'Genuinely humbled' - Packie Keeney named as Donegal Person of the Year

Ardara man, Packie Keeney, has been named Donegal Person of the Year for 2025.

The announcement took place at the Lake of Shadows Hotel, Buncrana tonight. Throughout his life, Packie has embodied the spirit, ambition, resilience and generosity that define the people of this county. Born and raised in Ardara, and later making his home in Lifford, Packie’s life of quiet, yet transformative, service has left an indelible mark on Donegal’s cultural, social, sporting and economic life, ensuring that its heritage remains strong for generations to come.

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Best known as a co-founder of Highland Radio, Packie played a pivotal role in reshaping Ireland’s broadcasting landscape. An engineer by training and an entrepreneur by instinct, he was involved in lobbying for a local radio licence for the North West as early as 1979.

After a decade of determined advocacy, legislative change followed, leading to the launch of Highland Radio in March 1990. In its formative years, Packie served simultaneously as Chairman, Director, Manager and Engineer, personally designing and installing transmission solutions to ensure that even the most remote parts of Donegal could tune in. Today, Highland Radio is woven into the social fabric of the county, reaching over three-quarters of Donegal’s population weekly and connecting the Donegal diaspora around the world back to home.

A respected broadcaster and cultural champion, Packie also used his voice to promote Donegal’s rich musical heritage. A former member of The Barleycorns Band, he went on to present a range of popular programmes on Highland Radio, most notably his multi-award-winning show ‘Monday Night Live’, which he hosted for 15 years. Through his unwavering commitment to showcasing local talent, he is widely credited with supporting the launch of countless music careers.

Beyond broadcasting, Packie’s community engagement has been deeply impactful. As Chair of the Finn Valley Male Choir, he has helped create a vital social and mental health support network for older men. As Chair of Habinteg Charitable Housing Association, he has overseen the delivery of major accessible housing projects, including securing almost €9 million in funding for new social housing developments in Castlefinn.

His lifelong commitment to the GAA further reflects his deep dedication to community. From his early years as a player with CLG Ard an Rátha, to his roles as trustee, manager and coach with CLG Naomh Pádraig Leifear, as well as being a representative of Donegal on the Ulster Council and as official videographer, Packie has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Donegal’s sporting identity.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the GAA, he was recently honoured with the Charlie Bennett Hall of Fame Award by his home club, CLG Ard an Rátha.

Packie is also a devoted historian and archivist of Donegal life. Through thousands of photographs and videos shared online, he has meticulously captured and preserved moments ranging from GAA matches and motorsport to music festivals, community gatherings and the county’s rich tweed-making heritage.

At 79 years of age, Packie continues to serve Donegal with humility, compassion and vision. His story is one of passion, pride and selfless service to the people of Donegal. In every sense, he embodies the very best of the county and stands as a powerful role model for future generations, making him a truly deserving recipient of the Donegal Person of the Year Award.

On announcement of the award, Packie said: “I am deeply honoured and genuinely humbled to receive this recognition. Donegal has always shaped who I am, its people, its spirit, and its sense of community. Any contribution I’ve made to the county has been a privilege as it is to share this award with so many great people, I’ve so admired over the years, including my irreplaceable friend, Stephen McCahill. We will now carry this award forward in his honour and I would like to thank the Donegal Association Dublin for this opportunity”.

Chairperson of the Donegal Association in Dublin Siobhán Shovlin said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to honour Packie Keeney as Donegal Person of the Year 2025. This award celebrates individuals who represent the very best of Donegal, and Packie does so in every sense of the word. Packie’s lifelong dedication to his county through broadcasting, culture, community service, sport and the preservation of our shared history has had a profound and lasting impact, both at home and across the Donegal diaspora. His role in co-founding Highland Radio alone transformed how Donegal people connect with one another, wherever they may be in the world.

“What makes Packie’s contribution truly special is the humility and generosity with which he has given his time, talent and energy for decades. He has quietly strengthened the bonds that unite our communities and preserved the stories that define us. It is a privilege for the Donegal Association Dublin to recognise and celebrate such a remarkable person and we look forward to officially inaugurating Packie as the 2025 Donegal Person of the Year on the 28th of March in the Bonnington Hotel, Dublin.”

Packie will be inaugurated as the Donegal Person of the Year 2025 at the Donegal Person of the Year Gala Ball on Saturday, March 28, in The Bonnington Hotel, Dublin. This promises to be a very special night.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased by calling Hugh on 0872554966, Kathleen on 0863774081 or Marian on 0872517225; contacting any committee member or online at www.donegalassociation.ie

There are special rates available from The Bonnington Hotel by calling 01-8373544, €150 for a single room and €170 for a double room – DON26 is the code for guests attending the ball