The Donegal Rugby season came to a fitting conclusion on Saturday last at the home of Tir Chonaill RFC, the Community Sports Field in scenic Carrickfin. Four of the six county teams competed for the Challenge trophy put up by the host club. Competing teams were Tir Chonaill, Ballyshannon, Finn Valley and Inishowen. The games were refereed by Shane Toolan and Darren McGuigan to whom thanks is due. This rounded off the first season that Finn Valley and Tir Chonaill had stepped up to senior level, both clubs having been founded the previous year with only mini rugby categories, and great credit is due to coaches and players of both clubs for the rapid development. The challenge was played as a mini league and games went as follows.
In the 1st game, Tir Chonaill had a good win over Finn Valley to get the ball rolling with 2 tries by Tir Chonaill man of the day Conor McDonald
The 2nd game seen Ballyshannon beat Inishowen, these being the more experienced teams in the tournament.
In game 3, Tir Chonaill were defeated by Inishowen, and were unfortunate with an injury to star man Shaun Doogan, but had a superb try scored by Martii Walker after a superb length of the field run and chip by Robbie O’Donnell.
Game 4 seen Ballyshannon defeat Finn Valley, but seen Finn Valley score a brace of tries.
The 5th game was a cracker, as the young team from Tir Chonaill put it up to the experienced Ballyshannon. In the end Ballyshannon won well, but the local fans, coaches and subs were very encouraged by the performance. Captain for the day James Doogan stepped up to the mark following the injury to his brother and second row colleague, and his tackling and workrate on the day were superb.
The final game saw Inishowen defeat Finn Valley, although the boys for the Valley put in a stirring performance and didn’t come away empty handed, running in a couple of tries.
Worthy winners then were Ballyshannon with runners up Inishowen. Tir Chonaill third and Finn Valley close behind. The latter two new clubs acquitted themselves extremely well on the day, and showed evidence of good progress over the season. Tir Chonaill in particular has a very young squad many of whom are still at school, and their coaches and fans salute the courage of these brave players. It is very encouraging for the future of rugby in Donegal to see not one but two new senior teams emerge in a season, and both Tir Chonaill and Finn Valley plan to enter a league next season. This will be a big challenge, as some players will be lost to college and the sadly necessary emigration trail.
The trophies were awarded at a social function in Caislin Or, where great craic was had by all, with the teams mingling in a great spirit of camaraderie that is possibly unique in a sport where they had spent the afternoon knocking lumps out of each other! Tir Chonaill also made their Player of the Season awards. Congratulations to Shaun Doogan who won Player of the Season award selected by his coaches. Shaun has been remarkably consistent in all games, and possibly edged the award from close contenders due to his tackle rate and excellent work in the lineout and off the back of the scrum at No. 8. He was run close by 3 others, namely Conor McDonald, Adam Lafferty and his brother James Doogan. James won the award for most improved player of the season, as was particularly evident by his workrate and tackle count on Saturday. Conor McDonald was awarded Tir Chonaill player of Saturdays tournament, he is by far our top try scorer, and has a great eye for the gap and is a powerful runner. Adam was unlucky to miss out on the awards, and has been an excellent running wing and his tackling is superb. There were many others mentioned by Head Coach Joe McCann, including the oldies, himself, the Doogan brothers dad Eugene playing in the second row at the ripe age of 51, Dave Geoghegan and Paul Bathgate. Thanks were also given to the coaching staff, Joe, Paul McCann, Joe McConnell and Dave Geoghegan. The newcomers to the front row scrummaged exceptionally well on Saturday, and to all the other young flyers, well done. The club is very encouraged for next season, and continues to recruit. Why not come and give it a go? A great place to start is with Tag rugby which will commence training on Wednesday evenings at 7 in Carrickfin, this is great fun and for all ages male and female. There is a place for all shapes and sizes on a rugby pitch. Any enquiries, please contact Eugene Doogan on 0866086248. Please also see our website and Youtube channel for info, pics and video of games.
