Carrickmore GFC, County Tyrone, GAA Club.

The events of last weekend at Pairc Colmcille in Carrickmore will live long in the memories of the many Gaels who attended. For the Carmen faithful, celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the formation of Naomh Colmcille, the culmination of a five year project will leave a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. The relocation of the Nally Stand from GAA headquarters to Pairc Colmcille was an immense undertaking; the quality and authenticity of the finished article has exceeded the expectations of even the most optimistic.
The rededication of the Stand on Saturday was the high point of a very full weekend that started with a GAA Questions and Answers session on Friday night, followed by an inter Club Table Quiz won in some style by the Beragh Red Knights Team.
Saturday was filled with football. Killeeshil demonstrated the strength of their youth set-up when their U-8’s captured the Mickey McGurk Trophy after a close encounter with Galbally. The Pearses gained considerable consolation in the Johnny Begley Cup for U-10’s when they overcame a gallant Pomeroy side. After a highly entertaining U-12’s challenge between Balla of Co. Mayo and An Charraig Mhór which the visitors shaded, the home club were assured of silverware when the Senior Ladies 7’s accounted for St Macartan’s in the Jarlath Kerr Final.
The formal part of the proceedings were conducted by recent past President of CLCG, Sean Kelly, and Geraldine Giles, President of Cumann Peile Gael na mBán. Sean Kelly paid tribute to the vision of the Carrickmore officials, who spotted the opportunity to preserve part of the old stadium during redevelopment work five years ago. He continued - “They have shown not just great foresight, but great generosity and great courage to take on the responsibility of getting the stand up from Croke Park and erecting it here. If they hadn`t done that, it`s quite possible that it would have been just dismantled and forgotten about. So it`s not just an historic day for Carrickmore, it`s an historic day for the entire association."
The gathering included many dignitaries from sporting, public and clerical life and it was particularly pleasing to see a strong representation from Mayo GAA circles lead by Co Chairman James Waldron and Secretary Sean Feeney. Balla GFC with whom Club Colmcille had collaborated throughout the past five years were there in strength, their contingent headed by Chairman John Holian and Secretary Gerry Costello. The sporting highlight of the day was the inaugural meeting between Balla and An Charraig Mhór for the Paddy Mullaney Cup, named to honour of the memory of the Balla native and Mayo Co Secretary who, in 1952, lobbied Central Council to have the stand in Croke Park named after PW Nally. Two first half goals by Carmen gave them the platform to ensure that the cup stayed in Tyrone at least until next year; the final score 2-14 to 1-07.
The final sporting competition of the day brought back memories of the great rivalry of the 1990’s between An Charraig Mhór and Errigal Ciaran, when many of the key figures of those great tussles lined out to contest the final of the Vincent Gormley Tournament for over 35’s. The visitors were in generous mood and Carmen retained the trophy.
The celebrations concluded with a most enjoyable Barbeque and Dance and the festivities carried on well into Sunday morning. A friendship between the GAA men and women of Carrickmore and Balla has been well and truly forged and it will undoubtedly remain for many years to come.

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