By Msgr. Francis A. Carbine
“Our ship, Brittanica, arrived in New York from Cobh, County Cork, on Saturday evening, April 14, 1957. We anchored in the harbor.
“I saw the illuminated Statue of Liberty. I could see the lights of New York City. It was the most beautiful sight that I had ever seen.
“The next day we docked. My aunt was waiting for me. We took the train to Philadelphia. It was Palm Sunday. I was 22 years old.”
So begins John Durning’s reflections on his experiences. One of ten children, he was raised on the Horn Head Peninsula, County Donegal. The small peninsula had “wild scenery”: “We had mountains, bogland, and the Atlantic Ocean smashing against rocks.”
We could see Tory Island – although I never traveled there. Nearby were two mountains: Muckish and Errigal – but I never climbed them. Since I have recently had hip surgery, climbing is now out of the question!”
Michael Murphy (left), captain, Donegal Football Team; John Durning, center, and Ryan McHugh with Sam Maguire Cup, 2017.
John’s parents, four grandparents, and all great grandparents were from Horn Head. “There was one road in and out. In former times, there was no transportation. You had to marry a neighbor!”
The Durning family has been in Donegal since the 16th century. The family came from Spain to England and thence to Ireland.
His father owned a farm, grocery store and hardware shop. “My father also kept a diary that he began at age 14 and continued until he was 94.
“He recorded weather, deaths, and persons who emigrated. My sister, Mary Ferry, has a stack of these diaries. Mary is 95 years of age. In Donegal, she knits cardigans, plays bingo on Sunday nights, and doesn’t wear glasses!”
John attended a two-room school house. Then one teacher retired, and there were too few students to hire a replacement. “I went from third grade to fifth grade, and at age 13, my schooling was finished.”
John left Ireland because no work was available. Seven of his friends had gone to Australia to work in construction. “I wanted to get away for three years, earn money, return and open a sporting goods store in nearby Creeslough.
“However, after 16 months I was drafted into the U.S. Army. While in the Reserves I got engaged to Helen McGinley who had been born in Philadelphia. Her parents, however, were from Horn Head.
“I met her thorough a cousin with whom I played football. We attended dances at the V.F.W in 69th Street, and zConnolly Hall, Philadelphia. She was a very good dancer – and step dancer.
“Helen and I were married in St. Rose of Lima Church, Philadelphia, in 1962. Helen died unexpectedly in 2013.”
John initially worked as a photographer. Then for 39 years, he was employed by Acme Baking Company and subsequent owners. He worked night shift and was involved with sports by day.
He coached “running sports” and soccer at St. Denis in Havertown, Waldron Academy, Malvern Prep High School, and the Haverford School. In 2011 Haverford won State championship. “I was then 75, and it was time to step down.”
In 2015, he was honored as one of the founders, players and administrators of St. Michael’s GAA Club in Creeslough. The “Donegal News” covered the event.
In 2016, the “Donegal Democrat” published a Profile of John acknowledging his sporting activities in County Donegal, the U.S. Army, and Delaware County.
The newspaper account reminded readers that “retirement from coaching hasn’t meant a pipe and slippers for John.”
Today, the young man who played on teams in Portnablagh, Downings and Falcaragh is still a strong presence in the Irish community. He belongs to the Donegal Association, and the Board of Haverford Soccer Club which he founded in 1974.
JOHN DURNING at former family home, Horn Head, County Donegal, 2016
For 28 years he has been a member of the Pennsylvania State Special Olympics. For 22 years he has served on Committee of Delaware County Senior Games.
“I also bowl with the Donegal League at Playhouse Lanes, Drexel Hill.” John lives in Broomall, Delaware County.
In 1958, he began marching in the St. Patrick Day’s parade in Philadelphia. For ten years he has been involved with the parade in Springfield.
Memories of Creeslough and Dunfanaghy is title of a book published by John in 2003. “Today, I don’t have any copies. I have given them all away!”
His four sons – Brian, John, Tim, and Bill – are very much involved in athletics: running, soccer, karate, kick boxing, wrestling, and coaching.
John thinks highly of the Duffy’s Cut Project initiated by Bill and Frank Watson. “It is important to recognize the history of the 57 Irish immigrants buried in the weeds near railroad tracks in Malvern.
“The bullet holes in the skulls tell a very sad story.”
While John is active in the Irish community, he notes that as the generations move along, the loyalty of Irish Americans “tapers off.”
He recalls that when he joined the Donegal Association in 1958, there were 830 members. Today there are fewer than 200. However, the Irish Immigration Center, Upper Darby, enables people “to enjoy great company and have a nice weekly lunch.”
John’s favorite song is My Donegal Shore” popularized by singer Daniel O’Donnell. John has never forgotten the dramatic scenery of Horn Head.
And Donegal has never forgotten John. The banner headline in the “Donegal Democrat” said it all: “Photographer, Runner, Dancer, Organizer, a Creeslough Man!”