The legacy of Donegal poet Francis Harvey could be forever enshrined in the new Donegal Town library if a motion is passed to name the building in his honour.
Harvey, a well-known poet and playwright, passed away in 2014 at the age of 89.
Although born in Enniskillen, he lived most of his life in Donegal and much of his work was rooted in and inspired by the county.
County Councillor Barry Sweeny has proposed that the new library in Donegal Town should be named in honour of Harvey. The motion will be brought to the council at next week’s meeting of the municipal district.
Describing Harvey as ‘The Seamus Heaney of Donegal’, Cllr Sweeny said that the cultural offering of Donegal Town would be greatly enhanced, and the wider area could benefit by raising the profile of Francis Harvey locally.
Cllr Sweeny brought a motion to the county council earlier this week seeking to name libraries or special rooms in libraries after appropriate individuals.
The Donegal MD councillor said that Donegal has many artists and writers who connect closely with the local landscape, history and people. He said that honouring particular persons in library names would be another way of connecting the public to libraries.
He highlighted the impact that Yeats’ legacy has had on Sligo and the impact that Derry poet Seamus Heaney has had on his homeplace.
“I think branding libraries will engage and educate people and give a higher appreciation of what they have on offer,” Cllr Sweeny said.
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