Around the County
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Derry GAA stalwart Brian Smith will continue his role of Secretary of Desertmartin and will also double up as the Derry Referee’s Co-Ordinator. wk460076DOK
THERE was heartbreak for the Sean Dolan's Club based in Derry's Creggan Estate.
A fire in the upstairs part of their social centre and club house caused serious damage to a building that is an important centre for young people in an area where social amenities are not too plentiful.
Club chairman Hugh Wilkinson choked back tears as he surveyed the badly damaged building opened a decade ago. He vowed that the club who will celebrate seventy years in existence this year (2012) will rebuild. The Dolan's club caters for hundreds of juvenile players in the area and provides a much-needed outlet for physical recreation. The relevant authorities are trying to find the cause of the fire which was first noticed around 4am on Wednesday morning. The club formed in 1942 was named after Sean Dolan a founder members and former Derry County Secretary who sadly died at the age of 28.
The Dr McKenna Cup will have a new sponsor for the forthcoming 2012 competition, the backing is provided by Northern Power. The first round games take place on Sunday, January 9 and Derry's first outing is at home to Cavan.
Lifelong Club Member Patrick Kidd has again been elected chairman of the St Martin's Desertmartin club. Brian Smith one of the busiest GAA men in the county continues his role as Secretary doubling up as the Derry Referee's Co-Ordinator, the other officers are Vice Chairman - Kevin Monaghan, Assistant Secretary - Gerry McGuigan, PRO - Mark Kidd, Treasurer - Veronica Smith, Membership Officer - Ciaran Higgins, Cultural Officer - Harry McCann and Players Representative - Michael McCann. Good news for Derry and Ulster champions Craigbane in that their outstanding midfielder Adie has postponed his trip to Australia until the end of February and by then Craigbane could well be All-Ireland champions. They play Kerry and Munster champions Milltown-Castelmaine at Portlaoise on February 18 and this will be a double header along with the senior semi final between Crossmaglen and Dr Crokes the Kerry and Munster champions. If Craigbane are successful they would play the winners of the other semi final between Davitts Mayo and Eire Og of Wicklow. McLaughlin is having a terrific season and his loss will be a huge blow for the St Joseph's club who have been promoted to senior football. He was also approached to join the Derry panel but due to his travels he had to turn down the offer. As yet it is not clear whether the move down under is permanent or temporary.
It will be dinner at home for Greenlough this year. They will hold their annual presentation dinner in their refurbished club rooms on Saturday, January 21 with music by Chanters. The new function area has all modern up to date facilities.
The Drum club is one of the last in the county to hold their Annual General Meeting. It will take place in The Club House on Friday, January 6 at 6pm.
Coleraine Eoghan Rua team manager Sean McGoldrick hit the big stage when he reached the last four of the BBC Sports Unsung Hero. He won the Ulster heat and then made it through to the last four of the fifteen areas. He may not have won but never before has a GAA member reached the closing stages of a multi sport programme.
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