Bearna Beo

It is heartening to see that the Community Games movement is up and running in the area once again - after an absence of decades, perhaps?

Patrick Boyle and Siobhan Lally are behind the revival of Barna Furbo Community Games. They are asking all would-be athletics champions to come to Westside running track tonight (Wednesday) to represent the parish, and then maybe the County at the national games!

The Races are open to both boys and girls aged from U8-U16, and participation costs just €5. Registration takes place at 5.15pm, and races will start at 6pm sharp.

If you’re lucky enough to qualify for the next round, the County finals will be held in Ballindereen on Sunday, June 3.

Email queries to: barnaFurboCG@gmail.com

Early days: The team representing Bearna at the Galway Community Games finals at the Sportsground in 1980 with Kathleen Geraghty and Tony Heery. L-R Jimmy Gannon, ?, Rodger O'Connor, Orna Geraghty, Marian Cunningham, Caroline Gannon, Rossa Geraghty,… — Early days: The team representing Bearna at the Galway Community Games finals at the Sportsground in 1980 with Kathleen Geraghty and Tony Heery. L-R Jimmy Gannon, ?, Rodger O'Connor, Orna Geraghty, Marian Cunningham, Caroline Gannon, Rossa Geraghty, James Cunningham, Maria Falvey, Linda Gannon, Davitt Geraghty, and Oonagh Monahan.

History of Barna Furbo Community Games

In the late 70s-early 80s, with the opening of the new football pitch on Co-Op land in the village (where the tennis courts are now), a movement also began to get girls more involved in sports.

First came the athletics club, Cumann Luthchleas Bhearna, which was open to all children from the area. This eventually led to participation in the Community Games from 1980 onwards.

Kathleen Geraghty and Tony Heery were the driving force behind it and, thanks to them, many fine athletes emerged from the community - among them Shirine Young, Sean Conlon, Brian Mac Dara Geraghty, and Gavan Hennigan.

Throughout the 80s, Community Games fever began every year in early April, with entry forms distributed through the schools and clubs. With races and events for boys and girls from U6-U17, including long jump, high jump, and puc fada, the modest entry fees were designed to attract children of all backgrounds.

A Star Is Born: the cost per event was just 30p when Atlantic solo rower, Gavan Hennigan, took part in the local races in 1990. — A Star Is Born: the cost per event was just 30p when Atlantic solo rower, Gavan Hennigan, took part in the local races in 1990.

In the first year (1980), there were about 150 participants taking part in 36 track events and six field events, at a cost of 20p each. A race day programme, costing 50p (including admission), added to the fund. The total income that year was £229.20, with outgoings of £108.72.

The numbers kept growing and growing each year, along with participation in the County Games, and often the National Games in Mosney, Co Meath.

Cumann Luthchleas Bhearna Community Games programme 1980

Community Games 1982 (photos: Frank Imbusch)

Photos by Kathleen Geraghty

Karen Young

Every year, Tom Kenny had the honour of presenting a special award to the most outstanding athlete on the day. Karen’s sister, Shirine, was a regular figure on the podium.

Tracy Furlong is in the red tracksuit to the right of the picture.