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The Donegal Democrat Archive - 1958

February 7th, 1958 edition
The Annual General Meeting of the Aodh Ruadh Football and hurling G.A.A will be held in the Market House on Monday night commencing at 8 o'clock.

February 14th, 1958 edition
"Training needed to reach the top" Ballyshannon Park almost debt free.
"If you want to reach the top you must have intensive training said Rev. Patrick Cunningham C.C. vice-president when refeering to the fortunes of the local teams last year at the Annual General Meeting of the GAA Club in Market House Ballyshannon on Monday night, Rev. Brother Raphael chairman presiding.
Election of officers.
President : Right Rev. Mons, James C. MacGinley
Vice Presidents: Rev.P. Cunningham C.C.
Rev P.J. Young C.C. and Rev P. McCormack C.C.
Chairman: Rev Bro Raphael
Vice chairman: Father Cunningham
Secretary: Owen Joe O'Neill
Club Treasurer: Hugh Daly
Park Treasurers: John McDermott, Michael Slevin
Committee: Messrs Martin McNeela, John McKnight, Jim Askin, Barney Drummond, Jimmy Kerrigan, John Murphy, Seen Murray, Frank McKeon, Sean Slevin, Patrick McIvor, Paddy O'Neill.

March 7th, 1958 edition
Lively fare at Letterkenny.
St. Eunan's 0-6 Ballyshannon 0-1.
Leading 0-4 to 0-1 at half time in their senior league Game with Ballyshannon at O'Donnell, Park St. Eunan's, held out well against a series of power-packed drives by new look but impressive Erneside fifteen.
Ballyshannon Team: J.J. O'Shea, Patsy Herron, John McKnight John Murphy, Sean Kane, Jackie McDermott, O.R. O'Neill, Dermott McIntyre, Matt Regan, Paddy Parks, Jim Gallagher, Brian Stephens, Frank McKeon, Frank O'Donnell, Sean McDermott

March 28th, 1958 edition
MacCumhaill's Master Ballyshannon.
MacCumhaill's 3-6 Ballyshannon 1-7
At the Sean MacCumhaill Memorial Park Ballybofey the homesters MacCumhaill's led 2-5 to 0-1 at half time in their league game against Ballyshannon. In this period they had the advantage of a stiff breeze which to a very great extent spoiled the competitive element of the game.
Ballyshannon Team: J.J. O'Shea, D. Bannigan, J. McKnight, J. Murphy, S. Kane, J McDermott, Seamus Gallagher, D. McIntyre, M O'Regan, P. Parks, J. Gallagher, O.R. O'Neill, F. McKeon, P. Keron, B. Stephens.

April 18th, 1958 edition
Donegal play second fiddle McKenna cup
Derry 2-10 Donegal 1-1.
One point from play and a goal off a penalty that WaS Donegal's total score on Sunday at Ballinascreen where Derry gave them a convincing trouncing 2-10 to 1-1.
J. Gallagher and J. McDermott played.

May 2nd, 1958 edition
Donegal took their chances.
Ballyshannon 1-4 Donegal 2-5.
At the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon Donegal scored a surprise 2-5 to 1-4 win over Ballyshannon in chair their round senior league game after holding an interval lead of 2-3 to 1-2.
Ballyshannon Team: N. Bannigan, P. Herron, D. Bannigan, J. Murphy, S. Kane, J. McDermott, S. Gallagher, J.J. O'Shea, D. MacIntyre, B. Stephens, J. Gallagher, O.R. O'Neill, F. McKeon, M. McGovern, S. McDermott.

9 May, 1958 edition
Donegal best Cavan in benefit-game.
Donegal 2-12 Cavan 2-9
Five points at half-time and with a missed penalty to think about Donegal put in fine second half display against Cavan at the Sean MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey on Sunday to win 2-12 to 2-9 this successful challenge game in aid of the Killybegs Fishermen disaster fund.
Jackie Mc Dermott and Jim Gallagher played.

