Main pic: Andrew McGinley (centre) presents a cheque on behalf of ‘As Dara Did’ to members of GAP Basketball Club.
A charity set up in honour of the three late children of Donegal man, Andrew McGinley, has given a much needed boost to the GAP Basketball Club.
‘As Darragh Did’ was created in memory of Conor, Darragh and Carla who all left this world together on January 24th 2020.
Mr McGinley was in Donegal this week to present a huge €2,000 cheque to the club which also launched their new shirts, kindly sponsored by Damien Diver of Diver’s Centra in Ardara.
The presentations were made at the end of a fun basketball camp week in Glenties.
It’s well worth reflecting on this recent Clubs’ establishment and how it has quickly established itself as a prominent sports organisation since its formation in 2022.
Based in the picturesque town of Glenties, GAP, as the initials suggest, takes in the areas of Glenties, Ardara and Portnoo. However, this has since been extended to Fintown, Leitir and further afield.
St Columba’s Comprehensive School provides the base for training and hosting of games and it is a wonderful to see partnerships being formed between educational facilities and local voluntary groups.
With both boys and girls teams competing competitively at the U12, U16, and U19 age groups, GAP Basketball Club is actively fostering a love for the sport among the youth in the region. In addition to those age groups, it also caters for U8s, U10s and U14s at a fun level.
The success of GAP Basketball Club would not have been possible without the generous support of their sponsors. Damien Diver of Centra Ardara and Andrew McGinley of the ‘As Darragh Did’ foundation has been instrumental in aiding the club’s endeavors. Their support has allowed them to secure necessary resources, equipment and gear to enhance the experience for the young athletes. The club expresses its heartfelt gratitude to these sponsors for their unwavering support.
Last week, GAP Basketball Club organised a highly enjoyable basketball camp, attracting both seasoned players and newcomers. The camp not only provided valuable coaching and training but also created a welcoming environment for new players to experience the joys of basketball.
The club was thrilled to witness an influx of fresh talent, and it served as a testament to their commitment to nurturing the sport’s growth within the community.
The club has swiftly become a pivotal sports organisation in the area, driving the growth of basketball among young boys and girls. The club has been instrumental in honing talent and fostering a love for the game.
“Supported by sponsors, Centra Ardara and ‘As Darragh Did’, the club continues to expand its reach and positively impact the community,” a spokesperson for the club said.
“By organizing engaging events such as basketball camps, GAP Basketball Club is consistently encouraging new players to take up the sport and contribute to its vibrant basketball culture. As they look ahead to a bright future, the club remains committed to its mission of nurturing talent and building a strong basketball foundation in Glenties.”
Tags: