Poetry award launched in memory of much-loved Stranorlar teacher, Aidan Doherty

Finn Valley College in Stranorlar has launched a new award for poetry in honour of a respected teacher, Mr Aidan Doherty, who passed away last year.

Mr Doherty was a beloved English teacher at the Stranorlar Vocational School and a well-known figure in the Twin Towns.

In a tribute to his passion for stories and prose, Finn Valley College handed out the inaugural Aidan Doherty Poetry Award this week to student Valentyna Yavniuk.

Aidan’s wife, Noreen, was welcomed to the school prizegiving for the special occasion.

The judges were blown away by the standard of the poetry presented and had to shortlist 7 poems. Shortlisted poets David Franczak, Arven Alli, Caoimhe McCloskey, Alina Kolesnyk, Ava Doherty and Heidi McGonagle Laverty would all have been worthy winners but this year’s winner, for her powerful poem ‘Kills to Forget‘, was Valentyna Yavniuk.

Announcing the inaugural award, a spokesperson from Finn Valley College said: “Aidan is fondly remembered by colleagues and students for being fun loving and mischievous, but also for being a pioneer in the early days of learning support. Aidan was a great support for those from other countries learning English for the first time, students and indeed their families, something which he continued on a voluntary basis, long after his retirement.

“Aidan was instrumental in setting up the first school library in Stranorlar Vocational School, and always encouraged students to enjoy reading and to be brave with creative writing.

“Aidan is also remembered as a great lover and promoter of Gaelic games, it was Aidan who set up and ran the long running Sandy Harper memorial tournament.”

The school community issued thanks to English teacher Mr Freddie Godliman for his support with the inaugural Aidan Doherty Poetry Award.

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