Dermot Cavanagh is an artist and broadcaster who starred in the hit BBC series ‘Awash With Colour’.
The Tyrone native has taught celebrities from all over the world, including everyone from reporter Sankha Guha to singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy.
This is Dermot’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
My favourite place in Donegal is the Rosguill Peninsula, the scenery has sense of savagery about it yet the locals are warm, welcoming and are as hospitable as I’ve ever met. In particular my most favourite spot is the Murder Hole beach and cave.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
I would have daily flights to Donegal airport from all major UK hubs. So that more Brits could have the opportunity to discover the northwest through painting it with me.
(3) Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
Patsy Dan, King of Tory. For the tireless way he has undertakes his ambassadorial obligations; welcoming visitors when they arrive at the harbour and saying goodbye when they leave; and entertaining tourists at night by playing the accordion or telling them stories about his home land.
As well as king, Patsy Dan is also a fellow painter; he has helped keep alive the island’s 50-year-old tradition of primitive painting.
(4) What’s your happiest memory in Donegal?
I have lots of happy Donegal memories from childhood and throughout my married life with my wife and kids. And many more while filming six episodes of my BBC TV series ‘Awash with Colour’, but one of the most memorable was being stranded on Arranmore Island during a summer storm with Packie Bonner.
We had been filming on the island all day and went to the pub for a pint meaning to catch the last ferry back when a storm blew up. The craic in the pub with Packie was legendary.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Winning the All-Ireland.
(6) If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what would it be?
An invisible retractable roof on the county to be opened and closed at will.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal tweed.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
It has got to Daniel O’Donnell. I just can’t think of anyone who has done more to put Donegal in the international spotlight and he still continues to do so.
(9) What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
I have always considered repeat customers on my painting courses and painting holidays as a really big compliment. But the greatest is when a client, only half way through the first morning of a three day course says they have learned more already than in years attending other classes.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonner, who else!
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
I really like good food presented to a high standard and my favourite place to eat out in Donegal is The Singing Pub. Their menu is amazing.
(12) What is your favourite Irish saying or expression?
‘Not a bother’.
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people in the North West today?
Holding onto the young people.
(14) What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Mulroy Bay Scallops.
(15) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Only when they beat Tyrone.
(16) Do you have a favourite local band?
Band: Altan but individual Rory Gallagher.
(17) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
The road over lough Salt.
(18) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
From the Croatian medieval hilltop village of Groznjan.
(19) What is the most rewarding thing about painting?
Painting is my life. I’ve painted from childhood, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to do; and now I am good at it. The most rewarding thing for me is that every day I can do what I love to do.
(20) Is there anything about the North West that you are very proud of?
The friendliness and hospitality of the people.
To keep up to date with Dermot and to see more of his work you can visit his website by following this link:
http://www.learntopaintwithdermotcavanagh.com/
