Ali Farren’s name is synonymous with the Malin Head area of Inishowen. Never found wanting when it comes to helping Ireland’s most northerly community, this is Ali’s My Donegal.
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
100% it has to be Sunny Malin Head, no matter where I go I still believe we have better in Malin Head. In Malin Head my favourite places are 5 fingers beach, Sand port or Ardnagun which is behind Malin Head pier. Apart from Malin Head I like Greencastle, Killybegs and Rathmullan
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
Jim Mullin (Malin Head Community Association) or Michael Turus Doherty (Mica action Group), They both dont know how to take no for an answer. They believe in getting a job done.
What’s your happiest Christmas memory in Donegal?
Seeing Santa go out the window one Christmas morning when I was about 8 and he left me an Everton top.
It’s a very long story, but he left John Ned a Morris Minor with no wheels that year. Santa used to store his supplies at the tower in those days to save the reindeers.
He was dragging the Morris Minor past our house late that night when we thought we imagined we saw him.
We sure did hear him and the next morning the tracks were fresh on the road, so it was true!
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The Politicians!
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
The Mica March in Dublin. Being in Dublin at the Mica march, it made me prouder than being at the All Ireland in 2012.
If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish for Donegal, what would it be?
I would create a modern visitor attraction in Malin Head that would create good jobs and would help keep people in Inishowen longer. https://www.facebook.com/malinheadvisitorcentre
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Muff Gin, Daniel Dohertys Plain loaf, Ronald Boggs black pepper sausages or local Glen honey.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Most people will say Daniel O Donnell, Declan Houten, Micheal Murphy, or Paddy Diver but for me it’s Mark Monagle.
He is a lad from Malin Head who lives in London and is very involved with the London Donegal Association.
Each year they organise fundraisers and Mark always makes them remember where he comes from.
What is your earliest memory associated with Donegal?
Going to the beach every morning during the summer with my Grandad and getting a drag of his cigar to heat me up when we came out of the water
What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
I would rather an insult so that I could insult back, maybe it’s a donegal thing as we aren’t good at giving or receiving compliments.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Seamus Coleman
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant/bar?
I eat my way around Donegal, Castle Inn – Greencastle or Andersons Boathouse – Killybegs.
But Donegal is blessed to have many great eating places and so many I have yet to try.
It’s also very difficult to pass the open crab sandwich in Farrens Bar which is owned by my brother Hugh.
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Aye right!
What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
No 1-Mica. No2- Lack of housing and jobs. No 3
What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Nancy’s Barn chowder, Malin Head crab, or Emerald sweets.
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Lack of belief. We dont believe enough in ourselves, we have the potential to be great but there are always negative people who bring us down.
Who is your favourite Donegal entrepreneur?
James Doherty for Sliabh Liag Distillery
If you had a hundred million euro to improve something in Donegal, what would it be?
A national Park for Malin Head with a very modern play park.
Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
Inistrahull Island, just off Malin Head
Nomination for best dressed Donegal person?
I should say the wife, but even she would say Deirdre Bradley from Deirdre of the Diamond, Carndonagh.
Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
Our Community who continue to support each other
What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
Getting to meet visitors to Malin Head and be able to represent my area with pride.
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