Together we have reached a milestone, the 40th edition! There were times, over the years, when it seemed to be unachievable! Personally, I thank God for those years. The loyal support from contributors, advertisers, sellers and buyers over the years gave the team a lifeline to continue.
Editorial by Jim Lynch
Once again, I hope you enjoy this special edition- 200 pages with a mix of 60 plus articles, 350 photographs of people, places and events, familiar, or down memory lane, in the town, we all love so well! The 40th needed something special. Looking back, reeling in the years, proved difficult to select from 40 annuals, so an article back in 1986 by An Fear Feasa in “Searchlight” seemed, to me, to fit the picture. Inside this respected publication within “40 years, 40 Annuals,” he asked the question “Would the annual survive?” His conclusion then was that “the project was sound and highly commendable, a worthwhile contribution to community enrichment” The public demand and involvement with said item, has enriched this community, and left behind a valuable resource library of local social history for future generations as we plan our town into 2040.
Because of the pressure of space, it was difficult select and I had to delete many of my own articles on George Boal, Covid, Ramelton Folk, Leaving Home etc. New, younger writers, from here and abroad, have contributed, providing an organic transformation into more recent events, people, and timeline. This augers well for the future. At the same time, the constant tradition of local history and heritage has been maintained by Hugh Devlin, Kieran Kelly and Caroline Carr.
Its the 1500 anniversary of Gartan born Columba. This monastic evangelist, worshipped by so many different faiths, is commemorated by Jimmy Friel in his article on the venerated saints connection with Gartan Clay. Donnan Harvey depicts scenes of the saint, in a large rose window, designed by Beatrice Elvery and Michael Healy in “An Tir Gloine” stained glass window in the Cathedral. The Saints encounter with the Loch Ness monster in 565 makes interesting reading! So many Columbans from this parish has evangelised all over the world in the footsteps of Colmcille. This faith, ethos was also linked to the many emigrants, established in politics, sport, religion, life abroad, in names such as McKeemy from Ramelton, McAdoo from Milford, Gallagher the founder of the All Blacks and Sweeney of Glasgow Celtic from Ramelton, Tip O’Neill of Buncrana, Brandon and Kevin Boyle whose father emigrated from Glencolmkille in 1970. In more recent times William Campbell the winner of the Nobel Prize. Muckish Ave man Troy Gallagher became the first mayor born in the Republic to become Mayor of Islington, London. He carries the hopes, dreams, aspirations of many emigrants past and present. Another emigrant returned 60 years ago. George Boal’s vision created a business complex where he placed his caravan, in the Mountain Top. Today he is honoured with a roundabout in his name.
Despite the dreaded Covid, we have a lot to celebrate this year. Its the 50th year of LYIT – we are now a University town growing into a city! “Living Tradition” records the ongoing outdoors man in St. Eunans the Same 1980 established by the late Francis and Peg Allison. The Grimes family still delivers a quality finger licking snack box and legendary Big 4, after 50 years in business. Both Brian Mc Daid and Dermot Doherty Records their finger licking days in “The Four Lanterns”! Rumour has it that the demolition hammer is heading for the iconic Golden Grill to make way for development. Paddy Walsh remembers the grilled chicken in the Grill! When the pandemic is under control we look forward to another reunion, started in 1991, detailed by P Walsh and Dessie Kelly.
It has been a successful year for local sort. St. Eunans had success in both hurling, Ladies and Senior County Championships. Letterkenny Gaels celebrated their 25th Anniversary with silverware also. Paul McGovern, an outgoing pro, has been loyal to this annual. He remembers the late Noel O’Donnell from the Burma playing for the club in the 50s and 60s. Paul, Edna, Declan and Shane continue the black and amber. Another legend, the great Seamus Hoare is featured also. Chairman John Herron retired with 8 Donegal SFC medals. In July Teresa McDaid headed for Tokyo Olympics as team manager. A mighty team over 40 years, Andy O’Boyle and Charlie Sheils, shares their passion for the game. An annual visit, with returned community, with returned Community Games photographs, to the late Michael Crossan is no more! His daughter describes his lifes dedication to family and sport. Since 1997, 30 charities have benefited from money raised in the Northwest 10k. The award winning journalist and commentator Eric White remembers the Rovers 40th anniversary of first league title success in “Invincibles.”
My sincerest sympathy goes to the many bereaved families. We did invite families, using Facebook, to submit a photo of a loved one who passed away. Some responded and are remembered in the section “We Remember.” For many years the late Margaret Gallagher contributed poetry to this annual. As we go to print I am informed of the death of the late Deace Mackey of Ard O’Donnell. May their souls rest in peace.
An annual submission came from the retired Canon Brian Smeaton while he resided in Churchill. I appreciate his loyalty down the years, and enjoyed meeting this jovial charismatic character while he was here. I wish him well in his new residence in the Dublin/Wicklow area.
Nostalgia, memory lane fills pages. Paddy O’Conors classic script told by Maureen Sweeney in “Tales from the Back Road” you will enjoy. If you remember “Petrol Rationing” you will remember life in a different time as described by new writer Jean McKean, as she grew up in the 40s and 50s in Rahan.
40 annuals, 40 years, a lifetime of community involvement in collaboration with so many people, both in Letterkenny Community Centre management and contributors to this annual. I have watched that acorn grow into a strong mature tree. During the winter months over the past 40 years, it became a personal commitment to this community both as a councillor and service to community centre. A balance between this passion and commitment to my many obligations to teaching and family wasn’t always easy.
As we look forward to the bright coloured lights of advent, we want to connect with each other as we yearn for normality; without the fear and threat from Covid. May you enjoy contented hours around your fireside with caring company, wherever you are. At the same time, remember that person down the road who is alone, lonely, too far from home, possibly sick or grieving. As fellow Christians, we are here to serve not to be served, to care for and share with each other. In that context, I admire Kathy O’Connor and her helpers, who year after year, serve a hot Christmas meal, with a smile, to anyone in need. May we all enjoy the peace, joy, good health, and spiritual comfort and caring company, this Christmas.
