An Awards Night to Remember
The 2014 trophy haul made the awards night - one to remember.
As we gear up for 2015 it was nice to round off with a fun night of awards, speeches and banter. The function room was buzzin' with about 150 as the meal got underway. Chris Thompson was our inimitable MC and the awards to both Senior Championship teams were supplemented by 2 videos that reminded us of the impressive U14's exploits both local and national, the Senior B championship and the Senior A's 7's and Championship wins. Chris introduced a faithfully observed minute's silence for Andy Kettle and dear departed members.
Blues Brother #1 Gerry McGrath then took the stage, giving a fitting and memorable account of the 7 year odyysey that has transformed our 2nd team and acknowledging those that helped them get there. After their awards from Riche Stakelum B's Captain Niall Lillis paid tribute to the departing Management and the support team. Thereafter Gerry, Billy, Mick and Tiarnan received photo mementoes. The Senior A's then received their A Medals from Sean Shanley DCB, who complimented the club on its contribution to Dublin Hurling in all respects. Ollie Baker, Senior A's Manager - the 2nd of the Blues Brothers - gave Gerry McGrath as good as he got! He emphasised the importance of club, recalled the effort and values that gave us success and the intent needed to retain it. A's Captain Seanie McGrath finally made his appearance, giving an amusing speech before presenting mementoes to the A management.
The final contribution from Hurling Chairman Peter Walsh elegantly reminded us of what was special about the last year, to savour it and give of our best going forward.
In addition to the traditional raffle, Commemorative DVDs of the Senior A Final were sold, raising funds for Irish Cancer Society. There are still some DVDs available at 10 Euros each for this worthy cause - these can be provided from Diarmuid O Gallchobhair or Ronan Conway.
Well done and thanks to the organisers Mick Hynes, Chris Thompson, Declan Herlihy and Billy Noctor plus Mick Kinsella and his staff. Special thanks to Diarmuid O Gallchobhair for the excellent audio-visual backdrop that gave context to the 2014 season.
Guests of honour were Sean Shanley, his wife Phyllis, John Costello of DCB , our other Dublin Senior Mentor Gearoid O'Riain and Dave Egan of One Direct.
It was a night of excellent fare and banter, that reinforced the seamless integration of our senior panels and management, on and off the pitch.
