Lourdes Stadium open to any sport
“WE will allow any game to be played at the Lourdes Stadium so long as that game will benefit the youth both physically and morally. This is the unanimous view of all the officers and members and it is not our intention to budge one inch from that principle.”
This was stated by Rev. Kevin Connolly, C.C., President of the Lourdes Athletic Club, Drogheda, when he presided at the annual general meeting of that body on Thursday last.
Reviewing 1961, Father Connolly, said that during the past twelve months there were a number of events which they could look back upon with pleasure. It was a year that would go down-in the annals of the Club. A new Stadium had been completed and equipped and was now ready for young and old to enjoy. It was a place where young boys and girls could enjoy themselves participating in the different games at their disposal and it was important for the parents of Drogheda to see that their children availed of the facilities offered.
All parents should realise the value of good, healthy pastimes, especially now when the lure of television tended to make people watch sport, rather than participate in it. Parents should be watchful of this and see that their children gave a certain amount of their leisure time - to outdoor exercises.
He was glad to state that, with the addition of their new Stadium, they now had a bigger membership in the Club. This was a good healthy state of affairs.
Continuing, Father Connolly, expressed his appreciation to all who had assisted, in any way, with the building of the Stadium.
“It has not been built for any particular game or pastime, and, no doubt, 1962, will other sports added to the list It will be used for any game that benefits people both physically and morally.”
Father Connolly, having referred to the facilities in the Club for Terrier racing and the possibility of introducing a bowling green to cater for the older folk, said that never yet had a club been built which hadn’t come in for criticism.
It was a good thing for a club to receive constructive criticism, and it was something which should bo taken in the spirit it was given.
“But it is to be noticed,” continued Father Connolly. “that there has also been a certain amount of destructive criticism levelled at this Club. There has, been a lot of mean and petty talk as to what games should be played in the Stadium. Let me state again what we have enshrined in our Constitution—that we will allow any game to be played so long as that game will benefit our youth. That is the unanimous view of all the officers and members. That is the way it is going to be and it Is not our Intention to budge one inch on that principle. ‘
Praising the Committee, Father Connolly said they made his job, comparatively easy. “Your work is vitally important to-day as it’s easier to build a boy than to mend a man.”
In his report, the hon. secretary, Mr. Charles Hurley stated that much had been achieved since the last annual general meeting.
During the year the Senior crosscountry and road runners won 9 perpetual trophies while the Under-14 and Under-16 teams also proved successful on three occasions while Individual Louth Championship successes included : F. Browne (Louth Senior 8 miles Cross-country, 3 miles, 4 miles); Michael Dawe (5 miles Road, 1 mile Flat); J. Coyle (Louth Novice Crosscountry); Malachy Coyle (Under-14 cross-country); T. Monaghan (1 mile Novice); A. Mullan (60 yards and 220 yards Senior); J. Fay (880 yards under 18); J. Wade (Discus); C .Monaghan (16 lbs., Shot) and B. Tiernan (Long Jump). The Club also retained the Cardinal D’Alton Shield for the fifth year in succession, an all time record.
Patron, Rt. Rev. Monsignor J. F. Stokes, P.P., V.G.; President, Rev. Fr. K. Connolly _C.C.; Vice-Presidents, Rev. Fr. S. Quinn, Mr. Joe McHugh, Mr. Tom Lynch. . Chairman, Mr. Paddy McCo&ville; Vicc- Chairman, Mr. J Bowden; Hon. Secretary, Mr. C. Hurley; Assistant Hon. Secretary, Mr. George Dawe; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Paddy Balfe; Assistant Treasurer, Mr. Paddy White. Committee, Messrs. D. Lennon, M Dawe, S. Stewart, P. Smith. M O’Brien and a representative from each of the following sections-Boxing, Tennis, Terrier Racing and Basketball.
The following Athletic Sub- Committee was elected—Fr. Connolly and Messrs. P. McConvllle, J Bowden, C. Hurley, P . Balfe, P. White, F. Browne (captain), M Dawe (vice-captain).
It was announced that a new feature of the coming year at the Stadium would be Go-Kart Racing and the first meeting will be held on Sunday, 11th March. Other matters discussed ranged from Club Blazers to the formation of other sporting sections. All decisions were left to the new Committee.