May 16, 1958 edition
Ballyshannon flop at home
Ballyshannon 0-1 St. Eunan's 2-6.
At the Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon on Sunday a moderate attendance of spectators were treated to a less than moderate exhibition of play by the homesters who were defeated 2-6 to 0-1 by the holders in their Democrat cup tie.
Ballyshannon Team: Noel Bannigan, Sean Kane, Danny Bannigan, John Murphy, Liam Briody, Jackie McDermott, Seamus Gallagher, Dermott McIntyre, John McKnight, Pat Ward, Jim Gallagher, Owen Roe O'Neill, Frankie McKeon, Paddy Tuohy, Brian Stephens.

May 23, 1958 edition
Ballyshannon improve but were beaten
Sheephaven Harps 3-7 Ballyshsnnon 3-1
Although they showed far better than in previous games Ballyshannon failed to conquer Sheephaven Harps in their first round senior football league Game at Downings on Sunday where the homesters won by 3-7 to 3-1 after an interesting game.
Team not given.

May 30, 1958 edition
Ballyshannon 5-6 Barnesmore 0-2.
Ballyshannon proved far too strong for a plucky Barnesmore side in the first round of the junior county football league at the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon where the Ernesiders after holding an interval lead of 4-0 to 0-2 won by 5-6 to 0-2.
Ballyshannon TeamĀ· Val Wynne, HJ Gonigle, Wm. McNulty, Sean Murray, Pat Ward, Seamus Gallagher, Michael McGovern, Dermott McIntyre, J.J. O'Shea, Paddy McCready, Pat Tuohy, Sean McDermott, Paul Nolan, O.R. O'Neill, Frank McKeon.

June 13, 1958 edition
Ballyshannon show improved form.
Ballyshannon 5-8 Sheephaven Harps 1-4.
On the form the great majority of players displayed in the senior league game at the Fr. Tierney park Ballyshannon, will no longer be the chopping block for their remaining games in the competition.
Ballyshannon Team: Noel Bannigan, Paddy Herron, Dinny Bannigan, Liam Briody, Pat Ward, John McKnight, Sean Kane, J. J. 0'Shea., Brian Stephens, Jim Gallagher, Paddy Parkes, H.J. Gonigle, Jackie McDermott, Paddy Tuohy.

July 4, 1958 edition
Ballyshannon juniors win.
Ballyshannon 1-11 Ballintra 0-1.
At the Fr. Tierney Park, Ballyshannon on Sunday Ballyshannon scored a 1-11 to 0-1 win over Ballintra in the first round of the junior football championship.
Ballyshannon Team: N. Bannigan, W. McNulty, Sean Murray, C. Regan, L. Briody, S. Gallagher, S. Murray, P. O'Byrne, Val Wynne, B. Stephens, P. Tuohy, O.R. O'Neill, B. Mc Elhinney, Michael McGovern, Seamus Kane.

July 18, 1958 edition
Ballyshannon in impressive mood.
Ballyshannon 4-5 Donegal Town, 1-3.
At the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon a good attendance of spectators in pleasant weather conditions turned up for the first round senior championship game by the Ballyshannon and Donegal Town sides.
Ballyshannon Team: Paddy Parks, Patsy Herron, John McKnight, John Murphy, Liam Briody, Sean Kane, Michael McGowan, Dermott McIntyre, Owen Roe O'Neill, .Sean Drummond, Jim Gallagher, Paddy Tuohy, Pat O'Byrne, Jackie McDermott, Sean Murray.

