Tír Conaill Harps, Glasgow meet boxing icon Katie Taylor on way to Philadelphia

Tír Conaill Harps, Glasgow enjoyed a chance meeting with world boxing champion Katie Taylor on their way to the Donegal Diaspora Initiative in Philadelphia.

The recent three-day celebration of all things Donegal included a cross-Atlantic Business Forum, a 10-team Gaelic football tournament and live music uniting Donegal-linked communities from the US, Ireland beyond.

The Glasgow side was captained by Ardara’s Ciaran Gildea, while the likes of Shaun Callaghan (Gaeil Fhánada), Dan Gallagher (Glenswilly), Dan Ferry (St Michael’s) and Conor McCormick (Carndonagh) were also involved.

Donegal Boston were the eventual winners of the inaugural Charlie McElwee Cup, defeating Tir Chonaill Gaels of London in the final.

Donegal Masters finished third, winning three games, only losing by two points to Tir Chonaill Gaels.

Now back in Scotland, Tír Conaill Harps captain Ciaran Gildea says meeting Taylor was one of the highlights of what was a fantastic trip. 

“We were lucky enough to bump into Katie in Dublin Airport. We got called for boarding and walking to our gate, we recognised her. 

“We told her about the trip, said we hoped she gets the Croke Park fight, and if she did, she might sort the club out with tickets! 

“You don’t get anything without asking, and she didn’t say no so we’ll be calling that one in if she manages to land that retirement fight there!

"She in turn wished us luck and was just really friendly and genuine". 

On heading Stateside to Philadelphia, Gildea said it was an amazing experience for the club. 

“We have the lads from Donegal and many of the others would be second generation whose mums, dads or grandparents are from Donegal. We also have lads from the likes of Belfast and Derry. 

“It was just a massive thing for our club to go across to America to play Gaelic football. We didn’t win too many matches, but we definitely enjoyed ourselves. 

“For me personally, leading the team out was a real honour. The whole event was amazing. It was so well organised. 

“It was a trip off the back of a league and double last season so it was a brilliant thing to sort of cap that. 

“We have a great underage set-up from U-6 up, and we cater for over 180 kids. We field a ladies side and a Mothers and Others team, which has been a great success. 

“Anyone in Glasgow that wants to get involved just drop a message in any of our social media accounts”.