Diaspora visit Philly...

The Donegal Diaspora Initiative held a weekend of sport, music, culture and business rekindling connections between Donegal people at home and abroad. The first Initiative took place in Delaware County, Philadelphia on the weekend after St. Patrick’s Day. The theme was “Global Connections, Local Impact,” reflecting the mission to forge links between Donegal’s business community and opportunities that extend across the Atlantic. It all began with a Business Forum at the Springfield Country Club in Pennsylvania on the Friday with a panel discussion, business networking lunch. Local communities can thrive and develop when global experiences and expertise are shared, and that’s exactly what this initiative aims to accomplish. Donegal was represented with Cllr. Paul Canning, Ciaran Brogan and Donal “Mandy” Kelly and Garry Martin from the Council. Former Minister Joe McHugh, ultra athlete Caitríona Jennings and other contributors included Ann and Mark Baida, Mark McAdoo, Steve Kelly, Sean Quinn, Aidan McKenna, Gerry O’Reilly, John Harvey, Aidan Blake, Jason Leonard Brenda Meira who all contributed to an informative Forum. Local man Cathal McHugh, son of Mary and the late John McHugh from Forquar in Milford is the treasurer of the Connect Donegal Committee who organised the weekend which Cathal’s wife Siobhan is a native of Gweedore is also on the committee. Cllr. Ciaran Brogan presented the Local Business Achievement Award to Glencolmcille native, Mrs. Anne Cawley from Cawley’s Restaurant.