There is huge interest in tomorrow’s (Saturday) eagerly awaited ‘friendly’ football match in Stranorlar in aid of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research.
The former high kings of Tyrone soccer, Blane Rovers from Aghyaran, will take on their Donegal rivals from yesteryear, Border Celtic at 4pm at the Finn Valley Centre
The now defunct Border Celtic was made up of players from Meenreagh, a rural border area south of Killygordon, and they were a match for many a team in their day.
Likewise, Blane Rovers, from Aghyaran, were once one of the best soccer teams in Tyrone. Indeed, Rovers won the Fermanagh and Western Football League in the 1983-84 season.
The famous Blane Rovers tam.
In less than a week, almost €4,000 has been raised on the event’s GoFundMe page.
The idea for next weekend’s game was inspired by former Rovers striker, Joe Gallen, who is currently battling the crippling MND.
From the townland of Blane, Joe was once one of the most formidable strikers around and also tormented many a defence in the Donegal League while playing for Curragh Athletic.
Joe is also a well-known, and highly respected, businessman and his structural engineering company has been involved in major projects all over Donegal and the north west.
Joe Gallen’s famous No 9 Blane Rovers jersey.
The organisers of tomorrow’s event would like to stress that all proceeds will go directly to MND charities on both sides of the border, as well as a number of local charities.
Donations will be accepted on the day.
However, those who cannot attend can also donate via the special GoFundMe page.
Finn Valley centre