By Eoin McGarvey
A WEEKEND of remembrance celebrating the late Annagry publican Connie O’Donnell raised over €7,000 for two charities close to the hearts of the O’Donnell family.
Connie, a native of Glenties, was a well-known publican in Annagry for many years and passed away suddenly in 2006.
Although Glenties born, Connie had close ties to the Annagry area as his late mother was Kitty Phaddy Boyle of Meenderrynasloe. His father was Paddy Neilly William from Druimlaghdruid.
The weekend in Caisleáin Óir Hotel and Duffy’s Pub was one of remembrance, music, friendship and togetherness, celebrating the memories that live on and the people who will never be forgotten.
Rosie Sharkey and Kerry Ann Sharkey at the Connie O’Donnell memorial charity event in Annagry at the weekend.
Connie’s wife, Maureen and their children, Conor, Patrick, Danny and Katie, his siblings, extended family and friends from near and far came together as one to raise a glass and sing songs in his memory.
Fr Nigel Gallagher celebrated his anniversary Mass in Star of the Sea Church.
All proceeds from the weekend went towards two wonderful causes, Gemma’s Legacy of Hope and Donegal Jigsaw, supporting young people’s mental health. At the weekend the O’Donnell family revealed that a total of €7,260 has been raised and divided equally between both charities.
The family have thanked everyone who made the weekend so successful, adding that Connie’s memory lives on 20 years later.
“We honestly can’t thank everyone enough that helped in any way at all. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone who showed up, travelled to be here, donated, sponsored or even just shared the social media posts,” the family said.
“It’s amazing what happens when a community comes together. To our sponsors, we thank you so much. None of this would be possible without you.”
Their final message was: “remember it’s ok to not be ok, and it’s ok to speak up or reach out.”
Maureen O’Donnell, widow of the late Connie O’Donnell with her daughter Katie. Photos: Eoin McGarvey.
Hughie Sharkey, John Paul Wilson and Isabel Sharkey in Annagry for the Connie O’Donnell memorial event.
Sisters Sinead and Theresa Campbell with Conor O’Donnell at the Connie O’Donnell memorial event in Annagry.
Kaitlin Sharkey and Áine McGarvey.
Nikola Boyle and Patrick O’Donnell
Members of the extended Sharkey and O’Donnell families at the Connie O’Donnell memorial fundraising event in Annagry.
