Knocknagree parties
A SPORTING mother and son are the toast of Knocknagree GAA after another exemplary year at domestic level was marked at a victory celebration hosted at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
The highlight to an outstanding function saw Mary and Anthony O’Connor saluted for their endeavours off and on the field.
Football fortunes for Knocknagree has enjoyed an upward swing during the past few seasons climaxed on completing back to back Duhallow Junior A championship titles.
For good measure, Knocknagree added a divisional Junior B Football League for the first time in 19 years before a triple crown was completed on a North Cork Rebel Óg Minor B Football Championship title.
Amongst the attendance to salute the achievements was Duhallow Board Development officer Jerry Doody. Club Chairman Jeremiah Moynihan commended the players and team managements on landing a number of key prizes.
“It took a huge effort to bring off these titles, the fitness levels were crucial factors and all credit to the team managements. The big challenge is to progress to the next level where hopefully good fortune will be on our side,” he said.
Board Development Officer Jerry Doody described the occasion as a tremendously proud night for Knocknagree GAA.
“Knocknagree have emerged the leading lights in Duhallow football, retaining their JAFC title and coming so close to reaching a county final. No doubt, a three in a row is the target for 2017 but Duhallow football is competitive and there are a number of other teams seen as viable contenders”, he said.
From a series of presentations, the triumphant team received medals as did the successful team managements. And It was with eager anticipation that the Club Person of the Year and Club Player of the Year Awards were announced.
No surprise, Mary O’Connor emerged as an extremely worthy winner of the Club Person accolade, fitting recognition for all of the hard work undertaken behind the scenes on behalf of the club.
Mary’s dedication to her club is infectious, no wonder given the involvement of husband Finbarr and children who are all playing members for the Knocknagree club.
That’s typified on another popular winner, Club Player of the Year, the skilful Anthony O’Connor completing a great honour for the O’Connor household.