July 18th, 1958 edition
Ballyshannon were successful in their first round of the senior championship at the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon on Sunday.
Ballyshannon 4-5, Donegal Town 1-3.
The game.
The game opened with Ballyshannon moving into the attack per Jim Gallagher, Jackie McDermott, Paddy Tuohy, but an upright saved the situation for Donegal from the kick out Patsy Brogan sent to Harry Stewart who soloed through but shot wide. Following the kick out Michael Cooney collected a centre to open the scoring for Donegal with a point in the 5th minute. McKnight fielded everything that came his way and McIntyre sent Ballyshannon attacking per Gallagher and McDermott whose shot hit an upright before being deflected for a 50 which was taken by McIntyre and sent by O'Neill to O'Byrne, but Brogan cleared and Drummond coming in, was fouled in a home attack near the end line. The free by Gallagher was cleared and subsequently a similar free by O'Neill on the other wing was cleared by Flood. Tuohy came back with the ball and Gallagher's cross was just too high for Sean Murray to finish for a score. Donegal cut through again and a 50 by Brogan went well into home territory but McKnight cleared before John Reilly gathered the ball and drove it forward to Liam Cox who pointed. Kelly shot wide and when Jim Gallagher was fouled, the free by O'Neill opened a move between Drummond and Gallagher, but Drummond finished wide. McKnight cleared from Flood at the other end, and a sideline free by Jack McMullin proved abortive but Donegal came through per Cox and Kelly and the home cul baire, Paddy Parks, saved from Flood at the expense of a 50 which was taken by Flood and Coxe's shot was cleared but a 14 yards free was awarded and from it, Flood pointed in the 22nd minute.
Donegal was poised for attack again, but McGovern reached high and, drove, the ball, goal-wards where McDermott tried to collect, before, Gallagher rushed into boot through an equalising goal in the 26th minute. Donegal attacked and Patsy Herron made a first time clearance. McKnight cleared a 50 by Brogan and there was no further scoring in this half.
In the second half Danny Bannigan came on for Sean Murray on the Ballyshannon side, and Brian Gallagher replaced Michael Cooney for Donegal.
With the wind advantage Ballyshannon opened on the attack and after three minutes Tuohy's cross was fielded and pointed by O'Neill who gave the homesters, the lead for the first time, with a point. Two 50s proved abortive with John Gallagher, Patsy Brogan and PJ Flood clearing in turn before Jim Gallagher's pass was pointed by McDermott. Flood eased the siege and sent to Jack McMullen who was fouled. McGovern fielded the free and with a long clearance found Gallagher who distributed to Drummond, for another home point in the 8th minute. Donegal were on the defensive mainly, and following a 50 by Gallagher, Tuohy's range shot rebounded off an upright but subsequently O'Neill was fouled and Jim Gallagher pointed the free in the 14th minute.
Brogan and Flood now came into the picture forcing play to the home end. Paddy Kelly sent to McMullen who was fouled and the free by Flood went wide. A Brogan pass went to Flood as Donegal came through again but McMullen shot wide. Ballyshannon forced a 50 at the other end without result and the clearance by Brogan went to Flood who centred and Brian Gallagher lashed the ball through for a goal in the 20th minute to leave only a point in it again. Reilly sent to McMullen in another Donegal attack but McKnight cleared and a subsequent free to Donegal by Brogan proved abortive.
Then from Murphy's long clearance McDermott fielded and sent to Drummond who pointed for the homesters. Tuohy shot wide in another Ballyshannon attack, and a free by McGovern was fielded by Mc Dermott who lashed the ball through for a goal. McIntyre shot wide from play, but subsequently Gallagher's centre was fielded by Bannigan and McDermott passed to Tuohy who shot hard to record another goal for the homesters. McGovern lashed the ball in again and Gallagher centred to McDermott who flicked it from the heights to crash through another goal shortly before fulltime.
Referee: Dick Everitt.
Ballyshannon Team: Paddy Parks, Patsy Herron, John McKnight, John Murphy, Liam Brady, Sean Kane, Michael McGovern, Dermot McIntyre, Owen Roe O'Neill, Sean Drummond, Jim Gallagher, Paddy Tuohy, Pat O'Byrne, Jackie McDermott, Sean Murray.
Donegal Team: Michael Travers, John Gallagher, Joe Kelly, Willie Espy, John Haughey, Patsy Brogan, Frank Kenny, John Reilly, P.J. Flood, Paddy Kelly, Jack McMullen, Harry Stewart, Michael Cooney, Liam Cot, Dom Breslin.

July 25, 1958 edition
Donegal defeat Holders.
Donegal 2-10 Ballyshannon 1-4.
A large following of home supporters were thrilled by the performance given by the Four Masters team Donegal Town at Tirconaill Park on Sunday in deflating the holders Ballyshannon 2-10 to 1-4 in what was regarded as the Divisional senior final
Ballyshannon Team: Paddy Parks, Patsy Herron, John McKnight, John Murphy, Liam Briody, Sean Kane, Ml. McGovern, Dermott McIntyre, Owen Roe O'Neill, Pat O'Byrne, Jim Gallagher, Paddy Tuohy, Sean Drummond, Jackie McDermott, Danny Bannigan.

