Donegal in ticket refund risk

On a day when Sean Dunnion took over as Donegal chairman, Tír Chonaill treasurer Grace Boyle warned that a flurry of clubs seeking refunds on an All-Ireland tickets level could present a “serious situation”.

The Donegal County Board has already corresponded with the 40 clubs informing them that all who “incurred a charge in relation to an All Ireland ticket draw, are to be offered a refund”.

The issue is to be discussed at a county committee meeting next month, with a list to be circulated naming those who took part and those who will seek the refund.

Despite a couple of clubs voicing displeasure yesterday, it is still not expected the treasurer will be inundated after several clubs called for the meeting to move on from the discussion.

“This is a serious situation,” the treasurer warned.

“€100,000 was allocated from the county committee towards the team holiday. If there’s a run on clubs looking for the money back it could place the county in a very serous situation with regard to finances.

“It’s something that needs to be on the agenda for the January meeting. We have asked clubs to contact us by the end of the year to let us know where they stand.

“The county team holiday is on the table and the flights are booked. At the end of the day we’re supporting the county team. Croke Park has allocated €80,000 and we have set aside €100,000 but we may not be able to fund it if clubs seek a refund.”

Sean Dunnion, meanwhile, has become the 42nd Donegal County Board chairman. The 44-year old Four Masters clubman swelled with pride as he spoke to the media having been elected to the position at the annual convention, held in his native Donegal town.

In a three-way race for the chair, Charlie Cannon was eliminated after the first count and in a tight second ballot Dunnion held sway, with just nine votes separating he and Mick McGrath.

Elsewhere, Danny McNamee returns as vice chairman after a long absence; Brendan Kelly takes up office in the Ulster Council delegate position; while Glenfin’s Jim Quinn succeeds Máire Graham as PRO.

Edward Molloy was beaten in the race for PRO meaning his name is absent from the Executive – for the first time since 1992.