Footprints of Giving 2026: Full Programme Announced for a Morning of Stories, Inspiration and Community

The full running order and speaker line-up for Footprints of Giving 2026 has been announced, with a fantastic morning of stories, conversations, community connections and celebrations of giving planned for Thursday, 12th November at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny.

Hosted by Donegal Giving, this free community event will bring together people from across Donegal and beyond to explore the many ways we give throughout our lives, whether through our time, experience, kindness, knowledge, opportunities or simply being there when someone needs us.

From personal stories and community leadership to fostering, youth mental health, education and the psychology of giving, this year’s programme promises a wonderful mix of perspectives and experiences.

Karen Murphy of Karen Murphy Speech, Drama & Communications returns as MC, guiding the audience through a morning that celebrates the people who make a difference, often without ever seeking recognition.

An Outstanding Line-Up of Speakers

Pat Gallagher, originally from Dungloe, will reflect on community, the people who have shaped his life, what giving means to him and the legacy we leave behind. His contribution will also touch on the importance of maintaining connections with Donegal, including among our diaspora.

Deirdre McGlone, a well-known Donegal businesswoman and community advocate, will share her personal journey, reflecting on the people, places and experiences that have shaped her life and the importance of giving back.

Dr Tom Hannan, Chartered Psychologist and Clinical Director of Donegal Psychology Centre, will explore the psychology of giving, connection and wellbeing, including how helping others can positively influence our own lives.

One of the particularly special conversations of the morning will feature Patsy and Rosie Curran, who have been fostering with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for 35 years. During that time, they have fostered 47 children, adopted one child and offered generations of young people safety, stability, encouragement, opportunity and, above all, a sense of belonging. Their story is a remarkable example of giving that changes lives.

Anne-Marie Huston will share her personal journey of sight loss, strength, resilience and finding purpose, offering a very personal perspective on the challenges and experiences that have shaped her life.

Christen Grant, Donegal Giving’s Youth Ambassador, will take to the stage for a short talk exploring what giving and legacy mean to young people and the part they can play in shaping the future of their communities.

Official Launch of the Footprints of Giving Legacy Journal

A major highlight of this year’s event will be the official launch of the Footprints of Giving Legacy Journal by Joe McHugh, leadership coach, facilitator and educator.

The beautifully produced hardback journal is a very special milestone in the Donegal Giving journey.

At its heart are stories of people, connections, experiences and acts of giving that deserve to be remembered and shared. It reflects the belief that everyone has something to give and that the impact of even the smallest gesture can continue long after the moment itself.

The journal is also an opportunity to capture and preserve some of the stories and experiences that make Donegal’s communities so special.

Copies of the Footprints of Giving Legacy Journal will be available to purchase at the event for €20.

Two Important Panel Conversations

This year’s programme features two panel discussions, bringing together voices from education, business, community organisations and local leadership.

Learning, Leadership & Legacy

Facilitated by Caroline Faulkner, Executive Mindset Coach and Strategic Advisor, this conversation will explore how learning, leadership, sharing experience and creating opportunities for others can build a lasting legacy.

Joining Caroline will be:

• Sarah Diffley, Lecturer at Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
• Julia Tytko, ATU Graduate
• Leeanne Patterson, Head of Human Resources at TCS

The discussion will also include findings from the Donegal Giving research undertaken by ATU students as part of their Capstone project, providing valuable insight into awareness of giving, community involvement and the opportunities to encourage greater participation.

Giving Through Community

Facilitated by Paul Logue, Donegal Giving Board member, this panel will explore how giving our time, experience, knowledge and connections can strengthen communities and create a lasting impact.

Panel members include:

• Eamonn Bonner, Donegal Volunteer Centre
• Anna Gallagher, Mayor of Donegal Town
• Josephine Corkery, Bluestack Special Needs Foundation

Together, they will share experiences from their own organisations and communities, highlighting the many different ways people support one another throughout Donegal.

Stories on Screen: Legacy and Youth Mental Health

The programme will also include two special video contributions.

Kevin Dooher, The Wild Atlantic Traveller, will feature in a contribution reflecting on people, place, connection and legacy.

Jigsaw Donegal will share a video highlighting youth mental health, the importance of connection and the difference early support can make in a young person’s life.

Both contributions bring another important dimension to the day, reminding us that giving takes many forms.

Celebrating Our Partners and Supporters

Donegal Giving is delighted to welcome representatives from the organisations that have helped make this year’s event possible.

The morning will include contributions from Richie of An Grianán Theatre, Martin of Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC) and Orla of RiSE, recognising the importance of collaboration and the support that has helped Donegal Giving develop.

We will also welcome Christy Lynch of Efficient Renewables Limited, Donegal Giving’s Environmental Partner.

This year, Efficient Renewables has demonstrated a very practical act of giving by generously offering its exhibition stand to an HSE-supported respiratory team from Letterkenny University Hospital.

Advanced Nurse Practitioner Patricia McLaughlin and COPD Clinical Nurse Specialist Alana Kiernan will be present to share practical advice on looking after your breathing and respiratory health during the winter months.

It is a wonderful example of how a business can give something other than money, using an opportunity or resource it already has to benefit others.

Coffee, Conversations and Community Connections

Our Coffee & Connect break is about much more than enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.

Throughout the event, a wide range of community organisations and services will be represented at exhibition stands, offering visitors the chance to meet the people behind the organisations, learn about the work they do and discover the support, services and opportunities available throughout the county.

It is also a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections and perhaps discover an opportunity to give or become involved in something new.

Full details of the exhibiting organisations and their stands will follow in a separate announcement.

The Donegal Giving Journey and the Year Ahead

Donegal Giving Founder Evelyn Mc Glynn, together with Board members Trish McGinley, Caitríona Sinnott, Assumpta Gunning and Paul Logue, will share an update on the Donegal Giving journey and the plans for the year ahead.

The audience will also be introduced to the Donegal Giving Ambassadors, who are helping to spread the message of giving across different communities and generations.

A particular focus will be the Donegal Giving Challenge, encouraging people to make giving a regular part of their lives.

The challenge is simple. Give something of yourself, whether that’s time, knowledge, encouragement, an introduction, a helping hand or an act of kindness.

It doesn’t have to cost money, and it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture.

It is about recognising that we all have something to offer and that even the smallest acts can have a lasting impact.

Everyone Is Welcome

Footprints of Giving 2026 is a free community event, open to individuals, businesses, community organisations, educators, students and anyone who believes in the power of people helping people.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, 12th November 2026
• Venue: An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
• Time: 10.00am to 1.15pm
• Admission: Free community event

Donegal Giving extends its sincere thanks to DLDC, An Grianán Theatre, RiSE, Efficient Renewables, our many partners and supporters, all our speakers, panellists, exhibitors and everyone who has contributed their time, expertise, encouragement and resources to make this year’s event possible.

The event is a celebration of what can happen when people come together with a shared belief in the importance of giving.

We look forward to welcoming you to An Grianán Theatre on Thursday, 12th November for Footprints of Giving 2026.

Further information about the community organisations exhibiting on the day will be announced shortly.