Our Area became very successful from an early time
In 1973 just 2 years from the setting up of the 1st Area’s in Sligo, St Feichins was born; in was then known as Collooney. Tom O’Brien, Gerry Connolly and Pauric Lang were there from the start off, having been invited by John McGetrick to attend a meeting in the Regional College where the guest speaker was the Founder of Community Games Joe Connolly. A committee was formed and the first Secretary was Marie Lang and shortly there after Tommy and Maureen Mullen became involved in raising funds and in being Treasurers. Support from Claire Walsh, Paddy Fahey and Chief Supt. G Glacken made the running of the early Area games a success.
Our Area became very successful from an early time, winning at least one medal at National for many years. In 1974 Deidre Mullen won a National Silver in Mosney in the Under 8 100 metres and Tommy Connolly qualified for the boys under 14 800 meters – what a wonderful start for a new Area. In 1977 we won a total of 114 medals and 4 trophies between County and National. In 1981 Stephanie O’Brien won our 1st National Gold medal, this was for Javelin.
Success has followed us through out the years as a result of the wonderful volunteers, and the range of events in which we had success is a real testament to the strength of Community Games; from Atheltics, Projects, Draughts, Swimming, Rugby, Basketball, Soccer, Art, Model Making, Variety, cycling, gymnastics, handball. The names of, Sr. Ann, Pat O’Meara, John Sherlock, Jimmy Giblin, Noreen Jinks, Margaret Bolton and their involvement were all captured in our 25th Anniversary booklet in 1998, this is a valuable history of our area and captures the names of all those volunteers we owe our thanks and appreciation.
St Feichins has been recognised for its strength in introducing children to sport and cultural events by being Awarded the Connaught Area Involvement Award on 14 occasions and the National Award 6 times, to be selected for such recognition from the 600 plus Area’s across the county is remarkable. Many of our Volunteers have held office and volunteer at County, Provincial and National level a demonstration of the value St Feichins brings to the overall running of the Comunity Games ‘ machine’.
Today we continue to promote a full programme of events with more that 300 children taking part thanks to a wonderful committee and an enthusiastic group of Team Managers.