She’s the public face of Donegal’s county museum in Letterkenny. Here assistant curator Caroline Carr explains why she loves Donegal but sometimes finds things a little bit “cat melodeon.”
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
The view from the back of Muckish as it has remained relatively unspoiled for centuries
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The perception that we are so far away from Dublin – even without a motorway we are much closer than counties like Kerry!
Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
My late Mammy, Mamie Rutherford Carr as you couldn’t have asked for a gentler and kinder one.
What’s your happiest Christmas memory in Donegal?
When I got my first bicycle, it was orange with white mudguards – it was best thing ever, apart from our Red Setters.
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
This year’s discovery of the heaviest gold hoard in Ireland since 1849 (4kg) and the extraordinary, by the book response of its civic minded finders.
If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what would it be?
Fair and accessible health care for all
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Football Special (perfect in a cheesecake), Donegal Tweed and I would just love a Donegal Carpet, a Gavin Morton Arts& Crafts one.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Millions of people in every corner of the world and every walk of life have Donegal ancestors- what better ambassadors could be have.
What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
That people think that I am much younger than I actually am.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Chloe Magee, Badminton player who is a 3 times Olympian, European medalist and 10 times Irish National Champion.
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
The Lobster Pot in Burtonport
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Cat melodeon meaning awful, terrible, just wile bad.
What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Brexit/ Border issue as we have 161km Border with Northern Ireland, 89 Official Crossing Points (haven’t a clue on how many unofficial border crossings there are) and only an 11km border with Co Leitrim without a solution in sight, so we are heading into the unknown.
What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Bruitin (pronounced broo-cheen) which is mashed potatoes and butter and milk and scallions/ onions.
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
More a general one – People who don’t mind their own business because they honestly think they know better and like spreading their untrue version.
Do you have a favourite local band?
Altan, they have been fantastic ambassadors over the years bringing Donegal fiddle music to audiences all over the world.
If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
Have to biased here, so would add an extension onto Donegal County Museum
Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
East Iceland, in a town with population of 57.
Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of? (example: our culture/language)
To quote CS Lewis, “London has its peculiar ‘Londonness’ and Donegal has its ‘Donegality’” – our intangible Donegal ways.
What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
I’m extraordinarily lucky to have an unusual, interesting and rewarding job where I get to uncover the stories of our county, people and place that may have gone untold, help preserve Donegal’s archaeological and cultural heritage and to meet people from all walks of life .
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