2nd December 2015 marked an important date for the people of Killyman St Marys GFC, as the Club History book was launched. This has been a dream within the Club for many years; which has now been made reality thanks to the dedication and determination of the author; Terry McShane.
Many days, weeks and months of research have been poured into this book in order to make sure that every piece of evidence is purely factual. Most clubs will write their history in one book, but the history of Killyman St Marys was written in 2 volumes. Killyman may be a ‘wee’ club but they are a ‘wee’ club with a lot of history. The appreciation, gratitude and thanks of everyone is sent to Terry McShane on the tremendous work that he has put into this book.
“Our Wee Club” is an apt title for this book. As some people may know, Killyman is a club that may be quite small in numbers so they are ‘wee’ in that respect. But the title invokes a fondness and warmth that is always felt in Killyman.
GAA President Aogan O’Fearghail, County Chairperson Roisin Jordan, GAA book Author Joe Martin and Club President Monsignor Curry were present at the Book Launch and they all spoke so highly of the welcome received in Killyman. Aogan O’Fearghail spoke of the passion needed in order to maintain a GAA club and this was reiterated by all of the guest speakers. Killyman St Marys displayed that passion in abundance. Everyone mentioned the fantastic facilities that are available in Killyman and highlighted the vast numbers that turned up for the event.
There were members from various local clubs present and this in itself gives an inkling as to what the GAA is about and the foundation it is built on. Every club is important in its own right and that makes every competitor important also. This book goes the extra mile and pays tribute to the competitors of Killyman throughout the years; therefore making this book very appealing to everyone.
On the night of the book launch, every person with a link to Killyman St Marys was represented. There were Honorary Presidents, Honorary Members, Sponsors, Managers, Players, Members, Supporters; both past and present. All of these people made the event special and memorable.
Killyman St Marys celebrated their Golden Jubilee in April 2014 with a Gala Dinner in Armagh City Hotel. The Gala was the final event which concluded a year of celebrations to mark the 50 years of Killyman GFC.
The Launch of this book marks the ending of 50 years for Killyman St Marys, but more importantly it marks the beginning of the next 50 years of “Our Wee Club!”
