Goal mouth celebrations and despair as Micheal Doherty scores O’Donnell’s Bar first goal against the Star Bar in the Inter Firms Final at Drumbar Photo: Jason McGarrigle
Inter Firms Proves Great Success
The Inter Firms tournament was enjoyed by all ages from 16 to 55 years, our thanks to all businesses and groups who entered teams and all who came to support them. Cup winners were O’Donnell’s bar and the Shield was won by The Castle Bar. Some players who live away from home made the effort to get holidays at this time to play and enjoy the craic afterwards.
By now the tournament is a great social event and a healthy environment for parents and children on holiday, with ample parking and a safe place for children to play, while parents participate in the games. Players from the Co. Council, and Allied Irish Banks came from all over the country to play their matches.
Our thanks to referees Liam Brown, John McGlanaghy, Ralph Wilson, Barry Thomas and Seamus McGrory, who did a great job. Our linesmen were Liam Farren, Eamon Brogan, Kevin Martin, Ciaran Nixon, Aiden Cassidy, Enda Brogan.
Gareth Brogan did most of the fixtures and Carol Anne did the signs and fixture sheets. We ran a shop for minerals and crisps etc - it was very well looked after by Roisin Farren, Patricia Sweeney, Brid Brogan, Angela McMonagle, Amy and Niamh Brogan, Elaine Brogan, and thanks to others who helped.
The pitches were complimented by all players. The work of grass cutting and marking was done twice weekly by Neill Thomas, Darragh Sweeney, Brian Brogan, Brendan and Conor McMonagle, a job well done.
Trophies were sponsored by National Bar, LF Tool Hire and McGinley’s Garage. A draw was held for spectators at the final, the prizes were, a meal for two in the Abbey Hotel, Dinner for two from Albert Morrow of Ard na Breatha and a bottle of whiskey from Rory’s Auto Factors.
Our thanks to Del Sweeney of the National Bar for a good party and food at the presentation. Thanks to Jason McGarrigle for covering the games, and thanks to the Donegal Times and John Begley’s Chemist for sponsoring signs at the pitch.
Gareth Brogan
The hills will be alive with sound of moving and maybe the sound of music as well to send more than 300 pairs of boots doing what they were made for. These boots will be walking across the Bluestack Mountains on Saturday 26th July. The second Magee Bluestack Challenge Walk from Ardara to Glenties has attracted a record number of volunteers this year.
At least 300 people will participate in the walk across mountains and bogland from Ardara to Drimarone. Minister Mary Coughlan, will set out with the main body at 8.30 a.m. in Ardara. The minister told organisers, “It’s a very worthy cause. I was determined to be a part of it. It will be a wonderful day out for all concerned. Not only will it be a healthy exercise but it will also be a most enjoyable one. Walkers will see some of the most breath-taking scenery in Ireland.”
Conal Gallen will be in Ardara to send the walkers on their way on the first leg to Glenties, where breakfast will be served. The funnyman quipped “It’s a bit early in the day for me - I’m more used to starting a day’s work at 8.15 at night instead of in the morning. I wonder if I’ll be able for the sun’s glare.”
Another 70 walkers will trek by road from the Diamond in Donegal Town to the Bluestack Centre in Drimarone. Their shorter 8km walk will set off a 4.30 pm, led by the Ardaghy band, to arrive at the Bluestack Centre in Drimarone at the same time as the first of the main hill walkers - around 6 O’clock.
The organisers, in conjunction with the Donegal Community Chamber, have a number of fun activities planned for the Diamond ie. bouncy castle, face painting, live music etc. With members of the Special Olympics in attendance it will be a great afternoon.
The following are a few useful tips for our walkers doing the full walk:
•Bring ample food for a full day including lunch •Advisable snacks; dried fruit, chocolate and fig roll/bar. •Dress for the weather. Walking boots and rain gear are essential. Bring a change of clothing and footwear for arrival at Bluestack centre where changing facilities will be available. •Carry as little as possible on walk, as a back-up jeep will transport your gear including water to the various exit/entry points. •Use water stations at regular intervals. •Ensure any gear/food to be transported has your name on it - printed clearly. •Pack a first aid kit with plasters etc. Include sun protection cream and insect repellant cream •It is essential to inform the leaders before you exit in the interests of safety. •All walkers completing the walk will receive a hot meal at the Bluestack Centre. •Drink plenty of water Thursday and Friday prior to the walk. •Re-hydrate after walk, •Keep the country code, •Walkers are responsible for their own travel arrangements, •All walkers participate at their own risk,
Walkers, with medical conditions, should follow the advice of their doctor before undertaking the walk, and if participating in the walk please advise leaders and Dr. Roisin Brennan (086 8186065) of their condition.
