Aaron Doran ICTFC Legend

 

This Saturday it's a day to say thankyou to a club legend. Aaron Brian Cogan Doran has given the main chunk of his footballing career to the Caley Jags since joining from Blackburn Rovers having previously been loaned out to Milton Keynes Dons and Leyton Orient. He was initially signed on a six month loan deal by Terry Butcher, making 14 appearances scoring 3 times. His debut was as a substitute for Stuart Duff in a 2-0 defeat by Aberdeen on 26th January 2011. His first goal came against St Mirren in a 3-3 draw some three weeks later on the 12th of February 2011. Here is how we saw it on CTO: the Saints managed to clear the danger temporarily, the ball only came as far as David Proctor, who threw a dangerous looping ball into the box. Adam Rooney seemed to get some sort of touch on it and as the ball bounced beyond Richie Foran, Aaron Doran came steaming in at the back post and fired it into the roof of the net. (This portion of the match report was brought to you by the miracle of BBC highlights: I was in the bog at the time.) His third Caley Jags goal was a belter. A spectacular curling effort from distance against St Johnstone in a televised 3-0 game on 25th April 2011. Pick that one out. He was then signed on a permanent deal at the end of the season and he embarked on a fantastic career at the Caledonian Stadium spanning 13 years until injury cut his time here short and he left under a cloud of controversy created by the Scot Gardiner oligarchy and with a damaged knee to contend with. That was the low point of a tremendous career, littered with goals, assists, flair and a Scottish Cup winners medal round his neck. Who can forget his brilliant precision assist for the opening goal in the final against Falkirk back in 2015. Superb. A great footballing brain in a career blighted by injuries. 

Aaron was painted by talented local artist 👩‍🎨 Sophie Robb, a big Caley Jags fan herself, holding the Scottish Cup aloft in 2015. In total, he made 392 (118 from the bench) appearances for Inverness scoring 57 goals. His last appearance sadly lasted only 19 minutes when he was helped from the pitch with another serious knee injury against Raith Rovers on 19th April 2024, a sad end to his playing career at the Caledonian Stadium, although unknown to us at the time, worse would follow. He is second only to Ross Tokely in appearances. A Scottish Cup winner and a Challenge Cup winner and also played in the Scottish Cup Final in 2023. He was the Supporters Player of the Year in 2023.  When he left Inverness in June 2024 he joined up with Ryan Esson at Strathspey Thistle where he now helps with the coaching and still helps out on the pitch. So much so he managed to score against the Caley Jags in a recent pre-season game. All the best Aaron.

 

Not many can top these stats

Full Name:	Aaron Brian Doran Cogan
Born:	May 13th, 1991 (Charleville, County Cork, Ireland)
Height:	5' 7
Position:	Winger
Signed:	January 25th, 2011
First Manager:	Terry Butcher
Left Club:	June 10th, 2024
Career Stats:	392 appearances, 57 goals
Debut (as sub):	January 26th, 2011 - Inverness CT 0 - 2 Aberdeen (League - )
Full Debut:	February 5th, 2011 - 5 - 1 Morton (Scottish Cup - Rd 5)
First Goal:	February 12th, 2011 - St. Mirren 3 - 3 Inverness CT (League - )

 

Here is Aaron's career strikes against the County. He does like a wee goal against the gudgies.

Some additional information. This game will be a full pre-season friendly for both teams. Aaron will obviously feature at some point in the game but both teams will be fielding strong teams.

We are hoping some ex players may be able to join us a bit later in the bar for a catch up. 

There will be buses running, times will be confirmed but as you have noticed parking will be limited so this could be a good option for many of you.

Match tickets can be bought online at eticketing.co.uk/ictfc

Bar 94 will be open from 11:30 and will reopen at full time, with the usual range of products (and we have held the price of a pint of Dog Falls at £5). We hope to see you there to enjoy what the Testimonial Committee have lined up for the day.

