Donegal roots inspire Tir Conaill FC’s ambitious vision in Glasgow

Tir Conaill Football Club has strengthened its relationship with Donegal following a recent engagement between club founder Darren O’Donnell and Donegal County Council’s Cathaoirleach Cllr Gary Doherty and Diaspora Officer Eoin Leonard.

Darren first met Cllr Doherty and Eoin in Glasgow during an engagement attended by President of Ireland Catherine Connolly.

A subsequent follow-up meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the growth of Tir Conaill FC, its work with children and families in Glasgow, and the wider plans for Pearse Park.

It also allowed them to explore how stronger sporting, cultural and community connections could be developed between Donegal and Glasgow.

Speaking about his involvement, Darren said: “My background has been closely connected to soccer, both professionally and at grassroots level. I wanted to use that experience to create something positive for children and families in our community.

“Tir Conaill FC has grown from that idea into a club that gives young people a welcoming and positive environment in which to play soccer, develop their skills and make friends.

“My own connection to Donegal comes through my grandparents. I received my Irish passport two years ago, which was something I was really proud to do. It made that connection official for me and brought me even closer to where my grandparents came from.

“That is why our club motto, ‘Rooted in Donegal, Built in Glasgow’, means so much to us. We are proud of our Donegal identity, but we are also an open and inclusive club for children and families from every background.”

A key part of the discussions was the proposed Pearse Park development in Glasgow. The vision is to create a multi-sport community facility capable of supporting soccer, Gaelic football and other Gaelic games, alongside wider community activity.

Darren has been working closely with GAA Scotland and is proud to have been invited to join the founding board for the Pearse Park project.

He said: “I am very proud to be part of the founding board for Pearse Park and to be working closely with our chair, Jenn, and the rest of our team, including Peter and MJ.

“The project has the potential to create something special for both soccer and Gaelic games in Scotland, while also providing a place that can bring communities together.

“President Connolly is aware of the Pearse Park vision, and we hope it can be achieved through collaboration and support involving the Department of Foreign Affairs, the GAA, the Scottish FA, sportscotland and other key partners.”

Tir Conaill FC also enjoys a close relationship with Tir Conaill Harps GAA in Glasgow.

Darren added: “We know Tir Conaill Harps very well and have a great relationship with the club. Although we are separate organisations, with Tir Conaill FC involved in soccer and the Harps in Gaelic games, we share strong Donegal roots and a commitment to supporting our communities in Glasgow.

“That relationship is something we value, and we hope there will be many opportunities for us to work together as the Pearse Park plans develop.”

The Pearse Park project remains in development and will require continued collaboration, planning and funding support before the full vision can be delivered.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Gary Doherty said: "I welcome the ambition and collaboration behind both Tir Conaill FC and the Pearse Park vision. Projects like these have the power to strengthen community bonds, celebrate our shared heritage and create opportunities for future generations."

The meeting also included discussion about the work taking place towards a formal Memorandum of Understanding between Donegal County Council and Glasgow City Council.

Such an agreement could help build stronger links between the two areas through sport, culture, education, business, tourism and diaspora engagement.

Darren said: “The possibility of an official agreement between Donegal and Glasgow is really exciting. There are already so many family and community connections between the two places.

“A formal partnership could help create new opportunities and bring organisations together in a much more coordinated way. Tir Conaill FC would be delighted to contribute through our work with young people, sport and the wider Irish community in Glasgow.”

About Tir Conaill FC

Tir Conaill FC is a community soccer club based in Greater Glasgow. The club was established through a shared passion for soccer and a desire to celebrate the strong historic and cultural links between Donegal and Glasgow.

The club provides a welcoming environment in which children can play, learn and develop, regardless of their background or previous experience.

Its motto is: Rooted in Donegal, Built in Glasgow.