Dream becomes a reality for St Brigid's GAA Club
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Marian O’Riordan Freya O’Reilly, Jennifer Campbell, Emma Finnamore, at the St Brigid’s Hurling Club sod turning and family fun day on Sunday.Image 2 of 11
Padraig Leogue, Darragh Hanley, Liam Weblin and Ollie Clarke.Image 3 of 11
Stuart and Seán Gavin.Image 4 of 11
Jack O’Shea, Aodhan Dunbar and Conor Kiernan.Image 5 of 11
Matthew Lipton, Siodhna Ni Bhroin, Aodhla-Rose, Fiadh-Lanen and Liadain Lipton, enjoying the events at St Brigid’s Hurling Club on Sunday.Image 6 of 11
Sara and Ava Brennan.Image 7 of 11
Emer Heeney, Zoe Giles, Caoimhe White and Sofia Collison.Image 8 of 11
Emer Heeney, Nessa Kiernan, Caoimhe White and Sofia Collison.Image 9 of 11
Nicola, Penny and Larry Gavin.Image 10 of 11
Adam, Thomas and Zara Giles were at the St Brigid’s Hurling Club sod turning and family fun day on Sunday. Pics: Maureen Ahearn.Image 11 of 11
Conor Dunbar and Aaron Seery.On Sunday August 3, St Brigid’s GAA Club turned the sod on their new grounds and a massive turnout contributed to what was a brilliant and historic day.
The first games were played on new soil by the youth of both the hurling and camogie teams. At 3pm, club president and legendary figure Paddy Gavin turned the sod, marking a new dawn for the proud Dalystown club.
The crowds gathered throughout the day and were treated to what was not only a special occasion for the club, but a great fun event for all the family. A fan favourite was the highly contested long puck competition. Paddy Carroll, a club stalwart goalkeeper, was a far away winner with an almighty puck. Prizes such as jerseys, hurls and trophies were awarded at the end of the day to winners of all games.
Medal presentations were made by county chairman Frank Mescall to the U16 team that beat Delvin in an impressive league final win, the minor team that over came St Vincent’s (Ringtown and Crookedwood) in the league final, and finally to the senior Camogie team that overcame Brownstown in an impressive performance in the league final. These final wins show the improvement at underage level in the club after not fielding for many years and great credit to everyone who is so dedicated to underage coaching and development.
After that speeches were made by Westmeath County Committee chairman Frank Mescall, who highlighted the good work and honour of being a part of the day. “As my term comes to an end this will be one of my fondest memories as chairman,” he remarked.
Referring to the club itself, he spoke on the rich history they have following memorable senior success in the past. “When once we were kings comes to mind because at one time you were kings of Westmeath hurling,” he said, referencing the historic three in-a-row which has only once been replicated since.
Cllr Aoife Davitt, Cathaoirleach Westmeath County Council, made a start to her term by visiting and highly praising the work that has gone into the development and offering a helping hand to the committee.
Noel Gavin then took the microphone praising the local community for the support of the club. “The financial goodwill we have received has been unbelievable,” he said.
Mr Gavin thanked his committee for what has been an incredible effort from all involved to get this project moving.
Following the speeches, the large crowd made way for Paddy Gavin, club president, to do the honour of turning the sod. As the sod was turned the Westmeath Examiner Cup of those glory days was beside him. An emotional rendition of club anthem, Go Lassie Go, sung after every championship victory, was preformed by Liam Maher.
Huge credit must go to the organising committee for creating such a brilliant day. What was once a dream for St Brigid’s has now become a reality.