Watch: Naomh Brid GAA club’s walking track officially opened

On a Saturday morning when the Northern Lights lit up the skies over south Donegal, Naomh Brid GAA marked another chapter in their history by officially opening their walking track

Club chairman, Petie Walsh, was present to welcome everyone to the event, which was deliberately held to coincide with the Darkness Into Light walk.

After the 5k walk - which took the walkers 10 times around the pitch - the official opening of the track took place at around 5 pm.

The chairman thanked all who turned out for the event. "It is the official opening of our walking track but it is much, much more than that with the event being held in conjunction with Darkness Into Light," said Walsh.

"I also want to welcome our local councillors Micheal Naughton  and Barry Sweeney and unfortunately Mickey  McMahon cannot be here because of the event in Bundoran. I want to thank the councillors for their help in the past in securing shower rooms and clubrooms and no doubt we will be knocking on their door again."

Walsh thanked all who had sponsored a light on the walking track to remember the loss  of a loved one and their names are recorded on a plaque  on a remembrance wall.

"The track is for the community and members to come along and walk in a safe environment," said Walsh, who asked all present to pause for a moment's silence in memory of loved ones lost.

"We have all been affected in our own parish and most recently in our neighbouring parish of Pettigo have sadly lost a member up there as well."

Co vice-chairman David McLoone and N Brid chairman Petie Walsh make presentations to Mary Cooke and Anne Marie Monaghan

Before the official opening, the chairman made presentations to two members of the club executive who had put in great work in the organisation of the event - Anne Marie Monaghan, who has been involved for 15 years, and Mary Cooke "without whom the event wouldn't have taken place."

Walsh also paid tribute to former chairman, Lorcan McGrory, for his work over the last number of years overseeing the developments at the club. 

All proceeds from the 5k walk prior to the official opening will go to Pieta Northwest.

The official opening was performed by Donegal Co  Board vice-chairman, David McLoone, who spoke prior to cutting the tape.

"I want to congratulate Naomh Brid on a fantastic facility that they have just completed," said McLoone, who said he had worked with the club when he was Development Officer on the development of their pitch.

"The pitch out there is a testament to Naomh Brid to their progressive thinking and to see that progressive thinking continue with the walking track and to get lights added. It's a testament to everyone involved, that you don't stand still and continue to push forward.

"We are all enjoying great growth, particularly with underage and ladies.  The needs of clubs and the facilities they have are growing all the time. You can see what a GAA club is to the community, the very heart of the community and it is very evident here," said McLoone, who said he had some very good memories of the pitch. "I had the pleasure last year of presenting the Division 4 League trophy to my own club Aodh Ruadh and one of my fondest memories was a Junior B final here, one of my last days playing, picking up a Junior B."

McLoone finished by saying it was so appropriate that the Naomh Brid club had chosen to do the official opening on the morning of the Darkness Into Light walk. "It just completely encapsulates what it is all about and it is a great credit to you all."