Ballybofey United Football Club is preparing to celebrate one of the most significant milestones in its proud history this weekend as it marks 55 years of serving the local community with a special programme of events centred around the official opening of its new pitch and clubhouse at Dreenan.
Founded in 1971, Ballybofey United has grown from humble beginnings into one of Donegal’s leading community football clubs, providing opportunities for generations of players, coaches and volunteers. While the club had planned to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic meant those celebrations had to be postponed. Five years later, the club is delighted to finally come together to celebrate not only its rich history, but also an exciting new chapter with the official opening of its excellent facilities at Dreenan.
The weekend celebrations begin on Friday evening (31 July) at 7.00pm, when the club’s coaches will take to the field for what promises to be an entertaining exhibition match, followed by a community barbecue where members, families and supporters can gather to kick-start the anniversary weekend.
The main celebrations take place on Saturday, 1 August, with a full programme of events designed to celebrate the club’s past, present and future.
Festivities begin at 11.00am with a Ballybofey United Legends Match, bringing together many of the players who helped shape the club over the past five and a half decades. Throughout the morning there will be a Family Fun Day, including face painting, games, activities and entertainment for children of all ages.
At 1.00pm, the club will officially open its new pitch and clubhouse at Dreenan in what promises to be a landmark occasion for Ballybofey United and the wider community. The facilities represent years of dedication, fundraising and volunteer commitment and provide a lasting legacy for future generations of footballers.
Refreshments will be available throughout the day, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the celebrations and explore the club’s impressive new home.
The afternoon’s football continues at 2.00pm when Ballybofey United Senior Team take on a Finn Harps Select side in what is expected to be an entertaining local showcase fixture to round off the day’s sporting celebrations.
The anniversary weekend will conclude in style on Saturday evening with the club’s 55th Anniversary Dinner Dance at the Villa Rose Hotel. The event is open to everyone, whether you are a current or former player, supporter, sponsor, volunteer or simply someone who would like to celebrate this special milestone with the club. Tickets are available from members of the Ballybofey United committee. The evening promises to be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the club’s remarkable journey over the past 55 years while celebrating the many people whose dedication and commitment have helped shape Ballybofey United into the thriving community club it is today.
Speaking ahead of the celebrations, club representatives said:
“This weekend is about much more than football. It is an opportunity to celebrate everyone who has been part of Ballybofey United over the past 55 years – our players, coaches, volunteers, committee members, supporters, sponsors and families. We were unable to celebrate our 50th anniversary because of the pandemic, so this weekend gives us the chance to come together, look back with pride at everything the club has achieved since 1971 and look forward with excitement as we officially open our fantastic new facilities at Dreenan. We warmly invite the entire community to join us and be part of this very special occasion.”
Everyone is welcome to attend throughout the weekend. Whether you wore the Ballybofey United jersey years ago, currently represent the club, or simply want to support a local community organisation that has been at the heart of football in the Twin Towns for over half a century, there will be something for all ages to enjoy.
Event Schedule
Friday, 31 July
- 7.00pm – Coaches’ Match
- Community Barbecue
Saturday, 1 August
- 11.00am – Ballybofey United Legends Match
- Family Fun Day, face painting and children’s entertainment
- 1.00pm – Official Opening of the Pitch and Clubhouse at Dreenan
- Refreshments available throughout the day
- 2.00pm – Ballybofey United Senior Team vs Finn Harps Select
- Evening – 55th Anniversary Dinner Dance at the Villa Rose Hotel
Ballybofey United FC looks forward to welcoming players, former members, supporters and the wider community to Dreenan for what promises to be a memorable weekend celebrating 55 years of football, friendship and community.