Islandeady Foróige Club celebrates 50th anniversary
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Launching the 50th anniversary book, Celebrating Friendships, are Odhran O’Mahony, chairman, National Foróige, Noreen Coyne, club leader, Sean Campbell, CEO, National Foróige, and Liam Sadler, founder leader, Islandeady club.Image 2 of 3
Some of the original members celebrating the 50th anniversary - PJ Conway, John Tuohy, John McCormack, Marie Moylette, Michael McCormack and John Cannon.Image 3 of 3
Current and past Foróige leaders. From left: Michelle Ludden, Breege Joyce, Julie Crinnegan, Alacoque O’Connell, Mary Kelly, Noreen Coyne, Una Kirby, Sharon Walsh and Denise Walsh McManamon.THERE were great celebrations as Islandeady Foróige hosted an anniversary event to mark 50 years of the youth club in the parish.
Past and present members, friends and families gathered in the Mariner Hotel to share stories and memories and enjoyed a magnificent performance, 50 Years of Friendships, by current members.
The show, written by Marina Rice, also a former member, took a trip down memory lane from when the club was first set up in 1972 and entertained the audience with song and dance over the decades, including favourite comedies ‘Fr. Ted’ and ‘Only Fools and Horses’.
The current members performance on the night certainly showed the personal development and friendship opportunities Foróige offers teenagers, not to mention the level of talent in Islandeady club.
National Foróige chairperson Odhran O'Mahony made a presentation to the club to mark the significant achievement of providing a social outlet to teenagers in the area and engaging them in the community.
The club also launched their 50th anniversary book, Celebrating Friendships, which is a full colour book of photos and stories over the 50 years. The first copy of the book was presented to Liam Sadler, who founded the club in 1972, by current club leader Noreen Coyne.
Sean Campbell, CEO, Foróige, commented on the level of commitment in the parish to the youth club and thanked all the volunteer leaders past and present for their continued contribution to young people.
In a letter to the club afterwards, Sean wrote: “What a night, your 50th anniversary was fabulous, one of the most enjoyable nights I have had in a long time.
“Congratulations to you, all the leaders and the members. You highlighted how important Foróige has been to Islandeady for the last 52 years and the book is magnificent. I love the foreword by Enda and your article is brilliant. You must be very proud of the members. They represented themselves, their families and Foróige brilliantly and what talent you have. I don't remember ever seeing so many great singers in one club...
“Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved, they did Foróige and Islandeady proud.”
The anniversary book is a ‘must-have’ for any former member of the club, friends or family or anyone involved in Foróige. All proceeds from the book will go to the new community facilities centre in Islandeady so all support is appreciated.
Islandeady Foróige thank all those who sponsored prizes on the night, Home2Mayo for their support and those who sponsored adverts in the book.
Celebrating Friendships – Islandeady Foróige's 50th anniversary book is available in all Westport bookshops, Easons, Mulroy's Londis, Moneen, Laura's XL, Scrineys, Castlebar and Archers, or by emailing foroigeislandeady@gmail .com.