Emigration threatens survival of local GAA Club
Tourmakeady had a relatively quiet year in 1988. The club competed in all competitions in West Mayo and the Mayo League where trips to Ballycroy, Lahardane, Ardagh and Spidall were met with mixed fortunes. They reached the West Mayo championship semi-final, the Camortas Péile na Gaeltachta final, West Mayo minor B final, West Mayo under-12 final and clinched second place in the "Club of the Year" award in Division four.
The club held a most successful fund-raising drive when they raised £6,500 which cleared payment on the Pairc Naomh Muire project. Requiring expenses totalling £2,500 to run the club yearly, survival is a real problem. Emigration, as in other areas, is taking its toll on the young population and this will be one of the major issues at the club's A.G.M. on December 14.
A new election of officers may bring brighter hope to a slowly fading association where support is a vital aspect to keep spirits high. Otherwise there is no choice but to amalgamate or fold up.
On January 1st, '89 at a parish reunion 2 semi-finals of all present players and visitors on holiday will play off for a special trophy. The presentation will be made at the reunion dance, at which all Tourmakeady people settled in other counties are invited back to get their support for the club one more.
Cead mile fáilte roimh go léir.