Martin’s top club
Annual Wexford District awards night
HAVING ENJOYED one of the finest years in their history, St. Martin’s, not surprisingly, were honoured with the club of the year award for 2017.
When the 19th annual Wexford District G.A.A. awards took place recently, there was little speculation as to which club would be honoured with the Riverbank Hotel-sponsored award.
When St. Martin’s were announced as the winners the award was presented to stalwart clubman, Sheamus Howlin, who has also served as County Chairman, Leinster Council Chairman and on many high-powered committees in Croke Park.
Sheamus, during his spell as Co. Chairman, was always looked upon as a man who successfully steered the Association in the county with great dignity and courtesy, and it was fitting that he should accept the award for his club from the District Chairman, Thos. Ryan, and guest speaker, Jim Bolger.
District Chairman Ryan paid tribute to all the award winners, complimenting them on their contributions to the club and District.
Guest speaker Jim Bolger spoke of his lifelong support of Wexford G.A.A. going back to those great years of the mid-fifties when supporters travelled by donkey and cart to games in Wexford Park and throughout the county.
He also spoke of the wonderful support of the hurlers who have made so much progress under the management of Davy Fitzgerald.
Looking back on his own career, Jim reminisced on the racing scene and what it took to achieve success which was brought about by hard work, quality staff and owners who made such a contribution to his yard.
Hall of fame awards went to Nicky Newport (St. Fintan’s), and the late George O’Connor (Faythe Harriers), with the award received on his behalf by Seamus O’Connor and Betty Barnes.
Individual award winners: David O’Connor (Kilmore); Hilda Roche (St. Anne’s); Christy Lane (St. Mary’s, Maudlintown); Michael Doyle (Crossabeg-Ballymurn); Jim Kelly (St. Fintan’s); Michael Lyng (Clonard); Eoin Murphy (Blackwater); P.J. Lawlor (St. Mary’s, Rosslare); Ann Doyle (Shelmaliers); Paddy Harnett (St. Joseph’s); Pat Henebery (Faythe Harriers); Frank Clancy (Sarsfields); the late Chris Culleton (St. Martin’s), with the award received on his behalf by his wife, Eilis; Noel McCormack (Glynn-Barntown); Eamonn Devereux (Our Lady’s Island); Roger Doyle (Volunteers).