On Thursday 14th May a delegation from Edenderry GAA Club travelled to Birr to attend the official launch of Laois/Offaly Feile na nGael 2009. As the U14 footballers were playing a challenge game it was an opportunity for the younger members of the U14 panel to represent the team. Lee Hyland, Aaron Holt and Matthew Beatty travelled with manager Garrett Reilly to the event.
A large crowd gathered in the County Arms Hotel in Birr for the occasion and each club were well represented by members of their U14 squads. Guests of Honour on the night were Christy Cooney GAA President, Joan O’Flynn Camogie President and Tony Hannon President of the Handball Association.
On the night there was an opportunity for each club to have photos taken with the Liam McCarthy Cup and with current & former players including Brian Whelehan, Brian Carroll and Offaly captain Ger Oakley.
A question and answer session followed chaired by former Offaly hurler & current Sunday Game panellist Michael Duignan. Questions were directed to all members of the panel including players and the presidents of the three Associations. One player asked Brian Whelehan when he started his first fight! Another asked Ger Oakley about being Offaly Captain. Christy Cooney was asked what it was like to be President.
Various speeches were then heard before the Feile flag was passed from Laois to Offaly and the 2009 Feile na nGael was officially launched.
Overall it was a very enjoyable occasion which the team members will remember for a long time to come and who knows we may get to see them hold the Liam McCarthy Cup wearing the Offaly jersey one day.
