(Moore United FC squad from 1975. Missing from the picture are Sean Finn and Tommy Kelly.)
Members of Moore United FC past and present and others from the community recently came together to celebrate 50 years of the club in their home at Falty Park. It was founded in 1975 with its first competitive match in January 1976. The club has now completed 50 seasons in the Roscommon and District league.
The celebrations included the official opening of the new sand-based pitch, which was funded by CLAR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais). The club also has a new walkway funded by the Gateway Credit Union. Fr Gormley blessed the pitch, and club founder Pat Higgins and Joint Club President, Tommy Grenham, cut the ribbon to open the new facilities.
Tommy Grenham and Pt Higgins cut the ribbon to inagurate their new pitch.
On the day, the club commemorated players from the original team and their manager. The first official squad were presented with a celebratory coin, while long-serving member Mike Burns was presented with a lifetime involvement award.
A great crowd attended with delegates from the Connacht FA and Roscommon and District league delegates present, while Athlone Town made representations at the event. Current players Kayleigh Shine and Hannah Welsh were in the crowd, alongside veteran Athlone Town’s Groundsperson John West. Elected representatives Councillor Valerie Duffy and Councillor Alan Harney attended.
Chairperson Fergal Duffy addressed the crowd with a speech about the future direction of the club, and MC for the day, Ivan Colleran, thanked all involved and those who helped organise the run up to the event. The Moore Committee, and those who organised and produced the club promotional video were especially singled out. CE Scheme members, Paddy Feehily and Brian Mullins had the grounds in spectacular condition for the day and were warmly thanked by the attendees.
The current Moore United FC Committee. BACK ROW (L-R): Thomas Naughton, Mike Burns, Tommy Grenham, Jimmy Greene, Fergal Duffy, Declan Duffy, Sean Desmond, Barry Johnson and Ivan Colleran. FRONT ROW (L-R): Kate Mitchell, Kimberley Naughton, Paula Keegan, Sarah Whyte and Bernie Dolan.
The day also saw the launch of a magazine documenting the history of the 50th year, which is available to order from Committee members. Historians Maureen Duffy and Moira Duffy did fantastic work by putting the magazine together.
Once all daytime events and activities finished, the night saw people take to Millars Bar and Loru’s Restaurant in Ballydangan, and Joint Club President Gerry Kelly cut the celebratory cake. Moore United FC looks forward to another great 50 years.
