Featured photo by Karen Skelly Donegal 

When Ballyshannon’s Pauline Donagher recently reached the milestone of 80 years young, she wanted to turn the great occasion into something even better!

Pauline, a native of Mayo, opted for a unique gift request. Instead of traditional presents, she asked her loved ones to consider a donation to the Donegal Galway Cancer Bus. It’s a charity close to her heart as her husband Paddy volunteers as a cancer car driver for patients with no transport.

Family and friends rallied behind her request, raising an impressive €2,000 in total. This incredible sum included €1,800 in cash donations and an additional €200 from online contributions directly to Cancer Care West.

Pauline (on the right) presenting the cheque to the Donegal Cancer Bus.

Pauline with her husband Paddy.

On April 27th, Dorrian’s Imperial Hotel in Ballyshannon buzzed with close family and friends who came together to celebrate Pauline’s birthday, which fell on the 29th.

The upbeat atmosphere was set with traditional music by the O’Brien Family, welcoming guests as they arrived. Later, the lively John Meehan took the stage, keeping the party going well into the night.

Family travelled from near and far to be part of this momentous occasion, with some coming from Mayo, England, and even as far as New York.

Happy Birthday Pauline!

Pauline with her husband Paddy, five Children, nine grandchildren, son in law and daughter in law.