GAA awards reward volunteerism

GAA PRESIDENT Sean Kelly last night paid tribute to the “wonderful commitment of the grassroots members of the Association.”

Mr Kelly made his remarks at the Irish Examiner-sponsored GAA Presidents Awards presentation at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork.

The Awards, in their second year, were initiated by Mr Kelly to acknowledge the achievements and commitment of individuals throughout the Association by providing formal recognition of their work for and dedication to the GAA.

Among the winners are former players, coaches, benefactors and officials from across the country as well as recipients recognised for their contributions to handball, ladies football and camogie.

"It is fabulous," Mr Kelly said last night. "Speaking to many of the recipients, they are absolutely delighted to be getting this award and people made a special effort to get to the event.

"You could give it to another thousand people who do so much week in and week out. This marks another ceremony which puts the wonderful commitment of the grassroots members of the Association in the spotlight.

"This is the second year of the awards and it building up huge interest across the country. It reflects the true importance of such people in making the GAA what it is and keeping it there."

"A lot of other sporting organisations are struggling to get the volunteers. Thankfully we have deep roots in every community in the country. But we must continue to work and encourage that."

Irish Examiner sports editor, Tony Leen said: "Each and every recipient is an example of the unique nature of GAA volunteeerism. Hopefully next year, there will be another twenty recipients, because these awards are only the tip of the iceberg. However, they're an important innovation, one we're proud to sponsor, and one which we applaud the GAA president for."

Award Winners: Dermot Earley (Roscommon), Teresa Crowe (New York), Tom Lynch (Cork), Patsy Kiernan (Dublin), Breda Breen (Limerick), Denis Kelleher (Cork), Willie Price (Dublin), Tony Coen (Tipperary), Mary Moran (Cork), Mary Quinn (Leitrim), Seamus Grant (Waterford), Bernie O'Connor (Kerry), Phelim Murphy (Galway), John Cullen (Wexford), Br. Denis Minihane (Offaly), Peter Quinn (Fermanagh), Paddy Collins (Westmeath), JP McManus (Limerick), Cuthbert Donnelly (Tyrone), Johnny Nevin (Carlow),Jim McNamara (Down).