Na Fianna Nuacht

Na Fianna’s 60th Celebrations

Last weekend Áras na bhFiann in Mobhi Road witnessed a fitting commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the club’s foundation. The three day celebration was a comprehensive re-statement of our club ethos and encompassed every sphere of the club’s activities.

The celebration began last Thursday evening with the launch of an historical exhibition ‘Ár gClub, Ár bPobal’ which recalls many of the important achievements of the club over the past sixty years. The exhibition was officially opened by Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and by Gareth Jones, Manager of the neighbouring Bon Secours Hospital which very generously sponsored the exhibition. It was very heartening to see so many locally elected public representatives, community leaders, principals and teaching staff from our local schools and neighbouring residents in attendance. After the exhibition was officially opened, those present were treated to a presentation of the central role which Na Fianna plays in the local community. Master of Ceremonies for the presentation was our club PRO Cormac O’Sullivan who in turn called on Cormac Ó Donnchú, Paul McCarville, Mary Nevin, Maurice Grehan, Mark McManus and Jimmy Gray to say a few words. Each speaker gave a different perspective on what exactly Na Fianna means to them and the appreciative audience was under no illusions after the contributions but that Na Fianna was so much more than just another sports club.

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 1 Na Fianna Nuacht

Thursday evening was rounded off with the ‘Small Ball Remembered’, a re-union of many of the hurling and handball teams which have graced the club throughout the years. Musical entertainment in the Members’ Bar was provided by Tommy Flaherty and his colleagues who as it happened were only warming up for their ‘Oíche Áirneáin’ on the following night.

Friday’s activities began with the ‘Battle of the Clans’ at 6pm on the main pitch. This was a hurling/camogie match in which a selection of the club’s younger players were pitted against their parents and should-know-betters. Rumour has it that the DRA will shortly re-convene to discuss a number of incidents arising from this game and that late night sittings are expected.

As the ‘Battle of the Clans’ came to an end, the newly-refurbished Halla na bhFiann hosted ‘Ceiliúradh an Chathaoirligh’. This was the Chairman’s celebratory dinner for Founder Members, their widows and direct descendants, former club officers, club workers and invited guests. The Halla was choc-a-bloc with over one hundred diners but this only added to the intimacy of the occasion. Thanks to Aidan Irwin and his staff in Cater4U for a splendid meal and also to Robert Roberts for their sponsorship.

In a wide-ranging after-dinner address, Cathaoirleach Colum Cronin welcomed all those present to commemorate and celebrate this special occasion. He stressed that the purpose of the evening was not alone to pay homage to the Founder Members of our wonderful club but also to ensure that the success and development of the club over the past sixty years would be continued and maintained into the future. A special welcome was extended to our Guest of Honour Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail and to his wife Frances. On behalf of all Na Fianna members, Colum wished Aogán every success as he faced the onerous challenge of leading the Association for the next three years. Aogán’s inaugural address as Uachtarán to Congress last March in his native county of Cavan was recalled and the club Cathaoirleach noted how many of the themes touched upon then by Aogán were entirely relevant to Na Fianna as it stood today.

The paramount importance of the Games had been emphasised with Colum adverting to the sterling work of our own Games Development Committee. The importance of tradition was also stressed while Aogán had also referenced more modern values such as the role of women in the Association, a topic to which an Cathaoirleach would return later in his address.

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 2 Na Fianna Nuacht

Above all else we could identify in St Mobhi Road with what Nobel prize winning poet Seamus Heaney referred to as the ‘hedges of our first imaginings’, that sense of attachment to, loyalty for and love of one’s native place which is such a characteristic of the GAA. An Cathaoirleach referred to the wish of almost every club team to play its home matches on the HQ pitch at Mobhi Road as evidence of this unique trait.

Moving on, it was pointed out the significant role which the Leinster Council had played in facilitating the establishment of the club sixty years ago. An Cathaoirleach quoted directly from the minutes of a meeting held in the Engineers’ Hall on 16th April 1955 which outlined this. Having done so, a warm welcome was extended to the current Chairman of the Leinster Council John Horan and to his wife Paula. John is no stranger to Na Fianna having served the club as a player, a mentor, a manager and in latter times as an administrator. The club is justifiably proud of his success and wishes him all the best as Cathaoirleach of Comhairle Laighin.

