Tir Chonaill Beach Tag Tournament: A brilliant days Tag Rugby was held on Carrickfin Beach over the Bank Holiday weekend. With blue skies and scenery second to none, can there be a more beautiful location in the country for this gentler Summer version of rugby which enables the fairer sex to join with the hairy men in friendly (mortal!) combat. With three points awarded for a female try, the girls really come into there own, and indeed often outshine the men.
The day began with an Under 14s game between 2 teams from Tir Chonaill. This was a very lively and competitive game with some silky skills from the kids, indeed as good as was seen later in the adult games. Winners on the day were Tir Chonaill Tigers comprising Captain Cian Bennet, Liam McCann, Finn Nicholas, Kiernan Nicholas, Aidan Gavigan, Luke McDermott, top try scorer Ross Doogan and mentor Paul Gallagher. Runners up were Tir Chonaill Sharks with Captain Sean McCann, Jamie Doherty, Kevin Gavigan, the mighty Mark Gavigan, Conor Doherty, brothers Seamus and Finn McCann and mentor Ed Sharkey. The Donegal Airport U14 trophy was presented to the Tigers, and they all had burgers and a much needed drink..
Then to the seniors. Three club attended on the day, sadly Letterkenny were not there to defend their trophy. Taking up the slack were Finn Valley and Inishowen both with 2 teams and the hosts Tir Chonaill with two. Two mini leagues were run with the better teams being separated out for the 2nd round. Winners on the day, and an outstanding performance from the Finn Valley Dragons. Team members were Cheryl Laverty, Cara McNulty, Irene McMonagle, David Brown, Ronnie Hanlon, Dan McNulty and Anthony McMenamin. The Dragons won all 4 games they played, some by very high scores, congratulations to them. Runners up were Tir Chonaill Footloose (footless) with a moteley crew of young and old, and outstanding performances from David Reynolds, Conor McDonald, Jamie Boyle and Captain Paul McCann. Trophies were sponsored by Donegal Airport, and the prizegiving as well as the quaffing of a few badly needed pints took place in the Airport Bar. Many thanks to Donegal Airport and the staff. Many thanks also to beach catering team Joe and Sharon, Hugh and Brid for their hard work and to all who refereed matches. Well done everybody!!
