Chairperson: Bartie Kehoe 087 2664650
Secretary: Barry O'Sulivan 087 9647735
Treasurer: Paddy Murphy 087 2356926

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History

The Ferns GPA was founded in 1963, a year made famous for the President Kennedy assassination, when Oscar Merne and Lorcan Murphy decided to start the club. Ned power, Alan Owens, Aidan, John F Doyle and his two daughters, Florence and Helen Doyle were then brought in on the idea and were all very enthusiastic to get involved.  
The inaugural meeting commenced on the 1st July 1963 in Castle Cinema in Ferns to form Ferns GPA club and to elect it's officers.

The election appointments were as follows:

  • Chairman - James Hall of Tubergall
  • Secretary - Lorcan Murphy of Ferns
  • Treasurer - Jim Sweeney of BOI ferns
  • Committee Members
    • Florence Doyle and Helen Doyle and their father John f Doyle
    • John Bolger of Ferns upper
    • Oscar Merne of BOI house Ferns
    • John Furlong of Forties Ferns
    • Aidan Murphy of Kilcasey Ferns
    • Edward Power of Ivy cottage
    • Alan Owens of Clone road
    • Micheal Sinnott of Ballinakill

Some early club facts

Anastatia Murphy, Lorcan and Aidan's Mother, took on the rearing and the hatching of the pheasants in the second year of the club's existence. She put down 200 eggs and hatched approx 160 birds. At the age of 3 weeks, the birds started vent picking and they had to be released into a field of wheat.

Oscar Merne was elected to the treasury of the club on the 2nd August 1964. Oscar proposed and introduced public liability for all members which was approx 22 punt for the whole club. Afterwards he was elected to treasurer of Wexford regional games council, and on being elected he introduced public liability to members of the county where it then spread nationwide.

In 1977 Ferns GPA undertook the Wexford Wicklow trials. Tom Guinan was approached by the Wexford Wicklow Gun Dog Association which he proposed to the club and which the committee approved. Over the years Ferns GPA have hosted with the Wexford Wicklow Gun Dog Association and this has  built up a great comradery and relationship between the two clubs. Competitors from all over the British Isles attend the event.

25th anniversary

In 1988 the ferns GPA celebrated their 25th anniversary which was celebrated in great earnest. Lorcan Murphy who was an officer of the club every year since it was established was given a presentation for his dedication to the club. All the original committee members were given a lifetime honorary membership.

 

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