Residents of Malin’s Millbrook and Brookfield cottages to celebrate 50th anniversary
Built by Donegal County Council in late 50s and the early 70s, the 18 houses in the townland of Carrowmore, have been home to families and a place where lives were built and children lovingly raised
The residents of Millbrook and Brookfield cottages in Malin are celebrating 50 years since the lower cottages were built.
The anniversary is being celebrated on Sunday, August 10 at the cottages in Carrowmore, with a fun day and outdoor Mass.
Nestled in the peaceful surrounds of Malin Town, “The Cottages”, as they are known locally, have long been more than a bunch of houses, they are the soul and heartbeat of a close-knit community, rich in friendship, resilience, respect, stories, laughter and love.
Built by Donegal County Council to offer shelter and belonging for young couples in late 50s and the early 70s, for almost seven decades these 18 houses in the townland of Carrowmore, have been home to families - a place where lives were built and children lovingly raised.
From the early days when we as children played freely, while mothers and neighbours gathered for chats on the garden walls, to the present day, where those same values of community, friendship and connection still hold strong. This place has never lost its soul.
The residents - men and women of grit and warmth - hard workers who supported one another, always ready to lend a helping hand but at the same time quietly respectful of each other's privacy. They built their lives through tougher times around the rhythms of local life; farming, fishing, building, craftmanship, factories, hotels and raised their families with love and discipline.
They kept community spirit alive through every season and their stories linger in the gardens they planted, the fences and walls they built and mended and the values they instilled in us all.
'For many, “The Cottages” were a place where childhood was simple, safe and full of freedom'
We rode bicycles, knocked on doors with the hope of being chased, swapped ‘fancy paper’ and acted out the latest hits from Madonna and Kylie Minogue. Many people have memories of torturing Bridgid Rose for her warm scone bread or waiting on Pat Logue to hand out his Polo Mints or running into the shop from Mrs Noone and her sister Madge Toland to get 20 Sweet Afton.
The legacy of those wonderful people lives on not just in memories but in the stories handed down, the paths they walked and the deep sense of pride that still fills those of us belonging to this wee estate.
Along with those still with us today, they instilled in us the values and importance of family and community. From them we learned respect, responsibility, generosity, loyalty, cooperation and perseverance. We didn’t know it as children but we were blessed.
New Generations have added their own energy and joy - while honouring the spirit of those who came before. Though times have changed the sense of neighbourliness, identity and belonging have not. Here past and present walk hand in hand.
This celebration on August 10, and the outdoor Mass is a tribute to all who call “The Cottages” home. A moment to gather, to remember, to give thanks to our parents and neighbours past and present. To laugh, to share memories and to celebrate this wonderful place that has shaped us all.
Everyone is welcome to the cottages for the fun day and outdoor Mass with refreshments afterwards.
The events, including a bouncy castle, music, face painting, and games, will run from 12 noon until 6 pm, with the Mass at 2pm, followed by refreshments and catch-up with family, friends, former and present neighbours to share stories.