You'll have a cup of tea now Father?

The Newtown Blues was founded in Malone's Pub 125 years ago today and as the President of the GAA pointed out, a lot has changed in that time. The Ulster branch has done away with the ban on members of the Crown Forces; Gaelic is now being played in the North's mainly-Protestant grammar schools; Peter Robinson attended the Ulster Finals in an official capacity in the company of Wee Marty; and in true non-sectarian style, we celebrate the day with a Mass!

So we had the usual line-up of local dignitaries. The Mayor spoke of his father's pride in his days playing for the Blues. Local TD Ged Nash recalled his days as a junior player (and teammate of Uncle Dabid!). And the President gave a speech that was big on community, the future and the role of clubs like this in developing its younger members; statements given extra pathos as they were delivered over the noise of Monkey Boy and twenty of his compatriots chasing balls around the field!