When on this subject I may here state that the small Chapel first erected in Carndonagh was built about 80 years ago by Dean O’Donnell. It was the fourth built in the barony.
The Roman Catholic Chapel is also situated here. It is a large and spacious edifice, erected at an outlay of £1,200. A tablet, which is affixed to the exterior, informs us that this took place in 1826, “through the unexampled exertions of the Rev. James Quinn, pastor.” Mr. Quinn’s remains are interred here, and the tablet in question was prepared and placed in its present situation by his successor.
The parish priests of Donagh for the last century were, first the Rev. John M’Colgan, born in Cregamullen, a nephew of the Bishop, and brother of Thomas, the Latin teacher. He retired, from bad health, to Cregamullen, and received a small yearly allowance from the parish. He was buried in Cloncha.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Michael M’Colgan, a native of Priesttown, in this parish. This town was formerly called Muff, but since his time it has been called Priesttown. He was parish priest for about six years, and is buried in the west end of Donagh church-yard, in the family burying-ground, where he had erected a monument over the remains of his father and brother. The inscription runs thus: – “I. H.S.”
“S.M.M.D. ora pro nobis. Pater coelis Deus misecere nobis. Omnes sancti angelis et archangelis orate pro nobis. O.M.M. et V. intercedite pro nobis.
This monument was erected by the Rev. Michael Colgan, for his father, Roger, who departed this life January 15th, 1778, aged 65. Also, his son Philip. This is for his own posterity. This stone was erected 1783.”
We may observe the Latin is not quite grammatical. A few years after, the good priest was buried in the same grave, but no one has taken the trouble to note the time of his death, or have it inscribed on the tomb. He was the last priest of an honoured name who shed lustre on the diocese of Derry, and ministered to the wants of the people during the dark days of the penal times. Father Colgan attended Meentaghs as well as Donagh, where mass was then celebrated on alternate Sundays.
He was succeeded by Dean O’Donnell, who likewise attended to Buncrana. He was parish priest about four years, and, as before stated, built the chapel at Carndonagh.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Diamond, of the County Derry, who lived where Bridge Cottage now stands, and completed the Chapel. He remained here only about five or six years, and was transferred to another parish.
His successor was the Rev. John Maginn, who lived at Bridge Cottage also, and was only about four years here when he exchanged for Buncrana.
His successor was the Rev. Mr. Gallagher, who lived in Ballylosky and in the town of Carn. He died in the parish.
His successor was the Rev. Mr, O’Kane, called “White Kane,” a native of County Derry; he lived in Glentogher, and exchanged for Donagheady.
He was succeeded by the Rev. James O’Connor, who lived in Glentogher, and exchanged for Culdaff about the year 1825.
He was succeeded by the Rev. James Quinn, a native of the County Derry, who built the present chapel and four National Schools, to the erection of which he himself contributed three or four hundred pounds. He died in Carrick on the 24th of April, 1838, and is buried in the chapel graveyard.
He was succeeded by the Very Rev. William M’Cafferty, Dean, who died in Priestown in 1856, and is buried inside the chapel.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Paul Bradley, the present parish priest.