Bríd Mhic Phaidín's photographic journey of west Donegal continues

A west Donegal woman has once again recalled Cnoc Fola’s past in a new book.

Following the success of the first volume of ‘Faoi Scáth Chnoc Fola’ - Under the Shadow of Bloody Foreland - in 2015, which showcased photographs from a bygone era, Gaoth Dobhair’s Bríd Mhic Phaidín was inspired to produce a second volume of the book.

Launched late last year in the Brinalack Community Centre, ‘Faoi Scáth Chnoc Fola, Imleabhar 2’, features over 1,300 photographs from the seven townlands within the Cnoc Fola area; Carrick, Glassagh, Bun an Inver, Brinalack, Bloody Foreland, Meenacladdy and Glasserchoo. The photographs depict life in these areas as early as the 19th century.

“The photographs I enjoy are those which show young people gathered with an accordion for a dance at the crossroads,” Bríd tells DonegalLive.

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“At the time the picture was taken there were no dance halls in the area. Another interesting element to the photographs is that you can see clear landscapes with very little houses built and no electricity poles present.”

The historian, who is a native to the Brinalack area, has spent around a decade collecting photographs for the second volume.

“I visited people in the surrounding localities, and they were generous with their time, and they trusted me with their photographs. I am indebted to all those who gave me pictures and shared information pertaining to their loved ones,” she says.

To date, the book has received a great reception from the local people and has also reached places from afar such as the United States, Greece, England, and Scotland.

Bríd has always had a passion for local history and folklore in the area. She made it her goal to put aspects of the tradition and images related to the area together in the form of a book in such a way that they would be preserved and not forgotten.

“Being over 70 years old, I can very much relate to a lot of the photographs and the times they were taken in,” she continues. “In 2014, I also showcased photographs from eight townlands in the Cnoc Fola area. Local people came out to see the exhibition and enjoyed seeing photographs of their families. Many of the young people who attended had not seen photographs of their great, great, grandparents and it was a privilege to be able to show these to them.”

The book is still available to buy in Maple, Luinneach, O’Donnell’s Chemist, Stranakorkra and An tSean Bheairic in Falcarragh priced at €22 and above.