Below is the full annual report of Donegal GAA Secretary Aideen Gillen to be given to Sunday’s County Convention:
“Tuarascáil an Rúnaí 2016
Is mór an pribhléid domh tuarascáil bliantúil an Rúnaí Condae don bhliain 2016 a chur ós bhur gcomhair inniu. Cuirim fáilte romhaibh uilig anseo go dtí ár Chomhdháil Bhliantúil in Óstán na Mainistreach i mBaile Dhún na nGall. Bhí bliain iontach ghnóthach againn ag reachtáil gnóthaí an chumainn sa chondae agus caithfidh mé buíochas mór a ghabhail leis na hOifigigh ar fad as a gcuid oibre agus ag fóchumainn as a dtacaíocht agus a gcomhoibriú i rith na bliana.
It is a great honour for me to present my second annual report as Rúnaí Condae CLG Dhún na nGall to County Convention here this afternoon. We had a very busy year and I must thank all our Officers and our sub committees for all their hard work and co-operation.
I wish to congratulate Ryan Mc Hugh who was named in the 2016 GAA-GPA All Star Football team. This is the first All Star for Ryan.
In October 2014, Ryan was named as the All Stars young player of the year for 2014. He has really matured as a footballer in the last few years. Ryan is son of Martin and Patrice Mc Hugh from Kilcar. This is the fourth All Star Award for the family. His older brother Mark won an All Star in 2012 and his father Martin won two in 1983 and 1992.
The Ulster All Star Awards were announced at a function in the Armagh City Hotel on the 8th September. Three of our Senior Players were honoured on the night – Paddy Mc Grath, Ryan Mc Hugh and Eoin Mc Hugh who is son of James Mc Hugh who also won an All Star award in 1992.
On Saturday 26th November Sean Dunnion (Chairperson) P.J. Mc Gowan (Ulster Council Delegate) Fergus Mc Gee ( Oifigeach Gaeilge agus Cultúr) and I attended the President’s Awards in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan. The Presidents Awards are a means for Ulster GAA to showcase the achievements by some of the outstanding contributors to our Association. James Connors (Naomh Adhamhnáin) was presented with the Refereeing Award. Naul Mc Cole ( An Clochán Liath & Dún na nGall)was presented with the Lifetime Service to the GAA Award, an Award richly deserved.
Senior County Football / Peil Sinsear Condae
Donegal got the New Year off to a good start with a win over Down in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey on the Michael Murphy did not start the game however he was brought on in the second half. The game was the 100th game for Donegal captain, Michael Murphy, The All-Ireland winning captain was presented with a special memento after the game by County Chairman, Sean Dunnion to mark the occasion.
Donegal led by 1-3 to 0-4 at half-time after a stop-start first half. Donegal started well with Frank McGlynn finding the Down net inside 68 seconds. Frank Mc Glynn was Captain for this match in the absence of Michael Murphy. Rory Gallagher was experimenting with young and old making up his team. Paddy McGrath‘s scored a point which was his first ever score for the county however the biggest cheer of the day went to Michael Murphy when he was introduced on 54 minutes and he had a point on the board three minutes after his introduction. The final score was Donegal 1-11 to Down 0-11. We played our second game against St. Mary’s College in Letterkenny on the 10th January. Unfortunately we were beaten by 2-06 to 0-08. Donegal played Fermanagh in Brewster Park on Wednesday 13th January and were unfortunately beaten by 4 points. Donegal 0-08 to Fermanagh 0-12. The teams were level four times in the first half. Odhrán Mac Niallais was the top scorer for Donegal on the day.
Donegal opened the Allianz league with a 17 point win over Down in Newry . Final score Donegal 3.15 Down 0.07. Ryan Mc Hugh scored two of the goals with Paddy Mc Brearty adding the third. This was a fine performance by Donegal. Caolan McGonagle of Buncrana, Ciaran Thompson of Naomh Conaill, Michael Carroll of Gaoth Dobhair and Kilcars Eoin McHugh along with Stephen McBrearty make their Allianz League Debut . Donegal introduced their new strip with KnGroup and MCR featured on their Jerseys.Next up for Donegal in Ballyshannon on the 7th February was Cork. Cork were beaten by 10 points on the day1-9 to 1-3 at half time. Odhran Mac Niallais played exceptionally on the day with 1-04 to his credit.
Donegal then played Mayo in Ballybofey on 28th February. The final score was 1-14 to 1-12 for Donegal. With this win, Donegal remained top of the Division One, Allianz League. This game was very evenly matched but with fifteen minutes remaining Leo Mc Loone scored a superb goal. Paddy Mc Grath and Ryan Mc Hugh were excellent on the day for Donegal.
On the 6th March Donegal had a long trip to Kerry. Kerry got the better of Donegal in this very physical and highly charged match. Unfortunately for Donegal Leo Mc Loone was red carded in the first half. It was looking bad for Donegal until Michael Murphy caught a sideline ball from Eoin Mc Hugh and blasted into the net and gave Donegal some hope. This was our first defeat in the League.
Up next to play Donegal was Roscommon in Letterkenny. Unfortunately for Donegal this was another defeat. Odhrán Mac Niallais was dismissed on two yellow cards. Donegal were 0-15 to 0-13 behind with fifteen minutes to play however a goal for Roscommon with ten minutes to go saw the end of any chance of a win for Donegal. Michael Murphy with 7 points and Patrick Mc Brearty with six points were the top scorers for Donegal.
26th March saw Donegal travel to Dublin for Round 6. They were hoping to make it six out of six and that is just what they did. Murphy got the first point of the game however it took them 22 minutes before they scored again. They were finding it difficult to get any space to move forward. We had two yellow cards by the seventeenth minute Rory Kavanagh and Michael Murphy and on the 23rd minutes Eoin Mc Hugh received a yellow card. The teams went in at half time with just the minimum between them Dublin 5 Donegal 4. With points from Paddy mc Brearty and Odhrán Mc Niallais Donegal went into the lead for the first time. On the 51st minute Donegal lost Michael Murphy to a second yellow. Unfortunately for Donegal things didn’t get any better and with a goal for Dublin they went on to take their sixth win of the League.
We travelled to Castleblaney next . Monaghan were the hungrier team. They fought for their lives and won this game with the smallest of margins. Donegal were 1-04 up before Monaghan scored. The half time score was Donegal 1-07 to Monaghan 1-04. Despite this loss Donegal still made it into the semi final against Dublin.
Donegal headed to Croke Park for their semifinal match against Dublin. Unfortunately they were beaten 1-20 to 0-13. The major difference between the teams was that Dublin were a lot more accurate on the day. Donegal kept with Dublin in the first half however Dublin pulled away in the second half and ended up with a ten point victory over Donegal.
Craobh Peile / Championship
First up for Donegal was Fermanagh in Ballybofey. With two goals from Odhrán Mac Niallais Donegal were on their way to the semifinal. They lead by 1-06 to -07 at half time and never looked back. The final twenty minutes of the game Donegal were restricted to one point however they had their work done by then. The final score was Donegal 2-12 to Fermanagh 0-11.
Up next was Monaghan in the Ulster semi – final. The teams finished level on 1-11 to 0-14 and these two teams had to do it all over again. Donegal dethroned champions Monaghan with a 0-17 to 2-10 replay win at Kingspan Breffni Park to reach the Ulster SFC final for the sixth successive season. Michael Murphy, Paddy McBrearty and Marty O’Reilly got the vital scores that saw the men from Donegal recover from the shock of conceding first half goals to Shane Carey and Conor McManus (pen). They played the last ten minutes without Rory Kavanagh following a second yellow card. Final score Monaghan 2-10 Donegal 0-17 and Donegal were through to the Ulster Final against Tyrone.
Tyrone came from behind to win their first Ulster SFC title since 2010. The spectators were on tender hooks right up until the end. Tyrone were inspired by their captain Sean Cavanagh who kicked some stunning scores. Donegal piled on the pressure . Ryan Mc Hugh kicked some beautiful scores from long range. Odhran Mac Niallais also found the target from distances. Michael Murphy scored a great 45 however Tyrone kept in touch. Three points separated the sides at the end of the first half. Donegal were back in front with scores from Mac Niallais, Murphy and Christy Toye with little more than a minute of normal time to play however it was not to be and with scores from Cavanagh, Harte and Mc Geary this was to be Tyrone’s day.
