The date, 8th October, 1988 will go down in annuls of history for the Cobras - many years before the players in the youth side that coined the clubs nickname were even born! Copany, playing their first home game in their history against Drumoghill were defeated 5-2 on the day.

On that scoresheet in front of a carnival crowd of some 400 spectators that day was Roy Harron - father of current first team winger Glen - and Roys brother, a certain Graham Harron.

Many years have passed from that day, and Graham, who had a spell playing under David Duncan (father of current first teamers Daryl and Dale) at Inver Athletic, as well as a spell at Drumbar sandwiched between a return to Copany, returned to his local club for a third time last year where last time out he played in 11 games as the Cobras intitially struggled, but gathered momentum and consistency for the final two-thirds of the campaign.

Firmly hoping to force his way back into the reckoning when his injury clears up, Graham - impressed by Copanys performances in the Sportsman Cup - believes getting of to a good start against Ballybofey is crucial "We can't afford to lose that game. Win or a draw will be alright but a defeat would be a disaster" said Graham, firmly believing getting the league momentum up and running as early as possible in the campaign to be crucial.

Although he has hit his 47th birthday, Graham is not one to rest on his laurals, and will firmly be aiming to put pressure for places in the Copany defense. Graham, part of the Copany side that went unbeaten to win the league campaign in 1991/92 has more trophies in his sight, as well as a personal objective he hopes to accomplish before his 50th birthday. Graham is hoping to appear in the same Copany side as his son, the talented youngster David - who will be signing for the club for the season when he turns 16. "It might or might not be this year or next, but nothing would make me as proud as playing in the same team as David". This is certainly not something that anyone involved in the management of the first team would rule out based on experience of how league seasons progress.

Speaking about his own ability, Graham was modest but confident "I never had the skill of a Francie Johnston, but i could stop people playing. That was my strength." Anyone who has watched Graham in action knows that his ability to read a game still means he looks far from out of place playing against people less than half his age, as he turned in a number of excellent displays last campaign.

As Copany approach their 25th year of Donegal League football, how novel a way to celebrate would be than one of the 'Originals' still togging out for the cause.