Proud day as Milltown GAA Club celebrates its centenary

Past, present and future blended as Milltown GAA celebrated its 100th birthday and the opening of their gym last Sunday. The community centre was festooned in green and white, and its walls were lined with over 200 framed and captioned photographs and memorabilia stretching back to the infancy of the Club and before.

One of the oldest items on display was a medal won by Ned Doolin playing with Rathcolman in 1912. There was an account in the beautiful hand writing of Maureen Kincaid, nee Dalton, of the history of camogie in Milltown. There was also the Fr Matthew perpetual cup donated by Mary Ellen Heduan of Ballinlug in memory of her late husband Jack who died in 1986. The display was the culmination of six months’ of work spearheaded by the diligent and capable Breda Ballesty.

Martin Lynn, chairman of the club, introduced by MC Stephen Cahalin, laid a wreath in memory of deceased members of the club and Very Rev William Fitzsimons, PP, planted an oak tree before celebrated Mass in a packed community centre.

Mass servers were Jason Flannery, Nollaig Finerty and Andina Walsh. The choir was led by Sarah Murtagh, organist. Readings were read by Jim Dalton and Celine Geraghty. Prayers of the faithful were delivered by Linda Somers, Louis Dillon, Sam Byrne, Sean Lynn, Robin Duffy and Aoife Maguire.

Eucharistic ministers were Angela Cahalin, Kate Dillon and Mary Lynn. The Communion prayers were recited by Fergal Walsh.

In his address, Martin Lynn paid tribute to Donal Whelan, the club’s treasurer for the past 30 years who was unable to attend due to illness. He also remembered the late Tom Gunning, “one of our best characters and footballers”, who died recently and was laid to rest with his No. 8 jersey.

He welcomed County Board dignitaries Frank Mescall, Sean Sheridan, Tom Farrell, Billy Foley, Pat Collins and Pat Doherty and remembered former County Board chairman, the late Seamus Ó Faolain. He also welcomed Willie Penrose and Cllrs Johnny Penrose and Vinny McCormack, adding that Deputy Robert Troy was unable to attend.

Martin remembered his young footballing years when Mick Brock would drive from Newbristy to Emper to collect him for training and matches.

When the club was formed in 1923 it was all male. Today’s executive includes Breda Ballesty, Renee Dillon and Celine Geraghty “who get through a phenomenal amount of work and I wish we had more women”, the chairman remarked.

Frank Mescall, County Board chairman, congratulated Milltown on how it focuses on its youth and thanked them for their support for the County Board.

Entertainment was provided by the internationally renowned Foster and Allen and their ensemble. Olive Hickey, nee Heduan, gave a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem.

A magnificent centenary cake made by local baker extraordinaire Rachel Dillon was cut by Eamon Doolin and Jim Boyce, veteran club members.

The fabulous new “fitness suite” was officially opened and a commemorative plaque unveiled by Jim and Sally Dalton whose commitment to and support of the club over the years was described as outstanding.

Jim remarked how supportive Fr Fitzsimons had been when the club wanted to develop the pitch in 1990 and how he and the community have always given 110% backing to the club. He thanked all who helped him with the gym project, in particular John Cuskelly, Mick Wilson, Brian Nugent, Gerry Somers, David Mulvaney, Mick Egan, Noel and Paul Heduan and Pat Heduan.

Games were played by children from the three schools – Milltown, Moyvore and Emper before Millmore Gaels defeated Inny Shamrocks for the Cormac McGahon memorial trophy. Cormac was employed by Mick Finn on the development of the pitch at the time of his tragic death. The trophy was presented to Millmore captain, Conor Lynn by Cormac’s father, local historian and author Tom McGahon, accompanied by his daughters Deirdre and Maria.

Celebrations continued in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule, on Sunday night where the 1996 Junior Championship winning team was honoured.