GAA President recognises ‘the lifeblood of the Association’

Tony Leen, Sports Editor

Former president Peter Quinn from Fermanagh is one of 21 recipients of GAA President's awards, introduced last year by Mr Kelly, and sponsored by The Irish Examiner.

Mr Quinn will be joined on the roll of honour by well-known businessman JP McManus and footballers Dermot Earley (Roscommon) and Johnny Nevin (Carlow).

But the majority of the recipients will be unrecognisable to most sports fans outstanding volunteers receiving overdue recognition for a lifetime of service to the GAA.

Dublin's Patsy Kiernan, Kerry's Bernie O'Connor and Cork's Tommy Lynch have seen more of Parnell Park, Fitzgerald Stadium and Pairc Uí Chaoimh than any All-Ireland winner because they are the ones who open and lock up after every match and training session.

"The GAA is comprised of special people from every type of background who all make a real difference voluntarily," Mr Kelly said yesterday.

"They are the lifeblood of the Association.

"There is a cross-section of recipients this year who have one thing in common they have made an invaluable contribution without seeking any recognition at any stage.

"There is an unsung GAA hero in every town and village in this country and the awards were introduced to recognise their unstinting and often unseen work at local, provincial and national level."

Westmeath's Paddy Collins has been a well-known referee and administrator for almost 40 years, and will be formally recognised by Mr Kelly, along with Tipperary woman Therese Crowe, the first-aid expert at New York's Gaelic Park for over 30 years.

"It is especially important to recognise the efforts of our overseas members," the president explained.

"I've found that abroad, the one thing that links emigrants with their home place is the GAA. It gives them that extra feeling of 'Irishness'," he declared.

"However, these recipients are representative of the thousands of volunteers around the world who have given their time and effort to the GAA. Whether on the field of play or through the involvement of our members at Club, County or Provincial Council level, the GAA has always been fortunate to possess outstanding individuals who have served the Association with distinction."