Challenges for Joe Gatins as new president of the Donegal Historical Society

There’s a new man at the helm of the Donegal Historical Society but instead of worrying about facing choppy waters, Joe Gatins is relishing the challenge and looking to the future.

He was appointed to the position at the society’s annual general meeting on Tuesday night in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey.

He takes over from Rev Raymond Blair who opted to stand down after a year in the job due to a new appointment in north Antrim which prevents him from travelling to Donegal as often as he would like.

Joe is retired now and living in Laghey with his wife Shelia. 

Their four children, Orla, Oisin, Fergal and Eimear also live in the locality.

A native of Killybegs, Joe was a forester working for a State forestry for 17 years. He then moved on to being a conservation officer covering wildlife in the north-west for various government departments.

For the final ten years of his working life, he was also the manager of Glenveagh National Park. 

He enjoyed many interesting years in various work settings in different parts of Donegal but always had a deep love of the county’s history.

He was curator of the society’s museum at the Franciscan Friary in Rossnowlagh for the past five years and along with other members, helped steer it safely through the pandemic years.

Now one of his first jobs as the new president will be to help the society find a new home for the museum as the Franciscans have indicated they now need the space for themselves.

The museum was officially opened by Frank Aiken, Minister for External Affairs, on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954, and is a testament to the rich heritage uncovered by local people, and their generosity in placing items there.

Indeed many rare artefacts are displayed and preserved there for future generations.

He described the idea of having to move the museum as “disconcerting”.

“It was a bit disconcerting, to say the least, but it’s not going to be an immediate departure and we will be looking for alternative premises. 

“I know this news will be rather disappointing to many people to see us leave the Rossnowlagh area because it has been there for so long.”

He praised the support the museum had received from the local community, particularly in the southern part of the county.

“It has been tremendous. Many of the artefacts were handed in by different families from south Donegal and North Leitrim and I'm sure they will be upset to think that these are going to go elsewhere.”

He added the society would meet with the Rev Guardian at Rossnowalgh to work out a timetable but pointed out it was only to acknowledge that the Franciscans had been very good to them.

“We have enjoyed rent-free accommodation there and they have been more than good to us. 

“They have their own problems and are facing renovations there too so I can understand things have to change.”

He added they were open to offers that offered the museum potential for increased footfall that was accessible to the public and parking facilities for coaches. Anyone interested can contact the society on their website: www.http://www.donegalhi

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Challenges

Apart from the museum situation, Joe understands that there are many other challenges facing the society in 2023 and he believes they have to make their mark.

“We are facing some degree of reorganisation. Our first priority will be to increase membership where we can and to that extent, I will be looking to the Donegal diaspora. 

“History seems to have been put on the back foot in the education field at the moment. 

“There was a move not too long ago to try and take it off the curriculum.

“I think it's very important that people are aware of their history and the background to the community they live in and their identity and that is something I don't want to see disappearing.”

Joe is also keen to make sure young people get an opportunity to develop an interest in their heritage and county.

“Local history is something that needs to be brought to the fore with younger age groups, particularly primary school children and perhaps this might be developed further at secondary level.”

It looks like it’s going to be a busy time ahead for Joe.