The official opening of the new facilities at Kilmeena G.A.A. Club took place on the 5th of August 2019.The day began with mass upstairs in the new gym celebrated by Fr. Jim Walsh, assisted by Fr. John Regan, for the deceased members of the club. After mass, speeches were made by some of the invited dignitaries: Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development; Councillors John O’Malley and Christy Hyland; former Councillor Michael Holmes and Seamus Tuohy, vice Chairman of Mayo County Board. Also present was Councillor Peter Flynn and apologies were received from Councillor Brendan Mulroy.
Club Chairman Willie Keaveney thanked Fr. Walsh and Fr. Regan for celebrating Mass and for blessing the club and buildings. He thanked the Kilmeena Folk Choir who sang at the Mass and the readers for making the mass a truly memorable occasion. He also thanked everyone who made the effort to be present for the opening and those who helped bring the project to fruition including the club members who fundraised and contributed to getting the works done.
Also acknowledged was the assistance of the major financial backers of the project: Connacht Council; Allergan Pharmaceauticals; Councillors Mulroy, Hyland and ex Councillor Holmes; Cannon Brothers (Carrowholly), Michael Feehan (Buckfield), Shane Muldoon, the O'Donnell family (Carrowbeg), Austin Gibbons and Ruairi Duffy (Carrowholly); Minister Ring for allocating €80,000 for the project when he was Minister for Sport; club members who raised €155,000, which, for a small rural club, is an incredible achievement; the club's sponsors and those who sponsor gear for the various teams; fellow club members for their support; the design team of Robert Kilkelly and Gavin Joyce for all their help and advice.He also thanked the main contractor for the project, John Foran and Emerald Pitch Development. The club achieved all this without any borrowings or bank loans.
After this everyone moved downstairs and outside for the unveiling of a plaque by Minister Ring and the cutting of the tape to officially declare the new facilities open. Afterwards, everyone went upstairs in the clubhouse for refreshments and a chat.
The Club Chairman, Willie Keaveney, wishes to thank everyone who assisted on the day. A special thanks to those who supplied the food, Ollie Mulchrone for taking photos and everyone who helped prepare the grounds on the day to ensure the it looked its very best.
Kilmeena G.A.A. Club is 130 years in existence. It has had to endure its share of good and bad times but there is no doubt that this was a proud day in the club's history.
Fr. Jim Walsh PP. Kilmeena and Fr. John Regan celebrate a commemorative Mass for deceased Club members in the new Gym Facility at Kilmeena GAA grounds.
Michael Ring T.D. Minister for Rural and Community Development cuts the tape and unveils the plaque to officially open the new facilities at Kilmeena GAA Club.
Left to Right Kilmeena GAA Club Chairman Willie Keavney, Club Treasurer Padraic Moore, Ex Councillor Michael Holmes, Councillor Peter Flynn, Councillor John O Malley, Minister for Rural & Community Development Michael Ring T.D, Vice Chairman of Mayo GAA County Board Seamus Tuohy, Councillor Christy Hyland and Club Secretary Ollie Mulchrone.
Click HERE for additional images from the Commemorative Mass and Official Opening ceremonies.