DALRIADA GFC was delighted to be able to host its first social fundraiser of the season—a county colours night held in O’Donoghue’s Bar.
In excess of £1600 was raised for club funds, which will go directly to supporting its men’s and women’s teams for the upcoming season and club members are encouraging all those interested to keep an eye on its social media channels for the next club social after the resounding success of this one.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to our first social fundraiser of the season,” Dalriad PRO, Alan Camon, said. “A special word of thanks must go to everyone who sponsored raffle prizes, bought tickets on the night and to O’Donoghues for hosting such a successful night.
The club is also actively recruiting new players for both its men’s and women’s teams and are encouraging those interested and based in either Aberdeen or Dundee, to get in touch.
“If you’re an ex-pat looking to get back in touch with your roots, or an up and coming star who finds yourself in the northeast for the next while or someone who’s never played before but is keen to get involved, then get in touch with Dalriada via our socials,” Alan said.
There was some sad news for the club recently as club stalwart Niall Horkan announced that he would be leaving Scotland and returning to Ireland with his fiancée Stephanie Coleman.
“We as a club would like to take this opportunity to extended our sincerest thanks and well wishes to Niall and his beautiful fiancée Stephanie as they depart Aberdeen and return to Ireland,” Alan said. “Both Niall and Steph have left an indelible mark on both the club and the community here in Aberdeen and Dundee.
“From failing to catch kickouts—despite being the tallest object this side of Hadrian’s Wall—to missing open goals and ultimately captaining our men’s team to our most recent success, Niall’s personality and charisma guided our club through good and bad times.
“He had a club first mentality, which often went unseen. Such work behind the scenes included filling holes, pulling weeds and cutting hedges in Sheddocksley along with his ability to recruit players from the many watering holes in the city.
“His initiative to train in Laurencekirk so as to maximize the recruitment of Dundee- based players has given the club a new lease of life when numbers were dwindling.
“A friendly face, a welcoming embrace and all round top class person, Dalriada’s loss is certainly Ireland’s gain. Your passion, dedication and commitment to the club will serve to ensure that the club can continue to be a source of pride for the Irish community in the north east for years to come.
“Go raibh an ghaoth go brá ag do chúl, go lonraí an ghrian go te ar d’aghaidh, go dtite an bháisteach go mín ar do pháirceanna.”
gerard@theirishvoice.com
