Kiladangan GAA legends open Clubs new Astro Pitch and Ball Wall
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Eamonn Kelly, manager of the Kiladangan All Ireland Winning Intermediate team of 2005 cuts the ribbon to open the new Astro and Ball Wall in Puckane, from left, Brian Lawlor, Rodgie Gleeson, Liam Kelly, Eamonn Kelly, Gerry Slattery, Hugh Flannery, Paul Fogarty (Chairperson, Kiladangan GAA) and James Flannery. PHOTOs: ODHRAN DUCIE Odhran DucieImage 2 of 4
RIGHT - The new Astro and Ball Wall in Puckane, home of Kiladangan GAA. Odhran DucieImage 3 of 4
Neil Lynch, Paul Fogarty and Rory Boland were heavily involved in the development of the new Astro and Ball Wall in Puckane. Odhran DucieImage 4 of 4
2005 captain Gerry Slattery taking part in the penalty shoot-out to christen the new Astro pitch. Odhran DucieBy Liam Hogan
Kiladangan GAA club had their new Astro pitch and Ball-Wall officially opened by the players and management of the club’s 2005 All-Ireland Intermediate Hurling winning team at a special event last Saturday evening.
Perfect weather conditions made it more memorable as a big crowd, both young and old, witnessed another chapter in the club’s development.
Eamonn Kelly, manager of the 2005 winning team, along with the captain Gerry Slattery jointly cut the tape to mark the official opening after the team and officials marched from the dressing rooms to the new pitch behind a lone piper as they received a guard of honour from two columns of young Kiladangan hurlers, dressed in blue and gold jerseys.
Paul Fogarty, Chairperson of the Kiladangan GAA club welcomed everybody with a special welcome to the 2005 team and officials.
He said that while the new facility was all about the future of the club he thanked the club who began planning the event two years ago under the chairmanship of Art Flannery.
He went on to thank the fundraising committee and the those who put their hands in their pockets in raising the money. He mentioned how the club benefitted from the Sports Capital Programme and the various public representatives both local and national for their help. He said that we cannot forget those who have since passed away and did so much for the club.
Fr Willie McCormack, PP Puckaun and Monsea, praised the club for providing such excellent facilities before providing a blessing.
Gerry Slattery said he was proud to be captain of such a team. It was all about the panel and every player on the panel played such a huge part as displayed in the final that day. He had 25 captains under him. As Eamon Kelly used to say, play it as hard as you can as long as you can.
Eamonn Kelly recalled the year with pride and mentioned the various videos of the year that are available on Youtube, thanking Doris Ryan who recorded the events at the time. He said the videos provided all which so many good memories and reminded them of all the people who were alive then, people who did so much work for the club but have since passed on.
Liam Kelly was club chairperson in 2005 and he recalled the generosity of the supporters and made special mention of a man who gave two weeks pension as a contribution to the funds.
The occasion was added to by performances from the clubs Figure Dancing team and Ballad Group, winners at the recent North Tipperary Scor na bPaisti final, filling the air with music and dance before the day came to an end with food provided in the complex.