On Thursday last Joe Dan’s Pub, Drummartin, Aclare, was the venue of a presentation night to celebrate the success of Eamon O’Hara’s selection on the Compromise Rules Series to be played in Australia in October. A large cross section of Gaels attended, together with members of Sligo County Board, Banada Abbey Secondary School, Cumann na mBunscoil, Friends of Sligo Football and Tourlestrane GAA Club, who made presentations to Eamonn for his many dedicated years of service to the GAA at school, club and county levels.

Emcee for the night was Treasurer Austin Walsh who preceded the event with a minute’s silence for the Gorman family, Mullinabreena and all those affected by the World Trade Centre bombings on September 11th.
Austin then welcomed the representatives of the various organizations and the press and then recalled how Eamon began his footballing career at under 10 level in Tourlestrane.

David McVeigh, Chairman, Tourlestrane GAA Club, began his address by wishing the Curry supporters in attendance the very best in the county final on Sunday. Remembering Eamon’s Community Games success at a young age, he also recalled Eamon, playing school’s football for Banada NS along with County team-mate David Durkin and the fact that, their age group had no under age success. In 2000, Eamon won a North American Championship medal and now he was set to compete in Australia. Eamon’s inspiration as captain in the Kildare match was outstanding and all Sligo supporters would remember that day in Dublin, for years to come.

Neil Egan Manager, Tourlestrane GAA Senior team, recalled playing with Eamonn in 1992 in the Championship and that the senior team’s success over the last 8 years was greatly due to the involvement of Eamon. He was a shining example to both teammates and under age players. He earned a Man of the Match award in the North American final in 2000 and is the first Tourlestrane and Sligo man to play international football for Ireland.

Sligo Chairman Mr Joe Queenan noted that managers with whom Eamon was associated always found him well prepared and ready to give 100%. He wished him a safe journey and looked forward to seeing him in the Black and White in the springtime.

County Secretary Tommy Kilcoyne supported Joe’s comments and paid tribute to his parents, Jackie and Ann for their support of Eamon over the years. He recalled Eamon’s banter in the dressing rooms at minor, under 21 and senior level. Success over Mayo in 2000 was a delight, Eamon’s selection for the Compromise Rules Series in 2001 was an outstanding achievement and for Eamon and Sligo, the best is yet to come.

Sligo Senior Manager. Peter Forde rushed back from Cavan to attend the function. In only a year’s association with Eamon he had found his dedication to training outstanding. He stated power, pace, and bravado were necessary for the Compromise Rules Series and Eamon possessed all of these qualities.

Mr. Danny Jones on behalf of Vincent Brett, Chairman, Friends of Sligo Supporters, Dublin told of the cold and wet nights spent training for league games when Eamon could have been somewhere else but always attended the sessions giving a 100% commitment.

Mr Brian Henry, Cumann na mBunscoil, gave the congratulations and best wishes of the national schoolteachers in Sligo. He stated that Eamon and the Sligo team proved inspirational to all school children and also proved this year, that all children can achieve their highest dreams.

Mr. Michael Collins, Principal Banada Abbey Secondary School, reflected on Eamon’s contribution to the school’s All Ireland Success in 1992. Parental support was always to the fore in the O’Hara household and this was also an inspiration to families within the parish. Mr. Collins managed Eamonn at under age level for Tourlestrane and with the talents of Eamonn and David Durkin, prospects were good but the silverware was not gained at this level. In the 1992 All Ireland Colleges Semi- Final, Michael, as manager, gave Eamon 5 minutes to improve his game. The result of this was a pass to Cloonacool’s, Ignatius Haran, who put the ball into the back of the net and led the way to an historic win for the school.

In the closing ceremonies, Tourlestrane Club Officers unveiled a montage, in tribute to Tourlestrane’s player representatives on the Sligo panel for 2001. Gerry McGowan, David Durkin, and Eamonn O’Hara all played their part in the county’s success in the All Ireland Series. Con O’Meara was another Tourlestrane player who put in a great effort over the year but was troubled with injury throughout the competitive season. This montage will remain in the Tourlestrane Club house as an inspiration to all club players that they too can reach these heights of success, with club and county.

Eamon O’Hara concluded the evening with a few words of appreciation to all those who had supported him over the years, friends, club mates, mentors, and supporters, and stated that he hoped to bring his experience to the Compromise Rules Series and to bring further success to Tourlestrane, Sligo and Ireland.
The various representatives then made their presentations.

After the presentations Pearl Cariss, proprietoress of Joe Dan’s Pub, main sponsors of the Tourlestrane Senior football team, provided light refreshments.
 
 

24/09/01

On Saturday the Minor Boys "A" Championship Semi final took place in Tubbercurry when Tourlestrane faced Coolera. Tourlestrane played as a well-drilled unit to achieve a deserved victory at the final whistle. The team have now qualified for the “A” final and are also in the running for the “B” semi final. In both games the opposition is Curry.

On Saturday also the Senior Hurlers defeated Calry for the second time in this year's Championship to gain a place in the County Final. The club wishes the team and manager Martin Brennan the best of luck.

Congratulations and continued success to Joseph Quinn, Annagh, who captained the Minor boys footballers in their defeat of Coolera on Saturday last and then played wing back in the Senior hurling semi final, immediately afterward.

Tourlestrane GAA Club, in conjunction with Sligo County Board, are holding a Presentation night to Celebrate Eamonn O’Hara’s selection to play for Ireland in the upcoming International Rules Series in Australia. This function will be held in Joe Dan’s Pub, main sponsors of Tourlestrane GAA Club for 2001, on Thursday, September 27, 2001 at 10:00pm. All Sligo supporters are welcome to wish Eamonn the very best of luck.