With the circus taking place in the car park, please use the matchday bus if you are able to as parking will be restricted at and around the ground. It leaves the Bus Station at 1145 and 1315, returning from the Stadium 10 minutes after the full time whistle and at 1700.

The fare is £2.70 single (contactless payments or cash accepted), and Over 60 / Disabled and Under 22 Concession passes are valid, giving free travel on the service to passholders.

Stagecoach have advised that all revenue taken on the service on Saturday will be donated to Aaron's Testimonial Fund, so that is another great reason to use the service, as Aaron will be directly benefitting from your journey.

 

From the Official ICTFC SITE

On behalf of the Aaron Doran Testimonial Committee, tickets are now available for Aaron Doran’s testimonial with Ross County.

Aaron Doran Testimonial

ICT v ROSS COUNTY – SATURDAY 5th JULY 2025

Kick off 2:00 pm

Tickets for this match, which is kindly sponsored by Mackellar Engineering Ltd are now on sale. Tickets are priced at £15 and £5 (under 16s only) and can be purchased at Caledonian Stadium or online from eticketing.co.uk/ictfc

Home support will be housed in the Main Stand only for this game purely to reduce the costs for Aaron and the away fans will be accommodated in the South Stand. Should you wish to join Section 94 they will be taking up temporary residence in Lower B of the Main Stand. 

Aaron has served ICT for over 13 years, which is almost unique in modern day football, and it is hoped that supporters will recognise this loyalty and attend the game in numbers.

It has been some time since ICT and Ross County have opposed each other and, with the game being played on the last weekend prior to the season commencing, the club’s will be fielding their strongest teams. Both clubs have been busy signing new players so come along and see them in action.

It is appreciated that as this game is being played at the start of the school holidays some supporters will not be able to attend the match and if they would wish to support the Testimonial they can make a donation either by buying a ticket for the game or via bank transfer to 

Santander: 

Account name: Aaron Doran Testimonial

Sort Code 09-01-29

Account no 34452181

 

View full article

 

36 minutes ago, CaleyCiuin said:

over priced bar 94

What’s your issue with the bar? Prices have been frozen at last season’s prices with a pint £5 which is a lot less than you will pay for the same beer elsewhere in the area. 

9 hours ago, Robert said:

What’s your issue with the bar? Prices have been frozen at last season’s prices with a pint £5 which is a lot less than you will pay for the same beer elsewhere in the area. 

As I posted, it’s overpriced. I had my two kids with me. It’s not just the beer, it’s all products. My opinion, my comment.

1 hour ago, CaleyCiuin said:

As I posted, it’s overpriced. I had my two kids with me. It’s not just the beer, it’s all products. My opinion, my comment.

That is a shame you have come away from Bar94 with the opinion that it's overpriced.

As Robert said, like for like, it's substantially cheaper than bars in the town. Not just the beer.  This has been achieved by it being run exclusively by volunteers.

But that's just life, you can't please everybody. 

 

I get where CaleyCiuin is coming from and just because prices are comparable or even cheaper than elsewhere does not mean they are not overpriced.

I personally think £5 for a pint is overpriced especially when I can get 15 cans of Tennents for £10 from the Supermarket.  That's not a criticism of Bar94 or pubs who charge more.  There's lots of overheads, better quality offerings and a need to make money.

For me a pint in a pub is a luxury and I don't feel entitled to a cheap price.  If I want that I'll get cheaper drink from a cheaper source like the supermarket.

I'll still buy a pint in Bar94 when I can and it's as much in support of the club as it is a refreshment.  It's not grudged and those who volunteer their time to help ensure maximum return are appreciated.

County were in the top tier last season and other than the 2 goals there wasn't that much in it. We're missing a reliable confident striker and that was the difference. Maybe Oho will slot in if he's done enough to impress Kel but watching at Nairn and yesterday I can't say he impressed me.

3 hours ago, highlandexile said:

That is a shame you have come away from Bar94 with the opinion that it's overpriced.

As Robert said, like for like, it's substantially cheaper than bars in the town. Not just the beer.  This has been achieved by it being run exclusively by volunteers.

