National Hurling Development Officer visits Donegal Town
Mr. Paudie Butler, National Hurling Development Officer, visited Donegal Town on Tuesday evening last to conduct a coaching session for clubs in the county. The session in the Abbey Vocational School was very successful with six clubs represented, Four Masters, Aodh Ruadh, Kilcar, Setanta, Mac Cumhaills and Buncrana.

Paudie Butler with hurley, is welcomed to Donegal Town by Sean Dunnion, Four Masters GAA Club Chairman, Aidan Hennessy, Games Promotion Officer, Donegal County Hurling Board and Rory McGonagle, Donegal County Hurling

Four Masters GAA Club

Club Review 2006

2006 proved to be a productive year for Four Masters GAA Club, both on and off the playing fields, with preparations also commencing for our 75th anniversary celebrations planned for February/March 2007. The year brought us the inaugural Patsy Brogan Memorial Tournament, which was an excellent success with Four Masters, St. Nauls, Killybegs and Aodh Ruadh all participating. Played in a 13-a-side format, Killybegs secured the trophy, beating the host club 0-16 to 0-11 in front of a large crowd at Páirc Thir Chonaill.
History was made in 2006 by our Ladies Senior team who secured their first championship win defeating Moville by 2-05 to 0-04 on the 10th September. A campaign built on teamwork, skill, fitness and a never-say-die attitude were all brought to the county final arena on the day. Goals win matches and this proved to be the case as the squad, led by captain Emer Carr, returned to town with the title, securing the win for their colleagues Michelle Heaney and Laura Quinn who were not available to play in the decider. The ladies achieved champion status in some style and a homecoming that will be remembered for some time, which was an appropriate preamble for an evening of celebration down Donegal Bay on the Waterbus. Congratulations to all involved during 2006 and indeed all those who have contributed to ladies football throughout the years for the club.
The year brought county representation from all playing levels within the club as Four Masters players performed admirably at County Senior Football and Hurling, Minor Football, Under 14, Under 16 and Senior Ladies. Michael Kelly and Dr. Austin O’ Kennedy continue our strong backroom links with the county senior team and Emlyn Hughes and Corny Carr commenced their initial year as manager and selector of County Senior Ladies. Ryan O’Donnell, Karl Lacey, Peter Tooher and Barry O’Donnell were the high achievers during the year. Ryan secured Ulster Minor Championship and League medals, Karl represented Ireland during the Compromise Rules Series against Australia, whilst Peter and Barry represented the club in Croke Park for Donegal’s historic Nicky Rackard hurling final on August 12th.
Much hard work has been taking place at Bord na nOg level throughout the year as many teams are now prepared for a major assault on underage championships next year. A most enjoyable fund raising evening was held on the Waterbus and the committee look forward to another successful year in 2007.
Hurling benefited greatly from participation in the Ulster Senior Hurling League this year culminating in having two representatives on the Donegal panel travelling to Croke Park for the final of Nicky Rackard cup (see above). High profile teams such as Cushendun & Lamh Dhearg (Antrim), Ballycran & Portaferry (Down), Lavey (Derry) all participate in this league and this high quality opposition will benefit our players greatly next year. Our senior team did provide Burt with quite a scare in the county semi-final but the vast experience, and strength in depth of the Burt squad pulled them through to the county final.
Four Masters launched an SMS text alert service during 2006 in conjunction with Letterkenny based company b4 Innovations. The service complements our quarterly newsletter with text alerts for members notifying of upcoming fixtures, meetings etc. and has proven to be an excellent success. Two defibrillators have been purchased, co-ordinated by Deborah Lacey and a trained club member is in attendance at all weekend games throughout the year.
The year ended in disappointment with our senior team relegated from Division 1A to Division 1B after losing a playoff to Killybegs. However, 2006 will always be remembered as the year that the club had two players Barry Dunnion and Karl Lacey nominated for Vodafone GAA All Star Awards. Karl went on to secure a well-deserved All Star at left-corner-back at a function in the Citywest Hotel on Friday November 24th. He thus became the third Four Masters player to earn an All-Star joining two other legends of Donegal football, Donal Monaghan and Joyce McMullin. Four Masters G.A.A. Club can truly be proud now of being the club with the most All Star Award winners in the county.
As a club we now look forward to our Annual General Meeting on Saturday December 30th, our 75th anniversary celebrations in February/March and a successful 2007. A special word of thanks is extended to all our sponsors, managers, players, administrators and supporters, who continue to support the promotion of our games in the Donegal Town area.
Kieran Espey, P.R.O. Four Masters G.A.A. Club

Sister Nicola, mum Deborah, Grandad Michael Kelly, Karl, dad Joe and Uncle Laz - the Lacey’s turn out in force at the All Star awards in the City West Hotel, Dublin for Karl’s nomination as an All Star.