Michael Murphy on Pat Shovelin Memorial Invite’ getting the official thumbs up 

Donegal GAA’s plan to hold a special U-19 football competition in memory of the late Pat Shovelin has been approved. 

Pat was a crucial part of Jim McGuinness’ backroom team first time around as the county lifted the All-Ireland title in 2012.Sadly, the Ardara clubman passed away back in 2017, aged just 41, having battled bravely against liver cancer.

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2012 All-Ireland winner and current Head of Academy in Donegal, Karl Lacey, recently told DonegalLive about plans to put forward a motion to this weekend’s Annual Congress, looking to rubber-stamp the idea. 

However, Donegal GAA chairperson Mary Coughlan has now revealed that wasn’t necessary with Ard Chomhairle already giving the plan for ‘The Pat Shovelin Memorial Invite’ the green light. 

Lacey, alongside Donegal secretary Mary Kelly, had been working hard, in the background, on the idea. 

Speaking at the time, the four-time All-Star and former Footballer of the Year said he was intent on crafting something meaningful for that grade and, at the same time, befitting of Pat’s memory.  

Following confirmation that the idea has now been rubber-stamped, 2012 All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy says it’s a fitting tribute for an individual who left an indelible mark on anyone lucky enough to have known him. 

Pat Shovelin alongside Jim McGuinness after 2014's All-Ireland semi-final win 

“It’s brilliant news and I was delighted at the time, a few weeks back, when I saw that this might be on the cards,” Murphy told DonegalLive. 

“Fair play to Karl and Mary Kelly for coming up with the idea and for the county board for pushing it on and supporting it. 

“A U-19 competition is a brilliant idea, logically as well. It will help bridge the gap between minor and U-20. 

“But more importantly, it means we can all now gather on an annual basis and remember Pat. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about him. 

“The laugh and funny jokes he’d bring in the door to training set a lovely tone. Then, when the serious work started, the quality and professionalism he brought to his goalkeeping coaching and training was so innovative and ahead of its time. 

“From my own point of view, and I think it’s safe to say from all the lads that were lucky enough to be involved at that time with Pat, we’ll all be looking forward to seeing this get off the ground now. 

“Even the U-21 group back then that Pat worked with under Declan Bonner, they’ll all be really happy this has been formalised and been given official approval. 

“I think back to the memorial game we had in Ardara a number of years back. Pat’s All-Star team against the Donegal 2012 All-Ireland winners. 

“The absolute cream of the crop turned up and turned out on that occasion as they appreciated just what it meant to Donegal and the esteem Pat was held in. 

“To sort of look forward now to that kind of celebration, in Pat’s memory and name on an annual basis, it’s going to be fantastic. 

“For Pat’s family as well, it’s a lovely tribute and I just know the entire GAA community, not just in Donegal but further afield, will really get behind it”.