TwoMacs Podcast Ep 74 Na Fianna GFC Club Development

Coalisland Fianna - 'It's who we are!'

As exciting development plans are being  drawn up and the launch of a huge fundraising initiative 'The Fianna 400', we are joined by club stalwarts Gerard Rafferty, Gerry Galvin and Plunkett Kane.

Gerard Rafferty recalls his first days as a small boy going to MacRory Park in the early 1960s, his playing days, the many structural changes through the decades and being club secretary when the field was rededicated as Fr Peter Campbell Park.

Memories include the famous tunnel, great nights in the clubroom built on top of the existing pavilion and the ladder going up to the new scoreboard.
A new club and dressing rooms were later erected in 1995.

He also remembers the murder of local teenager Martin McShane (16) by the British army in 1971. A shrine now stands in the ground in his memory. 

Ronan Mac also a 'Fianna man' outlines important events in the club's history, including its founding in 'a dimly lit cellar' of St Patrick’s Hall in 1903.

Plunkett Kane lined out for over 20 years for the senior team and was the ninth Fianna captain to lift the senior championship cup.
We give a shout-out to the other captains who had that honour.

He talks about the increasing dedication needed by players and why the best facilities, including the gym, are so important for their development and improvement. Grass under the feet is priority.

Plunkett remembers with great fondness his dear friend and Fianna team-mate Johnny Curran who passed away in October 2020.

Development officer Gerry Galvin is delighted we have finally secured Connolly's field and ideas are flooding in on how to put it to best use. 

He also outlines massive development to the grounds in the last 20 years including the 4Gs, the new hall, stand, fence, state of the art scoreboard, levelling of the near bank... and the many activities at the grounds such as the Fianna Runners, All Stars for children with additional needs, coffee mornings, cycling group... and much more. 

These are exciting times with 19 teams (male & female), over 700 members and a multitude of activities at the club. 
It all takes time, effort and money! 

Gerard Rafferty explains the make-up of The Fianna 400 draw with big cash prizes, greater opportunities to win and the winners more likely to be local! 

There's a lot in this podcast! 
It's a big weekend with the Fianna 400 launch and big games as well. 
A big shout to our producer Oliver Corr, a patient O'Rahilly man, who knows well the uniqueness of the GAA club... it's who we are!