Donegal GAA is calling for support with new fundraising initiative

A fundraising arm for Donegal GAA has been officially launched, Cáirde Dhún na nGall. 

Cairde Dhún na nGall is committed to raising funds and support for its inter-county teams at all levels, including academy teams as well as enhancing and supporting the current facilities at the Donegal GAA Centre in Convoy. All funds raised ensure that all Donegal squads can perform to their optimum ability.

“Cairde Dhún na nGall is a to help us to prepare our teams and the maintenance of our facilities, as there is always work required,” Cieran Kelly, Donegal’s Ulster Council Delegate, said at Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey on Saturday evening, where the new and improved Donegal GAA website was also unveiled.

“It’s the work behind the scenes where we need to see the investment in Donegal. There are young boys and girls, in football, in hurling, in camogie and with the LGFA, these are the future. We have to invest and provide them with the facilities, to get them up to the level they will need to be at. There is a huge amount of work going on, with a huge amount of positivity and we’re going to drive forward. There is a lot of  great work going on and I would urge people to get involved.”

Jim McGuinness, the Donegal senior team manager, began by acknowledging all of the support from the board, ground and the public since he returned to take charge, having previously overseen a four-year spell from 2011 to 2014. In that term, Donegal won the 2012 All-Ireland, three Ulster SFC crowns and the 2011 Division 2 title. 

His side will take on Armagh in the Allianz League Divison 2 final at Croke Park on Easter Sunday, with a return to Division 1 for 2025 already assured. He was speaking before Saturday’s 1-18 to 1-10 win over Meath. 

“I am so delighted to be standing here tonight, after having got a promotion, we are about to play soon and it will be nice to be able to enjoy a match for once, so it is great to be in this position,” he said.

“From a manager's point of view, the bar is very high, much much higher than the last time I was here things have moved on. 

“We are delighted with the support that has been received it has been amazing. So I would just like to acknowledge all that has been done and push things forward as much as possible to see can we bridge the gap with the big teams like Dublin, Kerry and Derry. 

“Hopefully this is the start of something very special in terms of another arm to support the team.”

Mary Coughlan, the Donegal GAA Chairperson, added: “We need a number of these types of initiatives to reflect exactly what Jim was talking about which is the bar, the bar is higher now and it is not just in football but in hurling as well.

“The academy is going to have the greatest talent and opportunities not just at county level but also to bring it back to the clubs and the schools and by working and supporting all of that I would hope we would have great opportunities for all of our young people in Donegal.

“We have had great support since we began at the start of the year and I would hope with initiatives like this we can build and develop the support we need. I think people see the work that is being done. There are opportunities for everyone to support this.”

Donegal GAA PRO Sinéad Breen believes the new website and fundraiser will be a great addition to members and supporters

The initiative has three main subscription bands to choose from - Cairde Dhún na Gall Gold Level, Cairde Dhún na Gall Green Level and Cairde Dhún na Gall Bronze Level.

The Gold Level which costs €5,000 per annum for three years will get members the unique branded Teamwear; four tickets to all adult club and county fixtures for the 2024 season; a pitch-side hoarding on pitch one in the GAA training centre; Information/updates through a monthly newsletter; the sponsor a player initiative An Invite to team announcements in the GAA Training Centre by manager Jim McGuinness; invitations to business briefings and other events organised by Donegal GAA; option to purchase extra tickets for all adult club and county fixtures for a season; Invitation to pre-match reception before home National League game; Link on Donegal GAA website to company website. 

The green level which is €2,500 per annum for three years includes Cairde Dhun na nGall unique branded Teamwear; the option to attend business briefings and other events by Donegal GAA (possible extra charges); Invitation to pre-match reception before a home National League game; Two tickets to all Adult Club and County fixtures for a season; Invite to team announcement in GAA Training Centre by Jim McGuinness; and Information/updates through a monthly newsletter.

The Cairde Dhun na nGall bronze level is €1,000 per year for three years and it offers unique branded Teamwear; Option to attend business briefings and other events by Donegal GAA (possible extra charges); invitation to pre-match reception prior to a home National League game; One ticket to all Adult Club and County fixtures for the season; Invite to team announcement in GAA Training Centre by Jim McGuinness; and information/updates through a monthly newsletter.

There is also a Cáirde Dhún na nGall patron subscription and a Cáirde Dhún na nGall member subscription which cost €750 per annum and €350 per annum respectively. All subscriptions have the option to pay in monthly instalments as opposed to annual payments. 

Sinéad Breen, the county PRO, also introduced the new and improved Donegal GAA website, which went live on Friday night, just in time for the start of the All-County Leagues, which begin this coming weekend.

“We understand from the previous feedback of our grassroots members, delegates and officials, that this will be a great addition to our members and supporters,” she said.

“This has been our aspiration and focus! As previously outlined, I ask that you bear with me whilst I work to adjust, improve and enhance the new site. I assure you of my best efforts at all times. It is my hope that you find this a benefit in your support of our County and our codes. Your patience in the past months has been much appreciated!

"The basic thing that people want to see on the website is access to fixtures and results, so it's the first thing we've concentrated on. It's very user-friendly, it's simply laid out and it's functional, with an option to buy tickets for games. There are additional resources that will be added. We hope you enjoy using the new site."

For further information please check out the Donegal County Board website. 

.