Donegal journalist Joe McGarrigle’s iconic 1960s tv camera donated to museum

The late Joe McGarrigle was an esteemed journalist and broadcaster from Donegal Town, and his work chronicled in film and text the social history of the region for more than 50 years. 

As well as his work for RTE radio and television, Joe was a regular contributor to the Donegal Democrat, and he was the local notes correspondent for Donegal Town for a number of newspapers. He also wrote two books, Donegal Past and Present, and Donegal Profiles.

Joe was among the first to serve as Mayor of Donegal Town, and was a great ambassador for the community during his tenure. 

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His son James has kindly donated Joe’s cameras and associated equipment - state of the art in their day - to Donegal County Museum where they will be preserved as part of the Hidden Heritage Series.

A spokesperson for Donegal County Museum said: “We are delighted to present - thanks to Ronan, the first in our hidden heritage series showcases the equipment from well-known journalist Joe Mc Garrigle (1916-1993) from Donegal Town. 

“As a feature writer, journalist and cameraman, Joe was a very successful chronicler of peoples' lives for over 50 years in Donegal. 

“As a journalist, he was a regular contributor for Radio Eireann and was appointed cameraman and correspondent for the North-West for RTE, covering many important events and documenting old traditions on the wane to a modernising society.”

In the 1960s RTE purchased 16mm Auricon cameras and Joe had the initiative to invest in one. It came with a 400ft film Magazine, heavy batteries and a steel tripod. It was also designed for use with a magnetic track recorder. 

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“When interviewing,” continued the spokesperson, “Owenie Gillespie, Mountcharles, acted as Joe's cameraman. 

“From the beginning of the Troubles in Derry to the famous Carpet Factory in Killybegs, Joe documented a significant amount of footage during his lifetime. 

“He was also a prolific photographer. This camera and equipment is now preserved in the Museum Collection. 

“Courtesy to James Mc Garrigle for his generous donation, the information and images.

“Stay tuned for regular updates on our hidden heritage series!”

Donegal County Museum is part of the Culture Division of Donegal County Council. The Museum is based on High Road, Letterkenny, in an old stone building which was once part of the Letterkenny Workhouse. The exhibition in the first-floor gallery tells the story of County Donegal from prehistory to the twentieth century. In the ground floor gallery, a series of temporary exhibitions are held each year. 

The Museum organises a varied events programme including talk, tours and workshops, and cares for an ever-growing collection of over 8,000 artefacts representing a wide range of periods and topics.