Kilbride look forward
GAA Club launches vital five-year strategic plan
THE KILBRIDE GAA club, based in the village of Manor-Kilbride have joined a number of clubs nationwide to have adopted a five-year development strategy.
Club Chairman, John Ward, addressed a full house in the newly revamped village hall on Saturday night and outlined the details of the plan and the reasons why his club were launching it at this point in time.
There to lend his full support to the project was Martin Coleman, Chairman of the County Board. Also present were county development officer, Willie Byrne, and two men trained in underage management, Hugh Kenny and Paul Garrigan.
Also on stage were the three Clarke brothers, Tommy, Jimmy and Peter, men who had backboned the little club in their golden years of the 1960s.
Club secretary, Liam Crieghton, was master of ceremonies while rousing speeches by Peter and Tommy Clarke got the gathering into the right frame of mind
Kilbride Volunteers travelled, most likely by horse and cart or on foot to the Glen of Imaal in 1889 and beat the local St Laurence O'Toole's in the opening round of the SFC by 2-03 to 0-00. Two weeks later they were beaten by the great Ballyknockan 98s.
Move on 73 years to that day in 1962 when another Kilbride team beat Laragh in a replay of the SFC in Aughrim to win the Wicklow SFC Cup for the first time.
And today the little hamlet that lies between the Dublin border and Blessington is still going strong.
The present Kilbride Club regrouped in 1954 and were hitting the highlights almost from the start. They won a first JFC in 1958 and added two championships in Senior ranks in the 1960s.
As Chairman John Ward reminded us in his opening speech the GAA club is at the heart of the community in Manor Kilbride, and has been so all down the years.
very family is involved in one way or another, through the games and cultural events.
The club is determined he said to continue this involvement for generations to come.
The Chairman continued - “Our five year plan covers all aspects of club activities.
“We have consulted with our membership to carry out strategic review of our club structures.
“This plan is the future of our club going forward. It will be assessed and evaluated in the years to come.
“My vision for the club is to grow and develop, maximise participation in all club activities and to create an enjoyable environment for all.
The ladies committee provided tea and refreshments for everyone,