Drumragh chairperson Adrian O’Kane pictured at the AGM on Sunday with treasurer Joe Mulrine, Drumragh president Eugene Duffy, vice-chairperson Eoin McGread and secretary Paddy Roche
When the inaugural executive committee sat in Clanabogan Hall on Sunday 16th January 1972, their vision was to provide sporting and cultural opportunity for the people of Drumragh parish. Fifty years on, that vision has been realised, and the objectives remain. As do the people.
It is surely one of the GAA’s greatest strengths that the grà for our national sport is handed down through the generations.
The first chairman in January 1972 was the late Paddy Starrs – his grandson Gareth won a reserve championship medal in November 2021 and his great-grandson Lorcan carried home the Derrytresk tournament shield in September 2021.
The late Pat McGread’s grandson Eoin is our current vice-chair, and evergreen Pat McGlone’s son Fabian is a club referee and representative in County CCC. Continuity brings sustainability.
Gareth, Lorcan and Gerry Starrs in front of a picture of Drumragh’s first ever chairperson Paddy Starrs
Our club within the GAA amounts to a bond, between family, club, parish and county. And every single member of our club throughout those 50 years contributes to and shares that bond.
The list of players who came to the first training included Paddy Gallagher. Paddy achieved excellence and brought pride to everything he participated in. He played for club, school and county, serving Drumragh as a player, coach and chairman. It was such a terrible shock to everyone who knew Paddy when he passed away so suddenly on 10 March 2021. For Patricia, Cathal, Maeve and Aine, Paddy’s reputation lives on, and everyone associated with Drumragh shares your sorrow. Ar Dheis Dé ar a anam dilis.
Clanabogan Park
Coming out of two years of Covid, Drumragh provides an outlet for all of our 500 members to come out and enjoy the facilities that Clanabogan Park has to offer. I pay tribute to the work of every volunteer who contribute to the development of our club and grounds.
They do so with humility and their reward is to view the young people enjoy the fruits of their labour. Our players and our coaches, it is you who are the performers, who provide the excellence that all members come out to support. Long may this continue, so strive to be the best.
Our committee and subcommittees, it is your structures upon which the club grows. From our presidents to our caterers, every cog is an important one. Today our secretary Jackie McSorley steps down after sterling work as secretary. But you will continue to be here Jackie, your place and belonging is here, every single time we walk through the upstairs foyer.
I conclude by saying go raibh maith agaibh to these who have carried Droim Ratha Na Sarseil CLG through the first 50 years, and I bid ádh mór to those who shall continue the good work and carry Droim Ratha Na Sairsealaigh CLG through the next 50.
Caoga bliain ag Fás.
Mile Buiochas,
Adrian O’Cathain
Cathaoirleach
