Last Saturday afternoon, I also attended the Ballinlough Family Festival organised by Ballinlough Youth Clubs. I was one of sixty local sponsors (thanks to all) that supported the fun day. It was great what the youth clubs planned; the list of activities provided something for everyone – fancy dress parade, puppet show, African drummers, the tug of war brought great competition, the face painting and the dog show all added to building a great sense of atmosphere.

What a fantastic afternoon and evening of entertainment. There was a great buzz about the community centre. What I thought was especially great was the support of the local people that came out to back this great initiative. Also I loved the way that the events that were planned were straightforward and became exciting with the enthusiastic stewards that encouraged fun and laughter. In these difficult times, events such as these are crucial to bringing people together to celebrate the will to celebrate community life, have a laugh and be part of something bigger. It’s important in these times that we as individuals and as a community stand and fight. Full credit to the youth clubs team that organised the family festival, onwards now.

Loads of pictures below!

This year the GAA is celebrating 125 years since its initiation. The association has made huge contributions to the social life of numerous communities across Ireland. This was very clear recently at the opening of St. Michael’s GAA Club house by the President of the GAA, Christy Cooney.

St. Michael’s GAA was founded in 1951. Tadgh Delaney and Tom Cashman, amongst others, were some of the key founding members of the club. The first meeting was held in the old Blackrock Railway station. The Club played originally on sites such as what is now the Mahon Municipal golf course and the site of Mahon Point.

St Michael’s GAA Club won their first junior county championship won in 1956. Since then they have won several titles, which have made St. Michael’s the club to watch in the various leagues they engage in. Some famous players associated with the club in the early years were Tommy Furlong and Ray Cummins.

Thirty years ago member Con O’Keeffe began to raise money to build a club hall. The first fundraiser was a golf classic. At the opening of the new club house recently, tributes were also paid to the work of past presidents. The work of Jim Corbett who died recently was saluted. Acknowledgement was also given to the National Lottery who gave £444,000 towards the new club building.

Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, who attended the opening of the new Club house, noted:

“St. Michael’s is a tremendous outlet for the community. The opening of the new Club house was proud day for this passionate club. On one level sport is about fitness but it also gives a sense of purpose. This is clear at St. Michaels, where all involved are engaged in developing self confidence amongst it players. Full credit to the hard working management, various sub committees and the mentors who are continuing and building on the GAA’s proud tradition being at the heart of the community promoting self purpose, self confidence, pride and identity”.