Marty Walsh, kickboxing instructor, with pupils Matthew Gildea, William Timony and Peter McGettigan at their weekly kickboxing training night at the Bosco Centre. At recent bouts in Carrickmacross Matthew came second with William in third, senior mens; and Peter in third on points. They are currently in training for the Irish open in Dublin. Photo: Jason McGarrigle
Donegal Town Rugby Football Club Notes
Donegal’s First XV played Cookstown at home, using their second pitch due to the wet conditions. Handling conditions were challenging despite both teams endeavours to play good, open rugby. Cookstown started the stronger side having the wind and played the first half in Donegal territory. However, Donegal defence was solid, yet again, and this proved to be the hub of the game, keeping a clean sheet to half-time.
Donegal came into the second half with all guns blazing and made full use of the wind. Within 5 minutes, and after some great forward play, E. Gallagher had the simplest of try’s from two yards out, putting Donegal 5-0 up. Pressure was maintained for the majority of the second half and the home side was rewarded with two penalties which R. Sweeney ‘cooly’ coverted making the score 11-0, which Donegal then comfortably held. Great credit is due to the forwards who played to the prevailing conditions. The backs had a slow start, however performed well in the second half, showing good running and passing ability. The home teams overall play with tackling, rucking, passing and support strong, was as good as it has been all season.
Two U18’s from last year made their senior side debut and special thanks to A. McNamee and N. Gillespie who both played well and look to have a great future in the game. John Walsh, who came out of retirement, like all true ‘greats’, was outstanding. A final mention to undoubted ‘man of the match’, C. Cassidy who will always get a game at Donegal Town RFC.
Team: G. Prenderville (Capt), D. Barrett, E. Brogan, R. Meehan, C. Cassidy, A. Mc Namee, M. Wilson, J. Walsh, R. Sweeney, E. Gallagher,G. Brogan, P. Leauvasa, D. Martin, N. Gillespie, J. Doherty.
Donegals Second XV played Cookstown away, travelling with 14 men, B. Brennan, K. McGinty, M. Jones, S. Gillespie, J. McNaee, K. Anderson, K Coulter, S Bushill, B Griffith, P Martin, J O’Doneell, A Duncan, K Lowther, N Mullin. A very inexperienced side, who were let down badly on the morning of the game, played a strong Cookstown side who proved their strength in scrums and lineouts and built up a significant lead in the first half. Credit to our travelling team who battled away and were rewarded with a brilliant penalty try when K Lowther was pushed off the ball as he was about to touch down over the line. The final score was 30-07 in favour of Cookstown. The club appreciates what the reduced team undertook by travelling that day and would encourage all players to honour commitments and take a lead from these men.
Next week the Firsts have no game while the Seconds take on Lisburn at home, in a Cup match.
U16’s also played this weekend in a friendly against Letterkenny with no other youth games for the club this weekend.
Following the great success of all three youth sides (U14, U16 and U18) on 22nd November, when they won against Cavan, they are confident ahead of this weekend’s fixtures against Enniskillen at home. All three games are scheduled for 11am at The Holmes and support is encouraged for these teams.
Club Lotto draw will take place in O’Donnells on Saturday night next, 6th December.
Underage - Training twice weekly. Thanks to Neil Thomas, Rory O’Donnell, Gabriel O’Donnell, Michael McLaughlin, Barry Thomas and Eamon Griffin. These coaches and managers keep the young boys fit and give a lot of time to the club. Society locally benefits as it keeps the children occupied and every away from roaming the streets and getting into trouble. Hugh Sweeney and Brendan Mc Monagle’s Under 14s -training Mondays also 6-7pm and Abbey gym - after Xmas a few challenges will be arranged
Youth team - went to Bonagee on Saturday and beat a strong Bonagee team 4-2. This team featured Under 16s, Shane Patton, Ryan O’Donnell, Daryl Duncan, Robert Timony, Barry Kemp and they held their own at youth level under 18. A great team performance by Aaron Scott, Fergal Browne, Niall McGinty, John Gallagher, Aiden McFadden, Phelim Brady, Gareth Brogan and Aiden Cassidy travel the county each Saturday with the team
Club Draw: Held in The National Hotel on Sunday. 1st Prize €500 - Shauna Mc Gettigan, Barnesmor. 2nd Telescope - Robert Duncan, Donegal Town 3rd €50 Voucher sponsored by Irwin’s Hardware - Paula Gallagher, Drimark, 4th Meal Voucher - Bosco Bingo Commitee 5th Xmas Hamper sponsored by Super Valu - Bernard Mc Glinchey, Lough Eske 6th Bottle of Whiskey- Sonny and Cora Ferguson.
Thanks to all who bought and sold tickets. Plenty of land and space in Drumbar if money was there to develop it.
Thanks,
Paddy Brogan, PRO
There was almost 100% attendance at the AGM of the ladies branch on 1st December. These are the officers of the club for 2004:
President: Margaret Buckley; Captain: Crona O’Reilly; Vice Captain: Mary Ann Kane; Past Captain: Una Anderson; Hon. Secretary: Ursula Miller; Hon. Treasurer: Prue Hamilton; Competitions Secretary: Edith Cranwell; Handicap Secretary: Marie O’Donnell; Committee: Diane Doherty, Mary Farragher, Mary Gillen, Mary Kelly, Mary McLaughlin, Veronica Reck
A very heartening report on Junior Golf in the Club was given by the organiser, Margaret Buckley. Over 40 children, 13 of them girls, are receiving free tuition from Club Professional Leslie Robinson, and many of these boys and girls show great potential. These young people are the future life-blood of the club and parents are requested to encourage their children, especially the girls, to join when a new recruitment drive takes place after Easter.
Prue Hamilton, in her very comprehensive financial report, announced that over €10,000 had been raised by the club for various charities, during the past year.
Joint AGM on Friday 12th December at 8pm in the Clubhouse. All members are asked to attend.
The Christmas Cracker will be held on Sunday 14th December. A draw for a 3-ball rumble competition will take place at 1pm sharp. Presention of all outstanding prizes at 5pm (Including prizes for Junior Golfers).
On Monday 15th December, a running draw for a 9 hole fourball betterball competition will start at 10:30. This is a friendly fun event and hopefully the weather will be kind. Afterwards, there is a fancy dress show at 1:30, Dress up in Christmas gear, come as a pantomine character or simply as yourself! All this should sharpen our appetites for Christmas Lunch at 2:30 (Have you put your name on the list?)
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