The success of last week’s Oireachtas na Samhna in Letterkenny brought pride to the people of Donegal, but particularly those involved in its organisation. One such woman is Caitlín Uí Chochláin. Well known throughout Donegal for her enthusiasm for the Irish language, as Comhordaitheoir Gaeilge An Rannóg Pobal agus Fiontar Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall, Caitlín is a face many of us recognize from such successful endeavours as the Oireachtas and is this week’s choice for ‘My Donegal’.
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Bunbeg in Gaoth Dobhair is definitely my favourite place in County Donegal. I have great childhood memories of my family and neighbours, especially the older people who are long gone from this world. I learnt magical music and stories from them about the area that have proven invaluable to me in my own education, interests and grounding for a good life. The rugged coastline along Bunbeg has a lot of secrets in its nooks and crannies!
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
I would love Donegal to go back to nature and to its language, especially.
Who is the one person you look up to in Donegal and why?
Errigal is the ‘God’ of Donegal. It can be seen almost anywhere in its various shapes and forms, depending on the aspect that you approach it by.
Daniel O Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Both are lovely, down to earth ambassadors for Donegal…along with Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Máire Ní Bhraonáin, Lisa Mc Hugh, the Donegal football team and loads of others who represent Donegal all over the world.
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Winning the All Ireland on 23rd September 2012 definitely!
What has been Donegal’s saddest moment?
Emigration causes great sadness but the saddest in my life were the boat disasters around the coast in 1970s and 1980s.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
I love the arts and crafts by Donegal artists such as Marina Hamilton.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Moya Brennan, Máiréad Ní Mhaonaigh and Daniel O ‘Donnell. So many people visit Donegal just to see where they hail from.
Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson/people in your opinion?
Hoteliers who own their own hotels.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Shay Given.
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
Teach Chillín Darach (Danny Minnie’s) in Annagry.
Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
An tIolar Rua.
Your nomination for Donegal’s most stylish person?
Caoimhe Ní Chathail.
What is your favourite Donegal expression or saying?
Caidé mar atá tú?
What is your favourite Donegal food?
Fresh fish.
If you had one million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal what would it be?
Open up the railway routes for walking & cycling to explore the beauty of parts of the county that our generation have never seen.
If you could bring tourists to one attraction in Donegal what would it be?
Sliabh Liaig.
Donegal’s beaches or mountains?
Innishinny’s beaches.
Is there anything that annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Nothing at all – great people.
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