The launch of the Donegal Annual 2025 took place at Kee’s Hotel, Stranorlar, on 4th June 2025.
An enthusiastic crowd gathered for the event which was formally opened by retired Colonel Declan O’Carroll, a former President of the Society,
Now in the 77th year of publication, this edition includes 21 articles covering a broad range from the ancient churches of Inishdooey to industrial sites like the Glentown Slate Quarry in St Johnston.
Highlights included articles by Marianne O’Kane Boal on the Drumkeelan mines, Dr. Peter Childs on Ramelton’s chemical works, and John Holmes’ history of Glentown Slate Quarry. Lulu Chesnutt moved many with her piece From Kilcar to China: A Mission Journey, telling the remarkable story of her great-aunt, Dr Eleanor Chesnutt.
Contributions also delved into literary heritage, including Helen Meehan’s exploration of the unpublished poems of Ethna Carbery, and Anthony Begley’s tribute to Ballyshannon’s beloved poet William Allingham on the 200th anniversary of his birth.
Front: L-R Marianne Boal & daughter, Anthony Begley, Helen Meehan, Lulu Chestnutt.
Back: L-R Charlie Gallagher, Sean Beattie, Declan O’ Carroll, Joe Gatin, Raymond Blaire, John Holmes.
This year’s edition also brings attention to maritime history, with articles from Patrick O’Donovan and Vincent Breslin on the tragic sinking of the HMS Wasp off Tory Island. The editor, Dr Seán Beattie, offers a particularly evocative study of the ancient church at Malin Well, while other academic highlights include Dr Peter Wilson’s research on Ordnance Survey huts on Sliabh Sneacht and Tom Cannon’s deep dive into medieval Donegal.
Several contributors, including Dr Megan McAuley, Dr Brian Lacey, Dr Matthew Potter, and Dr Joachim Fischer, offer engaging perspectives ranging from children’s folklore to medieval ecclesiastical architecture, and even a rare translated travel account of Donegal from 1853, which sheds new light on the legacy of Lord George Hill.