Reading the minutes of the early meetings of the club back in 1955, it was readily apparent how keen the founder members were to ensure that Na Fianna was straight away at the heart of Dublin GAA. The minutes record the inter-county honours enjoyed by club members and this trend continues to the current day. This year alone saw Shane Barrett and Joey Boland represent the county hurlers in senior championship action while Tomás Brady and Jonny Cooper did likewise in senior football. An Cathaoirleach pointed out how deeply Jonny’s roots run in the club. His grandfather Brendan Deignan was one of the club’s

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 3 Na Fianna Nuacht

founding members and in 1955, the year of the club’s foundation, represented Cavan in an All Ireland semi-final. Jonny’s parents Loyola Deignan and Brendan Cooper were both present and were most welcome. An Cathaoirleach also welcomed John Caffrey, one of the ‘Twelve Apostles’ who won an All Ireland medal with Dublin in the 1983 football final success against Galway. It was fitting in light of Na Fianna’s central role at the heart of Dublin GAA that the club would welcome Cathaoirleach Coiste Atha Cliath Sean Shanley and his wife Phyllis. An Cathaoirleach paid tribute to Sean Shanley who only last February had assumed the office earlier than he had expected to or wished to following the untimely death of his predecessor Andy Kettle in the week before last Christmas. In his short period in office, Sean had shown that the future of Dublin GAA was in safe and steady hands.

Turning to the role of women in Na Fianna, an Cathaoirleach referred to the fact that all three major offices in the home club of Uachtarán Aogán Ó Fearghail, Drumgoon Éire Óg were held by women. Na Fianna could not quite match that but Colum pointed out that the pivotal role of Club Secretary was held by Anne Foley. Both he as Chairman and Donal Ring as Treasurer were very aware that their roles could equally well be filled by their able deputies Deirdre Lambe, Leas Cathaoirleach and Karen Fox, Leas Cisteoir. The club was also exceptionally well served by Lesley Jamieson, Children’s Officer, Mairéad Breathnach, Cultural and Language Officer and Muiréad Gaffney. A significant female presence on the club’s Executive Committee would not be sufficient unless it was matched at all other levels of the club. Thankfully this was the case and females had equal provision to facilities in Na Fianna as males. An Cathaoirleach stressed that the club was not looking for any plaudits or pats on the back for this as anything less than full equality of the sexes would be completely and utterly unacceptable. The club’s camogie section had been founded in 1969 by Gretta Gray and others and was followed in 1990 by the ladies’ football section. Both camogie and ladies’ football were now thriving in the club and in some juvenile age-groups the number of girls exceeded that of boys. An Cathaoirleach warmly welcomed the Chairman of the Dublin Camogie Board, Pat Martin and his counterpart in Ladies’ Football Joe Keane and his wife Breedge.

The club’s ideal location in Mobhi Road was often referred to as a ‘mini-Gaeltacht’ or breac Gaeltacht due to its setting between two Gaelscoileanna. Like all neighbours there were occasional minor difficulties but invariably these were resolved in a spirit of co-operation and comradeship. An Cathaoirleach welcomed the Principals both of Scoil Mobhí, Imelda Mhic Mhathúna and of Scoil Chaitríona, Carmel de Grae. Carmel was one of Na Fianna’s longest

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 4 Na Fianna Nuacht

serving and greatest players although if she were to retain this status in the face of stern opposition from Clíona úi Dhálaigh and others she would need to don the boots again pretty soon.

Na Fianna founder members present at Friday’s Ceiliúradh an Chathaoirligh pictured with guest of honour Úachtarán Cumann Luthcleas Gael Aoghán Ó Fearghail and Na Fianna Chairman Colum Cronin

When the club was founded in 1955, there were only two Universities in Dublin, one in College Green and the other in Earlsfort Terrace. Great changes had been wrought in the intervening sixty years and there was now a third University in the city and right here on our doorstep in Glasnevin. It was a great honour for the club to welcome the President of Dublin City University, Professor Brian Mac Craith to its celebration. DCU is the college of preference for an increasing number of Na Fianna members. It is a major employer in the locality both at a full-time and part-time level. Since his inauguration as Uachtarán, Brian had put great emphasis on developing DCU’s links with the local community. An Cathaoirleach looked forward to working with Brian and the DCU authorities to further develop this relationship to the mutual benefit of the DCU student cohort and Na Fianna’s playing membership and also to the benefit of the local community which we both share.

