On Sunday 9th May the GAA set aside all fixtures to allow clubs nationwide celebrate our National Games and in Edenderry we certainly did that in style.
Our day began with a Mass dedicated to the memory of all deceased members of Edenderry GAA. Following the Mass the crowds gathered in the Church Grounds for the parade. The parade was lead by a lone piper from the Curragh Camp Army Barracks and pride of place behind the piper was given to the U14 Ladies Football team who will represent the club in
As the parade made its way from the Church to the GAA grounds many onlookers cheered on the teams who had turned out in great numbers and in great colour. On arrival in the GAA, Sean Fitzgerald who acted as MC for the day invited the large crowd to join Ed Kenny in a stirring rendition of Amhran na bhFiann.
First out onto the field were the clubs most important members as our U6 & U8 footballers treated the crowd to a wonderful exhibition of Go Games on four pitches. This was followed by the U10 & U12 Footballers who again showed off their skills in four very competitive Go Games. These teams included members of the successful U10 Community Games team who won the
Our U14 boys and girls then played a game on the full pitch and the girls proved to be just as skilful as their male counterparts in all aspects of the game. Our U16 footballers then completed the underage football activity with an entertaining 7 a side game.
The spotlight then came back on our youngest members as the U6 hurlers took to the field for an action packed game cheered on by a large number of parents. The U8, U10 & U12 hurlers also played an exhibition game which showed off the large range of skills they possess.
Our U14 & U16 hurlers completed the underage activities with a 7 a side game full of scores.
In total our underage programme contained 10 football and 4 hurling games and included over 200 children throughout the afternoon.
Next it was the turn of the adults to take to the field and first up for them was the Puc Fada. After a very closely contested competition the winner was Colin McCormack.
The footballers then treated us to an all action game between Old Cokery/Killane and Metropolitans/Tunnel Rd Coneyboro. After an absorbing game the final score was ………… in favour of Old Cokery/Killane.
A Tug of War also took place between the Hurlers and Footballers with the footballers winning the event on a 2-0 scoreline. The U14 ladies challenged the boys to a Tug of War which the girls won 2-1.
Finally the Junior Hurlers brought the on field activity to an end with a challenge game against Na Fianna. In a high scoring game the sides ended level on 2-14 each.
In the clubhouse the crowd were entertained by local band Frantic Jack and during a break in the music our presentation of prizes took place. Colin McCormack was presented with a cup for winning the Puc Fada, while Johnny Hurst representing the
Throughout the day refreshments were served by a hard working group of ladies who ensured everyone was looked after with tea and sandwiches. A sweet shop was also organised by these ladies. The club bar provided a welcome place to rest weary legs and club members took time to enjoy the other live sports action on the new TV in the bar. A BBQ in the late evening ensured that no-one went home hungry and proved extremely popular with the crowd.
Edenderry GAA wish to thank everyone who took part in the day especially players and team managers who ensured the crowd had plenty of entertainment all afternoon. Special thanks to the ladies who worked all day to ensure everyone had plenty of refreshments and also our face painters who kept our youngest members entertained.
