Flags were flying high and colourful bunting was out for the arrival of the GAA President Nicky Brennan at the Tinahely GAA Grounds on Friday evening 27th June '08.

Juvenile Boys and Girls, Ladies and Senior Players all formed a guard of honour to welcome Nicky Brennan to officially open the Clubhouse and Launch the Tinahely GAA Website.  Club Chairman, Dr. Michael Morris, Club President, Mr Pat Doyle and County Chairman, Andy O'Brien all accompanied Mr. Brennan while Sean Kelly played the bag pipes and got the celebrations underway.

Mr Brennan commended the building committee for co-ordinating and development and the county board officials for their attendance.  The state of the art clubhouse which facilities includes  four dressing rooms, fully equipped gym, referee's changing room,  meeting rooms, kitchen, and storage rooms was blessed by Fr Gahan PP and Rev Robert Stotesbury.  Grants were secured from the National Lottery and the Leinster Council and also a mortgage taken out to make up the shortfall for the project.  Ongoing fundraising efforts including the Tinahely Lotto, the annual calendar and cabarets will all contribute towards the repayments of the mortgage and the upkeep of the Clubhouse and grounds.

A three day celebration of football got underway involving the juvenile, senior and ladies teams.  A number of memorial trophies were presented afterwards including the Ellen Kinch Cup to Tinahely Ladies who beat Arklow while Lucan Sarsfields overpowered Tinahely Luke O'Tooles team in the Seamus Morris Memorial Cup.

Many thanks to all those involved in helping make the weekend a huge success. The week running up to the opening many people were seen working on the GAA grounds, painting decorating and repairing walls, cutting grass, etc.  Thanks to the Ladies team for cleaning the dressing rooms and making tea and sandwiches for Friday evening, thanks to the juveniles parents for making tea and sandwiches for Saturday. A big thanks to Anthony Murphy, the gaa committee who put the entire weekend together.  Many hands were involved with the preparations for the weekend and a big thank you to you all.