Hugh Vaughan was born in Strabane, spent time growing up in Donegal, and enjoying the wild rugged country as an escape from the Troubles. Donegal weather drove him to Australia, where he has two children and two grandchildren. He hopes to return to his kids in early 2022. He has written extensively on his childhood, in his three books, his latest being Fragments of an Analytic Pub Crawl. See his website for further details http://www.hmvaughan.com
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
I have a sentimental attachment for Donegal, my mother’s family is from Lifford but I spent my teenage years in Portsalon, and partied most weekends in Borderland, Muff and then on Sunday in Buncrana listening to the traditional greats , including Planxty, Clannad and Aileach Folk.
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
Not quite an answer but Rory Gallagher toured during the Troubles, as did Horslips, one of my all time favourite bands.
What’s your happiest Christmas memory in Donegal?
Visiting my grandparents, the McGavigans in the Coneyburrow, and Baldy Daddy, my grandfather singing a Christmas carol, I now forget what it was
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
Thats easy, the weather!
If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish for Donegal, what would it be?
Nice weather
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
My Granny’s wheaten bread
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Daniel O Donnell, everywhere I go they know him, I was at an in-laws gathering outside of Melbourne and a family member had been on several of his cruises.
What is your earliest memory associated with Donegal?
My grandfather Baldy Daddy, singing to me, and letting me stuff his pipe and lighting it, in a fit of coughing, much to his amusement
What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
“Your teaching has made a difference to my life!”
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonner
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant/bar?
My last visit to the Singing Pub in Downings, the creamy pints of Guinness helped
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
My mother would say about some belligerent people “they’d fight with their own shadow”
What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Donegal has been known as the “forgotten county”, still true for the whole of the north west
What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Years ago, my wife and I would walk the hills of Donegal on a Friday, in all sorts of weather, a little cafe in Buncrana that served roast dinner at a very reasonable price.
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
The weather, it really drove us out to good weather to live in
If you had a hundred million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
A big party with lots of music for everyone when covid is over
Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
Motril in Spain
Nomination for best dressed Donegal person?
Joe Boland – even when it’s sunny he wears three jackets!
Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
My Mum, the people, I also joined the Donegal Society for a christmas BBQ a few times in Melbourne
What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
As I am retired, just getting up out of bed knowing I have nothing to do.