Donegal headed for Croke Park for the Round 4 B Qualifier and with Paddy Mc Brearty scoring 11 points Donegal bounced back from their Ulster final defeat and set them up for an All Ireland Quarter-final clash against Dublin. The sides were level on a number of occasions. Donegal showed their hunger with a number of pointsand they were very impressive. Patrick Mc Brearty picked up a |Black Card in the 76th minute however he was given a standing ovation as her left the field.
What a start to this Quarter final . Diarmuid Connolly gets through on goal but is denied by Mark Anthony McGinley. Patrick Mc Brearty kicks an early wide. Half time Dublin 0-09 to Donegal 0-04. Donegal only managed one point from play while Michael Murphy has added three scores from placed balls. On the 45th minute the ball is lofted to the far post where Ryan McHugh taps to the net. Shortly after Dermot Connolly received another yellow card and had to go which was a huge loss to Dublin. Dublin held on and then faced Kerry in the semi-final.
Thank you to all our players, The Manager Rory Gallagher, Jack Cooney, Maxi Curran and Brendan Kilcoyne for all their hard work during 2016. Thanks must also go to their extended backroom team for their efforts during the year also.
U21 Team / Foireann faoi 21
First up for Donegal in the Eirgrid Ulster U21 Football Quarter – Final were Derry. Donegal did just enough to get through to the Semi-finals. Donegal were well ahead but in the 44th minute Derry got a goal. Both teams finished with fourteen men. The final score was Donegal 0-14, Derry 2-7.
Unfortunately Tyrone defeated Donegal in the Eirgrid Ulster u21 Football Championship Semi-final. Tyrone 1-15 to Donegal 2-08. Donegal will wonder how they let this one slip. Donegal kicked at least six wides in the first half and had they taken their chances who knows what might have happened. They also finished with 13 men which certainly did not help matters.
I would like to thank Declan Bonner and his backroom team for all their hard work during the year.
Minor Football / Peil Mionúir
Donegal and Tyrone met in the Ulster Minor League Final in Watty Grahams GAC, Maghera, Co. Derry on Saturday April 23rd.
Both sides gave it their all and it was a very close encounter. A last minute goal from Donegal saw them win on a score line of 3-09 to 1-13
Next up for Donegal was Monaghan in Breffni Park . The beat Monaghan 3-15 to 2-12 to reach the final of the Ulster Minor Football Championship. They were impressive in the first half however Monaghan reduced the deficit in the second half but Donegal responded well and finished up with six points to spare.
Donegal went on to play Derry in the Ulster Final and were victorious in securing the Ulster Minor title by beating Derry 2-10 to 1-11 . Derry started well and had a four point lead after 20 minutes. Donegal drew level with their opening score a point by Niall O’ Donnell and a goal by JD Boyle. Peadar Mogan got a further goal towards the end of 1st Half. Nathan Boyle scored a goal in the 42nd minute leaving Derry four behind. Derry came back with a goal however Donegal were able to hold on and won their second Ulster Minor Football final title in three years.
Donegal defeated Cork by 2-13 to 0-13 in the All Ireland Minor Football Championship quarter final. Donegal were lucky to be only four points down after a poor 1st half but they steadied themselves in the second half to win comfortably in the end and secure a semifinal clash with Galway.
Galway beat Donegal by 4 points to proceed to the All Ireland Minor Final. The final score was 2-12 for Galway and 1-11 for Donegal. The Donegal team were very disappointed in not progressing to the Final. They did themselves and their County very proud. I wish to thank Shaun Paul Barrett and his backroom team for their tireless efforts with this very talented bunch of players during the year. Great credit must also go to the players for their tremendous work rate and dedication
Hurling / Iomanaíocht
We have come a long way in promoting the game of Hurling in Donegal in the past number o.f years. I would like to thank the small number of people who are promoting the game of hurling in the county. Six clubs participated in the Senior Championship this year. It is not easy in a county in which football would be the dominant code to promote Hurling. We must congratulate Burt who always promoted hurling in winning the Intermediate Football Championship this year.
It was only our County Senior teams second year competing in Division 2B, it was always going to be a major challenge to stay in the division. This was made even more difficult with the absence of a number of senior players through injury for most of the campaign, up to eight starting players for some games. This did however give the Management a good opportunity to develop a lot of younger less experienced players. The had encouraging performances against these stronger teams but found themselves again in a relegation play-off against a very strong Roscommon team, and unfortunately they were beaten by 1 point.
Nicky Rackard
The Senior Team had both a successful and disappointing Nicky Rackard campaign. It was successful in the sense that they reached the semi-final stage and were beaten by the eventual winners Mayo, and the margin of defeat, 4 points, was their closest margin to date against Mayo. The disappointing element was that they believed they could have progressed further in the competition but with so many players out injured their preparations were not as they would have liked.
Ulster Shield
First year of this competition and they beat Monaghan in the final. They now play in the Ulster Senior Championship next year.
Congratulations to Danny Cullen who was one of two Ulster players on the All Ireland Shinty team that travelled to Scotland. We also congratulate Danny and Pádraig Doherty who were recipients of the Nicky Rackard awards.
Many thanks to Ardal Mc Dermott and his Management team for all their hard work and commitment this year.
Our u21s competed in the All Ireland U21 C competition and won the Andrew O’ Neill Cup for the second year. The team travelled to Thurles to play Kerry in the U21B competition. Unfortunately they were beaten however the management and players gained a lot from this game and it was a great experience for this group of young players. We thank Tom Henessey, his backroom team and all the players.
Training for the Minors began in January and they trained once a week thereafter. Any of the players not sitting their leaving cert exams in June were involved in Celtic Challenge Cup games throughout March and April.
After three years of playing in the Ulster Minor Championship the Minors found themselves, without any consultation, unceremoniously demoted into the Ulster Shield. After protestations, the Ulster Council accepted our request that the Shield winners play in the preliminary round of the Ulster Championship. In the Shield semi-final on Friday 15th April we defeated Monaghan 4-14 to 0-6 in Ballybofey. On Friday 22nd April we defeated Tyrone in the Shield final in Celtic Park, Derry City,
3-14 to 3-9.
The Ulster league began 30th April. We lost to Tyrone at home, 3-13 to 1-15 and lost away to Derry 3-17 to 0-6. This was to be the only action we saw in the league as Down failed to field in Letterkenny, Armagh fielded in their first game and no more and Antrim disillusioned at their lack of games early on also withdrew.
On 18th June, we travelled with only 20 players to Armagh in the Ulster Championship preliminary round. We came out the wrong side of a tough encounter 3-14 to 3-7. Armagh subsequently failed to fulfil their semi-final fixture. On July 31st we competed in Letterkenny in the quarter final of the All-Ireland ‘B’ competition. We lead at half time but eventually succumbed to Down 2-22 to 2-10.
Throughout the year the Minors trained in Convoy Centre of Excellence, Deele College, Finn Valley College, Finn Valley Centre, MacCumhaill Park astro turf, Four Masters astro turf and Setanta. We worked with a panel of
32 players overall. Unfortunately due to a variety of reasons a lot of county standard Minor hurlers were unavailable to hurl for Donegal in 2016.
We wish to thank the management and backroom team : Manager; Lorcan O’Toole (Four Masters), Coach and Selector; John Joe Doherty (Carndonagh), Selector; Jason Ewing (Setanta), Goalkeeping Coach; Del Laverty (McCools), Strength and Conditioning: Ryan O’Donnell (Four Masters), Psychologist; Shane Walsh (Naomh Bríd), Physio and First Aid; Kevin Gallagher (McCools) for their hard work during the year.
I wish to thank Frankie Doherty, Assistant Chairman who Liaison Person with our County Hurling Teams during the year.
County Championships & Leagues/ Craobh & Sraith na Condae
Congratulations to Gleann Súilí who won the Senior Championship this year against a very fancied Kilcar team 1-10to 0-12.Glenswilly were also celebrating as they added the Senior C Championship to the Senior Championship they won the previous week. Unfortunately they were unsuccessful in the quarter final of the Ulster Club Championship against Kilcoo in Páirc Esler. Burt won their first ever intermediate title by beating Milford 2-11 to 1-12. They had to tog out against Bredagh from Down the following afternoon . It was certainly a big ask to expect them to play within 24 hours however they never gave up and kept trying to the bitter end. Well done to Downings on winning both the Junior A & Junior B titles. They beat Muff in the Junior A title. This has been a very successful year for Downings. Earlier in the year they travelled to Cork for the All Ireland Gaeltacht competition and won same. They travelled to Derry for the Ulster Junior Club Championship quarter final and progressed to the semi final by beating Magilligan 1-09 to 0-10. They played the Monaghan Champions Blackhill in Owenbeg however were beaten 0-13 -0-06. Congratulations to Gaoth Dobhair on winning the U21 A and Killybegs on winning the U21 B Championships. St. Eunsn’s won the Senior B Championship by beating Gaoth Dobhair. Kilcar were crowned as Senior League Champions with an Clochan Liath securing victory in the Senior Reserve. Congratulations to Milford who took the Division 2 League title with Aodh Ruadh winning Division 3, Moville Division 4 and Glenswilly Division 5.
