News

March of the Reds

November 8, 2018

Sat 24th Sept was a busy day in Edenderry GAA. from 8am a team of club volunteers were out on JKL St preparing the ‘Party Zone’ for the afternoon Street Party.

 
Once the Party Zone was set up, work got underway to begin the Bucket collection at various points on the street and this continued until 4pm taht afternoon.
 
A group of ambitious walkers left the Party Zone at approx 12.30 to make their way to Ticknevin Lock on the first part of the March of the Reds. With these walkers on their way, attention then turned to our Junior walkers who arrived in the Party Zone from 1.30. The number of walkers who turned out on the day astounded the organisers and it took almost 5 minutes for the walking party to make its way from JKL St to the Canal Harbour. From there they set off along the Edenderry Branch of the Canal to Downshire Bridge.
 
When the junior walkers reached Downshire bridge they had a few minutes rest while awaiting the return of the remaining walkers from Ticknevin before striking for home.
 
Another break was arranged at Woodfield while the walkers were joined by Edenderry’s Senior Football squad who had being making final preparations for their big game the next day.
 
Also at Woodfield, the club were delighted to be joined by the family of the late Pee Farrell and a lone piper.
 
The piper then lead the entire walking group from Woodfield back onto JKL St with the walkers headed by Peggy, Naomhan & Cillian Farrell.
 
Once back at the Party Zone the crowd listened as Colm Cummins(Chairman) and Fiona Brady (Ladies Chairperson) thanked everyone for their contribution to a successful day. Colm thanked the entire organising committee, the parents and children who had raised funds through sponsorship, Tommy O’Grady for the use of his trailer and marquee, Christy Dunne and local musicians who had given their time free of charge for the afternoon. Fiona also thanked Edenderry GAA for creating close links with Edenderry Ladies GAA and stressed that we are one of the first to enjoy such close bonds.
 
The afternoon continued in the warm sunshine as John & Peter Brady provided hot food for the children while Brendan Bergin was on hand with burgers and hot dogs. Adrian Brerton provided entertainment with his exotic pets while there was also balloon makers, clowns and face painting to keep all young children entertained.
 
Music for the afternoon was provided by many local artistes and kept the crowd entralled for the evening.
 
When the party broke up another army of club volunteers sprung into action and began the process of litter-picking and dismantling the ‘Party Zone’ and by 6.30pm all traces of the afternoon’s activity had been erased from JKL St.
 
The day continued with entertainment in Byrnes Oakwood Inn that evening and a great atmosphere was present as everyone discussed the days events and pondered on the game to be played the next day.
 
Edenderry GAA wish to thank eveyone who returned a sponsorship card, contributed to the collection, our walkers, club volunteers, Tommy O’Grady, Peter & John Brady, Byrnes Oakwood Inn, Brendan Bergin, Adrian Brerton, Christy Dunne & other local musicians, John O’Reilly & Offaly County Council and anyone else who helped the club in anyway.