5th August 2025

Peggy Harkin

On Sunday 27th October 2024, Letterkenny Heritage Community Group unveiled a plaque in honour of Peggy Harkin at her late residence of 79 Lower Main Street, Letterkenny. Considering the inclement weather a large crowd had gathered for the unveiling of the plaque. Refreshments were later served at the Station House Hotel . Speeches were made by master of ceremonies, Brian Walsh, chairman, Johnny Mc Collum and committee member Joe Dorrian. Many locals recalled Peggy being a familiar figure in the town, always wearing her distinctive beret hat, riding her bike and carrying her medical bag.

At the gathering locals recalled Peggy being known as the “cycling nurse”. Peggy would be called out to many houses in the area day or night, no matter what weather was like. She would visit mothers and deliver babies. It was known Peggy cycled out as far as Glenswilly. One can only imagine how many babies Peggy delivered in the Letterkenny area. The committee contacted Letterkenny Hospital to ascertain further information on Peggy’s career as a midwife, unfortunately all records were either lost or destroyed. In general local residents remember Peggy to be a very kind and compassionate lady.

Peggy Harkin and her twin sister (Minnie) were born on the 27th July 1898 and she had two other siblings. Her father, John was a carpenter and her mother, Catherine was house wife. Peggy never married. It is believed Peggy became a midwife from the 1930 until she retired in the later 1960’s. Peggy died on 2nd of April 1975 and is buried at Conwal graveyard.