Early Life and Education

Mabel Remington Colhoun was born in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1905. She became the first principal of the preparatory department at Londonderry High School in 1935, where she taught until her retirement in 1969.

Archaeological Research

Outside of her teaching career, Colhoun was a dedicated volunteer researcher. She spent decades studying her family’s ancestral home of Inishowen, County Donegal, and published her findings in the book “The Heritage of Inishowen: Its Archaeology, Heritage and Folklore.”

Travels and Photography

Colhoun’s love of archaeology blossomed during her travels to the Middle East and Egypt. She also hiked the Alps on foot, crossing over from Germany into northern Italy. Throughout her journeys, she captured countless photographs, documenting the daily life and landmarks of the regions she visited.

The Mabel Colhoun Photographic Collection

After Colhoun’s death in 1992, her photographs and papers were inherited by the Tower Museum in Derry. The collection includes over 10,000 slides taken by Colhoun between the 1920s and 1980s.

Digitization and Online Exhibition

In recent years, archaeologist and museum volunteer Denise Henry has digitized more than 10,000 of Colhoun’s slides. A selection of these images is now available online as part of the Tower Museum’s “Mabel Colhoun Photographic Collection.”

Content of the Collection

The collection offers a glimpse into daily life in Northern Ireland during the 20th century. It includes snapshots of rural communities, events such as the landing of the Italian Air Armada in 1933, and images of the Colhoun family’s travels.

Archaeological Sites and Disappeared Landmarks

Colhoun’s photographs also document archaeological sites where she and her colleagues investigated local history. Additionally, the collection features images of buildings and monuments that have since disappeared, providing a valuable record of Northern Ireland’s changing landscape.

Sketches and Paintings

In addition to her photographs, the collection includes Colhoun’s sketches and paintings. These works capture the natural life and local landscapes of the regions she visited.

Legacy and Impact

Mabel Colhoun was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to archaeology, education, and the preservation of Northern Ireland’s heritage. Her photographs and research continue to inspire and inform generations of scholars and enthusiasts.

Promoting Mabel’s Legacy

Denise Henry, who played a key role in digitizing Colhoun’s collection, is passionate about promoting her legacy. “As a fellow archaeologist and native of Donegal, I am delighted to play my part in developing photographic time capsules that will encourage conversations about the past and create an appreciation of it in the present,” she says.

The DUP and the Good Friday Agreement

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) is a conservative political party in Northern Ireland that played a key role in the Troubles, a period of conflict between Protestants and Catholics in the region. The DUP’s goal is to maintain Northern Ireland’s status as part of the United Kingdom.

In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was signed, ending the Troubles and establishing a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland. The agreement was based on the principle of neutrality, with the British government acting as a third-party peace broker.

The DUP-Tory Coalition

In 2017, British Prime Minister Theresa May formed a coalition with the DUP to secure a majority in Parliament. This coalition raised concerns about the neutrality of the British government and the potential impact on the Good Friday Agreement.

Brexit and the Border

Brexit, the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, has further complicated the situation in Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland, which shares a border with Northern Ireland, remains part of the EU.

If Northern Ireland leaves the EU with the rest of the UK, a hard border could be re-established between the two regions. This could lead to tariffs on goods and customs checks, disrupting trade and potentially reigniting tensions.

The DUP’s Dilemma

The DUP supports Brexit but does not want to see a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This creates a dilemma for the party, as it must balance its support for Brexit with its commitment to maintaining peace.

The Challenges of Maintaining Peace

The DUP-Tory coalition and Brexit have put the Good Friday Agreement under strain. Sinn Fein, the main nationalist party in Northern Ireland, has accused the DUP of using its position to undermine the peace process.

In addition, the border issue remains a major concern. All sides recognize the sensitivity of the border and do not want to return to the days of violence. However, finding a solution that satisfies both sides is proving to be difficult.

The Future of Northern Ireland

The future of Northern Ireland is uncertain. The DUP-Tory coalition and Brexit have created a complex set of challenges that will require careful negotiation and compromise. The peace process remains fragile, and it is essential that all parties work together to maintain stability and build a more equitable and prosperous future for the region.

Additional Considerations:

• The DUP’s economic populism has led it to negotiate a substantial funding package for Northern Ireland from the British government.
• Sinn Fein, while denouncing violence, has a history of support for the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
• The Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organization with ties to the DUP, has been involved in sectarian marches that have sparked violence in the past.
• The Good Friday Agreement established a Parades Commission to regulate Orange Order marches and prevent them from taking place in predominantly Catholic areas.
• The political future of Northern Ireland will depend on the outcome of Brexit negotiations and the ability of the different parties to find common ground and work towards a shared vision for the region.