News

125 Anniversary Celebrations

November 8, 2018

A day to remember was had by all at Parc Naomh Mhuire on Sunday. A great crowd turned out in glorious weather conditions for what was an excellent day’s celebration. The day commenced with a mass for deceased members in St. Marys chapel at 10am. A plaque was unveiled by club chairman Sean Mailey at purgatory wall where the first meeting of St. Marys GAA club took place in 1928 over 80 years ago. Long time member and former county chairman Danny Harkin made a speech giving a brief history of the founding of the club. The 28th Infantry Battalion pipe band then lead the parade of teams to the pitch. Senior ladies goal keeper Gabrielle Gallagher’s safe pair of hands was used to carry the tricolour and the club banner was carried by long time clubs stalwarts John Mc Mullan and Seamus Harkin.  On arrival at the grounds the 125 flag was raised by Gerard Mc Hugh. In memory of some of the founder members a plaque was then unveiled at the club house and Sean the club chairman reiterated the debt that current members owe these fine people.

 

All age groups were catered for at the event with the skills competitions overseen by Conor Mc Dermott, Oliver Prunty, Liam O’Keefe, Liam Mc Conologue, Kevin Lafferty, Emmett Patterson, Seamus Bogle and Laurence Mc Mullan. Chairman Sean Mailey presented prizes to the various winners of the skills competitions. These were:

Penalties:          U 8 Conor Bonner and John Moore

U 10 Shane Moore

U 12 Darren Bonner and Jack Blake

U 14 Niall Bonner

U 16 Raymond Mc Namee

Girls: Aoife Mc Laughlin

Senior ladies: Anne Marie Roache

Senior men: Marty Mc Namee

Puc Fada          U 8 Jordan Gallagher

U 10 Brian Mc Namee

U 12 James Kee

U 14 Niall Bonner

Senior ladies: Gabrielle Gallagher

Senior men: Stephen Friel

Target practice: Conor Rodger and Gavin Mc Laughlin
Aoife Mc Laughlin was captain of the winning ladies team and received the 125 cup and Padraig Porter lifted the Johnny Patton memorial cup as captain of the winning men’s teams.

 

Entertainment was provided on the day by various local musicians and dancers. Conor Rodgers an Irish dancer whose skills are recognised worldwide entertained the crowd in the hall. It was indeed a sight to behold for all as playing members sweated and toiled on the superb surface at Parc Naomh Mhuire whilst the crowd watched on as jigs and reels played by John Bonner and Brid Gallagher resonated from the new PA system installed.

 
Indeed some would suggest that there was more sweat and toil expended off the pitch as the crowd launched into a spontaneous ‘siege of Ennis’ on the clubhouse steps! The youth of the club under the supervision of Eugene Mc Ginley and Austin Quinn displayed their talents on the stage. Many were taken aback by the standard of the performances form all involved. These were Caoimhe Browne, Shannon Doherty, Victoria Kelly, Gabrielle Duffy, Aine Gallagher, Ciara Gallagher, Annie Rose Quinn, Shania Browne Saoirse Bonner, Sarah Allan, Aishling Murray and Aoife Mc Ginley.

 

In line with the directive form the GAA headquarters the club have also buried a time capsule in the club grounds. This capsule contains items of note for the current period and will undoubtedly generate huge interest and debate among St. Marys Gaels in the distant future. Reverend David Griscombe and Fr. Mc Gettigan lead the joint ecumenical service where prayers were said by representatives of the three parishes. Aoife McGinley gave a superb rendition of sang Amhrán na bfein to close the day.

 

Special mention also should be made to the various people who toiled unseen throughout the day in the club kitchen. It is these people who often work behind the scenes that provide the foundation on which any great organisation is built. The committee can take a lot of credit for what was a splendidly organised day. Thanks to everyone who turned out on the day in what was a great showcase for the club and will hopefully result in many new members coming on board.