This gallery features photos of significant political figures in Carndonagh, such as John Redmond, Éamon de Valera, Frank Hugh O’Donnell, Neil Blayney, as well as some photos of local voters at the polls over the years.
John Redmond in the DiamondJohn Redmond in the Diamond, Carndonagh, possibly 1895. This is a very early photo, possibly 1885. You can see O'Doherty's Hotel top left. The seated important gentlemen seem to be at the gable of the Market House.
Neil Blayney in CarndonaghNeil Blayney addresses a large crowd gathered for a political rally in the Diamond, possibly 1943. The banner reads 'Welcome Dev'. Blayney has a black diamond on his upper sleeve because his father had died recently.
Election 1879Order form, dated 10th December 1879, for the supply of a horse and car for Mr. David Bartholomew Mc Corkell. Mc Corkell was running in the Donegal by-election of 15th December, 1879. The by-election, to one of two seats in the House of Commons constituency of Donegal, arose due to the death of the incumbent Conservative MP, William Wilson.
Frank Hugh O'DonnellFrank Hugh O'Donnell, of Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, MP Dungarvan.
C. J. O'Donnell MPCharles J. O'Donnell, of Carndonagh, County Donegal, M.P. Walworth, London, 1906-10.
Voters at the PollGeorge Doherty (Nurse), Mary Eliza Doherty (Coiner), Johnny Shiels, Mary Doherty (The Plant), and Dan Kearney turning out for the vote.
The poster on the car window reads 'Blaney Doherty Friel' - can you identify the particular election from this? If so, please add a comment.
Voters at the Polling Station, 2011Voters at the Polling Station, 2011
Cartoon representing Frank Hugh O'Donnell & GladstoneComic representing Frank Hugh O'Donnell & Gladstone
Fr. Bonner and Éamon de ValeraIn this photo, de Valera chats to Fr. Bonner. The date of this photo is uncertain, but it may be the same day as the political rally featuring Blayney, 1943, at which time Dev was Taoiseach (1937 to 1948).
The de Valera family have strong connections with Carndonagh. Dev's son, Dr. de Valera, married a sister of 'Miss Alice' O'Doherty of Tiernaleague House. They built a holiday home in Gortnamara.