Alexander Doherty

Alexander Doherty was born near St Johnston at Legnathraw.  He was born on February 23rd in 1900.  He spent most of his life in Sligo working in banks.  He wrote poetry and articles many of which were published in the Donegal People's Press.  One of his books is Through the Lens.  This book has poems which refer to life in St Johnston and one of them is called Winding Swilly Burn.  It speaks of his thoughts and feelings as he was on the bridge at Carrickmore St Johnston over the Swilly Burn in Autumn 1920.  It spoke principally of his feelings for his young love.  Here is a verse that speaks of the locality:

"I love to hear the Corn-Crake call,

In springtime of the year,

The Linnet and the Skylark

All chime their notes so clear,

I love to hear a ploughman sing

As with his team return

And comfort every lonely heart,

On winding Swilly Burn"

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