Day to honour Chieftain Red Hugh O’Donnell planned for east Donegal

East Donegal is preparing for a massive celebration this Saturday, October 25, with a full day of festivities planned to honour the legendary Chieftain Red Hugh O’Donnell.

Lifford will come alive with a blend of history, music, and cultural heritage, offering a day for everyone to remember the local hero. The day begins with the active Red Hugh O'Donnell 5km road race in the morning.

The main public spectacle, the parade, kicks off at 1:30pm, starting from the Applegreen Service Station on the Letterkenny Road. The procession will move through the town, filled with clans, colour, and music, promising a vibrant display of Donegal pride.

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This year's parade is set to be particularly significant, welcoming members of the great clans linked to The Nine Years War, including the O’Neill Clan from Northern Ireland, the Gallagher Clan, the Sweeney Clan, and the Red Hugh O’Donnell Association. Marching bands from across Donegal will also fill the streets with their rousing music.

The celebrations continue from 2:30pm at the Festival Stage located beside the Old Courthouse, near the Council Offices at The Diamond. Attendees can expect live music and performances, bringing the sound and spirit of Donegal to life.

In a strong demonstration of community support and respect for the Chieftain’s legacy, several high-profile civic leaders have confirmed their attendance. 

The dignitaries joining the festivities include the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairi McHugh, the CEO of Donegal County Council, Mr John McLoughlin, and the Cathaoirleach of the Lifford/Stranorlar Municipal Group of Donegal, Cllr Martin Harley.

The day promises an atmosphere rich with colourful flags, banners, and clan tartans, offering family fun and cultural pride. Organisers urge the community to come out and honour their local-born hero, keeping the spirit of Red Hugh O’Donnell alive.

The celebrations will culminate in the evening with a Celebration Dance in Maggie's Tavern, St Johnstown, commencing from 10pm. As this is noted as a very popular occasion in the local calendar, attendees are advised to purchase their tickets in advance.

Red Hugh O'Donnell was born at  born at the site of Mongavlin Castle in Lifford in 1572, and was a Gaelic Irish nobleman and a central figure in the Nine Years' War against English rule. Kidnapped as a youth and imprisoned in Dublin Castle, he escaped in 1591, fueling a lifelong anti-English resolve.

As the powerful O'Donnell chief, he allied with Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, leading significant military campaigns with major victories at the Yellow Ford and the Curlew Pass. Their confederacy aimed for Irish self-governance. Following their decisive defeat at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, O'Donnell travelled to Spain for aid, where he died in 1602.