By Dionne Meehan
A WELL-KNOWN TV personality found himself in Donegal this week and discovered some of the complicated issues facing those who live along the border.
TV presenter Timmy Mallett was spotted in the county as he cycles around Ireland and the UK for charity.
Best known for presenting popular children’s programmes such as Wide Awake Club, Wacaday and Around the World in 80 Seconds, the 68-year-old is raising funds in memory of his late brother Martin, who had Down Syndrome.
Setting off from Paddington Station in London last year, over 5,000 miles later, Timmy has made it to Northern Ireland for the latest leg of his pedal-powered pilgrimage.
Or has he?
Arriving in the town of Pettigo this week, Timmy was faced with much confusion.
Documenting his journey on TikTok, Timmy gave his followers a lesson on the town which “spans the border”.
“This is the town of Pettigo in County Donegal,” Timmy said pointing his camera to the left.
“And this is the town of Pettigo in County Fermanagh,” he said pointing his camera in the opposite direction.
“A town that spans the border, it is in both,” he said.
And as he continued to post throughout the day, his videos seemed to all share a similar theme.
Meeting some fans along the way, Timmy visits a woman who is living on the border.
Despite the woman’s house being built in the United Kingdom, her garden is in Donegal, in the Republic of Ireland.
“That is bonkers,” Timmy said.
And even though her electricity is being supplied in the Republic of Ireland, her neighbour’s electricity is being supplied in the United Kingdom.
“I love this complication, it is great,” Timmy said.
Following this, Timmy met another home owner living on the same road.
He parked his car directly on the border to speak with Timmy.
“I am sitting on the border now.
“Me, in the front seat, is in the UK and the passengers in the back are in the Republic of Ireland,” he tells Timmy.
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