The Donegal County Archives have acquired a donation of historic documents signed by former President of Ireland Eamon de Valera during a visit to Donegal in 1968.
The documents relate to the opening of the new school building for Irish college Coláiste Uladh, Gortahork, on 21st July 1968, exactly fifty years ago this month.
The key item is a beautifully preserved letter signed by Eamon de Valera, President of Ireland, to Breandán Uasal Mac Cnáimhsí, Uachtarán Choláiste Uladh, dated 24 July 1968. In the letter, President De Valera thanks Mr Mac Cnáimhsí and his team for the welcome they gave him and their kindness to him on the occasion of the opening of the new college building, stating as Gaeilge:
‘Bhain mé an-taitneamh as imeachtaí an lae agus ba mhór an sasamh agus an dóchas a thug mé liom óna raibh ar siúl agaibh.’
Letter (as Gaeilge) signed by Eamon de Valera, President of Ireland, to Breandán Uasal Mac Cnáimhsí, Uachtarán Choláiste Uladh, dated 24 July 1968
Also included in the collection is an original invitation card, personally signed by President de Valera, to Bean Bhreandán Mhic Cnaimhsí, with details of the day’s programme, including Mass and Blessing by the Bishop of Raphoe, An Dr. Mac Ficheallaigh and the Official opening by the Minister for the Gaeltacht, Pádraig Ó Fachtna.
Invitation card to opening of new Coláiste Uladh building, personally signed by President de Valera, to Bean Bhreandán Mhic Cnaimhsí
Invitation card to opening of new Coláiste Uladh building, personally signed by President de Valera, to Bean Bhreandán Mhic Cnaimhsí
Included also is a Menu for dinner on the day, and a list of the toasts (sláintί.)
Menu card for event marking opening of new Coláiste Uladh building, including cover
Menu card for event marking opening of new Coláiste Uladh building
All the documents are originals and signed by President De Valera. The envelope from the President addressed to Breandán Uasal Mac Cnáimhsí has also been preserved.
The collection was kindly donated by the family of Breandán Uasal Mac Cnáimhsí and Donegal County Archives was delighted to be its recipient. The documents have been scanned and listed, added to the County Archives database and are available to view online and by prior appointment at the Archives research room in Lifford.
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