The eagerly awaited Colgan Heritage Weekend takes place this week from Thursday 27th June to Sunday 30th June 2013 in Carndonagh.
The Colgan Hall
This four day event celebrates the towns most famous scholar John Colgan and the heritage of the town through song, informative talks, walk, exhibitions, book launch, drama, gala concert and much more. An energetic committee have compiled an interesting programme of events.
On Friday evening at 7.30pm there will be opening with joint speakers The Honourable Mr Justice Michael White of the High Court and Freelance Irish journalist Mr Paul Drury.
Presentation of prizes to Transition students of C.C.S. for project work. Musical interlude with The Donagh Choir under direction of Dr Helen Haughey.
Local historain Maura Harkin will launch her Photographic exhibition – Do you remember?, featuring photos of people and places in Carndonagh and surrounding areas which will be on display all weekend. Events followed by lively music and a reception sponsored by Super Valu.
On Saturday morning there will be an invigorating four mile walk – “Glentogher revisited” – with guide Dessie Mc Callion. Buses leave the Colgan Hall at 9.45am and due to its success last year booking is essential. Contact the Colgan Hall on 074 93 29377 and wear comfortable footwear and clothing.
As part of the weekend there will be a special outdoor market in the Diamond Carndonagh from 12 noon – 3pmon on Saturday. The Best in Inishowen produce and crafts will be available. There will also be a number of pop up shops featuring work from The Mens Shed and other local craft workers.
The focus will then turn to the Colgan Community and Resource Centre at 2pm with a presentation by Malin Head/Carndonagh native Mr Desmond Doherty formerly of the E.S.B. The title of the talk is – Rural Electrification, bringing The Light to North Inishowen and will be of interest to many.
Carn book enthusiast Peter Doherty of the Book Shop Carndonagh will have an extensive variety of books on display and for sale. One of the highlights of the weekend will be the launch of new book, Inishowen Co-Op – The first 50 Years by Inishowen Co-Operative Society Ltd. Credit must be extended to Sean Beattie, Margaret Farren, Eoin Farren and Jason Harkin for having compiled a most informative book with over eighty colourful photos. The speaker at 3pm will be Mr Ray Gallagher, 2012 winner of the Plunkett Award for co-operative endeavour.
The evening then closes with the drama – The Twilight Court by John Ward in the Courthouse, Carndonagh. This drama explores belief in superstition, fairies, omens, signs, customs etc. The drama producer is Mrs Geraldine Mooney and admission is 5Euro.
On Sunday afternoon, 2pm -3pm, participants from the History Links project – a local history project that has twinned Inishowen with Limavady – will read and perform drama from their new book Forging Friendships. There will be a Folklore Exhibition featuring work by national school children from local schools from the 1937 school collection. The afternoon will conclude with a concise and comprehensive talk by Brian O Doherty, Greencastle on the life story of Rosa O Doherty in Louvain, Belguim. She was a contemporary of John Colgan.
The grand finale of the weekend is the Gala concert on Sunday night at 8pm. This will be an evening of song, music, dance and drama featuring prize winners from Feis Domhnaigh 2013. Admission 10 euro, children 5 euro.
Last but not least – a warm welcome awaits visitors to the “Rambling House” in the Ceilidh House Magheramore on Thursday June 27th at 7.30pm. This event will be an evening of storytelling, music, folklore, culture and hospitability. Booking essential at Colgan Hall 074 93 29377
The Fourth Colgan Heritage Weekend truly has something for everyone. So make your way to Carndonagh at the end of June for a fun filled entertaining and educational weekend that celebrate Carndonagh and the peninsula.
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