THE GLOUCESTER Irish Club held a weekend of celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary this month.
On July 5 the programme of events included Under-14 Gaelic football and camogie competitions as well as a senior ladies match held at the Gloucester Old Boys Rugby Club in Horton Road.
That evening the President and Chairman of the Irish Club welcomed guests to a gala dinner held at the centre.
There speeches were given by Cathy Barnicle of the Irish Embassy, who claimed the Irish community in Gloucester “represented Ireland well”.
Sheriff and Deputy Mayor of Gloucester Cllr Lise Noakes also spoke at the dinner dance crowd and thanked the club for inviting her along.
“I am absolutely delighted to be here to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Gloucester and District Irish Society,” she said.
“Many of you have become friends tonight. I thank you for allowing me to celebrate with you all.”
Local priest Monsignor Liam Slattery VG also enjoyed the occasion, which saw Gloucester Irish Club President Sam Wall, Chairperson Angela Bowtell and former President Noel Maguire all in attendance.
Entertainment was supplied by Ireland-based touring duo Sean Wilson and Tony Mac and an Irish dancing display by the Seán Éireann McMahon School brought the action well into the evening.
But the festivities didn’t stop there, as club members and supporters were out the following day to enjoy a Sunday afternoon Gaelic football competition.
Later an evening Mass was held at St Peter’s Church, which was followed by a concert at the Gloucester Irish Club — which offered traditional Irish music from a host of musicians from across the city.
There the final word of the fun-packed weekend was given by the club chairperson, when Angela Bowtell thanked everyone for “making the weekend the success that it was”.
The first meeting of the Gloucester Irish Club Committee took place at St Peter’s Junior School, February 4, 1964 to organise and raise funds to set up a club in Station Approach, club spokesperson Steve O’Connor told The Irish Post this week.
The club was officially opened on Easter Sunday in 1969.
Pictures by Chris Egan and courtesy of Gloucester Irish Club
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