Brian Carty of RTÉ was a guest at the event, which included the presentation of county medals to the Strokestown U-21 team

Press Release

Brian Carthy launches ‘The Punt of The Year’

RTE Gaelic Games Correspondent Brian Carthy launched Strokestown GAA Club’s fundraising drive ‘The Punt of The Year’ in the Percy French Hotel on last Saturday night.A huge crowd gathered for the launch which was also attended by past and present Strokestown players, Roscommon greats Tony McManus, Gay Sheerin and local hero John ‘Jigger’ O’Connor. Also in attendance was Dublin footballer Coman Coggins who’s Grandfather was a driving force in the club in the fifties and early sixties. Michael Maguire County Chairman and Frank Dennehy County Secretary also attended.

Speakers on the night were MC Pat Compton, Sean Collins, Michael Maguire and special guest Brian Carthy. Sean Collins made a presentation setting out the financial, legal and investment potential of the project. He emphasised the absolute need to move to new grounds and the fact that in this instance the club had decided to give everyone an opportunity to get something in return for their support. One hundred shares are to be sold at €5,000 each and these shareholders will then own the present field and in turn fund the purchase of the new grounds. Michael Maguire appealed to everyone to support the venture and lauded the initiative of those involved in developing a unique fundraising idea. He said it was important that the Strokestown Club had proper facilities and he pledged that whatever assistance the County Board could give would be forthcoming. Brian Carthy in his address reflected on his youth growing up at the ‘foothills of Sliabh Bán’ in the parish of Strokestown and the part the GAA Club played in fostering his love of the games.  He regarded it as a privilege to be back again among friends and neighbours in the company of the greats of the game who were in attendance. He said that the club was very much part of the fabric of the community and despite the attractions of other sports, Gaelic games is part of this community of people which defines us as a nation.  He emphasised the need to support the project and said he was delighted to be invited to launch it.

Shares are still available and further information can be got by getting in touch with any of the following:

Padraig Molloy 086 8033864

Sean Collins 086 2546275

Pat Compton 087 2361794

Damian Donlon 086 3537121

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Investment Package Launch - 15th April 2006

Current Situation

Planned Facilities

Investment Opportunities

Development Committee