Abuse of alcohol 'must be tackled'

RETIRED Munster Council secretary Donie Nealon believes the level of alcohol abuse must be tackled as a matter of urgency at all levels of society.

"As GAA mentors, officers and selectors, we are in a great position to influence our young people and to change our existing culture and the present attitude of tolerance of drink," he said at a tribute function last weekend.

Specifically, he warned against the danger of linking drink with the celebration of team victories, especially among young players. Mr Nealon expressed confidence about the future growth of the GAA due to its traditions and the fact that "it was deeply rooted and ingrained" in parishes and communities nationwide.

"And, we have thousands of voluntary people who are prepared to pass on the torch, who are prepared to introduce new generations to the games we love.

"We have marvelous facilities now in every parish practically in the country and we have the wonderful nature and quality of our games that cannot be surpassed," he added.

Past and present officers of the council, along with representatives of the other provinces, association president and members of county committees gathered in the Munster Hotel to celebrate the former Tipperary star's years of service as secretary.

Nealon enjoyed an outstanding record as player and coach before getting involved in administration.

He played in eight All-Ireland finals, winning five medals, six National League medals and four Railway Cup medals.

He was first elected to the Munster Council as a Tipperary delegate in 1967 at a time when he was hurling (and refereeing) at top level, representing the county for the last time as a substitute in the 1969 Munster final against Cork. At club level, with his beloved Burgess, he continued until 1994, when he played in the Carlow 11-a-side tournament.

In addition to coaching the All-Ireland-winning Tipp side of 1971, he was part of Babs Keating's management team when they re-emerged as a dominant force in 1987.

Describing his 27 years of involvement as "a wonderful odyssey," he said it had become a way of life for him.

In recognition of one of his other passions, fishing, the council made him a presentation of a boat with an outboard engine.