A native of Convoy, Tanya McLaughlin works in various roles on the Donegal Arts scene, and also as a Primary School teacher in a job share position in Raphoe Central National School.
“I feel fortunate to be able to work in both education and the arts, two areas I feel very passionate about,” she says.
As Festival Manager for the new Disappear Here Film Festival, opening in Ballyliffin on Friday 22nd until Sunday 24th September, Tanya is keen to make theatre, film and the arts as accessible to the people of Donegal as possible.
“Disappear Here Film Festival will have something for everyone, high quality films and animations, master classes, workshops and entertainment. If you love film, then this weekend is not to be missed.”
Tanya is a mother of one teenage daughter and they love nothing more than going on adventures when they get some free time – and where better to go exploring than the Coolest Place on the Planet?!
“We love to travel but coming home to Donegal is always a joy. There’s nowhere quite like home. There is so much variety within the county, so much to see and do on our doorstep. All you have to do is pack a picnic and hop in the car, an adventure is never far away!”
This is Tanya’s Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
I’m happiest when I’m on the beach, and we’re more than spoilt for choice here in Donegal. If I had to pick one spot, it would be Lucky Shell Beach near Ards Friary. It’s a firm family favourite. I always feel more at peace when I’m near the sea, especially early in the morning or later in the evening.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The public transport, both the availability and the cost. I’m sure it’s on many people’s wish list!
(3) Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
I can’t pick one! Can I have a few? Of course my parents and my brother and sister, as they have all been so inspiring to me in so many different ways. Their opinions are really what matters to me. We all need a soft place to land, and home with my family would definitely be that place for me.
Professionally, Patricia McBride, as director of An Grianan Theatre, she is someone I greatly admire and turn to for advice. She is also a great friend.
(4) What’s your happiest memory in Donegal?
My childhood, growing up in Convoy, was a very happy time. I have a very vivid memory of pure excitement during Italia 90, dancing on the wall outside my house with my brother wearing our green jerseys. Also every summer of my teenage years I spent in Ranafast. My mum always talks about the depths of despair I would be in when I had to come home. I made friends for life.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
I would say that most recently, being voted the coolest place on earth. We already knew that but I guess the secret has gotten out! The work that people like Joan Crawford from Donegal Tourism have put in to making the world notice our wonder of a county can not be underestimated.
(6) If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what would it be?
I don’t want to stray into world peace territory here, but I would definitely wish that people felt valued more by those around them. We don’t need a magic wand for that though, we just need to be more compassionate towards each other.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal has such a variety of products that are created here that it’s difficult to choose. You just need to look at the quality of products on offer at places like the Artisan Market in Letterkenny or Ramelton on a Saturday morning.
The entrepreneurial spirit in Donegal is alive and well. I am really impressed by the Lottie Dolls that are a product of a Donegal based company, with dolls that children can really relate to.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
I think at the minute we have a great ambassador in the actress Amy Beth McNulty. Amy Beth is playing the lead role in ‘Anne with an e’ on Netflix, a series based on one of my favourite books, Anne of Green Gables.
Amy Beth was a member of the Youth Theatre in An Grianan for years, and seeing her using her artistic talents so successfully is wonderful.
(9) What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
Any compliment from my 14-year-old daughter is a big deal!
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Chloe Magee from Raphoe. She was the first Irish woman to ever win a badminton match at the Olympics. Herself and her brother Sam made history in April by winning the first ever medal for Ireland at the European Badminton Championships. I know that they are a huge inspiration to the children of the town.
And also the Donegal GAA Ladies team, what a great group of athletes, they deserve more recognition.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
I love The Olde Glen Bar and Restaurant – top notch food and a wonderful atmosphere. And I can’t forget to mention my daily haunt, The Counter in Letterkenny. It feels like a home from home, except with better coffee and less housework!
(12) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
“Aye no bother.” The technicians, the engineers, the designers, making everyone look and sound their best, I couldn’t do my work without a lot of “aye no bother’’ from these people.
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Having our voice heard on a national level on things that are important to us is something we all need to continue to work for.
(14) What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
The World Famous Chowder from Nancy’s Barn in Ballyliffin – it even has the official title to back me up! During our upcoming film festival, Disappear Here Film Festival, we hope that people take the opportunity to visit Nancy’s Barn and taste it for themselves when they’re in the area.
(15) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Things that annoy me are few and far between, and usually out of my or anyone else’s control, namely what feels like a winters day in August when you’ve planned an outdoor event!
(16) Do you have a favourite local band?
If only you knew how hard this question is to answer! I have many friends that are such talented musicians, and I feel like Donegal has one of the most thriving music scenes at the minute. For me, Constant Supply and Aul Boy are two bands I am hugely supportive of.
I was at Swell in Arranmore in July during the Earagail Arts Festival and it’s mind blowing how many Donegal bands are making extraordinary new music. The Plea from Ballyliffin are closing Disappear Here Film Festival and it’s guaranteed to be a great gig. I would definitely encourage people to check out local music events.
(17) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
I know that a lot of the time it’s the money to pay staff that can hinder a facility being put to better use. So if I had a million euro to improve something I think I would use it to employ more staff in facilities where they are needed to support people.
(18) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
I suppose the furthest away place would be LA, though I’m not sure how unusual that is these days. Supposedly Irish people are the most travelled people in the world.
(19) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I am immensely proud of the traditions we still have here, the Gaeltacht, the language, the music, the sport, the dance, the theatre. I love the sense of community, the get-togethers in not only times of joy but also in times of sorrow.
(20) What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
The most rewarding thing about what I do, in theatre and the arts, and also in education, is the relationships I form with the people I meet, the children I teach, and the position of trust that I am in to look after them and their work.
The hours can be long but when you love what you do, and you can see it makes a difference, that audiences can really feel something by seeing a piece of theatre, film or art, well it just can’t be beaten.
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