RIP Freda Kennedy
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it’s deepest sympathies to the Kennedy family who sadly lost Freda, Sat May 3rd 2025.
Peacefully, in the tender care of the wonderful staff at the Mater Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Freda, beloved wife of the late Michael and dearly loved mother of Mary, Noel, David, James, and Jean.
Predeceased by her beloved parents Richard and Mary, and her cherished sisters Rita, Joan, and Imelda.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love by her heartbroken children; her adored grandchildren Alana, Nathan, Conor, Chloe, Elise, Ruby, Pearse, and Cole; her loving daughters-in-law Amanda and Áine; her caring sons-in-law Mark and Charlie; dear sisters-in-law and brother-in-law; nieces and nephews; extended family; kind neighbours; her wide circle of friends, and by all who had the privilege to know and love her.
May She Rest In Peace
Reposing at Michael Doyle Funeral Home, Finglas Village on Thursday, 8th, from 6pm to 8pm.
Freda’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am on Friday morning at Our Mother of Divine Grace Church, Ballygall, followed by burial at Glasnevin Cemetery (St Paul’s).
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RIP Sean Mahon
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it’s deepest sympathies to the Mahon
family who sadly lost Sean, Sat April 19th 2025.
MAHON, Sean (The Mayne, Clonee, Co. Meath and formerly of Mitchelstown, Dublin) April 19th, 2025, (peacefully) surrounded by his loving family and in the care of the staff at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.
Dear son of the late Hubert and Mary and brother of our club president Mary and the late Tommy and Paddy.
Sadly missed by his loving sister, nieces Linda, Sandra, Orla and Claire, nephews Ciaran, Ken, Sean, Hubert and Rory, cousins, relatives and friends.
May he rest in peace
Reposing at his home on Wednesday evening (April 23rd) from 6pm.
Removal on Thursday morning (April 24th) to St. Margaret’s Church, St. Margaret’s arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am at followed by burial in The Ward Cemetery.
Sean’s funeral mass may be viewed (live only) by following this LINK.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis
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RIP Thomas (Tucker) McGovern
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it’s deepest sympathies to the McGovern family who sadly lost Thomas, (Tucker) 10th February 2025.
McGovern, Thomas, (Tucker), late of Rivermeade, Saint Margaret’s and Jamestown Road, Finglas – 10th February 2025 (peacefully) in the loving care of his family and the staff of Oakwood Nursing Home. Thomas, devoted husband of Cecilia and loving dad of Michelle and Thomas.
Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Sarah, his brother Michael and sister Rosie.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, son and daughter, grandchildren David, Shannen, Sarah, Dylan, Jasmine and Thomas, great-grandson Craig, son-in-law David, Thomas’s partner Paula, brothers P.J., Dessie, John, Philip and sister Mary, brother-in-law Sean, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and neighbours.
May he Rest in Peace
Reposing at his daughter Michelle’s home on Friday (14th February) from 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
Funeral on Saturday morning (15th February) to St. Margaret’s Church, Saint Margaret’s for 10.00am Requiem Mass followed by Burial in adjoining cemetery.
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RIP Phyllis O'Connor
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it’s deepest sympathies to the O’Connor family who sadly lost Philomena 10th February 2025.
O’Connor, (née Fanning), Philomena (Phyllis) late of Glasnevin and Dubber Cross – 10th February 2025 (peacefully) in the loving care of her family and the staff of Beneavin House Nursing Home. Beloved wife of the late Peadar, loving and cherished mam to Donal, Karl, Debbie and Mark.
She will be sadly missed by her daughter and sons, grandchildren Christine, Suzanne, Sam, Jessica, Jamie and Lila, great-grandchildren Ava and Andrew, daughters-in-law Theresa and Mary, son-in-law Alan, sisters-in-law Kathleen and Sally, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.
May she Rest in Peace
Reposing at the Fanagan Kirwan Funeral Home, Ballygall Road West, (D11 W7VX) on Thursday (13th February) from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Funeral on Friday morning (14th February) to Our Mother of Divine Grace Church, Ballygall for 10 o’clock Requiem Mass followed by Burial in Killeek Cemetery.
Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, in lieu to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Her Funeral Mass can be viewed live.
Messages of sympathy may be left for Phyllis’ family in the “Condolences” section on rip.ie.
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Application for "Club of the Year"
St Margaret’s GAA is honoured to submit our application for the “Club of the Year” award.
