Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Nash.

Part of a mine collapsed in the area, resulting in major subsidence. The result was that many families had to leave their homes. The local community centre and GAA pitches were left completely out of bounds. As one can imagine, it was a major blow to the community in County Monaghan, and particularly for the people of Magheracloone. The local GAA club, Magheracloone Mitchells had no pitch to play on. Many clubs in such a situation would have folded up. However, I am glad to report that Magheracloone Mitchells did not do that. The GAA members pulled themselves together and availed of the services of local GAA clubs in Cavan, Meath and Louth to keep the show on the road.

The club went on to compete in the intermediate football championship in Monaghan and won the county title. Last Sunday in the Athletic Grounds in Armagh, it went on to win the Ulster intermediate football championship by defeating Galbally of Tyrone by 1-15 to 0-13. It is a fantastic story of a club and a community that refused to lie down. They galvanised themselves together and last Sunday afternoon, the club completed a fantastic task and now goes to play in the all-Ireland semi-final in a few weeks' time. It is an inspirational story of rising from ashes to glory to achieve such greatness.I hope that the club wins the semi-final and goes on to win the All-Ireland title. I wish its members every success. They and their community are a shining example to the rest of the country.