Donegal People of the year Award 2000 -Nominee
Sarah McCaffrey was born in Creeslough to Jim McCaffery and Gracie Mc Ginley.
She had a sister Mary who died young and two brothers: Brian and Michael.
Brian was a Doctor, Micheal become the Postman after his father, who also owned the Creeslough Hall where many dances were held. The hall has long since disappeared and was situated on the corner of the Kilmacloo road where it joins the N56.
Sarah was educated in Drumnarraw National School, Loreto convent Letterkenny and UCD where she took her teaching degree.
Early career Loreto Convent Letterkenny
She taught English plus other subjects (music,drama and Irish culture & history) at Loreto Convent Letterkenny until her early retirement in 1986.
Her Catholic life
She devoted a huge amount of energy to the promotion and appreciation of Irish culture and Irish history. Within her classes and amongst those children fortunate enough to associate with her in the various clubs in Creeslough area.
She was also involved in The Legion of Mary, Pioneer Association, Glor na Gael, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Creeslough Drama Group and Feis, The Rosary Group and St. Michael’s GAA Creeslough.
Donegal Person of the Year.
In 2000 she was nominated for Donegal Person of year. The ten people nominated for the Donegal People of the Year Award that year: Sarah McCaffrey Creeslough Teacher, Damien Faulkner Moville Racing Driver, Eileen Oglesby Kincasslagh fishing Company, Frank Gallagher Ardara Bakery Owner, Plunkett O’Ferraigh Letterkenny, Theatre Professor, Maire O’Donnell Mountcharles Golfer, Jim Nallen Letterkenny Social Worker, Cathal O’Shearcaigh Gortahork Poet, Bridie Lynch St. Johnston Athlete and Paddy Harte. TD. Got the Hall of Fame. Sir Gerry Robinson, won the award that year.
Islay tragedy
In 2000 Sarah travelled from Donegal to Islay in Scotland to watch the Consul General of Ireland Mr Dan Mulhall unveil a memorial to commemorate the 249 passengers and crew who lost their lives at sea in April 1847.
The passengers were bound for the USA but hit a storm and were set of course and crashed among the rocks.The ship was called the Exmouth.Among the passengers were Sarah’s great great grandparents.