Glory Days: Rathcline GAA marks 50 years since historic Longford county title triumph
Rathcline reunion revives special memories from half a century ago with people travelling from all over Ireland to Longford, with guests making the journey from Donegal, Offaly and many counties in between
Rathcline GAA hosted a reunion and social gathering at the club grounds in Clonbonny on Sunday, May 24, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the club's historic 1976 County Championship victory.
Former players, management, family, friends, club members and the wider community came together for a memorable day of celebration and reflection.
The day began with refreshments for invited guests, followed by Mass celebrated by Fr Turlough Baxter.
Members of the victorious 1976 team and their guests were then treated to a three-course meal prepared and served by local man Stephen Dowd and his team.
For many, it was a particularly special occasion, with some former teammates meeting for the first time in more than 25 years.
People travelled from all over Ireland to attend, with guests making the journey from Donegal, Offaly and many counties in between.
More than 300 people attended the event, which also provided an opportunity to remember members of the 1976 team and management who have passed away, as well as those who were unable to be present.
A highlight of the celebrations was the screening of original footage from the 1976 County Final against Clonguish and the homecoming celebrations in Lanesboro. Links to the video are available on Rathcline GAA's social media platforms.
A commemorative booklet produced for the occasion was also warmly received.
Featuring archived articles from the Longford Leader and photographs from 1976, it traced Rathcline's journey from the early stages of the championship campaign through to county final success and the club's subsequent Leinster Championship campaign.
Rathcline GAA would like to thank Fr Turlough Baxter, Stephen Dowd and his team, the club executive, volunteers and especially the organising committee for their hard work in making the event such a success.
The celebration was a fitting tribute to a team whose achievement remains one of the proudest moments in Rathcline GAA's history.