Sun shines on new Collinstown clubhouse

After over five years of fundraising and a great deal of effort on the part of its members and fans the brand new Lough Lene Gaels clubhouse was officially opened by Pat Lynagh.The opening was accompanied by a packed day of fun sporting activities including under age hurling and camogie puc fada, tug-of-war, under-8"s hurling and camogie blitz and a full programme of games including derby Ann Smyth memorial Cup, U14/16 camogie match between the Lough Lene Gaels and Brownstown.The clubhouse is believed to have cost in the region of €350,000 and although the bulk of the cost has been raised through fundraising and grants, the club will still be holding a number of fundraising drives to meet the balance.The younger children were also catered for on the day with not one but two bouncy castles and pony rides. stoking the flames and flipping burgers at the barbeque was former chairman Tom Farrelly, while good sport John Keating was prepared to allow the local children to test the accuracy of their aim with wet sponges being thrown at his head.Local Cllr Frank McDermott complimented the work that gone into the family day and the ongoing commitment of the club"s members and committee:'This is a great occasion and I am delighted to be here representing the McDermott family. Sixty one years ago, my father was the linesman at the inaugural opening of this very pitch. My being here today, at the opening of a new clubhouse, is a part of the ongoing commitment of the McDermott family to the Lough Lene Gaels.'The Lough Lene Gaels Hurling club is located just outside Collinstown village and serves the area of Glenidan, Fore, Cummerstown, Tuitestown, Drumcree and Rickardstown.