It was a rollercoaster year for Donegal sport in 2017 with plenty of ups and downs for local supporters – here’s a look back at 2017 through our most read sports stories of the year.
Our most read story was a poignant one, on the funeral of the popular GAA coach Pat Shovelin.
GAA is a recurring theme in the list, showing its popularity in the county, with 11 of the top 17 sports stories on Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub being GAA related.
1 – Pat Shovelin laid to rest amid tearful scenes
In October, popular Donegal GAA goalkeeping coach Pat Shovelin died following a battle with cancer aged 41. There were tearful scenes at his funeral Mass at St Columba’s Church in Doneyloop and a crowd that included Donegal players past and present as well as Republic of Ireland legend Shay Given.
2 – Michael Murphy becomes a manager
It was announced in August that Donegal captain Michael Murphy was taking on the role of GAA manager at Letterkenny Institute of Technology. At his unveiling, Murphy said he was looking to move into management ‘at some stage’.
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/listen-michael-murphy-taken-first-gaa-managers-job/
His team then got off to a flier, scoring nine goals in a 9-21 to 3-7 win over Ulster University, Coleraine
3 – A shock contender emerges for Donegal job
When Rory Gallagher stepped down as manager, the signs all pointed to Declan Bonner. However, Seamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney briefly emerged as a contender for the role.
McEnaney entered the race, but subsequently withdrew
4 – Rory Gallagher steps down as Donegal manager
At the end of July, in the wake of a 4-17 to 0-14 hammering by Galway in Sligo, Rory Gallagher pulled the plug on his tenure as the Donegal manager. A Monday evening message to the squad’s WhatsApp group confirmed his departure.
http://www.donegaldaily.com/2017/07/31/breaking-news-rory-gallagher-steps-down-as-donegal-manager/
5 – Ronald Koeman, Phil Jagielka visit Seamus Coleman in Killybegs
Seamus Coleman suffered a horrific double leg break in March while playing for the Republic of Ireland against Wales in Dublin – an injury that has the Everton player still sidelined.
In April, a group that included then Everton boss Ronald Koeman and captain Phil Jagielka jetted into Killybegs to check up on Coleman.
6 – Return of familiar faces to Donegal squad for 2018
In October, following Declan Bonner’s appointment as manager, it was confirmed that Odhrán Mac Niallais, Leo McLoone and Declan Walsh would be back in the fold for the new campaign.
7 – Nominees confirmed for 2016 Donegal Sports Star awards
The 41st annual Donegal Sports Star Awards took place in January 2017 and our unveiling of the nominees cause a stir.
8 – Four League debutants included on Donegal team to play Kerry
All eyes were on the Donegal team to play Kerry in the opening Allianz League game of 2017, Gallagher naming debutants Paul Brennan, Jason McGee, Michael Langan and Jamie Brennan.
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/rory-gallagher-names-team-play-kerry-four-league-debutants-included/
9 – Two Donegal players heading off Aussie Rules Trial
In August two players – Jason McGee and Eoin Ban Gallagher – from Donegal went on trial with Aussie Rules club Brisbane Lions. The two were integral parts of the Ulster-winning Donegal U21 side and also graduated to Rory Gallagher’s seniors.
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/two-donegal-players-heading-off-aussie-rules-trial/
10 – Joe Brolly’s take on Donegal v Galway
After the heavy defeat by Galway, comment and criticism were the orders of the day. Among those wading in was Sunday Game pundit Joe Brolly. His take on the 14-point loss was our most watched video clip of 2017.
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/watch-heres-joe-brolly-made-donegal-sunday-game-tonight/
11 – Odhran Mac Niallais withdraws from Donegal panel
In early January, following weeks of speculation, it was revealed that Odhrán Mac Niallias was taking a year out from the Donegal panel.
The Gaoth Dobhair man had been playing soccer with Gweedore Celtic in the Donegal League and subsequently spent the summer months in Boston. Has since returned to the fold under Declan Bonner.
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/fresh-blow-donegal-odhran-mac-niallais-withdraws-panel/
12 – Shock as Martin McHugh resigns as Kilcar manager
Just two weeks out form the new All-County Football League season began, Martin McHugh stepped down as Kilcar’s manager. In 2016, McHugh guided Kilcar to the Donegal SFC final where they lost to Glenswilly and he looked set to return for another go.
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/shock-martin-mchugh-resigns-kilcar-manager/
13 – Donegal teen signs for Barclays Premier League side
Loughanure’s Mark Walsh signed with Swansea City this year and made the move in the summer. In March, it was confirmed that Walsh – then on the books at Finn Harps having come through at Gweedore Celtic – was set for a switch and in July he linked up with his new club,
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/donegal-teen-sign-barclays-premier-league-side/
14 – Widespread shock and sadness as death confirmed of Derry City captain
One of the most emotional sports stories in Ireland in 2017 was the sudden death of Derry City captain Ryan McBride. In March, the 27-year-old found dead in bed, just 24 hours after he played against Drogheda United in a 4-0 win. His passing sent shockwaves across the League of Ireland community.
15 – Full results from Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge
A record crowd of almost 1200 took part in the 2016 Ballyliffin Coastal Challenge. The event, in April, was won by Eoin Hughes. Its popularity is shown by its inclusion among our most viewed stories of the year.
16 – Jason Quigley defeats Glen Tapia for first pro title
Jason Quigley won his first professional title in March when he overcame Glen Tapia at the Fantasy Springs Resort, Indio. Quigley had to go through eight of the ten rounds with a badly damaged right hand, but the Ballybofey man swept the judges scorecards for a decision win that handed him the NABF middleweight title
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/jason-quigley-defeats-glen-tapia-win-first-pro-title/
17 – ‘No more ham and cheese’: Karen Guthrie interview
In February, ahead of her 12th year in the Donegal senior ladies squad, Karen Guthrie spoke about the changing in the squad to a more professional environment since she first joined. The Glenfin midfielder had won Ulster Minor title in 2004 and 2005 and has certainly seen a lot in her time.
http://www.donegalsporthub.com/no-toast-ham-karen-guthrie-donegal-ladies-embracing-change/
