Delvin to recall 125 years of GAA

In 1888, footballers from Delvin were involved in the first Gaelic football match ever to take place in Westmeath, just four years after the founding of the GAA proper.So it"s only fitting that this coming weekend, Delvin will be the venue for a number of events to mark 125 years of the GAA.It"s been a remarkable 121 years of games for Delvin. Starting out as one of the earliest centres of football in Westmeath, over the years it became one of the county"s traditional hurling villages. In 2009, it stands as the only club in the county to cater to both disciplines under one banner.The festivities begin in Delvin on Friday next, May 8 in Carmel Gaffney"s pub, Main Street, with a GAA table quiz, starting at 9pm.On Saturday night, May 9, a traditional music night will take place in the Blue Hackle Inn, Delvin, admission for which will set you back just €10.On Sunday, May 10 - set aside as Lá na gClub - Mass in memory of deceased Delvin club members will be celebrated at the Church of the Assumption, Delvin, followed by an afternoon of games and activities on at the GAA Park on the Mullingar Road. Refreshments will be served on the day, and all are invited to participate.Hospice meetingA meeting of Delvin Hospice Homecare will take place on Monday next, May 11 at 9pm in the Blue Hackle Inn, Delvin (Dolores Gaffney"s).Those who are taking part in the forthcoming Mini-Marathon in Dublin are asked to please bring their letter to the meeting, as race numbers will be collected on Sunday, May 17 in Tullamore.Education group tripOn Wednesday, May 20, Delvin Community Education Group will travel to Co. Wicklow to take in the sights and surrounds of Mount Usher Gardens, Avondale House and Avoca.Group members are asked to book their seats for the bus as soon as possible, as seats are limited. For more information, contact Bernie on 044-9664658 or May on 044-9664566.Historical society lectureCarmel Gaffney"s lounge, Main Street, Delvin will be the place to be on Wednesday of next week, May 13, when the latest Delvin Historical Society lecture takes place.Last month, the society"s honorary president, John Gavin, gave a lecture on the history of Clonmellon, South Hill and Ballinlough/Killua Castles, which was very well received by a large crowd of over sixty people.The next lecture will be entitled 'Westmeath, Before and After the Ice Age', and it will be delivered by Dr. Gareth Jones, a geologist based at Trinity College, Dublin.The lecture will begin at 8.30pm, and admission is €3 for non members. All are welcome to attend.Delvin Celtic to look backThe outgoing committee of Delvin Celtic FC will look back on what has been a tremendously successful first year for the club on Thursday next, May 7, at the club AGM.All mentors, parents, and officials are requested to attend to discuss the club"s plans for 2009/10, and all members of the public are invited.The club was set up last year to cater to a growing demand for soccer among young people in Delvin, as evidenced by the popularity of soccer among those taking part in Delvin Community Games.Very soon, the young players were in training at the DSLC grounds, and members of the local business community chipped in to get the club off the ground. The panel of players were kitted out in an orange and black strip, sponsored by Dermot Mullen.The AGM will take place at the Fatima meeting rooms, on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption, Delvin, starting at 8pm on Thursday night.Delvin designer to featureThe Irish Fashion scene is eagerly awaiting this years Peter Mark NCAD Graduate Fashion Show on May 23 in Dublin"s CHQ Building, and for Gillian Noonan from Delvin it will be the first chance to see her final year collection on show in all its glory.Gillian takes her inspiration from the Russian Ballet Russe costumes and uses a mixture of upholstery and patterned fabrics, including brocades and damask, combined with silks and chiffons.The Peter Mark NCAD Graduate Fashion Show is eagerly awaited each year by the fashion world.  Famous past pupils include Philip Treacy, Darrel K, and Orla Kiely, other graduates have carved out successful careers with fashion houses Armani, Valentino and Diesel.Barry Dempsey, Peter Mark Managing Director said, 'This is our 11th year of involvement with NCAD and every year, the students continue to impress us with their creativity and talent. We are enormously proud of them and wish each graduate every success as they embark on the next stage of their careers'.The show is taking place in the CHQ building. For tickets and information simply visit www.ncad.ie or call 01 636 4251.