Donegal Town Basketball Club

The 7-9 year old basketball training group pictured in the AVS Gym. They train every Friday evening from 5.30-6.30pm. Picture includes coaches Simon Waugh and John Kennedy. Photo: Jason McGarrigle

LYIT 46 Donegal 60
Donegal claimed the scalp of the previously unbeaten home team last Tuesday in Letterkenny IT’s state-of-the-art gymnasium. From the outset of the match, the visitors were clearly the hungrier. IT at times looked uncharacteristically lethargic, they struggled offensively against Donegal’s high tempo man defence, recording what must be one of their lowest scores for some time. A rejuvenated Liam Travers opened the scoring for Donegal with a powerful drive to the basket. Colm Nibbs then replied with a big three point shot to give IT the lead, a position they were to maintain until the third quarter. A feature of this first half was the inside play of Ger Murray and Mark Cannon; Donegal tried countless ways of guarding the big men, but time and time again they successfully made their way to the basket. While IT’s offensive plan involved moving the ball inside, Donegal were restricted to shooting the ball over IT’s zone, something at which John Kennedy and Gareth Britton were more than adept. There was only a bucket between the teams at the end of a closely fought first half, IT 24 - Donegal 22.
The first five minutes of the third quarter saw a total turnaround, as Donegal, led by Paul McHugh and Liam Travers put IT to the sword. McHugh twice got away on fast breaks, Travers began pulling down offensive rebounds and converting the second shots while IT found themselves overly reliant on Dan Mulholland and the aforementioned Murray. In another match-turning moment, Murray picked up his fourth foul and was consequently restricted defensively. Entering the final quarter Donegal led 43-36.
The next five minutes was a drab affair, neither team made inroads offensively. Gareth Britton made a couple of exceptional steals to deny IT some easy points off the fast break, IT forced numerous turnovers. Three-pointers from McHugh and Britton effectively finished the game. IT, led by Steve Cannon, put in a valiant effort as he hit seven of their ten points in this quarter, however it was to prove to be too little, too late. On the day, Donegal were a little too strong, they had leaders all over the court. Glen Matthews, Bill Collins and Cookie Meehan were all capable of pitching in with scores at vital moments and it was the fact that Donegal had numerous players on court threatening the basket that sealed this victory for them. MVPs for the match were Ger Murray and Paul McHugh. Thanks to the referees Gerry Hannon and Nigel Weir.
LYIT: A Wilkinson, Pat Hickey (2), J Cassietto, Steve Cannon (7), Tony Sharkey, Colm Nibbs (3), Colm Hickey, Ger Murray (21), Mark Cannon (4), Dan Mulholland (9).
Donegal: John Kennedy (6), Glenn Matthews (10), Liam Travers (8), Simon Waugh, Paul McHugh (17), Kevin Doherty, Kevin Devaney, John Divers, Bill Collins (4), Cookie Meehan (4).

Simon Waugh

Drumbar FC Notes

As spring dawns upon us, there is an air of great hope, expectation and promise on the Old Laghey Road. It’s hard not to be captured by the enthusiasm of everybody involved with Drumbar FC and there is no doubt that these are exciting and interesting times. It’s that kind of atmosphere that sustains and energises and it infuses itself into everybody who involves themselves whether U-8 or a master. The club continues to strengthen and develop in every conceivable way to ensure the very best of facilities and programmes of coaching and care for the community here.
The programme for football at the club is outlined below.
Monday
Monday nights at the Bosco centre for boys and girls in the age category U-8s and U-10s continues to be very popular and the uptake on this particular night remains very encouraging. The U-8 age category is catered for from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and this is followed by U-10s from 7.30 – 8.30. This is a great opportunity to participate in a balanced programme of light fitness based training and football.
Due to an ever-increasing interest in the U-8 and U-10 programmes the club is currently looking at developing an U-9 side for those boys and girls who are too young to participate at U-10 level. As it currently stands, there is fantastic keenness and energy in the young age categories and it is the club’s intention to provide a programme to harness this enthusiasm.
Tuesday
U-14s. Training continues on Tuesday night at the Abbey Vocational School Gym from 6-7pm. The U-14s are taken by Neil Thomas and Paddy Brogan and as echoed a fortnight ago theres great promise associated with the side. These are exciting times for Neil and Paddy’s young charges as they embark on their league campaign in the South Donegal Schoolboys League, which starts next Saturday. Following a few friendlies in recent weeks, the side goes into the contest unbeaten and in fine form. This 8-week league campaign is one I’m most certainly looking forward to.
U-16s. Training for U-16s follows from 7-8pm. Again a good side has developed coached by Brendan McMonagle and Hughie Sweeney.
Last season’s successful league and cup double winning U-14 side return to action next week as they represent the South Donegal Schoolboys League in the county semi-final. Between Drumbar United and a county final stands Dessie McGinty’s Kildrum Tigers side from the Lifford and District League. It looks likely that the game will be played in Fanad and a match report will feature here in a couple of weeks. This is a massive achievement for these young lads and a great opportunity to shine at county level. A big well done to everyone involved particularly the coaching staff comprising Michael McLaughlin, Brendan McMonagle and Hughie Sweeney.
Wednesday
U-10s. Training for our U-10 side continues on Wednesday night from 6-7pm in the AVS Gym with Michael McLaughlin and myself. This is followed by U-12s from 7-8 with Rory O’Donnell and Danny McMenamin.

