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The Donegal Democrat Archive - 1955

February 11, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon achieved much in 1954.
Paucity of support by players for cultural activities.
When they assembled in the Market House Ballyshannon on Sunday for the Annual General Meeting under the chairmanship of Mr. Sean Slevin County registrar, members of the Aodh Ruadh Hurling and football club heard frank reports from officers of the great work so far accomplished towards liquidating the heavy debt on the Fr. Tierney Park, in the lack of support given fund-raising functions by the majority of the players.
Election of Officers.
Hon President: Right Rev. Mons, J. C. MacGinley D.D. P.P. V.G. Dean of Raphoe.
Hon Vice President: Rev M. McElroy C.C. St. Joseph's and Rev. P.J. Young C.C. Saint Patrick's.
Chairman: Rev. Bro Raphael,
Vice Chairman: Mr. J. McDermott, Secretary: Mr. Sean McHugh,
Assistant Secretary: Mr. S. O Domhnaill C.S.
Park Treasurers: Messrs J. McDermott, and M. Slevin.
Club Treasurers: Mr. H. Daly.
Committee: Messrs Bob Gallagher, Willie Kerrigan, Joe O'Neill Jimmy Kerrigan, Patrick O'Neill, Sean Slevin, Frank 0'Donnell, John McGuinness, Patrick McIvor, Michael Melly, Frank O'Neill Matt Regan.
March 18, 1955 edition
Late starts will be costly in Donegal.
Eight Ballyshannon players suspended.
The new Donegal County chairman Domhnaill Mac a Bhaird, Ardara is determined that all games will start to schedule in future and clubs failing to field teams at an appointed time will be liable to a fine of £5.
At a meeting of the County Board in the Butt Hall, Ballybofey on Sunday evening Mr. Mac a Bhaird said he noticed where one team had been over a quarter of an hour late and were liable to be fined.
April 15, 1955 edition
Sunday's activities at the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon opened with a Championship game between the Ernesiders and Abbey Shamrocks who gained the verdict by one point. A goal in the closing stages of this Game brought victory and two valuable points to Abbey Shamrocks who won 2-5 to 3-1 in a lively contest in which the balance of the exchanges favoured neither team.
Ballyshannon Team: D. Everitt, M. Slevin, S. McHugh, M. Curran, H. Murray, M. McGovern, B. Drummond, J. O'Neill, J. Sheils, S. Kane, Mick Regan, P. Gallagher.
April 22, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon "Pip" Donegal in "Democrat" Cup.
At the old Tirconaill Park Donegal Town on Sunday where one of the last competitive games was played prior to the general opening of the new county grounds Ballyshannon defeated Donegal 2-3 to 1-5 in the second round of the senior county league competition after holding an interval lead of 2-0 to 1-1.
Ballyshannon Team: S. McHugh, Joe Jennings, Frank O'Donnell, Donal Murray, Michael Cooney, Jackie McDermott, Dan Dorrian, Mick Regan, Sean Kane, S.P. O'Donnell, Matt Regan, Danny Kane, Teddy Loughlin, ,Joe 0 'Neill, Michael Curran.

Ballyshannon "Pip" Donegal in "Democrat Cup".
At the old Tirconaill Park Donegal Town on Sunday where one of the last competitive games was played prior to the general opening of the new county grounds, Ballyshannon defeated Donegal 2-3 to 1-5 in the first round of the senior county league competition after holding an interval lead of 2-0 to 1-1.
Donegal went into attack almost from the throw-in and the game was less than five minutes on when the spectators got their first thrill with the award of a penalty to the homesters. Briody had placed K. Timoney who passed to Hubert Harvey who had a go with a strong shot which McHugh saved on the line but was penalised. The kick was taken by Gallen and saved by McHugh but the referee ordered it to be re-taken for an infringement by an Erneside defender and a second attempt Gallen shotwide. Matt Regan sent Ballyshannon into the attack via S.P. O'Donnell but Joe Kelly cleared well, sent in a stinger which Loughlin cleared and as play veered to the other end again Ted Kennedy opened the scoring for Donegal with a point from a sideline free. Ballyshannon's reply was fast and effective. A free by Matt Regan was fielded by Mick and Danny Kane sent the ball via Teddy Loughlin to Joe O'Neill who goaled from close range. Danny Kane and SP. O'Donnell cut through again but Loughlin saved well from the latter. McBrearty, Cassidy and Muldoon held further Ballyshannon attacks and a sideline free by Kennedy went narrowly wide.
