Legendary star on hand for GAA first in Tyrone

A LEGEND of the GAA in Tyrone was on hand to cut the tape at the opening of the county’s first exclusively gaelic games cafe.

One full-time post and four part-time jobs have initially been created at Caife 32 which is located at O’Neill’s Healy Park in Omagh.

The new amenity is the only one of its kind in Tyrone and was officially opened on Thursday night by former Red Hand goalkeeper and St Enda’s stalwart, Thady Turbett.

Now aged 92, Mr Turbett was joined by family, friends and club members, including the president Niall Ward, for the special occasion. He said it was an ‘honour and privilege’ to be back at the stadium, especially after the restrictions of the past year.

Prior to the opening, his son, Thaddeus, said his father had regularly stressed how the new Caife was honouring the founding members of the GAA in the town.

“He was saying how crucial it is never to forget those people from way back then who laid the foundations for what we have all around us today,” Mr Turbett said.

“Caife 32 represents a bridge between those early formative years, right up to the present and forging the way for future generations.

“It would be remiss of us not to also single out the tireless and terrific contribution to the many developments and in particular this wonderful facility of club chairman, Conor Sally.”

Speaking at the event, Mr Sally, said it was extremely special to welcome Thady Turbett to officially open Caife 32.

“This project would not have been possible without the work of so many who voluntarily gave their time over the past year. These people are a credit to themselves, the club and the ethos of the GAA,” he said.

“I pay special tribute to our development officer, Martin Lynch, and to Niall Laird, whose expertise can be seen in abundance in Caife 32. This new facility will be a great asset to our club.

“I have no doubt the Caife 32 barista team, under the guidance of Jennifer Scott, will ensure the new coffee shop goes from strength to strength” he added.