Sean Mac Cumhaills were successful against Burt in the senior Hurling Final . They contested their first ever Ulster Club Junior Champions against Lamh Dhearg from Antrim and were unfortunately unsuccessful in same being beaten 0-16 to 0-13. It was a great season for the Club and they should be very happy with their performance this year.
Club Fixtures/Clar Cluichí
We must congratulate the CCC on their management of games within the County. It is never easy when the County Team is successful. The CCC came forward with a plan early in the year which included extra matched games and they did not deviate very much from this plan. The Clubs must also be thanked for their co-operation during the year. The proposals passed at Congress in Cavan in 2015 in relation to Minor Players and under seventeens had a detrimental effect on our clubs especially with our Reserve Teams. Our players can not play for our Clubs however they can play other codes.
Pauric Duffy’s new proposal is welcome and worth examining. I agree that club players need a fairer schedule of games. The comparison with last year’s Provincial Championship will have Ulster commencing on May 1st and the final scheduled for June 19th –8 weekends. The actual 2016 Championship commenced on 15th May and the final took place on 17th July—10 weekends.
The fact that he asks for extra time to be played is commendable and this will eventually free up weekends.
The fear I have is that this proposed shorter championship schedule will impact on the availability of the County Panel to playing with their clubs from early February (when the National League commences) until a county exits the All Ireland series ( which for us in Donegal for the past six years has been at the earliest the first weekend of August) .
The Ard Stiurthor’s proposals address the local championship in having most county players available to their clubs in early August but a major concern remains with the strength of club teams available to play in our all county leagues during the summer.
The fear of relegation also haunts all clubs and I can understand their reluctance to play without their best players. These are the players that the unsung volunteers of the clubs nourished, coached and trained from an early age to wearing of the county jersey. To get our clubs active on a weekly basis during the summer, I feel that we should perhaps let relegation be determined on championship status.
Children’s Board/ Coiste na Leanaí
Mick Mc Grath presents his last report to County Convention today on the activities at underage level for 2016. This has been a very busy year for the children’s board and I wish to thank them sincerely under the guidance of Mick for all their hard work. Congratulations to the Minor Football Team who won the Fr. Liam Murray Cup and also the Ulster Minor Football League. The U17 team were unfortunate that they came up against a very strong Tyrone Team in the Final.
Cúrsaí Gaeilge agus Cultúrtha
Beidh Fergus Mac Aoidh, Oifigeach Chultúrtha agus Teanga ag cur a thuairisc os cóir na Comhdhála inniu do’n céad uair. Bhí bliain iontach gnóthach ag Fergus. Beidh cur síos a dhéanamh aige ar na himeachtaí i rith na bliana. I wish to thank Fergus for all his hard work and dedication to the running of Scór during the year and also to the other members of the Scór committee. He ran a very successful Cúrsa Cuimhneacháin Shéamuis de Faoite in July. Our core values should always be maintained with the Club an integral part of the Community and also the basic unit of our Association which should continue to be driven by volunteers who promote our unique amateur ethos. A well organised club should not only promote our games but should also promote our culture, language and health for the good of all the Community. Many thanks to Fergus and his hard working committee who certainly strive to keep our Language and Culture alive.
Cúrsaí Airgeadais/Finances
An Cisteoir, Cieran Kelly will present his report to an Chomhdhail Bhliantúil today. Cieran has had a very busy year. He together with others hosted a very successful evening at the Races in Leopardstown. Over six hundred people attended this highly successful fundraiser on the Thursday 7th July. I wish to thank all those involved in fundraising during the year. Your help and assistance is very much appreciated.
Club Administration/ Riarachán Club
Every year there are usually a few new officers appointed by Clubs at their Annual General Meetings. It can be very daunting for these officers. At the beginning of 2016 the GAA offered Club Leadership Development Training to a number of Counties and we here in CLG Dún na nGall were delighted to accept their offer. The first phase of this Programme was delivered in Ballybofey on Saturday 2nd April. On the day we had 21 Clubs represented with 11 Chairpersons, 15 Secretaries, 17 Treasurers and 7 PRO’s attending together with six of our officers. The CLDP represents the start of a long-term commitment from the Association to offer continuous support to Club Officers.
It was a very worthwhile programme and all who attended felt that it would be of good help to them in carrying out their duties successfully for their clubs.
Insurance Schemes
- Players’ injury Scheme
- Property & Public Liability
Players Injury Scheme
Total amount paid out to the county in 2016 was €183,719.64.
There was a slight decree in the amount paid out to the County this year; however as in previous years an amount of claims would still be pending final settlement.
Fifteen (15) claims would have reached the maximum of €4,500 medical/dental under the scheme.
Clubs should be aware that the new postal address for Willis is
* Willis Towers Watson
* Elm Park
* Merrion Road
* Dublin 4
The most recent version of the claim form can be found on GAA.ie -http://www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/administrators/gaa-injury-benefit-fund. This is the only version of the claim form that clubs should be using.
Up to now post sent to Barrow Street has been forwarded to Elm Park. This forwarding service will be discontinued at the end of January. As you will be aware there is a strict 60 day reporting requirement under the term of the Injury Fund and claims will be declined if the initial notification is not received within 60 days.
Two years ago an online claims notification system was launched for submission of page 1 & 2. Disappointingly there was a take up of less than 20% usage of the system. A new version of the online notification system will be available in the coming weeks and all clubs will be notified and must immediately sign up to this system. Use of the online claims notification system will remove the risk of
claims being declined due to late notification caused by postal delays.
This year I am pleased to report that clubs who had paid their premium in full by 31st March qualified for a €600 rebate and all clubs in the county qualified for this rebate.
Clubs to be aware that the renewal date for the scheme is from the 1st January.
Property & Public Liability.
As all clubs are now aware through recent correspondence the 2016 – 2017 Liability Broker declaration have been issued following renewal of covers for a further 12 months.
With effect from 1 Nov 2016 the automatic extension in respect of “Legal liability to Third Parties and Employees arising out of State Employment Schemes e.g. DSP (formerly FÁS, Community Employment, RSS, TÚS) has been removed.
The number of claims and cost of claims taken against units of the Association has been increasing steadily for the past number of years and this is one area where we have encountered exposure that needs to address.
The cover is still available and the policy can be extended to include this cover and indemnity letters can be provided to clubs. However this will now be done on a case by case basis and clubs will be required to notify Sinead Leavy / Willis of the cover extension requirement and to provide further details in relation to the placement. Willis / and Sinead will provide best practice guidance to clubs.
A number of personal injury claims are open following incidents involving scheme workers. Many involve very serious injuries and during the claim investigation exposures have been identified in the management and control of these activities. In addition in a number
of cases clubs signed up to work placements and accepted liability beyond the clubs legal liability which has exposed the club and Association to claims we should have been able to avoid.
Under the Health & Safety (H&S) law and Employment law in respect of the engagement of these CES workers and all units must have H&S statement in place with Risk Assessments conducted for all activities to be undertaken for each worker. You will recall I signalled this in my report to Convention last year and the importance of this Risk Assessment to be reviewed annually.
Clubs will be required to submit a copy of their current Safety Statement and the job description for each employee/ scheme worker.
There is a lack of paperwork in place at clubs and limited understanding that persons whether paid, volunteer or scheme workers are considered employees and clubs therefore owe them legal duties of care to ensure as a minimum the following;
* Details of tasks undertaken / job description for person
* Copy of the club safety statement with risk assessments completed
* Copy of the agreement in place between the club and Fás
* Details of training arrangements and records
* Details of supervision in place
* Confirm if Personal protective equipment has been supplied to the
worker and details of same
Clárú Baill / Membership Registration
There was a small decrease of 152 in the number of registered members for 2016. At the 31st March 23,100 members had registered with our forty clubs. A total of 13,400 were full adult members, a decrease from 14,290 from 2015.
