In Pictures: Long table celebrating local producers kicks off Donegal Town 550

The best of local food and drink produce was showcased at a long table event to mark the start of the Donegal Town 550th birthday celebrations. Click on the arrows to see Siobhan McGowan's photos of the event 

Held in the Fáílte Ireland office at the Pier on Thursday evening, the gathering brought together representatives from various organisations, businesses, and sponsors who played a pivotal role in this year's celebrations and the town's development.

Guests were treated to a drinks reception with offerings from Sliabh Liag Distillers, Kinnegar Brewing, Donegal Brewing Co, and MacDaid's Football Special.

A delicious menu was served by Peter and Briege Campbell of Outside Catering Donegal, with desserts by Le Petit Marché and Little Mamma’s.

Mary McGettigan from Donegal Community Chamber and the Donegal Town 550th committee told those gathered: “As a committee we knew we couldn’t celebrate Donegal Town without celebrating our food and our amazing food and drink producers that we have in Donegal Town and county. 

“They are a very important part of the culture, not just for us as locals but for our visiting tourists as part of their tourism experience. 

“We are very proud of our distillers, our craft brewers, our food producers, our bakers, our butchers, our ice cream makers, our award winning hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés, and of course, our amazing Donegal chefs. 

“So tonight we are delighted to be able to give you a little flavour of what we have on offer in Donegal Town and around the county.”

Cathoairleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh Kennedy (Ind) was full of praise for the fantastic food and service.

“It is tremendous what you can all do when you get together,” she said. “There are so many great food producers and so much to offer in this county. 

“And we are blessed to be in this district in particular. Donegal Bay has got so much to offer.”

Mayor of Donegal Town Pauric Kennedy welcomed everyone to Donegal Town for the 550 celebrations.

“It is a great occasion to celebrate 550 years; there are countries in the world that are not that old,” he said.

“And I suppose what makes 550 years in Donegal is the people. We are a great bunch of people and when  we come together we can do so much, and what we have to offer, I think the rest of the county and the rest of the world are only beginning to realise what we have been keeping a secret for so long. 

“We are so proud of our county, so proud of our people and our history and it is great to have occasion to celebrate it.

“I would like to thank the hard working committee for organising it. And it's no secret what's behind the scenes - Mary and Ernan McGettingan as always for anything that goes on around the town, they are always helping.

The 550th celebrations were formally launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue, who cut the fabulous cake made by Roisin Gillen of Pretty Baked.

“I have often referred to the importance of agriculture and how it adds up in terms of employment and the impact it has on the local economy,” said the minister. “I think the food and the drink we have here tonight speaks volumes about how fantastic our agriculture and food sector is. 

“I want to really recognise and thank everyone who contributed to the wonderful presentation here tonight

So many of you came together to put on such a wonderful evening and to have it laid out in such a fantastic way too.

“Donegal Town really is the jewel in Donegal’s crown. It has a wonderful history, presentation and character. You very much all respect that and appreciate it and present it so well today and at all times, and it is always a wonderful pleasure to come here.”

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The event was attended by local representatives past and present, as well as staff from Donegal County Council, Fáilte Ireland, the Office of Public Works (OPW), local businesses, clergy, community groups, and people involved in the Donegal Town 550th programme throughout the year.