Ulster ‘Foundation Day’ Celebrations
Ulster GAA has marked the GAA’s Foundation Day with a day of celebration in Market Square, Armagh City. The pinnacle of the day’s commemorations was when Ulster GAA President Tom Daly and 10 children from St Malachy’s Primary School in Armagh released 125 black and amber balloons.
Ulster GAA President Tom Daly said, “125 years ago on the 1st November the GAA was founded by a group of visionary men in Thurles. Today we celebrate that day and celebrate the many successes of the Association since that date. The GAA has grown and developed into one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world and we are all proud to be part of that.
“Today 10 children from St Malachy’s Primary School symbolise the nine counties of Ulster, they also symbolise the younger generation who will carry the GAA into the next 125 years.”
Continuing Tom Daly said, “To Mark the 125th Anniversary of the GAA the Ulster Council have organised a series of events which will commence on GAA Foundation Day on Sunday November 1st and continue right up the Ulster GAA Irish News Club and Volunteer Conference on Saturday November 14th.
“This is a special time to celebrate the successes of our Association as well as remembering all of those volunteer members who worked tirelessly to build Ireland’s largest sporting, cultural and community movement.
“GAA Clubs across Ulster are asked to fly their 125 flag from 1st November-14th November to mark the GAA’s 125th Anniversary, and we are also encouraging clubs to hold a special meeting on Sunday 1st November to mark Foundation day which may be followed by a religious service or social event.
“Congratulations to all GAA members across Ulster; it is you that make the GAA both strong and successful, we appreciate your continued efforts and we are proud to be alongside you and all the members of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael throughout the world as we celebrate this part of the GAA’s journey. ”
A large crowd of Gaels gathered for the celebrations including Minister Margaret Ritchie, Minister Conor Murphy, Mayor of Armagh City and District Thomas O’Hanlon, and Dean Patrick Rooke.
The 10 children from St Malachy’s Primary School were joined by their parents and teacher Paul Duggan, Secretary of National Cumann Bun Scoil. Each child wore one of the nine county jerseys and one child wore the Ulster jersey, which they got to keep as a ‘keep-sake’ of the important anniversary.
A list of 125 events planned can be viewed at: https://ulster.gaa.ie/newsletter/2009/10/125/oct2009-125.html