31st March ‘16 31st March ’15
- Total Membership 23,100 23,252
- Full Members 13,400 14, 290
- Youth Members 9,577 8,862
- Honorary Members 69 65
- Social Members 54 35
- Adult Players 3,181 3,046
- U21 Players 1,186 1,092
- Minor Players 1,258 582
- Juvenile Players 7,342 7,399
- In 2011 there were 7,581 full members and 7,666 youth members registered in Donegal, a total of 15,247.
- In 2012 there were 6,913 full members and 7,088 youth members registered in Donegal, a total of 14,001.
- In 2013, there were 12,117 full members and 7,241 youth members registered in Donegal, a total of 19,358.
- In 2014, there were 11,189 full members and 9,026 youth members registered in Donegal, a total of 20,215
- In 2015, there were 14,290 full members and 8,862 youth members registered in Donegal, a total of 23,152
Transfers /Aistrithe
| Inter-Club | ICT Outgoing | ICT Incoming | Sanction / J1 | |
| Eanáir | 4 | |||
| Feabhra | 3 | 9 | 2 | |
| Márta | 3 | 23 | 8 | |
| Aibreán | 3 | 25 | 7 | |
| Bealtaine | 1 | 21 | 7 | 5 |
| Meitheamh | 4 | 19 | 6 | 17 |
| Iúil | 1 | 8 | 1 | 10 |
| Lúnasa | 4 | 2 | 3 | |
| Meán Fómhair | 8 | 3 | ||
| Deireadh Fómhair | 2 | 4 | ||
| Samhain | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Iomlán | 18 | 125 | 41 | 35 |
| Bliain | Inter-Club | ICT Outgoing | ICT Incoming | Sanction/J1 |
| 2012 | 16 | 79 | 32 | 74 |
| 2013 | 10 | 98 | 31 | 67 |
| 2014 | 10 | 82 | 35 | 60 |
| 2015 | 4 | 106 | 50 | 50 |
| 2016 | 18 | 125 | 41 | 35 |
| Iomlán | 58 | 490 | 189 | 286 |
Number of outgoing transfers per club during 2016.
10 – Bun Crannacha
9 – Na Ceithre Máistirí, Naomh Columba
6 – Naomh Adhamhnáin, Gaoth Dobhair, Aodh Rua B/S
5 – Seán Mac Cumhaill, Gaeil Fhánada, Naomh Náille
4 – Naomh Conaill, Ard an Ratha, Cill Chartha, Iorras,
3 – Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn, Gleann Fhinne, An Clochán Liath, Carn Domhnach
Naomh Bríd , Naomh Micheál , Aodh Rua K/G, Na Dúnaibh,
2 – Na Cealla Beaga, , Naomh Mhuire Conbhuí, Beart, Bun an Phobail,
Naomh Pádraig, Leifearr, Realt na Mara Bun Dobhráin, Naomh Columba,
Gleann Súilí
1 – Málainn, Roibéard Eiméid, , Na Rossa, Cloich Cheann Fhaola,
Baile na nGallóglach, Paiteagá, An Tearmainn
Number of outgoing sanctions per club during 2016.
4 –Naomh Adhamhnáin, Na Ceithre Máistirí.
3 – Gaeil Leitir Ceanainn, Beart, Naomh Pádraig, Leifearr.
2 – Naomh Colmcille, Realt na Mara, Bun Dobhráin
1 – Cill Chartha, Gaeil Fhánada, Cealla Beaga,
Aodh Rua K/G, Gleann Fhinne, Carn Domhnach
Cloich Cheann Fhaola, Malainn, Naomh Muire Íochtar na Rosann
Baile na nGallóglach, Seán Mac Cumhaill, Ard an Ratha,
Naomh Mícheál, Gleann tSuilí
We must recognise the changing environment in which we are now living and the decline of rural life as we once knew it. The challenges facing rural GAA Clubs continue to grow with the lack of employment contributing to our youth emigrating and moving to other parts. Our county committee meetings continue to reflect this with the large numbers transferring to clubs across the globe.
Donegal Representative on Ulster Council Committees in 2016
Comhairle Uladh Pat Conaghan
P.J. Mc Gowan
Coiste Bainistíochta Pat Conaghan
P.J. Mc Gowan
Coiste Ceannais na gComórtais Pat Conaghan
Coiste Forbartha P.J. Mc Gowan
Coiste Páirceanna & Sábháilteachta Tom Daly
Grúpa Oibre IT, Margaíochta & Caidrimh Poiblí Ed Byrne
Coiste Iománaíochta Elizabeth Doherty
Coiste Forbartha & Oiliúna P.J. Mc Gowan (Cathaoirleach)
Anthony Harkin
Coiste Gaeilge agus Oidhreachta Pat Conaghan (Cathaoirleach)
Fearghas Mac Aoidh
Coiste Cód Eitice agus Dea-Chleachtadh Mick McGrath
Coiste Scór agus Cultúir Fearghas Mac Aoidh
Grúpa Oibre Chúrsa Shéamuis de Faoite Fergus MacAoidh (Cathaoirleach)
Naul Mc Cole
Mairéad Nic Daibhéid
Pat Conaghan
Coiste Riacrachán Réiteoirí Shane Toolan
Grúpa Thar Lear Tom Daly
Coiste Sláinte & Sábháilteachta David Mc Loone
Tionscadal Páirc Mhic Asmaint Tom Daly (Cathaoirleach)
Grúpa Oibre um Fhorbairt Uirbeach & Chuimsiú Sóisialta Liam Ward
Athbhreithniú Trófaí & Ceardlann Stairiúil Naul Mc Cole
Ionadaithe as Dún na nGall ar choistí náisiúnta in 2016/ Donegal representatives on national committees in 2016
Management Committee Niall Erskine
Financial Management Committee Niall Erskine
National Referees Development Committee Mick McGrath
Central Referees Appointments Committee Mick Mc Grath
Medical, Scientific & Welfare Committee Dr. Kevin Moran
Coiste Náisiúnta na Gaeilge Aodh Mairtín Ó Fearraigh
Coiste Náisiúnta na Gaeilge Séamus Mac Geidigh
Coiste na bhFéilte Kathleen Campbell
Coiste I dTreo 2034 Sean Dunnion
Referees Administration / Réiteoirí
Shane Toolan presents the annual Report as administrator in his first year which covers refereeing matters for 2016.It is pleasing to see referees from Dun Na nGall taking their place on the National stage during 2016. Shaun McLaughlin(Malin) has had a momentous season taking charge of four National Football games including a Division two game, he also was standbye referee in several other games. His performances resulted in Shaun taking charge of the All Ireland Junior Football Final in Croke Park between Kerry and Mayo. Mark Dorrian (Gael Fhanáda) was also involved at National League level and also took charge of the Ulster Minor Football Championship game between Monaghan v Down . Enda McFeely (Convoy) and Sean Paul Doherty (Urris) also took charge of games in the Ulster Minor League and were involved as match officials through out the National League and Ulster minor Football Championship. Enda McFeely also refereed the Ulster Clubs provincial League Final. In hurling James Connors (Naomh Adhamhnáin) represented his club and county with distinction taking charge of seven National League games the Ulster Minor Championship Final and has travelled to both England and the Chicago to take charge of a number of high profile games. JJ Lafferty (Carndonagh) and Hugo Wallace (Burt) both were involved at National League level. It is a great honour for the county to have referees involved at Provincial and National level. Congratulations to all who took charge of our various county finals and the umpires and linesmen who assisted them. I thank all the referees who make themselves available every week . They provide a valuable service. Without the Referees the CCC would be unable to schedule games. I would urge Clubs to try and recruit even one new person in the coming months to act as a referee . There are a number of Clubs who have no active Adult referee and we must try to address this matter.
Coaching/ Traenáil
Anthony Harkin has served his five years as Coaching Officer and under the five year rule , he must step aside. Anthony is delivering his last report today which is a very detailed report on coaching and games development within the county. I wish to thank Anthony for all his hard work and under his leadership and that of the Games Development Officer Mick Murphy they provided a very comprehensive Programme of events for all our juvenile players. This year again has seen an increase in the number of children registered for our Cúl Camps. Total registered was 3846 an increase of 483 from 2015. In the thirty eight clubs who held the Cúl Camps this summer 26 recorded and increase however there was a significant decrease in some of the camps and they will require a lot of work to get these camps to an acceptable level.
I wish to thank all our coaches for the work they are carrying out in our schools and with our Development Squads.I acknowledge also the huge contribution made by our primary and secondary school teachers in the promotion of our games. We were in a position last year to bring our school coaches who were on a three day week up to five days which was a welcome addition to coaching within the county.
Once again I thank Anthony for all his hard work on behalf of CLG Dún na nGall.
