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St.Mary's GAC celebrate 70 years in style
20th November 2013
Over four hundred guests, members and friends of St.Mary’s GAC Rasharkin attended our 70th Anniversary Gala celebrations held recently at Tullyglass House Hotel. The Clock Tower Suite at Tullyglass provided a magnificent setting for the event as Club chairman Michael Hardy started proceedings for the evening right on schedule. Michael’s first duty was to convey the disappointing news that Uachtarán Liam O’Neill would be unable to attend. The GAA President sent his sincere apologies but due to circumstances beyond his control he was unavailable. Michael welcomed everyone to the event and said what a great privilege it was for him to be Chairman of St.Mary’s on such a prestigious occasion. A minute’s reflection was observed to remember all the deceased members of St.Mary’s who’s hard work and dedication to the club has brought us to this great milestone.
Armagh’s Benny Tierney, the master of proceedings, then took to the stage and entertained the gathering with his wit and charm followed by an address by Antrim County Chairman Jim Murray.
Kilkenny hurling legend DJ Carey started the speeches after a delicious five course meal served in five star style by the staff of Tullyglass.
Armagh and Crossmaglen maestro Oisin McConville followed DJ before Ulster GAA President Martin McAviney’s address as Gold medal paralympian Jason Smyth rounded off the formalities. The quality and content of each speech was remarkable as each speaker held the attendees attention late into the evening. Justin McGurk and The Boogie Men concluded the evening with their unique showmanship and talents.
Everyone who attended enjoyed a superb evening’s entertainment hosted by St.Mary’s. The club are indebted to our outstanding and industrious events committee Thomas Doherty, Benny Hegarty, Natalie Hasson and Elaine Donaghy, who deserve great credit and thanks for their efforts organising another memorable event to commemorate this great landmark for St.Mary’s GAC.
The Annual Club Awards 2013 are as follows:
The first three awards of the night are chosen by the management team to the individual who has shown a great attitude through out the year and continued to improve individually and the respective team. The awards are presented to the most improved player in each of the three codes played at senior level
(1) - Most Improved Camog is presented by DJ Carey
This year the award is being presented to one of the youngest members of the camogie squad. It is great to see her continue to work hard and develop into a fine player. The award this year goes to an up and coming star - Niamh McLernon
(2) - Most Improved Hurler is presented by Jason Smyth
The McMullan cup was donated by the McMullan Family Dublin in memory of the late Anthony McMullan who was a founder member of the first Gaelic Club in Rasharkin in 1909. Again this award goes to a dedicated young player who is also a dual player. He has worked hard on his game over the last few years and has now established himself as 1st team regular. The club hopes to see him continue to improve and become a main stay in the senior team for years to come. The award goes to Daniel McKay
(3) - Most Improved Footballer is presented by Oisin McConville
The Christy Hardy trophy was donated by the Hardy family in memory of their father, the late Christy. Christy had a long successful career with St Marys and was a renowned member of the infamous team of the 60’s. The player who receives this trophy is a young lad who had missed out on club football in recent times due to his college commitments across the water. It was great to see him back with the club this year making good progress. Under the stewardship of the chairman at corner back he thrived so much that he broke into the senior panel. Most improved footballer this year is Cormac Kearns. Cormac is again across the water at University and unable to attend tonight his mother Sharon accepts the award on his behalf.
The next four accolades go to the player of the year. These awards are chosen by their peers in acknowledgement for their work, commitment, discipline and dedication throughout the year.
(4) - Reserve player of the Year is presented by Jim Murray
This award goes to another fine young footballer who’s progress was remarkable, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet. He had a very consistent season and the club would hope to see this continue to become a senior team regular. It is maybe no coincidence that he also played alongside the chair man in the other corner, the award goes to John Henderson
(5) - Camogie Player of the Year presented by Jason Smyth
The Ciara McLaughlin trophy was donated to the club by the McLaughlin Family in memory of their beloved Ciara. A fierce competitor on the field this year the award goes to a fitting recipient. The winner of this award was also on the stage this time last year receiving the most improved player, she continues to set a blistering pace and the camogs are glad to see her continue to realise her potential. She has recently began to study at Loughery college but hopefully there are not too many distractions to keep her away from Dreen. The award goes to Eimear Quigg
(6) - Hurler of the Year is presented by DJ Carey
This trophy was donated by Dympna & family in the memory of the late
Eugene. The winner of this award is a grafter on and off the field, you would wonder where he finds the time not only does he hurl, he plays the odd football game and coaches the Senior Camog’s he also finds the time in the height of the summer to get silage in for most of the local farmers. This year the award goes to Thomas McMullan.
(7) - Senior Footballer of the Year is presented by Oisin McConville
The trophy which is presented each year to the senior footballer of the year was donated by the Dalrymple family in memory of the late Gerry. Gerry was Club Stalwart giving much to St Marys over the years. The player who receives this award would now be regarded as one of the more seasoned players in the squad having now played as a regular for over 15 years. It is fitting the award is being presented by one of the top marks men in Ireland as this player has been our top marksman for many of those years. With another season of high scores and in particular goals he has helped fire Rasharkin back to Division 1 football. The award goes to Jonathan McAleese.
The last award of the night is selected by the Club committee and goes to the Club person of the year.
(8) - Club person of the year is presented by Martin McAviney
This trophy was donated by the Doherty family in memory of the late Dan. Dan served on the Club committee for a great number of years and held position of Chairman on two separate occasions. A lot of work by many goes into the day to day running of the club, this award recognises the outstanding effort and commitment by an individual for the betterment of St Marys. The person receiving this year not only holds a position on the club executive but also coaches at underage level and has recently been involved heavily with establishing the new ‘Healthy Club’ sub committee which is continuing to be a great success. This year the award goes to Sharon Kearns
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