Anthony Begley, local historian and former President of County Donegal Historical Society, launched the reprint of Fr. Paddy Gallagher’s book “Where Erne and Drowes Meet the Sea” at a well-attended event organised by the Magh Ene Historical Society in Bundoran Community Centre on Friday night last. The book was originally published back in 1961 by the late Fr Paddy, who was a noted historian and native of Bundoran. Guest speakers included Sean Boner, Chairperson of the Donegal Historical Society and Séamus McAnnaigh, Clogher Historical Society. Other guests on the night included historians Helen Meehan and Declan O'Carroll with MC for the evening, Val O'Kelly, Chair of the local Historical Society. Mr Begley paid a glowing tribute to Fr Paddy. He said that he was honoured to launch the book as Fr. Paddy had been a major influence in encouraging him to research and record local history back in the 1970s. 'Bitter sweet' for ATU team as Archaeology Journal publishes Donegal man's work posthumously Fr. Paddy’s philosophy was that unless people recorded local history it would be lost forever and his book on Magh Ene is clear evidence of this, as there are many gems recorded by him which otherwise would have been forgotten. Fr. Paddy Gallagher’s life began on Station Road Bundoran, in 1919, with his parents James and Catherine (nee Dolan) in a house now occupied by Brian McEniff and his family. Having attended local schools and St. Macartan’s College he was ordained to the priesthood at Maynooth in 1945 where he had also graduated in classics and ancient history. His priesthood began in the deserts of California and as a military chaplain with the U.S. Navy before returning to teach in St. Tiarnach’s College in Clones. He then served in many parts of the Clogher dioceses before finally settling as Parish Priest in Derrygonnelly Co. Fermanagh. He said that Fr. Gallagher was a pioneer who believed in self-help, both in establishing the first Credit Union in Ireland and became the
Photo Special: Famous Magh Ene Parish history back in print after 60 year plus sabbatical
