In pictures: Packie Keeney's Donegal Person of the Year night at stylish Gala Ball

Packie Keeney was awarded Donegal Person of the Year for 2025 at a stylish night at the Bonnington Hotel in Dublin. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

The event kicked off with a new MC for the night, Letterkenny man Aidan Campbell. John was led into the room by the President of the Donegal Association, Peggy Stringer.

John McCarter, the previous Donegal Person of the Year, spoke to the crowd and mentioned the various events which he attended during the year.

He also said that it is such a “great honour to be recognised by your own people” and wished Packie the very best.
The event was well attended by other Former Persons of the Year, including Noel Cunningham, Jason Black, Deirdre McGlone, John Carr, Brian McEniff and Bríd Rogers.

The charity recipient for the raffle on the night was Donegal St. Vincent de Paul, which is a charity chosen by Ardara native Packie as a charity he has volunteered with in the past.

“We would like to thank our generous sponsors for donating raffle prizes,” the Donegal Association in Dublin said. “We were delighted to be joined by our friends from Mary from Dungloe again this year, including 2025 Dublin Mary Anna Sutcliffe and the 2025 Mary from Dungloe, Ellie Ward, who kindly assisted with the raffle.”

The Association also marked Ardara Lady Kathleen Sheerin’s 50 Years of nonbroken service to the Association with a small presentation.

Chairperson of the Donegal Association, Siobhán Shovlin, thanked the team in the Bonnington and the audiovisual team for ensuring the night ran so smoothly.

She also thanked the loyal sponsors without whom it would be impossible to host the event. She also thanked the outgoing Person of the Year, John McCarter, in particular for helping in the organisation of the announcement night in Buncrana.

She spoke of the great work Packie has done in promoting Donegal, including helping in the foundation of Highland Radio, his community work including Habintech Housing Association, his contribution to GAA, his role as Chairperson of the Finn Valley Men’s Choir - a very deserving awardee indeed and she is delighted that he has accepted the award.
Siobhán also remembered past persons Joe Mulholland and Stephen McCahill, who are no longer with us.

“Stephen was one of those who nominated Packie and would be so proud looking down on the evening’s events,” Siobhan said. “May they rest in peace.”

A fantastic video outlining Packie’s work and achievements was played on the night, which was compiled by Declan Keeney, Packie’s son.

President of the Donegal Association, Peggy Stringer, did things a little differently this year by getting the crowd singing and reading a poem she had written about Packie.

Packie Keeney spoke at length about all those in his life in what was a warm and sincere speech. He mentioned his family members and remembered his late wife Kathleen and his dear friend Stephen McCahill. He spoke about how honoured he is to receive this award and similar to Daniel O’Donnell and John McCarter, there is something special about being honoured by your own people.

The formalities of the evening concluded with Hard to Beat Band leading the music with special guests Matt McGranaghan, Mickey Joe Harte, Gráinne Gavigan and of course Packie himself, who treated everyone to a few songs. The Donegal Association wish John well for the year ahead, and we look forward to joining him along the way.