Falcarragh is set to become Donegal's first university town after an American college signalled its commitment to set up a "Student Abroad Programme" at the Ballyconnell Estate. Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, believes it has found a suitable environment in Ballyconnell and the Cloughaneely Gaeltacht where such a programme could be nurtured and developed.
The decision follows a weekend of intensive negotiations between representatives from the American college and Udaras na Gaeltachta officials.
Proposals to locate a Sacred Heart campus at Ballyconnell received a setback last month with confirmation that Udaras na Gaeltachta would be unlikely to provide funding towards an English-language college in the Gaeltacht.
Udaras also expressed concerns that a new university coming into Ireland would be competing directly with existing colleges for students and courses.
Mr Padraig O hAolain, deputy chief executive for regional development with Udaras na Gaeltachta, indicated it was discussing with the National University of Ireland the possible setting up of an all-Irish-speaking university which would have different bases througout the Gaeltacht regions, including Gweedore.
However, a delegation of Sacred Heart vice-president Mr Jim Barquinero, Dr Walter Brooks, professor of religious studies and local Donegal historian Seosamh O Ceallaigh concluded that recent "misunderstandings" had been rectified and the intentions of Sacred Heart University had been clarified.
"Following our weekend salvage operation, the confusion created by inaccurate reports has now been resolved, saving 18 months of our hard work which was almost jeopardised by incompetent political pointscoring," Mr O Ceallaigh said.
"The university's fundamental position is to provide its students with the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in Gaelic culture, Irish language, history, religion, music, literature, mythology and archaeology." Udaras," Mr O'Ceallaigh added. Sacred Heart University, with 7,500 students, hopes its proposals will be ratified at the Udaras board meeting later this month.
Ballyconnell estate dates back to the 1760s and evokes many memories among local people for the injustices their forefathers endured.
In the latter part of the 19th century, the then owner of Ballyconnell estate, Wybrants Olphert, became a much-hated figure when he evicted upwards of 1,500 people in Cloughaneely. Olphert had previously come before a House of Commons inquiry with four other Cloughaneely landlords because of their harsh treatment of tenants. It was sold to the State in 1927. The Army used the premises for a while in 1963 before it was purchased by the Raphoe Diocese, becoming a college until 1986.
Udaras then decided the building could be put to best use by local groups.
