'A true honour' – Patsy McGonagle thanks Donegal community for Hall of Fame award

Donegal sporting legend Patsy McGonagle cited Friday night’s Donegal Sports Stars Hall of Fame induction as an incredible honour, as he was officially recognised for his lifelong contributions to athletics.  

The ceremony, held in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny, celebrated McGonagle’s remarkable impact on the sport in Donegal and beyond, and served as a fitting tribute to his dedication and hard work over the decades.  

Reflecting on his journey, McGonagle shared heartfelt thoughts on the recognition, his legacy, and the community he has nurtured through the Finn Valley Centre. 

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"It really is an honour to be acknowledged by the sporting community of Donegal; it means so much to me," McGonagle said.  

"It’s always been about athletics; it’s always been about community and about the Finn Valley Centre. It’s brilliant that tonight the sporting community of Donegal came together and recognised the work I have done through the years. It really is incredible." 

Having been a part of the athletics scene for decades, McGonagle took a moment to acknowledge the past inductees who had inspired him throughout his career.  

"I’ve always admired the previous winners and I’ve been here in the past to acknowledge them, so, I’m happy and pleased that it was my turn tonight," he shared, expressing a sense of gratitude for the recognition. 

Perhaps one of the most poignant moments of the evening came when McGonagle reflected on his father’s legacy.  

"It’s really unique that I’m in the Hall of Fame alongside my father. I remember the night he got it in the Milford Inn; it was a great night for him, considering he came from a world in the 1940s where he got to go to the Olympics to play football in 1948. You think about things like that on nights like tonight, and you become very reflective. 

"Athletics has been my entire life, especially when you come from zero. Back in 1970, athletics was zero really, so I’m very happy that I was a small part of a group of people that built the sport from the bottom up," he reflected.  

His work in shaping athletics in Donegal and beyond is a source of immense pride for him, and the success of the Finn Valley Centre remains a highlight of his career. 

"In doing that, I was able to write the script my way, and I think that was the right way," McGonagle continued.  

His leadership as the Irish athletics team manager saw him guide athletes to numerous international successes, including two Olympic medals, nine World Championship medals, and 27 European Championship medals but always felt proudest with his Finn Valley club. 

"Finn Valley Centre has a big legacy in our community. I get asked a lot, what was my favourite moment, and that’s really hard to answer, considering I got to go all over the world to different events and be a part of big national stories in athletics. But I was always so proud with the story of Finn Valley. 

"With Finn Valley, we’ve had athletes competing in Europe one after the other for years, but I was also as happy seeing young kids from primary schools competing and seeing the possibility and seeing them dream of achieving big things. That still means a lot to me." 

Despite the challenges that come with the sport, McGonagle has remained unwavering in his optimism.  

"Look, it doesn't always work out, but I always try to be positive, and thankfully I’ve always stayed that way and remained as hungry as ever," he said. "I’m pleased to say I have Finn Valley athletes competing all over the world in addition to those competing locally, and I hope that support continues."