Ulster Council
I wish to thank Pat Conaghan who has completed his 5 year term in Ulster. Pat has given 45 years to Cumann Luth Chleas Gael both in Donegal and in Ulster. Wishing him many years of health & happiness in the years ahead.
Sponsorship/Urraíocht
A new sponsorship deal was negotiated early in January for our teams. Our new Title Sponsor is the KN Group and their logo is on the front of our County jerseys. The CEO of the KN Group is Donagh Kelly is from Donegal Town.
The new Tier 2 sponsor is the MCR Group and their logo is on the back of the jersey. Milford native Donall Barrett is a Director of the MCR Group.
Thanks also to our kit suppliers and sponsors O’ Neills.
We acknowledge the tremendous support we received from Donegal Creameries over the last six years.
We are extremely grateful to our Championship and League sponsors, Michael Murphy Sports and Leisure who sponsor our Championships and All Sports Store who are our League sponsors. We would also like to thank RTE Radio na Gaeltachta who sponsored our Senior Championship for a number of years and Mount Errigal, Brian Mc Cormick Sports, Mc Glynn’s Restaurant, Castlefin, Centra and Marley Coach Hire for their sponsorship .
We also wish to thank our other partners which include Evolve, Kelly’s Toyota, Yes Chef, LYIT and Affidea , Letterkenny Diagnostic Centre. We are deeply indebted to all our sponsors. We must acknowledge the tremendous work by our Treasurer Cieran Kelly in securing this sponsorship for CLG Dún na nGall.
All Ticket Game
Again 2016 was not as busy a year for club and county officials who had to deal with the distribution of tickets as in previous years due to the fact that tickets are available for purchase at the Supervalu and Centra Stores. I wish to thank our County Administrator Noreen Doherty for her work with the tickets throughout the year. Thank you to Imelda also who was always available to assist in providing administrative support to Noreen during the year when dealing with tickets. I wish to thank all club officers who were responsible for ticket distribution and orders in their clubs for their cooperation during the year.
I would urge those who regularly attend county games to avail of the Season Ticket for 2017 as it is very good value for money. The details in relation to same are as follows:-
Season Ticket Benefits
Costs only €99
All National League Games for your County.
1st Round of the Ulster Championship
Option to purchase tickets for the Championship as your county progresses.
Option to purchase All Ireland Final Ticket should your county have qualified & you have at least 60% attendance at games.
For those supporters who attend our Club Games, they may avail of the Club +Card.
Club + Card Benefits for Members
Costs only €200
All Adult Club Games within the control of Donegal GAA (Not eligible for games at U18 Grade & Lower)
All National League Games for your County.
1st Round of the Ulster Championship
Option to purchase tickets for the Championship as your county progresses.
Option to purchase All Ireland Final Ticket should your county have qualified No Attendance Record Required.
Donegal GAA Club + Card for Clubs
From each €200 Club + Card purchased Clubs will receive a rebate of €100 against their club levies on each Club Plus Card sold.The purchaser must choose the club from the dropdown menu. The rebate will be payable to the club once verified by Croke Park.
Senior Clubs 65 members
Intermediate clubs 55 members
Junior Clubs 45 members
Results 2016/Torthaí 2016
At Ballybofey
Mc Kenna Cup round 1, Sunday 3rd January
Donegal 1.11
Down 0.11
Donegal: D Rodgers; J O‘Brien, E Doherty, P McGrath (0-1); M O‘Reilly (0-2,2f), C Ward (0-1), E Ban Gallagher; H McFadden (0-1), C Thompson (0-3); M Carroll, F McGlynn (1-1), S McBrearty; O MacNiallais (0-1), L McLoone, E McHugh. Subs: M Murphy (0-1) for Carroll 54; C Morrison for McHugh 69.
Mc Kenna Cup, Round 2, Sunday 10 th January
At Letterkenny
Donegal 0.8
St. Mary’s 2.6
Donegal: Danny Rodgers: Jack O’Brien, Eamonn Doherty, Paddy McGrath; Frank McGlynn, Caolan Ward, Stephen McMenamin; Hugh McFadden, Odhran MacNiallais (0-6,2f); Michael Carroll (0-1), Ciaran Thompson, Eoghan Ban Gallagher; Leo McLoone, Martin O’Reilly, Eoin McHugh (0-1).
Subs: Michael Murphy, Neil McGee and Stephen McBrearty for H McFadden, E Doherty and J O’Brien (all HT), Cillian Morrison for M Carroll (65).
Mc Kenna Cup, Round 3, Wednesday January 13th.
At Brewster Park
Donegal 0-08
Fermanagh 0-12
DONEGAL: P Boyle; P McGrath, N McGee, E Doherty; E Gallagher, C Ward, M O’Reilly; C McGonagle, H McFadden; S McBrearty, L McLoone, C Thompson; O MacNiallais, M Murphy, E McHugh Subs: F McGlynn for McBrearty (25), M McElhinney for McLoone (HT), C Gillespie for C Thompson (HT), A Thompson for McElhinney (BC, 46), M Carroll for McFadden (57), C Thompson for Ward 61)
Scorers: O MacNiallais 0-4 (2f), M Murphy 0-1 (f), C Thompson 0-1, M O’Reilly 0-1, C Gillespie 0-1.
Allianz FL Division 1, Saturday 30th January
At Páirc Esler, Newry
Down 0-07
Donegal 3-15
Donegal : P Boyle; E Doherty, N McGee, P McGrath; R McHugh (2-0), F McGlynn (0-1), A Thompson; O MacNiallais, H McFadden; M Carroll, C Thompson (0-1), E McHugh; P McBrearty (1-3, 2f), M Murphy (0-8, 7f), M O’Reilly
Subs: E McGee for N McGee (BC, 20), L McLoone (0-2) for Carroll (45), S McBrearty for MacNiallais (53), N Gallagher for C Thompson (59), R Kavanagh for O’Reilly (61), C McGonagle for R McHugh (63)
Allianz FL Division 1, Sunday 7th February
At Ballyshannon
Donegal 2-14
Cork 1-07
DONEGAL: P Boyle; E Doherty, E McGee, N McGee; P McGrath, A Thompson, R McHugh; M Murphy, O Mac Niallais; E McHugh, F McGlynn, C Thompson; H McFadden, P McBrearty, M O’Reilly
Subs for Donegal: R Kavanagh for C Thompson (black, 37); M McElhinney for N McGee (57); E “Ban” Gallagher for E Doherty (58); N Gallagher for H McFadden (64); M Carroll for E McHugh (65).
Donegal : Scorers for Donegal: O Mac Niallais (1-4); M O’Reilly (1-1); P McBrearty (0-4, 2 frees); C Thompson (0-2); M Murphy (free), A Thompson, F McGlynn (0-1 each).
Allianz FL Division 1, Sunday 28th February
At Ballybofey
Donegal 1-14
Mayo 1-12
Donegal: P Boyle; E O’Doherty, N McGee, P McGrath; R McHugh, E McGee, E McHugh; M Murphy, R Kavanagh; H McFadden, F McGlynn, O MacNiallais; M Carroll, P McBrearty, M O’Reilly. Subs: M McElhinney for Carroll (19), A Thompson for O’Doherty (ht), N Gallagher for McFadden (45), C Toye for Gallagher BC (47) L McLoone for E McGee (50), C Ward for O’Reilly (71).
Donegal: M Murphy 0-5 ( 2fs, 2 45s), P McBrearty 0-4 (2fs), O MacNiallais, R McHugh 0-2 each, R Kavanagh 0-1.
Allianz FL Division 1, Sunday, 6th March
At Tralee
Kerry 1-13
Donegal 1-08
DONEGAL: Peter Boyle; E Doherty, N McGee, P McGrath; E Ban Gallagher, R McHugh, A Thompson; R Kavanagh, M Murphy; M O’Reilly, H McFadden, E McHugh; O Mac Niallais, P McBrearty, L McLoone
Subs: N Gallagher for McFadden (h/t), M McElhinney for Doherty (h/t), C Toye for Thompson (54).
