When we waited up on 31st Dec 2019 to ring in 2020, little did we all know it wouldn’t turn out as we would have expected, with lockdowns and face masks becoming the norm everywhere we turn. After the strange year, the whole country has already responded to the temptation to crack open the Christmas decorations as Christmas is gearing up earlier than normal for some much needed festive cheer – and in Colemanstown United we have followed suit. We have never had a Christmas tree in our clubhouse before but why not… we are also eager to get the festive show on the road and play our part to add some cheer.
That said, it will be a tough Christmas season for everyone. We remember all those who are mourning loved ones this year, all those businesses who remain closed, but we also sincerely thank our government leaders, all frontline staff and the people in this country who have brought us to this current place as Christmas approaches. The solidarity we have seen throughout our country is unbelievable. There’s plenty of research and scientists working at speed on a vaccine that is, we hope, around the corner in 2021.
So we have good reasons to be optimistic as we begin to embrace the festive season earlier than usual. There’s nothing like that flurry of Christmas magic with the first appearance of the Christmas tree each year for both big and small people! We thank Galway County PPN for their grant assistance with the Christmas tree and lights which helps with the Christmas flurry and excitement this year and grateful thanks to Adrian Burke & his 2 small helpers Aaron & David for erecting the lights. We also thank Santa & Mrs. Clause for making a lovely guest appearance. Santa did mention to keep safe and prioritise our health & well-being to help maintain and support our resilience and emphasised the use of our safe lighted walkway and outdoor gym during the Christmas holidays. Don’t forget our facility is fully lighted until 11pm each night. A great way to shake off the Quality Street and mince pies. In this strange year, we also say thanks to our tireless committee and the hard working coaches, Covid Officers and volunteers for their efforts in what has been a difficult year all round. Thanks also to the Galway FA for their updates & guidance since the onset of Covid & massive thanks to PJ Connell & GRD supervisors Ita & Kathleen for their phenomenal work. Everyone admits… the place looks great.
So to all our players, members, parents, supporters, coaches, patrons and sponsors, the committee wish you all a happy Christmas albeit, a little bit earlier than usual this year. We hope Christmas will bring a bit of sparkle to the end of 2020, a year we will all never forget in living memory. Next year will see us unearth some nice big plans for our grounds so if you are in a position at all, we would ask you to help us out by subscribing to our Friends of Colemanstown draw at €10 per month or €120 annual subscription. All entry details are posted on our social media pages or talk to any committee member.
In the meantime, wishing you all a happy, safe, enjoyable and healthy Christmas and also please remember to adhere to Covid guidance.
