Identity

These are the fundamental questions about life. With regard to the first question, I have read a story about a man who went to the Ryanair desk in some airport or other. He thought that the receptionist behind the desk was treating him rudely and he said, ‘Do you know who I am?’ The receptionist went to the microphone and announced, ‘We have a gentleman here and he does not know who he is. If anyone in the airport could help him, could they come immediately to the Ryanair desk?’

People are greatly interested in questions 1 and 2. Nobody can be too sure about question 3. Regarding the first and the second question, people are showing a great deal of interest in genealogy nowadays.

Clonmany Genealogy mounted an exhibition around Easter, ‘Inishowen 100 Years Ago’ as part of the 1916 commemorations. The project was a great success, and they had to organise an extra day. There was still a great demand for the exhibition after that, and it was mounted again in Sliabh Sneachta Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday of last week. There were hundreds of photographs on display. There was more material on local schools this time. People were able to get information about the language in the Irish corner. Music was provided by local

musicians. Patsy Cavanagh put on a little play about the Rising with children from the audience who performed without rehearsing. Ireland Ireland definitely has talent! There was a weaving demonstration. Ladies showed their knitting skills. I really liked the ‘pop-up’ museum. There was a jaunting car in the hall as well as a huge amount of material which was got on loan from local people, including a churn, a spinning wheel, an old valve radio, cooking utensils, crockery, traditional tools, and a sewing machine. It was a joy to see so many aspects of our

culture and our history in one place. I can’t wait to see the next exhibition. It will doubtlessly be bigger still!