O’Toole’s Club Notes

Blunden Drive has never seen the likes and won’t for another 100yrs. It was
a terrific weekend of tradition and heritage. Our centenary celebrations
commenced on Friday night with a historical talk by Jimmy Wren on the
clubs’ members that were involved in the 1916 Rising. This was followed by
the unveiling of the Jack Carey medal collection, donated by the Carey
family and medals loaned by the Mitchell and Brougham families. Thanks to
Jimmy Wren & Kieran Coyle for all the work put into organising this event
and to all those that travelled far and wide to join us. Saturday saw the
formal opening of the celebrations by Irish Volunteer History group
exhibition. The morning commenced with our Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh
officiating. This event was made successful thanks to the sponsorship by
Dublin City Council, the presence of our Lord Mayor, Paul Callery and his
team, Peadar Nolan, Ned Fahey and the spectators that came to the clubhouse
throughout the day. Sunday evening remained dry for our 1916 Centenary
Commemoration game between a 1916 Dublin Club Selection v O’Toole’s. the
game was played in good spirit by players wearing retro jerseys of the day.
With the Dublin team, managed by Jim Gavin, running out worthy winners. A
presentation and a ballad session followed. A great night was had by all.
Sundays accomplishment was made possible by the help and support of the
Dublin County Board, Jim Gavin, players & selectors. And by the efforts of
this events organisation Eamonn Ryan, Andy Cunningham, Jack Martin & Declan
O’Brien. No lessor thanks go to Christy and his team for the fabulous
condition of the grounds and clubhouse and to Kelly, Lorraine & Hellen for
catering the events over the weekend. The celebrations will continue this
coming weekend with a Commemoration play ‘The Larrier Rising’ on Thursday&
Friday night at 8pm, in Sean O’Casey Theatre, St Mary’s road, East Wall.
Tickets €10 available from Kieran on 086 8317389 or see our bar staff. The
culmination of our historic celebration takes us on a parade, starting from
the Hogan stand side of Croke Park, marching past St Canice’s school,
O’Connell’s school, St Laurence O’Toole’s school, and to 100 Seville Place,
the site of the “old” clubhouse. Mass in St Laurence O’Toole Church will be
followed by a traditional night in the ‘Sheriff Street Community Hall,
hosted by the people of the area.

There were good league wins for our adult hurlers and our minor footballers
over the weekend. Man of the match for our minors was goalkeeper Darragh
Greene. Also our U16’s had a great start to the Championship by defeating
St Catherine’s on Saturday. Best of luck to our U14 lads that will
participate in this year’s hurling Féile on Saturday. Entertainment in our
lounge this weekend. Saturday ’Desire’ and Sunday singalong with ‘Tom
Peters’ and Music Bingo. There was no winner of our Club Lotto. The numbers
drawn were 8, 9, 22, 24. The jackpot will be €1,700 this week