In this Sunday’s episode of Sloinne, the programme follows Hannah Ní Dhomhnaill, a Donegal student studying in University of Galway, as she goes on a journey back in time to trace the history of her surname and to find out about others with the same Ó Domhnaill surname.
Hannah’s journey takes her to the beautiful Franciscan Friary (Rossnowlagh) and to Donegal Castle(Donegal Town) where local historian Séamus O’Doherty tells her the history of the Abbey and Castle, the Flight of the Earls and about Aodh Rua Ó’Donnell.
Donegal is well-known for it’s wealth of musical talent and on her adventure Hannah also meets Finbarr Clancyto discuss the history of ‘O’Donnell Abú’, famously sang by the Clancy Brothers and with singer Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill who tells her all about her famous aunt Neilí Ní Dhomhnaill.
The episode features other conversations with Professor Nollaig Ó Muráile, who shows Hannah ‘The Great Book of Geneaologies’ in Dublin and with Dr Liam Mac Amhlaigh (University of Maynooth) who discusses Niall Ó Dónaill, the man behind the well-known Foclóir with her. She also chats with her own father Séamus Ó Domhnaill and Paul MacCotter (series genealogist).
Episode 5 -TG4 on Sunday 18th February 2024.
Get ready for an exciting journey into the heart of Irish heritage with Sloinne, a new seven-part series on TG4. This series delves into the fascinating stories behind Ireland’s most common surnames, bringing history to life in a way that’s accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The first series showcases surnames like Ó Flaithearta, Ó Murchú, Ó Ceallaigh, Ó Súilleabháin, Ó Domhnaill, Seoighe, and Ó Conchubhair.
Sloinne paints a colourful picture of how our local areas and surnames are deeply intertwined. The rugged landscapes of West Cork, where the O’Sullivans have left their mark, the historic tales of the O’Donnells echoing through the hills of Donegal, and the ancient lineage of the Joyces of Galway.
Each episode features a special guest exploring their family surname, taking us on a journey back in time. We’ll visit ancient strongholds tied to these names, reliving epic battles and feuds over land and possessions. From the famous to the infamous, modern-day stories of surname bearers add a personal touch, highlighting our enduring connection to our ancestors.
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