Friday, 2 October 2026
The enduring connection between County Donegal and the O’Neill family was celebrated this week as Tom and Shelly O’Neill visited Scoil Naomh Bríd in Muff to present a cash grant through the RISE Community Fund, helping to support technology-based learning opportunities for local pupils.
The visit highlighted the lasting legacy of the late Thomas P. "Tip" O’Neill, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, whose maternal grandparents emigrated from Buncrana and Clonmany. The strong ties between the O’Neill family and Donegal continue to be celebrated through the annual Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards, which recognise members of the global Irish family who have achieved distinction while maintaining strong links to Ireland and their heritage.
Tom and Shelly O’Neill, who serve on the Board of the RISE Community Fund, visited the school following their attendance at the 2026 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards in Buncrana. During the visit, they presented funding that will enable Scoil Naomh Bríd to invest in additional Chromebooks and a transport trolley, enhancing access to digital learning resources for pupils and teachers.
Speaking during the visit, Tom and Shelly O’Neill reflected on the importance of returning to Donegal and supporting local communities: “Our family’s connection with this county goes back generations, and Donegal has always held a very important place in our hearts. What makes RISE so powerful is its focus on giving communities practical support that can make an immediate difference.”
Established by David McCourt, Chairman of National Broadband Ireland, the RISE Community Fund supports rural communities, schools, social enterprises and local organisations through grants that help strengthen digital skills and connectivity. Since its launch, the fund has awarded grants across Ireland to support projects that maximise the benefits of high-speed broadband and technology.
Principal Gary Foster welcomed the support, noting that the investment will help the school continue to provide modern learning opportunities for its pupils. Scoil Naomh Bríd, which serves approximately 200 children from Muff and the surrounding area, has a strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and supporting every child to reach their full potential.
The visit also serves as a reminder of the powerful role the Irish diaspora continues to play in supporting communities at home. Through initiatives such as the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards, Donegal celebrates those who have achieved success around the world while maintaining a strong connection to their roots.
As Donegal continues to strengthen its relationships with its global diaspora, the O’Neill family's support for local initiatives demonstrates how those connections can deliver meaningful benefits for communities and future generations across the county.
Photo: Tom and Shelly O’Neill of the RISE Community Fund with Principal Gary Foster, Deputy Principal Karen McNally and pupils of Scoil Naomh Bríd, Muff, during the presentation of funding to support technology and digital learning initiatives at the school. Photography by Martina McLaughlin
