ENNISCORTHY TOWN AFC CELEBRATIONS SEE PAGES 16 & 17
SOCCER CLUB CELEBRATES THOSE WHO HELPED CREATE ITS LEGACY OF SUCCESS FOR THE TOWN
ENNISCORTHY Town AFC acknowledged a milestone event recently when it celebrated its 60th anniversary.
The event was held in the Riverside Park Hotel and it attracted a very large crowd composed of past and present members of the club.
Committee member, Nordine Chigara, acted as MC on the night and he introduced guest speakers including author, Liam Nolan, who co-wrote a comprehensive book on the history of the club to mark its 50th anniversary 10 years ago.
On the night Mr Nolan outlined the story of the club from its foundation up to the present and it proved to be an informative and inspirational talk.
Among those present on the night were the members of the club’s U16 squad which was victorious in last season’s Premier division.
Some members of that squad will be lining out with the senior squad this year.
The teenagers were presented with their league winning medals on the night by Finbarr Murphy.
They received a great response from the crowd as in their hands the future of the club looks more than promising.
The team captain, Bill Peare, spoke on the night.
Among those in attendance on were Patrick O’Connor and Theresa O’Connor - widely acknowledged as the club’s No. 1 fan and great servant to the organisation.
Liam Murphy was mentioned on the night for his long service and he is still playing this year after 40 years in goal.
Tony Doyle, from the club’s main sponsor, Creane & Creane, also spoke on the night.
Speaking to this newspaper about the celebration night Mr Chigara said it was a great success.
On behalf of all the organisers he thanked everyone who attended and in particular paid tribute to those members of the club who have given many years service to the organisation.
That was a point highlighted on the night too.
Without hard working and dedicated volunteers no sports organisation would survive and the work being done at grassroots level in Enniscorthy was intrinsic to the club’s success over the last 60 years.