Colgan Hall Concerts – Carndonagh Heritage

The first concert in the John Colgan Hall, as it was known then, took place in 1914. Since then, it has hosted a wide variety of concerts, choral performances and band recitals. This gallery gives some insight into the history of music in the Colgan Hall, including reports from the local press which list the names of performers.

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First Concert in the Colgan Hall, 1914Advert in the local press for the first concert to be held in the Colgan Hall, on Thursday November 26th, 1914.

Report on the First Concert, 1914"A most successful concert, organised by the local committee, under the direction of Rev. Philip P. O'Doherty, P.P., was held in the John Colgan Hall, Carndonagh, on Thursday night last. The new hall was filled to its doors, and a very appreciative audience listened to a programme of very high merit in itself, and of a most pleasing nature. The vocal music, both for the part of the ladies and the gentlemen, was well sustained by people well known in musical circles, and the instrumental music could not have been in better hands..."

A Report on the Church Choir Concert'Mr. Michael Galbraith was director of organisation and also acted as M. C. The choir under is musica director, Mrs. Vera Butler, opened the programme with renditions of such popular numbers as 'The Cruiskeen Lawn' and 'When E'er I see those Smiling Eyes', setting a standard that was well maintained ot the end. A youthful group grained by Martin Mc Laughlin in a presentation of pop entertainment were loudly applauded by old and young. An imaginative comedy item by a group directed by Freddie Tully provided a nice balance to the programme and was well received.
...The winner of the top prize in the Colgan Hall (bingo) on Wednesday of last week was Miss K. P. McMenamin, Matron, Carndonagh District Hospital...
There was also a full house in the Lilac on Saturday nihgt, where the Youth Club sessions are attracting excellent support. The winner of the top prize of £100 was Mrs. Brigid Doherty, Trenbane. The special prize of £180 was not won and will be increased and offered agan tomorrow night."

Choir in the Colgan HallSeated L-R: Mona Doherty (N), Tommy Crunlish, Anne McCool, Noeleen Galbraigh, Freddie Tully, Patsy Mc Conalogue.
Standing L-R: Joe Doherty (O), unknown, Jim A. Mc Donagh, Willie Doherty (S), Peg Mc Laughlin (Aneas), Paddy Duffy, unknown, Marion Mc Conalogue, Patrick Mc Conalogue.

Choral Concert in the Colgan HallSeated L-R: Marion McConalogue, Tommy Crumlish, Mona Doherty (N), Michael Galbraith, Mae Diver, Patrick Mc Conalogue, Noeleen Galbraith.
Standing L-R: Danny Mc Candless, George Mc Cafferty, Anne Mc Cool, Jim A. Mc Donough, Margaret O'Kane, John Doherty (Jack), Joe Doherty (O), Máire Crumlish, Willie Doherty (S), Freddie Tully.

Souvenir Programme of the first Old-Time Concert, 1942

Debut Performance of the Boys' Brass Band, St. Patrick's Night, 1967Front Row (L-R): Raymond Doherty (Dinny), Jimmy Marchbank, Jim MCDonagh, Michael Galbraith (Jr.), Michael Galbraith (Band Director), Enda Mc Laughlin, John Joe Doherty (Oregon), Liam Monagle, Joseph Mc Laughlin, John Joe Doherty (Neal).
Back Row (L-R): Ian Kelly, Michael Mc Elhinney, Gerard Davenport, Gerard Doherty (Oregon), Joseph Hegarty, Liam Galbraith, Gabriel Doherty (Mullier), Dessie Doherty (Fintan), Ciaran Sheehan, Neilly Mc Laughlin (Bill).

Liam & Michael Galbraith, 1968

Marion Gilmore, Margaret Doherty (C) and Anne Mc Cool

Report on the concert for funds for St. Mc Carten's Bands, 1967

A Concert in the Colgan Hall, late 70s

Mary Crumlish and Delilah Cuddihy