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Whether or not you enjoy watching or going to GAA games, it is quite a unique organisation that has earned its central place in many communities.
Although my father listened to games on the wireless, I didn’t grow up in a family that spent weekends travelling all over the country; following club or county. But then I fell in love with a Mayo man who did just that.
Weekend dates were planned around his playing for the club or going to club or county matches. From then up to today, the GAA has had a mainly positive impact in my life. Yes, I have issues with the lack of women involved in decision making within the organisation, but thankfully this is slowly changing. I once tried to join a club and was told by the chairman that they “currently had enough women to make tea”!
I spent 25 years living beside a club that was - and continues to be - at the heart of the community. Obviously it is where football is played, but over the years it has played host to so much more.
A Foroige club established there was full of local teenagers every Friday night and even had the odd disco (where parents like myself had the unenviable job of being chaperones). For many years, there were regular coffee mornings for seniors. On one occasion, both of these activities came together when members of the Foroige club interviewed their grandparents or neighbours and produced a book full of stories. The book was launched in the club in a wonderful, multi-generational event.
The club has hosted Scór and Scór na nÓg, where local talent in dancing, singing and recitation is showcased with some going on to win national Scór titles. There was a drama group set up, which travels all over the country competing in drama festivals.
From bringing stools, cups and saucers to the house for my husband’s wake to an emotional guard of honor at his funeral, the club was really good to us
The club also hosts charity events to fund the club and to help others in the community. From card games to supporting the local national school, to walks and runs for individuals and families who suffered serious poor health or tragedy, the club and community contribute.
Mass is said every year for deceased members of the club and hearing the list of those who have passed during the year being read out is a salient reminder of who the community has lost and an opportunity to take a moment to remember them.
Craic
I’ve also had some of the best nights’ craic in the club, which has a full bar and has hosted many great nights with music and dancing; marking the anniversary of sporting achievements.
The club I’m writing about is called Garrymore in south Mayo. There is no Garrymore church, pub or shop, but all the activities associated with those places happen in the club house. The people who make up the club work tirelessly and are there on good days and bad.
It was in the dark days for my own family that Garrymore will forever hold a place in our hearts.
From bringing stools, cups and saucers to the house for my husband’s wake to an emotional guard of honor at his funeral, the club was really good to us. Along with our neighbours, they got us through a really difficult time. To quote my son, “Garrymore picked us up and carried us.”
Support
Although I no longer live there or go to many games, I try to support the club in other ways and follow its activities online. I loved watching a unique tractor run last Christmas with children from all over the parish on their little tractors; lit up with fairy lights and making their way around the pitch.
To all those in GAA clubs all over the country who give their time and energy to keep the grounds in peak condition, keep the doors open for community events, make a great hang sandwich and cups of strong tea (and pick up those that need it), thank you.
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