PICTURES: Seamus Kennedy officially opens Newcastle GAA's second pitch

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On Saturday evening, September 21 Newcastle GAA Club celebrated two events in the club, with the Official Opening of its second field, and honouring the Minor Hurling team of 1999 on the 25th anniversary of their County Final win.

Michael Keating, Vice Chairman of the club was Master of Ceremonies for the evening and he opened the evening’s proceedings by calling on our All Ireland Scor Sinsear Amhranaiocht Aonair champion, Sinead Grant to sing Amhran Na bhFiann. 

Chairman of the club, Emmet Prendergast, then welcomed Rev Fr Michael Toomey PP, Nicholas Moroney (Chairman of the South Board),  Sean Lonergan (Secretary of the South Board) and special guest Seamus Kennedy, two time All Ireland SH winner with Tipperary.

He thanked all for coming along for this great evening for the club with the opening of the playing field and honouring the historic team and their mentors of 1999 on winning the Minor B county title, the first county title since the club's formation in the 1930s.

Fr Michael Toomey then blessed the field and offered prayers that it will be safe grounds for all who play in it in the years ahead. He also remembered all who had passed away from the club down the years who contributed so much to the club. Remembering in particular, the clubs late President Mickey Nugent whose first anniversary had occurred recently.

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Mickey along with his late wife Nellie had contributed so much to the club during their lifetime.

Then the club's President, Denis O Grady, gave a brief history of the club - when it was formed in the 1930s  the first officers appointed were President Frank Hallinan (Life President), Chairman Willie McGrath, Secretary Watt Hickey, Treasurer  Joe Doolan.

They were given the use of a field for games by Willie Byrne, and a store room for meetings and for fund raising by M F Nugent. They were in office in around 1942 when the Perry estate was taken over by the Land Commission. They pursued  the Land Commission for a portion of land for a playing field for the club. They ended up getting that land and that set the club to develop and move on.

Further developments were carried out down the years including the building of dressing rooms, boundary wall, building of the complex, car park and field lighting. In 2007 this field was officially named Pairc O hAilleanain after our late President Frank Hallinan. This second field (colloquially known as “Sweeneys Field”) came on the market a few years back and the club thought they should look at buying it for the juvenile players and were successful in getting it. The field was previously owned by club stalwarts Rita & Tommy Sweeney – Tommy won a Junior Hurling All Ireland medal with Tipperary in 1953 and served the Club for many years, first as a player and then as a selector and officer.

It was lovely to see so many of the Sweeney family present for the official opening and a special acknowledgement was made to Majella Carrigan (nee Sweeney), who represented Newcastle LGFA on the Tipperary Ladies team that won the inaugural Ladies All-Ireland 50 years ago this year.  The purchase of the field is down to the hard working committee and finance committee. So that's where we are today!   

Seamus Kennedy was then called upon to cut the ribbon and officially open the field. Seamus said it was a great honour for him to be asked to perform the opening of this field and wished the club every success for the years ahead .

Chairman of the South Board Nicholas Moroney then spoke, thanking the club for inviting the Board Officers to be part of this evening ceremony. He mentioned in particular, Seamus McGrath for all his work promoting Scor competitions and John McCarra for sponsoring the Junior C championships this year and for being the Club’s representative on the South CCC this year. He then wished the club every success into the future on the playing field and with all the wonderful amenities the club has. 

The proceedings then moved to the hall for the presentation to the minor hurling team and their mentors from 1999.

Again, Seamus Kennedy did the honours in presenting a memento to the players as the  team captain Barry Hickey called the players to the stage. Barry then spoke on behalf  of the players about their famous victory saying it was a great to be part of a great team and to accept the county minor cup for the first time in the club. 

Presentations were then made to team manager Terence Kennedy, and his selectors Tom  Lonergan, Frances Kennedy for their contribution to the team. All thanked the club for their recognition. 

A presentation was then made to Seamus Kennedy, Seamus replied wishing the club well in going forward especially the young boys and girls in the club. Recalling his days as a young boy coming to the field with his Dad and learning the skills as he watched the training taking place and his very special job as the Minor Team Mascot in 1999!

Vice President of the club Marian O Dwyer, then made a surprise presentation to the clubs long time secretary Sharon O Dwyer for her contribution to the club over the years.  

Then the silver jubilee cake was rolled out and beautifully decorated  by Ciara Lonergan (@Little Miss Cupcake). The honour of cutting the cake was given to selector, Frances Kennedy! 

Then all were entertained to some jigs and reels by young girls from the McGrath school of Irish dancing .

Michael Keating then brought the evening to a close by inviting all to some food, tea or coffee and a slice or two of the jubilee cake!

Thanks to all the people who worked hard to make the night such a great success and to the local community for supporting us in such large numbers on the night.