The week before the official opening of McGovern Park at Ruislip, Parnells was asked (along with other clubs) to submit to the Irish World some reflections on Ruislip for a feature that they were doing. Below is the submission by the Youth section and a synopsis from the Senior section.
“Parnells GFC was formed in late 1951 and became a Senior football club in late 1959 and has retained that status ever since. Over the years, numerous titles and trophies have been won by the club and many games (including finals) have been battled out at Ruislip. One of our most valued members and servants to the club, Martin Diggins, helped to find the ground in 1978 where Ruislip was developed and opened in 1979 for games and then by 1991, the London GAA pavilion was completed and officially opened in 1992. The 1980’s saw great success and by 1991, the club had collectively won the Senior Championship and League double and the Club Championship of Great Britain. Recent years have seen unfortunate losses in the Senior Championship semi-final and finals. However, a new era has dawned: our new management team includes Tommy Ryan (1992 All Ireland winner with Donegal) and Anthony Gleeson (1989-1995 Kerry full back) so hopes and expectations are high for a successful campaign this year in 2017. We relish the opportunity to play at McGovern Park and enjoy the new facilities there and congratulate the London Board and partners on the amount of work it has taken to get to the official opening day and wish all fellow gaels success there for the future.”
“From the inception of the youth section of Parnells GFC in 1998, we have been privileged to have had the opportunity of playing many League and Championship finals across our U14, U16 and U18 age groups. Each of them memorable in their own way but two particular standout years are firstly 2014 when the U16’s achieved the ‘double’ and the U18 winning the championship and then in 2016 when the U14 team won the League beating Dulwich Harps with Darragh Griffin scoring the last ever point kicked over the bar at Ruislip. It gave all our young players aspirations to continue playing beyond minor level and emulate the great heroes of the past who have played there. Now they can’t wait to play at the redeveloped venue and make new memories.”
Josh Obahor-London U17 Captain on the day accepting the McCarthy Cup (Parnells)
The crowds flocked to Ruislip for the official opening which saw a splendid ceremony with numerous dignitaries in attendance, including Aogan O Fearghail, President of the GAA. Prior to the opening ceremony and main game, the U17 London Development Squad played Warwickshire’s squad in the McCarthy Cup curtain raiser. Congratulations to our players who played in a very competitive game and saw a winning margin of 2 points. The following players featured: Josh Obahor (Captain 0-1), Luke Horgan, Michael Walsh, Luke McHugh, Lewis Dickinson, Jojo Thabo, Ciaran Griffin and Niall Bradshaw. Eoghan Reilly was also selected but unavailable to play due to holiday commitments. It was great to see so many of our young players at Ruislip enjoying the games and soaking up the atmosphere, hopefully a day they will remember for a long time to come.
Niall O’Brien-very pleased with his role on the day
Our representative flag bearer, Niall O’Brien was in the flag guard of honour as the teams came out. Also representing Parnells was Evan Byrne (along with one of the Ladies players) and then 4 members of our youth section representing Parnells in exhibition games. They were U10 Boys-Ronan Carolan and Ryan Moran and U12 Girls-Emer Fadian and Brea Corrigan. All enjoying their moment on the new playing turf at half time.
All eyes were on London on Sunday when they faced Leitrim and although the game saw plenty of opportunities, the dream result was not to be and lost narrowly by 3 points. A massive well done to Jarleth Branagan and Martin Carroll who both started and Greg Crowley who came on as a substitute in the second half. They played with tenacity and passion amongst a team who never gave up.
The club has also supported London GAA in the purchasing of seat plaques that have been engraved and mounted on the seats. many thanks to the following: Tom Farrell, Margaret Farrell, Martin Diggins (RIP), Dennis Diggins, Margaret Diggins, Joe Regan, Tom Duffin (RIP), John Flatley, Michael Feehan, Tom Maloney, Willie Moffat, John Commins, Joe Murphy, Anne Murphy, Gerry Gardiner, Tony and Sinead Griffin and Family, Twomey Family, Parnells GFC Club and Parnells Youth.
It was a great day for the London GAA with a historic opening ceremony, a splendid new stand amongst other facilities alongside a fantastic new pitch. Congratulations to the board, officials and stewards on the day.
Tony Griffin-doing his bit on the day!
Irene Sheridan PRO
Please visit the gallery in the youth page for photos as well.
