Irish National Foresters Tullamore branch celebrates its 125th anniversary
The Irish National Foresters Tullamore Branch celebrated its 125th anniversary recently at a special function in Fergies Bar which was originally part of the Foresters premises.
Joining them in their celebrations were the High Chief Ranger, Joan McAteer, from Newry and Chairman of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick. A special Membership Scroll was presented to Joe Power by the High Chief Ranger in recognition of his 66 years membership. Another Membership Scroll will be presented to Charlie Smyth to also recognise his long membership service.
Chief Ranger, Martin O' Connor, welcomed the members and guests to the special function, saying: "We are delighted to welcome you all here tonight for this very special celebration of our 125th Anniversary. We are the third oldest organisation in Tullamore and our branch has offered a great service to our members over many years. It is great to have this celebration in the building which was once part of the Foresters and still has our name embedded in the floor tile as you enter the building. We are delighted to welcome our High Chief Ranger, Sr Joan McAteer and her husband Pat, and also the Chairman of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick," stated Martin.
"The Executive Council of the Irish National Foresters send our warmest Comhgairdeas to our brother and sister Foresters in Tullamore, on this your 125th Anniversary. This remarkable achievement was created by the dedication and commitment of the men and women gone before you, but left the legacy of forestry to today's members to carry on the traditions and benevolence they so rightly craved. Forestry in Tullamore has thrived despite the many pitfalls and obstacles along the way. The determination of today's members brings us to this celebration night," stated Sr Joan McAteer, High Chief Ranger.
Chairman of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, presented a framed scroll to the Officers with the inscription; "In recognition of the Irish National Foresters Tullamore, Conn of 100 Battles Branch No. 351, celebrating its 125th Anniversary. It is recognised that you are the third oldest organisation in Tullamore. Your work as a welfare and social club served your many members well over the past 125 years,"
Member Gerard O' Connor outlined the history of the Branch. "On The 9th of April 1899 the Tullamore Branch became the 351st with the name Conn of 100 Battles. The first premises was a wooden hut in Market Sq. They then moved to a premises at the bottom of Harbour St where St Mary's Youth Centre is now. After an RIC Sergeant was shot in Tullamore in 1920 the Black and Tans went on a rampage and burned the Foresters premises to the ground as they believed that the Foresters was a republican movement. Following a legal battle against the British Government which the Foresters won a new premises was provided on the grounds of an unfinished bakery at the corner of Market Sq and Church St and this was finished in 1923," outlined Gerard.
Johnny O' Connor and Yvonne Kerry, on behalf of the St Patrick's Day Parade Committee, presented a Trophy to Foresters Secretary, Sean O' Brien, to recognise the organisation winning the Best Community Entry in the parade in 2024.