Former Meath football star and respected columnist Colm O’Rourke was the special guest at the Tubberclair GAA 50-40 celebration last weekend. Pictured, l-r: Gerry Walker, Jim Byrne, Peter Elliott, Declan O’Connor, Colm O’Rourke, Adrian Dolan (Tubberclair GAA chairman), Frank Mescall (Westmeath GAA chairman), John Parker, Eamon Fagan, Fergal Wilson Photo: Paul Molloy.

Tubberclair GAA relives past glories with ‘50-40 celebration’

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On Saturday last in Glasson Lakehouse Hotel, Tubberclair GAA held a night of celebration to remember a golden era in the club’s history.

The 50-40 celebration brought back memories of a time of great success on the playing fields. The minor success of 1975 and ’76 culminated with the senior triumph of 1985 and the lifting of the Flanagan Cup as Tubberclair were crowned Westmeath senior football champions.

It was a period when championship success was achieved at Junior B, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Feis Cup and U21 level - teams that were all backboned by the young men of ’75.

Special guests on the night were members of the history making junior team of 1967, winners of what became known as ‘The Crossbar Final’ after major controversy erupted over a disputed free. The club were honoured to have them in their presence. The club was also honoured to have Westmeath GAA Chairman Frank Mescall in attendance.

Colm O’Rourke of Meath and RTE fame addressed the large crowd. An All-Ireland winner with Meath in 1987 and ’88, Colm expertly dealt with a very entertaining Q&A session. He also spoke privately with the Tubberclair U20 team who have reached this year’s Division 1 county final in which they will play Mullingar Shamrocks.

On the night old acquaintances were renewed, long lost stories retold and great times relived. Tubberclair looks to the future with renewed vigour as recent success at minor level bodes well for the future. There are no guarantees but hard work, commitment, honesty and character will set the club on the path to future success.

Tubberclair GAA thank those who were involved in organising last Saturday’s event, all who attended in the beautiful setting that is Glasson Lakehouse Hotel and the wonderful musicians who entertained everyone throughout the night. The club is grateful to Glasson Lakehouse Hotel for their attention to detail in providing a fabulous meal in a wonderful setting led by head chef Dee Adamson.

*See more photos in this week's Westmeath Independent.

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