Brid Gallagher, former committee member and secretary of Donegal Association Dublin, Dunloe/Leitirmacaward.

·                   The family of the late Una Sarsfield, Mountcharles/Dublin.

Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a n-anamnacha usual dílis.

Donegal Person of The Year Nominations 2011

The February 2011 Newsletter contains information in relation to the Donegal Person Of The Year and the Annual Gala Ball.

Donegal Person of the Year 2010

Announcement at Foleys Bar, Merrion Row

Another successful night was held by the Donegal Association, in Foleys Bar, Merrion Row, Dublin 2.  A large crowd gathered on Tuesday 18^th January 2011 for the announcement of Pearsa Thír Chonaill 2010.  The tension and excitement amongst those present was electric as one of the eleven nominees for this year’s title was to be revealed.

Martin Mc Gettiganas MC for the evening began by welcoming everyone to the event and of course for venturing out on such a cold, snowy night.  He then introduced our chairperson Hugh Harkin.

Hughcongratulated Pearsa na Bliana 2009, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh for all her work during her term as Donegal Person of the Year.  He said that she was a great ambassador for her county and that she was ‘here, there and everywhere’ representing the Association.  He also thanked her for the support that she gave and continues to give Donegal Live.  Maireád has only six weeks of her term left but we know that we can rely on her support when we need it!  Go raibh míle maith agat a Mhairéad.

Hughthen went on to introduce Pearsa na Bliana 2010, he said that it was the worst kept secret and asked the audience for a show of hands as to the people who had no idea who Pearsa na Bliana 2010 was.  Amazingly a quarter of the audience raised their hands!  In introducing our recipient Hugh said that it was a great achievement for a Tyrone man to become Donegal Person of the Year and that it must be stressed that this person spent most of his life living in Donegal.  He is a literary genius and promotes his adopted people and county in all his work.  Pearsa na Bliana 2010 is Brian Friel.  

Brian Friel’s daughter Mary Bateman representing her father on the night

Left to right; Mr. Tony Dunlevy, Mary Bateman and Hugh Harkin

Mr. Friel’s daughter Mary Bateman represented her father who could not be with us and she was escorted on stage by our President Tony Dunlevy.  Mary said that her father was absolutely delighted to be nominated and is looking forward to his inauguration on the 5^th March.

Our President, Tony Dunlevy gave a well researched account on Mr. Friel’s life, his achievements and the fact that he is considered one of the best playwrights of the 20^th century.

Presentations to Michael Naughton and Isobel Foley

Two further awards were presented that night.  Michael Naughton received a Redmond Herrity sculpture for his achievement in bringing the Donegal Ladies Football Team to an All Ireland Intermediate success. 

Michael from West Sligo is General Manager of the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny.  Congratulations to all concerned!

 Left to right; Hugh Harkin, Tony Dunlevy and Michael Naughton

Another Redmond Herrity award was specially commissioned for Isobel Foley, due to her contribution to the Donegal Association in Dublin.  Isobel is considered by the Association as one of the best known Donegal women living in Dublin.  She received a replica of the Cloch Chionnaola (Cloughaneely) stone, which she accepted with pride as she hails from Falcarragh and is very proud of her heritage.

        Left to right; Tony Dunlevy, Hugh Harkin and Isobel Foley

Following the speeches a delicious buffet was served, courtesy of the Foleys.

MC Martin Mc Gettigan urged everybody to buy tickets for the 5^th March reminding people that tickets were now on sale and priced at €65.00 each.  He thanked everyone for coming including Pearse Doherty TD, Dinny Mc Ginley TD, Cecelia Keaveney TD, Senator Briain Ó Domhnaill and actor Dennis Conway.  He also thanked the local media who were in attendance and the musicians Michael Campbell and Johnny Byrne. 

A great night was had by all!    

Our sympathies are extended to the following:

1. To Kathleen Sheerin.  Past chairperson and President of the association and all the Gallagher family on the death of their mother Molly.  Ardara
2. The family of the late William Mc Mahon. Past president and life member.  Glenfinn/Terenure
3. Mr & Mrs Danny Toland and family on the death of their daughter Marie.  Dublin
4. Mr & Mrs Tony Gallagher and family on the death of their daughter Marie Lynch.  Aranmore Island/Raheny
5. The family of the late John Gallagher.  Murroe/Dunfanaghy.

 Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a n-anamnacha usual dílis.
 

The January 2011 Newsletter contains information in relation to the Donegal Person Of The Year and the Annual Gala Ball.

Donegal Association - Donegal Person of the Year 2010

Cumann Thír Chonaill, Baile Átha Cliath is delighted to announce that Brian Friel from Greencastle in County Donegal is the Donegal Person of the Year for 2010. As an author, playwright and dramatist Brian Friel is widely recognized as one of the greatest contemporary dramatists in the English language.

Brian Friel was born in Tyrone in 1929, his mother Mary McLoone was from Glenties, and his father Patrick, was from Derry. In 1939 his family moved to Derry where he attended St Columba's College in Derry, he received his B. A. from St. Pat's College, Maynooth (1948), and qualified as a teacher at St.Joseph's Training College in Belfast, 1950. In 1960 after 10 years as a teacher he left to pursue a full time writing career. He married Anne Morrison in 1954 and in 1966 moved his young family to Inishowen, finally settling in Greencastle.

His first big success came in 1964 with 'Philadelphia, Here I Come’. Critically acclaimed, it opened the doors of the theatre world to Brian Friel and to Ballybeg (the fictional Donegal town based on Glenties, the setting for most of his plays). It is seen as a turning point for Irish drama and is one of the most important plays of the 1960’s.

Brian Friel went on to write many more original plays, including 'Lovers' (1967), 'Aristocrats' (1979), 'Faith Healer' (1979), 'Translations' (1981), 'Dancing at Lughnasa' (1990), and 'Molly Sweeney' (1994). Dancing at Lughnasa (1990) is probably his most successful play; winning three Tony Awards in 1992, including Best Play. It was made into a film in 1998 starring Meryl Streep and scripted by Donegal playwright Frank Mc Guinness.

Brian was appointed to the Irish Seanad in 1987, and in January 2006 he was presented with a gold Torc by President Mary McAleese in recognition of his election as a Saoi by the members of Aosdána for singular and sustained distinction in the arts.

Brian Friel has made an immeasurable contribution to cultural identity. We can easily identify the dramatic, rugged landscapes and characters of ‘Ballybeg’ and perhaps it is poignant with the recent re-emergence of emigration to consider that wherever we go in the world that Donegal will always be found between the covers of a Brian Friel play.

Congratulations to Brian Friel, Donegal Person of the Year 2010

The Annual Gala Ball

In honour of Pearsa na Bliana 2010 – Brian Friel, the Annual Gala Ball is to be held on Saturday 5th March 2011. Once again we are back to the Burlington Hotel, Dublin for the big night. Tickets are available at €66.95 (including booking fee), and are now available directly on our new facility on the website www.donegalassociation.ie by e-mailing us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or by contacting any committee member.