The O’Donnell surname of Donegal will be are the forefront of a new episode of TG4’s Sloinne this Sunday.
Sloinne delves into the fascinating stories behind Ireland’s most common surnames and this week, the programme follows Hannah Ní Dhomhnaill, a Donegal student studying in University of Galway, as she goes on a journey back in time to trace the history of her surname and to find out about others with the same Ó Domhnaill surname.
Hannah’s journey takes her to the beautiful Franciscan Friary (Rossnowlagh) and to Donegal Castle (Donegal Town) where local historian Séamus O’Doherty tells her the history of the Abbey and Castle, the Flight of the Earls and about Aodh Rua Ó’Donnell.
Hannah Ní Dhomhnaill meets with historian Séamus O’Dohertyon Sunday night’s episode of Sloinne to trace the fascinating history of her surname.
Donegal is well-known for it’s wealth of musical talent and on her adventure Hannah also meets Finbarr Clancy to discuss the history of ‘O’Donnell Abú’, famously sang by the Clancy Brothers and with singer Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill who tells her all about her famous aunt Neilí Ní Dhomhnaill.
Hannah with Dr Liam Mac Amhlaigh
The episode features other conversations with Professor Nollaig Ó Muráile, who shows Hannah ‘The Great Book of Geneaologies’ in Dublin and with Dr Liam Mac Amhlaigh (University of Maynooth) who discusses Niall Ó Dónaill, the man behind the well-known Foclóir with her. She also chats with her own father Séamus Ó Domhnaill and Paul MacCotter (series genealogist).
Sloinne paints a colourful picture of how our local areas and surnames are deeply intertwined.
Episode 5 airs on TG4 on Sunday 18th February 2024