Donegal supporters' first chance to see Jim McGuinness's team in action is confirmed

Donegal will take on Roscommon next month on the newly relaid surface of Fr Tierney Park in Ballyshannon.

It will be Donegal supporters' first opportunity to see the side in the flesh in Jim McGuinness’s second term in charge, having taken over the role again in September.

The challenge match will take place at Fr Tierney Park, Ballyshannon on Sunday, December 17 at 1.30pm.

“The charity partner will be the North West Hospice,” William Doogan, Aodh Ruadh chairperson, said. “North West Hospice provides palliative care services for people with life-limiting illnesses where they are residing, be that at home, in a nursing home, hospital or in our hospice.

“Palliative care involves meeting an individual and assessing their needs and those of their families, spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally. These needs are then addressed with the aim of improving the quality of life for the patients and their families. In order to provide this care, North West Hospice has a team of professionals including Doctors, Nurses, Social Workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and chaplaincy services.

“Aodh Ruadh are proud to see the return of inter-county football to Father Tierney Park. The last time Ballyshannon played host to the senior county side was March 2020 when Declan Bonner's men saw off Monaghan in Division 1 of the National Football League on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-8. Indeed, the Erneside ground has generally proved a happy hunting ground for Donegal down the years.

“There's been quite a bit of water under the Aodh Ruadh bridge since that win over the Farney men, and the Park has seen major redevelopment with €750,000 invested in the pitch and spectator facilities.”

“The playing surface has been completely refurbished with the clay pitch being replaced with a Prunty pitch over the course of two years of dedicated and patient work. At 145 metres by 87 metres it is now one of the biggest grounds in the county. The Hospital side of the grounds is fully terraced, while the northern end of the pitch is now also substantially terraced. Further plans are in place for upgrading of spectator facilities, primarily focused on stand seating at the southern side of the pitch.

“The original Father Tierney Park was opened on 9 May 1954. The new park took its name from a parish priest who had served in Saint Joseph's in the town. Father Tierney had been a great supporter of Gaelic Games and Irish culture in the locality.

“He later went on the missions to war-torn China, where he lost his life in 1931. At the official opening, Canon McQuaid of Bundoran, assisted by Father McElroy of Saint Joseph’s Church blessed the new football field, which was formally opened by President of the Ulster Council, Armagh man, Alf Murray. The official opening was followed by a challenge match between Donegal and Armagh with Donegal defeating the 1953 All-Ireland finalists on a scoreline of 1-6 to 0-5.

“Coincidentally, another Armagh man, Jarlath Burns, on becoming Uachtarán CLG, will be on hand for the official opening of the ground in 2024, the 70th anniversary of the Park's first opening.

“The U-20 footballers were the last Roscommon side to visit Father Tierney Park when they took on Donegal in the Leo Murphy Cup.

“It is great to welcome the Rossies back to the Rock with a share of the proceeds from the game going to North West Hospice, an organisation which has given great service to people from across both counties.

“A great opportunity to support Jim and the boys, before they enter competitive competition for 2024, while having an opportunity to visit the new Fr Tierney Park and most importantly, you’ll be supporting a charity that’s close to all our hearts.”

Tickets are available for the game via the official Donegal GAA website. Adult tickets cost €10, OAPs and students (over 16) €5, while children (under 16) are free.