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Weekly Notes - 15th February 2006Dinner Dance, second instalment. Where to start? One has to tread warily lest the order in which the presentations are reported is taken as the order of their importance in the columnist’s mind. The above is by way of a pre-emptive strike to counter any allegations, from a certain curmudgeonly pair, of a bias in this column towards certain activities within the club! (We were delighted to see Barry O’Reilly and Philip Smullen out and about and enjoying themselves after the recent set-backs in their health -–their case would seem to support the demand that the position of mentor with Éire Óg should carry a health warning).Let me assure you that it is chivalry alone – oh! what a dated attitude! – which has pride of place being given to the ladies. Anyway, the chronology on the night would place them in the same position. Janey O’Halloran made the presentations to the ladies. Janey’s "few words" sparkled with enthusiasm and vitality and carried great hope for this section of the club. First up to receive their awards were the members of the County League winning team. They were given a terrific reception by the assembled company. A guest, unfamiliar with the present structure of the club, who was somewhat bemused at these proceedings was greatly impressed and congratulatory when informed of the role the ladies had. The accolade of Player of the Year went to team captain Míde Ní Shúilleabháin and that of Team Person of the Year to Áine McCarthy who for over a year has, because of injury, been unable to play. Janey referred to Áine’s loyalty and her great contribution to team morale and logistics. The u-16 girls to be honoured were Jade Coffey and Fiona Lavelle. Jade, Player of the Year, was noted for her determination and never-say-die attitude while Team Person Fiona never allowed her own desires to take precedence over team needs. Míde, on behalf of the ladies, thanked management team Janey and Séamus Ahern for their work throughout the year and presented them with a token of their appreciation. Next to the microphone came Tomás Vickers to announce Players of the Year at Intermediate level. The players’ player, "by a mile" to quote Tomás, was James Leonard while the management’s choice was Paul Pegman – both were very deserving winners might it be said. James, at centre-field, played consistently well throughout the year and his magnificent fielding afforded many surges of aesthetic pleasure. Paul, a utility back player, was never less than wholehearted and was unfailingly reliable. Philip Smullen, Junior A team manager, revealed that the 2005 Players’ Player was Aaron McCormack, a player with plenty of potential who in years to come should be a great asset to the Intermediate (Senior?) team and that the management’s choice for Player of the Year was Stephen "Chester" Kelly. Stephen graduated to Intermediate ranks during the season and was the outstanding player in the League final against AGB. Indeed his talents have been recognised at county level and he has featured on the Wicklow senior hurling, senior football and u-21 football teams. Finally the Cathaoirleach, Oliver Leonard, called on President "in residence" Danny Hatton to make the Club Person of the Year award to Felicity Keane. In answer to calls of "speech, speech" Felicity could only muster "I’m gobsmacked". She needn’t have been for, as besides the trojan work she does in administration, she has been very much part of the creation of the prevailing spirit of optimism and self-confidence within the club. In a spontaneous addendum, Danny paid tribute to Oliver for the work he has done and is doing to bring our clubhouse dream to fruition. |
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