Malachis mark 50 years in fine style
TRYING to commemorate 50 years of history in a single evening is a tough challenge, but it was one that Naomh Malachi rose to when the people of Courtbane and beyond raised a glass to all those who have been at the heart of the club’s development over the past half-century.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the small rural club’s existence in north Louth and they put on a show that was testament to all associated with it. The large crowd that gathered at the fine facilities in Courtbane were firstly greeted by the presence of dignitaries from Croke Park, with President of the GAA Aogán Ó Fearghail unveiling a commemorative stone to mark the occasion, alongside club chairperson Joey Hoey.
Following a guided tour of the premises, those present, including Leinster vhairperson John Horan, Louth GAA chairperson Des Halpenny and many Louth Co Board officers were invited for a wine reception in the main hall. A short interlude for photographs with, amongst others, Sam Maguire, was followed by the procession to the marquee erected for the occasion.
Club secretary Edward Laverty, acting as MC, got the official proceedings under way when he invited club PRO Rónán Lynch to make a presentation of his documentary, Caoga. The production, six months in the making, includes interviews, video footage, sound-bytes, photographs and, above all else, treasured memories of bygone days from the club’s history.
Whilst the 260 individuals sat down to view the highly impressive Caoga, they were treated to a five-course meal, served by McEntees from Crossmaglen.
Those present had travelled from places close by such as Shelagh, Courtbane, Killaclessy, Ballybinaby, Annavackey, Shanmullagh, Clonaleenan, Rassan, Cavananore and Tavanamore), and from further afield - Dublin, Galway, London, Rome, New York, and Melbourne.
Following the meal, Joey made an emotional speech, recounting the club’s proud history, its glory days, its sad occasions, its memorable moments and its vision for the future.
Presentations were made to the dignitaries present, alongside those from the early committees or family members of deceased founders. Des spoke of Louth GAA’s admiration and respect for Naomh Malachi, before Aogán outlined the importance of the club-school link.
There were special and poignant mentions for two Gaels - founding member Peter Hoey and club stalwart Micheal McShane - who both sadly passed away in recent months.
As the John Glenn Band played into the small hours, those present danced the night away, reminisced about bygone days, perused over old photographs and took new ones.