Successful year for Carndonagh’s Colgan Heritage

The annual general meeting of Colgan Heritage takes place in Carndonagh next month after what its committee described as a very successful year. 

The Lost Words book has proved very popular and the group’s graveyard project has been well received by everyone who visits the graveyard. 

Last year, the group celebrated Heritage Week with an exhibition of heritage objects. A large crowd attended to view antiquarian churns, parish records, farm accounts, a reminder of old travel ways with a fine trap, a 1950s wedding dress made locally, Wesley Hall memorabilia, household gadgets and other items.

Carndonagh's Barrack Hill Town Park hosting Easter Monday trail

This event aims to foster community connections and encourage outdoor activity amongst Carndonagh's residents

There was also an interesting talk and discussion on Ordnance Survey maps of the area. A railway exhibition and talk highlighted the town’s position as the last rail terminus in Ireland. 

Carndonagh Motor Company provided many interesting documents and photos of the town’s Ford dealership. International Women’s Day featured famous women of Inishowen, some current and others of the past. Dessie’s Walks, led by the group’s experienced tour guide, Dessie McCallion, continue to open up the countryside around Inishowen. 

The committee also attended an open day at Donegal Railway Museum.

Financial support for the group has come from local councillors Albert Doherty and Martin McDermott The group is also grateful to the local community and business owners for their support and sponsorship.

Planning is underway for Heritage Week in mid-August which will once again feature heritage walks, exhibitions, readings and other events which have to be confirmed under the theme of Living History. 

A member of the committee, Hilary McLaughlin-Stonham, has written a local history of the impact of the Great Famine in Donegal and she has acted as historian-in-residence for the Great Famine Commemoration which was held in the county last year. A number of publications are at the planning stage.

The group's AGM takes place on Tuesday, April 9 at 8 pm in the Colgan Hall. Chairperson, Helen Robins said: “New members are welcome to join the committee so that our rich heritage and history are preserved.”

Anyone interested in joining is asked to contact Helen or any committee member.