Irish international goalkeeping greats Packie Bonner and Shay Given were among the guests at a special event in the London Irish Centre on Thursday night organised to strengthen connections with Donegal’s diaspora.
There was a packed house with standing room only as the two Donegal soccer legends enthralled an audience of over 300, with stories from their football career and their early years living in Donegal.
Well known Irish sports presenter Sarah Mulkerrins asked all the right questions during what was a special evening of conversation, music and craic.
The footballers were also joined on the night with another Donegal talent, musician and 2023 London Rose, Amy Gillen who thoroughly entertained the audience.
The event was hosted by Donegal County Council in partnership with the London Irish Centre and is part of the Council’s Donegal Diaspora initiative which focuses on building and strengthening connections with Donegal people wherever in the world they may be.
Shay Given and Packie Bonner on stage
Speaking at the event Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Martin Harley said: “It is fantastic to be working with the London Irish Centre and hosting such a wonderful event that gives people an opportunity to hear first-hand from our very own sporting heroes Packie Bonner and Shay Given and to provide an opportunity for people from Donegal and indeed all of Ireland to meet up and connect with each other.
“It also gives us an opportunity to tell people about what is going on in Donegal, what our plans are in the coming years and to highlight the various job and career opportunities on offer.
“This is all about making sure that we stay connected to Donegal people no matter where they may be living or working in the world.”
During the event Packie Bonner spoke of the advantages of living and working in his home county
“Without doubt Donegal is one of the best places to live, work, study and do business in,” he said.
“With such fantastic initiatives like #LoveDonegal and #BuyDonegal you can really see all the opportunities that Donegal has to offer”.
Shay Given was delighted to lend his support for the evening.
“It is a privilege to be asked to support the work that Donegal County Council has been doing and to also help raise vital funds for the London Irish Centre,” he said.
“As a member of the Irish Community here in the United Kingdom it is important to recognise the good work that the likes of the London Irish Centre do”.
The audience also had a chance to learn more about holidaying in Donegal as well as relocating to Donegal and job opportunities available in the health and social care sector, with representatives from Donegal Tourism CLG, the Council’s Economic Development team and HSE’s Careers Recruitment team in attendance.
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