The turning of the year: a new dawn for St Brigid’s GAC
So, into 2009 we go. We wave goodbye to the tenth anniversary of our club, and look forward to the 125th year of the GAA. We smile fondly at the memories and unique achievements of the last decade in which St. Brigid’s has been in existence, not only on the field, but off it as well. St Brigid’s is held up as a proud example for Gaels all over Ireland and beyond. One of the youngest clubs in the GAA, we have done much to bridge the divide between Protestant and Catholic communities. We have led by example in putting our differences behind us and living for the future.
In The Sunday Times, one of the most successful weekly papers in Ireland and indeed Britain, Christy O’Connor, respected journalist and GAA analyst, used Naomh Brid as an example of crossing the Northern divide.
“(The club) is situated on an area of the Malone Road in Belfast which was always upper-class Protestant. Many of their underage players go to Protestant schools in the area.”
O’Connor also talks about the “very positive relationship” between Harlequins rugby club and ourselves and the fact that we invited “Gregory Campbell, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure to cut the tape” at the extremely successful opening of our new pitches at Musgrave Park. Perhaps this invitation led to the Tyrone All-Ireland winners being “invited to Stormont next month for a reception hosted by Campbell.“
One of the most prominent and esteemed members of St. Brigid’s, former Allstar and All-Ireland winner Joe Brolly, is quoted in the article as saying that “We wanted to break down the barrier, especially with somebody from Gregory’s background…I would be sure now, that with us inviting him and treating him with the greatest respect, it’s a sign of how times have changed.”
The pitch opening itself could not have gone any better. Some true greats of the game were there, many of whom played in an exhibition match officiated by referee, Pat McEneany. Members of the club could mix with household names like Peter Canavan, Ross Carr, Mickey Linden, Anthony Tohill, and Greg Blaney to name but a few. Present stars included Fergal Doherty and our own James Loughrey, while the crowd contained John McEntee and Oisin McConville, two vital components in Armagh and Crossmaglen’s All-Ireland victories.
We were also honoured to be joined by the President of the GAA himself, Nickey Brennan. The former Kilkenny hurling great helped cut the tape, and gave the U-14 hurlers a few words of wisdom about their match with Lamh Dearg.
Of course, as with everything good about the club, the day would never have been such a triumph were it not for the work done by the many volunteers, and the organisational skills of men such as chairman Oliver Lennon and secretary Paul Campbell.
A man who has been at the centre of many joys, victories and memories is Conor MacSherry. He and his faithful companion Eunan Conway have helped to guide St. Brigid’s from Division Four and Junior football to the very top level in Antrim – Division One and Senior. In fact, Conor’s talents very nearly got him the Antrim manager’s job, but he narrowly missed out to Glenullin man, Liam Bradley.
Conor took his leave this year after a decade of great service, and we thank him for all that he has done, and wish him very well for the future. The mantle has been passed on to Eunan now, and if that memorable photograph in the anniversary programme is anything to go by, he will be out in wind, rain, snow or hail, doing his best for the club.
As it is the 125th anniversary of the GAA, TG4, RTE Television’s Irish-speaking branch, is producing a documentary about the organisation. As a tribute to St. Brigid’s success and status as one of the youngest clubs in the GAA, the club will be included in the fifth programme of the series (there were cameras at the pitch opening). This is an exciting prospect as the club can be admired by people all over Ireland.
The prospect of the year ahead should fill the majority of club members with enthusiasm. It will hopefully be another prosperous year, full of enjoyment, success and progress. Talent will flourish, and be discovered. Friendships will be formed, bonds created.
Soon the wheels will start to turn after the off-season, the equipment will be dusted off, and players will drag stiff limbs out the door to training. From the learning primary school child to the balding senior, everyone will get back into the routine of training and playing. At the beginning most will be slightly rusty. Shots will be missed, passes will go astray. After a while, though, the mistakes will start to decrease, and before we know it the season will be in full swing.
“Mol an oige” is the club’s motto-“Praise the youth”. For the season ahead, as ever, we as a club should trust this saying-it has served us well so far.
Naomh Brid Abu!
by PitchSide View
