The Donegal Historical Society has just published its 75th issue of the famous Donegal Annual.
In a very colourful 160-page production, it contains a wide array of photos, maps, and historic documents, some of which were previously unpublished.
Launched at the MacGill Summers School last week, the Donegal Annual remains at the cutting edge of research and is essential reading for everyone with an interest in the history of the county.
To mark the Decade of Centenaries, four contributors have written articles on the Irish revolution – Méadhbha Ní Bhaoill on Eithne Coyle and her contribution to the struggle for independence; Niamh Brennan has examined the role of Joseph Murray as revolutionary, garda and teacher; Caroline Carr highlights the role played by women in the period and Helen Meehan looks at the true facts of the armed struggle.
Col. Declan O’Carroll has an extensive article on the Bartons of Portsalon while William Roulston recalls the family links of the world-renowned artist Paul Henry to Letterkenny.
Spas are not just a modern luxury – former President of the Society, Rev Raymond Blair, delves deeply into the history of the Donegal town spa.
Myra Cavanagh looks back at the visit of Sir Charles Lewis Gieseke to the county in the 1820s on a scientific expedition while Peter Childs examines the role of the kelp industry in the county.
Brian Lacey tells readers that the 1400th anniversary of the birth of St Eunan will be celebrated in 2024.
Two American historians are included too – Geoff Cobb writes about a Donegal-born sculptor who had a brilliant career in America while Tom Cannon turns to DNA in his study of names in south Donegal.
Seán Browne examines the historic links to Doonan Fort with the Cannon family.
Martin McGinley strikes a lively note in his article on the rich fiddling tradition in the Laggan and Finn valleys in the east of the county.
Aidan O’Hara examines placenames while Anthony Begley reminds readers that this is the 175th anniversary of the Ballyshannon Orphans’ Scheme, which saw female orphans being sent to Australia.
Editor Seán Beattie presents new sidelights into the history of the deserted island of Inishtrahull, which lies six miles north of Malin Head and which is rich in folklore.
Price €25 (postage extra), the 75th Donegal Annual is now on sale in local book shops or via the website, www.donegalhistory.ie
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