Strabane Sigersons celebrate 40 years since club reformation

STRABANE Sigersons are celebrating 40 years since a group of dedicated GAA members gathered to reform the club, laying the foundations for four decades of Gaelic games, community spirit and development in the town.

October 8 marked 40 years since the gathering in Melvin Hall.

Reflecting on the significant milestone, the club highlighted the many changes that have taken place over the past 40 years, while emphasising the importance of its role beyond the football field.

In the past forty years we have have had many ups and downs but most importantly we have grown Gaelic Games in Strabane more and more.

"The GAA is what drives us everyday, it represents who we are, it's a sense of community and belonging within Strabane," a spokesperson said.

"We are much more that a football club, we are deeply involved in the community, recreation and social aspects of our town.

"The men who sat in the room on the October 8, 1986 ignited a flame which is still burning strong, in them 40 years the amount of change has been unbelievable."

The club has continued to develop its facilities with significant recent improvements.

These include an extension to its walkway, new fencing around the training pitch and plans for the opening of a club gym in the near future.

The anniversary has also provided an opportunity to remember those who played an important role in the club’s history but have since passed away.

"We now have one of the best facilities in Ulster, we are constantly seeking to improve and upgrade," the spokesperson continued.

"A special mention to those who attended that meeting who have since passed away, Gerald O'Doherty, Conn Tinney, Mickey Cunningham, Aiden Dunne, Eamon Hannigan, and Roger McLaughlin.

"Without the people who attended that first meeting none of this would have been possible and to the many volunteers we have recruited since, we are indebted to you all.

"We hope the next 40 years is even more successful but we will never forget all those men and women from 1986 and long before 1986 who ensured our National Games survived in the town in very tough times when it wasn't fashionable or even safe to be involved in the GAA."

As the club looks ahead to the next 40 years, its message is one of pride in its history and confidence in its future.