St. Mary’s Book launch

GAA President Liam O’Neill officially launched “Down the lane” St.Mary’s Rasharkin club history book recently in front of a packed St.Olcan’s Parish Centre.
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Dec 2014, 10:48 BST
Book Committee with guests. Back row: County Chairman Jim Murray, Danny McLernon, Anthony McMullan, Paul Hasson, Ulster Cultural Officer Donal McAnallen and Michael Hasson. Front row: Jim Smyth, Mary K McMullan, Uachtarán Liam ONeill, Rosemary McMullan and Club Chairman Michael Hardy. INBM51-14Book Committee with guests. Back row: County Chairman Jim Murray, Danny McLernon, Anthony McMullan, Paul Hasson, Ulster Cultural Officer Donal McAnallen and Michael Hasson. Front row: Jim Smyth, Mary K McMullan, Uachtarán Liam ONeill, Rosemary McMullan and Club Chairman Michael Hardy. INBM51-14
Book Committee with guests. Back row: County Chairman Jim Murray, Danny McLernon, Anthony McMullan, Paul Hasson, Ulster Cultural Officer Donal McAnallen and Michael Hasson. Front row: Jim Smyth, Mary K McMullan, Uachtarán Liam ONeill, Rosemary McMullan and Club Chairman Michael Hardy. INBM51-14

The hall was full with locals from Rasharkin and Gaels right across counties Antrim and Derry to witness this unique occasion for St.Mary’s GAC.

The hard back publication is an excellent presentation of Gaelic games in the parish of Rasharkin from 1909 to 2013 scattered with recollections, match reports, photographs and memorabilia over this period.

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Club Chairman Michael Hardy started proceedings by welcoming all to the launch and added that everyone in the club was excited with anticipation awaiting the documented story of Rasharkin; he paid tribute to the dedication and commitment of book committee particularly the work of Anthony McMullan and Mary McMullan over the last number of years. Uachtarán Liam O’Neill and Ulster Council Cultural Officer and GAA historian Donal McAnallen both captivated the gathering with their motivating speeches before a few members of the audience reflected some of their personal memories of St.Mary’s.

Club Chairman Michael Hardy pictured at Down the lane Book Launch with special guests Council Cultural Officer Donal McAnallen and Uachtarán Liam ONeill. INBM51-14SClub Chairman Michael Hardy pictured at Down the lane Book Launch with special guests Council Cultural Officer Donal McAnallen and Uachtarán Liam ONeill. INBM51-14S
Club Chairman Michael Hardy pictured at Down the lane Book Launch with special guests Council Cultural Officer Donal McAnallen and Uachtarán Liam ONeill. INBM51-14S

The book committee members are to be thanked for their efforts in researching, writing, editing, and producing an exceptional story of our club, parish and community, the likes of which will never be surpassed.

Michael J Hasson came up with the idea of recording the clubs history and formed a seven strong committee comprising of Danny McLernon, Jim Smyth, Rosemary McFerran and Paul Hasson, however, the two main driving forces and principal authors of this wonderful publication were Anthony McMullan and Mary K McMullan.

The book producers Impact Printing Ballycastle were also present and can take much pride in the role they played.

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The Book Launch committee are to be recognised for their work in planning and promoting launch night, this group included members of the book committee along with Thomas Doherty, Natalie, Mark and Terry Hasson.

The books are excellent value at £25, and can be purchased from Fullan’s Eurospar, Kennedy’s Pharmacy, Mullaghan’s Bar, Rogan Shop and Bar or by contacting Paul Hasson (07745004157). Friends, family and fellow Gaels abroad, can purchase online via PayPal from the club website www.rasharkingac.ie

Gift wrapped books are available free of charge if you wish to treat a loved one this festive season.

Related topics:GAAAntrimDerry