South Mayo GAA club prepares for 50th anniversary weekend
In 1974, numerous significant events unfolded, including President Richard Nixon's resignation following the Watergate scandal, the iconic Rumble in the Jungle boxing match between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, and the premiere of the popular television sitcom Happy Days.
It was also the year Davitts GAA Club was officially formed, and this significant milestone will be commemorated and celebrated over the coming weekend with a series of events organised by the club.
The festivities will begin at 7 p.m. on Friday (August 2) with a community Mass followed by presentations to those who first represented Davitts at the adult level in 1974 and 1975. The founding members will also be honoured on the night. The evening will conclude with refreshments and live traditional music from local performers.
Saturday will be another busy day, with a host of events taking place throughout. First up will be underage games and events from 3 p.m., followed by a treasure hunt.
At 6 p.m., Davitts face near neighbours Ballyhaunis for the Padraig Prendergast Memorial Cup, and the night will finish with live music by Diesel from 10 p.m.
The weekend will wrap up with a family fun day on Sunday, starting at 2 p.m., followed by a kids' disco and a BBQ for everyone.
The grand finale of the weekend will feature David Connor and his band taking to the stage.
All the events over the course of the weekend will take place in the Davitts clubhouse in Ballindine, with a full bar available for those in attendance.
SUCCESS
All those men and women who have donned the famous black and red jersey have achieved significant success over the past 50 years.
In fact, the club was only one year old when success was achieved as the team captained and trained by Frank McGrath claimed a south Mayo junior title and the O’Mara Cup. That team in 1975 was managed by Austin O’Donnell. Both Frank and Austin were instrumental in founding the club just 12 months previously.
This initial success laid the foundation for the club's achievements over the next 49 years, during which it has continually grown and improved its facilities for the entire community. Recently, the club unveiled a new walking track and remote hub office space – a significant upgrade on the humble 'pitch' where the 1974 team used to train!
The club, which is made up of the villages of Irishtown and Ballindine, has seen many of its players over the past 50 years also go on to wear the green and red of Mayo with distinction. Some famous names include Ger Kirrane, Martin Kearns, Liam Nyland, Alan Roche, Michael Conroy and possibly the greatest of them all, Colm Boyle.
This link has been maintained to the present day, with Davitts continuing to be represented on the Mayo senior panels by both Fenton Kelly and Eilis Ronayne in 2024.
These accomplishments and many others will be remembered, discussed and celebrated over the August bank holiday.
Although The Fonz is no longer on TV, Davitts GAA Club still dreams of creating a few more happy days.