Willie's life behind the camera honoured by Leitrim County Council

Leitrim Observer photographer Willie Donnellan was honoured by Leitrim County Council this week

Published 6th May 2026, 21:00 BST Willie Donnellan is presented with a memento from Paddy Farrell, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council. Leitrim Observer photographer Willie Donnellan was honoured by Leitrim County Council this week Sign up to our Leitrim Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Leitrim Live within your account.

Leitrim Observer photographer Willie Donnellan was honoured by Leitrim County Council this week.

A presentation was made to Willie at this week's bi-monthly meeting of Leitrim County Council.

Willie retired last year as staff photographer with the Observer, having joined in 1974.

However, he still works on a freelance basis, particularly at GAA matches.

Leitrim County Council Cathaoirleach Paddy Farrell made a presentation to Willie and also spoke of his contribution to Leitrim life for half a century.

“Willie has contributed a lot to Leitrim. Since 1974, Willie has covered a variety of events, including civic and public events,” Cllr Farrell told the meeting.

“Sport is a great passion of Willie's and particularly Leitrim GAA. Willie could be seen at the sideline at matches, wearing a rain proof jacket and providing great action shots,” he added.

Leitrim's 1994 Connacht Senior success was just one of the GAA occasions Willie covered.

“Willie travelled throughout that golden era in 1994. He also recorded the start of a new GAA club, Leitrim Gaels. Coming out on top against the Rossies was always a highlight for Willie,” Cllr Farrell commented.

The Cathaoirleach went on to outline Willie's love of local groups around Leitrim.

“Willie has shown great loyalty to ordinary people over the years. He has a love and admiration for local groups. Thank you Willie for your service,” Cllr Farrell stated.

Addressing the meeting, Willie Donnellan thanked the council and said that he was “deeply honoured” by the presentation.

“I could never have imagined that this could turn out to be 50 years. I had the privilege of covering every local election in that time,” he stated.

Willie went on to thank all his colleagues in the Leitrim Observer. “I had the privilege of working with many great colleagues in the Observer,” he commented.

He went on to acknowledge the support of his family. “I would like to acknowledge the support of encouragement of my wife Marion and daughters Rachel and Sarah. I also want to acknowledge my two sons-in-law,” he stated.

“There were late nights and missed meals along the way,” Willie added.

He went on to mention some of the highlights of being the Observer's photographer.

“It was a privilege to travel every parish in the county. Covering events such as a child's first day in school meant a lot to me,”he stated.

“The 1994 Connacht title win, visits of Presidents of Ireland and the Pope's visit in 1979 were other highlights for me,” he added.

“The tornado that occured here in Leitrim village a few years ago was also something that stands out,” Willie continued.

He went on to say that he has covered GAA games in 29 of the 32 counties.

“Kerry, Waterford and Kilkenny are the only counties I didn't cover games in,” he remarked.

“I am still out every weekend at games, but maybe it is time to start taking things easy,” Willie added.

Willie went on to say that, “the dark rooms of the 1970's up to the 1990's are gone as a photographer.”

“I had a small part in telling the story of Co. Leitrim,” Willie added.

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