GAA President lays stone for Milltownpass pitch

A huge turnout welcomed Christy Cooney, Uachtarán, Cumann Lutchleas Gael, to Milltownpass on Wednesday, 28th April last. The Chairperson of Milltownpass GAA, John Joe Brady, welcomed the President and thanked him for stopping off at Milltownpass during his visit to Westmeath. John Joe outlined the history of the project currently being carried out by the club, i.e. the development of an underage pitch on a site adjacent to the school, which will in future be used by the children of the area.John Joe thanked the Bishop of Meath, Michael Smith, and the school board of management for their co-operation in allowing this development to take place at the school. Tributes were also paid to all those who contributed to the development of Gaelic games in Milltownpass, in particular, the members of the Minor and Senior Board of the local club, the volunteers and team mentors who trained the various panels at the club, the previous principal Davy Gavin and the current principal Winnie O'Dowd and staff, club sponsors and supporters of the weekly lotto and bingo.John Joe also acknowledged the work done by the Leinster GAA coaches, Michael McHugh and Alan McCormack who coached the school children the skills of Gaelic games.John Joe also mentioned that the club was looking forward to another joint venture, this time the building of a community centre by Milltownpass GAA Club and the Community Action Group. Congratulations were extended to Mullingar Shamrocks on their recent All-Ireland Scór success.Rev. Fr. Stan Deegan, parish priest, and Chairperson of the Board of Management of St. Joseph's National School, welcomed Christy Cooney to the school and looked forward to the opening of the underage pitch at the school.Christy Cooney, President, said he was delighted to see such community spirit and praised the joint development projects being undertaken in a small community like Milltownpass and encouraged all the children to continue to enjoy Gaelic games and wished them many happy years playing on the new underage pitch.Tom Gorman, Club President, presented Christy Cooney with an memento of his visit to Milltownpass. Christy Cooney was then invited to lay the foundation stone of the new underage pitch. Refreshments were served afterwards in the school hall.