Few would have imagined that we'd have over 40 individuals cycling 100km from Errigal to Páirc Naomh Ultan. It is doubtful anyone envisioned three expats pedaling 100km for Naomh Ultan all the way over in Western Australia.
From a club perspective it was incredibly difficult to see Sarah, Danny & Jonny head down under in 2017 and 2018. However, we're absolutely thrilled to have them lending their support to the club in this fundraiser all the way from Perth. Let's hope the weather isn't too scorching for them!
Rumour has it they embarked on a training camp in Bali to prepare for the cycle. It's quite amusing how it coincided with Jonny's 30th birthday celebrations!
There isn't much necessity to introduce these three in terms of football, there's a good chance you'll know them if you've followed the club over the previous decade or two. Having all played up through the grades with the club, Danny & Jonny had great successes at underage level, most notably for Danny who was part of the very successful Minor team of 2008 who did the league and championship double.
Sarah showcased her competitive spirit and ability up until U14 level and went on to have great successes with Naomh Náille in their LGFA team, capturing their first championship prior to her moving to Australia. Indeed, her successes in football continued in Australia where she plays with Southern Districts in Perth, winning championships with the side in the years she's been playing with them. In 2019, she was selected to represent the Gaelic Football Association of Australasia at the #RenaultGAAWorldGames back home in Ireland, the team ended up winning the competition with the final taking place in Croke Park. She very much emulated her father, Martin's triumphs that day!
Danny and Jonny both integrated into our senior and reserve sides at a young age and were mainstays of the teams for a number of years. They tasted success together in 2011 being part of the first team to capture a Junior B Championship, Danny had just come back from injury that year and it was Jonny's first season at adult football and his performances saw him win young player of the year. They both played their parts in the successes of 2015, unfortunately Danny was injured towards the business end of that season when they achieved a Junior A Championship and league double. Even though Jonny managed to get the line in the final, they managed to get over the line in it, but to his credit again his performances were rewarded as he achieved joint player of the year for that very successful year!
The place wasn't the same when the three headed down under, but thankfully they haven't been strangers and made visits home. It would have been a bit of a stretch to get them back for the cycle, so we're delighted they're doing their own version of "100 To Home" and helping raise vital funds for our continued developments at Páirc Naomh Ultan!
