Bernie Doherty, a local singer/songwriter/musician and Singing and Music Teacher, will carry out a series of interviews with Dinny McLaughlin (Whiteharrow) at his home in Shandrum, Drumfries, Co. Donegal and at the Day Care Facility at the Sliabh Sneacht Centre, Drumfries, to document and record, a catalogue of songs, recitations and details of the Céilí Houses and individuals in the area these were associated with. Bernie will also work with local schools and singing groups in the area, gathering further material and teaching the songs and recitations to the children involved.

Dinny McLaughlin has been a prominent figure in the Traditional Irish Music and Irish Dancing Scene nationally and Internationally for the past 70 years and his knowledge of traditional Irish music and songs is unparalleled in relation to this part of Donegal. 

Dinny has a wonderful memory for music, songs and recitations.  Much of this part of our culture and heritage is dying out and this project will capture the particular songs, recitations and music that were prevalent in this part of Donegal in the 1940’s and 1950’s from someone who has a vast store of first-hand knowledge.

The outputs will include a written and recorded catalogue of songs and recitations to be a cultural record and to form the basis of future work – i.e. recordings and/or publications of written material. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.