Our club and clubhouse facilities have long been a cornerstone of the St Margaret’s community within Fingal County Council, embodying the principles of community, inclusivity, sports and development. Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of our achievements, contributions, and vision for the future, which we believe make us stand out amongst our peers within our Fingal community.
About Us
Records show that Gaelic games were played in the St. Margaret’s parish from the late 1800s, making it one of the oldest surviving clubs in Dublin. The club was formally established in 1908.
Today our inclusive club attracts players of all ages and genders, from under 8 years to over 40. Our players and their families come from a vibrant growing population around St. Margaret’s and outwards to towns and hinterlands that include Swords, Hollystown, Ashbourne and Finglas.
Within our community we have:
- Annual Club/Family Day
- Hosting Inter County Game
- LGFA Inter County Games
- Schools’ Sports Days
St. Margarets is located in the Dubber Electoral Division encompassing over 17 square kilometres with total population of approx. 9,000 (as per 2022 census) having increased by 21%. Over 26% of the population is under the age of 17 while 4% is over the age of 65. The average age was 32.7 as of 2022 with approx. 8% of the population identified as persons with disabilities.
Given the close proximity of Kilshane, Coolquoy & Killsallaghan & The Ward electoral divisions, from which both the GAA club draws its members, the population catchment increases to more than 24,500
Our primary goal is to ensure that St Margarets GAA is not merely a gaelic football club but a cornerstone of the local community—a place where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. We aspire to be more than a destination for sports enthusiasts; we strive to be a beacon of hope, opportunity, and inspiration for everyone within our reach.
In pursuit of our vision, we are committed to following principles:
- Inclusivity and Diversity
- Accessibility and Affordability
- Community Engagement
- Health and Well-being
- Environmental Sustainability
- Youth & Rural Development
- Leadership & Personal Development
Local Community Engagement
Community Day
One of our flagship events is our annual Community Day, which brings together local businesses, schools, teachers, parents, and neighbours. This celebration of community spirit features mini football games, stalls hosted by local businesses, BBQ, music and interactive activities for families. This year’s event drew over 250 attendees and strengthened ties across the community.
Use of Clubhouse for Community Events
Our clubhouse is a hub for community activities. Over the past year, it has hosted: • Fitness classes, Pilates and circuit training.
- Workshops for community engagement including Eirgrid & Fingal led community engagement workshops
- Kids and teenage discos.
- Hallowe’en events
Hosting of Fingal Development Plan Events
We partnered with Fingal County Council to host consultation sessions for the Fingal Development Plan. These sessions empowered residents to voice their opinions on critical infrastructure and development projects for the region.
Hosting of EirGrid Information Days
Our facilities served as the venue for EirGrid Information Days, providing a platform for community members to engage with key stakeholders on important infrastructure updates.
Oskars
The Oskars, a local film-making initiative, engaged members of all ages in creative collaboration. This initiative raised money to improve club facilities for the community and involved the entire community, including volunteers and parents from our three local primary schools. The participating schools were also awarded funds raised through the event.
Governance
Robust Executive Team
Our executive team is made up of individuals with deep experience across multiple industries and
specialist knowledge including engineers, accountants and consultants each with their own accreditations. Our team is enhanced through the appointment of trained individuals holding positions including Children’s officer, Health & Wellbeing, GPO, Treasurer. A full list of our executive team members are listed on https://stmargaretsgaa.ie/contact/members/
Previous successful projects include:
- All weather, floodlit adult pitch (electronic scorecard & protective barrier) • Additional adult pitch
- Juvenile pitch
- Club shop, offering club merchandise, snacks and drinks
- Training hall
- Fully fitted gym
Financial Oversight
We have implemented strong financial governance measures, including annual audits, transparent financial reporting, and a dedicated finance subcommittee. This ensures accountability and sustainable growth for the club.
Social Inclusion
All Stars Program
Our ‘All-Stars’ initiative is designed to provide children with disabilities an opportunity to engage in football in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our volunteers undergo specialised training in working with children with additional needs to create a more inclusive club.
Ladies Teams Growth
As of 2024, the club boasts five juvenile ladies’ teams and two adult ladies’ teams, reflecting our commitment to fostering female participation.
Gaelic4Girls Program
We successfully implemented the Gaelic4Girls program, which introduces young girls to football in a fun and encouraging environment.
50th Anniversary of LGFA
The club celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association with special events and commemorations, highlighting our longstanding commitment to promoting women’s sports.