July 25th, 1958 edition
Dungloe through to county semi-final.
Donegal 2-10 Ballyshannon 1-4.
A large following of home supporters were thrilled by the performance given by the Four Masters team Donegal Town at Tirconaill Park on Sunday in defeating the holders, Ballyshannon 2-10 to 1-4 in what was regarded as the divisional semi-final.
The Game
End to End exchanges were a feature of the opening minutes of the game Joe Kelly centred for Donegal but John Murphy cleared and a fee out eased the situation for the holders with seven minutes gone, Donegal's first goal came in easy fashion. Kelly sent in a centre which should have been cleared but the Erneside defence fumbled before Harry Stewart rushed in to finish to the net. Following the kick-out a long free by Patsy Herron was fielded by Danny Bannigan who pointed for Ballyshannon. A minute later Sean Drummond shot wide and then, at the other end a 14 yards free by Liam Cox was cleared by John McKnight. O'Neill opened up a good Ballyshannon, move with, Jim Gallagher and Sean Drummond whose shot was saved by Patsy Brogan. John Reilly drove the ball towards the Ballyshannon end and when a free by P.J. Flood resulted in the ball rebounding off an upright, Joe Cassidy was, there to send over a point in the 17th minute. Eight minutes later Donegal's second goal came in surprise manner. Donegal had been awarded a 14 yards free which, was taken by Liam Cox, who shot the ball to Brian Gallagher who drove it low to the net through the Ballyshannon defence. Following a free by Paddy Kelly, Jack McMullen pointed for Donegal in the 28th minute, Cox who was having a fine game sent the ball out to Harry Stewart, who scored the best point of the game from an acute angle. Ballyshannon attacked but the home cul baire, Ml. Travers saved twice and a 50 to Ballyshannon taken by McKnight was cleared by P. Kelly off a 30 yards free. O.R. O'Neill pointed for Ballyshannon before the half-time whistle when the scores stood, Donegal 2-3 Ballyshannon 0-2.
Ballyshannon switched John McKnight from full back to centre-half in, the second half with Danny Bannigan taking over at full back, where he played well. The game opened with a move between Jackie Mc Dermott, Pat Tuohy and Sean Drummond who shot wide. Then Travers, saved from Jim Gallagher at the expense of a 50 which was taken by O'Neill and when Jim Gallagher was fouled, O'Neill pointed. Following a further free by O'Neill, Pat O'Byrne sent to P. Tuohy. From Cox, Stewart received as Donegal attacked but his good attempt to score was just of the mark. A free to Donegal by John Reilly saw McMullen send the ball to Cox who had another minor, and following a side-line free by Paddy Kelly, Donegal were another point ahead per Joe Kelly. The Ballyshannon half-back-line was completely out of position and with the Donegal, attack, having all the time in, the world to take their chances Joe Kelly notched another well-taken point. Ballyshannon recovered and from a 30 yards free O'Neill sent a point in the 14 minute. Following and abortive 50 to Donegal the best move of the match saw Ballyshannon through for a goal by Jackie McDermott, the ball passing from Jim Gallagher and Paddy Tuohy to make the opening. At the other end Cox shot wide, and a 25 yards free to Donegal by Paddy Kelly was also abortive. A lob by Harry Stewart was allowed to hop over the bar and Donegal had another point off a 25 yards free by P.J. Flood.
Soon as Cox had another, point off 25 yards. Then Ballyshannon made a great rally but three great saves by Travers and Brogan denied them scores and near the end of the game a lob by John Reilly hit an upright and curled over for Donegal' s last point. leaving them clear winners by 2-10 to 1-4.
Referee: Tommy Boyle Ardara.
Donegal Team: Ml. Travers, John Gallagher, Patsy Brogan, Wm Espey, Paddy Kelly, P.J. Flood, Frank Kenny, Jack McMullen, John Reilly, Joe Cassidy, Joe Kelly, Harry Stewart, Liam Cox, Brian Gallagher, Dom Breslin.
Ballyshannon Team: Paddy Parks, Patsy Herron, John McKnight John Murphy, Liam Briody, Sean Kane, Ml McGovern, Dermot McIntyre, Owen Roe O'Neill, Pat O'Byrne, Jim Gallagher, Paddy Tuohy, Sean Drummond.

