The Tourmakeady GAA scene in '93
1993 was a busy year in the G.A.A. calendar for Tourmakeady with teams partaking in all age groups of the West Mayo championship. It was not a good year, however, in the honours list. Nevertheless, Tourmakeady under-12 footballers captured the West Mayo title by defeating a strong Breaffy side in the decider. John Joyce, captain of the victorious team, received the cup. All other teams, despite not winning titles, did the parish proud. Tourmakeady junior team remained in Div. 3 of the Mayo League. In recent years the national schools have had a very good championship in Mayo G.A.A. circles. Srah national school captured the county title in 1993, defeating Geesala in a hectic final at McHale Park, Castlebar. Srah also won the regional school blitz. Tourmakeady had a number of star players in the club at minor level, namely Ciaran Walsh, Donal Burke, Adrian Farragher, Colm Conneely and Brian Hennelly among others. After many trials and games Adrian Farragher made it to the red and green jersey and had a wonderful Connaught league and championship with Mayo. The county team was defeated by Galway in a replay at Tuam. This player showed good example while doing his Leaving Cert – playing G.A.A. games six days/evenings a week he also received 5/6 honours in the Leaving. We need more dedication from all our underage teams. We also ask parents to become more involved and to release players for games or the G.A.A. scene in Tourmakeady could die out. It is unfair to team managers having worked all day to have to call house to house for players before playing a game in Achill or Ballina. We ask for more dedication and co-operation for all interested in our games.
Tourmakeady ladies footballers did the parish proud, making it to a double county final, just failing on both counts by the narrowest of margins. Congratulations to Bernadette O'Neill who received an All-Star award in 1993. Deservedly so, too. On the social front, Tourmakeady G.A.A. club had a super race night in Maire Luke's, Gortmore. The annual Feile Mhic Eadaigh was held in August, a competition that must be examined for retention. The club had a very successful dinner dance in the local hall, entertaining the people of the parish in their own surroundings. As we go to print the 1993 dinner dance has just been finalised. It takes place on Thursday, December 30, in Tourmakeady Hall. Music will be supplied by the fabulous 'Concord'. Tickets must be booked to be assured of admission. We congratulate all teams for taking part in G.A.A. affairs. Thanks to all the hardworking managers of all underage teams; to Frank Lally and Adrian Gavin of junior/senior status; to the 1992/'93 officers of the club for their efforts: chairman, Tom Heneghan; runai, Padraig De Burca; treasurer, John Joyce. We salute our president, Mr. John Callan, and his wife for their continued interest and attendance. We look forward to a more successful report in 'Waterfall' '94.