THERE was a big turnout at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny for the launch of the 2026 Donegal Annual, published by the County Donegal Historical Society.
The launch, on Wednesday evening last, was performed by the well-known Inishowen historian and writer Dr Seán Beattie, Culdaff. He was the editor of the Donegal Annual for more than 20 years, from 2004-25.
This year’s annual has been edited by Martin McGinley, who lives near Ramelton. Martin is a former editor of the Derry Journal and Donegal Democrat, and has contributed articles to the annual in past years.
The President of the County Donegal Historical Society, Joe Gatins, said he was delighted to see such a big turnout for the launch. He paid tribute to Dr Beattie for his long service as editor of the Donegal Annual.
“Seán’s work means that the annual has a national reputation and can attract articles from an exceptional bunch of contributors,” he said.
“We owe him a debt of gratitude for two decades of work as editor. He has made a remarkable contribution to the historical record of the county and beyond.”
Joe Gatins, President of the Donegal Historical Society.
Martin McGinley said he was honoured to be asked to edit the Donegal Annual.
“It was certainly a learning experience. I owe a debt of gratitude to Seán Beattie, who couldn’t have been more helpful,” he said.
“The contributors were also a great bunch to work with, and I’ve been helped by others in many ways – from paintings to photographs and much more. Our designer Anna Pawlak did an exceptional job, as did Browne Printers in Letterkenny.”
Sean Beattie who launched the County Donegal Historical Annual.
In his speech launching the annual, Dr Beattie outlined details of the 17 articles in the 168-page book, covering from Inishtrahull Island off Malin Head – the most northerly point of Donegal – to Ballyshannon.
He thanked all those he worked with down his years editing the annual – the contributors; the editorial board of the Society; officers including the current President Joe Gatins and Secretary Hugh Devlin; and long-time printers of the annual, Browne’s of Letterkenny, and their designer of many annuals, Igor Kruk.
Martin McGinley, Editor of the Donegal Historical Annual.
Contributors to the 2026 Donegal Annual who attended the launch included Brian Lacey, Belinda Mahaffy, Martin McGonigle, Helen Meehan, Paraic Lavelle and Rev Raymond Blair.
Also in the crowd was the well-known artist Ann Quinn, from between Raphoe and St Johnston. Her painting, ‘Milking Time’, is on the back cover of the annual. It is part of the 196th annual exhibition of the Royal Hibernian Academy, running this summer in Dublin.
Joe Gatins, President of the Doneglal Historical Society, pictured with Christy Gillespie, Joanne Ross and Will Ross.
Maura and Bobby McDaid and Belinda Mahaffy.
Brian Lacey, Joe Gatins, and Helen Meehan.
Hugh Devlin, Secretary of the County Donegal Historical Society.
The 2026 Donegal Annual goes out to several hundred members of the County Donegal Historical Society across Donegal and around the world. Membership is €25. New members can join up online at donegalhistory.ie
The annual is also on sale in bookshops in Donegal and elsewhere, price €25.
Photos by Gerard McHugh Photography