Scorers for Donegal: M Murphy 1-4 (3f, 1 ’45), P McBrearty 0-3 (2f), N Gallagher 0-1
Allianz FL Division 1, Sunday 13th March
At Letterkenny
Donegal 0-17
Roscommon 1-19
Donegal Peter Boyle, Paddy McGrath, Eamon McGee, Éamonn Doherty, Ryan McHugh, Anthony Thompson, Eoghan Bán Gallagher, Rory Kavanagh, Neil Gallagher, Martin McElhinney, Odhrán MacNiallais, Eoin McHugh,Patrick McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Martin O’Reilly
Subs: Mark McHugh for Thompson (19), Karl Lacey for McGee (32), Christy Toye for N Gallagher (h-t), Stephen McBrearty for McElhinney (50), N Gallagher for E Gallagher (66)Scorers for Donegal: M Murphy 0-7 (4f), P McBrearty 0-6f, R McHugh, O Mac Niallais, E McHugh, C Toye 0-1 each
Allianz FL Division 1, 26th March
At Croke Park
Dublin 1-10
Donegal 0-07
Donegal :Mark Anthony McGinley , Paddy Mc Grath, Karl Lacey , Eamon McGee, Ryan McHugh , Anthony Thompson , Ciarán Gillespie, Rory Kavanagh, Hugh Mc Fadden, Martin O’ Reilly , Leo Mc Loone, Odhrán Mac Niallais,Paddy McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Eoin McHugh
Allianz FL Division 1, 3rd April
At Castleblaney
Monaghan 1-10
Donegal 1-09
Donegal : Mark A. Mc Ginley, Paddy Mc Grath, Neil Mc Gee, Martin Mc Elhinney, Ryan Mc Hugh, Anthony Thompson, Hugh Mc Fadden, Rory Kavanagh, Frank Mc Glynn, Martin O’ Reilly, Leo Mc Loone, Odhrán Mac Niallais. Patrick Mc Brearty, Michael Murphy, Eoin Mc Hugh
Subs: Colm A. Mc Fadden for E Mc Hugh, Eamonn Mc Gee for Martin O’ Reilly, Christy Toye for Leo Mc Loone, Stephen Mc Brearty, Eamon Doherty for Neil Mc Gee, Mark Mc Hugh for Hugh Mc Fadden
Scorers: M. Mc Elhinney 1-0, A Thompson 0 – 1, O. Mac Niallais 0-1, P. Mc Brearty 0-2,E. Mc Hugh
0-2, M Murphy 0-3
Allianz FL Division 1 Semifinal Sunday 10th April
At Crokepark
Dublin 1 -20
Donegal 0-13
Donegal : MA McGinley, P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee, R McHugh, K Lacey, C Gillespie, R Kavanagh,O Mac Niallais, M O’Reilly M McElhinney, F McGlynn P McBrearty, M Murphy, L McLoone
Subs : S. Mc Brearty for M. O’ Reilly, Caolan Mc Gonagle for O Mac Niallais, C.A. Mc Fadden for M Mc Elhinney, C. Toye for R. Kavanagh, E Bán Gallagher for Leo Mc Loone, J O’ Brien for C. Gillespie
Scorers : P Mc Brearty 0-7, M. Murphy 0-4, M Mc Elhinney 0-1 and L. Mc Loone 0-1
2016 LEAGUE TABLE
| Pos | Team | Pl | W | L | D | F | A | Diff | Pts | |
| 1 | Dublin | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 8-89 | 4-73 | 28 | 14 | |
| 2 | Kerry | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 5-109 | 5-77 | 32 | 10 | |
| 3 | Roscommon | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 9-98 | 8-77 | 24 | 8 | |
| 4 | Donegal | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 8-84 | 6-78 | 12 | 6 | |
| 5 | Mayo | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 5-86 | 7-89 | -9 | 6 | |
| 6 | Monaghan | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 6-83 | 7-91 | -11 | 6 | |
| 7 | Cork | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 9-89 | 9-105 | -16 | 6 | |
| 8 | Down | 7 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 2-60 | 6-108 | -60 | 0 | |
Ulster SFC, Sunday 12th June
At Ballybofey
Donegal 2-12
Fermanagh 0-11
Donegal: M McGinley, P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee, R McHugh, F McGlynn (0-01), A Thompson, R Kavanagh, H McFadden, E McHugh (0-02), M McElhinney (0-01), O MacNiallais (2-01), P McBrearty (0-03, 1f), M Murphy (0-01, f), M O’Reilly (0-02).
Subs: L McLoone for Kavanagh, C Toye for McLoone, Kavanagh for McGlynn, M McHugh for McElhinney, C McFadden (0-01, f)for McBrearty
Ulster SFC, semifinal, Saturday 25th June
At Cavan
Donegal 1-11
Monaghan 0-14
Donegal : . Mark Anthony McGinley ,Paddy McGrath , Ciaran Gillespie Eamonn McGee , Ryan McHugh,Karl Lacey , Frank McGlynn ,Rory Kavanagh Odhrán Mac Niallais, Anthony Thompson ,Martin McElhinney Eoin McHugh Patrick McBrearty ,Michael Murphy , Martin O’Reilly
Subs: Mark Mc Hugh for F. Mc Glynn, Christy Toye for R. Kavanagh, Eoghan Ban Gallagher for M O’ Reilly, Hugh Mc Fadden for E. Mc Hugh
Ulster SFC, Replay, Saturday 2nd July
At Cavan
Donegal 0-17
Monaghan 2-10
Donegal: MA McGinley, P McGrath, E McGee, C Gillespie, R McHugh, K Lacey, F McGlynn (0-01), R Kavanagh (0-01), O MacNiallais, A Thompson (0-01), M McElhinney (0-01), E McHugh, P McBrearty (0-04, 3f), M Murphy (0-05, 4f, 1 ’45), M O’Reilly (0-03).
Subs: M McHugh (0-01) for Thomson (BC), C Toye for McElhinney, E Gallagher for O’Reilly
Ulster Final , Sunday 17th July
At Clones
Donegal 0-12
Tyrone 0-13
Donegal: MA McGinley P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee, C Gillespie, K Lacey, F McGlynn, R Kavanagh, O MacNiallais (0-02), R McHugh (0-03), M O’Reilly, A Thompson, P McBrearty (0-03, 2f), M Murphy (0-02, 1 ’45, 1f), E McHugh.
Subs: M McElhinney for Kavanagh (44), M McHugh for Thompson (53), C Toye (0-01) for McGlynn (63), E Gallagher for Gillespie (66), A Thompson for E McHugh (66), C McFadden for McBearty (70)
All Ireland SFC, Round 4B Qualifier Saturday, 30th July
At Croke Park
Donegal 0-21
Cork 1-15
Donegal: MA McGinley; P McGrath, E McGee, N McGee; K Lacey, M O’Reilly, F McGlynn; O MacNiallais, M Murphy; A Thompson, M McElhinney, E McHugh; R Kavanagh, P McBrearty, R McHugh
Subs: C Gillespie for E McGee (43), L McLoone for Kavanagh (46), C Toye for Thompson (55), M McHugh for McGlynn (61), E Doherty for N McGee (68), H McFadden for MacNiallais (71). McBrearty BC 76, not replaced.
Scorers: P McBrearty 0-11 (4fs), R McHugh 0-3, E McHugh 0-2, M Murphy 0-2 (1f), K Lacey 0-1, F McGlynn 0-1, O MacNiallais 0-1
All Ireland SFC, Quarter Final, Saturday 6th August
At Croke Park
Donegal 1-10
Dublin 1-15
Donegal: MA McGinley, P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee, R McHugh (1-00), K Lacey, F McGlynn, R Kavanagh, O MacNiallais, A Thompson (0-01), M McElhinney, E McHugh, P McBrearty (0-03, 2f), M Murphy (0-06, 5f, 1 ’45), M O’Reilly.
Subs: C Gillespie for MacNiallais (h-t), L McLoone for Kavanagh (41), C Toye for Thompson (48) M McHugh for E McGee (54), C Thompson for McElhinney (60), C McFadden for Lacey.
Allianz NHL Division 2 B Sunday, February 14
First round
Mayo 1-14
Donegal 0-13
Donegal: Paul Burns; Martin McGrath, Dara Grant, Pauric Doherty; Jack O’Loughlin (0-1), Joe Boyle (0-1), Christopher McDermott; Stephen Gillespie, Paul Sheridan; Lee Henderson (0-1), Sean McVeigh, Paul Nelson; Ciaran Mathewson (0-5,3f 165’, Ronan McDermott, Kevin Campbell (0-4,4f). Subs: Bernard Lafferty for Lee Henderson 55, Sam Doherty for Paul Sheridan 60, Shane Gallen for Martin McGrath 63, Paddy Hannigan for Kevin Campbell 33.
