On Friday 16th April, the Down Co Board hosted a magnificent event of Down Icons – the members of 1960/61 ‘Breakthrough Teams’ hence the title ‘Iconic Event’.
Down is hosting the National Congress in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle over the weekend 16th-18th April commencing at 7 pm. By way of a preliminary event they played host to the mighty men and their families of 1960/61 to mark the Golden Jubilee of that first title. Around 800 people were treated to lunch and drinks in the massive marquee in the grounds of the Slieve Donard. Every club in Down was invited to send along a limited number of representatives to the event. The mellifluous Jack Devaney compered the event which was attended by the great and the good in the world of GAA – Christy Cooney, Jack Boothman, Nicky Brennan, Paddy McFlynn, Peter McDermot (the man in the cap) dignitaries from the Ulster Council, and delegates from practically every county in the country as well as some well-known faces from the world of media – TV, Radio, Newspapers, etc.
One of the highlights was the address by Uachtarán na hEireann, Mary McAleese (who was accompanied by husband Martin). She voiced the feelings of everyone present by speaking of how honoured she was in the presence of these Icons and sadly some of whom had transferred to St Peter’s team in the sky. She quoted that great Chinese Proverb “As we drink the water from the well, we should never forget who dug it” – the Men of 1960 dug the well from which Down Gaels have drunk on five occasions.
Each member of the squad and management or a family representative was individually introduced by Miceál Ó Murircheartaigh and presented with a specially commissioned Beellek China vase by Christy Cooney. Down Co Scór Sinir Instrumental Music Champions from Darragh Cross and Glenn’s Declan McConaghy (Recitation/Story Telling) provided the entertainment.
This was a wonderful event with which to start Congress at which Clonduff’s Ciarán McGreevy is Down’s Youth Representative.
Clonduff was well represented in the congregation at the Congress Mass on Saturday evening and The Murray Family (Stephen, Sean and Mary Catherine) helped provide the Sacred Music; Scór singer Ruby Crothers was in the specially selected Choir and young Ross Carr was selected to carry a Gift in the Offertory Procession.
Photo: Front row – Some of Down’s delegates at National Congress 2010 held in Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle on the weekend 16th to 18th April – (l to r) Seamus Walsh (Chairperson), Sean Óg McAteer (Secretary), Diarmuid Cahill (Delegate) and Ciarán McGreevy (Youth Delegate).
