Donegal family visit restored homestead

Three generations of the Quinn family, who used to live in a cottage in the townland of Straness, which is now part of leading wind farm operator Energia Group’s Meenadreen Wind Farm in South Donegal, have welcomed the partial restoration of their old family homestead as part of the Leghowney Loop trail.

Energia’s Meenadreen Operations team have been working on the project for the last year, repairing existing stonework, rebuilding walls where necessary and replacing the old roof to provide a shelter for walkers through the wind farm ahead of Global Wind Day on Saturday, June 15.

Walkers on the Leghowney Loop can now stop off to see the original layout of the house and look inside. Signage about the history of the Quinn homestead and the family who lived there offers visitors a trip back in time.

Dr Ailish O’Boyle and Mary Dawson, once better known as the Quinn sisters, visited the derelict site before works began. Seeing her childhood home partially restored with family photographs on the walls, Ailish said: “I was born in this cottage and attending the unveiling is an emotional occasion, evoking feelings of nostalgia as I look back at my roots. The Energia Renewables team have been instrumental in the conservation of the cottage. Not only is this historic occasion in recognition of the Quinn family, who lived here from the 1850s to 1960s, but it is also an example of the societal and cultural life of the community here in Meenadreen.

“I hope the current and next generations of walkers who pass by here will get a sense of my childhood experiences. The information boards that have been erected will give visitors an understanding of the rich history of the cottage and the Quinn family.”

Brian Mullen, Head of Energia Renewables Operations, who has overseen the project from start to finish, said: “In advance of Global Wind Day we are keen to highlight the power of wind and its role in the energy transition as we move towards a net-zero future.

“For Energia Renewables, it is important to see the wind farm bring tangible benefits to the local community. This project will improve the walking trails through the wind farm, preserving an important cultural link with its history and the local community.

“I’d like to thank my team who have worked tirelessly on this project, contacting the family and adding touches like the carved stone name plaque and the information boards with details kindly supplied by the Quinns. We couldn’t have done this without the family’s support.”

John Joe, son of John Quinn, whose photograph now hangs on the wall inside the renovated homestead, said: “I am delighted and proud to see the cottage restored. I have so many fond memories of the cottage with my family. The generations that were here before me lived through different times, facing challenges throughout their daily life. We have had great neighbours over the years, who have worked the land and lived together here on the mountain. We lived through some great times, and I am glad this restored cottage will keep the memory of our family history alive.”

Pauric Quinn, a grandson of John Quinn spoke on the cottage.

“Seeing the cottage has been a great opportunity for me to visit and see where it all began for my dad’s family in Straness. On a recent visit, it was of great pleasure to encounter a friend, James Carbin, who has been working with Donegal stone mason, Liam Gallagher, who has reclaimed the old stone and skilfully rebuilt the cottage to its original design.

“It’s fantastic to see it restored, and with it located on this fabulous walking trail, many others will get a chance to appreciate a bit of the history of the cottage and the diversity of the landscape.”

The Energia Renewables team have recorded a podcast interview with Mary and Ailish, who reminisce about growing up on the mountain with tales of post-war food shortages, cross-border smuggling, mountain midwifery and the traditional and modern poitín trade.

The podcast is available to listen to on YouTube and SoundCloud.

You can also follow progress on site by visiting the project gallery web page here.

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