DCU was known as the University of Enterprise and it was on this word ‘enterprise’ that An Cathaoirleach now wanted to focus. The dictionary definition of ‘enterprise’ would be along the lines of ‘an undertaking, especially a bold or difficult one’. The founder members had

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 5 Na Fianna Nuacht

shown tremendous enterprise in the establishment of our great club sixty years ago. Not for them the soft option of staying put, tolerating mediocrity and not doing anything to rock the boat. These were men of enterprise, initiative, ambition, vision and drive. They were prepared to make sacrifices and were imbued with a steely determination to succeed. There were fourteen of them present and an Cathaoirleach asked those non-founding members and guests present to thank them for their enterprise in establishing Na Fianna. The attendance rose in a standing ovation of appreciation for the founder members. The fourteen members in attendance were Johnny Behan, Donie Bolger, Noel Clerkin, Pat Feeney, Tom Freeman, Frank Gray, Jimmy Gray, Fr Brian Grogan SJ, Gerry Guidon, Donal Hickey, Paddy King, Jimmy Lowe, Mick Mervyn and Eamonn Murphy. An Cathaoirleach also welcomed the widows of founder members present. It had been his great privilege to have known Dermot McNulty, Louis Davis and Sean Clerkin in person and he welcomed their widows Teresa McNulty, Mary Davis and Stasia Clerkin to the celebration. Also welcomed were Anna Deignan, Marie Fitzgerald, Mary Gray, Angela Morris and Eleanor O’Neill whose late husbands Ernie, Mossie, Dinny, Brendan and Sean had been so instrumental in the establishment of the club. Also welcomed were Loyola and Ger Deignan, daughters of Brendan, Vera Caffrey, daughter of Tom Fitzpatrick and Kieran Brennan, son and grandson of Joe Brennan and Joe Brennan senior. Harry Norton whose father Tommy was unable to attend was also warmly welcomed.

On occasions such as this, when singling out particular individuals for thanks there is always a risk of offending somebody through omission. However on this occasion this was a risk which an Cathaoirleach was prepared to take. A lot of voluntary effort had been put in by many people over the past number of weeks but the contributions of three people in particular were outstanding. Thanks are due to former club Cathaoirleach Brian O’Sullivan whose painstaking attention to detail in collating the historical archives had resulted in a fantastic end product for the club. Thanks also to our Functions Manager Ciara May whose prodigious work-rate over the past number of weeks was quite astonishing in pulling the threads together of several different events. Last but by no means least the club owed a huge debt of gratitude to its Fundraising Officer Cormac Ó Donnchú whose energy and creativity had been brought to bear in delivering what had been a momentous weekend of celebration for the club.

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 6 Na Fianna Nuacht

In conclusion, an Cathaoirleach acknowledged the financial challenges facing the club but as Jimmy Gray had informed him some months ago, if the club didn’t have financial problems, it could have far more serious problems.

Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail then addressed the attendance. He commended the club for the variety in its playing Menu. All five sports of Gaelic football, hurling, camogie, ladies’ football and handball were available to the club’s membership. It was evident to him that the club’s emphasis on inclusivity had paid off spectacularly in its very strong membership figures. Aogán remarked that this evening was his first time attending a GAA club dinner when the principals of the local primary school, secondary school and third-level University were all in attendance. This made for a very special commemoration of the club’s sixtieth anniversary and added to the very real sense of community which permeated the club. He commended the club for its loyalty to County Dublin and remarked that transferrance of club loyalty to the county was a marked feature of Dublin GAA clubs generally.

President Brian Mac Craith thanked Na Fianna for having invited him to such a special occasion. He underlined the commitment of DCU to Gaelic Games in particular and to all sports in general. As a barometer of this commitment, he cited the fact that in the previous weekend’s drawn All Ireland semi-final between Dublin and Mayo, no less than twenty of the thirty starting players either had been or are students in the University. He confirmed DCU’s willingness to work with Na Fianna and other local groups in the community and expressed confidence that this commitment would soon have some tangible benefits for our great club.

The final speaker of the evening was Jimmy Gray, who more than any other individual epitomises what it means to be a member of Na Fianna. Jimmy thanked the club for having organised such a special evening for the founder members and their families. Na Fianna had meant the world to him and he was very confident that the club had a very bright future.

After the celebrations, attention switched upstairs to the Mobhi Suite where Fear an Tí Seán Ó Laoire presided over a very successful Oíche Airneáin. Tommy Flaherty and his group of musicians led the evening’s entertainment. Gabriel Travers, Gerry Flanagan, John McDaid, Jim Aughney, John Brennan, Joey Hughes were the musicians and the sound was co- ordinated by Bill McDunphy. The songs were sung by our regular quartet of Thursday

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 7 Na Fianna Nuacht

evening female vocalists who are superb. Thanks to Ciara McCabe, Fiona Dennehy, Linda Pugh and Jane Farrelly whose harmonies lit up the evening.

