2nd April 2006, Launch of the Centenary Celebrations

The launch of this years centenary celebrations took place on Sunday 2nd April. The club's main sponsors, Mourne Fireplaces, the Chairman, committee members, players, supporters and the local press all gathered at the "Stick" to launch a year of Centenary celebrations for the club.

The "Stick" was chosen as the poignant setting for the launch as over many years the generations of club players would congregate here before each match. During the launch the chairman, Gerry Toman, stated:

"From its small beginnings in 1906 Loughinisland GAC has grown to be a very strong Premier Division Club, which now caters for ten teams. Over its 100 years, the club has known great triumphs and with the local community has shared in the experience of profound tragedies.

Today we launch our celebrations to mark the Club’s Centenary. It is only fitting that we do so on the spot, known locally as “The Stick”, were the idea of having a football club in Loughinisland was discussed and decided upon by people with a clear vision and drive.

Among those gathered today are descendents of those who made the brave and momentous decisions to start a club, decisions furthered today by the exciting advance redevelopment plans for the club. As we prepare to cut the sod of the new Club House, we pay tribute to the past generations who had the forethought and the will to start Loughinisland GAC on a path that has brought it to the Club it is today. The deceased members of the club were remembered at a memorial Mass today in St.McCartans Parish Church.

A comprehensive display of memorabilia and club artefacts were on display in St.McCartans School Hall. Further Details of the century celebrations and funding opportunities can be found on the Club’s website: www.loughinislandgac.net"

Following the launch the crowd gathered with the rest of the Loughinisland parish to celebrate Mass for the deceased members of the club.

After mass a sizeable crowd congregated at the school hall to view and excellent exhibition of Loughinisland GAC memorabilia. The team lead by Michael Madine did a superb job gathering and presenting many artefacts from the club over the last 100 years, ranging from old photographs and videos, to jerseys, football boots, trophies and medals.

Michael and his team are very keen to gather as much information about the club as possible. All this information will be published later in the year in a Centenary Book. If anyone has any information, photographs or club artefacts from over the last 100 years, Michael and his team are very interested to hear from you. Feel free to contact any committee member or the club secretary and we will ensure Michael and his team receives all the information.

The chairman and committee would like to thank everyone who helped to make the launch of the centenary celebrations a great success!

Febuary 2006, All Weather Pitch

The All Weather Pitch at St. Macartan PS will be handed over on the 1st March 2006. The pitch can be booked through the club secetary. The cost per hour will be £20 per hour with lighting, and £15 per hour without lighting.

28th December 2005, Fancy Dress Party

As part of the on-going fund raising activities, Sean Digney organised a fancy dress party over the Christmas holidays in the Cabin Inn, Downpatrick. The club would like to thank Sean for hishard work and to those who turned up, espically those in fancy dress.

14th December 2005, Poker Night

To assist with the physiothearopy charges this year, Ciaran Fitzpatrick organised a card night on behalf of the senior team. The Poker night was held in the Carmans Inn, Crossgar, and a good night was had by all.

21st Novemember 2005, Loughinisland GAC AGM meeting