Frank McGlynn, Sean Dunnion, Neil McGee and Frankie Doherty at the launch of Our Donegal.
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
THE Donegal County Board has officially launched its new fundraising venture, ‘Our Donegal’.
‘Our Donegal’ will be effectively a coming together of what is the existing Club Tir Chonaill and Donegal GAA Supporters Club groups and will aim to raise €180,000 for Donegal GAA coffers by the end of 2014.
The new fund-raising wing of the County Board is the brainchild of the Donegal County Treasurer, Cieran Kelly, who presented the plans to club delegates at the May county committee meeting.
The venture is designed to raise funds for the completion of the Donegal GAA Training Centre in Convoy.
“With all the recent success of our teams in football and hurling it is important that we provide the best facilities possible for our players and coaches to be successful for many years to come,” Mr Kelly said.
“With Ulster finals for both our minor and senior teams just a few weeks away there is no better time to show your support for both Jim and Declan and their teams as well as Donegal GAA.
“For the last few years we have had a number of groups looking after our fund-raising, but now we want it all under one umbrella. The ‘Our Donegal’ committee will be chaired by the treasurer and will comprise a wide network of people.
“It is to help with the fund-raising activities for the running of the county, both for the completion of the Centre of Excellence and also for the promotion of both football and hurling in the county, and to help and promote brand Donegal and to establish ‘Our Donegal’ as the vehicle for the promotion of Donegal GAA activities.”
In 2014, the group aims to raise €180,000 – €100,000 of which will go towards the continued development of the Training Centre, with the remaining €80,000 split evenly between the training fund and games development.
For businesses, there are two levels of sponsorship, which give a number of benefits, including exclusive leisurewear, advertising for the business and the chance to win up to €1000 each month in a monthly draw between now and the end of the year. The first draw is due to take place at the end of July.
By pledging €500 you or your business will become an Our Donegal member; if you pledge €1000 you or your business will become an Our Donegal patron.
For individuals, the committee are also accepting subscriptions of €50 where you will become an Our Donegal supporter. U16’s can become an Our Donegal supporter for €20.
A wide range of teams across all codes are using the Training Centre.
Mr Kelly said: “This facility can now be used all year round but to fully cater for all teams across all codes it is very important that we complete our next two pitches and the clubhouse facilities. Planning has recently been granted for the clubhouse and this phase of the project is due to go to tender over the coming weeks.”
For further details contact Cieran Kelly, Treasurer Donegal GAA on 087-2450505 or by email treasurer.donegal@gaa.ie
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