White Bib Volunteer Initiative
Our adult teams participate in the White Bib Volunteer Initiative, giving back by coaching and mentoring juvenile teams, fostering intergenerational learning and community spirit.
Saturday Nursery
Our dedicated volunteers run our Saturday Nursey club focussing on 4–6-year-olds, introducing them to sport and social activities in a safe and secure environment
Volunteering
Value of Volunteering
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our club. This year, over 60 volunteers dedicated more than 7,000 hours to activities such as coaching, mentoring, event planning, and maintaining facilities. These efforts align with the core GAA values of respect, teamwork, and community spirit. According to the recent ‘Economic and Social Value of Gaelic Games on the Island of Ireland report’ this equates to a social return in our community of 2.30:1 – the value for every €1 invested the value returned to our community is at least €2.30
Recognition of Players & Volunteers
In early December, St Margarets GAA held our Juvenile & Minors awards ceremony recognising the great achievement of our younger players awarding their medals and trophies. Additionally, the recognition of our many volunteers was acknowledged.
Source: The economic and social value of Gaelic games on the island of Ireland: Summary Report, November 2024
Charity Work
Dillon Quirke Foundation
We supported the Dillon Quirke Foundation, raising funds to promote awareness and early intervention for cardiac conditions in young athletes.
Additional Charities
Over the years, the club has contributed to various local and national charities. Specific examples include fundraising drives for Kilcoscan, Rivermeade and St Margaret’s National Schools as part of our Oskars fundraising. All 3 schools received a significant contribution to support their individual needs.
Local Schools
GPO Engagement
Our Games Promotion Officer (GPO) works daily in three local schools, delivering football sessions and fostering a love for the sport among students.
Community and School Games
We co-hosted Community and School Games, offering students a chance to engage in friendly competitions. Mixed-team and all-girls team competitions organised by the GPO have been particularly successful.
Facilities for Schools
Local schools frequently use our facilities for matches and sports days, strengthening the bond between the club and the educational community.
Community Wellness Initiatives
Ireland Lights Up Campaign
We participate annually in the Ireland Lights Up campaign, encouraging community members to use our grounds for walking in a safe and well-lit environment. Solar lights have been installed to ensure accessibility at all times.
Darkness Into Light
The club supports the Darkness Into Light initiative, hosting events that raise awareness and funds for mental health services.
Jigsaw Workshops
Workshops hosted by Jigsaw for teenage teams addressed mental health and resilience, equipping young athletes with essential life skills.
Movember Workshops
Movember workshops focused on men’s health issues, promoting awareness and support among our members.
Community Safetalk
We organised Safetalk sessions to train community members in recognising and responding to mental health crises.
Smoke Free Club
In 2024, our club introduced a smoke-free policy throughout the grounds. Our team engaged with our members over a number of months to speak about the benefits of becoming smoke free and commenced in-club advertisement campaign.
Gym
Our in-house gym offers Fitness programmes by a qualified gym instructor accessible to all in the community.
Best In Class Management
Our GAA club operates at a “best-in-class” standard by implementing a range of innovative practices, processes, and technologies that promote efficiency, inclusivity, and excellence across all aspects of club management. Key elements of our approach include:
Strong Governance and Leadership
- Committee Structure: Our club has a clearly defined and transparent governance structure, with sub-committees dedicated to areas such as finance, facilities, player development, fundraising, and community engagement.
- Strategic Planning: We have a rolling 3 year strategic plan aligned with both club and community initiatives
- Compliance: The club adheres to all GAA regulations, safeguarding policies, and governance best practices.
Financial Sustainability and Transparency
- Modern Accounting Systems: We use digital accounting tools to ensure accurate financial reporting and budgeting, providing full transparency to members.
- Diverse Fundraising: We maintain a mix of revenue streams, including membership subscriptions, sponsorships, grant applications, and fundraising events.
- Grants and Supports: The club actively applies for funding from government programs (e.g., Sports Capital Programme) to ensure continuous development.
Emphasis on Inclusivity and Community Engagement
- Youth Development: We run extensive coaching and mentoring programs for juveniles, with a focus on developing not only sporting skills but also personal growth and resilience.
- Community Outreach: The club collaborates with local schools, community groups, and charities to deliver events and activities that benefit the broader community.
- Inclusivity: Our programs cater to members of all abilities and backgrounds, including initiatives like GAA for All.
Efficient Facilities Management
- Sustainability: Our development plans are focussing on ensuring facilities align with sustainable practices to include water, recycle and light management
- Safe and Modern Infrastructure: The club is dedicated to ensuring facilities provide for a safe, enjoyable experience for all, including players, supporters, and visitors.