August 8, 1958 edition
Fit Donegal topple Ballyshannon. Donegal 2-9 Ballyshannon 2-3.
A fit and eager Donegal town team that included three minors had a convincing 2-9 to 2-3 victory over Ballyshannon at the Gaelic Park Bundoran on Sunday in the senior football championship Divisional final play-off.
Ballyshannon Team: Sean McDermott, Sean Kane, Danny Bannigan, John Murphy, Patsy Herron, Jackie Mc Dermott, Liam Briody, Dermott McIntyre, J.J. O'Shea, Michael Regan, Pat O'Byrne, Paddy Ward, Sean Drummond, Michael McGovern, O.R. O'Neill.

August 8th, 1958 edition
Fit Donegal-Topple Ballyshannon. Donegal 2-9 Ballyshannon 2-3.
A fit and eager Donegal Town team that included three minors had a convincing 2-9 to 2-3 victory over Ballyshannon at the Gaelic Park Bundoran on Sunday in the Senior Football Championship.
Ballyshannon opened the attack per Michael McGovern but Mick Regan shot wide. Play veered from end to end and in the 8th minute, Donegal were awarded a 21 yards free which John Reilly pointed. Shortly after Gallagher and John McKnight joined the Ba1lyshannon side Paddy Kelly pointed 30 yards free for Donegal in the 14th minute. Jackie McDermott sent to Jim Gallagher in a Ballyshannon attack and when he was fouled the 45 yards free by Owen Roe O'Neill what wide. At the other end Paddy Kelly pointed a 14 yards free for Donegal forced a 50 which was taken by Flood and fielded by John Reilly who was fouled. Paddy Kelly took the free, sending the ball to Harry Stewart, who drove it low through the Ballyshannon defence for a goal in the 24th minute. McKnight, Gallagher and McDermott sent the ball to the Donegal end, where Sean Drummond goaled in the 26th minute. A minute later, a drive by McKnight rebounded off the cross-bar and Jackie McDermott fielded to send over an over-head point. Before the second half McDermott was fouled and O.R. O'Neill pointed the 14 yards to equalise at 1-3 each The second half was only three minutes old when John McKnight from about 60 yards out pointed. It was a perfectly placed centre which went all the way to the net with O'Neill coming in Ballyshannon supporters thought this looked good, but two minutes later, the scores were level again when Jack McMullen centred, and lob by Joe Cassidy went through for a goal in exactly the same circumstances, as at the other end.
A minute later, P.J. Flood pointed a 40 yards free for Donegal and when Brian Gallagher sent in a high shot, the ball was allowed to hop before Liam Cox, fastened on it to drive over another point. A 50 by Flood went to John Reilly who drove another point over ' in the 13th minute. Sean McDermott, the Ballyshannon cul baire brought off one of his many good saves as Donegal pressed again. Ballyshannon forced two 50s without result before Flood, off a 45 yards free, Paddy Kelly had another minor for Donegal, and near the end, Harry Stewart scored another.
Referee: David Brennan (Glenties).
Donegal Team; Michael Travers, John Gallagher, Patsy Brogan, Wm Espey, Paddy Kelly, P. J. Flood, Frank Keeney, Jack McMullin, John Reilly, Harry Stewart, Joe Kelly, Dom Breslin, Liam Cox, Brian Gallagher, Joe Cassidy.
Ballyshannon team: Seam McDermott, Sean Kane, Danny Bannigan, John Murphy, Patsy Herron, Jackie McDermott, Liam Briody Dermot McIntyre, J.J. O'Shea, Michael Regan, Pat O'Byrne, Paddy Ward, Sean Drummond, Michael McGovern, O.R. O'Neill.

August 15, 1958 edition
Thrilling finish at Ballintra
Saint Naul's 4-4 Ballyshannon 2-8.
At the South Donegal juvenile final at Ballintra ended on a high note of excitement with Saint Naul's holding out to beat Ballyshannon 4-4 to 2-8 after holding an interval lead of 3-1 to 0-3.
Ballyshannon Team: Ml Gallagher, G. McCauley, P. McGarrigle, J. Grimes, J. Rooney, V. Wynne, J. Gillespie, s. McDermott, R. Cullen, E. McElhinney, P. Nolan, C. Keon, P.J. Ferguson, F. Donagher, S. Darcy.

