Gary Doherty is a Sinn Féin Councillor on Donegal County Council serving the people of the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District. You can find out more about Gary on his Facebook page. In this he talks about his favourite things about his home county in ‘My Donegal.’
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
I always say that Donegal is the best County in Ireland so anywhere in Donegal would qualify here. But I’m a big fan of the old saying ‘there’s no place like home’ because it certainly rings true for me, so my favourite place in Donegal is my home town of Castlefin.
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
I admire anyone who voluntarily gives up their free time to help others, whether that’s to coach a team, being active with Tidy Towns, helping out at a youth club etc. We are so fortunate in Donegal that we have brilliant community activists in every parish in the county.
What’s your happiest Christmas memory in Donegal?
I love Christmas, it’s my absolute favourite time of the year. I have great memories of waking up on Christmas morning when I was wee to go and see what Santa brought with my parents and sisters. I’m making the same memories with my own weans now. There’s nothing better than walking down the stairs to see what the big man has left!
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
The two All-Ireland victories will always be special for us all, but this year I think the Mica families should be really proud of what they have achieved to bring the issue to the nation’s attention and fighting for 100% redress. In particular, the two protests in Dublin, when the County stood proud and united behind the Mica victims and made sure that we weren’t going to be forgotten any more.
If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish for Donegal, what would it be?
I’d make sure we got a solid three months of good weather every summer. If we had that, we’d be up there with any holiday destination in the world. And we’d all be in great form with lovely tans.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
This is a popular answer I’m sure, but I’ll have to say Football Special. It’s elite level!
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Has to be the one and only DOD, Daniel O’Donnell. He represents us so well on a global stage, and always does what he can to promote the County.
What is your earliest memory associated with Donegal?
Well my earliest memory is dropping my dummy down a well at my Granny and Granda’s house in Domeyloop when I was about 2, so I’ll have to say that!
What is the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
I seen a critic on Facebook calling me a ‘clown’ once. I do like to think I’m quite funny sometimes!
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Growing up it was Martin McHugh. What a player he was. Nowadays, I have huge admiration for people like Michael Murphy and Jason Quigley for the dedication and commitment they give to their sports. Also have to mention Seamus Coleman who is a class act despite playing for the wrong team on Merseyside!
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant/bar?
Can’t beat the breakfast in McGlynn’s in Castlefin!
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Wile hanlin sir!
What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Mica is the biggest challenge this county has ever, or will ever face.
If you had a hundred million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
The health services. Access to healthcare shouldn’t have to depend on where you live or your ability to pay for it. That Donegal people have to travel to Galway/Dublin etc. in 2021 for our basic health treatments is nothing short of a disgrace in the modern age. A hundred million would be a start in fixing the geographic inequality.
Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
Maybe the Kop in Anfield? I don’t really end up in too many unusual places, I’m too boring in my old age.
Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of? (example: our culture/language)
The people! Can’t beat the Donegal wans!
What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
My job is all about helping people. When a person comes to me they need help, and it may a trivial issue or it could be a life changing situation. Sometimes these people feel they have nobody else to turn to. If I can make their situation better, even just a small bit, that makes it all worthwhile.
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