Donegal came back again but Jennings made a lovely clearance.
Ballyshannon were away again Mick Regan sending to Danny Kane who placed the racing S.P. O'Donnell for a quick goal. Fifteen minutes had gone when Cassidy cleared well to Joe Boyle who placed Briody who goaled for Donegal with a 40 yard drive. Donegal came back again spiritedly but McDermott cleared a "50" by Kennedy and subsequently Gallen shot wide, as did Jack McMullen and there was no further scoring until half-time when Ballyshannon led 2-0 to 1-1.
Patsy Brogan replaced Kevin Timoney early in the second half and sent the homesters into the attack per Briody who was narrowly wide with a strong shot. Briody was held breaking through again and Jennings fielded the 21 yards free and cleared. McDermott from a clearance by Murray sent to O'Neill who was fouled and Loughlin pointed a free with a long-range drive which after Matt Regan added another which was negatived by Briody from a 14 yards free at the other end. Kevin Gallen from a free reduced the leeway to two points, but Loughlin restored Ballyshannon's three points lead when he fielded a kick-out and sent over the bar. Kevin Gallen replied with a like score and then McHugh made his spectacular save from a 30 yards free. Briody had the last say for Donegal to leave a point between the sides.
Referee: Jim Harvey (Donegal).
Ballyshannon team: S. McHugh, Joe Jennings, Frank O'Donnell Donal Murray, Michael Cooney, Jackie McDermott, Dan Dorrian, Mick Regan, Sean Kane, S.P. O'Donnell, Matt Regan, Danny Kane, Teddy Loughlin, Joe O'Neill, Michael Curran.
Donegal: Mal Loughlin, John Gallagher, Anthony McBrearty, Joe Kelly, Seamus Muldoon, Joe Cassidy, Sean Muldoon, Ted Kennedy, Joe Boyle, Kevin Gallen, Austin Briody, Kevin Timoney, Gerald Timoney, Jack McMullen, Hubert Harvey, Patsy Brogan.
April 29, 1955 edition
Cavan took all their chances.
Donegal 1-6 Cavan 3-7.
Although two of the three goals scored by the Ulster Champions in Donegal at the Sean MacCumhaill Park Ballybofey on Sunday were definitely of the lucky variety, Cavan took on all their scoring chances with beautiful craft to qualify for the semi-final stage of the competition with a 3-7 to 1-6 victory.
Donegal Team: J. Mc Dermott, D. Hegarty, B. Coyle, J. Boyle, P. Brogan, P. McGeehin, F. Brennan, J. Carroll, M. Regan, D. Murray, S. McCormick, H. Coyle, F. O'Donnell, T. Keogan.
June 3, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon minors in Divisional final.
Pettigo 1-6
Ballyshannon 3-7.
Leading 2-4 to 1-3 at halftime Ballyshannon maintained their undefeated record in the competition to qualify for the minor Divisional championship final with a 3-6 to 1-3 victory over Pettigo at the Gaelic Park Pettigo on Friday evening.
Ballyshannon Team: P. Healy, B. Daly, S. McHugh, P. O'Connor, S. Gallagher, J. O'Neill, H. Freyne, F. McGee, T. Loughlin, M. McGovern, O.R. O'Neill, P. McCready, M. White, C. Flynn, W. McAllister.
June 17, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon minors for semi-final.
Ballyshannon 8-9 Killymard 0-2.