Bingo continues on Tuesdays at 9:00pm in Banada Abbey Hall with £1100 in prizes each night. Your support is appreciated.

17/09/01

In the senior league played in Tourlestrane on Saturday last, the team drew with Easkey. Forced to field without a large number of regular players the team dug deep and drew level at full time with a point by Anthony Collins. The team have now almost certainly qualified for the play offs to be played in the near future.

In the minor girls championship replay versus Ballymote played on Sunday last, the team showed the great depth of this team when they defeated Ballymote on a score of Tourlestrane 4-6 Ballymote 3-6. At full time the sides were level and the score remained level throughout the first half of extra time. In the second half Bernie Gavigan scored an opportune goal to which Ballymote responded with a well-taken goal. A superb point scored by Niamh Kelly could have sealed the victory but a goal by Alana Haran secured the win. This was an all around team performance with an outstanding performance in the back lines. County minor Sarah Lundy was at all times in full control. Scorers on the day were Niamh Kelly 0-4 Sinead O’Hara 0-2 Alana Haran 1-2 Aisling Egan 1-1 Margaret Leonard 0-1 Ann Marie Kelly 1-0 Bernie Gavigan 1-0. The girls await the date and venue of the semi final.

In an exciting boys under 14 league final, Tourlestrane defeated Grange Cliffoney on a scoreline of Tourlestrane 4-3 Grange Cliffoney 3-5 to become league champions for 2001. Though Grange were down to 14 men after 20 minutes and came level half way through the second half, Tourlestrane coped well with the 1 man advantage to run out winners. This was a team effort from end to end and the club wishes every success to all concerned with the team in the future.

On Friday September 21, 2001 the under 14 boys hurling team face Coolera in the championship semi final to be played in Kilcoyne Park Tubbercurry at 5:00pm. This is a young and exciting team and your support is welcome.

On Saturday September 22, 2001 at 5:00pm the Minor Boys B Championship takes place in Tubbercurry when Tourlestrane face Curry. This is an eagerly awaited contest, which should not be missed

On Saturday September 22, 2001 at 6:00pm the Senior Hurlers face Calry in Kilcoyne Park in the Championship. This should prove to be an exciting tie as earlier in the season both team have caused upsets. Your support is appreciated

The draw for All Ireland Football Final tickets will be held in the clubhouse on Thursday September 20 ay 9:00pm SHARP. All interested members should attend

Congratulations to Eamonn O’ Hara on his selection on the Compromise Rules tour to Australia.

Also Congratulations and continued success to   Anthony Brennan Manager of the Fr. Manning Gaels senior team who won the Longford County Championship on Sunday last. Anthony also led the Tourlestrane under 14 team to the league title on Saturday last.

The club wishes the deepest sympathy to all GAA supporters both at home and abroad who were touched by the recent tragedies in America.
 

10/09/01

In the Senior Championship Semi Final played in Tubbercurry on Sunday last, neighbours Curry defeated Tourlestrane on a score of Curry 1-10 Tourlestrane 0-9. Despite some fine individual performances the team failed to ignite as a unit and this was reflected in the final scoreline. Many thanks to the Pearl Cariss, Joe Dan's Pub, and the ladies committee for the refreshments provided for the team after the match. Training continues for the final league matches.

The minor girls are waiting the fixture date of the replay versus Ballymote. Further details from team trainer Taryn O’Hara.

The Under 14 boys had a good win over St Farnan’s on Saturday evening last in the league semi final played in Tourlestrane. After a shaky start the team found their form and ran out winners by a 9-point margin. The team now face Grange Cliffoney in the league final at a venue and time to be decided later.
 

03/09/01

The Club held a successful Golf Classic on Saturday last, in Tubbercurry Golf Club. 1st Place in the scramble went to the team of Fintan Kennedy, Sean Davey, Mickey Walsh and Syreth Heavy, 2nd place went to the team of Timmy Kelly, Mary Kennedy, Kathleen Grady and Tommie Grady. In 3rd place was the team of Tommy Clarke, Tom O’Hara, Jimmy Walshe and Bridgie Clarke. Nearest the pin on the 8th and 17 holes was John Scanlon with a distance of 4ft 6 inches. Philip Croke won the longest drive. The club would like to thank all the golfers for their support and to our sponsors on the day.

On Saturday evening last the senior team took the points as St. John’s failed to travel for a league fixture. Training continues as the team await Sunday’s semi final contest versus Curry in Tubbercurry at 1:00pm. Car stickers and flags are available in local shops.

The minor girls had a narrow escape in the league quarterfinal played in Tourlestrane on Thursday last. Playing in less than ideal conditions the girls were leading by 9 points with 5 minutes to the final whistle. Ballymote took some timely scores to produce a draw. The team on the night was Lisa King, Terry McVeigh, Sarah Lundy, (0-2) Bernie Gavaghan, Edel Kennedy, Siobhan Dunne, Catriona Kennedy, Aisling Egan, Deirdre Gallagher, Laura Walshe, Sinead O’Hara (0-1) Aoife Henry, Marion O’Donnell, (0-1) Niamh Kelly (1-1), Ann Marie Kelly (2-1). Subs Margaret Leonard (0-1) Marian Gavaghan, and Aisling Seery. Final score Tourlestrane 3-07 Ballymote 3-07. A speedy recovery is wished to Niamh Kelly who received a knee injury in the game. The replay will be in Ballymote on Thursday September 6th with the semi finals fixed for Saturday September 8th Further details from team trainer Taryn O’Hara

The minor boys defeated Mullinabreena in a replay by 5 points on Friday night last. They now face Bunninaden in the “A” Championship to be played at a later date. Further details at training.

Best wishes to our players who return to school over the coming weeks.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the O’Donnell family Kilmactigue and Monalea.