With Active Donegal month now in full swing some of the county’s sports stars from days gone by are determined to ‘Just Try It’ once again when the heroes of Donegal’s All-Ireland winning team from 1992 pull on the boots to face a Finn Harps legends side in Finn Park, Ballybofey at 7.30pm on June 27th.
Three local charities – Meningitis Trust, Donegal Hospice and the Donegal Branch of the Alzheimer’s Association – will benefit from the proceeds of the night that will include a reception in the Finn Valley Sports Centre after the game.
And there is no doubt that the battle of the sporting greats is sure to attract a huge crowd eager to see how Donegal stars like Martin McHugh and Manus Boyle will fare against Harps stars like Declan Boyle and Paul Hegarty.
Indeed both managers – Declan Bonner for the Donegal ’92 side and Sean McGowan for Finn Harps – have assembled strong squads and are anticipating a great game.
Both team managers are likely to feature for their own sides in a player-manager capacity with Sean McGowan confirming he has secured the services of key players already for all areas of the pitch.
Harps and Fanad legend Bosco Gallagher will feature in goal for the Harps men with Declan Boyle and John Quigg to feature in defence, Paul Hegarty and Kenny Harkin confirmed for the engine room of midfield and legendary goalscorer Con McLaughlin geared up to lead the Harps attack.
The Donegal side meanwhile will have both their 92 keepers, Gary Walsh and Paul Callaghan available for selection while Barry McGowan, John Cunningham, Charlie Mulgrew, Martin McHugh, Manus Boyle, Tony Boyle and Joyce McMullan also set to take to the field for the green and gold of Donegal.
The game is just one of many events being organized across Donegal as part of Active Donegal month and Donegal Sports Partnership Coordinator Myles Sweeney said he was delighted that these sporting legends had agreed to take part in the game.
“We know how passionate the people of Donegal have always been about their sport and the supporters who have followed Donegal and Finn Harps have been treated to some magnificent performances from the players who have lined out for both teams over the years.”
But, he added, it will be extra special to be able to have members of the county’s only ever all-Ireland winning team pull on the boots again – albeit in a different sport – twenty years after that magnificent day in Croke Park.
“These players have earned the right to have legendary status in the county and it is fantastic that they are still prepared to pull on the boots and get active to help these very worthy charities,” he added.
The charity game will be followed by a function in the Finn Valley Centre that will include a 90s sports quiz and there will be autographed jerseys among the prizes.
Meanwhile for a full list of all the activities across the county for Active Donegal month, check out the website – www.activedonegal.com
Further information from Donegal Sports Partnership 074 9116078 or email info@activedonegal.com
