Thomas McCurtain’s GAA London celebrate their centenary this year, having been founded in 1920. The celebrations include a trip to Carrigaline, which is happening between March 20th – 22nd.
Aidan Winters whose son John Winters, (London inter-county, Thomas McCurtains), was a former Carrigaline GAA member, approached Carrigaline GAA when the club and chairperson Jim Landy enthusiastically embraced the idea. Carrigaline generously agreed to host the 130 strong Thomas MacCurtain’s GAA contingent led by their ambitious and hardworking chairperson John O’Dwyer and his Centenary team.
Following a lot of work and close cooperation involving Aidan Winters, Thomas MacCurtain’s secretary Harry Corkerry (London) and Carrigaline GAA Secretary Alan Murphy, an exciting program of centenary celebration in Carriglaine has been developed. This sees the official opening kicking off in Carrigaline GAA on Saturday 21st at 12am with a parade of teams led by Carrigaline Pipe Band, followed by games in men’s and ladies’ football, hurling and camogie as well as underage. This is followed by an evening Céili Mór celebration of Irish music and song at 8pm in the Carrigaline GAA pavilion. World champions Kiely Walsh Dance Academy open the Céilí with a demonstration, followed by a Céilí feast of traditional Irish dancing, music and craic hosted by the renowned Owenabue Valley Traditional Group and Fear a’Tí Barra de Cogáin. Events are free and all are welcome. Tá na himeachtaí saor in aisce agus beidhfáilte roimh chách.
On Sunday 22nd, thanks to Fr. Pat Fogarty, the parish team and Aifreann Gaeilge, a special Aifreann Céiliuradh Tomás Mac Curtáin agus Carraig Uí Leighin GAA Celebration Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady & St John church Carrigaline. The Cór Gaeilge will be joined by Tomás Mac Curtáin GAA singers Lucy Downs and Sarah McDonnell with the Mass co-celebrated by Fr. George Ranahan (Limerick and former Thomas McCurtain’s President and Irish Officer). Mass leaflets and hymn sheets in Irish will be available. beidh bileoga Aifrinn ar fáil.
The Thomas McCurtain group of 130 based in the Carrigaline Court Hotel from 20th to 22nd will be welcome visitors to Carrigaline for what promises to be a memorable and enjoyable centenary celebration. This will be a time for all to savour and remember, give thanks and salute all those who have given of their time to Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and their communities especially our welcome visitors Tomás Mac Curtáin’s GAA. London who have supported so many emigrants and families in good times and bad, keeping the traditions alive for one hundred years and now going from strength to strength.