Loughgiel GAC's commemoration and day of reflection 17th July
18th July 2016
On 17th July 2016, Loughgiel GAC held a commemoration and day of reflection for all those who died during Easter Week 1916, for those who continue to suffer in conflicts around the world today and for deceased members of the Club.
The day started with a beautiful Mass in St Patrick’s Church, with music provided by Seamus Richmond and young local musicians and singers. Following Mass there was a procession from the Chapel Gate to Fr Healy Park. This included members of South Derry Re-enactment Group and all the hurling and camogie teams in the Parish. Parishioners young and old got into the spirit of the day by dressing in the style of the era and a vintage car driven by Dan McToal led off the Parade. Musicians were transported to the Pitch as part of the procession on an old Ferguson tractor and trailer.
All in all the day combined memories of 1916 with the rural aspects of our Parish along with music and dancing. Camogie and Hurling matches between rival townlands in the Parish were two of the many highlights of the day. Glenbush McCrackens Camogs proved too strong for the Corkey Mitchels but redemption was soon to follow with the Corkey Mitchels Hurlers beating Glenbush McCrackens in a thrilling encounter. In keeping with the era, the Parish Priest Fr Robert Butler, dressed in appropriate attire, threw in the sliotar at the beginning of the two matches.
The sun shone from early morning until the final events of the day which included the release of 40 balloons in remembrance of the children who died during Easter week 1916 and the unveiling of a Commemoration Stone by Canon Sean Connolly, which sets out the Clubs commitment to equality for all.
This was a day to bring together all aspects of our culture, inclusive of all the parishioners.
