There’s very few people who haven’t heard of businessman and proud Rosses mover and shaker Charlie ‘The Yank’ Boyle. A true Donegal man who has flown the flag for Tir Chonaill in many parts of the world, Charlie tells us all about his Donegal.
What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
Bloody Foreland- the view looking out over the Islands and coast of Gweedore and the Rosses is the most dramatic in Ireland and away better than higher profiled spots like the Ring of Kerry. Then the top of Dunlewey looking down over the lake.
If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
It’s already changing-we were for too long acceptant of second best from the Government and our Politicians but this is changing and that’s good. The younger generation won’t put up with the same nonsense and Donegal has a better chance of getting what it needs.
Who is the one person in Donegal that you look up to and why?
At the minute it has to be Jim McGuinness. He did not accept… with all the evidence otherwise, that Donegal were not good enough to win an All-Ireland. He was able to use a simple but not easy plan and the example of the past two years goes away beyond Sport.
Daniel O’Donnell or Packie Bonner?
I have to say both…..although I wouldn’t like to see Daniel playing football nor Packie singing!! Both have done so much for Donegal and the image. Behind the scenes they do ten times more than is known. The opening of the Daniel Visitor Centre in the midst of the recession is a major boost to the County. You could not put a value on their contribution to Donegal.
What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
Tempting to say the All-Ireland but in a slightly controversial way…the voting NO to both recent referendum regardless of the issues….was a turning point in saying we are not sitting up here accepting everything Dublin says. We can still be nice people but getting that wee bit of awkwardness in our make up is no harm.
What was Donegal’s saddest moment?
I think the news of the car accident in Inishowen two years ago with the deaths of so many in one crash.
What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal pens in Loughanure. The story of the two young McGarvey lads giving it a go is a great example and the products are quality.
Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
If I say Daniel again…I’ll be accused of keeping it in the Rosses….so Daniel it is!!. I can’t think of any other person at the moment.
Who is Donegal’s most successful businessperson in your opinion?
Gerry Robinson. Always watched his TV and read about him lots and then by accident sat with him on a flight to London from Derry. ..lovely man and he’s had some big wins in the UK.
Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
Martin McHugh in full flight always…..quickly followed by Martin Griffen.
What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
Danny Minnies in Annagry is the best one but there are many.
Donegal’s golden eagles or basking sharks?
Havn’t seen either…shameful isn’t it.
Your nomination for Donegal’s most stylish person?
I’d say Noel Cunningham for colour although I don’t know about the style!
What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
“Thanks a million”
Will Donegal win the All Ireland this year?
Maybe – Maybe not.. but it’ll be some team that will beat them now.
What is your favourite Donegal food?
Salmon (caught illegally in other words not farmed) and new potatoes around June
Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
If people annoy me…it’s me that has the problem so there is nothing about Donegal people that annoys me.
If you had a million euro to spend on improving something in Donegal, what would it be?
The statistics on Alcohol and Drug problems in Donegal are very scary but the response and debate is nearly silent. I would support the great work done by places like White Oaks and groups trying to make a difference. Alcohol itself is not a problem but helping those who have a problem with it is. It’s not a fashionable thing to be supporting so the Politicians hide….but families are suffering in the meantime.