Three GAA clubs cater for all age-groups around St Mary’s parish, Navan.
While the parish predates the Clubs, both organisations see similar results when dedication combine with talent and training. A sense of belonging which is given to children in baptism and the sacraments is enhanced by the good rôle models whom they meet in their neighbourhood, at study and in recreation.
Fr Robert McCabe has a five point plan for the trainers, players, supporters and the “characters” who make up the local GAA clubs. They are based on the words of Dermot Earley – the Roscommon footballer who was the Battalion Commander on Fr McCabe’s first UN trip in Lebanon.
The five-point plan runs:
- Enjoy time with my family
- Give the best to my work
- Give back to my community
- Spend my leisure time well
- Make time for God in my life
Fr Robert celebrated “Aifreann Lá na gClubanna” and the gathering of local clubs for at the Vigil Mass on 6 May 2017.
Music was provided by the Navan Silver Band and Our Lady of Victories Gospel choir who are participating in the Navan Choral Festival.
The event also tied in with the launch of the Fatima Novena which marks the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima.
The GAA website describes the weekend gatherings for Lá na gClubanna around the country as “an opportunity for the GAA to highlight the important role of members, players, supporters and families in our Association and for the local community to have fun.” (http://www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/getting-involved/la-na-gclubanna)
A video invitation was posted on https://vimeo.com/frbobmac/la-na-gclubanna-2017
