Hannah Ní Dhomhnaill will embark on a historical journey in TG4 Sloinne

Falcarragh-native Hannah Ní Dhomhnaill will feature on the upcoming episode of TG4 ‘Sloinne’ in a bid to trace the history of her family surname.

In this episode, Sloinne follows Hannah who is currently studying at the University of Galway, as she goes on a journey back in time to trace the history of her surname and to find out about others with the Ó Domhnaill surname. 

Hannah’s journey takes her to the Franciscan Friary situated in Rossnowlagh and to Donegal Castle where local historian Séamus O’Doherty tells her the history of the Abbey and Castle, the Flight of the Earls and about Aodh Rua Ó’Donnell. 

Donegal is known for its wealth of musical talent and on her adventure Hannah also meets Finbarr Clancy to discuss the history of ‘O’Donnell Abú’, famously sung by the Clancy Brothers and with singer Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill who tells her all about her famous aunt Neilí Ní Dhomhnaill. 

Hannah Ní Dhomhnaill meets with singer Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill in the episode

The episode features other conversations with Professor Nollaig Ó Muráile, who shows Hannah ‘The Great Book of Genealogies’ in Dublin and with Dr Liam Mac Amhlaigh, University of Maynooth,  who discusses Niall Ó Dónaill, the man behind the well-known Foclóir with her. She also chats with her father Séamus Ó Domhnaill and Paul MacCotter, the series genealogist. 

Hannah Ní Dhomhnaill will feature on episode five of Sloinne which airs this Sunday at 8:30pm. 

Hannah visits Donegal Castle in Donegal Town, where local historian Séamus O’Doherty tells her the history of the Abbey and Castle

Sloinne is a new seven-part series on TG4 which delves into the fascinating stories behind Ireland's most common surnames, bringing history to life in a way that's accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The first series showcases surnames like Ó Flaithearta, Ó Murchú, Ó Ceallaigh, Ó Súilleabháin, Ó Domhnaill, Seoighe, and Ó Conchubhair.

Sloinne paints a colourful picture of how our local areas and surnames are deeply intertwined. The rugged landscapes of west Cork, where the O’Sullivans have left their mark, the historic tales of the O’Donnells echoing through the hills of Donegal, and the ancient lineage of the Joyces of Galway.  

Each episode features a special guest exploring their family surname, taking viewers on a journey back in time, visiting ancient strongholds tied to these names, reliving epic battles and feuds over land and possessions. From the famous to the infamous, modern-day stories of surname bearers add a personal touch, highlighting the enduring connection to our ancestors.