21 October 2012
The GAA Social Initiative was launched in 2009 as part of a project undertaken by former Irish President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin. The project was designed to help the older generation reconnect with society and GAA clubs have embraced the idea with enthusiasm.
The An Chill club from Waterford recently spent a weekend in Belfast as guests of Antrim’s Lamh Dhearg. Club Chairman Sean O’Regan recounts the highlights of their weekend.
Belfast Trip Oct 5th – 7th 2012
On Friday Oct 5th , Kill gaa’s social initiative group headed off from Kill for a truly fantastic weekend. All 52 on board agreed this was one of the best weekends they have ever had.
We arrived at our destination right on time at 5.15pm and checked into the Balmoral hotel in high spirits. We were greeted by our hosts Lámh Dhearg CLC, Chairman Barney Herron and his wife Colette, Runai Brian Smyth, Games Development officer Paul Buchanan and our now good friend Jim Ferguson. Each in turn gave us all the hand of friendship, it is fair to say that the welcome and hospitality we received and was shown to us all throughout the weekend was without doubt the highlight of trip, and believe me there was many.
On board the Titanic bus tour to bring us to the Titanic Centre and titanic dock– what a place – inside all Nine gallery’s had a story to tell – we saw what it was like in Boomtown Belfast, the gantry and shipyard ride, the launch, the fit-out and engine rooms, got to know its crew and
passengers on its maiden voyage, the sinking 23.40pm on 14th April 1912 ,in this gallery you relive those final tragic hours , sad feelings but a brilliant experience telling everything there is to know about the Titanic.
Next up was an open top tour of Belfast, down Crumlin Road,
Falls Road, Shankill road, were we marvelled at the skills that created the now world famous Belfast Murals that grew out of the conflicts during the troubles, the peace wall, the giant H&W cranes, the Titanic’s birthplace, City hall, Casement Park, Queens University to
name but a few.
That night we went to the Lamh Dhearg club for an evening of song and dance. We had many singers who each in turn made the night so enjoyable for all.
Another highlight was the presentations exchanged by both Chairmen - Sean o Regan from Kill Gaa club and our social initiative group and Barney Herron from Lamh Dhearg – A beautiful piece of crystal stayed up north while souvenir Lamh Dhearg tops came down south to Kill A night’s of craic and entertainment was had for sure in Lámh Dhearg C.L.G. Special thanks also to the ladies behind the bar, Sean Maguire, and of course young Roisin who played a blinder, served tea and showed great hospitality.
Sunday Morning the 7th and we went to mass in St. Josephs Hannastown – local parish church of Lámh Dhearg , were we were invited guests and receive a very warm welcome from their PP Rev Fr David Delargy. Fr. David is one of the now famous singing priests so it was extra special to have him welcome us, hear him sing and take some photographs with him and chat after mass, you really would have to be there to see the beautiful church and grounds, the view looking over Belfast on this sunny morning.
On the journey home we sang all the way to Kill village and arrived home at 9pm which brought the most wonderful weekend to an end.
For more on the GAA Social Initiative visit https://www.gaa.ie/clubzone/gaa-social-initiative/
