Strictly tops the bill at Naomh Colmcille
By Gaelscéalaí Inis Eoghain
If sequined tops and the Paso Doble are good enough for Kincasslagh's favourite son, then they are good enough for CLG Naomh Colmcille!
"Never mind Daniel O'Donnell," laughed Paul Callaghan, chairperson of the red and whites, "I hope there'll be standing room only at Hallowe'en when our minors cha-cha onto the floor to strut their stuff.
"Naomh Colmcille staged an adult 'Strictly Come Dancing' a few years ago and it was a great success. Good craic and a good fundraiser. So much so, this year we've decided to let the younger players have a go.
"The event has been organised by Niamh Colmcille's super secretary, Alison Ferry and the dancers are practising away. Everything's very hush-hush at the minute but never fear, the tickets will be going on sale shortly.
"Like most clubs, CLG Naomh Colmcille is constantly fundraising. We had a brilliant joint fundraiser with Gaeil Fhánada CLG last year in the Silver Tassie. It was a boxing tournament and it was a big hit with both sets of supporters," he added.
Nearing the end of his stint at the helm of CLG Naomh Colmcille, Paul was extremely optimistic about the club's future.
He said: "We are currently waiting to hear if our application to the Sports Capital Programme has been successful, so that we can develop a training pitch. This would be a great addition to the club.
"CLG Naomh Colmcille's senior team is in Division 3 of the Donegal All County League. This has not been our best season ever, as we are third from the bottom. However, I am far from downhearted, even though this time last year we were at the top of the League and narrowly missed out on promotion.
"This season we have lost six players. Two have retired and four have emigrated in search of work. Unfortunately there is not a club in the county that is not facing the same challenge. It just so happens that this year it has been a hard blow for CLG Naomh Colmcille.
"Thomas McKinley, who was a member of Donegal's All-Ireland panel in 2012 has gone to Australia, Mark Dowds is in New York and Martin Callaghan, a great servant to our club and our goalkeeper for nearly 23 years, has had to retire due to work commitments, not even age. Shane McAteer has retired too but he didn't go far. He is now coaching our reserve team," added Paul.
Welcoming the addition of new, young players to CLG Colmcille's senior team, Paul reflected: "Players, who ordinarily might not have got a chance for another two or three years, have come into the team and shone. We have Stephen Gallagher, Jordan McDaid, David McNamee and Daniel Clark, our u-21 county player.
"CLG Naomh Cholmcille has definitely taken a hit in the short-term but we will weather this storm, the young players will gain invaluable experience and the team will bounce back. I am confident we will avoid relegation. We have not been hammered in any matches. We have performed well. Often there has only been a point or two in it.
"The team is a bit young yet, compared to the opposition. But we have a great nucleus of five or six players, who will be together for five or six years, at least," said Paul with unfaltering enthuiasism.
Reflecting on his tenure as chairperson of CLG Naomh Cholmcille, Paul was delighted by the club's foray into women's football.
He said: "CLG Naomh Colmcille has fielded an u-12 and an u-16 girl's team this season. I must say, I have been impressed with how well they have come on! Fair play to their coaches, Gerard McFadden, Mark Ferry, Patricia McCauley and Nicola McGrath and thanks to CLG Bun Cranncha, Beart and Iorras for playing some friendlies too.
"I must also thank the exceptionally hard working committee at the core of CLG Naomh Colmcille, led by Alison Ferry our secretary; Darina Friel our treasurer and Adrian Marsh our pro. The whole committee and all of our volunteers and coaches are doing a fantastic job preserving the club for the next generation.
"We have great underage coaching structures and fabulous supporters who are always willing to travel to any match.
"CLG Colmcille is a small club but it plays a huge part in the lives of the surrounding community. It provides a tremendous outlet for our young people, both socially and in terms of fitness. It is very rewarding to see our teams out on the pitch and afterwards, all visitors to Pairc Cholmcille a guaranteed a cup of tea and a bite to eat. Our hospitality is legendary!"
ENDS
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