Bank Lane in Letterkenny is set to be renamed to Dr. Kinnear Lane next month in memory of former minister and MP John Kinnear.
Rev John Kinnear
John Kinnear (1824 – 1909) was born in Tyrone but lived most of his life in Letterkenny. He was ordained a Presbyterian minister in 1848 and was the first clergyman to be elected as an MP.
He served as a Liberal MP for Donegal from 1880 to 1885. He was also a strong champion of Tenant’s Rights.
Dr Kinnear’s significant contribution to Letterkenny life was noted by local councillor Jimmy Kavanagh, who is seeking to have the cleric’s legacy commemorated at Bank Lane.
Cllr Kavanagh, who first raised the idea in 2017, sought an update on the progress at Tuesday’s council meeting.
“I was asked to bring this in by the Letterkenny Historical Society, and the motion is nearly historical itself at this stage,” Cllr Kavanagh remarked.
Cllr Kavanagh proposed that the council proceed with the placement of a plaque on the wall at Bank Lane to officially rename the area. The laneway, located behind AIB bank, is part of the Letterkenny Walking Tours.
Cllr Kavanagh pointed out that Dr Kinnear has been largely forgotten about locally, despite being buried at Conwal Parish Church.
“There is a big chunk of history that is forgotten,” he said.
The local authority confirmed that they are now in a position to progress with the renaming of the lane, which is scheduled to be completed in April.
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