Thomas McCurtains Minor GAA Club hosted their 5th Annual Irish Cultural and Family Fun Day on Saturday 11th July, supported by Redbridge Arts Council. The day started at 7am, as the volunteers and Minor Board members descended on the sports field. There was a great ‘craic’ amongst the work force and despite the ‘ Krypton Factor ‘ episode with the erection of the marquees, by mid day the venue was ready.

From the outset the competitive spirit was evident, as our U12 footballers overcame Dulwich Harps to win the Tim Conroy Shield. That victory set things up nicely for the rest of the day and the atmosphere was getting better by the minute.

Our schools development programme has increased the numbers of participants by at least 50% and we held Football & Hurling matches with all of our kids taking part. Mates off the field found themselves competing for victory against each other. The skill level on show was amazing and a real credit to all involved in the coaching of the youngsters.

As the day gathered momentum, Ladies Gaelic football took centre stage, mainly due to Aidan’s persistence, and it proved very successful. Teams from Chelmsford,
Romford and of course McCurtains took part in a round robin tournament, with Romford emerging as the eventual winners.

Referee Martin McGovern commented...

"Looking after one woman is tough, but when you are surrounded by them it’s impossible!"

Whilst the games continued there was a vast array of refreshments on offer and the ladies along with the Knights of St. Columba on the barbeque, kept everyone well fed and watered. The biggest crowd puller of the day was no doubt the men's Tug of War. The Hornchurch Tuggers looked great in their t-shirts and despite there being a few so called Dubliners in the team, it was a case of ‘All the gear, but no idea ‘. As McGoverns Slashers took to the rope, the real contest was on. Led by Big Mac, the men from Ilford showed that it doesn’t matter what you wear or how many ringers you bring in, its strength that counts and the men from Hornchurch went home empty handed, but Not before they had helped to clear up!

As the day drew to a close, Bacon & Cabbage was served and if you were lucky enough to get some, let me know what it was like.

This years event was our most successful yet, with over 650 people in attendance across the day.

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