Belcruit native Anthony Doherty has been a regular fixture at Keadue games home and away for as long as anyone can remember. A fanatical fan as well as being on the ground staff at Central Park,"Dutch", as he is commonly known, has witnessed many changes down through the years as well as keeping the home playing surface in tip-top condition. The Keadue website caught up with him before a recent home game,and quizzed him on his memories over the years.
1st Keadue game?:"I remember it well, it was a friendly game at home to Glenea United in 1972,we lost 3-2 and making his debut that day for Keadue was a young Packie Gallagher."
Best Keadue Team?:"Easy, the team of the 1980 season under the leadership of Brian McGonagle.They famously defeated a strong Finn Harps Reserves side in a cup final played at Leckview Park Letterkenny 1-0 in a match which i personally thought they would never win, that team was youthful, but had skill courage, and most of all determination to succeed."
Favourite win?:"A cup final between the winners of the Donegal League (Keadue) and the Inishowen League (Cockhill Celtic) in 1989. Keadue who just about managed to field 11 players on the day won 4-3 away from home. Cockhill would have been favourites to win but Keadue played magnificently on the day and won the cup which was highly prestigious at the time."
All time Keadue Manager?:"Has to be Manus McCole, not only was he the longest serving and most successful but he was the Keadue manager who introduced Packie Bonner to the first team."
Favourite Former player?:"Paddy Rafferty!, a great left back and Sweeper who made many appearances over the years, a great character of the field while giving his all on it."
Best Keadue Goal?:"Eugene Sharkey in that cup final against Finn Harps Reserves, he struck it from fully 30 yards and the ball rattled the underside of the crossbar before cross the line with the keeper beaten all ends up, a memorable goal to win a cup final."
Biggest Rivals?:"Definetly Gweedore Celtic!, when both teams were in the Donegal League in the 80s, the derby game caught the imagination of the whole area and produced some thrilling, not to mention physical encounters!"
Favourite current players?:"Danny Doogan!, scored so many goals for Keadue over the years, one of the few players to score for the club over 3 decades(80s 90s & 00).Never the most reliable to turn up in time for the bus on a Sunday, but when dragged out of bed he never let the side down and is still as sharp as ever today."
Hopes for the season?:"To finish in the top 3, its possible if we can get our strongest side out every weekend, also to win the Knockall cup and to beat Fanad and Letterkenny- again!."
All time Keadue XI?:
Packie Boyle;
Hughie Forker,Pete Duffy,Liam Sweeney;
Danny Boyle,Pat Forker,Neil Andy Bonner,Eugene Sharkey,Brendan Gillespie;
Packie Gallagher,Gerry Ward