 JG.jpg)
The contribution that County Donegal-based community groups and individuals make to the preservation, protection and promotion of our built, natural and cultural heritage was recognised at the National Heritage Week Awards ceremony in Gloster House, County Offaly on Friday, October 20. The event, hosted by The Heritage Council and presented by broadcaster Síle Seoige, saw three awards for County Donegal-based groups again this year.
Togra Fiontar and Cultúr Uladh won the Irish Language Event Award for its Feile Saibhreas na Síoraíochta. The festival took place over five days. It included a boat trip and guided tour of Inis Bó Finne, visits to three vernacular houses, traditional skills and craft demonstrations, story-telling, folklore, music, singing, a film screening and sporting events. The Irish Language Event Award was awarded to the best event or project that took place through the Irish language and encouraged participation or activity in the Irish language. The runner-up in the Irish Language Event Award category was also from County Donegal. Áras Sheáin Bhain in Fintown was runner-up in the category for its ‘Cnuasach Leabhar Sheáin Mhic Aoidh’ project. The Donegal GAP Heritage & History Group was also a runner-up in the Living Heritage Award category for its ‘Treasures in Our Bogs’ project.
The Inishowen Rivers Trust in partnership with the Loughs Agency won the Water Heritage Award for its Culdaff River Heritage Workshop. The workshop with local historians explored the relationships people have with their local river and with each other. Taking place at the Wee Hall in Culdaff, it provided participants with an opportunity to find out more about the history and significance of the river. Local historians spoke about various aspects of human interactions with the river down through the ages, from the early Christian sites to present-day fishing practices. The Water Heritage Award was awarded to the event or project that best explored how a canal, river, lake or sea shaped the heritage of a locality or celebrated water as an integral part of our natural heritage, as well as being a vital part of our future, or reflected on what more we can do to conserve this valuable resource.
The National Heritage Week Awards’ County Award recognised the most successful project in each local authority across the island with the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Committee winning the prize for County Donegal. The project entitled the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Experience was designed and delivered by the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Committee and the Elusive Theatre company. The guided tour with a difference sees participants ‘meet’ local historical figures in period costume such as the founder of the first motoring school in Donegal, a legendary GAA player, a rapparee and a First World War soldier to name but a few along the route which includes visits to several heritage sites.
“It’s great to see the work of community groups in County Donegal recognised at the National Heritage Week Awards again this year” said Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer. “There were almost 100 events and projects organised for Heritage Week in County Donegal and the success of Heritage Week rests with the groups and individuals who raise awareness, encourage appreciation and promote better understanding of our local heritage. The successes of Donegal-based community groups are all the more impressive when you consider that they were recognised as the best in their award category from the almost 2,000 events and projects across the country. There is a continued need for investment in our natural, built and cultural heritage to reinforce our sense of place, support our well-being, provide local employment, support our local economy and tourism industry.”
Other award winners at the National Heritage Week Awards were the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) in County Cavan that won the Sustainable & Climate Award; Maharees Conservation Association in County Kerry that won the Living Heritage Award; The Hunt Museum in County Limerick that won the Inclusive Event Award; and the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group from County Clare that won the Wild Child Award. More information on the winning projects, on National Heritage Week and how to get involved is available on the Heritage Week website at www.heritageweek.ie
