Dromara’s Gaels celebrate 100 years in glittering style

Dromara’s Gaels celebrate 100 years in glittering style

14 November 2018

DROMARA GAC welcomed a huge crowd to the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch last Saturday night for their centenary gala ball.

Invited guests included Kerry legend Marc O’Sé, DJ Kane, captain of the Down All-Ireland-winning team in 1994, Dearbhle Magee, Down senior camogie player, Ulster secretary Brian McAvoy, Down chairman Sean Rooney, Down Camogie chairwoman Deirdre McGrath and East Down chairman Ger Connery.

Other special guests included Maureen McKay, Dromara GAC honorary member, Hugh O’Hare, a member of Dromara’s 1951 Junior Championship team, John and Gillian Owens, from Dromara Football Club, and Mark Murnin, chairman Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

Patsy Russell was the MC for the evening.

Declan McCann, Dromara GAC chairman, outlined the history of the club and hoped that if its founders came back today and saw the excellent facilities, the fabulous youth coaching structures and the enthusiasm of the members they would be pleased with their initiative in 1918.

Mr McCann said that even though Dromara was probably the smallest club in Down, with only about 70 families in the parish, they continued to strive to be successful.

They were also very proud of the fact that they continue to reach out to all sections of the community and the philosophy is the same today as it was 100 years ago.. “the provision of sport, the creation of friendships and the promotion of community spirit.”

He said huge investment has been made over the last few years in pitch drainage, the creation of viewing areas, car park improvements, tree and hedge planting and spectactor fencing and walk ways and it was hoped everyone would visit, use and enjoy Dromara’s great facilities.

It was highlighted that the club took huge pride in their charity contributions and the two charities supported this year were MYMY, which received £3,658, and NI Hospice, which received £1,500.

There was also a collection on the night for ‘Siobhan McCann’s Fight against her Toughest Opponent.’

MC Patsy Russell held an intriguing question and answer session with all the GAA guests.

The Dromara players’ awards were then given out for the 2018 season and then the formal proceedings finished with an auction.

The night was a terrific success and Dromara GAC finished off their busy centenary year in real style.