Donegal ex-pats get together to organize a fundraiser for the Donegal (Ireland) team training fund.
Bostons Donegal community are coming together next Sunday, September 16th for the Donegal GAA (Ireland) team training fund. While there are a few people making the trip home for the final the vast majority of younger Donegal ex-pats are unable to go home due to immigration status. Despite this they want to show their support and contribute in any way possible to help bring Sam Maguire back to the hills!
Paul Friel, (Donegal GFC Boston asst. secretary) and Declan Houton (Member of the band“Devri”) originally from Urris and Malin GAA clubs respectively have got together to organize a fundraiser in The Center Bar, Dorchester on Sunday September 16th to raise money for the Donegal team training fund.
Two coveted tickets for the all-Ireland final will be raffled on the day, thanks to John Friel from the Urris GAA club. Other spot prizes include a 42” HD TV as well as a Donegal jersey signed by Jim and the boys!
Boston has a huge Donegal immigrant population, especially from Inishowen with Ryan Bradley (Buncranna) and Declan Walsh`s (Malin) involvement in the team generating a lot of interest in the game Stateside. However it is evident by the club jerseys so often worn during the games at The Irish Cultural Center in Canton that Donegal clubs are well represented in Boston. The St. Michaels men are closely watched by a gathering of red and white jersey at every game not to mention the Glenties supporters who proudly stand behind Jim mc Guinness, with fond memories of his time in Boston when he kitted out for the team across the pond!
Over recent weeks, driving down Broadway in South Boston is reminiscent of any town in Donegal as pubs and homes are adorned with Donegal flags and shirts!!
The event will run from 4pm-8pm , entertainment includes a D.J. and a screening of the 1992 All-Ireland final on the big screen.
We know that there will be thousands of Donegal folk watching the final around the world and we want to make sure the biggest roar outside of Croke Park that day comes from Boston!
Many thanks to John Friel, Urris, who has done so much for Inishowen and Donegal GAA over the years and for help in securing tickets and a signed jersey for the raffle.
For more information contact Declan Houton ( 001617 347 1260 declanmusic@verizon.net ) or Paul Friel (001 617 967 0499 frielpaul5@gmail.com )