Farrah Bogle is a singer and musician from Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. Not one to be shy, Farrah is heavily involved in local theatre, and has taken on several leading roles with the Ballyshannon Musical Society.
In 2013 she released her debut album ‘Handle With Care’ and was a finalist in TG4’s Glór Tíre in 2014. Her passion for music extends into academia too, where she holds a higher national diploma in Music from the North West Regional College Derry.
Farrah is one of the main organisers of the Marquee in Cashelard Charity Weekend, which begins on Friday. The charity weekend raises much needed funds for the Donegal cancer bus. Last year the Fonsie Bogle music extravaganza raised a massive €11,000 for the bus.
This is Farrah’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
There’s so many gorgeous places in our county, but it’s hard to beat my own area, Ballyshannon. It is Ireland’s oldest town and has a wealth of history, music and heritage. There is beautiful scenery in the surrounding areas.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
Why would you want to change anything about Donegal? Maybe a bit more sunshine would be good!
(3) Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
I think people can take great pride in Daniel , Majella and Margo O Donnell. Great ambassadors and role models for us all.
(4) Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
It’d have to be Daniel for me.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Can I be cliche and say the All Ireland win in 2012? I remember the electric atmosphere when we saw Murphy lift the Sam Maguire on the big screen at the gables in Ballyshannon! Magic!
(6) What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
I was really saddened earlier this year by the Buncrana Pier tragedy. I think the county mourned together for all those lives that were so sadly lost that day.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Magee’s tweed and Donegal Blonde craft beer.
Donegal Blonde is brewed in Dicey Reillys, in my home town of Ballyshannon. It’s definitely a must try!
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
I think that it’s very hard to top Daniel O Donnell. He really put Donegal on the map and he loves his home county.
(9) Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
I think that Bundoran hotelier Brian McEniff is definitely one of the most successful businessmen in the county.
Also, a man that was a key figure in business in south Donegal was the late James White. Ballyshannon and Donegal town owe an awful lot to Jim. Both have created huge employment also.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
I like Neil & Eamonn McGee! They won’t be pushed around too handy 😀
I also have great admiration for Seamie Coleman, a true Donegal man and a gent at that. Last year, he so very kindly sponsored a signed jersey for our auction which raised crucial funds for the cancer bus.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
On a good evening, nowhere will beat The Salmon Inn, Mullinasole, Laghey. Food and views are superb.
(12) Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Golden Eagles.
(13) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Are you making tae?
(14) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
I think that the recent Brexit will be a challenge for our border county, because we rely so much on tourism. I do a residency in the Central Hotel in Donegal Town, and most of the tours I play to are from the UK. So hopefully the dropping sterling will not have adverse effects on us.
(15) What is your favourite Donegal food?
Donegal seafood.
(16) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
The roads in rural areas are pretty bad! They could do with a serious revamp! In a way we are a forgotten county.
(17) If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be?
How far will a million go on the roads? Not very far I doubt!
(18) What’s the most rewarding part of running a charity event?
It’s very rewarding to see everyone out having a good time together, but I would have to say that when we handed over the €11,000 to the cancer bus last year, I had never experienced a feeling like it before.
I was so proud of what our people had achieved. This was contributory to the new vehicle the Good and New were able to buy this year. Amazing.
(19) How vital is the Good & New Cancer Bus service fo the people of Donegal?
The cancer bus is an extremely important service, that a lot of Donegal people not only use, but rely on. Our nearest Cancer Centre of Excellence is in Galway, and that’s a fair journey from the top of Inishowen.
I think that everybody should support the Good and New Cancer bus as no one knows when they, or someone belonging to them will need it next.
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I am first and foremost proud of the lovely people in this county. I don’t think any people in the world will match the people of Donegal.
