Donegal GAA fans from the greater Philadelphia area will get their opportunity to get their hands on the coveted Sam Maguire when Donegal boss Jim McGuinness and some of this year’s Donegal All-Stars visit the Commodore Barry Irish Centre in the city on November 13th.
McGuinness, who spent a summer in Philadelphia playing for the Donegal team there in 1999, knows only too well how passionate the Donegal exiles in Philly are about the game and he readily agreed to their request to bring Sam to the city.
The Donegal manager will be joined on the trip to his old stomping ground by All-Stars Michael Murphy and Mark McHugh and the trio will bring the coveted trophy to event in Philadelphia a few days before their all-Star match in New York City.
The excitement is really building among the entire Irish diaspora in the region who are thrilled that adults and children alike will get the fantastic opportunity to see some of their sporting heroes and of course Sam Maguire on the family-friendly evening.
“The visit is being organised by the Donegal Philadelphia Gaelic Football Club and while we have been spreading the news to our members and others in our area, we are aware that there are many Donegal and indeed Irish people who have for one reason or another dissolved into America and may not be aware of the visit.
“We really want to get the message out to them too and let them know they are more than welcome to come along, meet Jim and the players and see the Sam Maguire,” said one of the organisers, John McDaid from Letterkenny.
Indeed the Letterkenny native has urged people at home in Donegal to contact their relatives in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania and make them aware of this wonderful opportunity.
“I’m sure there are many people outside the GAA club scene over here who watched with an immense sense of pride as Donegal lifted the all-Ireland in September. Some of them perhaps were at home when the team last won it in 1992 and these are the people we really want to reach.
“We’re hoping that people at home in Donegal will contact their relatives – young and old – and let them know of this visit because it really will be a memorable night,” he added.
To defray the cost of the event and continue to support Donegal Gaelic Football in Philadelphia there will be a charge of $50 per adult on the night that will include music and hors d’ouevres, but under 18s will be able to attend for free.
“There is a massive population in the Greater Philadelphia region proud to hail from or claim Donegal as their heritage. We have a very active and involved Donegal Association here that is about to celebrate its 124th Annual Ball and having witnessed the emotions and sense of pride the All Ireland victory evoked in so many outside of Ireland we are certain that this as an event that Donegal people, indeed any Irish sports fan here, will not want to miss.”
Anyone in Philadelphia seeking further information about the event or tickets for the night can call – Louie Bradley – 6106330313, Ciaran Porter – 2675819394, Pat Bourke – 6107210063, Brid McMeel – 2157786512 or e.mail donegalphilly@gmail.com
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