ALL-IRELAND SENIOR football champions Donegal are set to cross codes in an unusual challenge match scheduled for next week.
The Tir Conaill Men, who won their second Sam Maguire back in September, will take on a selection from Airtricity League First Division outfit Finn Harps on November 23 as part of the testimonial for Harps captain Kevin McHugh.
‘The Battle of the Hills’, as the event has been named, will see football played during the first half at Ballybofey before the sides switch to Gaelic football after the break.
Killea man McHugh has scored 161 goals in 334 appearances for the club, having started his career with them before enjoying spells with Derry City and Linfield, then returning in 2010.
“I suppose it’s not a bad time to be playing in my first Gaelic football match – against the All-Ireland champions,” said McHugh.
“The Donegal boys had an unreal year. The joy they brought to the county was something else and you had to admire the level of preparation and professionalism they had.
I’m delighted that the boys from the Donegal team have got in behind this occasion. It should be a great night and it’ll be a bit of craic for sure. Hopefully a big crowd will turn out because it’s a novel event.
“I’m very grateful to Finn Harps FC for granting me a testimonial this year. I have spent my most enjoyable years in football at Harps and had some absolutely wonderful nights playing with the club.
“I’ve played with some fantastic players too over the years. The club have been very generous in giving me a testimonial.”
Donegal captain Michael Murphy added: ”People like to see things like this, out of the norm events that can really take off. With us Gaelic footballers trying to play soccer and the soccer players trying to play Gaelic football, it’ll be quite the novelty,” Murphy said.
“Kevin has been a fantastic servant to Finn Harps down the years and a fantastic servant to soccer in Donegal, too. Whenever you’ve heard about Finn Harps over the last ten years and more, Kevin McHugh’s is always the name you associate with them. You just can’t underestimate what Kevin has been achieving and his record as a goalscorer is phenomenal.
He’s a fantastic sportsman and it’s fitting that we as All-Ireland champions can help him out in his testimonial year.”
Proceeds from the game will be divided between the Donegal Senior Team Training Fund and the Kevin McHugh Testimonial Year.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 16th, while the squad lists will also be finalised in the coming days.
Visit www.finnharps.com for further details.
