All the president's man ... and ladies

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern was a surprise recipient of a GAA President's award as the grass-root heroes of the association were honoured at the weekend in Croke Park.

Outgoing president Sean Kelly lauded Mr Ahern's "genuine" love of all strands of the GAA in presenting the Taoiseach with one of the 26 awards. He said Mr Ahern had been a dual player with Whitehall Gaels in Dublin and Tracton in Cork, and had continued to attend all codes throughout his political career.

Also included was hurling fanatic David Olsen, originally from Sweden, who has nurtured the ancient game since moving to Milwaukee in the United States, and is responsible for the progression of several hurling and camogie teams in the area.

Other recipients included veteran Waterford hurling star Ned Power, Nowlan Park groundsman Jimmy Bergin and Antrim camogie enthusiast Lily Spence. Tipp football ace Declan Browne and his fellow Premier county man Fr Seamus Gardiner were also honoured.

The awards, sponsored by the Irish Examiner, were initiated by Mr Kelly three years ago, and are likely to be continued by Uachtaráin tofa Nicky Brennan in 2007.