Donegal Town's Danny McMenamin reaches a special milestone birthday

Monday was a special day for well-known Donegal Town man Danny McMenamin as he turned 90 years of age.

When you mention Danny’s name you are reminded of  two things - Magee of Donegal and Donegal GAA.

Danny remembers going to his first Donegal senior game in 1952 and up until the arrival of Covid three years ago, McMenamin missed few county matches, his minibus the means of transport for himself and many Donegal fans.

For home games, a visit to Heeney’s for a pre-match beverage was also a big part of proceedings and Danny was known to have an opinion before, during and after those games.

Those discussions were usually continued on a Monday at his workplace in Magees of Donegal where he worked until retirement. He was always to the fore when county players were being measured for suits and was really proud of the fact that Magees were sponsors of Donegal when they won the All-Ireland in 1992.

Danny pictured with his friends and Donegal supporters before a big game

While he would have held all Donegal players in high esteem, the late Seamus Bonar was arguably his favourite, a neighbour who became a Donegal legend, the first to win three Ulster senior medals.

Away from Magees and football, Danny McMenamin was busy as a sheep farmer, something which necessitated him being an early riser, especially during the lambing season.

“I would be up at half five and it was a great time of the year, being out in the fresh air. You were ready for work when you got there,” says Danny.

And that part of his life has not changed much. Even turning 90 on Monday last, Danny was up at 7.45 am to feed his sheep.

He says he doesn’t get to the Donegal games anymore since Covid, but still listens in to the radio and tv coverage of the club and county games.

And no doubt the famous flag which Danny has been flying high on the Clar Road will be seen again this summer. He is excited about the return of Jim McGuinness and especially with the fact that Donegal will be up against Mickey Harte when Donegal meet Derry in the first game of the Ulster championship later in the year.

Many happy returns, Danny.

Danny pictured with his friends Edmund and Liam with Brian McEniff in front at a Donegal game