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The Donegal Island of Árainn Mhór was lit up with community Christmas lights tonight for the first time.
The islanders decided a few months ago that they wanted to bring some joy and joy to the community and their diaspora in what has been a difficult year.
Normally, at this time of year, Gaeltacht Island would be preparing to welcome family members from all over the world, but with few able to travel due to Covid-19 this year, the local community is connecting with them through its lights. Christmas.
An online fundraising campaign was launched with the aim of raising a few thousand euros to light up four areas of the island, but the response was overwhelming.
One of the organizers said the money came plentifully and quickly locally and from islanders living in places like the United States, England and Australia.
More than € 10,000 was raised, and that meant they could light up other parts of the island and have money for next year.
Elaine Grady said it has been a really lovely community experience, something they can build on.
Young and old were involved, he said, including some young people who returned home to live and work from the island when the Covid restrictions first arrived.
Laura Early, who came home from London, where she had been working, said that many of those living abroad who made donations did so in memory of their loved ones who passed away.
The names of 400 deceased islanders are now inscribed in candles in the island’s church, a beautiful connection between diaspora and home, he said.
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