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Novel tells story of Inishowen
emigration
14.06.11
AN historical novel
telling the poignant story of emigration in 19th
century Inishowen will be launched as part of the
upcoming Colgan Heritage Weekend.
'A Cottage in Donegal: Mary Doherty’s Story' was
written by Irish American author Eva Doherty
Gremmert and explores how an Irish mother felt as
she watched her children leave their Carndonagh home
with most never to be seen again.
Deep wounds of emigration are just under the surface
and while healing does occur, the scars are never
quite gone, the author says.
Eva’s grandmother Rose, the daughter of Mary 'Hudie'
Doherty, emigrated to Oregon in 1911 when she was 20
years of age. She never returned to Ireland. |
Sean Beattie, editor of
the Donegal Historical Society Annual said: “The
book is very readable and a nice length. A good
human interest story with good insight into 19th
century life. I think that it conveys an accurate
description of life in the period.”
The book includes many photographs, including family
portraits taken in Derry City in 1903, as well as
local landscapes taken by the author who made
several research trips to Inishowen interviewing
historians and the older generation who imparted
many stories their grandparents told them.
The Colgan Heritage Weekend runs from June 24 – 26
and has become a favourite for local literature
enthusiasts and history lovers. |
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Author, Eva Doherty Gremmert |
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PProfessor Paul
McKevitt, University of Ulster, Derry, will discuss
Gremmert Doherty's book, its time period, and the
historical perspective it brings to readers. The
author will read, answer questions and personally
sign copies of the first edition on Sunday, June 26
from 2.30pm - 3.30pm. |
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The Wedding of Edward 'Glenkeen'
Doherty from Gleneely, Carndonagh and Anne 'Newman'
Doherty from Ballyloskey, Carndonagh held in
Heppner, Oregon on December 29, 1896.
Back from Left: Pat Doherty (his shoulder), Mike
Marshall, the bearded man is unknown, Frank
Kilkenny, Tom Kilfillen, Father Briody, Mike Kenny,
Phil Doherty, Mary Doherty Kenny, John Kilkenny, Jim
Carty, Charlie Van Winkle, Lame Barney 'Newman'
Doherty, Phil Hirrell and Dan Hirrell.
Front from Left: Ed McDaid, Edward 'Glenkeen'
Doherty (groom), Anne 'Newman' Doherty (bride),
James Grant Doherty, Kate 'Newman' Doherty, Johnny
Kenny is boy standing behind Kate, Pat Kilkenny,
Katie Johnson Cornett (partially shown) Jimmy
Johnson, Phil 'Newman' Doherty, Kitty 'Callahan'
Doherty and Little Barney 'Glenkeen' Doherty. |
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Eva Doherty Gremmert, a
genealogist by profession based in Carnation,
Washington, first visited Inishowen in 1985 for the
O’Dochartaigh Clann Worldwide Reunion with her
father and uncle and her two sisters. Since 2001,
she has been the co-ordinator of that event. She
says she has "put down deep roots" in the community
from where her grandparents emigrated so long ago. |
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