Nenagh Olympic goes Platinum
Nenagh Olympic Athletic Club celebrated its 70th Anniversary last Saturday night in the Thatched Cottage, Ballycommon.
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Liam Tierney, Niall Kelly, Marie O’Meara, John Daly and Aindreas Hodgins celebrating Nenagh Olympic AC 70th Anniversary. Photo: Bridget DelaneyImage 2 of 3
TOP OF PAGE: Organising Committeee of Nenagh Olympic 70th Anniversary celebration at The Thatched Cottage Ballycommon. Seated: (from left) Evanna Morrissey, Donal Murphy (founder member in 1955), Mary Costello (Chairperson). Standing: Denis Finnerty, Louis Crowe, Mike Moylan. Photo: Bridget DelaneyImage 3 of 3
RIGHT: Nenagh Olympic AC 70th Anniversary celebration cake is cut jointly by its first club chairperson Donal Murphy and current chairperson Mary Costello at The Thatched Cottage, Ballycommon on Saturday night. Photo: Bridget DelaneyIt was lovely to see so many faces from the past and present join with them on this memorable night. Chairperson Mary Costello began the night with her address in which she spoke of the club's origins.
She reflected back to November 22nd 1955 when a small group of like-minded people came together with a combined interest, their love of athletics and the local community.
Among them was Donal Murphy, the sole surviving member of this original committee.
Mary also acknowledged the valuable contribution by club volunteers throughout the years who have helped the club to thrive.
Coaches like Sean & Pat Naughton, Donal Murphy, Tom Holmes, inspirational men that gave so much to the sport and club.
She then handed over to Donal Murphy the original founder Chairperson from 1955. He went on to speak about the club's fine achievements over the years and noted that this success would not have happened without the important parental support received.
Vice-Chairperson Louis Crowe welcomed Tony Hassett to say a few words, a former head endurance coach with Nenagh Olympic. Tony recounted some fun stories from the past emphasising the importance of participation and that winning was not always the most important outcome.
Jimmy Murphy, former Managing Director at Arrabawn and a past club chairperson and trustee spoke about his involvement with the building of the Indoor Track at Ballygraigue. He referenced that the track was built and recognised to be at a World/European competition standard and that Nenagh Olympic is the only club in Europe to independently own a track of this standard.
Evanna Morrissey, head female coach and Nenagh Olympics Women in Sport representative spoke about supporting and encouraging young women at a critical age in terms of attrition in sport.
Olivia Scully, representing Athletics Ireland, thanked Nenagh Olympic for always welcoming athletes to the stadium and she recounted fond memories, initially as an athlete and now as a coach and an official.
Mossie Woulfe, Chairperson of Munster Athletics spoke of the friendship and connection over the years with Nenagh Olympic and wished the club many more successful years ahead.
A great night was had by all and the club looks forward to the next 70 years!