LAST Thursday evening at a presentation evening Mr Joe McGrath was installed as Ardglass GAC’s new president.
The celebration evening was held at the Ardtole clubrooms when past and present members gathered to celebrate the commitment and dedication to Gaelic games of several stalwart members of Ardglass GAC.
The presentations were made by 1961 All-Ireland-winning captain Paddy Doherty. The night began with the national anthem being sung beautifully by 16-year-old Cathy Curran.
Club chairman Paul O’Shea recounted how over the past century several clubs had been established within the parish of Dunsford and Ardglass. The club in its present format was established in 1971 and was the longest running club in the history of the parish and the only one to own its own ground.
This was in no short measure due to Joe McGrath and the other founding members. The chairman stated that Joe’s work wasn’t always appreciated by himself and others when they were young and coming through the ranks. However, that could never be the case again as he was installed as club president.
In his first speech as president, Joe thanked everyone for the great memories and praised the current committee for their hard work and commitment.
He noted how in 1971 the club could be run for £30 a year, which was not the case now. He wished the club all the best in the future and hoped that the people of the parish would show enough support to help the club continue to grow.
Seamus Gracey, who was installed as the vice-president, has been a life-long Gael and supporter of Ardglass GAC, with an encyclopaedic memory of GAA activities in the parish over the last 60 years or more. Seamus stated he was humbled to received such a distinguished award.
The club also inducted several honorary life members into the club. These people were recognised for the service to the club over the years, both in the old Dunsford club and the current Ardglass GAC.
Moira O’Connor is the current longest serving committee member and the first female honorary member. Tony O’Shea, was also rewarded not only for his exploits on the field of play in the 60s and 70s, but also for his continued weekly dedication in his lotto tickets sales.
Jim Milligan, the 1968 All Ireland-winning midfielder, was also honoured, Jim stated he was honoured and humbled to receive his award, as all he did was turn up with his boots and do what he enjoyed doing, playing football.
However, Paddy Doherty stated that Jim had done that so well he deserved to be honoured, as his performance in 68 was often overlooked. Paddy believed Jim was the stand-out midfielder on display that day.
Other recipients included John Gilchrist, Noel Gilchrist, Comgall Milligan, Cllr Dermot Curran, Jack Fitzsimmons, and Oliver Magee. Three other surviving founding members and current honorary members, Pat Irvine, Joe Ross and Jimmy Starkey, also received presentations on the night.
The night concluded with a question-and-answer session with vice-chairman Mickey Curran quizzing Paddy Doherty on the ups and downs of his career. Paddy recounted tales of exploits playing for Ballykinlar, Down, Ulster, Ireland and Lincoln City.
The club wishes to thank Paddy Doherty for his time and his humour, also Kieran Shields for his hard work in preparing the clubrooms, and the ladies for a wonderful spread of food.