St Eunan’s to unveil ‘Dr James McDaid Stand’ prior to Galway encounter

St Eunan’s will officially unveil the naming of ‘The Dr. James McDaid Stand’ at O’Donnell Park when Galway come to town on Sunday, February 26. 

Dr McDaid - who acted as Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation from 1997-2002 - is credited with playing a crucial role in the development of the ground and its facilities. 

Club chairman John Haran says the club will forever be indebted to McDaid for his efforts in modernising the club’s home. And that naming the stand after their club doctor will act as a constant reminder of the impact he’s had on the Cathedral Town outfit.  

“St Eunan’s had found themselves at a low ebb, on and off the pitch at the time,” said Haran. “When we started going out to O’Donnell Park first we were using the old dressingrooms. They were built in 1937. 

“Now, in 1937 they were probably state-of-the-art. But unfortunately in 1997 they simply weren’t fit for purpose. The pitch also hadn’t moved on. To be fair to the club at the time, they were already stepping forward in terms of development and overall plans. 

“The club and the Development Committee at the time raised the funds to construct the pitch and Dr McDaid’s influence in bringing the stand through to fruition was immeasurable. The stand would never have been built without James’ help. 

“Men like Connie Maguire, Mickey Gibbons, PJ Hoey, Noel Cassidy, Brendan McGlynn, Anjo Duffy… they were all part of that committee and that drive. Paddy Mullen and the likes of Charlie McAteer also had real influences as well.  

He added: “It was an exciting time - and it seemed to stir St Eunan’s once again. Up until 1995 we hadn’t won a championship game in seven years. We made semi-finals in 1995 and ‘96 and finally got over the line once again in 1997.

“So it all came together really nicely. The stars aligned for us. We built momentum and when you look back now it was such a lovely time and era. It was all new as success had eluded us for so long.

“But Sunday, February 26 will be a special day also when we acknowledge the help and impact Dr MacDaid has made on all of that”.