Donegal overview

An overview of the county and town of Donegal.Narrator: Mary MurphyA proper introduction and how to use this guide can be found in the next audio piece called 'Donegal's Hallowed Sites'. This audio clip with an overview of County Donegal comes from Mary Murphy whose silky voice is peppered throughout the tour. Mary tells us about the origin of the name as well as who the Conal was in Tirconaill, who the foreigners were in the 'Fort of the Foreigners' translation of Donegal and a bit about Donegal Town itself, home to the O'Donnell clan and where the Annals of the Four Masters was mainly written.The Donegal crest’s colours of green and gold corresponds to its green hills and many golden strands. The shield and red cross relate to King Conall and St. Patrick’s early pact. Patrick needs no introduction, but Conall might. Conall Gulban (died c. 464) was an Irish king and eponymous ancestor of the Cenél Conaill or kindred of Conall, who founded the kingdom of Tír Chonaill in the 5th century, comprising much of what is now County Donegal. He was the son of Niall of the Nine Hostages. He is significant in the history of Irish Christianity as he was the first nobleman baptised by St. Patrick, thus opening the way for the conversion of the ruling classes of Ireland. According to 'Life and Acts of Saint Patrick', St. Patrick lifted his sacred crozier, the 'Bachall Íosa' and upon hitting Conall’s battle shield with it, caused the royal shield to become engraved with the sign of the Cross. St. Patrick then gave Conall the popular Latin motto of the ancient Roman Emperor Constantine "In Hoc Signo Vinces", meaning 'In this sign is your victory'. By following the sign of the Cross and Christ’s teachings, victory to the kindred of Conall was assured from that day onwards.Audio taken from Donegal's Hallowed Sites on the Racontour Archive.Spotify URL: Donegal's Hallowed Sites playlist on Spotify