1992 remembered at Lamh Dhearg GAC

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Pictured with the GAA Writers Award for Ulster Club of the Year presented to the club are former long serving club Secretary Sean Maguire, John Devlin representing Bass Ireland who sponsored the awards, Jim Herron 1992 club chairman and Kieran Megraw club vice chairman in 1992.

A NIGHT IN NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER

Lámh Dhearg clubrooms hosted the club’s 1992 reunion last Saturday evening (11thNovember) to celebrate twenty-five years since the clubs most successful year in its history.

Past players and club members and dignitaries travelled the length of the county and further afield to reminisce and share their memories of a year which saw the Lámhs triumph in both codes at juvenile and senior level.

On Saturday afternoon a magnificent display of memorabilia was laid out in the big hall and a book was available for visitors to sign, before the evening ceremony brought all the successful teams, mentors, family members and friends together.

1992 saw Lámh Dhearg win the U-14, U-16, Minor, U-21, South Antrim and Senior Football Championship as well as U-14 and South Antrim Division Two league titles. In hurling the U-14s clinched their league title and the Minor Hurlers lifted the Antrim championship with victory against Loughgiel.

1) Frank Fitzsimmons Snr (1992 Senior Football manager) pictures with players Ray McCarthy and Hugh Moreland

22) 1992 Minor Capt Paddy Tumelty and team manager Jim Brady reminisce with the Minor Football cup at the 25th reunion

Each of the respective teams and their mentors present were called forward to the floor by the articulate, fluent and knowledgeable compere for the evening – Paul Buchanan and to receive applause and accolades from family members and friends that attended and in some instances the team were reunited with the silverware they lifted in 1992.

Off the field the club was crowned the prestigious and coveted Ulster GAA Writers ‘Club of the Year’ and Bass Ireland representative John Devlin attended to replicate the famous photo with the award along with Jim Herron (club chairman in 92), Sean Maguire (secretary in 92) and Kieran Megraw (Treasurer in 92).

Former Donegal All-Ireland winning 92’ county-star Tommy Ryan flew over from London on Saturday evening to join the reunion, Ryan was a guest at the juvenile dinner in that successful year and he was happy to share his memories of the visit to Hannahstown 25-years on.

Some of the following quotes on the Spirit of ’92 reunion What’s app group sums up the memorable night of pure nostalgia

“ a superbly well run event “ Colm McCabe

Ciaran O’Neill who travelled from Newry’ Brilliant night”

Bill Molloy who travelled from Canada “ A brilliant event and great to reconnect with so many old friends”

Owen O’Neill who travelled from Holland “ Great to meet with everybody again and a fantastic night”.

Paul Buchanan Chairman of Spirit of ’92 Reunion “ The exhibition and reunion both commemorated the unbelievable year of ’92 in style. The events recaptured the spirit of ’92 , renewed friendships and generated many happy memories.