Naomh Colum Cille Hurling Club in Tyrone has marked its 40th anniversary, with the occasion also celebrating a longstanding connection with Tallow GAA in West Waterford.

The relationship between the two clubs stretches back through Naomh Colum Cille’s four-decade history, despite the more than 250-kilometre distance between the two communities.

A Tallow GAA jersey presented during the Waterford club’s most recent visit three years ago remains on display in the Naomh Colum Cille clubhouse.

The Tyrone club recently celebrated its anniversary alongside the official opening of a new ball wall, following more than a year of fundraising and development work.

Naomh Colum Cille has worked to develop hurling in an area traditionally dominated by Gaelic football and, for a number of years, did not have its own grounds.

The new facility was officially opened by the club’s Honorary President Liam Mulcahy, whose son, Cllr Donnchadh Mulcahy, now lives in Tallow.

Cllr. Mulcahy said the club’s development demonstrates the commitment required to sustain hurling in the area.

‘Keeping hurling alive and growing takes huge commitment from players, coaches, parents and volunteers,’ he said.

He also paid tribute to the relationship which has developed between the Tyrone and Waterford clubs over the years.

‘Despite the distance between Waterford and Tyrone, hurling has created a friendship between the two communities that has lasted for generations.’

Cllr Mulcahy said he hopes players from both clubs will meet on the pitch again this year and continue the tradition between Tallow and Naomh Colum Cille.