Celebrating Glengadand Scotland's links

Fr Devlin P.P Malin with Richard Doherty whoes family donated the painting in memory of their family. Photo: Joseph Jackie.

Extra chairs had to be brought out to accommodate the large audience at a wonderful presentation concert held in Glengad Community Centre last week.

At the event, Richard and Heather Doherty, who live in Ayrshire, Scotland, presented a painting to the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church, Aughaclay.

Richard’s parents emigrated from Glengad to Scotland, where they brought up their family.

Richard obtained a copy of Shelia Mc Clay’s book, ‘Tar Isteach.’ After reading about his parents and friends in the book, he was inspired to do something to remind people of the link between Glengad and Scotland, which became home for so many people from the area. He decided to donate a beautiful painting by Jim McGarvie, who lives in New York and whose parents came from Falcarragh. It is a striking piece of art work and it will be displayed prominently in the church. Richard and Heather brought 17 friends and relatives from Scotland for the event.

They were treated to a great evening’s entertainment, provided by some of Glengad’s outstanding musicians and singers: Breda Doherty, (fiddle, tin whistle, accordion, keyboards); Bernie Mc Laughlin (songs, keyboards), Eamon Doherty (Edward), John Bonner, and Maeve Douglas (songs).

Richard’s sister, Margaret spoke of her early memories of Glengad. Fr. Devlin thanked the Doherty family for their generous gift.

Other members of the family made donations to the Alzheimer’s Society, Donegal Branch (Homecare) and Glengad Community Centre which were handed over during the evening.