Dunshaughlin GFC chairman Jim Smith with club president Patsy McLoughlin and GAA president-elect Liam O'Neill at Dunshaughlin's pitches opening on Saturday.

GAA spirit celebrated in Dunshaughlin

John Donohoe

Published: Wed 14 Sep 2011, 4:51 PM

GAA president-elect Liam O'Neill paid tribute to the community spirit of the present GAA club members in Dunshaughlin, as well as its founding fathers, at the opening of the club's new training facilities on Saturday. The Laois man performed the offical opening of the new grounds, an extension to the club pitches on the Drumree Road. Club chairman Jim Smith described it as a historic day for the club, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, and outlined the hard work which had gone into the development over the past 15 years. He paid tribute to club officials and local politicians Brian Fitzgerald, Nick Killian and former councillor Oliver Brooks, for their work in progressing the project behind the scenes. The lands which have been extended onto were part of a community development contribution made by developers Castlethorn Construction, who were also represented at the opening by Hugh O'Neill. Mr Smith also acknowledged the previous landowners, the Newells, Michael Kenny and Michael Delany, who when they sold the lands, said they wanted the GAA club to benefit from the community development allocation. The club raised €350,000 for the project which is costing €560,000, and has a bank loan to cover the remainder, and Mr Smith said that the he hoped the community would help the club in fundraising to cover this, as it was a facility for all of the community. The spirit of those men who founded Dunshaughlin GFC 125 years ago and went door to door collecting for a football was alive and well in the village, and he hoped that the facilities would provide a future for local children just as the founders looked ahead in 1886. County committee chairperson Barney Allen also spoke at the opening and highlighted Dunshaughlin's contribution to Meath football teams and county boards over the years. Fr Joe Clavin, PP, performed the blessing of the new facilities a new training pitch and an astro turf pitch, and a family fun and sports day continued, with a pig roasting and GAA activiies.