Governance & Policies
Earagail Arts Festival
Governance
Earagail Arts Festival is a registered charity (CHY 16078) and a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG 383383) governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, the Earagail Arts Festival Management Company. Please see list of Directors & Directors’ biographies below. Earagail Arts Festival is committed to good governance and has embarked upon the journey of compliance with the Governance Code. The organisation complies with all regulatory requirements and operates in accordance with its governing document, available here.
Earagail Arts Festival keeps detailed books and records of accounts and maintains strict financial controls. The organisation is transparent in its audited financial statements, with most recent statements (2024) available here. The Statement of Recommended Practice for charities and not-for profit entities as developed in the UK in 2005 (SORP) is currently accepted as best practice in Ireland. We are working with our auditor towards compliance with SORP in 2018 financial statements and beyond.
Earagail Arts Festival is open, honest and fully transparent in its fundraising activities, the proceeds of which all go towards the primary activity of organising and promoting an annual multi-disciplinary arts festival. Earagail Arts Festival is currently working to confirm compliance with the Statement of Guiding Principles of Good Fundraising developed by Irish Charities Tax Research Ltd (ICTR).
Our Policies
Child & Vulnerable Person Protection & Welfare
Earagail Arts Festival is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of children and young people by protecting them from physical, sexual and emotional harm.
In accordance with the Children’s First Act 2105, the festival will uphold and adhere to principles outlined.
Complaints Policy
Earagail Arts Festival is committed to ensuring that all our communications and dealings with our members, the general public, our supporters and all who engage with us are of the highest possible standard.
We listen and respond to the views so that we can continue to improve.
Climate Action Policy
Earagail Arts Festival recognises that the climate emergency is the most serious challenge humanity has ever faced and that festivals can play an essential part in our response. Cognisant of the damage being done to the planet by human activity, Earagail Arts Festival aims to transition the festival to a sustainable future by significantly reducing its environmental impact over the next number of years.
Dignity at Work Policy
Earagail Arts Festival recognises the right of all employees to be treated with dignity and respect and is committed to ensuring that all employees are provided with a safe working environment which is free from all forms of bullying, sexual harassment and harassment.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Policy & Action Plan
Earagail Arts Festival, in everything it does, strives to respect, support and ensure the inclusion of all voices and cultures that make up Ireland today, from all sections of society, from existing and new communities, and from all social backgrounds, ethnicities and traditions.
Board of Directors
Fadl Mustapha Chairperson
– appointed 2022
Fadl Mustapha is currently a Youth Worker with the Donegal Youth Service where he facilitates workshops about bringing positive mental health awareness and building resilience for young people, teachers, key workers and parents. Before that Fadl was the Intercultural/Resettlement Support Worker on the Donegal Refugee Resettlement Programme for Syrian Refugees and had worked closely with a number of state and non-state agencies to implement the programme. Fadl is also an actor and theatre facilitator and has contributed with organising and hosting a number of cultural events in Donegal. Fadl is a Palestinian who has been living in Donegal since 2006. Fadl is passionate about community-based work, particularly in regards to integration, inclusion, participation and contribution of new communities through all forms of art. Fadl serves on the board of The Playhouse, Derry/Londonderry since 2018 and is a member of the Donegal Intercultural Platform.
Judith McCarthy Vice Chairperson
– appointed 2023
Judith McCarthy has been the Curator of Donegal County Museum since 1994. Donegal County Museum is part of the Cultural Services Division of Donegal County Council. The Museum works to raise awareness and increase understanding of the heritage and history which has shaped our communities and in doing so has developed successful partnerships with other museums, community groups and organisations throughout the island of Ireland. Judith graduated with a BA (Hons) in Ancient History/Archaeology and History from Trinity College and subsequently completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Arts Administration in UCD. She was previously a member of the Board of the National Museum of Ireland (2016-2021).
Alan Butler Company Secretary
– appointed 2024
Alan Butler moved from England to Donegal in 2006, after a career managing Child Protection services, and residential provision for Children in Care. He also founded, and operated for 8 years, a successful not- for- profit music promotion company, specialising in bringing well-know artistes to rural locations – “Big Names in Small Places”. In Donegal, Alan has worked with young people leaving care, helping them into independent living. He is a passionate supporter of the arts in Donegal, especially in the fields of music and theatre.
Gary Doherty – appointed 2014
Gary Doherty was co-opted onto Donegal County Council in November 2013 and was subsequently elected to serve as a Member for the Stranorlar Municipal District in May 2014. Gary was elected as the first ever Cathaoirleach of the Stranorlar Municipal District in June 2014. He sits on the Donegal Education and Training Board and the National Reserve Members Forum of the ETBI. He is also a member of the Board of the Irish Central and Border Area Network, ICBAN. Gary has a keen interest in the arts in County Donegal, and is the bass player with local band, The Heads Of State.
