St. Mary’s GAC Banagher to celebrate 60 years

Banagher GAC will celebrate their 60th anniversary this weekend. 

A special celebratory mass will be taking place in St. Joseph’s Fincairn this Saturday, July 12 at 7pm. 

The club encourages everyone to come dressed in Banagher gear or colours (maroon and white) for the mass.

After mass everyone is welcome to Fincairn Parish Hall where there will be light refreshments and a picture display. 

The mass will also mark the anniversary of Fr. Patrick McNally. 

The name of Fr. McNally is synonymous with Banagher.  He was a founder member when the club was formed as a parish amalgamation of St. Mary’s Park and St. Joseph’s Feeny.

The club became St. Mary’s Banagher, and the colours of maroon and white were chosen in recognition of the Galway team who were All Ireland champions that year.

Fr. McNally was serving as President of Ulster Council when he passed suddenly at only 57 years old in 1967. This sent shockwaves through the county and entire province of Ulster. Fr. McNally also sat on the Derry County board at the time. 

At the time of his death he was managing an underage Banagher side that were playing neighbours Dungiven at home. He had brought the team together for the half time talk.  He drew his players close and just began to speak when he fell to one knee.  Still conscious, his last words still resonate in the ears of the players that were there that night, “Get in hard, lads.” Despite desperate attempts to resuscitate him he passed away before arrival at hospital.

The Club received new grounds in 1990 and was named after Club founder Father Patrick McNally. They were officially opened by Bishop Francis Lagan on Sunday June 3 1990.

This marks the start of year long celebrations with a 60th anniversary being organised for November.