Paddy Harte is Chairman of the Donegal Gathering Steering Group. He is a lecturer in Leading Change, Organisational Behaviour and Business Development at Letterkenny Institute of Technology. He has been involved in cross-border and cross-community projects through his work over 23 years as a socio-economic development advisor to the International Fund for Ireland, aswell as sitting on various Development Boards across the county.
This is Paddy’s Donegal:
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
I love all of Donegal and it never ceases to amaze me. But, my favourite place is at home at the fire especially when all my children are here.
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
It has to be the weather. Donegal is even more spectacular when the sun shines!
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
Both my parents have had a great influence on me and I admire them them both: my father Paddy for the enthusiasm and energy he has always displayed; and my mother, Rosaleen, for her amazing ability to bring up 9 children; (and I know some of them!); answer two phones; read and digest all the newspapers while making tea for the whole county- tasks she managed to do while always looking calm and glamorous.
Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
Packie Bonner. That moment in Genoa will be forever etched in my memory.
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
It has to be the All-Ireland win last year.
What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
Sadness can be a very private and personal thing, so I couldn’t answer that.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
I bought a pot of Active Irish Honey at Taste of Donegal festival in Donegal Town last month and I love it. It has replaced manuka honey in my porridge.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Daniel O’Donnell never misses the opportunity to promote Donegal no matter where he is in the world. He’s a tireless ambassador for the county.
Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
In this year of The Gathering, I think hotelier Jim White has done an outstanding job for the tourism sector in the County. He has attracts overseas tourists from every corner of the globe, including some 17,000 German tourists giving a huge boost to our local economy.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
The runner, Danny McDaid. Not only are his achievements in athletics legendary, he continues to epitomise everything I admire in sport and can still be seen out on the road doing what he loves.
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
Belle’s Kitchen in Rathmullan on a Sunday after a walk on the beach; or Harry’s in Bridgend when we’re leaving the kids back to Derry Airport.
Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden Eagles – they have a bird’s eye view of everything.
Your nomination for Donegal’s most stylish person?
My wife, Libby.
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
“You know yourself”!
Will Donegal win the All Ireland next year?
We have the talent and if the team can replicate the form which they showed in the 2012/13 Championship, we have every change of winning it.
What is your favourite Donegal food?
Fresh fish from Killybegs, potatoes from Raphoe and scallions from Cathal Greene’s garden in Loughnagin.
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Apart from myself sometimes, no !
If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be?
I would invest it in after-school activities for young people.
Visit www.donegalgathering.com for information of Donegal Gathering events.
By Rachel McLaughlin
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