Sunday 10th May, 2009, a very
special day for celebrating the 125th anniversary of the GAA. The
day started off dry and bright, sun shining after days and days of
rain.Our young players arrived at St. Anthony’s
Church, Craigyhill, Larne for the 10.30am Mass. They all assembled
in the adjoining hall and changed into their club jerseys. Together
with their mentors they paraded into the Church where the front
seats had been reserved for them. It was wonderful to see a “sea of
yellow” arriving for mass.
At present in Larne we have a retired
Missionary priest helping out, Fr McGrath a Co. Cork man! Who
better to greet our young hurlers and introduce them to the
congregation? He gave a brief talk about this special day for the
GAA which was being celebrated by every club throughout the length
and breadth of Ireland, and what the organisation had done for the
youth of Ireland.
Four of the juveniles carried up the Offertory
Procession and a hurl and sliotar were presented to Fr McGrath, on
his way back to the Altar he showed some of his skills in swinging
the hurl this caused great amusement and had everyone laughing.
Numerous people commented on the great turnout
of young people, how well behaved they had been and how well they
looked.
After Mass everyone headed out to the Brustin
Brae Pitch which was officially opened on 27th July last
year (2008). By this time the sun was well and truly out and the
day was getting much warmer. We were joined by Fr McGrath and Fr.
McKay PP.
The first function of the day was to raise the
special 125 flag supplied to all Clubs. This was carried out by
committee member, Martin Wilson.
This was followed by the Official opening of
the new Hurling Alley and our most senior r and founder member, John
Brown cut the yellow and blue ribbons and declared it open.
Skills competitions were then held in the Alley
organised by David Matthews.
A POC Fada competition was held on the Hurling
Pitch and organised by Paul Wilson.
The Ladies committee provided refreshments to
all.
A DVD of all club photo’s and events organised
over the last few years was on show, Sports day, BBQ day, Official
Opening day, Prize Distributions etc.
A GAA table Quiz competition was available for
those who did not want to take part in any physical activity.
A “Memories” Book was available for anyone to
enter their comments about the day.
The final Official function was the planting of
the Commemorative tree. This was a Mountain Ash (Rowan tree) and
was planted by the youngest club member, Liam Walsh. Everybody was
then invited to add some soil around the tree.
A Time Capsule had been prepared. Inside were
placed lists of Committee Members, all teams, some match reports,
Club Members, 2009 Fixture lists, Accounts for the past year,
Official Opening Day booklet and other memorable items. This will
not be opened until the 150 years Celebrations in 2034.
Prizes were then distributed to the winners of
the:
Alley Skills Under 10’s Calum Bell, Jordan
Wilson and John McGuinness
Alley Skills Under 14’s Conor Bell
POC Fada Under 10’s Tiernon Looney
POC Fada Under 14’s Conor Matthews
Quiz competitions winners Matthew Magill, Sean
Flaherty and Tommy Lismore
The Under 14’s squad had just won the Ulster
Feile Competition on Saturday 2nd May hosted in Dungannon
Co. Tyrone and they were presented with their medals by the club
secretary Terence McCaughan.
Hurls were also presented to Michael Lismore,
Philip Craig and Fergal McKillop for there participation in County
Development squads.
Photographs were taken throughout the day.
Parents and friend were relaxing in the
beautiful sunshine, one of the most pleasant days so far this year.
Such was the shock of this heat, “Sun Screens” were never thought
about so there are some red faces and arms on the photos.
Finally about 3.30pm we managed to get everyone
off the pitch and despatched home safely.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day. A great
time was had by all. And I hope I will be there to celebrate the 150
years! of the association and look forward to celebrate the club’s
50 year anniversary in 2015
| 
