GLASDRUMMAN: The community was deeply saddened to hear of the death of friend, long-time committee member and life-long club member Tony Bannon. Tony had served in many roles on the Glasdrumman club committee over a period of 20-plus years and to each of these roles he brought commitment, dedication, and his own unique style with the ultimate desire to make a difference to the GAA in Glasdrumman.
Tony was a man of many talents, a fluent Irish speaker, a challenging quiz master, and a talented musician with a flair for the written word. As club PRO Tony brought his own inimitable style to the weekly club notes. His love of music often featured in the lead-in to the club notes with many references to lines from rock songs. He had the ability to turn a match report into a story which people looked forward to reading.
Tony never needed encouragement to bring his guitar to any club function where he would happily entertain the audience and encourage those present to get up and take part.
Tony was involved in all aspects of club life but when he took on the role of cultural officer, his dedication and love for Scor became a big part of his life. Tony took on many roles from competing in Senior Scor, doing Fear a Ti at many Scor competition, to question master at divisional and county level and as a wonderful mentor.
He took to the task in hand with passion and quiet persuasion in that remarkable way that he had of mixing both attributes to ensure that Scór was to the fore of GAA activity in Glasdrumman.
As the club cultural officer he oversaw several county titles, a provincial title, and an All-Ireland title being won. The highlight and the moment that gave him the greatest pride of all was when Niamh McDowell was crowned All Ireland Scór na nÓg Solo Singing Champion in 2017. There wasn’t a prouder man in the Waterfront Hall when the result was announced and Glasdrumman had an All-Ireland Champion.
Scór was where Tony was happiest. He enjoyed the competitions at all levels within Down both as a competitor, a mentor or as an organiser when called upon to help out at competitions. He enjoyed the friendships he made and people he met enjoyed his company.
Glasdrumman people have lost a good friend who will be sorely missed by all in the club.
Sincere condolences to his wife Philomena, sons Anthony and Luke, brothers Des, Eugene and Brendan, sister Patricia and the entire Bannon and Rooney family at this sad time. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Go ndeanai dia trocaire ara a anam uasail dhilis.
Eire Og u11 training in Ballymartin tonight at 6.30pm. The first u11 match is on Sunday morning away to Bosco at 11am.
Glasdrumman Nursery camp for u7.5s and younger in Glasdrumman, 6.30pm tonight as usual.
DOIRE LOCHAIN, Caoimhin de Barra: The Derrylaughan Kevin Barry’s Summer Camp 2020 is planned for August 5-6, 10am-12.30pm, age P5-1st Year 2020 at £10 each. Contact James Kennedy 07748724420.
The young Camogs are back making use of the Ball Wall with new 3G surface on Friday evenings from 6-7pm.
Both The Black Tie 75th Anniversary Gala Dinner that was due to be held on October 31 this year in the Armagh City hotel and the Grand Fundraising Draw for £20,000 in prize money have been postponed until October 23, 2021. Tickets are £100 or £1000 per table, strictly no U16s - contact any committee member for more information or purchase via Klubfunder website at www.klubfunder.com/clubs/derrylaughan_gac (underscore not space).
The Washingbay Green Run 2020 fundraiser has now moved to October 31 with online registrations remaining valid for the revised date. For further information on the 5K Walk/Run, 10K Run and Half-Marathon or the revised arrangements visit www.wbaygreenrun.com or contact Brendan Quinn on +447784516133.
LAMH DHEARG, Belfast: Reperio Human Capital, an IT Staffing Consultancy based in Ireland and the USA, has become partners with the club, sponsoring a set of jerseys for the Senior hurling team.
AN RIOCHT: Sea Source are the new sponsors of the U13 Football team while Murdock Builders Merchants are the new sponsors of the U16 Camogie team.
BALLYMARTIN: The perimeter pathway at Pat's Road is available for recreational walking most evenings, as the field are now open for training.
