Hoganstand Article on St. John's G.A.A. Stenson Park Opening
St John’s GAA Club celebrated its 25TH. anniversary on Sunday 22nd October 2012 with a family day and the official opening of our new pitch Stenson Park. Although the weather was not ideal, the day was a great success with a large attendance and a great atmosphere. The committee had worked tirelessly over the last number of weeks preparing the clubhouse and facilities and it really paid off as the refreshments, grounds and entertainment were fantastic on the day.
The day started with our U8 & U10 teams playing challenge games against Curry on the new pitch. The pitch was in great condition and players all put a lot of effort in with some nice football played by all. Both clubs were a credit to the underage coaching from their respective clubs.
The crowd then moved down to the clubhouse where St John’s county board representative, Colm Nevin, got the official opening ceremony under way. Colm thanked all for attending and welcomed our guests of honour GAA President Liam O’Neill, county board chairman Cyril Feehily, Curry chairman Terrance Marren, Fr. Murray and Rev. Alan Mitchell.
He then introduced club chairman John Leyden who gave us a brief history of the club and the grounds. He thanked the Ward, Mullane and Higgins families for their part in allowing the club to gain the land needed to construct the pitch and facilities and Eamon Boylan for initially identifying the grounds. John also talked about the great success the club has had over the last 25 years with our 30 successful championships, numerous county players and an all-star. John then spoke to all about Johnny Stenson and his contribution to St John’s, Curry and Sligo GAA. He recalled the work that Johnny had done for the club and also his own individual achievements such as his performance in the 1973 league semi-final against Offaly, his 1975 Connacht medal and representing his province in 1976. He reminded us that these, and other factors, were just a small part of the reason why the new facility was being named after Johnny.
Colm then introduced county board chairman Cyril Feehily who spoke about the club and its development of the years and congratulated St John’s on the success that has been achieved to date. He also spoke about Johnny and his achievements and gave us an anecdote of his playing days. Finally he complemented the club underage set up and wished the club all the best for the future.
Next came the guest of honour GAA president Liam O’Neill. This was Liam’s first visit to Sligo as GAA president. An tUachtarán began by complementing the club on the continued development for the underage players and also complimented the local community for recognising the pride that GAA take in developing and that the part that all community members have in this. He also commended the club for this expansion in these difficult times and remarked that it was a great message and achievement by all in involved that this project was undertaken and completed.
An tUachtarán also acknowledged Johnny and the honour that was being bestowed on him by naming the pitch after him and passed congratulation on behalf of the GAA to his family on this achievement.
He explained that the new pitch and continued development of clubs was vital for the entire GAA community and the more we can do to remove all obstacles from kids getting involved early with all 6 sports within the GAA (football, hurling, camogie, ladies football, handball and rounder’s) the more variety they can be offered in the future.
He finally wished the club continued success for the next 25 years and congratulated all involved with the organisation of the day and development of the club and, with great applause, officially declared Stenson Park open. Club secretary Margaret Heffernan made a presentation to mark the occasion and presentation was also made to Catherin Stenson.
The pitch was officially blessed by Fr. Murray and Rev. Mitchell, who conducted a short service and read some poignant Hebrew passages.
A fantastic day and ceremony was capped with a senior challenge game between county champions Curry and St John’s. Curry played great football and look very strong for the upcoming Connacht Club Championship game and we wish them the very best of success.
The club would like to thank the organising committee chairman Mick Barrett and committee members Niall Gordon, Colm Nevin, Ray Henry, Pj McGarrigle, Willie O’Grady, Charlie Jordan, Bridie McLean, Nuala Flannigan, Margaret Heffernan and all others involved in this fantastic day. The club would also like to thank Michael Kelly and Dylan Healy for music.
Lastly the club would like to extend a sincere thank you to GAA President Liam O’Neill, county board chairman Cyril Feehily, Curry chairman Terrance Marren, Fr. Murray, Rev. Alan Michell and to all who attended to celebrate with us and make this a most special and memorable day for the club.
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