St. Nicholas Gaelic Football Club welcomed Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to their club grounds at Pentony Park on Friday last, 25 June 2021.
The purpose of the Commissioner’s visit was to highlight and strengthen the working partnership between An Garda Síochána, St, Nicholas GFC and the Holy Family Community.
Founded in 1977, St. Nicholas GFC has done sterling work in the local community promoting Gaelic Games, culture and lifelong participation. They strive to ensure that community is at the heart of the club.
“Character over Pedigree has always been the philosophy in St Nicholas GFC, a club that values inclusion and promotes integration through Gaelic Football” a spokesperson said.
“This is a vital time for the youth in the area of the Holy Family Parish and Drogheda as a whole. Unfortunately, some young members of the parish have lost their way of late and become embroiled in the well-documented drugs gang feud in Drogheda.
“St Nicholas GFC firmly believe that they can equip young people in the community with the ability to make the right choices. They are determined to make a stand and to give the local youth a higher purpose through sport and education.”
In 2017, St Nicholas GFC created a ten-year plan to roadmap the future structure and growth of the club within the Holy Family Community. They have demonstrated commitment to the local community by raising in excess of €6,000 for local charities this year alone.
Adrian Gates, the Vice Chair of St. Nicholas GFC, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Des Mc Donald Chairperson during the Commissioner’s visit to Jimmy Pentony Park. Photo: Jimmy Weldon.
The club’s achievements off the field have resulted in the completion of a brand-new Club House and Community Rooms with state-of-the-art facilities that include Function Rooms, Fitness Studios, a Spinning Room, and a fully equipped Two Storey Gym.
Phases 2 and 3 will see the introduction of a purpose-built Keep Fit Walkway, AstroTurf Pitches, and a Multi-function Wall Ball. The club’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which all members can enjoy Gaelic Games.
The aim is to encourage young members to develop and achieve their full potential on and off the field through the fostering of a clear sense of identity and place. The club has a simple philosophy that espouses fair play, respect and equality for all.
St. Nicholas GFC were honoured to receive a prestigious Drogheda Mayoral Award at the annual ceremony in March 2020 for their initiative ‘Integration through Gaelic Football’.
This was granted in recognition of the club’s work with the young people of the Holy Family Parish and also the club’s ongoing work integrating young people from the migrant community.
The gates at Pentony Park are always open to new members of all ages and of all sporting capabilities, even those who wish to work with the club on a volunteer basis.
St Nicholas GFC look forward to serving the people of the Holy Family Parish, and beyond, for many years to come.
Chief Superintendent Mangan, Superintendent Watters, Joan Martin CEO Louth County Council. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick – Chairman of Louth GAA were among the invited guests.
Superintendent Andrew Watters told Drogheda Life that the purpose of the visit was to allow St Nicholas GAA club to highlight their excellent facilities and structures in place, how they are significantly involved in the community and also to recognise the relationship between their club and An Garda Siochana.
Commissioner Harris planted a tree to mark the visit and addressed those present. The afternoon was a huge success with up to 100 young boys and girls from the club playing demonstration games with their coaches during the visit.
For more information see: https://www.stnicholasgfc.com/