John O’Connell – appointed 2024
John O’Connell is a retired executive in the multinational sector with experience in program management, training and process quality management . John also had a business for almost 20 years in the service and arts sector involving picture framing , Art gallery and craft shop. John was a founder member of the original Letterkenny Artspace , a former board member of DLDC, IBEC regional forum and Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce. John is current board member of STEER housing association shortly to be renamed Cuidiu’ Housing.
Eve Li – appointed 2024
Originally from London, Eve lives in the Donegal Gaeltacht. Eve has a BA (Hons) degree in Film Studies & Theatre Studies and studied an MA in Performance at Queen Mary, University of London. She has a Certificate in Community Work from Maynooth University. She also has QQI Level 5 certificates in Intercultural Studies, Community Addiction Studies and Community Work. Eve is a qualified Narrative Story Exchange facilitator. She has written and directed fringe theatre shows in London in the past. She facilitated children’s inclusive drama workshops with The Chicken Shed Theatre’s East End Shed in London. She also taught GCSE Drama and GCSE Dance at the Gypsy Booth School and College of Dance and Drama in Hertfordshire.
Alannah McGhee – appointed 2024
Alannah is currently the Head of Content at Other Voices/South Wind Blows. Her dual role sees her leading the brand’s extensive digital output and presence, while also working across the curation and booking of music and performers for the legendary live music television series.
With a strong background in events, marketing, and digital media, Alannah has worn many hats — from social media consultant and entrepreneur to co-founder of the Donegal-based brand Beanantees. She has also worked as an event producer and freelance marketer for tech companies, community groups, and more, collaborating with organisations on both local and global scales.
A passionate advocate for arts, culture, and music, Alannah draws daily inspiration from the creative community she works within.
She’s delighted to bring her extensive industry experience back home to Donegal as part of the Earagail Arts Festival Board.
Donal Coyle – appointed 2024
Councillor Donal Coyle is a seasoned public representative and retired educator based in Letterkenny, County Donegal. He is married to Kathleen and has nine children and 20 grandchildren. A member of Fianna Fáil, he has been serving on Donegal County Council since 2019, representing the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.
Originally from Fanad, Cllr Coyle dedicated his professional life to education, culminating in his role as a school principal before retiring. His extensive experience in the education sector has significantly influenced his contributions to public service.
In December 2023, Cllr Coyle was elected Chairperson of the Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB), the county’s largest education and training provider. He was re-elected to this position in October 2024, reflecting the confidence his peers have in his leadership. Under his chairmanship, the ETB oversees fifteen of Donegal’s twenty-seven post-primary schools and serves as a trustee partner for eight Community and Comprehensive schools. The board also manages the Further Education and Training (FET) services, Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre, the Donegal Music Education Partnership, and holds legal responsibilities for youth work.
Cllr Coyle has emphasized the importance of education in shaping students’ futures and has prioritized the delivery of significant school projects, including the development of a new building for Errigal College in Letterkenny.
Donal also serves on the Donegal Heritage Forum, Donegal Sports Partnership, An Grianan Theatre Board and The Colmcille Heritage Trust.
Donal is actively involved in his community being on the committee for Bonagee Football Club for over 25 years.
He is an avid advocate for the Ten T project which includes the Bonagee Link and the Bridge across the Swilly.
Tomás Seán Devine – appointed 2024
Councillor Tomás Seán Devine is a dedicated public servant and community advocate based in Letterkenny, County Donegal. He serves as the Chair of the 100% Redress Party and was elected to Donegal County Council in the June 2024 local elections, representing the Letterkenny Municipal District.
A self-employed professional and father of five, Devine entered politics driven by the urgent need to address the defective concrete crisis affecting thousands of homeowners in Donegal and beyond. His party campaigns for a comprehensive redress scheme that includes all property types—residential, commercial, rental, and community buildings—without exclusions, caps, or costs to property owners.
He has been vocal about the scheme’s current limitations, such as the exclusion of foundations and the cap that affects approximately 40% of impacted homes
Beyond housing, Devine’s platform emphasizes transparency in local governance, improved healthcare services, tourism development, and creating opportunities to retain young people in the region. He has consistently called for a “shake-up” in Donegal County Council to ensure that the concerns of ordinary citizens are prioritised.
Devine maintains an active presence on social media, using platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to engage with constituents and advocate for policy changes.
As of April 2025, Councillor Devine continues to serve on Donegal County Council, focusing on housing policy and community development, and remains a prominent voice for those affected by the defective concrete crisis.