But that's just life, you can't please everybody. 

 

It’s not a pub in town though, is it? It’s a supporters bar at the stadium. It’s great the volunteers provide the service, but unlike pubs in town, bar 94 has no overheads ( staff costs, lease, lighting, electricity, rates etc)….. so still expensive in my eyes given what it is. My opinion, which won’t change just because others are happy to pay ( or have the funds to pay), the prices at bar 94.

2 hours ago, PullMyFinger said:

County were in the top tier last season and other than the 2 goals there wasn't that much in it. We're missing a reliable confident striker and that was the difference. Maybe Oho will slot in if he's done enough to impress Kel but watching at Nairn and yesterday I can't say he impressed me.

Ojo wasn’t playing yesterday. 

Anyone know who the 2 trialists were yesterday?

And any word on official attendance 

On 6/19/2025 at 12:16 PM, STFU said:

Any hospitality options?

 

33 minutes ago, CaleyCiuin said:

It’s not a pub in town though, is it? It’s a supporters bar at the stadium. It’s great the volunteers provide the service, but unlike pubs in town, bar 94 has no overheads ( staff costs, lease, lighting, electricity, rates etc)….. so still expensive in my eyes given what it is. My opinion, which won’t change just because others are happy to pay ( or have the funds to pay), the prices at bar 94.

Ok I am confused as to how you think it runs without electricity and rates etc. The Supporters Trust run the bar with volunteers and it has been a huge success. It has provided much needed cashflow over last season in administration. I am not sure there are many places where you will get a pint for less than £5

16 minutes ago, L_G said:

 

Ok I am confused as to how you think it runs without electricity and rates etc. The Supporters Trust run the bar with volunteers and it has been a huge success. It has provided much needed cashflow over last season in administration. I am not sure there are many places where you will get a pint for less than £5

As in the Trust don’t pay for those things…… the Club does !!!!!  I agree it’s much improved and the Trust have definitely benefited from the profit. The kiosks are run by the Club and any profit from that goes to the Club. Not the same thing !

I take it back. It appears I haven't a clue where CaleyCiuin is coming from.

1 hour ago, CaleyCiuin said:

As in the Trust don’t pay for those things…… the Club does !!!!!  I agree it’s much improved and the Trust have definitely benefited from the profit. The kiosks are run by the Club and any profit from that goes to the Club. Not the same thing !

Costs may be reduced due to volunteers. However, the club (or someone) still have to pay for the heat, light and other stuff as well as the actual stock to sell ... if they don't then eventually, they may go into administration after running out of money! 

Comparing a keg of beer and the cost for that to a can of beer in the supermarket is also a bit apples and oranges. Different metrics and cost structures. I do agree however that pub prices compared to supermarket prices have a large difference that is hard for us as consumer to get our heads around.

As another example ... I cringe and actively do not buy beer when I go to Toronto games ... at $23 (£12.40) for a Stella or other 'premium' beer it is well and truly over-priced, warm and unenjoyable. Instead, my friends and I will either go to a pub nearby before the game (and after) to get 'normal' priced beer, which it has to be said is still well over a fiver a pint, or, if I am driving, I simply go to/from the game and grab a can at home once I get back which I have bought in the shop for about $3 (£1.60). They sell popcorn at TFC as well and I try not to buy my son those either ... $12 (£6.50) for a small bag that i could pop in the microwave for 59c (31p) is the definition of stadium rip-offs!  

If Bar94 is selling beer at the same or less cost than local bars then that's a win as far as I am concerned. Not only do you get it below the market rate but any profit the club derive due to lower staffing costs provided by the volunteers goes back into getting the club back on it's feet. 

21 minutes ago, Scotty said:

actively do not buy beer when I go to Toronto games ... at $23 (£12.40) for a Stella or other 'premium' beer it is well and truly over-priced, warm and unenjoyable

Literally liquid gold🍺. Temperance application in the post! 
bc

Edited Sunday at 03:11 PM2 days by big cherly

Just to clarify, the Supporters Trust offered to take on the running of the bar early last season, following a period when the those previously in charge of the club had run it down to the extent that very few fans used it and there were even thoughts of closing it completely.

