St Mary's Park Donore hosted the inaugural Anthony (Bevis) Doonan Memorial Cup on Saturday September 19th between St Mary's GFC and Duleek /Bellewstown GFC, with all proceeds on the night going to SOSAD.
Huge crowds gathered on a beautiful autumn evening to remember Anthony and twenty minutes before throw-in the ground was already full.
Duleek started the brighter and soon built up a lead. The 1999 All-Ireland winning captain Graham Geragthy lined out at full forward for Duleek/Bellewstown but was well marshalled by Conor Lenehan and Fergus Flood. St Marys created a number of opportunities in the first half but were wasteful in front of goal and at half time Duleek/Bellewstown lead by 3.
The second half saw Duleek again start the stronger and increase their lead. Just when Duleek/Bellewstown looked like they would win comfortably St Marys introduced Ciaran Higgins and Patrick Brooks a future Co Down star for sure and their introduction brought St Marys back into the game .
The second half also saw the introduction of Meath All-Ireland winners Liam Smith and Mickey McQuillan for St Marys. Despite Ciaran Higgins scoring a late and dubious penalty the comeback eluded St Marys as Duleek/Bellewstown ran out 3 point winners.
Later that night another huge crowd turned up in Dalys where Duleek/Bellewstown captain Conall Mc Ginley was presented with the Anthony (Bevis) Doonan Memorial cup by Ronan and Cormac Doonan. The evening continued with food, music and fun. Old friendships were renewed and new friendships formed. All in all a great night was had by everyone in Anthony's memory.
Having played for both St Marys and Duleek/Bellewstown; this was a fitting way to honour Anthony's memory. The turnout was testament to Anthony's popularity and passion for Gaelic football.
The Doonan family would like to thank everyone who helped make such a memorable event; volunteers, Dalys, players, spectators and both Clubs. Over €3,000 was raised for SOSAD
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