Islandeady Foroige celebrate 50 years

There were great celebrations recently as Islandeady Foroige Youth Club hosted an anniversary event to mark 50 years of the youth organisation in the parish. Past and present members, friends and families gathered in The Mariner Hotel in Westport to share stories and memories and enjoyed a magnificent performance '50 Years of Friendships' by current members.

The show, written by Marina Rice, also a former member, took a trip down memory lane from when the club was first set up in 1972 and entertained the audience with song and dance over the decades including favourite comedies, ‘Fr Ted’ and’ Only Fools and Horses’. The current members performance on the night certainly showed the personal development and friendship opportunities Foroige offers teenagers, not to mention the level of talent in Islandeady club.

National Foroige Chairperson, Odhran O Mahony, made a presentation to the club to mark the significant achievement of providing a social outlet to teenagers in the area and engaging them in the community. On the night Islandeady Club launched their 50th Anniversary Book 'Celebrating Friendships' which is a full colour book of photos and stories over the 50 years. The first copy of the book was presented to Liam Sadler who founded the club in 1972 by current club leader, Noreen Coyne.

Words of thanks

Sean Campbell, CEO, Foroige, commented on the level of commitment in the parish to the youth club and thanked all the volunteer leaders past and present for their continued contribution to young people. In a letter to the club afterwards, Sean wrote:

“What a night, your 50th anniversary was fabulous, one of the most enjoyable nights I have had in a long time.

“Congratulations to you, all the leaders and the members, you highlighted how important Foroige has been to Islandeady for the last 52 years and the book is magnificent. I love the foreword by Enda Kenny. You must be very proud of the members, they represented themselves, their families and Foroige brilliantly and what talent you have, I don't remember ever seeing so many great singers in one club. Please pass on my thanks to everyone involved, they did Foroige and Islandeady proud.”

The anniversary book is a ‘must-have’ for any former member of the club, friends or family or anyone involved in Foroige. All proceeds from the book will go to the new community facilities centre in Islandeady so all support is appreciated.

'Celebrating Friendships', Islandeady Foroige 50th anniversary book is available in all Westport Bookshops; Easons; Mulroy's Londis, Moneen; Lauras XL, Scriney's; Castlebar and Archers, or by emailing foroigeislandeady@gmail.com.

Islandeady Foroige would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who sponsored prizes on the night, Home2Mayo for their support and those who sponsored adverts in the Book.