We rebranded it as Bar 94, improved the appearance, enlisted volunteers to staff it, extended the opening hours, introduced new products (particularly draught beers supplied by Dog Falls) and worked with Stagecoach to introduce additional matchday journeys timed to allow fans to spend time in the bar.

However, the club pays for all the stock that is sold, and all revenue taken in Bar 94 is retained by the club, who also incur all the overhead costs, rates etc for the area, despite only being able to take income on 20-25 days each year.

We have tried to keep prices affordable, but fully appreciate that football can be an expensive pastime, but we do need to ensure that the club profits from the prices charged.

The Supporters Trust is not involved in the running of the servery that is in the bar area (or any of the other serveries around the ground), although we are very conscious that the queues to get served can be very long, particularly at half time. We have fed this back to the club, and know that the serveries are one of a large number of issues that the club has thoughts about.

Where we run activities in the bar, such as raffles or football cards (and this season we have a new time of the first goal competition), the proceeds are retained by the Supporters Trust, and we look to use any income we have to improve the matchday experience (obviously the revenue from such events yesterday was going to Aaron's Testimonial Fund).

As bar users are aware, we have carried out a lot of improvements, some purely from the work of our volunteers, but others that came with quite substantial costs, particularly the new ladies toilets, replacing those that were removed at Covid.

We have seen usage grow substantially, which we and the club are very grateful for, as the bar users are helping the club to generate much needed income.

We have only been able to achieve this through the work of our volunteers, to whom we extend our sincere thanks.

Thank you also to everyone who has used Bar 94 since we reopened it last Autumn, and you can keep up to date on bar and bus times in the dedicated thread here:

 

 

 

Edited Sunday at 03:23 PM2 days by ICT Supporters Trust

1 hour ago, CaleyCiuin said:

As in the Trust don’t pay for those things…… the Club does !!!!!  I agree it’s much improved and the Trust have definitely benefited from the profit. The kiosks are run by the Club and any profit from that goes to the Club. Not the same thing !

Just to clarify that the trust do not retain any profit from the bar. The takings go directly to the club. So just enjoy your pint knowing you are helping the club with each one. 

I am a single parent with 2 kids that works for the NHS. If my kids didn’t attend some of the community football events ( big thanks to them), I would have no interest in going , but my kids love the football. I however find a home matchday not very entertaining and quite expensive. I do appreciate things have improved with Trust volunteers etc, but to claim they gain nothing from this is not case nor believable. After giving the voting rights away ( the deal would have happened regardless), they now seem to take a view that fans will pay over the odds for an average matchday experience. I appreciate also I may be in the minority that thinks this but others may have more money than me. You are not doing as good a job as you think you are, please take this as my last comment on this matter and if you dare……. Listen to some match day feedback and comments more often ! 

28 minutes ago, CaleyCiuin said:

I am a single parent with 2 kids that works for the NHS. If my kids didn’t attend some of the community football events ( big thanks to them), I would have no interest in going , but my kids love the football. I however find a home matchday not very entertaining and quite expensive. I do appreciate things have improved with Trust volunteers etc, but to claim they gain nothing from this is not case nor believable. After giving the voting rights away ( the deal would have happened regardless), they now seem to take a view that fans will pay over the odds for an average matchday experience. I appreciate also I may be in the minority that thinks this but others may have more money than me. You are not doing as good a job as you think you are, please take this as my last comment on this matter and if you dare……. Listen to some match day feedback and comments more often ! 

I'm not sure this is the correct thread for this. This one is about Aaron Doran and his testimonial.

There are many things that can still be improved in the matchday experience, no one is daft or arrogant enough to think otherwise. I'm also sure both the Trust and Club would welcome constructive thoughts on where they can do better.

However, it's also pretty clear that you're not listening to the posts of other contributors to this thread.