Giving a sparkling display 0f football Ballyshannon had little trouble retaining the South Donegal minor Divisional championship, at the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon on Sunday defeating an under-strength Killymard side 8-9 to 0-2 in a game in which the issue was never really in doubt.
Ballyshannon Team: W.J. Ward, B. Daly, S. McHugh, P. O'Connor, L. Masterson, J. O'Neill, H. Freyne, T. Loughlin, P. McGee, P. McCready, M. Cullen, M. White, M. McGovern, O.R. O'Neill, Pat Ward.
June 24, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon win thrill-packed game.
Ballyshannon 3-6 Bundoran 2-1.
A fine display by the homesters in the last quarter of a thrill-packed game earned the honours for Ballyshannon against Bundoran in the second round of the junior football championship at the Fr. Tierney park, Ballyshannon on Friday evening.
Ballyshannon Team: J. Murphy, B. Daly, M. Slevin, M. Curran, L. Masterson, J. O'Neill, P. Magee, S. McHugh, Mick Regan, P. McCready, M. Cullen, S. P. O'Donnell, M. Cooney, O.R. O'Neill, B. Boylan.
July 15, 1955 edition
Cavan's late goal beat Donegal.
Pre-match injuries main Cause of defeat
Cavan 2-5 Donegal 1-6.
The Ulster semi-final is over and reigning champions, Cavan have qualified for the final with a close victory over a gallant Donegal side that won many new friends in the Ulster final with their magnificent display at Clones, on Sunday where the Breffni men took the honours with a goal four minutes from time in a game that was tense brilliant and Spectacular.
Donegal Team: S. Hoare, J. Carroll, C. Toland, H.T. Boyle, D. Hegarty, J. McDermott, P. McGeehin, F. Brennan, W. Cunningham, S. O'Donnell, Hugh Boyle, S. McCormack, A. Briody, J. Boyle, D. Murray.
July 22, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon gave poor display.
St. Francis 1-6 Ballyshannon 1-4.
The Weather was good, the attendance was small, and the football was poor at the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon on Sunday when the homesters went-under to the Pettigo - Abbey junior combination St. Francis by 1-6 to 1-4 in the first round of the senior championship.
Ballyshannon Team: M. Slevin, P. Ward, J. Jennings, S. McHugh, M. Cooney, S. Kane, P. Boyle, S. Galligan, S. McCormick, Matt Regan, D. Kane, V. Dolan, P. Dorrian, T. Loughlin.
July 29, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon avenge first round defeat.
Ballyshannon 2-11 Saint Francis 0-2.
The glorious weather and the call of the sea brought most supporters out of the town on Sunday and as a consequence there was only a mere handful of people at the Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon to see the second round senior championship tie by the Ernesiders and St. Francis.
Ballyshannon Team: S. McHugh, J. Jennings, J. Gallagher, P. Dorrian; L. Masterson, J. McDermott, S. Kane, Matt Regan, Mick Regan, S. Galligan, S. McCormack, D. Kane, T. Loughlin, D. McGettigan, J. Murphy.
August 19, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon southern champions title regained after two years.
Ballyshannon 1-7 Donegal 0-4.
A poor attendance at the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon, on Sunday saw Ballyshannon seniors defeat their old rivals Donegal Town 1-7 to 0-4 in the South Donegal Divisional final in an hours football that at no time reached championship heights and might most kindly ~e described as an undistinguished except for the final 10 minutes.
Ballyshannon Team: S. Cleary, L. Masterson, P.J. McDermott, P. Dorrian, M. Cooney, J. McDermott, S. Kane, Mick Regan, Matt Regan, S. O'Donnell, S. McCormick, D. Kane, T. Loughlin, J. O'Neill, J. Murphy.
Subs: D. McGettigan and M. Curran.
August 26, 1955 edition
Creeslough a master team.
Creeslough 2-15 Ballyshannon 1-4.
Despite heroic work by Leo Masterson, Joe O'Neill, Sean McHugh, Pat Magee, and Teddy Loughlin, Ballyshannon minors were defeated 2-15 to 1-4 by a Creeslough team that generally had the advantage in physique and football ability.
