Roarty makes Donegal debut - one year on from eligibility row
February 04, 2025
Donegal's Finbarr Roarty with Eanna Ward of Cavan. ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo.
Naomh Conaill has congratulated Finnbarr Roarty on making his Allianz Football League debut for Donegal against Dublin.
The 19-year-old defender, who has been attracting the interest of AFL scouts, lined out alongside club-mates Ciaran Thompson and Odhrán Doherty as the Ulster champions ran out 0-20 to 0-16 winners at Ballybofey. Roarty’s debut came just over a year after he played in a McKenna Cup game against Armagh, despite being only 17. He turned 18 the following day, but the rules state that all senior inter-county players must be that age by the start of the calendar year.
It led to Donegal manager Jim McGuinness being hit with an eight-week suspension which was rescinded by Ulster GAA’s Hearings Committee due to an administrative error by Donegal GAA.
“Tonight was another memorable occasion for our young clubman, Finnbarr Roarty, as he made his league debut for Donegal Seniors in their victory over Dublin at MacCumhaill Park, lining out alongside his club teammates, Ciarán and Odhran!
“Congratulations and well done Finnbarr,” the Glenties club posted on social media.
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