Record Ross crowd
Hard work feted at annual awards
A RECORD crowd gathered in the Horse and Hound in Ballinaboola recently for the annual New Ross District awards.
As always, a member of each club in the District was nominated to receive an appreciation award in recognition of the recipient’s service to their respective clubs.
This year’s awards were extra special, however, for a number of reasons. One highlight of the evening was the decision to honour the five New Ross District men who were part of the Wexford Senior hurling panel which brought All-Ireland glory to the county in 1968.
Present were Jimmy O’Brien, Jimmy Furlong and Pat Nolan, while Ned Colfer and Tom Neville were unable to attend but were represented by family members.
District Chairman, Denis Nolan, was on hand to present each member of the panel with a special momento on the 50th anniversary of this famous victory.
Another special award was presented to Gusserane ploughman John Whelan, in recognition of his success at the world championships in Kenya last December. John won the world Senior reversible title for the second time and his achievement was duly recognised by the District committee.
Denis Nolan also presented Monsignor Joe McGrath with a special award on his election as President of the New Ross District G.A.A. for 2018.
While Gusserane, Fethard and Adamstown all won county titles at adult level in 2017, there was little surprise when Fethard was announced as the club of the year.
Their Intermediate ‘A’ county hurling title, Leinster Junior hurling title and agonising defeat in the All-Ireland final ensured their selection as the number one club in the District.
Club Chairman, John Hanton, was on hand to receive the impressive cup from Denis Nolan. To cement their position at the top of the pile, Fethard were also chosen as the Coiste na nOg club of the year for 2017.
All ten club nominees were introduced by M.C. Billy Redmond as they came forward to receive their awards from County Chairman, Derek Kent.
Congratulations to John Roche (Gusserane), Bob Tracey (Clongeen), Mikey Nacey (Bannow-Ballymitty), Donie O’Brien (Taghmon-Camross), Adrian Morrissey (Adamstown), Pat O’Hanlon (Horeswood), Mick Cleere (Geraldine O’Hanrahans), Paddy Murphy (St. James’), Paul Barden (Fethard) and Johnny McGarr (Rathgarogue-Cushinstown).
Johnny McGarr spoke on behalf of the recipients and thanked the New Ross District committee for organising the event.