Allianz NHL Division 2B, Sunday, February, 21st
O’Donnell Park
Second round
Armagh 2-14
Donegal 1-8
Donegal; Paul Burns, Martin McGrath, Christopher McDermott, Paddy Doherty; Jack O’Loughlin, Joe Boyle (0-1) Niall Cleary; Ciaran Mathewson, Paul Sheridan; Bernard Lafferty, Paddy Nelson, Sean McVeigh (0-1); Lee Henderson (0-6,6f), Ronan McDermott, Paddy Hannigan(1-0). Subs: Shane Gallen for M McGrath (27); Gavin Browne for J O’Loughlin (h/t), Sam Doherty for P Nelson (58), Stephen Gillespie for R McDermott (59).
Allianz NHL Division 2B, Sunday, March 6th
Third round
Trim
Meath 2-35
Donegal 0-9
Donegal: Paul Burns; Dara Grant, Pauric Doherty, Shane Gallen; Niall Cleary, Joe Boyle, Paul Sheridan; Jack O’Loughlin, Stephen Gillespie; Ciaran Mathewson, Sean McVeigh (0-3), Bernard Lafferty; Sam Doherty, Paul Nelson, Lee Henderson (0-6). Subs: Dylan Lafferty, Justin McGee, Colm Flood, Conor O’Grady, Sean Curran.
Allianz NHL Sunday March 13,
Fourth round
O’Donnell Park
Donegal 0-14
Down 3-22
Donegal: Paul Burns; Pauric Doherty, Justin McGhee, Shane Gallen; Christopher McDermott, Gavin Brown, Niall Cleary; Paul Sheridan (0-1), Jack O’Loughlin; Lee Henderson (0-11, 10f), Bernard Lafferty, Sean McVeigh (0-1); Ciaran Mathewson, Paddy Hannigan (0-1), Paul Nelson. Subs., Danny Cullen for Cleary 23; Dara Grant for Brown; Kevin Campbell for Cullen, both ht; Sam Doherty for Nelson 53
Allianz NHL, Sunday, March 20th
St Colman’s College Newry, 4G pitch
Fifth round
Wicklow 2-19
Donegal 1-9
Donegal: Paul Burns; Padraig Doherty, Justin McGee, Mark Callaghan; Jack O’Loughlin, Jamesie Donnelly, Shane Gallen; Ciaran Mathewson, Colm Flood; Lee Henderson, Sam Doherty, Sean McVeigh; Danny Cullen, Kevin Campbell, Bernard Lafferty. Subs used: Paddy Hannigan, Niall Cleary, Gavin Browne, Paul
Saturday, April 9
Promotion/relegation play-off
James Stephen’s Park, Ballina
Roscommon 3-13
Donegal 4-9
Donegal scorers: Paddy Hannigan 2-0, Ciaran Mathewson 1-2, 1f, Lee Henderson 0-4,4f, Danny Cullen 1-0, Bernard Lafferty, Christopher McDermott, Sean McVeigh 0-1 each.
Nicky Rackard Cup 2016 Saturday, April 23
First round – O’Donnell Park
Armagh 2-19
Donegal 3-13
Donegal: P Burns; P Doherty (0-1), J McGhee, S Gallen; J O’ Loughlin, J Donnelly, N Cleary; P Sheridan, C McDermott; L Henderson (0-6, 5 frees), D Cullen (0-1), B Lafferty (0-2); C Mathewson (0-1), P Hannigan, S McVeigh (3-2). Subs: R McDermott for J Donnelly (32), S Doherty for C McDermott (65).’s
Nicky Rackard Cup 2016 ,April 30th
Round Two, O’Donnell Park
Donegal 3-15
Fermanagh 3-11
Donegal: Paul Burns; Padraig Doherty, Justin McGhee, Shane Gallen; Jack O’Loughlin, Jamesie Donnelly, Niall Cleary (0-1); Paul Sheridan (0-1), Ciaran Mathewson (1-0); Lee Henderson (0-6, 6f), Danny Cullen (0-1), Bernard Lafferty (0-2); Ronan McDermott (0-1), Paddy Hannigan, Sean McVeigh (1-3). Subs: Kevin Campbell (1-0)for Hannigan (46), Mark Callaghan for Gallen (48),
Nicky Rackard Cup 2016 Quarter final ,Saturday, May 7th,
Inniskeen
Donegal 4-14
Monaghan 3-14
Donegal: Paul Burns; Padraig Doherty, Justin McGhee, Mark Callaghan; Jack O’Loughlin, Jamsie Donnelly, Christopher McDermott; Paul Sheridan, Danny Cullen; Lee Henderson (1-6, 1-4f), Nall Cleary (0-3), Ciaran Mathewson (1-1); Ronan McDermott (1-0), Kevin Campbell (1-3), Sean McVeigh (0-1). Sub: Sam Doherty for P Sheridan (47).
Nicky Rackard Cup 2016, Semi-final, May 21st
O’Donnell Park
Donegal 2-11
Mayo 1-18
Donegal: Paul Burns; Pauric Doherty, Justin McGhee, Mark Callaghan; Jack O’Loughlin (0-1), Jamsie Donnelly, Christopher McDermott; Danny Cullen (1-1), Ciaran Mathewson (1-0); Lee Henderson (0-7, 5f, 1 ’65), Niall Cleary (0-1), Bernard Lafferty; Ronan McDermott, Stephen Gillespie, Sean McVeigh (0-1). Subs: Joe Boyle for J McGhee (44, in); Kevin Campbell for B Lafferty (49); Paddy Hannigan for N Cleary (49); Conor O’Donnell for J Donnelly (68).
Ulster Hurling Senior Shield final
Sunday, June 23, Brewster Park, Enniskillen
DONEGAL 5-13
MONAGHAN 2-14
Donegal: Paul Burns; Martin McGrath, Joe Boyle, Mark Gallagher; Sam Doherty, Jack O’Loughlin (1-0), Conor O’Donnell; Danny Cullen (1-1, Stephen Gillespie (0-1); Ronan McDermott (1-0), Niall Cleary (0-1), Sean McVeigh; Lee Henderson (0-7,6f), Paddy Hannigan (1-0), Bernard Lafferty. Subs: Kevin Campbell (1-1) for S McVeigh half-time; Paul Nelson (0-2) for P Hannigan 41.
Eirgrid Ulster U21 FC Quarter Final, 16th March
At Ballybofey
Donegal 0-14
Derry 2-07
DONEGAL: D Rogers; J O’Brien, K Gillespie, C Morrison; E Gallagher, C O’Donnell, E McGrath; S McMenamin, C McGonagle; A McClean, S McBrearty, M Carroll; C Doherty, J Brennan, C Bonner. Subs: D Monagle for McGrath (38), C Mulligan for Bonner (38), C Thompson for Doherty (46), N Friel for McClean (51), A McGinley for O’Donnell (55), J Scally for O’Brien (60).
Scorers for Donegal: S McBrearty 0-4 (4f), C McGonagle 0-3 (2f), J Brennan 0-3, A McClean 0-1, C Bonner 0-1, C Doherty 0-1, C Mulligan 0-1
Eirgrid Ulster U21 FC Semifinal, 30th March
At Celtic Park
Donegal 2-08
Tyrone 1-15
Donegal: D Rodgers; C Morrison, K Gillespie, J O’Brien; S McMenamin, E McGrath, A McClean; C O’Donnell, C Thompson; C Bonner, E Gallagher, S McBrearty; J Brennan, C McGonagle, M Carroll. Subs: C Doherty for Brennan (32), M Coyle for Bonner (40), B Waldron for McGonagle (black card, 42), C Mulligan for McClean (46), A Neely for O’Donnell (54), Jack Scally for O’Brien (58).
Scorers for Donegal: S McBrearty 1-5 (1-0pen, 3f), C Doherty 1-0, C O’Donnell, C Thompson (f), C Bonner 0-1 each
Ulster MFC Quarter Final ,Sunday 29th May
Corrigan Park
Donegal 2-11
Antrim 2-07
Donegal : JD Boyle ,Kieran Gallagher ,Eoghan Mc Gettigan ,Jack Flannery ,Aaron Mc Crea , Aiden Mc Laughlin ,Gavin Mulreany , Peadar Mogan , Mark Curran , Ryan Connors , Shane Ferry, Odhran Ferry Mc Fadden , Odhran Shiels , Eoghan Carr, Jason Mc Gee , Michael Mulhern, Oisin Rooney, Nathan Boyle , Shane Mc Grath , Cieran Mc Ginley , Stephen Carr, Aaron Deeney ,Niall O Donnell , Enda Mc Cormack ,Carl Dunnion , Daniel Lyons , Brian O Donnell , Gary Molloy , Tony Harkin, Senan Boyle .
