'An occasion that will live long in the memory of our club and community'

Team captains Odhran Murdock of Down and Shane O'Donnell of Donegal lead their sides in the pre-match parade before the Ulster SFC quarter-final at O'Donnell Park in Letterkenny

placeholder image — Team captains Odhran Murdock of Down and Shane O'Donnell of Donegal lead their sides in the pre-match parade before the Ulster SFC quarter-final at O'Donnell Park in Letterkenny

O’Donnell Park was the venue for Donegal’s Ulster SFC quarter-final clash against Down, which the visitors won on a 3-21 to 1-21 scoreline in front of over 9,000 spectators and St Eunan's GAA club thanked all for making it possible

St Eunan’s GAA club has thanked everyone who helped out in any way as the Letterkenny venue played host to its first championship game in 75 years.

O’Donnell Park was the venue for Donegal’s Ulster SFC quarter-final clash against Down, which the visitors won on a 3-21 to 1-21 scoreline in front of over 9,000 spectators.

It means that Conor Laverty’s team has progressed to the last four in the provincial championship, while Donegal will return to action in May in the All-Ireland series, with their next game being away to one of the eight provincial finalists.

“While the result didn’t go our way today and there’s real disappointment that Donegal didn’t come away with the win, it was still an occasion that will live long in the memory of our club and community,” St Eunan’s posted.

“It would be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible effort that went on behind the scenes. From the meticulous planning and pitch preparation, painting, signage, and clean-up, to those who kept everything running smoothly on the day, your work did not go unnoticed.

“A special word of thanks to everyone who volunteered their time in our busy shops and clubhouse bar, those who sold programmes, and the many hands who stayed behind to ensure everything was left in top condition afterwards. It was a true team effort from start to finish.

“A massive thank you as well to all our sponsors - both those who have come on board recently and those who have supported us over many years. Your continued backing plays a vital role in allowing us to host occasions like this.

“We also want to acknowledge our outstanding stewards team. From parking cars to assisting supporters and ensuring everything ran safely and smoothly, you are a hugely valued asset to our club. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to host such a significant occasion. We wish the Donegal team and management the very best for the remainder of the championship.

The Ballymacool Residents Association also paid tribute to those who made the event run smoothly.

They said: “We would like to thank everyone involved today, on a huge occasion with the big game in Parc Uí Dhomhnaill. We were all extremely happy with the organisation of the parking. The committee would like to extend it's thanks to all the volunteers who helped out with delivering newsletters and passes, to Cllr Tomas Sean Devine, St Eunan's Gaa club, Garda Eunan Walsh and all the members of An Garda Síochana who made things run so smoothly today.

“We would also like to thank all the residents of the estate who observed the parking measures. Unfortunately, the result didn't go Donegal's way today but St Eunan's Gaa club deserve huge credit for hosting the game and the amount of work they've put into the club, the pitch and the clubhouse, which were all second to none today and we look forward to working closely together again in the future.”