Jimmy was once winning matches in Philly, back in the summer of ’99.
Arguably Donegal’s most famous son was one of the legions of inter-county players that headed Stateside in the late ‘90s and where else would he go, but to one of the biggest clubs carrying the Donegal name in the U S of A.
And fair play to him, when Donegal landed their first All-Ireland in 20 years in 2012, Jim returned to Philly to let them join in on the celebrations.
In existence for nearly 30 years, Donegal Philadelphia have won three North American Championships in their history and their Junior Bs are gunning for what would be their fifth title on the trot.
It’s not all business for the Donegal Philadelphia lads, however, as judging by some of the stories told to us by club secretary Cathal McHugh below, they know how to party too.
Those weekends in Jersey Shore certainly sound like fun anyway.
Focus on Donegal Philadelphia
Club: Donegal Philadelphia (also known as St. Patrick’s Donegal & Four Provinces)
Year established: 1988
Number of members: 120
Biggest rivals: Kevin Barry’s
Biggest representation from a club/county in Ireland: Donegal
Most famous ever member: Plenty of former members would try claim this much coveted prize, but a skinny, long black curly-haired midfielder from the summer of 1999 gets the shout; All-Ireland winning player and manager Jim McGuinness!
Most memorable moment in the club’s history: Too many to mention.
However, we can’t forget Gogi’s trip to the hospital via helicopter (still made last call in his scrubs that night!) and players’ weekends down at the Jersey Shore to name but a few.
In footballing terms, however, we’ve won three Senior North American Championships and a Senior New York Championship in 2007. Our Junior Bs are going for their fifth consecutive championship title.
Most eye-catching scoreline in the club’s history: Losing by seven points at half-time in the 1996 North American semi-finals, Declan McNicholl tore into the team before going out and scoring 1-7 in the second half to book a place in the final. Club legend.
Player who makes the longest commute to training: Senior coach Anthony Moore probably has the longest commute from current members. For six years, from 1990-1995, Nipper Quinn flew in for club games from Dallas, Texas.
Most dedicated club person: Club stalwarts John Flood (AKA the club physio) and Bill McHugh haven’t missed a practice since March 18, 1988. It must have been a great Paddy’s Day!
Player who could have made it big if love/career/drink didn’t get in the way: Ciaran Greene.
Fell in love, moved to London and has been drinking ever since. Honorable mention to Eamon Leamy, who arrived in Philadelphia as a decent footballer and left as a Tinder expert. Classic.
Biggest character: Shaun Durnin, corner forward.
‘El Durninho’ scored a point for the Junior Bs in the 2014 North Americans in Boston in front of an impressive crowd and still talks about it today as the highlight of his Gaelic ‘career’.
Also a handy man with a guitar and piano, as witnessed at last year’s North Americans in Chicago at a 3am sing song with the teams representing Austin and Seattle.
Loudest in the dressing room: Easy, Gadge.
The Tribesman’s whispers are louder than a werewolf’s howl at the moon. He’s usually complaining under his breath about running at practice or the no-boozin’ messages from management.
Likes to remind us daily about his All-Ireland medal he won with Galway U-21s and the fact that he played in Croker. Whoop-dee-do.
Number of romances that started in the GAA club (feel free to name names): Conor O’Donnell and Willie Young was one bromance nobody saw coming.
Felt like a Disney fairy-tale if truth be told… Beauty and the Beast, that is! We’re delighted Willie is back with us this year, but unfortunately, his partner in crime will not be joining us.
We also had a very big wedding last year with a senior player saying ‘I Do’ to a junior player’s sister. Actual fairy-tale stuff here; the Irish boy with his American girl sweetheart and all that.
We won’t mention any names as Gerard Bourke is still coming to terms with it. Oh sh*t, I just did. Sorry Bourkey!
Duck to water award – Best new player who had never played GAA before: Conor Canavan was introduced to GAA while studying at St. Joe’s University and within two years was a senior championship winner.
Jimmy Fay joined us last season and drew gasps of fear and anger with his shocking choice of football boots (known locally as cleats) at our first practice. He proved himself to be a promising half back with great hands and good turn of pace. Still needs to work on the footwear.
Most annoying person in the club WhatsApp group: Rory O’Connell is a good lad. He comes from good stock. His parents are well-known with all the players, past and present and are absolute legends.
His sister is an amazing athlete. His brother served along with him in the US Marines and both are important junior players. However, his comebacks in the clubs WhatsApp group are criminally bad. l look forward to seeing how he reacts to this.
Best story involving a club member that’s fit for print: Well there are so many stories but one that jumps to mind.
Days after the Philadelphia Finals in 2014 the lads were enjoying themselves in one of Philadelphia’s well known Irish bars – Paddy Rooney’s Pub – when a traditional Irish session was in full flow.
Joe Rogers (Sligo) on the pizza box and Adi O’Gara (Donegal) on the beer box added to the fine music that night, as can be seen in the video below.
If you’re a member of a GAA club abroad and would like to be featured on the site, feel free to send a mail to conor.heneghan@JOE.ie or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
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