Ballyshannon Team: W.J. Ward, B. Daly, S. McHugh, P. McCartney, L. Masterson, J. O'Neill, P. O'Connor, T. Loughlin, F. McGee, M. White, O.R. O'Neill, M. McGovern, S. Ferguson, F. Ward, T. McAllister.

Gweedore 3-13
Ballyshannon 0-5.
The county championship Gweedore defeated Ballyshannon by a margin of 17 points (3-13 to 0-5) in the senior semi-final at Glenties in a game that was remarkable for the evenness of the exchanges in contrast to the scores.
Ballyshannon Team: S. Cleary, S. Kane, J. Gallagher, J. Jennings, M. Cooney, J. McDermott, P. Dorrian, P.J. McDermott, Mick Regan, S. O'Donnell, D. McGettigan, E.J. Gonigle, D. Kane.

Ballyshannon 2-7
Killymard 1-3.
Played at a sparkling pace and characterised by a passage of good football the south Donegal Divisional championship semi-final in which Ballyshannon defeated Killymard 2-7 to 1-3 at Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon proved a thriller all the way
Ballyshannon Team: S. Ferguson, C. Regan, P. O'Connor, B. Dorrian, B Cullen, S. Gallagher, P. Healy, O.R. O'Neill, M. McGovern, P. Byrne, T. McAllister, K. White, P.J. Ferguson, P. Ward, R. Cullen.
October 7, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon win challenge.
Ballyshannon 2-5 Fintona 0-3.
A greasy ball and some rain during the contest were not conducive to a high standard of football :where Ballyshannonwere host to Fintona in a return challenge at the Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon on Sunday.
Ballyshannon Team: S. McHugh, J. Jennings, J. Gallagher, J. Murphy, M. Cooney, J. McDermott, D. Sweeney, H. Regan, P.J. McDermott, W.J. Crean, Matt Regan, S. McCormick, T. Loughlin, J. O'Neill, D. Kane.
October 14, 1955 edition
Fit Monaghan outplay Donegal.
Monaghan 3-12
Donegal 0-10
Much the fitter and better balanced team generally Monaghan get ample revenge for three previous defeats in a row in league and championship when at Castleblaney on Sunday they outplayed Donegal to win their Lagan Cup tie 3-12 to 0-10 in a game in which several of Tirconaill's key players gave disappointing displays.
Donegal Team: S. Hoare, J. Gallagher, C. Toland, H.T. Boyle, D. Hegarty, J. Carroll, P. McGeehin, F. Brennan, J. McDermott, S. O'Donnell, H. Boyle, S. McCormick, P. Coyle, J. "C" Boyle, D. Murray.
October 21, 1955 edition
Ballyshannon - "Democrat" Cup final.
Erin's Hope sparkle against Bundoran.
Before a fair attendance of spectators at Tirconaill Park, Donegal Town, on Sunday Ballyshannon giving a grand display of football in weather conditions that were anything but pleasant defeated a gallant Glenties fifteen 2-8 to 0-3,and so qualified for the final of the senior league "Democrat" Cup competition, against Saint Eunan's or Dungloe on November 20th.
Ballyshannon Team: S. McHugh, S. Kane, J. O'Neill, J. Murphy, M. Cooney, J. McDermott, T. Loughlin, Mick Regan, P.J. McDermott, T. Loughlin, Mick Regan, S. McCormick, S. O'Donnell, D. Kane

Ballyshannon in "Democrat Cup" final.
Before a fair attendance of spectators at Tirconaill Park Donegal Town, on Sunday Ballyshannon giving a grand display of football in weather conditions that were anything but pleasant defeated a gallant Glenties fifteen 2-8 to 0-3 and so qualified for the final of the senior league against Saint Eunan's or Dungloe on November 20th.
