Welcome Mr. President

Welcome Mr. President

28 March 2012

IT was a night of nostalgia and celebration when Loughinisland GAC’s new clubhouse was officially opened on Friday evening.

Club chairman Gerry Toman welcomed GAA president Christy Cooney, former GAA president Peter Quinn, South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, county chairman Seamus Walsh, East Down chairman Sean McCashin and East Down secretary Brian Kennedy.

Mr. Cooney made the long journey from Cork to celebrate with this rural club which down the years has played a major part in the development of local sports facilities.

Mr Cooney reflected on the great work done and being done by all rural clubs, which, he said, were the cornerstone of the GAA.

Loughinisland was no exception and he was delighted to share with local people in this great achievement.

He pointed out that the GAA was an amateur origination built on the endeavours of dedicated men and women whose saw the need for sporting and social facilities in their area and gave of their free time and experience to attain the needs of the locals

The evening was compered by Michael Madine, who outlined the 106 years of the existence of the club. Decade by decade Michael related the feats, endeavours and work done by all at the club.

A slide show on a magnificent large screen had photographs and clips of glories past and present which brought back fond memories of the achievements of the club.

Former GAA President Peter Quinn from Fermanagh to joined in the club’s celebrations. He congratulated the club on the great work being done and put emphasis on the development of youth and encouragement to participate in our native games.

Former county chairman Eamon O’Toole recounted how he and Paddy Murray were involved in the purchase of the land for the current Macartan Park.

Michael Madine paid tribute to the late Noel McCarthy, who was a member of the Down team which won the All Ireland JFC witch was the first national title to come to Down.

Hugh McNamara spoke about the great minor side of 1952 which brought the first county title to the club, Two years later that side was the backbone of the team that won the county JFC.

Donal Gordon and Vincent McGlew recounted their days being coached as juveniles and the great enjoyment they got in later years winning leagues and county titles.

Rev Fr. Kieran Whiteford, PP, spoke of the great work done by the club in the community. He blessed the new premises and wished the members all future success.