From ‘Muriel’s Wedding’ to the Matron of the Letterkenny Workhouse, this Friday offers something for everyone at the Donegal County Museum Events on Culture Night this Friday.
As part of Culture Night 2016 Friday, 16 September, Donegal County Museum Venue No 4 invites all to attend these free events in the museum.
‘Meet the Matron of the Workhouse’
Performances at 7.00pm & 8.30pm
For those persons seeking refuge and shelter please make your way to Donegal County Museum (formerly Letterkenny Workhouse) to be greeted by the Matron.
She who will decide if you can gain admittance to said Workhouse and will inform you of the rules and regulations.
Types of behavior which were particularly frowned upon included – ‘cards or other games of chance’, pretending to be sick and visiting areas of the Workhouse, ‘other than that to which they belong’!
In association with the Raphoe Diocesan Archives and Mr Tommy Francis, we invite you view the
Canon Tommy Doherty Film Show – 6.30pm – 9.30pm
From the 1930’s to the 1960’s, Archdeacon (Canon) Tommy Doherty, of the parishes of Dungloe and Dunfanaghy, filmed life in Donegal. He amassed a unique record of people, places and events in the county. This selection of his film material is on loan from the Raphoe Diocesan Archive and Copyright holder Tommy Francis, includes many people and places in Letterkenny from weddings and fair days to the Cathedral and the Port.
Highlights include the St Conals Show Day Letterkenny Train Station; Station Master with workers and locals, St Eunans Team, Sean Ferriter and Paul Sweeney with locals (can you name any others), a Guard of Honour at the Market Square welcoming Graf O’Donel, Austria and The O’Donnell to Letterkenny. The Last train to Burtonport 1947, the Opening of Ard O’Donnell housing estate otherwise known as the Burma, Priests leaving Parochial House and School in preparation for procession and Muriel McGinley- Kelly’s wedding!
Come along and see if you recognise anyone – you might even spot yourself on the silver screen! We would be delighted if anyone could name and note themselves, or any people or places that they recognise for historical purposes. This film lasts approximately 1 hour.
East Donegal Ulster-Scots Heritage Exhibition
6.00pm – 10.00pm
This exhibition highlights some of the rich Ulster- Scots heritage of East Donegal. From the earliest times, East Donegal has been home to many people from Scotland who helped shaped the culture and history of the region. Some of the themes covered by the exhibition include the Donegal Ulster Scots Diaspora, East Donegal and Colonial America, the Ulster Scots Literary Tradition, the Donegal origins of the Presbyterian Church, Highland warriors in Donegal and much more. The exhibition is on loan from the Ulster-Scots Agency.
Get your dancing shoes on and join us for a ‘Night of Traditional Music, Song and Dance’ in conjunction with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Letterkenny
8.00pm – 10.00pm
Specially for Culture Night, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Lettterkenny in conjunction with the Donegal County Museum, will present a ‘Night of Traditional Music, Song and Dance’ which will feature a performance by the branch’s Senior Grúpa Ceoil.
The Letterkenny branch has been in existence since 1957 and hosts a weekly traditional session on Tuesday nights at Gallagher’s Hotel, Upper Main Street. All are welcome.
For those who may not have had an opportunity to visit our major exhibition;
‘County Donegal in 1916: Our Story’
6.00pm – 10.00pm
County Donegal in 1916: Our Story is a fascinating exhibition exploring the major events of 1916 from a Donegal perspective and offering visitors a glimpse of everyday life in the County in this pivotal year. Included in the exhibition are witness statements, letters written by Patrick Pearse and Roger Casement as well as the infamous Niall Mac Giolla Bhríde name plate.
A free activity booklet is available for children. The exhibition was part funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, through its Ireland 1916-2016 Commemorative Programme.
