A very successful meeting for the purpose of starting a branch of the NACA, was held in the Town Hall, Clifden, on Tuesday night. The meeting was attended by a large number of the people of the town, and members were also present from Roundstone, Recess, Letterfrack, and from all the townlands and villages in the vicinity of Clifden. Mr Tobias Joyce, Clifden, was moved to the chair, and he explained that the object of the meeting was to start a branch of the National Athletic and Cycling Association, so ably started by General O’Duffy some time ago. The Association was badly needed in Connemara. They had as fine a type of young men in that district as could be found in Ireland, yet because there was no association there which encouraged physical training, they seldom heard of anyone from that part of the country taking any prominent part in athletics. It was hoped, that by an establishment of a branch of the NACA, matters in this respect would be different (applause).
Supt Collins, GS, Clifden, said that the branch which they proposed to form would embrace Clifden town and the districts surrounding it, together with the parishes of Roundstone, Letterfrack and Recess. The association, he said, was in being in this country for a number of years, and had for its objects, the advancement of athletic sports and the proper training of the youth of the country in athletics. The association had been doing well, but was not doing as well as it should be. If the youth of this country got as much training as Germany and other countries, they would be much more to the fore. Continuing, he said the bedrock of the NACA was the club. From the clubs, the county boards are formed and the central council is formed from the county boards. It was in the clubs, however, that the athletes were to be found, and if they did not get the clubs they could not get the athletes for the Olympic Games and other famous fixtures.
“The NACA”, said Supt Collins, “Is non political and non sectarian. On its boards are men of every creed and of all shades of politics, and the association caters for every type of athlete in his own sphere”. Mr BL Lee, Solr Clifden proposed, and Mr ED Moran PC, seconded, that a branch of the NACA be formed, and that was agreed to unanimously. The following officers were unanimously elected: President, Supt Collins, GS, Clifden; Vice-President, Mr S King, Clifden; Hon Treasurer, Mr P Quinn; Hon Secretary, Mr P O Luadhòg; General Committee: Captain; Dr Casey, MO, Clifden; Members; Sergt Daly, Letterfrack; Sergt Fox Roundstone; Thos O’Flatherty, Ballyconneely; Mr Ryan, NT, Recess; Mr Kelly, NT, Aughris; Mr Heffernan, NT, Letterfrack; Mr E D Moran, PC, Clifden; George MacWilliams, Ballyconneely.
Anon. Connacht Tribune, September 19th 1931
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