This year's Donegal Person of the Year recipients are the People of Creeslough

The Donegal Association in Dublin has announced that the winner of the 2022 Donegal Person of the Year is ‘The People of Creeslough.’

On the unforgettable afternoon of Friday, October 7, ten people were killed following an explosion at the Applegreen Service Station in the village. 

In revealing this year’s recipients, a spokesperson for the Donegal Association said: “The Donegal Association in Dublin was founded as a result of a tragedy – the Arranmore Disaster, which occurred on the night of November 9, 1935, when 19 islanders lost their lives on the short sea journey home from Burtonport. 

“We come together on April 15 to honour Creeslough and the courage and community spirit of its people. 

“The entire country watched on and held Creeslough in their hearts last October. For us Donegal folk living in Dublin we shared your grief. We were in awe of the response to the tragedy, so many people from Donegal and further afield gave their all in the hours that followed.

“The hospitality, kindness and offers of assistance to both neighbours and strangers in the days that followed was incredible. In its darkest of days, the strength of Creeslough’s community shone through. 

“We remember those who lost their lives, think of the bereaved, the emergency services, the first responders and the many individuals and businesses who did whatever was asked of them and much more.

Chairperson of the Donegal Association in Dublin, Kevin McFadden said: “I am delighted that the Donegal Association Dublin are presenting the 2022 Person of the Year award to the People of Creeslough, its people have shown the world the true meaning of community and are an example to us all. 

“We hope to honour the village, its people, its history and its future on April 15 in Dublin.’

Current Donegal Person of the Year Noel Cunningham said: “For me it is always a privilege to be associated with Donegal and to have been Donegal Person of the Year was beyond my wildest dreams. It gave me a further platform to promote my beautiful county.

“It was also the most poignant of times with the terrible tragedy in Creeslough and for me it is a source of huge pride that we are handing over the title to the great community in Creeslough who have shown the world the true meaning of community. 

“I was in Medjugorje when the news broke and as I spoke about on national radio several thousand people from all over the world fell silent that evening remembering the people so affected by the tragedy

“I will most certainly continue to do what I do for County Donegal and certainly now the Creeslough community are being recognised, my pride in my county is even greater.”

The Gala Ball will take place on Saturday, April 15 in the Bonnington Hotel, Dublin.

Tickets are priced at €80 and The Bonnington are also providing a special overnight rate for guests of €120 for a single room and €140 for a double room (bed and breakfast). Just mention the ball in your booking 01 8373544, or avail of the discount online on www.bonningtondublin.com by entering the promotional code - DON23

Tickets are available through the following options:

- Committee Members

- By calling Hugh on 0872554966, Elaine on 0857709066 Kathleen on 0863774081

- By emailing info@donegalassociation.ie