By Eoin McGarvey
A FASCINATING chapter of local and maritime history was brought to life in Seanscoil Mhullach Dubh at the weekend as a large gathering of locals and visitors came together to recall and discuss the arrival of a Spanish Armada ship off the West Donegal coast last month.
The event proved to be a hugely enjoyable night of history, stories and discussion, with the story of the Armada and its links with the Donegal coast enjoyed by those in attendance who had missed the El Galeón Andalucia’s arrival at Mullach Dearg bay on July 14.
Drone footage and photographs relating to the recent arrival were shown during the evening, providing a striking visual backdrop and helping to set the scene for the wide-ranging discussion on the Spanish Armada and the historical connections between Donegal and Spain.
John Jude Ó Duibheannaigh and Claire Mc Geever, guest speakers at the Armada evening in Mullach Dubh school.
Among those making particularly valuable contributions were local historians John Jude Ó Duibheannaigh and Claire McGeever, who shared their knowledge and insights into the history surrounding the Armada and its connections with the area. Claire is currently compiling a book on the Armada links to the area.
BBC journalist Kevin Sharkey hosted the event and also contributed to the evening, adding another perspective to what developed into a very interesting and informative event.
John Paddy Óg Gallagher, BBC’s Kevin Sharkey, Pat the Cope Gallagher TD, and John Joe Mc Bride, who were involved in the recent arrival of the Spanish Armada ship at Mullach Dearg, pictured at the Armada evening in Mullach Dubh school.
Representing the organising committee, John Joe McBride and John Paddy Óg Gallagher spoke during the event and were central to bringing together a night which demonstrated once again the strong appetite locally for exploring and preserving the history of the area.
Deputy Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher was also among the speakers, while an important feature of the evening was the contribution from members of the audience. Their questions, observations and recollections added greatly to the discussion and ensured that the gathering was very much a community conversation rather than simply a series of presentations.
Niall Mac Eachmharcaigh, Dónal Ó Searcaigh, and John Mac Giolla Easpuig at the Armada evening in Seanscoil Mhullach Dubh.
The excellent turnout was also evidence, if any were needed, that the organising committee hit the nail on the head when they secured a visit of the Spanish ship last month and organised a follow-up event in the area. It was an evening which combined history, photographs, video, local knowledge and discussion to great effect.
More than four centuries after those dramatic events, the story of the Armada still has the ability to bring a community together, and in Mullaghduff at the weekend, history very much came alive once again, topped off with excellent refreshments for all in attendance.
Members of the audience at the Armada night in Mullach Dubh Seanscoil. Photos: Eoin McGarvey.