Beragh strive against adversity

Beragh Red Knights GAA club officials with GAA President Nicky Brennan and Ladies president Geraldine Giles at the official opening of the new club pavilion in Beragh

SOMETIMES, it’s adversity which can really bring out the most positive aspects of a community, and of a club.

Last October, the state-of-the-art sports pavilion of the Beragh Red Knights suffered severe flood damage when the adjacent river burst its banks, pouring hundreds of gallons of water through their building.

Floors were destroyed, equipment ruined, as well as the severe disruption caused to the functioning of the club in its day-to-day business.

It wasn’t the first time it had happened. A similar disaster just three years earlier had caused the club’s insurance premiums to skyrocket to such an extent that it made a second claim virtually impossible.

So instead, they relied on good old-fashioned voluntary labour and club pride to get them back on their feet.

It’s testament to the hard work and never-say-die attitude of club members that they now once again have facilities they can boast about, and according to club chairman Hugh McNamee, a stronger sense of belonging and ownership than ever before.

“The flood was devastating. The timing of it meant that at least we had a bit of time to get things sorted before the football season would get up and going again, but the primary concern was for the handball alley.

“We have youngsters and adults here who are contesting at provincial and All-Ireland level, and we had to give them the facilities they needed.”

The full story is in the current issue of Gaelic Life, published on Thursday May 17. Buy your copy in your newsagent now, or online by clicking the subscribe button