By Chris Ashmore

MANY a story has been told down through the years about the remarkable Blaney political party machine, the Blaney cabinet, and indeed what was referred to as the Donegal Mafia at times.

Never in the history of the State has there been such a remarkable period of continued political representation at county council level.

It was fitting then that last Friday’s Civic Reception in Lifford – to mark 100 years of the Blaney name on Donegal County Council – was a celebration, and an occasion to savour.

Many memories flooded back, some reignited as those in attendance looked at the fine display of photographs and memorabilia that had been assembled by Eileen Harkin on behalf of the council.

Family and friends mingled and at times you had to step back and just try and take in the uniqueness of the occasion and indeed the enormity of it.

Five Blaneys have served on Donegal County Council since 1925, starting with Neal Blaney until his death in 1948. He was followed by his son  until 1957 when the latter’s brother Harry Blaney was elected and went on to serve until 1999.

His sons then followed, with Niall (1999-2002) and Liam Blaney (2003-present).

The tireless Neil T. never forgot his roots and it was not uncommon to be in Dublin, back to Fanad for a funeral, off to Brussels, and back again for another commitment on the home patch.

Indeed, Neil T. and Harry were seen as a formidable pairing, with Neil T. being a TD, Minister and member of the European Parliament at different times while Harry was back at basecamp in Donegal.

There was never a dull moment.

Indeed, Cllr. Donal Coyle – who initially proposed the civic reception – summed up the all consuming nature of politics for the Blaneys when he recalled that when asked about his idea of a good night out, Harry Blaney replied that it was “a good night in!”

Many tributes were paid at the Civic Reception held in the Donegal County Council headquarters.

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Charlie McConalogue spoke about how everyone in the Blaney family and indeed the organisation “put the shoulder to the wheel” and praised the Blaney party machine for its disciplined and organised approach.

His Fianna Fáil party colleague Deputy Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher acknowledged the work done in Dublin and Brussels over the years but described Donegal Co. Council as being the “university of politics”.

Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, on behalf of Sinn Féin, noted that Neal Blaney had been a member of Sinn Féin when he was first elected to the council in 2025 and commented on how the Blaney had been involved in many Republican campaigns and had never lost their origins.

Speaking on behalf of Fine Gael, Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh had some amusing tales, and even produced a pencil and voucher from a 2006 Neil T. Blaney Autumn School.

Cllr. Michael McBride, on behalf of the independent grouping on the council, said “the Blaney name has served the people of Donegal very well over the years” and pointed out that there had also been town councillors, town commissioners and representatives on Udaras na Gaeltachta as well.

He highlighted that one of the greatest legacies was the ATU in Letterkenny. “Without Neil T. Blaney there would have been no RTC (as it was originally called) in Letterkenny.

“He made third level education available to all families in Donegal,” Cllr McBride commented, while also pointing out the Blaney input into the development of Letterkenny University Hospital.

In his address, Cllr. Laim Blaney said that the family was honoured and he paid tribute to the many people past and present who had made such a contribution.

“We were always involved in politics, we knew no other way, it was always a family affair, and it continues to this day,” he stated.

In particular, he singled out his mother Margaret, who having got married to Harry Blaney, had been at the helm in the Rosnakill homeplace.

“She has been an outstanding wife, mother, secretary, chef, farmer, political advisor and everything in between – we would not be here without you,” he stated, prompting a warm round of applause.

He also paid tribute to two key figures in the Blaney organisation, the late Jimmy Begley, and John Dorrian.

“Thanks to them and the electorate for believing in us as electoral representatives in what we have achieved and tried to achieve and to create a better place to live,” he said.

Neil Blaney, a former TD and currently a senator, said that it was “quite an exceptional day” and also an emotional one for the family.

He spoke of how in Donegal they are different and have had to battle politically, and while there had been differences there was also a political congeniality and people did work together.

He also stressed the importance of family, and his mother’s role, and in an upbeat conclusion said that there are “a lot of wheels that are in motion to deliver projects.”

Thanking everyone present, he added: “Long may our friendships and battles continue, we look forward to delivering for Donegal.”

Also in attendance was a Cork Fianna Fáil Councillor, Bernard Moynihan, who has long been a loyal supporter and friend of the Blaney family.