- Booking and Usage Optimisation: An online facility booking system ensures fair and efficient use of pitches and amenities.
Leveraging Technology for Innovation
- Membership Management: We use online platforms for membership renewals, communications, and club updates, ensuring streamlined and professional interaction with members.
- Social Media and Communication: Active and engaging social media presence, alongside newsletters and including ClubZap, keeps members informed.
- Performance Analytics: We are trailing new technology to enhance player and team performance.
Volunteer and Member Engagement
- Volunteer Development: Training programs for coaches, mentors, and administrators ensure that all volunteers are equipped with the skills to excel in their roles.
- Recognition: Regular awards and acknowledgments celebrate the contributions of players, coaches, and volunteers.
- Open Forums: We hold regular meetings to gather input and feedback from members, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Strong Focus on Health and Wellbeing
- Mental Health Initiatives: Our club actively promotes mental health awareness through campaigns, workshops, and partnerships with organizations like Jigsaw and Pieta House.
- Healthy Club Project: We participate in the GAA’s Healthy Club initiative, offering programs such as “Ireland Lights Up” walks and nutrition workshops.
By combining strong leadership, community focus, modern technology, and best practices in governance and sustainability, our club has established itself as a benchmark for excellence in the day-to-day running of a GAA club. This commitment ensures a positive experience for all stakeholders and a lasting legacy for future generations.
Future Plans
Our club is embarking on an ambitious project to enhance our facilities, ensuring that our members have access to the best possible resources. Among the planned upgrades are a new all-weather pitch and an astro training area, which will provide our teams with top-tier surfaces to train and play on, regardless of the weather conditions. This will greatly enhance our training capabilities and match preparedness, fostering the growth and development of our players.
In addition to the new pitches, we are also focused on improving other essential aspects of our club’s infrastructure. Enhanced drainage systems will be installed to prevent waterlogging, ensuring that our pitches remain in excellent condition throughout the year. We are also expanding our car parking facilities to accommodate more vehicles, making it easier for members and visitors to access our grounds. Furthermore, other services and amenities around the club will be upgraded to improve the overall experience for everyone who visits.
This ambitious set of development initiatives will be completed in a phased basis.
Phase 1 of development will include the extension of the main pitch walkway around the perimeter of the juvenile pitch. In addition, a new biocycle wastewater treatment unit and drainage area will be installed, and the car parking facilities will be extended into the grass triangle behind the clubhouse.
This phase is focused on improving the community amenities in the complex, with the needed replacement of the outdated septic tank, improvement to car parking, and the expansion of the be completed by early 2025.
Phase 2 of development will include the conversion of the car park in the old tennis courts into a high grade astro surface training area, that will provide training facilities for our juvenile teams all year round. This will greatly improve the training experience for our younger teams in particular and will extend their playing and training season for longer during periods of wet weather. This phase is due to be completed by late 2025.
Phases 3 & 4 of the development plan include the larger scale planned enhancements, and will be sequenced according to grant funding and financial supports available over the period. It will include;
(a) Enhancement and upgrade to the clubhouse building. This is slated to include improvements to the dressing rooms, meeting facilities, and introduce other social gathering points. Further details of these plans will be introduced at a later date.
(b) A new artificial surface adult size all-weather playing pitch, which will be located on the imprint of the current ‘back’ pitch in the St. Margaret’s complex. This will greatly enhance the playing and training opportunity for all teams in the club, and will help us to maximise the availability of suitable playing surfaces regardless of the weather conditions. This will also include a Phases 3 & 4 are envisaged to be completed between 2027 and 2029.
Testimonials
We are pleased to present the following video and print articles as testimonials to our vibrant club: St Margarets – AIG Campaign:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxDW8rli4Zg
ERP Packaging Testimonial:
Independent Newspaper – The small north Dublin club battling it out with the best
Instagram: Year in Review 2024
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DD2olp2RVj-/?igsh=MTMwdGlodHV1YXJubA==
Independent Newspaper: Deirdre Colgan honoured by LGFA for her outstanding work with St Margaret’s and Dublin
St Margarets GAA exemplifies what it means to be a community-centred organisation. Through sporting excellence, governance, volunteering, and engagement, we have made a lasting impact on our local area. Winning the “Club of the Year” award would validate the collective efforts of our members, volunteers, and supporters while inspiring us to reach even greater heights in serving our community.
