It’s what the GAA is all about

On his first official visit to Clare since becoming president of the GAA, Liam O’Neill performed the official opening of Clonlara’s GAA pitch on Sunday evening.
In his address to the attendance the Laois native said, “this is what the GAA is all about”.
“This is one of the more important things that we do and I am here to represent Central Council and to congratulate the club on looking to the future. I am here on behalf of the other 1,650 clubs in the country to congratulate Clonlara.”
The president went on to say, “in opening these facilities, you are looking to the future. We are dealing with people who have vision and who have the ability to carry that vision out and that is really what the GAA is all about. That is what the GAA is all about and that is why our organisation continues to prosper. Anywhere a club develops facilities, that club and area prospers and I am sure that this club will benefit from the provision of these facilities”.
“Ultimately, we are about games,” Mr O’Neill told The Clare Champion. “Getting the games structure right and guaranteeing a young person a playing pathway through his career from under 12 up.”
“We have never managed in our 128-year history to get the balance between club and county right and its something we will have to do. If we don’t use our layers we will lose them, it’s as simple as that,” he said while agreeing, “it is very difficult to get this right”.
He praised the players involved with Clare and Tipperary in Sunday’s game. “The fact that they have been playing with their clubs already this weekend shows their commitment”.
Looking ahead to the championship campaign which is just about to begin, he said he is looking forward to some great games. “We have had fantastic contests for the past few years and I see no reason why it won’t be the same this year,” he said
Clare GAA chairman, Michael O’Neill paid tribute to Clonlara on its achievement.
“Everything about a community’s spirit can be witnessed here this evening. It’s where we should be and once we keep doing this, there is no fear of our games. It takes a massive effort to provide facilities like these,” he said.
The Clare chairman recalled presenting the Canon Hamilton Trophy to Clonlara. “He was a native of this parish and it was a great occasion for your parish to win the title. There is another title or two in this panel,” he predicted.
Munster council vice-chairman, Robert Frost from neighbouring O’Callaghan’s Mills also congratulated all involved “in the provision of these magnificent facilities. In the Munster Council we appreciate the work of the clubs and I am delighted that we were able to grant aid Clonlara. Clubs like Clonlara are the lifeblood of the association,” he said.
The facilities were then blessed by Fr Pat Greed PP and Fr Brendan Cleary Assistant priest.