Donegal creators launch anthology “Trace” featuring Nobel laureate and others

Creative duo Laura Buchanan and Isla McGuckin launched their new anthology Trace at An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny, showcasing 48 short contributions from older people across a range of backgrounds.

The book includes reflections from Nobel laureate William C. Campbell, a former chef to Irish presidents, a Fanad farmer, a one‑room schoolteacher and veteran broadcasters from the BBC and RTÉ, among others. Stories cover topics such as the freedom of a first car, unrequited love, missed opportunities and bold dreams.

Isla McGuckin, who edited the volume, thanked contributors for their vulnerability and generosity, saying the collection forms “a rich tapestry of changed and still‑changing times.” She noted that the project highlighted how people navigate life’s unexpected challenges.

Background

Trace follows the pair’s 2025 collaboration Leap, which presented 50 stories from Donegal’s creative community. Buchanan, a Ramelton‑based artist and printmaker, and McGuckin, a Portsalon‑based children’s author and workshop facilitator, began developing Trace after a public call for stories in February 2025.

Musicians Emma Best, Percy Robinson, Leslie Buchanan and Tommy Logan provided live music for the launch, and photographs by Rachel McLaughlin documented the event.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Phát Trương / Pexels.