Grounds for optimism at ambitious St Mary’s club

A LARGE crowd of all ages turned out in Donore last Wednesday evening as the local St Mary’s GAA Club marked the laying of the first block for its new clubhouse and community hall.

The evening was hosted by club chairman Paul Scanlon who spoke about the development to date and what it will mean to have the new facility, while also thanking the community and local businesses on their fund-raising efforts to date.

The first block was then laid by Jimmy Brady and Charlie Smith, with help from Briana and Cillian from the St Mary’s Nursery group.

Bishop Michael Smith spoke about the important role the GAA, and rural clubs in particular, play in society and the community, while remembering that it was 28 years since he was last in St Mary’s to bless the opening of the new pitch.

Bishop Michael then blessed everyone present and the new clubhouse, while also offering his thoughts and prayers for the Martin family who recently suffered a family tragedy.

Meath County Board chairman Conor Tormey congratulated St Mary’s on the progress made to date and wished the club well with the rest of the works. Refreshments were then provided and everyone got an opportunity to discuss the new development and find out how they can contribute towards the fund-raising efforts.

The club is still working hard to that end and would encourage people to consider taking up the Lifetime Membership option which would go a long way towards helping the St Mary’s make the dream become a reality.

The club would like to say a special thanks to Bishop Michael Smith, Fr Tony, Conor Tormey Patrick Coyle. Moynalty: Clann na nGael v Meath Hill, Tailteann Cup, 6.30, TBC. Stamullen: Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Ratoath, SFC, 2.0, C Reilly. Dunsany: Duleek/Bellewstown v Seneschalstown, Junior C quarter final, 12.0, J Donoghue; Duleek/Bellewstown v Summerhill, 2.0, C McManus. Pairc Tailteann: Castletown v Trim, IFC, 2.0, D Smyth; Skryne v Gaeil Colmcille, SFC, 3.30, G and Francis Flynn from Meath County Board and club trustees Tony Craven, Jimmy Brady and honorary club president Charlie Smith, as well as Briana Reynolds and Cillian Kiernan from the club’s Nursery section.

Anyone who would like further information on Lifetime Membership can contact the Fund-raising Committee on 087-2763104, and you can keep an eye on the club facebook page for more photos of the development’s progress. •St Mary’s GFC would like to express their deepest sympathy to Noel and Mary Martin and family on the very tragic and untimely death of their son John.

It has been a very tough few days for the family and the club offers its support in anyway it can to the family at this difficult time.

Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis. McGivney. Summerhill: Na Fianna v Moynalvey, SFC, 6.30, Padraic Coyle. Ashbourne: Dunshaughlin v Simonstown, SFC, 7.0, TBC. Kilberry: Curraha v Drumbaragh, IFC, 12.0, P Sheridan. Kildalkey: Oldcastle v Longwood, IFC, 2.0, B Heaney. Rathkenny: Walterstown v St Ultan’s, 2.0, L O’Brien. Trim: Syddan v Ballinabrackey, IFC, 6.0, J Gordon. Seneschalstown: St Colmcille’s v Cortown, IFC, 6.0, P Clarke. Athboy: Na Fianna v St Michael’s, JCFC semi-final, 11.30, TBC; Nobber v Ballivor, IFC, 6.0, M Quinn. Dunshaughlin: Summerhill v Dunboyne, JAFC, 11.30, B Campbell. Carnaross: Ballinlough v Gaeil Colmcille, Junior D semi-final, 12.0, S O’Connor. Reserve League at 11.30 O’Mahonys v Summerhill, E Barry; Dunboyne v Skryne, M Ryan. Ashbourne: Dunshaughlin v Skryne, JAFC, 7.30, TBC. Div 2: Ballinabrackey v Trim, J Plunkett; St Ultan’s v Moynalvey, B Heaney; Walterstown v Ballinlough, G McGivney. Div 3: Curraha v Dunsany, D Forde. Simonstown v Seneschalstown, M Dawson.