Council
honours GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl,
The Cathaoirleach of
Sligo County Council, Councillor Hubert Keaney hosted a reception at County
Hall on Sunday for Aogán Ó Fearghaíl, Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. The
ceremony was hosted in advance of the official opening of the GAA Centre of
Excellence in Scarden later that afternoon.
Special
day
In his address, the
Cathaoreach said ‘ It is a special day
for your Association, and indeed the people of Sligo. The official opening of the Centre of
Excellence in Scarden later this afternoon marks the culmination of years of outstanding
endeavour by Sligo County Board and the many people who worked alongside them
to make this marvellous dream a glorious reality. This development represents Croke
Park’s commitment to the sharing of
resources combined with substantial funding by individual Clubs and members in Sligo. This infrastructure will greatly assist the
coaches based in the county as they introduce children and young adults to our
Gaelic culture. The fun, the friendships and the skills acquired in the new
Centre and in schools throughout the County are life skills.
Capital
of Volunteering
Sligo is of course the
European Capital of Volunteering for 2017 and it is very appropriate that we honour the
leader of the largest voluntary
organisation in the Country today. The GAA is an Association that has persevered, despite many
challenges, primarily because of its
uncompromising adherence to a democratic system, founded on the dedication and integrity of its
volunteers. Volunteerism is in your Association’s DNA, and I would suggest to
anyone seeking a model or template of volunteerism, to reflect on the history
of the GAA at local or national level. This
is a proud day for the Sligo GAA family and the wider Sligo community who celebrate this wonderful
occasion with you. These are days to honour previous generations and inspire
the next, a day when we pay a public tribute to the men and women who served the
GAA with such distinction.
Strength
of community
Secretary
of the Sligo County Board Gerry O’Connor said it was important for the GAA to
have role models, and this was view shared by an t-Uachtarán on a recent visit
to schools in County Sligo. He noted the
significance of the recent Local Government reform, which had strengthened the
power of communities and had energised them through their participation in the
Public Participation Network. With over 400 voluntary groups, Sligo had one of
the most progressive PPN networks in the country.
Sligo County Council
Chief Executive Ciarán Hayes said the aftermath of the recent Centenary
celebrations ‘was an opportune time to reflect on the role of the GAA in our
society. It was interwoven into the fabric of Irish life, and imbued our
citizens with a sense of place and identity. From a young age, pride of jersey,
parish and school were instilled.’ The Chief Executive spoke of the development
of Croke Park reflecting the maturing, inclusive Irish society, and noted that
‘the decision to open up Croke Park was an enlightened one.’ He outlined to his own family’s involvement
in the GAA, and referred to a photograph that included Michael Collins, Harry
Boland and Ciarán Hayes’ Grandfather in Croke Park.
Uachtarán Cumann
Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail spoke of the importance of striking a balance
between the Association’s history, heritage and values while remaining
progressive and ambitious. He cited historian Diarmuid Ferriter’s comment that
the GAA was the only organisation fulfilling the ideals set out in the 1916
Proclamation, and stressed the importance of ‘building bridges, not walls’ Aogán
noted the relevance of the Biblical quote ‘Without a vision, the people will
perish’, and said his firm belief was that ‘anything is possible when you work
together as a cooperative.’
Following the reception, the guests travelled the
short distance to Scarden for the official opening of the GAA Centre of
Excellence.