THE YEAR 1987 had mixed fortunes for Tourmakeady G.A.A. club. The departure of Fr. Forde to Westport was a great loss to the club. His support over the years as both an officer and a player was a great example to all.
The decision to play junior for this season was forced upon us as a result of emigration. The club lost five of its senior team from the previous year to England and America and as a result its junior team had to rely on the minor panel to field a team. Nevertheless, the team captained by Michael Morrin played some great football over the season and were unlucky to be beaten by Louisburgh in the West Mayo semi-final. Louisburgh went on to win the Mayo championship.
Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta was held in Belmullet this year and those who travelled on that occasion have many lasting memories, even thought our football team had no great success.
Our under-12 team, under the guidance of John Joe Joyce and Michael Hennelly, had a year to remember. They fought hard to beat Breaffy in the West Mayo championship and then went on to win a county title by beating Ballycastle. This spirited team shows great promise for the future.
Two sisters, Eileen and Bernadette O'Neill, were the recipients of All-Ireland medals when they played for the Mayo ladies minor team which beat Kerry in the All-Ireland football final. Great credit is due to both girls, as they had to travel long distances to training as well as studying for exams.
The Gaeltarra Cup was played for over the August Festival weekend and was won by Balla. The Tourmakeady- under-12 team won out their competition and Ann O'Malley was the winner of the song contest.
When the football season came to a close, the club's officers decided that a major fund raising competition was required to pay off the debt owed by the club for the field development to date and to finance the underage pitch which is soon to be developed. A "Mayor of Tourmakeady" election was organised by the ever-willing Michael John Casey and six candidates were selected. This Mayoral campaign will run into the New Year.