Castlemitchell epitomises what the G.A.A. is all about. A small rural Club, enriched by its desire for success, yet never willing to loose its identity to achieve it.

Yet success has been achieved on a regular basis in the Club, indeed they have had such in each of the last four decades, be whatever the grade or status of the competition won.
I joined Castlemitchell in 1975, a year that was a great success, with a marvellous victory over Leixlip in the senior league in Naas,and the juniors winning their league in Newbridge.
The first pitch I played on with the Mitchell's was opposite Josh Hendy's against Ballykelly. The Club then became nomads of the town-lands of the area. Visiting maybe not in the following order, Castlemitchell, The Hill, The Corrocks, the rear of John Y's farmyard, Keenan's Corner, Ballyroe and Milltown on the way to the promised land.
Everyone involved especially the Finn and Fennin families are to be thanked and congratulated for their efforts during that trying period.
I have been President, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Club, and whilst all these were very rewarding and enjoyable terms of office my greatest satisfaction was with the under age and schools section.
We started under age leagues in '77 approximately. Running a street league in the field at the rear of John Y's farm yard, developing this into entry into Bord na nÓg and Bord na Bunscoil competitions in football and indeed hurling, in which we participated for a number of number of years.
Success was a rarity in the early years and indeed a single score was as welcome as a lottery win today.

Thankfully, things changed and success was forthcoming, the first been an under 11 title against Milltown in Suncroft Further success

was achieved in the cauldron of St. Conleth's Park during Bord na Bunscoil week. I am sure that these successes were very important in the preparation of these players for their future careers.
I am glad that many of today's players were involved with these teams and indeed some went on to wear the lilywhite jersey with  distinction at different levels including David Fennin, Tadgh Fennin, Paul Donnelly Mark Wall, Alan Harris, Thomas Donnelly, Tom Harris and John Wall.
My Involvement at this level is the reason basically why I later became County Chairman. In attending a Bord  na nÓg Convention I became Secretary of the Bord, because on the night of the Convention there was no nominations and to fill the void Christy Byrne proposed and Con Ronan of Athy seconded my nomination. Thus my administrative years in the G.A.A.began. The rest is history.
Many people make up a club, in many cases working without recognition or the desire for same, to ensure its day to day running and the achievement of the ultimate 'success' when it arrives. Castlemitchell has always been blessed in this regard with an excellent team of officials over the years.
This has been recognised by the Clubs of the County and the County Board in awarding 'Club Man of the Year' on a number of occasions to Castlemitchell members.
Jimmy Curtis a pillar of strength whether as a player, official or indeed a worker within the Club was a worthy recipient as was Mick Fennin an excellent Secretary and County Board representative, highly respected and a trusted friend in many a battle of works at Board  level.
Stephen Fitzgerald, a constant companion on Congress outings, also received recognition as referee of the year in 1977.

I wish to sincerely acknowledge and thank the Club for their help and assistance over the years and to individually acknowledge Mick Fennin  and Liam Kelly as Secretary and Chairman of the Club, congratulations on this very historic occasion. When one sees what has been achieved one feels that certainly it has been worth waiting for.

Jack Wall