The People of Creeslough have been awarded the Donegal Person of Year for 2022. The announcement was made by Chairperson of the Donegal Association in Dublin, Kevin McFadden.
The event started in 1975, and has recognised the talent and dedication of Donegal people doing great things at home and throughout Ireland.
Since inception Creeslough has had two winners with strong links to the town and one nominee.
Annemarie Ward
In 2011, Annemarie Ward won the award sharing the spot along with Hugh Green.
Annemarie, is an open water swimmer from Portnablagh just a few miles away from Creeslough.
She was recognized for her dedication and achievements in open water swimming.
On 1 September 2010, she crossed a 35 km crossing of the North Channel from Northern Ireland to Scotland. Completeing it in 18 hours 59 minutes.
Annemarie who is a keen ice water swimmer also won the World Open Water Swimming Performance of the Year in 2013.
And again in 2015, She was added to the list of World’s 50 Most Adventurous Open Water Women by the World Open Water Swimming Association.
Jim McGuinness
In 2012 Jim McGuinness, married to Creeslough woman Yvonne, won the prestigious award after his contribution to Donegal GAA. When he brought the Donegal team to All-Ireland success.
Among the squad were several key players from the local club St. Michael’s. Colm McFadden, Christy Toye, Anton McFadden and Martin McElhinney.
Jim went on to join Celtic football club as a football coach and returned to Ireland and settled in Creeslough.
Nominee Sarah McCaffrey
Sarah was born in Creeslough and was nominated in 2000 for volunteering and community support.
She was also pivotal I’m bring about the memorial to those who perished of the coast of Scotland.
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.