Ballinamore AC celebrate 60th anniversary

Ballinamore AC marked their 60th anniversary in style on the May Bank Holiday weekend with a series of events to mark the historic occasion.

The recently elected President of Athletics Ireland Brid Golden unveiled a Plaque at the AIB Branch Ballinamore in memory of William (Bill) Britton from Mullinahone, Co Tipperary, (who, while Branch Manager between 1922 and 1927, win four consecutive Irish Hammer titles and represented the country against England and Scotland in 1923,1925 and 1926. 

Transferred to Cavan in 1927 he went on to win two more National titles, three English AAA titles and became the only athlete to win a Commonwealth Games medal representing Ireland when taking second at the inaugural Empire Games in Canada in 1930.

Club Chairperson Gregory Smyth gave a brief account of the career of Bill Britton before introducing the Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Paddy O’Rourke who spoke of the achievements of Leitrim athletes and the contribution of Ballinamore Athletic Club over the years. 

Alan Burke, Manager of Ballinamore AIB Branch, spoke of how happy the Bank were to be involved in the honouring of such an illustrious  former branch manager and praised the work put into this ceremony by Ballinamore AC.  

AAI President Brid Golden, in her first official function since her election ten days ago,  spoke of the achievements of Ballinamore Athletic Club over the past 60 years and its contribution to Irish Athletics both in respect of administration and in competition where it contributed a President and six International athletes including two Olympians.  

The attendance also included Deputy Martin Kenny, Councillor Ita Reynolds Flynn Chairperson of the Ballinamore Municipal District Council, Councillor Gary Prior, Fr Thomas Keogan, former Principal of St Felim's College and second Club Chairman and Fr Sean Mawn PP.

The second part of the commemoration took place in  the Den where Fr Keogan led the attendance in reciting a prayer for deceased members and supporters of the Club. 

Brid Golden  presented memorials, sponsored by the Leitrim School of Art which is situated on the Junction campus, to seven surviving former Club officials and Ballinamore AC's six Internationals .

The six Internationals were Pat Joe Leddy, Patricia Griffin, Eddie Leddy, Gregory Smyth, Colin Griffin and Brian McGovern. The other recipients were Fr Thomas Keogan, John Harte, Cerenna Reynolds, Michael Reynolds, Michael Dolan, Marie Lee and Joe Doonan. 

The President was then presented with a bouquet of flowers and a copy of the Ballinamore A C history  Maroon Above the Green by Lynda Nic Aodha on behalf of the Club.  

Attendees had the opportunity of viewing a Photographic Exhibition covering 60  years of activity, some club videos and other memorabilia. This exhibition will be available to the public to view at the Junction as part of The Leitrim Gathering project. 

Club Chairperson Gregory Smyth thanked the President, local  representatives and all who attended both ceremonies and a Sports Meeting then took place in St Felim's where the Leitrim U9, 10 & 11 Team Finals  takes place next Tuesday.