September 19, 1958 edition
Donegal win Lagan cup points.
Fermanagh 0-8 Donegal 3-6
Leading by 11 points at half-time 3-4 to 0-2 Donegal were as good as home and dry in their Lagan cup game against Fermanagh at Saint Molaise Park, Irvinestown on Sunday, but in the closing stages of the match they had cause to be thankful for having chalked up such a convincing lead when Fermanagh turned a steam to bring the scores within seven points of the visitors total 0-8 to 3-6.
Jim Gallagher and Jackie McDermott played.

October 10, 1958 edition
Donegal through to Lagan cup final.
Tyrone mastered at Ballybofey
Donegal 2-6 Tyrone 0-6.
Before an attendance of four thousand people at the Sean McCumhaill memorial Park Ballybofey on Sunday Donegal scored a merited 2-6 to 0-6 win over the holders Tyrone in the semi-final of the Dr. Lagan Cup competition qualifying to meet Derry Down or Armagh in the final.
Jim Gallagher played.

October 31, 1958 edition
Donegal trounce Ballyshannon.
Donegal 4-7 Ballyshannon 1-1.
Although scores were level at half time when Ballyshannon turned over to take the breeze advantage in the second half Donegal Town, at Tirconaill Park, Donegal on Sunday defeated the Ernesiders 4-7 to 1-1 in this Democrat Cup game.
Ballyshannon Team: Noel Bannigan, G. O'Donnell, Danny Bannigan, John Murphy, Liam Briody, Jackie McDermott, Michael McGovern, Dermot McIntyre, Paddy Tuohy, Sean McDermott, J. Long, Frank McKeon.

November 7, 1958 edition
Ballyshannon's sparkling performance
Ballyshannon 2-5 MacCumhaill's 1-3.
Near the end of season in which they had little to enthuse about Ballyshannon phoenix-like emerged in a half of brilliance to defeat MacCumhaill's 2-5 to 1-3 in their second round "Democrat" Cup game at the Fr. Tierney Perk, Ballyshannon on Sunday.
Ballyshannon Team: Noel Bannigan, Patsy Herron, Danny Bannigan, John Murphy, Dermott McIntyre, Jackie McDermott, Liam Briody, Jim Gallagher, John McKnight, Pat O'Byrne, John Long, Pat Tuohy, Peter McElhinney, Owen Roe O'Neill, Michael McGovern.

November 21, 1958 edition
Still on the winning trail
Donegal beat Armagh in quiet game.
Donegal 2-11 Armagh 1-3.
At the Fr. Tierney Park Ballyshannon on Sunday Donegal had eleven points to spare in their 2-11 to 1-3 win over Armagh in the final challenge in reparation for their Lagan Cup final bid against Derry on Sunday week.
Jim Gallagher and Jackie McDermott played.

November 28, 1958 edition
Exciting minor hurling final.
Ballyshannon 5-0 Burt 4-3.
The Donegal minor hurling championship final at the Sean MacCumhaill Park Ballybofey on Sunday between Ballyshannon and Burt ended in a welter of excitement with the scores level at 5-0 for Ballyshannon for and 4-3 for Burt.
Ballyshannon Team: Denis Kerrigan, Jim O'Byrne, John Martin, Val Wynne, Padraig McGarrigle, Peter Sweeney, Peter Quinn, Robbie Cullen, Owen Roe O'Neill, J.P. McGettigan, Dessie Gallagher, Charlie Keon, Eugene Martin, Bernard Brady, Charlie Timoney.

December 12, 1958 edition
The end of the Trail for Donegal.
Penalty goal spurred Derry to victory. Derry 1-11 Donegal 1-4.
Before an attendance of 11,000 at O'Neill Park Dungannon on Sunday Derry made history in equalling Tyrone's record of winning the championship Dr. McKenna Cup and Dr. Lagan Cup in on the one season, with a 1-11 to 1-4 win against a Donegal side, that seldom reached the heights of brilliance that carried them to this Dr. Lagan Cup final.
Jackie Mc Dermott and Jim Gallagher played.