Reeling in the Years of Bunbrosna

How do you mark 125 years of community involvement? That was the question posed by members of Bunbrosna GAA at the start of this year as the club celebrate a century and quarter of activity.

Reeling in the Years of Bunbrosna is an amalgamation of stories, memories, photographs, match programmes, newspaper cutting and memorabilia that catalogues the storied history of the club.

Sinéad Tormey is one of the volunteers tasked with ferreting out the records of those who represented the club with pride, commitment and community spirit down the years.

Sinéad told the Westmeath Examiner about the origins of the project: “This is the club’s 125th anniversary. We wanted to delve back into the past and see what kind of gems we could find, any memories from the club’s early years.”

Reeling in the Years of Bunbrosna has been running since the start of the year, and the volunteers have collected numerous pieces: “We started this in January. When you open it out you never know what kind of things can appear or arise.

“The idea was to invite past club members and community members to contribute. We just said we’d put it out to people and see what came back. There’s been a lot of locals from around the area that have spread their wings, who are now living further afield,” Sinéad said.

This compilation of memories will be unveiled in the coming months: “We’re having a dinner dance at the end of the year as the pinnacle of the celebration.

“We’re having the Reeling in the Years event night in our local in October as well.”

Football may be the first thing that comes to mind when Bunbrosna GAA are mentioned, but Sinéad believes there is more to it: “We have a strong tradition of Scór. We’ve won all-Irelands, and through this project we celebrate those successes and the joy they have brought to the community over the years.”

The research has brought new insight to the history of the club: “We’ve uncovered a few gems. There was a camogie team back in the day, while now our camogie players play with Cullion or Crookedwood.

“There was a Bunbrosna camogie team in the 60s and we have photos, notes and even match reports.

“It was entertaining even to read those. It’s nice to remember the people who built the club over the years, to look back at the foundations and see faces that might not be around any more.”

Reeling in the Years of Bunbrosna is the opportunity to do that: “Sporting success comes and goes.

“We’ve had successes over the years and then periods when things have died down. But at all times we are a club and a community that come together. This project will mark and celebrate those things that bring us together.

“We will remember the successes and milestones we have shared over the years, and most importantly, celebrate the people who gave their time, passion and commitment to make those moments possible.

“Bunbrosna may be a small club, but we have always had a big heart, and at the centre of it all are the many families and generations who have proudly carried the club forward.

“These photographs and memories are a record of the past – and a celebration of the people, friendships, achievements and community spirit that make Bunbrosna GAA what we are today,” Sinéad concluded.

The team are still on the lookout for any further items that will help build the picture of the past of Bunbrosna GAA so if readers have anything they would like to share they can contact the club.