The 8^th McGlinchey Summer School
Thursday 23th - Sunday 26th June 2005
' The Waters Around Us '
(Uisce : Beatha agus Sláinte)

2005 Press Release
2005 Programme

The theme for this year’s summer school reflects the importance of the sea and the waters around us in the lives of people in the past and today. We are honoured to have Frank McGuinness, playwright and writer to open the proceedings on Thursday night 23rd June. Our programme will reflect the rich folklore surrounding the theme but will also acknowledge the economic importance of a water supply from inland waters and the economy of the sea.

This years exhibition will be one the most varied and interesting yet with contributions from local museums, the fishing industry, 3rd World ‘Water’ projects and of course our artists exhibition which has always drawn inspiration from the seas around us.

Particular emphasis will be derive from the rich association that Malin Head has with the sea through the Meteorological and Radio services and of course the rescue services. Exploration by sea will be featured as will the history of those many people who left the country over the years by boat.

Music has always played a central part in the events over the weekend and this years theme will present a rich wealth of songs and music on the tragedy and beauty of the sea.

With lectures, workshops, field trips, concerts, exhibitions and demonstrations, this years Summer School will be one of the most enjoyable so far. Following the success in 2004, despite tough weather conditions, our Golf Classic will take place again this year and we hope many of you will support the McGlinchey Summer School through participation at Ballyliffen Golf Club.

OUTLINE PROGRAMME

Opening talk : An Inishowen Writer
by
Frank Mc Guinness world-renowned playwright

Other topics and speakers during the weekend include:

Watching over the waters for centuries
Malin Head and the Wireless Station
Norman Fullam, Irish Coastguard

What future for Donegal fishing?
Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher TD, Minister for the Marine

Waters from Inishtrahull to Siberia
Stories and pictures of modern Irish maritime exploration
Paddy Barry, Leader, ‘Northabout’ circumpolar expedition

Treasures beneath the waves
Wrecks and other intriguing objects around the shores of Inishowen
Don McGlinchey, President, Irish Underwater Council

From shallow wells to Fullerton Pollan Dam
How they brought the domestic water to Inishowen
Peadar MacRory, Senior Engineer, DCC

The waters beyond us
Across the developing world there is a desperate shortage of water
Patsy Toland describes efforts to remedy it

Evening Entertainment

Thursday: Song-writer Kevin Doherty, in concert with Gerry O’Connor
Friday : Concert of Traditional Music and “Songs of the Sea” with Luke Cheevers, Brian Porter, Grace Toland and others
Saturday: Nationally acclaimed, The Henry Girls and friends
Sunday : At Doagh Famine Village, Stories, Sagas and Sea Shanties
with Frank Nugent, Helen Meehan, Grace Toland and others

Other Activities

Field Trips to Binnion Strand and Malin Head (including the Met. Station with Paddy Delany)

Art Exhibition and major Maritime Exhibition including Marine Institute, Diving equipment, McDonalds Boatbuilders
Golf Classic on Sat. 25th June at Ballyliffin G.C. Book teams at 074 - 9376119

Charles McGlinchey

Patrick Kavanagh, principal of Gaddyduff National School, Clonmany, who had spent his childhood as McGlinchey’s neighbour, realised the importance of what he had to say and chronicled his recollections over many years. 

Brian Friel, the playwright, subsequently edited the manuscript. Since it was published in 1986, The Last of the Name has become a classic. It is also available in French as Le Dernier du Nom. Last year an Irish edition of McGlinchey’s story, An Fear Deireanach den tSloinneadh (Arlen House), was launched. 

Charles McGlinchey was the direct inspiration of our Summer School set up in 1998 to explore the history and traditions of Inishowen and the North West. By this means we hoped to generate a greater awareness of our rich heritage and pass on the spirit of historical discovery to a new generation. 

2005 Programme