Local GAA club officially names stand after former chairperson
Castlerea St. Kevin's Chairperson, John Murphy, makes a presentation to Martin Duggan and his wife Beeege at the unveiling of the Martin Duggan Stand in O'Rourke Park on Saturday evening. Jnr, Chairperson of Castlerea St. Kevins making a presentation to Martin Duggan accompanied by his wife Breege Duggan.
The spectator stand at O'Rourke Park, Castlerea, was named in honour of former St. Kevin’s GAA Club Chairperson Martin Duggan on Saturday last.
The official unveiling took place during half-time in the senior football championship game between Castlerea St. Kevin’s and Oran.
In naming the stand The Martin Duggan Stand, Castlerea St. Kevin’s Chairperson John Murphy said that it was a “fitting recognition of Martin's huge contribution to the club over many, many years.
“Martin's commitment, vision and leadership have played a major role in shaping the club we have today,” Mr Murphy said.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for members, supporters, friends and the wider community to come together and celebrate Martin's outstanding contribution and the fantastic achievements of the club,” he added.
Mr Duggan — a native of Knock in County Mayo — came to Castlerea as a member of An Garda Síochána around 1972, having previously served in Clifden and Ballinlough.
“From the time he arrived in the town, he made a deep and lasting contribution to community life, particularly through his involvement with Castlerea St. Kevin’s GAA Club,” said the club’s citation.
“He immediately became involved with Castlerea St. Kevin’s at minor board level. His commitment, reliability and willingness to give of his time quickly marked him out as a valued clubman.
“Over the years, he played a great role in helping to build the structures and spirit of Castlerea St. Kevin’s. He was not only an organiser and administrator, but also a practical, hands-on leader who understood the importance of providing proper facilities and support for players, mentors and supporters alike.
“He went on to serve as chairman of the minor board and vice-chairman of the senior board before taking on the role of club chairman in 2010. He served in that position for 11 years, until 2021, giving steady leadership during an important period in the club’s development.
“His contribution went far beyond holding office. He brought energy, determination and a practical approach to every project he undertook. He was central to driving improvements that strengthened the club for future generations and helped ensure that Castlerea St. Kevin’s remains at the heart of sporting and community life in the area.
“With the help of a very proactive development committee, plans were put in place for a number of major developments.” The citation highlighted that a 99-year lease was secured from the Town Trust in May 2012 for the new training pitch.
“This proved to be a huge help in managing the main pitch, as it relieved the pressure caused by the volume of training sessions and games being played on it.
“At the same time, it was decided to undertake the construction of a new stand, which became the envy of many clubs in the county.
“Although finances were limited, Martin pressed ahead with determination. He secured very competitive prices from suppliers and brought in excellent expertise. He was also helped by skilled operatives on the CE Scheme at the time.
“The new pitch was opened by John Prenty, Connacht Secretary, on the October Bank Holiday weekend of 2018. On that same day, the new stand was officially opened by Marie Hickey from Laois, who was then National President of the LGFA.
“As a gesture of thanks to Martin for his years of dedicated service to Castlerea St. Kevin’s and to ensure that his name is linked to this club for future generations, we are honoured to name this stand, The Martin Duggan Stand,” concluded the citation.
Martin Duggan said he was “humbled” to have the stand named in his honour, and was very thankful to everyone involved with organising the occasion.
Whether it was projects such as constructing the stand’s new press box or laying the pitch’s new surface, Mr Duggan stated none of the work would have been possible without the help of the club’s development committee.
Those who helped to undertake work and sponsor developments around the club were also highlighted by the former chairperson and he took a moment to remember the late Joseph Cornwall and Johnny Flynn.
Mr Duggan also paid tribute to former club secretary Marie McDermott, whose husband Mike recently passed away.
“The people of Roscommon, Castlerea, and St. Kevin’s have been good to me and my family down the years, and I'm delighted to have been in a position to give something back that should benefit all the young boys and girls of the parish for many years to come,” concluded Mr Duggan.
