Friends of Sligo Football
Congratulations to Sligo GAA, who progressed the Centre of Excellence with the turning of the
sod recently by the GAA President Christy Cooney before a large gathering in Scarden recently.
It was a great privilege to be there among the guests on that historic occasion and no doubt the
people, who advanced this project this far will proceed with haste towards its development so Sligo
players can enjoy the best of facilities in their preparation for honours. People like John Murphy,
Michael Leonard .John Clifford, HughCawley, Peter Greene, Tommy Kilcoyne , Seamus Cronin, Philip
Niland and others, who have worked over the years towards this despite a number of set backs
can be proud of what is achieved to date. This looks like a very suitable site and may we see its
development progress swiftly and the results follow. To progress this is going to require fund raising
to augment money promised by Croke Park and hopefully Sligo people at home and abroad won’t be
found wanting.
A few years ago we in FOSF were involved in a joint project to draw up a development plan for Sligo
GAA and that was one of the key objectives as it was cited as such by the Former Chairman, John
Murphy at the outset.
Well done to Bunnannaden on the opening of their new community centre a fine
testament to the work of a spirited community. Their opening on Easter Monday was
blessed with sunshine and a good competitive match between Sligo and Monaghan.
Despite conceding 3 goals in the game Sligo gave a good account of themselves and it
was encouraging to see Noel McGuire back in Sligo colours and Brendan Egan starting a
game again for Sligo. We hope other injured players like David Kelly and Johnny Davey
will be back before too long.
We extend sympathy to the family of Joe Cawley Tubbercurry, who died recently. Joe
was to the fore in the GAA and Community and Political activities in the area for over
40 years. He was involved in the early days of hurling in Sligo as a player and later as
Administrator.
Best of luck to Sligo seniors as they commence their Connaught Championship
aspirations on Sunday 22nd June against Leitrim. Some feel this year we have got the
easy side of the draw unlike last year but we know from last year such a view could be
cruelly dispelled.
Congratulations to the Sligo Junior team on their victory over Galway and we hope for a
repeat of last year.