The New York and Donegal teams are piped onto the pitch in Letterkenny by piper and New York Firefighting Recruit, Stephen Byrne.
HONOURS were shared when Donegal’s firefighters took on New York firefighters in soccer and gaelic football games in Letterkenny this afternoon.
The New York contingent – 54-strong – have spent the last two days enjoying the sights, sounds and the pubs of Donegal.
The Americans were guests of honour at Letterkenny’s fire station at lunchtime before making their way to the Community Centre pitch for two friendlies.
In the first game it was clear the New Yorkers were better at soccer and finally won out 2-1 despite a ferocious second-half onslaught from the Donegal men.
But local pride was restored – and restored well – in the gaelic football match with followed.
Donegal ran out winners on a scoreline of 5-21 to 2-04.
It was a very special day for one of the New York line-up.
Mark O’Brien is a native of Ballyshannon and now a firefighter in the Big Apple.
The former Aodh Ruadh player was New York’s captain for the day.
Today’s events followed a trip to the Kinnegar Brewery outside Rathmullan yesterday.
Michael Purtill, Secretary of the Donegal Firefighters Association was his group was delighted to host the New York firefighters.
“We supported them after the 9/11 events in New York and since then they have been here and made a donation to the community centre in Letterkenny,” said Michael.
The trip – supported by Donegal County Council – was part of the 1916 commemorations.
Eddie Boles, whose mother was from Fintown, said the idea of coming over and making a donation to community groups here came from his relatives.
“After 9/11 and all the support we got from firefighters here, we had asked what we could do for people over here and I called an aunt of mine in Fintown and she suggested the Letterkenny Community Centre so we were here a couple of years ago and donated $5,000,” said Eddie.
“We’ve had a wonderful time here in Donegal. We loved every minute of it.”
The New Yorkers leave in the morning to go to Dublin.
On Sunday they will lead out the Kerry and Dublin teams for the National League final at Croke Park.
The crews have been fully fitted out for their trip by O’Neills Sports in Strabane.
