By Diarmaid Doherty

It was a night of celebration and nostalgia at Castle Grove House last evening as Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce hosted a special function to mark its 60th anniversary.

Chamber members gathered to honour an organisation that first met in March 1965 – and 60 years on, is as strong and vibrant as ever.

Displays of photographs and newspaper cuttings offered a window into the Chamber’s past as members and guests mingled in the wonderful surrounds of Castle Grove House.

Among those in attendance were former Chamber Presidents who were honoured with special presentations.

Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford MD and Chamber President Jimmy Stafford.

The founding members of the chamber – Noel Crossan, Bernad Dillon, James Dillon, Paddy Farren, Donal MacLochalinn, Joe Patterson, Dermot Rainey Snr and Cyril West were also fondly remembered.

Sadly all have since passed away, but undoubtedly, their legacy lives on.

Family members of the late Bernard Dillon and Donal MacLochlainn were present at last night’s event – Bernard’s first anniversary takes place this week.

Last night’s event was sponsored by PTSB and among those to address the celebrations was Enda Mulligan, Senior Financial Consultant at PTSB.

Among the other speakers was Cllr. Ciaran Brogan, Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District while Chamber CEO, Toni Forrester was a welcome host.

Chamber President Jimmy Stafford, in his address, said it has been a privilege to lead an organisation that has played such a vital role in the development of the town and region.

“In the 1960s, Letterkenny was still very much a market town, but it was beginning to show signs of the transformation that would accelerate in the decades to follow,” Jimmy said.

“Back then a group of forward-thinking business leaders came together with a shared vision: to support local enterprise, to advocate for our town, and to build a stronger, more connected business community.

The big crowd listening to the speeches at Castle Grove House on Thursday evening.

“With remarkable foresight, this group of businessmen established the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce. Before that, there had been a Letterkenny Development Association, but the hope was that a Chamber of Commerce could encourage the ‘younger element’ of the business community to step forward and play their part in the town’s development.

“After a number of months and presentations from the national body the Chamber held its first official meeting in March 1965 when Charles McLaughlin, Town Surveyor was appointed as the first President.

“Tonight, we stand on the shoulders of those pioneers — and we celebrate not just their legacy, but the vibrant, resilient, and ambitious Chamber we’ve become. Their vision laid the foundation, and every generation since has built upon it with pride, purpose, and partnership.”

Jimmy also paid tribute to all those members who have volunteered on chamber committees and the board and played their part in the organisation’s success.

Chamber President Jimmy Stafford marks 60 years

“From day one, the founders of the Chamber had a vision. Over the past 60 years, through successive Presidents, Board members, and dedicated members, that vision has shaped Letterkenny into what it is today.

“Everyone here tonight can be proud of what we’ve built — not just in Letterkenny, but across Donegal. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we work together, with shared purpose and pride in our place.”