Saturday
Training for U-10s on the pitch at Drumbar with Michael McLaughlin and myself - this presents a good opportunity for young people to get involved. New players are always welcomed and looked after at the club and Saturday mornings on the pitch provides a balance of fitness, football and, of course, fun. We continue to be encouraged by the level of interest shown at these sessions. We will be organising a few friendlies in forthcoming weeks.

Drumbar United Seniors
The team, managed by Aidan Cassidy and Neil Thomas faces a tough away assignment in Dunlewy when they take on Dunlewy Celtic as the league campaign draws to a close. Two players have recently signed to strengthen the side. A big welcome to the club to Brian Travers and Martin McKelvey.

Club Meeting
A club meeting will be held this Thursday night at the Clubhouse at 8pm. Up for discussion is the draw for pitch development, the proceeds from which are crucial for the upkeep of the ground. Your support, as ever, is greatly appreciated, and once again all committee members are encouraged to attend.
Brendan Grufferty,
Drumbar FC PRO

The U15 Og sport team who represented Donegal in Ulster and are regional and county champions

The Annual Bord na nOg presentations were held in the clubrooms in Mountcharles on Saturday 29th of January. MC for the night was Sean Kelly, Vice-Chairman of the County Board, who said he was delighted to see this function take place in an alcohol-free environment. Special guests on the night were Barry Monaghan of Four Masters and Gavin Maguire of Saint Nauls. The managers of the different teams introduced the players and Barry Monaghan presented the medals. First to receive their awards were the U-12s. Gabriel Meehan introduced the players, Dennis O’Gorman introduced the U-14s, Og-Sport U-15s and U-16s. The minors were introduced by Paul Griffin.
Phyllis McGroarty was praised for work with all of the ladies teams throughout year. She was helped by Dermot Boyle.
The individual players of the year received their awards from Gavin Maguire. These were Ladies U-14, Catriona McGinley, Ladies U-16, Teresa Norrby; Boys U-14 joint awar,; Liam Carr and John McBrearty; U-15, Barry Rose; U-16, Gary Gillespie; Minor, Stephen Griffin. A special presentation was made to Stephen Griffin and Danny McDyre on making the county minor panel. Brian McCabe, Minor Board Chairman, made presentations to Barry Monaghan, and also to Gavin Maguire in recognition of his becoming a member of the Donegal Senior Panel. In thanking Saint Nauls for their invitation, Barry stressed the importance of keeping fit, training hard and maintaining discipline if you wish to become successful.
A special thanks to sponsor Ciaran Twomey, the parents who provided food and refreshments for all who attended, players and parents.
Finally, thanks were returned to the Senior Board Officers, Ann-Marie Gillespie and John McCauley who oversaw all proceedings on the night.

Donough McBrearty.

Donegal Rugby Notes

by The Rucker

Donegal firsts have had two outings in the last fortnight. In the first game they travelled up to Armoy, a mission that proved to be beyond the match referee who presumably snuggled back under the duvet and mused at the madness of officiating on a damp cold January afternoon. Rather than make the long journey home, Donegal agreed to a member of the Armoy club refereeing the game.
Those who live in the environs of Ballymena have a well-earned reputation for meanness. Certainly this man had buckets of it, because he didn’t give Donegal one decision all afternoon. He blew them up so often in the match it would have been no surprise if he had worn out the pea in his whistle by half-time. It was certainly showing early signs of metal fatigue.
In the circumstances a very young Donegal team, apart from the veteran Matt Wilson on the wing, put up a very strong performance. They scored two good tries from Paul McGinty and Donal Martin. We also had very good performances from Niall Gillespie, Paul McInaw, Peter McDyer and Naul Mullan.
Last Saturday, another young Donegal side travelled to Strabane where they were beaten, but not disgraced, by a very seasoned and physically stronger home side. Donegal did not score but posted a very strong defensive performance, with Eddie Gallagher, Niall Gillespie and Emmet Brogan putting in fine displays.
The Donegal side is beginning to mould together nicely and I have every confidence that if we can get this side out on a regular basis that the results will come.
Next Saturday Donegal travel to Ballyshannon with a weakened team as a number of the players are travelling to Edinburgh for the rugby international.
I note that Mr & Mrs Kearney have gone on pilgrimage to Rome where they are taking in the rugby match. In closing, may I wish a speedy recovery to Pope John Paul who took ill last week and was hospitalised. I trust that the two incidents are not related.