History
Ever since the founding of the Gaelic Athletic Association in the 1880’s there has been a Club affiliated in the parish of Moynalty, thus making it one of the oldest units of the Association in Co. Meath. At various times down through the years the Club has been known as the “Moynalty Owen Roes”, ” St.Mary’s Moynalty”, and for many years now the present name “Moynalty G.F.C”.
Grounds
For decades the Club was dependent upon the generosity of a number of local farmers for a playing field and it was not until 1972 that it acquired its present home in Bellair. Situated a mile from the Village on the Carlanstown road the grounds were purchased from the Irish Land Commission following the division of the former Walker Estate.
In the years since then the organisation has invested substantial amounts in terms of finance and voluntary labour in developing the grounds. The present playing pitch, dressing rooms, meeting rooms and surrounding areas are the envy of many bigger Clubs’s and have been acknowledged as among the finest grounds in the County. The Club has won the Meath County Board “Grounds of the Year” award and on a visit to Moynalty in 2004 the “Entente Florale” judging Committee also commented favorably on the appearance of the facilities. The Club employ a part time Caretaker to look after the grounds and together with the Committee ensure that the grounds are properly maintained and looking their best at all times.
Games Promotion
On the playing fields the 1930’s was the most successful period in the history of the Club with many County titles won and many players from the club played leading roles with Meath county teams. In common with many others the Club suffered the effects of emigration during the years after World War 11 and it was not until the 1980’s that Moynalty began to make an impact again. In recent times a number of County titles have been won with particular success at all underage levels in Juvenile and Minor competitions. At adult level the Club lost out in last year’s County Junior Championship final and hopes are high once again that the long gap since our last Junior title success in 1987 can be bridged this year.
Our members continue to be recognised at County level in various capacities and many have represented Moynalty proudly as players, coaches, selectors and referees.
Membership is open to all and currently the Club has teams affiliated at all levels from u-10 to adult with almost 200 male and female registered playing members. In addition to playing members the Club has approximately 50 active members and officials who voluntary give much of their time in many capacities. Each team has a qualified coach and first aid officer in attendance at all matches and training sessions. The Club has also in recent times purchased a Defibrillator and it is available at all times for emergency situations. Transport to all underage matches is available free of charge and medical / physiotherapy required for injured players is arranged by and paid for by the club.
Finance
The Club depends very much on the generosity of the local Community for the support of their many fund raising ventures down through the years. The proceeds of the present weekly Lotto draw which has been running for many years is the main source of finance for the ever increasing costs in running the club. The success of this draw is due to the continuing support and co-operation of so many in the Moynalty area.
The Finance committee also ensure that the Club is aware of any possible external sources of Income and make funding applications to the relevant Agencies in respect of any planned developments. In recent years the great work been done in the Club has been recognised by State Bodies including the Department of Sports and Tourism and Meath County who have both awarded significant financial support towards Club developments.
The Club regularly receives requests for financial donations or help with raising funds by many other organisations within the locality and beyond. All applications for assistance are discussed by the Executive Committee and in recent times the Club has organised many Church gate collections and fund raisers for various Charities and has also made generous financial donations from its own resources to a number of organisations including Third World Development Agencies, local School building funds and the local Community Council.
Other Organisations / Groups
Many other groups and organisations in the Club catchment area have access to Club facilities including the local Community Games Group and Primary Schools for Matches, Sports days etc. The Club has always maintained close working relationships with many other voluntary groups in the Moynalty area.
The now famous “Steam Threshing Festival” held the first exhibition on the Grounds at Bellair and ever since there has been great co- operation between both organisations .Likewise the Club got together with the local Community Council in organising the “Annual Parish Festival Week” which proved highly successful for many years. The Club also helps out with the Annual “Retired Persons Party “organised by the Council and an elected Club Delegate attends the Monthly Meeting of the Council.
In turn the Club has access to and are grateful to the Council for the use of the local “Muintír Na Tire “Hall for various functions/ presentations. In recent times also the Club has facilitated the Gardaí and HSE Health Promotion Unit in the holding of Workshops for Parents / Teachers/ Club leaders to highlight Drugs Awareness within the Community / School life.
Planning for the future.
As a unit of the Gaelic Athletic Association Moynalty G.F.C aim to enhance and improve existing facilities and develop new facilities to a standard that will ensure that there is proper support for the development of our national games.
To improve greater Community participation in sporting events, Club Coaches and Officials will work closely with the local Schools, Boards of Management and Parents Councils and other Sporting groups to identify and ensure that the needs of all are being identified and developed to the full.
The Club will continue to recognise the importance of treating all of its members both young and not so young with dignity and respect. A special emphasis will be placed on encouraging and ensuring that those in the Community with a disability are included in Club activities
It recognises that the sense of achievement, fun and fair play that young people experience when participating in Sport will encourage their continuing involvement and help them develop to their true potential.
