by Louise Doyle

FRESH calls are being made for the council to identify funding so that the performance area in Letterkenny Town Park can be named after a legendary Donegal musician.

Ted Ponsonby, from Oldtown in Letterkenny, was a founding member of The Rascals during the 1970s. He was widely known throughout the country for his talents on the guitar, song-writing and producing. Mr Ponsonby died in September 2023.

In September of last year, Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh called on the executive to explore options for funding to erect a canopy over the area to help encourage its use for arts and performances in the summer months. Cllr Kavanagh had said the late Mr Ponsonby was from a musical family in the Oldtown and he had dedicated his whole life to music.

Speaking at the time, the Letterkenny-based councillor said: “He was nationally and internationally known and played with the likes of Van Morrison. He was extremely gifted and very helpful to young musicians and was a Letterkenny man through and through.”

His motion was backed by Councillor Gerry McMonagle, who had described the late musician as “a legend here in Donegal”.

In its written response at the time, the Council Executive had stated: “The proposal will be considered in consultation with the Council’s Parks Section, when the motion is adopted by the members. Funding options to provide a canopy facility can be explored through the Council’s Tourism Unit.”

However, one year on, funding has yet to be identified.

Cllr Kavanagh plans to raise the matter at tomorrow’s meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District. He will table a motion, which reads: “That the Council try to identify funding for the development of the arts and performance area of the town park, so that we can progress the naming of the area in honour of the late Ted Ponsonby as per my previously agreed motion.”