This week’s ‘My Donegal’ is with Mr Gleann Cholm Cille – Liam Ó Cuinneagáin.
A co-founder of the now world-famous Irish language and cultural centre, Oideas Gael, he is a former Donegal Person of The Year.
To many, he is the modern day Fr McDyer, such is his input into the tiny south west Donegal hamlet of Glencolmcille.
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
The scenic drive from Gleann Bharr to Port An tSalann, overlooking Ballymacstocker. Pleading to be offered a second choice in – An Port, deserted fishing village here in Glen.
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
Dr Denis Mc Cauley and all the medical personnel confronting Covid.
What’s your happiest Christmas memory in Donegal?
When Santa Claus (my uncle John) bought me a red pedal tractor!
If you could change one thing about Donegal, what would it be?
I would bring the railway line into the county – A Round Ireland Railway going from Belfast to Derry to Letterkenny, through Barnesmore to Sligo.
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Has to be Thon Sunday in Dublin with Sam and Jim.
If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish for Donegal, what would it be?
Let us have the best broadband and economic infrastructure available.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
A nice wee Silkie whiskey straight from Carrick!
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
Daniel O’Donnell – never turned his back on the wee county.
What is your earliest memory associated with Donegal?
The train leaving Killybegs for Strabane.
What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
Being awarded Donegal person of the year in 2013.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Packie Bonner and Michael Murphy.
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant/bar?
The Boathouse, Cealla Beaga.
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
Fear maith eile…..(a sardonic expression in Irish).
What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
Sorting the MICA affair without further delay.
What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
Carraigeen Moss with Baileys.
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
Answer……..We tend to be too critical of ourselves.
Who is your favourite Donegal entrepreneur?
Donal Sweeney, Rathlin Knitwear, and Seán Ó Baoill, Bácús Uí Bhaoill.
If you had a hundred million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
Donate it to the wonderful staff of Letterkenny Hospital, Donegal Hospice and general practitioners to improve services to the ill.
Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
Langkawi Island, Malaysia.
Nomination for best dressed Donegal person?
Noel Cunningham.
Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
Our native language, music and musicians such as Enya, Clannad, Altan.
What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
For over thirty years, I have met people from every corner of the globe who have come to Donegal to experience and study our unique and beautiful language.
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