Saturday night in the club saw the unveiling of Na Fianna’s Wall of Fame in front of a large club crowd. The Wall of Fame, a tribute to Na Fianna’s Dubs, contains the names of over seventy Na Fianna players who represented Dublin in Senior Championship across all codes, football, hurling, ladies football, camogie and handball. On the night, forty Na Fianna Dubs, former and current, were in the club to unveil their names on the wall in front of their proud, very proud, family members, friends and former teammates. It is intended to keep the Wall of Fame updated over time and the hope is that juvenile members will aspire to see their names on it some day.

Proud moment for the Feeney family at last Saturday night’s launch, as Father and son, Pat (Na Fianna founder member and Dublin Senior hurler 1962) and Declan (Dublin Senior hurler 1987) point to their names on Na Fianna’s Wall of Fame.

Sincere thanks to all who helped make it an unforgettable weekend. The 60th celebration was a major milestone for Na Fianna and huge thanks is due to all those who contributed in many ways to ensure that all ran smoothly and that the Club looked its very best for the occasion. Big thanks also to the Na Fianna membership and local community who turned up in large numbers throughout the weekend. Glaine inár gCroí, Neart inár nGéag agus Beart de réir ár mBriathar.

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 8 Na Fianna Nuacht

Weekend Fixtures

Our Senior hurlers play Whitehall Colmcilles in league in Cloghran on Saturday at 6pm. All three Minor football teams play in Championship on Sunday at 11am. A’s host Plunketts in Mobhi Road, B’s play Whitehall in Collinstown and C’s travel to St Annes Park to play Clontarf. Later at 3pm, our Junior A hurlers are away against Thomas Davis. Best of luck to all teams and all support welcome.

All Ireland Football Final Tickets

The Club will receive an allocation of tickets from the Dublin County Board for the upcoming All Ireland Football Final between Dublin and Kerry. All those who have purchased tickets for at least three matches in this year’s League and Championship Campaign through the Club will receive tickets based on the number of adult tickets purchased up to a maximum of two tickets. Child tickets do not qualify in this process. Tickets may be collected from Padraigin Bhreathnach in the Club Bar next Thursday evening between 9-11pm. Tickets cost €80 stand and €40 Terrace. All other tickets received by the Club will be allocated by open draw. Fully paid up members who wish to be included in the draw should email [email protected] by 9pm Tuesday 15th September. Those receiving tickets will be notified by phone so please include your mobile number in your email.

Please do not contact Padraigin, the club office or members of the Executive regarding tickets. The only way to be included in the draw is by submitting an email to [email protected]

All-Ireland Hurling Final Tickets Winners

Winners of tickets for last weekend’s hurling final were; Bond Scheme Draw: Paul McCarville and Tom Gilligan. Members’ Draw: Peter Coughlan, Philip Kelly, Philip O’Brien, Anne Ryan, Liam Flaherty and Christine Kelly.

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 9 Na Fianna Nuacht

Club Lotto

This week’s Na Fianna Club Lotto winning numbers were; 7 10 16 23

No jackpot winner but congrats to our five Match 3 winners who wins €30 each, Finbar Gaffney, Eimear Ní Dhubhlainn, John Murchan, Ashling Simpson, Niamh de Barra.. Congrats also to our five Lucky Pick winners who won €15 each, Vincent Wall, Eamonn Cassidy, Mary Rose Keneally, Declan Dagger, Elaine Bolger, Pat Fleming c/o Vinny.

See Club website www.clgnafianna.ie for application forms and direct debit mandates. Next week’s Club Lotto Jackpot will be €6,500, please support.

Handball News

It’s all back to normal handball after the World Championships in Calgary and congrats to our Leinster 60x30 Champions. Mick O Brien regained his over 70 Title. Mick O Brien and Pat Ryan regained their over 70 doubles title and Meadhbh Ni Dhalaigh along with Sabrina Hughes (St Brigids ) are Leinster Intermediate champs.

Still awaiting Leinster Final dates and venues but Na Fianna will be represented by Robert Cleary and A Benson (Junior finalists) and by Egin Jensen and Frank Daly in Oover 50 A doubles finals. Leinster Semi finalists not yet fixed but Michael Carrie and Keith Burke will play in Junior Doubles. Best Wishes to all.

Juvenile Mentor Meeting

Juvenile Mentor Meeting this coming Wednesday 16th September at 8:30pm in the Mobhi Suite. It would be great to see as many as possible there. Each age-group should be represented by at least one mentor. The meetings are very informative and are a great opportunity to swap ideas relating to mentoring and coaching the young players within the club.

