By Eoin Mc Garvey
Ionad Teampall Chróine in Dungloe became more than an exhibition space recently, it became a gateway to another time when an exhibition of old photographs was unveiled.
The exhibition, officially opened by local man Jimmy Durning, drew a steady stream of visitors as each image evoked memories, conversations and a renewed appreciation for the people and places that shaped the Rosses capital.
Organised and hosted by Forbairt na Rosann following an idea by chairperson Brendan Boyle, the array of up to 300 photos submitted spans many decades and features places and faces from an old Dungloe.
As visitors lingered over the photographs at the opening, pointing out family members, neighbours, old friends and buildings that no longer exist, others recalled stories passed down through generations.
The exhibition is not simply the photographs themselves, but the conversations they inspired, according to visitors.
Friends met unexpectedly, strangers shared memories, and families pieced together forgotten stories.
They said that the exhibition is a reminder that history is not confined to books or museums.
It lives in family albums, treasured collections and the memories of local people.
Every photograph carries a story of hard work, celebration, resilience and everyday life in Dungloe.
In a fast-changing world where photos are now mostly digital rather than prints, exhibitions such as this encourage us to pause, reflect and remember where we came from.
They remind us that today’s everyday moments are tomorrow’s history, and that preserving our past is one of the greatest gifts we can offer those who come after us.
Great credit must go to everyone at Forbairt na Rosann and Ionad Teampall Chróine for collecting and presenting the exhibition.
It is a project of collecting, identifying and preserving historical photographs, carried out by a small but dedicated team.
The exhibition returns to Ionad Teampall Cróine and is open from 10am to 5pm during heritage week, August 17 to 21.
Jimmy Durning cuts the ribbon to open the recent exhibition of old Dungloe photographs in Ionad Teampall Cróine. Included from left are Brendan Boyle, Madgie Dunleavy, Bridin Shrkey, and Paul Greene of Forbairt na Rosann. (Photos: Eoin Mc Garvey)
Checking out the exhibition of old Dungloe photos in Ionad Teampall Cróine, Dungloe. (Photos: Eoin Mc Garvey)
Kevin Bonner, Padraig Sweeney, and Sadie Sweeney at the opening of the old photo exhibition in Dungloe.
Joe O’Donnell viewing the exhibition of old Dungloe photographs in Ionad Teampall Cróine.
Bart Whelan and Brendan Boyle at the Dungloe photo exhibition.
Peadar Doherty and Margaret Reilly at the old photos exhibition in Ionad Teampall Cróine in Dungloe.
Bridin Sharkey, Jimmy Durning, Katelyn Sharkey, and Hugh Gallagher at the exhibition of old Dungloe photos.