Dalriada and Gaels get their just rewards

BEFORE the action gets underway on the pitch it was dinner dance season recently for both Dalriada and Glasgow Gaels as they took the opportunity to celebrate their respective achievements and the people who make their clubs special.

The Station Hotel in Aberdeen was the venue for Dalriada’s event as those in attendance were regaled by guest speaker, Danny Kelly (above), a key member of Down’s All-Ireland winning team in 1968 who bested Kerry. Now based in Scotland, Danny shared memories from his career, his medal collection and his Sam Maguire winning jersey.

The club (below) also had plenty of success to celebrate, with the men’s team securing the Intermediate League title and lifting the Intermediate Plate for the Championship—a fantastic double that reflects the hard work and dedication of players and coaches alike.

Among the men’s prizewinners were: Aaron McBride (Player of the Year); Johnny O’Flaherty (Manager’s Player of the Year); Anthony McLoughlin (Club Person of the Year); and Harry Langdale (Best Newcomer).

The Dalriada Ladies reflected on a great year too, reaching a County Championship Final, a fantastic achievement which has them hungry for success this season. The women who took home the awards on the night were: Rebecca Brennan (Player of the Year); Ciara Mulligan (Manager’s Player of the Year); Lisa Murray (Club Person of the Year); and Amy Costello (Best Newcomer).

The club wished to put on record its thanks to all in attendance and also to its sponsors, Molly Malones and MacLeod Jordan, as well as sending congratulations to all winners.

Meanwhile, at the Clayton Hotel in Glasgow, awards were also handed out to Glasgow Gaels men and women after another successful season for the club. Special guest speaker on the night via video link was Armagh’s All-Ireland winner and All Star, Oisín McConville, who spoke about his career highlights and his personal battles before taking some of the attendees’ questions.

With the men’s teams having enjoyed a successful year, winning the Junior and Intermediate Championships as well as the Junior League, there were a number of a awards handed out on the night itself, namely: John Dorgan (Senior Player’s Player of the Year); Niall O’Hagan (Senior Manager’s Player of the Year); Cian Finnan (Intermediate Player’s Player of the Year) Kris McArdle (Intermediate Manager’s Player of the Year); Aidan Meehan (Junior Player’s Player of the Year); and Matt Blair (Junior Manager’s Player of the Year). Paul Scully was named Club Person of the Year and he, along with the Intermediate and Junior management team of Colly Clerkin, Zephlyn Devine and Gareth Gorman were presented with gifts in recognition of their efforts (above).

The women’s teams (below) underwent a year of rebuilding, but still managed to secure a Junior Shield win. Their award winners on the night were: Katie Norgrove (Intermediate Player’s Player of the Year); Orlaith McArdle (Intermediate Manager’s Player of the Year); Rachel Butler (Junior Player’s Player of the Year); and Amy Chambers (Junior Manager’s Player of the Year). They also presented a gift to outgoing manager Marc McGinley, for his dedication to both teams (below).