Archbishop Neary said while the more glamorous side of football was wearing the county jersey and appearing in Croke Park, he believed that far more important work was being done by under-age bodies such as the Mitchels Bord Na nog.

He said not only were they playing a role in developing the skills of young people but they also played a part in developing their character. He stressed the important role that football and other sports plays in both the psychical and mental development of our young people.

The Archbishop congratulated the Bord Na nóg committee on a wonderful production which he said would stand as a testament to their work for future generations.

Mr Owen Garavan, chairman of Castlebar Urban Council, also lauded the Mitchels under age structure which he said had led by example and was a credit to all involved.

Mr Garavan said he could not stress too much the important role that bodies such as Bord Na Nog play in the development of today's younger generation and he said he and the Castlebar community were well aware of the work being done by the Board Na nóg.

Mr Jerry Henry, one of the founding members of Mitchels Bord Na nóg, and co-ordinator of the book thanked all who contributed and in particular the committee members who had put so much time and effort.

"I want to thank Martin Moran, Michael Hyland, Joan Feeney, James Rocke, Finian Joyce and Michael Diskin",

He also paid tribute to John Melvin who reviewed the 25 year history of the club and to Sean Rice for his contribution.

Club chairman Michael Diskin thanked the huge turnout in An Sportlann for the launch of the book. H said it was a fine publication and he thanked the printing staff of the Connaught Telegraph and in particular, John Jordan for his help in producing the 200 page plus book.

The book itself has a number of very interesting articles. Included in it are contributions from players who came up through the under age system, notably Henry Gavin, Brian Kilkelly and Finian Joyce.

Mr Donie Murphy has some interesting thoughts and ideas in an in-depth interview while one of the founding members, Patsy Noone, reflects on the early years and the difficulties they faced, Joe Doyle on hurling, Fiona Kilbane on Scór, Des McHale, Mick Shaughnessey and Fr Tommy Towey, who is very involved in the highly successful School of Excellence,

The book contains dozens of photographs of teams over the years and lists all the significant titles won over a quarter of a century. It is priced at just £7.