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Offical Opening

Source : Newswest May 1988

Sunday May 22nd. marked a red-letter day in the life of St. Brigid's G.A.A. Club, Russell Park , Blanchardstown when President Hillery arrived to declare the new Clubhouse officially opened . 

St. Brigid's G.A.A, Club was founded in 1932 by the late Tom Russell , a former headmaster of St. Brigid's N.S. Blanchardstown and Johnny Stewart , who lived all his life within a stone's throw of the present Club . 

It was initially a Football Club and branched into Camogie only in 1970 . In 1973 a hurling club was added , and the hurlers reached senior status in 1976. 

In his welcoming address Mr. Frank Kehily , Chairman said : " All the members of the present club are grateful for the foresight of our predecessors " and extended a special mention of thanks to the committee of 1975 when the grounds of Russell Park were purchased , with an ambitious plan to include a sports hall suitable for most indoor games , two handball courts , games and committee rooms , Lounge bar and kitchen .

Jerry & Mary Nolan at the official opening

The mammoth enterprise has been designed , built and equipped to the highest standard in the short time since" , Mr. Kehily said in praise of the fund-raising committee. He concluded : "The building of the sports complex was a challenge . I believe another challenge lies ahead in the club's immediate aim to return to senior football and hurling . We are determined to take up this challenge . 

Mr. Herbie Hughes , the Club President presided over the official opening . In his address he recalled his association with the club since his childhood . His outstanding memory was one of pride in being part of the great team of 1958 when the club won the County Intermediate Championship and reached senior standard.

"My earnest hope" said the Club President " is that our hurlers and footballers will reach senior standard shortly . Our girls are already playing at this level . "

Re. Father S.McGeehan , P.P. St. Brigid's Blanchardstown and Rev. Father Connolly , of Castleknock officiated at the ceremony , and carried out the blessing . 

President Hillery took time to talk with long time Club members , and youth alike , and expressed his personal delight and pleasure in seeing such an enthusiasm for Gaelic Football and it's traditions "so alive and well" in Dublin West . 

N.B. Newswest would like to offer congratulations to St.Brigid's , and to thank the Club for many evenings of their unique hospitality. 

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