We sincerely thank Fingal County Council for considering our application and look forward to continuing to serve as a beacon of community spirit and development.
RIP Noel Molloy
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it's deepest sympathies to the Molloy family who sadly lost Noel Jan 20th 2025.
MOLLOY, Noel (Swords) - January 20th, 2025 (peacefully) at St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, with his daughters by his side. Sadly missed by his loving daughters Denise and Gemma, sons Colm, Niall and Anthony, son-in-law Ivan, grandchildren Cillian, Sinead, Davin and Katie, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends especially those who were a great support to him during his time in CareChoice, Swords and St. Francis Hospice.
May he Rest In Peace.
Reposing at Rock's Funeral Home, Swords on Thursday (Jan. 23rd) evening from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Removal on Friday (Jan. 24th) morning to St. Colmcille's Church, Swords arriving for 10 a.m. Mass followed by funeral to the Grallagh Cemetery.
You can view the funeral Mass live on the church webcam through the link: https://mcn.live/Camera/st-columcilles-swords
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RIP Paddy O'Rielly
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it's deepest sympathies to the O'Reilly family who sadly lost Paddy Fri Nov 22nd.
Paddy will be missed by his loving family, parents P.J and Angela, his twin sister Lorraine, sisters Pamela, Grace and Jade, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nephews, relatives and his many good neighbours and friends.
Reposing at Ryan's Funeral Home, Ashbourne from 5pm to 7pm this Thursday evening.
Removal on Friday morning to St Cronan`s Church, Brackenstown, Swords arriving for Funeral Mass at 10am. Cremation Service in Glasnevin Crematorium at 2pm.
No flowers please.
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RIP Mary Stritch
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it's deepest sympathies to the Stritch family who sadly lost Mary this morning - Wed Nov 6th 2024.
Mary, Peacefully at Oakwood Lodge Nursing Home, St. Margaret's, Co. Dublin surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Paddy and her siblings. Sadly missed by her family, children, Martin, Mary, Pauline, Bernie, Patrick (our chairman) and David, her adored grandchildren, daughters-in-law, Pat's partner, sons-in-law, nieces, nephews and her many good neighbours and friends.
May Mary Rest In Peace
Reposing at her home (9 Crestwood Road, Ashbourne) on Thursday evening from 5pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass on Friday morning in The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Ashbourne at 11am which can be viewed live on this Webstream link. Burial afterwards in St. Declan's Cemetery Ashbourne.
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RIP Brendan Mullally
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it's deepest sympathies to the Mullally family who sadly lost Brendan Sat Sept 28th 2024.
Brendan died peacefully, in the wonderful care of the staff at Beaumont Hospital with his loving wife by his side.
Brendan was our vice president and a lifelong St.Margarets man from player, manager, committee man, county board delegate.
https://youtu.be/usUfq3NkWp4?si=naWxwgiP1WdnyrU9
Recently predeceased by his son Clive. Beloved husband of Annette (Angela) and loving father to Lionel, Cynthia and Ailbhe.
Brendan will be deeply missed by his heartbroken family, sons-in-law Robert and Donal, daughter-in-law Yvonne, seven wonderful grandchildren, sister Vera, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Reposing at Staffords Funeral Home, Maypark on Wednesday afternoon 2nd October from 2pm to 4pm. Removal on Thursday morning 3rd October to the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, Donnycarney arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by Burial in Dardistown Cemetery.
Brendan’s Funeral Mass will be streamed live on Thursday morning 3rd October at 11am via this link.
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RIP Patrick Sutton
St Margarets GAA would like to extend it's deepest sympathies to the Sutton family who sadly lost Patrick Sat August 3rd.
Patrick, peacefully surrounded by his family at St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.
Predeceased by his parents Kevin and Marie and his brother Ciarán. Loving husband of Clare and dear father of Eve and Joseph. Sadly missed by his family, his siblings Mary, Thomas, Paul, Veronica, Kevin and Ivan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, Aunts Kate, Nancy and Joan, uncles-in-law Jimmy and Murty, nieces, nephews, relatives and his many good neighbours and friends.
May Patrick Rest In Peace.
Reposing at Ryan's Funeral Home, Ashbourne (A84CX52) from 5pm to 7pm this Tuesday evening.
Removal on Thursday morning to St Margarets Church, St Margarets arriving for Funeral Mass at 11 am. Burial afterwards in The Ward Cemetery.
Family flowers only please.
Donations if desired to St Francis Hospice.
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