The game was only about a minute on when Ballyshannon opened the scoring to take a lead which they never relinquished The movement was started by Sean McCormick who sent to Matt on an eye, E.J. Gonigle had sunk Regan and in the twinkling of the ball in the back of the net. A minute later McCormick receiving from P.J. McDermott, sent over a point Glenties attacked spiritedly but Phil Bonner's hard shot was cleared well by Sean Kane, and the Ernesiders streaking away again were awarded a free from which McCormick pointed. Rodgers replied with a point for Glenties who had two more in a row by Phil Bonner. Then followed a series of Ballyshannon attacks which were repulsed by a solid Glenties defence. From a 50 McCormick sent the ball to the crossbar from which, it rebounded before he sent it over a 14 yards free to leave the half-time score:
Ballyshannon 1-3
Glenties 0-3.
From a 35 yards free McCormick shot over the bar again and he repeated the performance from almost 50 yards twice in succession. He still was on the mark with a further free from closer range and as the game reached the field for the third-quarter he sent a "50" to Teddy Loughlin who notched a- point. Then in a fast-wing movement E.J. Gonigle secured to send a flashing shot through for a goal the final score: of the game.
Referee: Patsy Brogan (Donegal).
Ballyshannon Team:. S McHugh, S. Kane, J. O'Neill. J. Murphy, M. Cooney, J. McDermott, D. Sweeney, Matt Regan, P.J. McDermott, T. Loughlin. Hick Regan, S. McCormick, S. O'Donnell, E.J. Gonigle, D. Kane.
Glenties team: M. Boyle, J. Boyle, J. O'Donnell, F. McGettigan, P, Keeney, D. McGill, P. Brennan, E. Melly, M. Larkin, P. Rodgers, J. Gillespie, P. Bonner, C. McDyer, D. Sweeney, J. McDyer.
October 28, 1955 edition
Tyrone were lucky to scrape through.
Tyrone 1-5 Donegal 0-7.
Tyrone have qualified for the final of the Lagan Cup competition and in doing so with a one point win 1-5 to 0-7 over Donegal at Coalisland on Sunday, they indeed were steeped in luck to hold out successfully on one of the tensest games ever between the counties.
Donegal Team: S. Hoare, J. McDermott, C. Toland, B. Coyle, R. Bryson, J. Carroll, P. McGeehin, F. Brennan, P. O'Sullivan, S. O'Donnell, J.C. Boyle, J. McGettigan, D. Murray, S. McCormick.
November 4, 1955 edition
Fine fare at Ballyshannon.
Ballyshannon 2-4 Melvin Gaels 1-4.
Conditions were ideal for a good game of football at the Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon on Sunday evening and Melvin Gaels and Ballyshannon on their first meeting in a challenge for many years certainly provided a very entertaining hours fare.
Ballyshannon Team: S. McHugh, S. Kane, J. O'Neill, J. Murphy M. Cooney, J. McDermott, T. Casey, P.J McDermott, Mick Regan, D. Bannigan, F. O'Donnell, O.R. O'Neill, P. Ward, E.J. Gonigle, D. Dorrian.
November 25, 1955 edition
After eight years the "Democrat" Cup comes home.
Ballyshannon were too good for crack Saint Eunan's side.
It has been written on many accessions that tradition means much when it comes to a vital stage in a competition and surely it was borne out at the Sean MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey on Sunday evening when Ballyshannon the underdogs the team that was rated when about a chance in a million by the great majority of supporters proved that in fact they are one of the greatest and most tenacious sides ever to represent the town for in their 2-3 to 0-6 victory over the holders, Saint Eunan's in the final of the senior league "Democrat" cup competition that they proved they were a much better team than their opponents.
Ballyshannon Team: S. McHugh, S. Kane, F. O'Donnell, J. Murphy, D. Sweeney, J. McDermott, T. Casey Mick Regan, Joe O'Neill, W.P. Crean, P.J. McDermott, S. McCormick, Jim Gallagher, E.J. Gonigle, M. Cooney.

South Donegal reviews successful year.
Despite the lack of support from teachers in the opposition of those who should have been behind it we succeeded in completing the school league this year.

Ballyshannon were too good for crack Saint Eunan's side.
