Vols kick off 125th anniversary celebrations

MEMBERS OF St John’s Volunteers GAA Club got their 125th anniversary celebrations off to a fitting start with a fun exhibition match at their pitch in Pairc Charman.

Fresh from fundraisnig at a church gate collection for the Asthma Society, 28 club members – made up of past and present players – togged out in the club’s colours for a kick-about that surely mixed the old style of football with the new! The oldest player on the field was Cathal Golden at 57, while Josh McMahon kept the average age down by adding his 17 years to the equation. Some players donned flat caps as a nod to the early days of the club. which was founded in 1893.

The match was organised by Roger Doyle and Peter McGuire who said that there were quite a few sore bodies in the days after the match and, quite a few men who were willing to take a stint in the goal!

Referee Barry Redmond kept order over the game which was split into four quarters of 15 minutes. A good crowd stopped by to enjoy the spectacle.

The club will hold a celebratory dinner-dance on November 10 at Clayton White’s Hotel. PICTURED: Players in the Volunteers 125th year celebration match on the pitch at Pairc Charman.