The video of the incident has been widely circulated on social media.
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20 Jan 2026
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20 Jan 2026
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Former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given will be honoured tonight by the Donegal Association in Dublin when he becomes the 40th Donegal Person of the Year.
The Donegal Person of the Year 2017 will be presented to the Lifford man at a gala function in the Ballsbridge Hotel, with hundreds of people attending what promises to be a memorable night.
Shay, who is making great strides at the moment as an analyst on all the big soccer games on tv, is the second former Ireland keeper to receive the award, another Donegal legend Packie Bonner, was honoured with the 1990 award. Sports stars and those involved in sport have featured regularly over the years as winners which also includes people who have made wonderful contributions to the arts, community and much more.
Stephen McCahill from Ardara hands over the mantle of person of the year having served wonderfully for more than a year now.
The gala night was cancelled due to bad weather in March and this year sees the event moved to a new venue in Ballsbridge.
On the night, as well as the usual pomp and ceremony as the recipient is piped in, there will be a chance to meet and greet from 6.30pm where a Wine & Gin recption will be held. There will be two special prizes awarded for the best dressed lady and the most dapper gent.
The Donegal Association in Dublin are advising people attending the function to be aware that there are some parking restrictions in the Ballsbridge area on Saturday night, so a check on AA route planner and perhaps giving yourself a bit of extra time to sort parking is advised. An added complication is the fact that Leinster play Scarlets in the Aviva on Saturday at 3.30pm, so expect traffic to be heavy. Securing a parking space near the hotel would need to be planned in advance.
Past Recipients of the Donegal Persons of the Year:
2017 - Shay Given
2016 - Stephen McCahill
2015 - Deirdre McGlone
2014 - Moya Doherty
2013 - Liam Ó Cuinneagáin
2012 - Jim McGuinness
2011 - Hugh Green & Ann MarieWard
2010 - Brian Friel
2009 - Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh
2008 - Joe Mulholland
2007 - John Carr
2006 - Margo O'Donnell
2005 - Michael O'Donnell
2004 - Fr Michael Sweeney
2003 - Jim McGettigan
2002 - Brid Rogers
2001- Patsy McGonagle
2000 - Sir Gerry Robinson
1999 - Joey Murrin
1998 - Paddy Harte
1997 - Sean McGinley
1996 - Hugh Gallagher
1995 - Sean McEniff
1994 - Seán Ó hEochaidh
1993 - Charlie Bennett
1992 - Brian McEniff
1991 - Tomás Mac Fhionnghaile
1990 - Packie Bonner
1989 - Daniel O'Donnell
1988 - Fergus Cleary
1987 - Eamonn Doherty
1986 - Danny McDaid
1985 - Peter McLean
1984 - Cannon Tommy Doherty
1983 - Willie Joe Cunningham
1982 - Áine Ní Ghiolla Bhríde
1981 - Donal K O'Boyle
1980 - DermotWalsh
1979 - Larry Smith
1978 - Fr. James McDyer
Majella O'Donnell was speaking on RTÉ Radio 1 with Oliver Callan today
The grant is paid automatically alongside the first month of Child Benefit, meaning parents do not need to make a separate application
Moses gets ready to blow out the candles at the Bridge in Dunfanaghy, the home of St Michael's GAA club
The Requiem Mass of Fr Seamus Meehan, who passed away peacefully at Dungloe Community Hospital on Saturday morning, was held in St Crona’s Church.
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