In pictures: Finn Valley College captures Donegal spirit with album launch

Finn Valley College, Stranorlar has captured the spirit of Donegal in a new album, 'Our Donegal', launched recently in a spectacular two-part celebration. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

FVC and ETB staff are joined by Special Guests Patsy Crawford, Denise Blake, Pearse Doherty TD, Paul McDevitt

Featuring 21 tracks of songs and poems performed by staff and students, the record is a heartfelt tribute to the county’s rich cultural heritage and a significant fundraiser for the Donegal Hospice.

The project is the third major musical initiative by the school, following successful albums dedicated to the 1916 Rising and World War One. According to teacher Shaun Byrne, who co-spearheaded the album with music teacher Farah Bogle, the goal this time was to create something "positive and uplifting."

"We are a nation who by circumstances have had to rely on our music to do our talking and remembering for us," Mr Byrne said at the launch.

"Our songs and poems have become our collective archive where we express our hopes, our fears, our loves, our losses. We should be proud to celebrate that tradition and pass them on."

The celebratory day began with an outside broadcast by Highland Radio live from the school. The two-hour segment introduced listeners across the county to the project's roots and the voices behind it.

Teachers Byrne and Bogle discussed the collaborative effort that involved students from all years - including the new First Year Music class forming the bulk of the choir - and six mentor teachers. Student leaders, Head Boy Cameron Porter and Head Girl Brooke Stewart, spoke about the positive impact the college has had on their lives.

In the afternoon, the official launch took place in a packed school gym. The guest of honour, legendary Inishowen songwriter Patsy Cavanagh, graciously performed the official launch duties. The ceremony culminated with Cavanagh joining student Erin
Alexander and the choir for a moving rendition of his timeless classic, 'Home to Donegal.'

‘Our Donegal’ blends well-known favourites with fascinating local history. The tracklist features standards such as 'The Homes of Donegal' (sung by Farah Gillen) and the traditional 'She moved through the Fair' but it’s the album’s deep dive into local lore
that makes it unique. Student Becky Doherty performs 'Amazing Grace’, a hymn with a surprising connection to the county. The line, "saved a wretch like me," first came to writer and former slave trader John Newton when his damaged ship was safely harboured in Lough Swilly in the 1770s.

Poetry is also central to the album's structure. Ciara Moss reads Seamus Heaney’s reflective poem, 'Had I not been awake', written after the poet suffered a stroke while recovering in Gweedore.

Other performances include Blake Bovaird’s reading of the Ulster Scots poem 'Wee Hughie' and Joey McGovern’s powerful recitation of “Donegal”, a work by Letterkenny based poet Denise Blake.

The multi-instrumental skills of David Franczak on the accordion are featured on traditional pieces like 'The Donegal Reel' while students AJ Breen, Ciara Moss, and Niamh Browne sing 'Songs of Our Land' written by Stranorlar-born poet Frances Browne.

The entire project was recorded locally at Terry McGinty’s Valley Studios in Ballybofey. Music teacher Farah Bogle praised the "team effort" which included student Nikol Stenko designing the cover art.

Deputy Head Boy Daithi Mangan spoke for many of the students about the unforgettable experience of singing in a professional recording studio, an opportunity praised by ETB chief executive, Anne McHugh and Director of Schools, Martin Gormley.

The album, available in a handy pen drive format, is priced at just €10. All proceeds from the sales will go directly to the Donegal Hospice, making Our Donegal an ideal, meaningful Christmas gift. It is available at Alexanders and Andies Stores in the Twin Towns and at upcoming Christmas Market stalls.