The Magee Bluestack Committee would like to thank sincerely all those who have been associated with this worthwhile venture. The community at large has been very supportive of the many fundraising events that have taken place throughout the County over the last few months. The beneficiaries (people with special needs) greatly appreciate all your hard work and generosity. Good luck to all walkers and may the sun shine on your footsteps.
Showjumping at Holmes
Seamus Campbell Memorial winner Brian Quigley on Euro Cruise receiving cup from Seamus Campbell Jnr
A combination of many factors guaranteed a great day out for all concerned at Donegal Town’s 10th Annual Showjumping event including the fine Summer weather, the excellent venue and the generous prize-money. A great turnout of both spectators and competitors enjoyed an excellent day of Showjumping. The highest praise has been offered to Billy Graham and family for providing such an impressive field and competitors from as far away as Antrim and Down remarked it is the best location they’ve jumped at for five years - well done Billy! Thanks also to Donegal Rugby Club for the use of their toilet facilities.
The Pony events kicked off at 9:30am and course builder Jon Chambers from Omagh constructed a challenging track for the six pony classes.
L. Browne on Tully Tiger won the last pony event, the 148cm ABC Gain League.
The Horse Classes followed at 1:30pm. with €1,100 prize money offered in 4 events. The 1 metre event saw local rider Martin McGowan, Donegal Town Hardware, share first prize on his great mare Moonlite Shadow. The following event, the 1 metre 10cm class was the Brendan Boylan memorial, which Brendan’s wife Phyllis from the Old Golf Course, presented the perpetual cup to Jimmy McCloskey from Derry on Red Wings. The late Brendan was a great supporter of the show and his 2 daughters, Brenda and Dervla, were on hand to present Rossettes to all prizewinners.
The next class, a Young Rider Qualifier, the 1 metre 20cm, was the Seamus Cambell Memorial and Derry rider, Brian Quigley, picked up first and second prize on Culmore Euro and Another Cruise. The late Seamus Campbell was the person who resurrected the showjumping in Donegal Town 10 years ago. This class was generously sponsored by Harvey’s Point Country Hotel to the tune of €500 - Many thanks Deirdre and Marc.
The final horse class, the 90cm, included many local riders including Conal Watters and Caroline Whyte from Ardara, Marie Clarke from Portnoo and Kelly Fergus from Bundoran, with Conal and Marie recording impressive double clears.
All in all, the day was a tremendous success and the field steward for the day, Sandra Long from Derry, was very encouraging by complimenting the hard working committee, especially secretary Maureen Walls from Ballintra.
Judges on the Day were Dr. Pat O’Neill and his lovely wife Agnes, from Omagh, who now spend most of their time in their home in St. Ernans. Food was provided by Dermot Maguire from Ballintra who kept the spectators and the many helpers on the day well fed - thanks Dermot. The Committee would like to thank all their sponsors on the day, who year after year demonstrate their kind support for showjumping in the area.
These include: 1. Harvey’s Point Hotel 2. The Old Castle Bar 3. Allen Associates 4. Donegal Town Hardware 5. O.C. Bookmakers 6. James Likely Ltd 7. Brendan Keown Carpets and Flooring Ltd 8. Donegal Creameries PLC 9. Holmes Service Station 10. SuperValu 11. McIntyres Filling Station 12. Roadstone 13. Abbey Hotel 14. Dom Breslin’s Pier 1 Bar and Restaurant 15. Ulster Bank 16. Donegal Tyre Centre 17. Diarmuid Barry and Co. 18. Horan Dress Hire 19. Doherty Tiling 20. O’Donnell’s Bar 21.Killybegs Fishing Enterprises and Castlemurray House and Hotel 22. McCosker Paints , Donegal Town.
Finally, the Showjumping Committee would like to thank all who attended and especially the volunteers who helped on the day. We would also like to wish one of the committee members, Seamus Gallagher, Edrim Glebe, a speedy recovery following a recent operation.
Pre-season training has started for the senior team on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm at the Hospital Field, all newcomers are more than welcome. After narrowly missing promotion over the past two seasons, a good start to the season is vital this year, so the pre-season is extra important. A number of friendlies are being arranged to aid preparation.
Coaching continues for the U-10’s at the St. John Bosco field every Monday evening at 7pm.
The club wishes to congratulate club players Remmie McGroary and all the players who won the Bowl competition at the Kennedy Cup recently, and also John Corley, Odhran Duke and Oisin McGinty who represented the club on the South Donegal Schoolboys League team in the Foyle Cup in Derry.
The club also wishes to thank Martin Byrne for his superb work with the under-age teams, which requires vast amounts of time and effort. His work is very evident when one sees the high number of quality players coming through the ranks.
Snooker Club - John Griffin Cup
John Griffin Memorial Cup - Winners and Runners-up - Raymond Tierney, Finbarr Mc Carthy, Sean Faulkner, Paul Thomas, Kevin Mulhern and Brian Heeney
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