Donegal Masters trip to Glasgow one that will last long in the memory

The Donegal GAA Masters had a memorable trip to Glasgow last weekend where they were hosted by Scottish GAA as part of a fund-raising weekend for the re-development of Pearse Park in the city.

A party of 31 left Donegal, some as early as 5.45 a.m., to travel by bus and ferry to Scotland with the first leg of the weekend being a gala dinner at the home of Glasgow Celtic on the Friday night.

Chairman of the Donegal Masters, Conor McShane, one of the main organisers from the Donegal side, was really pleased with the way the weekend went.

“It was a very good trip. It all went well. Friday night was very well organised. We had Packie Bonner there, a typical Donegal man, he was out meeting and greeting everybody.

“Everyone made you feel welcome. There was a good community atmosphere to the event.

“Then you had the four panellists Packie, Kevin Cassidy, Ailish Gormley from Tyrone and Sarah O’Sullivan from Cork camogie. There was an open panel discussion talking about the links between Scotland and Ireland with some great stories being told.”

The night finished with an action and among the items was an All-Star jersey presented by Brian McEniff.

David McShane in action for Donegal Masters against Tyrone

It was then back to their hotel to get ready for the challenge early on Saturday morning against old rivals Tyrone. Like back in Donegal, the wind was blowing strong and in a game of two halves, Donegal led 0-3 to 0-1 at the break.

Donegal played their best football against the wind, going three up before giving away a soft goal. Tyrone added two points, but then two more points, one a magnificent effort from Brian McLaughlin, had the sides level with five minutes left.

But two late goals from Tyrone left a scoreline that did not reflect the closeness of the game. The final score was Donegal 0-6, Tyrone 3-3.

There was no time to dwell on the result as both teams were then escorted to Celtic Park to take in the Celtic-Hearts Scottish Premier League game. And at half-time both teams were paraded around the venue and received a great reception.

“It was a great touch by Scottish GAA and Celtic, to invite both teams out to be honoured at half-time. It was a special moment for the players. Not too many people get that opportunity.”

“With Celtic 3-0 up at half-time the crowd were in good spirits and we got a good reception.

“It was a weekend to remember. We had a good night out on Saturday night. It helped for team bonding. It’s what Sports  Masters is all about. It’s about representing your county but you get the chance to enjoy it as well.”

On Sunday morning it was back on the bus and ferry and home to Donegal and although tired, it was a weekend that will live long in the memory.

“We would hope this event will help Scottish GAA progress into the future. We will be keeping an eye on their progress and looking to support them at a later date also. They are looking at hosting similar events in the future like a Festival of Football or a Glasgow Sevens. What an occasion that would be,” said McShane.

For now it is back to training for the Donegal Masters for their upcoming season, which will begin with the first game on May 10th. The fixtures have not been drawn yet but training continues weekly.

“It’s back to basics now, looking for other players. John Joe O’Shea is doing all the spadework. There are a few he has mentioned, the likes of Ryan Bradley. John Joe being involved in so many Vocational School teams, has all the information in that regard,” said McShane.

Brian McLaughlin on the ball for Donegal on Saturday