Ardara woman Siobhan Shovlin is the Public Relations Officer for the Donegal Association in Dublin.
The association was founded after the Arranmore Disaster in 1935, which aims to bring together Donegal people in Dublin.
Siobhan works as a primary school teacher in Cabra in the capital…
This is Siobhan’s Donegal…
(1)What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
My favourite place in Donegal is Narin Beach. It has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. It is lovely to have such natural beauty on our doorstep.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
It would be great if there was a better road network to/from our county.
(3) Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
It’s very hard to pick anyone in particular. I really look up to people who dedicate their lives doing good for the more vulnerable in our society. For example volunteers in the Third World and those who work with the homeless and those living on the streets.
(4) What is your happiest memory in Donegal?
My childhood growing up in Donegal – school days, the birthday parties, summer camps etc. It’s always is the little things!
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
The All-Ireland Final 2012 and the lead up to the final created such a sense of excitement and enjoyment for the people of Donegal. It came at a welcome time when Donegal and the rest of the country was going through economic challenges.
(6) If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what would it be?
Good health!
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
I think Donegal Tweed is timeless and really lovely. The tradition of Donegal Tweed is part of the county’s identity undoubtedly.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Professor William Campbell deserves great acknowledgement and respect for his work in the area of medicine for which he achieved a Nobel Prize.
(9) What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
Some of the nicest compliments I receive are from the children I teach. The kind words and compliments from them really mean a lot.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Seamus Coleman – great ambassador for both Donegal and Ireland, the kindness shown by him to various charities and organisations is so lovely to see.
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
I really love Harvey’s Point, Sunday Dinner there is such a lovely experience!
(12) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Probably that something is a ‘wild handling’.
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
It would really help our county if there were more employment opportunities to encourage some of our emigrants and young people back home to Donegal.
(14) What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
As a child I really loved the Coconut Sponge from Gallagher’s Bakery.
(15) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
I feel it is such a shame that some parts of our county are badly littered and areas are experiencing problems with careless dumping. This really spoils the natural beauty of our county.
(16) Do you have a favourite local band?
A few locals have come together to form a band locally called the Duck Street Jam Band. I really enjoy their music!
(17) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
I would like to improve some of our smaller roads for both locals and also to facilitate tourists as they journey along the Wild Atlantic Way.
(18) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
I often log onto Donegal Daily on holidays to read about what’s happening at home.
(19) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I am very proud of the great sense of community that exists among Donegal people. Donegal people abroad have a real close connection and network which is really nice to see.
(20) What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
In relation to the Donegal Association it’s nice to be part of the Person of the Year award as it is lovely to see someone honoured who has done a lot for our county. This year saw Stephen McCahill being honoured who lives in my area which was great to see.
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