From the tiny village of Crossroads, Killygordon, Clare Scanlon is a former World Champion speed skater. She now lives in Holland where she works as a secondary school teacher. Clare talks of the best things about her home county in ‘My Donegal.’
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Malin Beg, Glencolmcille, because it is like heaven on earth – so beautiful and peaceful.
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
My mother, because of her great strength and capacity to keep going in hard times.
What’s your happiest Christmas memory in Donegal?
In our kitchen at home on Christmas evening with all the family. That would be around 20 people, including all the grandchildren.
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The roads!
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Donegal winning the All Ireland final.
If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish for Donegal, what would it be?
Improve the healthcare in our county.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Answer…… My Magee’s hand woven blazer.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Packie Bonner
What is your earliest memory associated with Donegal?
The endless, hot summer holidays.
What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
‘I love your Donegal accent.’
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonner
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant/bar?
Nancy’s of Ardara
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
‘Aw aye surely!’
What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Poor infrastructure and bad healthcare
What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Home baked scone bread
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
They are always late.
Who is your favourite Donegal entrepreneur?
Benny Browne of Browne’s Bar, Crossroads, Killygordon.
If you had a hundred million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
Healthcare, roads and the water system
Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
On a gate in Malin Beg, for good coverage!
Nomination for best dressed Donegal person?
My auntie, Mary Ann Scanlon.
Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of? (example: our culture/language)
The Donegal craic and the great generosity of the local people in small villages around Donegal.
What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
Teaching Dutch teenagers about our language and culture.
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