Ballyshannon 2-3
Saint Eunans 0-6
It was eight years since a Ballyshannon team took the trophy home before in 1947 against Gweedore and since that with the exception of their 1951 senior championship victory over Saint Eunan's.
End to end exchanges were a feature of the first five minutes with Carroll, Sullivan and McGeehin figuring well for Saint Eunan's; Jackie McDermott Mick Regan and Sean McCormick being equally conspicuous for Ballyshannon.
Ballyshannon then began to press strongly and Bryson cleared over pressure but McCormick returned the ball and from about 50 yards with Billy Grean who opened the scoring with a point on the third minute.
Exactly a minute later as Ballyshannon continued to dominate, Jim Gallagher, rose high to field a lengthy free, by Jackie McDermott and before the Saint Eunan's defence knew what had happened he had crashed an unsaveable rasper to the back of the net. Crean was just wide with a beautiful effort subsequently and Saint Eunan's looked flurried as Jackie McDermott fielded time after time. Then, following an grand clearance by Carroll, O'Sullivan from a 60 yards free sent the ball all the way for a point, Skimming the cross-bar on the way.
On the 12th minute another long free Jackie McDermott went well into the Saint Eunan's area where E.J. Gonigle jumped high to field sidestepped past two opponents and crashed through a wonder goal.
Saint Eunan's struck back and from a free by O'Sullivan. Harry Blake fielded and sent over a point. From a further free O'Sullivan shot wide. The champions looked dangerous, as McGeehin and O'Sullivan sent in turn but Frank O'Donnell was clearing everything and a sideline free by Joe O'Neill sent the Ernesiders into the attack again, but McCann cleared well and McGettigan cutting through in a solo sent to Sean Curran who shot wide.
On the 20th minute Ballyshannon were playing grand football and their supporters had something to enthuse about when Jim Gallagher fielding from Tommy Casey sent to Mick Regan who in turn placed Billy Crean for another point. Saint Eunan's struck back immediately and McGettigan fouled cutting through, pointed the free himself to cut the lead to six points. Jackie McDermott M. Cooney and P.J. McDermott figured in a determined Erneside attack which McGeehin cleared. Casey placed P.J. McDermott who had a shot at goal, but Seamus Hoare saving the pressure was fouled and a free out eased the situation temporarily, for Ballyshannon were back again on the 25th minute Mick Regan fielding a lob from Joe O'Neill to send over a nice point. Blake was wide at the other end almost immediately and there was no further scoring to half-time when the position was:
Ballyshannon 2-3 Saint Eunan's 0-3.
The second half proved a rare duel of endurance and when the final whistle sounded the great majority of respective players had played themselves to a stand-still. The half opened with a free by Joe Carroll being cleared by Jackie McDermott and then, as Jim Gallagher sent Ballyshannon on the rampage E.J. Gonigle about to shoot was pulled down, McCormick failing to register from the free. McGettigan had a similar luck at the other end and subsequently following a grand drive by O'Sullivan the ball was fielded by Harry Blake who let fly a stinger which McHugh dived full length, to save round the upright at the expense of a 50 which was taken by O'Sullivan and sent to McGettigan who was fouled and pointed from 14 vards on the 4th minute. Four minutes later following another free by O'Sullivan, Sean Curran notched a point from a free by McCormick. Cooney shot end.
Referee: Patsy Brogan (Donegal)
Ballyshannon team: S. McHugh, S. Kane, F. O'Donnell, J. Murphy, D. Sweeney, J. McDermott. T. Casey, Mick Regan, Joe O'Neill, N.P. Crean, P.J. McDermott, S. McCormick, Jim Gallagher, E.J. Gonigle, M. Cooney.
Saint Eunan's team: S. Hoare, M. Coyle, S. McCann, J. McDonagh, R. Bryson, J. Carroll, M. O'Donnell, P. O'Sullivan, P. McGeehin, J. McGettigan, S: Curran, T. Ryan, M. Blake, M. Ronaghan, F. McLaughlin.