As the Laois Association-Dublin was originally founded to support the Laois Team in the 1949 Hurling Final, what better place to mark the culmination of the Association’s celebrations of the 60th Anniversary than in Croke Park.
What was planned was to be one of the most ambitious projects ever undertaken by the Association, led by Chairman, Mary Doyle. There was risk involved e.g. to make the event financially viable, the projected attendance at a gala event would need to be 100 minimum.
As part of a gala event, it was also decided to launch a commemorative history, which would require a lot of research; writing and production effort & cost.
Led by our Chairman, Mary Doyle, nearly a year of planning went into the project, night upon night of committee meetings, day upon day of activity to bring it to fruition.
What transpired was one of the most successful achievements in the history of the Association, with nearly 200 attendees at what was a memorable and hugely enjoyable event.
‘The Grand Finale’
Gala Celebration Lunch at Croke Park on 20th November 2009
The event began with morning coffee, then the Museum Tour, and continued with lunch in the Cusack Suite, with Association President, Sandy Metcalfe as Master of Ceremonies. Guests in attendance included two of the four 1949 surviving team members, one of whom, Mr. Paddy Lalor, (former MEP) was our principal Guest Speaker. A recording of the 1949 Final was also shown.
Other speakers included the President of Laois Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Andrew Cremins, and Laois County Manager, Mr. Peter Carey who also formally launched the Commemorative History of the Association.
The Entertainment Programme included a 60-Year News and Sports bulletins delivered by broadcasters (and Laois natives), Claire Byrne and Justin Treacy.
The event culminated in the traditional Laois Association sing-song organised by Colm Healion, and led by Michael Creagh and Ann Conroy from Rathdowney.
Left to Right: Chairman, Mary Doyle, Willie White (son of team member Liam), Paddy McCormack, Paddy Lalor, Christy O’Brien (brother of Paddy O’Brien), Jimmy Fitzpatrick (son of Timmy)
‘A TRULY MEMORABLE, EMOTIONAL AND PROUD DAY FOR THE ASSOCIATION’
60th Year Commemorative History Book
Left-Right: Marty Rohan, (Former Cathaoirleach, Laois Co. Council); Andrew Cremins, President, Laois Chamber of Commerce, Louis Brennan, (Retired, Laois Co. Co.); Peter Carey, Laois County Manager, and our President, Sandy Metcalfe
For further Information / Photos, see our 2010 Newsletter.