St Johns GAA Club is celebrating its 25 year anniversary this Sunday, 28th October, with a family day and the official opening of our new pitch Stenson Park. We would like to extend an invite to all current and past members and all GAA enthusiasts.

St Johns GAA club was founded in 1987 after a decision by the county board to divide the area of the town that was formally linked with St Marys. The club has since grown and become synonymous with the area and the community. From the guidance of our first chairman Paddy Doherty (1987 - 1989) all the way up to our present chairman, John Leyden, the club has always strived to be successful and allow all members and players to compete in the highest level of GAA in Sligo.

Over the last 25 years the club has won an impressive 30 championships through many underage and senior grades in Sligo. From our first Junior Championship in 1988 up to our most recent U20 A championship in 2011, the club has continued to be successful and has grown due to the support and dedication of players, club members, volunteers and the local community. The club has not only been successful in Sligo but also at provincial level with our fantastic victory in the 2000 Connacht Junior Football Championship.

This Sunday will not only be a celebration of the last 25 years, but also a celebration of the opening of our new pitch, Stenson Park. St Johns plays its games at Cuilbeg, Carrowroe and the development over the last number of years has led to a fantastic facility and the jewel in the crown of the club. The pitch is used for all St Johns home games, Sligo development squads and occasionally by inter-county teams to warm up before games in Markievicz park. In June 2008 the club purchased an additional field adjacent to the existing facilities. This pitch was required to facilitate the growing player population in the club. This field has an area of 1.7 acres and was developed to include 2 x under 10 pitches and 1 under 12 pitch running lengthways across the under 10 pitches. It is also our senior training pitch.

Stenson Park is named after club and Sligo legend, Johnny Stenson, who passed away in 2009. Johnny's dedication to the club was second to none and he coached many underage and senior teams as well as being involved in the running of the club for many years. The club will honour Johnny by naming the new facility after him. The official opening will be conducted by GAA president Liam O'Neill and a blessing will be offered by Fr. Murray.

Also on the day our U10 will play an exhibition game against Curry U10 as will our senior team who will take on the County Senior football Champions. The challenge games against both Curry teams are very significant as Johnny Stenson had many successful and rewarding days with Curry as a player and it is a fitting tribute that both clubs participate in the opening of a pitch that is named in his honour.

There will also be refreshments available on the day and all are invited to attend this wonderful event. The timetable for the day is listed below and we hope that you will be able to join us for this celebration.

12.30 U8 & U10 Football - St Johns V Curry

13.00 Arrival of GAA President - Mr. Liam O'Neill

13.15 GAA president to meet club members

13.30 Official opening of 'Stenson Park' by GAA President Liam O'Neill and blessing of pitch by Fr. Murray

14.00 Senior Football - St Johns V Curry Tweet

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