A most enjoyable evening was had last Saturday in Dunderry Lodge ,where presentations were made to the 2011 Division 2 Hurlers and the Manager John Joe Mac Gourty,Division 3 Footballers and Management team Billy Bligh,Kevin Keaveney and Mickey Casey on their success in the respective competitions.
The championship winning 1970 intermediate football team was also honoured by the presentation of trophies to the surviving team members who could be present.
Deceased members of that panel are Peter Callaghan,Henry Callaghan and Matty Lawless R.I.P.For them,members of the deceased Management Team and all deceased members of the Club a minute's silence was observed.
The management of the team ,i.e. Tommy Mac Cormack (Manager and then Chairman ), ,Jimmy Coogan and Anthony ( The Major ) Cregan ,were also remembered .Billy Bligh who did the physical training and a remarkably fit Father Paddy Casey who is in fine fettle at ninety years I think and was also a selector were also present.
Eugene Newman accepted the trophy for his brother Oliver (in America),Pat Coffey for Francis (unable to attend ),Jack Devine for Father Lynskey (on Missions) a rejuvenated Tommy Weldon for Sean (unable to attend) Mrs Tommy Leavy for her father Paddy Cavanagh , Eileen Bruton for Mattie Lawless deceased whose wife Anna couldn't make it,Seanie Callaghan for father Peter and Oliver Callaghan for Henry.
Tommy Dowd quadruple All Star ( numbers 10,11,12 1and 13) presented the football medals and Damian Martin ,former Offaly Hurling great,whose grandchildren the Treaceys play here,presented the hurling medals
The transient nature of life was brought home to me yet again by the realisation that five of the strongest men this Parish has seen in the last half century,Peter Callaghan and Henry,Mattie Lawless ,Peter Smyth and Liam Healy all with huge links to the Club,died well before their time.
Your health truly is your wealth.
Kevin Keaveney was confirmed as Club man of the year and Celie Kelly presented the Hannie Kelly Cup to him.Richly deserved.
A filling buffet was self served and a most pleasant social evening was had by all present.Eddie the Eagle presented the music and while he didn't sing personally his musical selection hit the right spot .
The ambiance provided by the staff of the Lodge was first class and this establishment deserves all the custom it can get in these austere times.Great value too.
The majority of the under 21 team and the more hard core supporters ,yours truly included ,adjourned to the local pubs afterwards and a most interesting and exciting time was had by all concerned.
One thing that the evening did for me is to make me realise that life is for living ,irrespective of the bumps encountered on the way.
I am back in the game.For better or worse.
Hallelujah.
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