The Gaoth Dobhair Under 21 team
THIS Sunday’s Paddy McLarnon Cup Final will signal the end of one of Gaoth Dobhair’s best ever underage sides.
Tom ‘Beag’ Gillespie has nurtured this side up since when they were at primary school.
There wasn’t immediate success as they lost out to St Eunan’s at Under 12 and Under 14 level.
However, they continued to develop and haven’t lost a game with this age group for the last seven years.
“We had lost a few finals, but the big win really was the Under 16 Division 2 title in 2011 when we beat Naomh Conaill,” said Gillespie, ahead of this weekend’s match against Lavey.
“Most of the lads were underage again the following year, and they improved and went on to win the Under 16 Division 1 title in 2012.
“Two years after that we won the Minor Championship, and then we have won every game we have played at Under 21 level this season.
“A lot of good minor teams drift away in the following years, but our lads have stuck at it.
“They have shown great commitment and make huge sacrifices to attend training and matches. They know what it means to wear the jersey.
“They’re improving all the time and will push on at senior in the coming years.”
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