Arranmore man Denis O’Donnell has spearheaded the Darkness into Light walk on the island since 2015.
The walk raises vital funds for Pieta House, with the Arranmore walk raising a staggering €4,400 earlier this year for the charity. Through running marathons, Denis has fundraised for countless charities through the years.
Denis has been a DJ at Smuggler’s Nite Club on the island for many years, and is a member of the Arranmore Island council and a number of other committees.
This is Denis’ Donegal…
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
The lighthouse at Arranmore Island. It has scenic coastal views all around. It is a very peaceful place for me.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
More employment for people. Real jobs with proper wages not CE schemes.
(3) Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
Jim McGuinness. As manager of Donegal his influence spread from the players to everyone in Donegal. He created a real feel good factor in the county. He inspired so many people.
(4) What’s your happiest Christmas memory in Donegal?
At home as a boy, Christmas morning with my mother. Special memories.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
The Donegal team becoming All Ireland football champions.
(6) If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what would it be?
The whole county would receive high speed broadband. In turn that would create more jobs.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal tweed.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Daniel O’Donnell. He is known all around the world. He has made people aware of Donegal that wouldn’t have known about it. So many visited Donegal because of him.
(9) What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
I got myself fit a few years ago. People kept saying the difference in me.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonner
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
Harvey’s Point
(12) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Header!
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Unemployment
(14) What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Doherty’s mince
(15) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
No
(16) Do you have a favourite local band?
Goats Don’t Shave
(17) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
Care for the elderly.
(18) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
In Liberty Island at the Statue of Liberty.
(19) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
The Irish language. An example of that on Arranmore island would be 300 students on two different terms come to the island for three weeks to learn Irish.
(20) What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
Knowing that it helps other people.
Would you like to take part in our My Donegal feature? Drop us a line at info@donegaldaily.com!
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