Donegal Person of the Year 2005

Carrickman

Well done to Kilcar Man Michael O'Donnell was announced as Donegal Person of the Year for 2005, anyone who knows Michael will agree he is a worthy winner.

From Todays Democrat

Tireless Community Worker Is Donegal Person Of The Year

At a prestigious function in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, last night, Kilcar-man Michael O'Donnell (Micheal Mor) was announced as Donegal Person of the Year 2005.

The President of the Donegal Association, Peter Sweeney, made the formal announcement, greeted by a massive applause from the large audience.

Born in Kilcar in 1925 Michael O'Donnell is wellknown in the area as a man who has worked tirelessly and selflessly for his community. Educated in the local primary school, he was a pupil in St. Eunan's College, Letterkenny during the war years of 1939-45. Afterwards he attended University College Dublin and was then employed as a teacher.

Changing careers whilst only a young man, Michael then began to work in a local factory. He became involved in the local Trade Union branch and always fought for the rights and conditions of the workers.

Michael married Bridget Campbell from Silverhill, near Glenties, and both are fluent Irish speakers. Later, Michael became Postmaster of Kilcar Post Office. His life achievements are many. Only a quick delve into some of those achievements and it is clear to see why he has been bestowed with the title of Donegal Person of the Year 2005.

To date Michael has been Chairperson and Board Member of Radio na Gaeltachta as well as a member of Donegal County Council. He was also fundamental in the establishment of Kilcar Parish Council and Kilcar Drama Society.

In the the sporting and educational fields Michael's contributions have been manifold. For years he has been involved in Kilcar GAA club and responsible for the setting up of the first ever rural Technical school in Carrick.

Michael has also been Involved in the purchase of land in Ballymoon for the Ballymoon Industrial Estate, and from a development point of view he has been integral to the building of factories in Kilcar and the installation of a new sewage treatment system in Kilcar.

One of the major projects Michael has been involved with was the building of the Ashling Centre. This is a support centre in Kilcar and provides not only sports and games facilities, but also a health centre, a library, meeting rooms and classes for further education. Courses in computer training is a major facility in the centre which is open daily from 9.00am to 10.00 p.m. As a result of this magnificent resource many people in the area have gained a high degree of proficiency in I.T. Michael now hopes to attract an I.T. company to set up a business in Kilcar, citing the experience and computer literacy amongst the local workforce. Michael is presently involved in bringing Broadband to Kilcar and to other parts of Donegal.

A gifted storyteller, prolific writer and poet, Michael is the author of 2 books and has written 5 books of poetry. He is presently researching the History of Kilcar and hopes to have it published in the near future.

Michael O'Donnell is indeed a very worthy recipient of Donegal Person of the Year Award. The Award will be presented to him at Donegal Person of the Year Annual Ball in the Burlington Hotel on Saturday 25th February next. Tickets are on sale and are priced at 55 euro each and may be purchased from any committee member.