THE Blaney family’s record of 100 years of uninterrupted representation on Donegal Co. Council was ‘an extraordinary achievement of truly historic proportions’, those in attendance heard at a civic reception to mark the occasion which was held at the local authority’s headquarters in Lifford on Friday.

The comment came from Cllr. Donal Coyle, who had originally proposed the hosting of the civic reception – which is the highest honour that a council can bestow upon an individual, group or organisation.

The Blaney family has been synonymous with Donegal politics since Neal Blaney was elected to the local authority back in 1925.

He was also a TD and senator at different times until his death in 1948.

Cathaoirleach Paul Canning and Chief Executive John McLaughlin present a commemorative gift to Cllr Liam Blaney and Senator Niall Blaney at the County House, Lifford. Photo: Clive Wasson

Since then, four more Blaney family members have served on the council, namely Neal’s son, Neil T. Blaney (from 1948 to 1957), his brother Harry Blaney (1957-1999), and Harry’s sons Niall Blaney (1999-2002) and Liam Blaney (2003-present).

Neil T. Blaney was the highest profile member of the family, being elected to the Dáil on 15 occasions and serving as a TD until his death in 1995. Expelled from Fianna Fáil following the Arms Crisis of the early 1970s, he formed the Independent Fianna Fail party. He also had two terms as an MEP.

The late Harry Blaney and current Senator Niall Blaney both served as TDs with the latter being a prominent figure in the move for members to rejoin Fianna Fáil in 2006.

Members of the dynasty held numerous important positions ranging from being Cathaoirleach of Donegal Co. Council to representation on a variety of bodies and committees.

Cllr Liam Blaney, Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD, and Senator Niall Blaney at a Civic Reception at the County House, Lifford.

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Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal Co. Council described the 100 years of service as being ‘an extraordinary milestone of uninterrupted service’ and praised the councillors over the years for their ‘tireless work for farmers and rural communities’ while John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal Co. Council quipped that the Blaney’s ‘are not finished yet’.

Cllr. Coyle noted that a Blaney family member had been successful at 19 successive Donegal Co. Council elections, and he said that the Blaneys ‘were tried and trusted and the electorate believed in them’.

Sen. Niall Blaney and Cllr. Liam Blaney both addressed the large crowd in attendance on what was a proud – and also emotional day – for them and many of the family.

Cllr Liam Blaney addresses the crowd.

They were presented with an official scroll marking the occasion, and their mother Margaret Blaney, the wife of the late Harry Blaney, was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

Those in attendance were treated to refreshments after the event in the Lifford Old Courthouse while a follow-up event to celebrate the 100 years was held later on Friday evening in the Silver Tassie.