6 minutes ago, Hiro said:

I'm not sure this is the correct thread for this. This one is about Aaron Doran and his testimonial.

There are many things that can still be improved in the matchday experience, no one is daft or arrogant enough to think otherwise. I'm also sure both the Trust and Club would welcome constructive thoughts on where they can do better.

However, it's also pretty clear that you're not listening to the posts of other contributors to this thread.

Likewise!

Just out of interest, I Googled what the price of a pint is at the bar at Ross County.  The AI generated summary is as follows!

 

"While the exact, up-to-the-minute bar prices at Ross County FC's stadium, Victoria Park, aren't readily available online, it's possible to find some general information. For example, one recent testimonial event mentioned that a pint of Dog Falls beer was priced at £5 according to CaleyThistleOnline, and Bar 94 would be open with the "usual range of products". The MacLean Suite is also mentioned as a hospitality option with access to a bar." 

 

 

2 hours ago, CaleyCiuin said:

Likewise!

Correct, How dare he complain’ 

bc

4 hours ago, CaleyCiuin said:

I am a single parent with 2 kids that works for the NHS. If my kids didn’t attend some of the community football events ( big thanks to them), I would have no interest in going , but my kids love the football. I however find a home matchday not very entertaining and quite expensive. I do appreciate things have improved with Trust volunteers etc, but to claim they gain nothing from this is not case nor believable. After giving the voting rights away ( the deal would have happened regardless), they now seem to take a view that fans will pay over the odds for an average matchday experience. I appreciate also I may be in the minority that thinks this but others may have more money than me. You are not doing as good a job as you think you are, please take this as my last comment on this matter and if you dare……. Listen to some match day feedback and comments more often ! 

Thing is, at least from what the supporters trust are providing you're not paying over the odds by any comparable metric. 

If you can't afford a pint then that's a shame but that doesn't mean that it's overpriced. 

I don't understand what your employer has to do with it 🤷‍♂️

6 hours ago, Hiro said:

I'm not sure this is the correct thread for this. This one is about Aaron Doran and his testimonial.

👆

Correct. 

Lets get this back to the testimonial. If there is a need to discuss Bar94 it can have its own thread. We can split the existing comments about this to a new Bar94 - Pricing/Experience thread if needed 

 

7 hours ago, Scotty said:

👆

Correct. 

Lets get this back to the testimonial. If there is a need to discuss Bar94 it can have its own thread. We can split the existing comments about this to a new Bar94 - Pricing/Experience thread if needed 

 

Ok, I will set the ball rolling again…….

think kellacher needs some lubricant, lots of squeaking as he sways side to side.

Edited Monday at 06:19 AM1 day by bishbashbosh

8 hours ago, Scotty said:

👆

Correct. 

Lets get this back to the testimonial. If there is a need to discuss Bar94 it can have its own thread. We can split the existing comments about this to a new Bar94 - Pricing/Experience thread if needed 

 

Thanks Scotty and apologies that we helped to take the thread off topic.

If anyone has comments or suggestions about Bar 94 feel free to use the Bar 94 and Matchday Bus Service Information thread, or contact us at [email protected].

 

A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the fundraising activities for Aaron in Bar 94 before and after the game on Saturday.

The raffle for a signed Ryan Christie Bournemouth top attracted an incredible number of entries, and the winning ticket holder was in the bar after full time to receive the top.

We did not expect bids for the signed Testimonial strip to reach £300, that was just incredible!

Thank you also to those who bought entries in the football cards or in the time of the first goal competition.

It was good to hear from Aaron in the bar after the game, and to hear the tributes paid to him by Danny Devine and Ryan Esson, and a lot of selfies were taken too.

Stagecoach are donating the revenue from the matchday bus to Aaron's Testimonial Fund, and to those who used the service in total you contributed to a donation of around £220. Aaron took time to speak to the regular matchday bus driver and season ticket holder Neil before the last journey departed.

It was great to see such a large crowd paying a fitting tribute to Aaron at the match itself and thank you again to everyone who participated in the activities in Bar 94.