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 10 Na Fianna Nuacht

Dicksboro U-8 Charity Blitz

On the eve of last weekend’s Hurling All-Ireland final, a group of players from the 2007 Boys took on the might of Kilkenny Hurling at the Dicksboro U8 Charity Blitz. Na Fianna were up against Dicksboro, James Stephens and Clara in a brilliantly organised event. The boys have only recently started lifting and striking the sliotar out of their hands in training, but showed how quickly they have captured the skills. The lads had a great time and put in fantastic performances, easily showing that they were a match for the Kilkenny boys.

Best Wishes to Adam

The U-14 boys’ teams and mentors send their best wishes to one of their group, Adam O’Brien who has been ill recently. All the lads send a big get well message to Adam and are looking forward to his return to Na Fianna soon. Club Shop

Na Fianna Club Shop will be open tomorrow, Saturday 12th, from 9am to 1pm.

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 11 Na Fianna Nuacht

Fancy Being Part Of A Live TV Audience?

Irish TV are broadcasting a special All-Ireland Football Final TV show ‘Mad for Sam’ from Dublin next Thursday 17th September. The magical All-Ireland Football Final atmosphere sweeping across Dublin will be captured by Irish TV on SKY 191 with the channel set to broadcast a memorable LIVE TV show form Moran’s Red Cow Hotel called ‘Mad For Sam’ from the Capital.

Presented by Irish TV’s Michele McGrath and Newstalk’s Oisin Langan, Dublin supporters at home and abroad will be glued to their TV screens on the night with the crème de la crème of entertainment from household musical acts from across Dublin. There will be also be last minute news and views from the Dublin camp with Irish TV getting the thoughts of manager Jim Gavin and players ahead of this year’s final.

Audience tickets for the live broadcast are limited so book early if you would like to attend call Irish TV at (01) 98 56582 or e-mail: [email protected] - audience tickets are free! ‘Mad for Sam’ on Irish TV will air live on Thursday, September 17th at 8pm and will also be streamed live on www.irishtv.ie/live

Scoil Mobhí Golf Classic

On Friday 18th September, a Golf Classic will be held at Hollywood Lakes Golf Club, Ballyboughal, Co, Dublin, to raise much needed funds for Scoil Mobhí, Glasnevin. This Golf Classic is open to family and friends of Scoil Mobhí, to golfers and non-golfers alike.

You can support this upcoming event by putting together a team to play in the Golf Classic €200 per team of four, including Green Fees & meals for 4 or by sponsoring a hole in the Golf Classic at €50 per hole. Please note, we are always looking for singles to make up a four-ball.

For more information please contact: Bobby Geoghegan 086 0663574

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 12 Na Fianna Nuacht

Wedding Bells For Ciara

Congratulations to Ciara O’Reilly, 2002 Girls Camogie Manager, and ex Senior 1 Camogie Player/Manager, on her recent marriage to Ed O’Keeffe on 15th August. Best wishes to the bride and groom!

Refugee Crisis

It has become almost impossible not to be touched by the scale of the human tragedy of the recent Syrian refugee crisis which is now almost hourly viewing across all media. Club members wishing to help or donate essential clothing and other items may be interested to know that donations are being accepted at participating Topaz Service Stations from 14th September. Please follow link for more information. https://www.topaz.ie/about- us/partnerships.aspx

……and finally

Congrats to all our Junior Cert students who received their results during the week. An bhródúil asaibh go léir

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 13 Na Fianna Nuacht

Comhbhrón

Sincere sympathies are extended to the Buckley family on the passing of Mrs Evelyn Buckley, mother of U-16 ladies football and U-15 football mentor Conor and grandmother of Kate (U-16) and Aaron (u-15).

Sympathies are also extended to the Grehan family on the death of the aunt of Juvenile Mentor and club executive committee member Maurice.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anamnacha.

Fógra Tabachtach

The objective of Na Fianna Nuacht is to communicate as much club activity as possible however it is important to note that all items for inclusion in either Club Notes or Na Fianna Nuacht are reported to [email protected] or texted to 087 9250697 by Sunday evening. With a membership of 2700 and approx 100 teams now competing it is difficult to ensure all club activity is reported upon – Do not assume that your team’s activity is already known to Na Fianna Nuacht or that someone else has reported it. When errors or omissions occur it is the policy of Na Fianna Nuacht to correct these in subsequent issues when they are reported to [email protected]

Na Fianna Nuacht 11ú Meán Fomháir 2015 14