If the party mood that characterised our Annual Social and Awards Night could be measured by the isobars that are used in weather reports, the result would be a definite high in the Claregalway Hotel on Saturday last. The array of cups and trophies won in 2011 by Claregalway Ladies Footballers and U16 Boys and displayed at the top table was the largest ever. It was the turnout of over 200 players, members and followers that made it such an enjoyable occasion.
The advance promotion of our biggest annual get-together, the ticket sales and event arrangements were delivered to great effect and we thank the members of the organising committee, in particular Margaret Kearney, John Feeney and Mary Conlon whose work inputs included shopping for the splendid Award trophies.
Our guests included Seamus O’Grady (Secretary, Galway Co Football Board), Mary Hernon (Co Galway Ladies Football Secretary) and Con Moynihan (Chairman, Co Galway Ladies Football Board) who shared with Club Chairman Tony Clarke in the presentations to the Club’s recipients. The proceedings included a donation from the Club towards the development of the Claregalway Day Care Centre.
The Club conveys its thanks and grateful appreciation to main sponsors Paul and Nora Gill of the Claregalway Hotel, George and Mary Glynn of Glynns Fruit and Veg and Jimmy Hughes of Hughes SuperValu. The awards were as follows:
Distinguished Services Award (Hall of Fame) Malachy Qualter, Waterdale.
Club Person of the Year Gerry Moran, Chairperson Claregalway Ladies Football Club.
Ladies Juniors 2011 Co. Galway Championship medals and Connacht Junior Championship medals.
Ladies Minors Barry Cooney, Manager of the Co. Galway Minor Championship winners for the past four years.
U16 Girls Marty Dowd, Manager, Co Galway Championship winners. Tributes were conveyed to Rita Healy, Mick O’Connell, Mike Kirwan and Gerry Moran.
U14 Girls Jimmy Gavin, Manager of the 2011 players that captured the unique distinction of successfully defending their All-Ireland Feile title in 2011 to achieve two-in-a-row. There was special recognition for the inputs delivered by Joan Gavin, Asumpta Gallagher, Elaine Goldrick, Tim Hynes, Mick O’Connell, Joe Clarke and Dara Leonard.
Senior Football Player of the Year Brian O’Donoghue.
Junior Player of the Year Kenny Hansberry.
Young Player of the Year and Man of the Match 2011 All-Ireland Minor Championship Galway v Cavan Sean Moran.
U16 Boys Co Galway Championship winners Manager, Mike Coyle.