Ulster MFC Semi Final, Saturday, 25th June
Kingspan Breffni Park,
Donegal 3-15
Monaghan 2-12
Donegal : Gavin Mulreany, Seaghan Ferry, Aaron McCrea, Mark Curran, Odhran Shiels, JD Boyle, Aidan McLaughlin, Jason McGee, Kieran Gallagher, Nathan Boyle, Niall O’Donnell, Odhran McFadden, Paedar Mogan, Eoghan McGettigan, Shane McGrath
Ulster MFC Final, Sunday 17th July
Clones
Donegal 2-10
Derry 1-11
Donegal: G Mulreany, S Ferry, A McCrea, M Curran, O Shiels, JD Boyle (1-0), A McLaughlin, J McGee (0-1), K Gallagher (0-1), N Boyle (1-0), N O’Donnell (0-4, 2f), O McFadden Ferry (0-1), P Mogan (0-1), E McGettigan (0-2), E McCormick. Subs: S
McGrath for McCormick (47), B O’Donnell for Ferry (55), S Carr for Boyle (58), A Deeney for JD Boyle (63)
All Ireland MFC Quarter Final Saturday, 30th July
Croke Park
Donegal 2-13
Cork 0-13
Donegal : Gavin Mulreany , Seaghan Ferry , Aaron McCrea , Mark Curran ,Odhrán Shiels ,JD Boyle ,Aidan McLaughlin, Jason McGee , Kieran Gallagher, Nathan Boyle ,Niall O’Donnell , Enda McCormack ,Peadar Mogan , Eoghan McGettigan ,. Odhrán McFadden-Ferry Subs Shane McGrath for Shiels (half-time) Aaron Deeney for McCrea (36), Brian O’Donnell for Boyle (53) , Gary Molloy for McFadden-Ferry (63)
All Ireland MFC Semifinal, Sunday, 21st August
Croke Park
Donegal 1-11
Galway 2-12
Gavin Mulreany ,Seaghan Ferry, Aaron McCrea Mark Curran Odhrán Shiels, JD Boyle, Aidan McLaughlin ,Jason McGee ,Kieran Gallagher ,Nathan Boyle ,Niall O’Donnell, Enda McCormack ,Peadar Mogan ,Eoghan McGettigan ,Odhrán McFadden-Ferry Subs Odhrán Shiels for McLaughlin (25) Shane McGrath for Boyle (38). Brian O’Donnell for Ferry (black card) (40) Gary Molloy for Boyle (44) Daniel Lyons for McCrea (52)
Ulster Minor Football League, 12th March
Ballybofey
Donegal 2-11
Fermanagh 0-08
Ulster Minor Football League, 26th March
Ballybofey
Donegal 1-09
Tyrone 2-08
Ulster Minor Football League, 5th April
Celtic Park
Derry 0-6
Donegal 3-12
Ulster Minor Football League, 9th April
Magherafelt
Donegal 2-12
Antrim 1-06
2016 Ulster MFL Group B
| Pos. | Team | P | W | L | D | F | A | Pts |
| 1 | Tyrone | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 71 | 54 | 6 |
| 2 | Donegal | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 68 | 37 | 6 |
| 3 | Derry | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 66 | 65 | 4 |
| 4 | Antrim | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 48 | 64 | 4 |
| 5 | Fermanagh | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 40 | 73 | 0 |
Ulster Minor Football League Playoff, Semi Final, 16th April
Clones
Donegal 0-23
Monaghan 0-21
Ulster Minor Football League Playoff, Final 23rd April
Maghera, Derry
Donegal 3-09
Tyrone 1-13
Rúnaí Comhairle Uladh
Danny Murphy stands down as Provincial Secretary and Chief Executive of Ulster GAA. Danny was a great servant to all Gaels in Ulster and is going to be a big loss . He had great power of recall and knowledge of rules and regulations . He built a great Organisation in Ulster overseeing many changes and developments during his time at the helm of Comhairle Uladh. Anyone could ring Danny for advice and he would never turn them away. He tried to involve people who were underprivileged . ,such as people with disabilities. He encouraged pupils of non catholic schools and emigrants to participate in our games. Ulster Gaels were the envy of many clubs in other counties due to Danny’s efforts and achievements. Míle Buíochas as ucht do chuid oibre ar son na heagraíochta thar na blianta. Ádh Mhór ort. I would like to wish Brian Mc Avoy well in his new post.
Aitheantas / Acknowledgments
I wish to thank Noreen Doherty, County Administrator for her continued support during the year. Noreen puts in tremendous hours outside normal working hours and is always available to assist myself and my fellow Officers.
I also thank the Executive for their work on behalf of CLG Dhún na nGall. They work long hours in a voluntary capacity to ensure the smooth running of the Association. A special word of thanks to Sean Dunnion ,our Chairperson for his guidance, assistance and leadership in 2016. Sean,together with Cieran our Treasurer and David Mc Loone our Development Officer have put in many hours over the last number of months with a view having the Training Centre Building progressed. With the four pitches up and running now, it is essential that we obtain Planning Permission to enable commencement of the building at an early date. I wish to sincerely thank Terence Mc Shea for his contribution in his role as Development Officer prior to his resignation earlier this year.
I would also like to thank the Club Secretaries and other club officers for their and assistance and courtesy to me during the year.
On behalf of Coiste na Condae , I wish to express our thanks to Rory Gallagher, Ardal Mc Dermott, Declan Bonner, Tom Hennessy, Sean Paul Barrett, Lorcan O’ Toole , Doctors, Physio’s and all the backroom personnel for their work on behalf of our Senior and Underage County Teams during 2016.
Congratulations to our Minor Team on winning The Fr. Murray Cup and also the Ulster Minor Football League. Great credit must go to Sean Paul Barrett and his backroom team for their efforts during the year. Great praise must go to these young men who never gave up and always believed in themselves.
My thanks to the Officers and staff of Comhairle Uladh especially Danny Murphy, Stephen Donnelly and Geraldine Mc Kavanagh for your help during the year.
Thanks to Ard Stiúrthóir CLG Páraic Duffy, Teresa Rehill, Aine Mannion, Gearóid Ó Maoilmhichíl , Emma Tormey, Bernard Smith, Patrick Doherty, Rory Harvey, Sineád Leavy, Geraroid Devitt and Mark Mc Govern with whom I am in contact on a regular basis.
To those who assisted in arranging Garda Escorts for our teams and who assisted with other arrangements on important match days, your help and assistance is much appreciated.
I wish to thank all our local and regional papers, radio stations, local and National T.V. and our local online and social media platforms for their assistance for their assistance during the year.
Na Mairbh
Guím Suaimhneas Síoraí ar na baill agus ar ghaolta baill a fuair bás I rith na bliana. Ar dheis Láimh Dé go raibh siad uilig . Bhí an brón orm I mí iúil nuair a chuala mé faoi bhás Sheamuis Mhic Geidigh. Is iomaí cruinniú de Choiste na Condae a shuigh Seamus isteach ar ag déanamh tuairisc ar son Radio na Gaeltachta. Bhí aithne mhaith agam ar Sheamus . Rinne muid an tarraingt deireanach do Chraobh chomórtas Spóirt Mhíchil Ó Mhurchú I mí Márta seo caite i Leitir Ceanainn. Chuir sé gach duine ar a suaimhneas nuair a bhí sé ag caint leo. Duine iontach a bhí ann, duine cinnéalta, macánta agus cairdiúil a bhí ann. Bhí Gaeilge iontach aige agus labhair sé go soiléir i gconaí. Ar son Bhord na Condae agus mé féin déanam co bhrón lena bhean Céile Dolores agus a phaistí Póilín, Éadhain,Dónall agus an teaghlach uilig. Cáill mór do fhoireann Radio na Gaeltachta agus do mhuintir na Gaeltachta a bhí I mbás Sheamúis. Cara mór de chuid CLG Dhún na nGall a bhí ann. Guím suaimhneas síoraí ar Sheamús. Ní bheidh a leithead ann arís. Sincere sympathy to all members of the Association who suffered bereavements in 2016.
Críoch
Guím beannachtaí na Nollag agus Áth- Bhliain faoi shéan agus faoi mhaise ar ár mbaill go léir. Go raibh maith agaibh as bhur dtacaíocht agus bhur gcomhoibriú le linn 2016.
Aidín Uí Ghiolláin
Rúnaí Choiste Condae CLG Dhún na nGall”
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