Kilbrin inducts its adopted son Seán into Hall of Fame
A VALUED contribution and unselfish commitment after more than 45 years of constant involvement saw Kilbrin GAA induct respected administrator Sean McAuliffe into its Hall of Fame.
Family, friends and Kilbrin club members convened at a pleasant club function to salute the West Limerick native for his impeccable service to club, division and county.
Kilbrin GAA chairman Donal Sheahan welcomed the gathering to acknowledge a worthy recipient.
Former chairman Donie O’Mahony outlined Seán’s career in the club after taking up employment as a creamery manager in Castlecor, pursing an unbroken service to the club as a player, officer, delegate, referee and selector.
“On his arrival in the parish in 1969, he soon got involved in Kilbrin GAA. That was invaluable as was the appointment of Fr. Finbarr Kelleher to the parish where Seán served as club Secretary for 14 years”, said Donie.
“Along with John Joe O’Donoughue, the trio served as hurling selectors - it’s said, Fr. Finbarr picked the team, Seán wrote it down and John Joe called it out”.
Outside of Kilbrin, Seán McAulliffe has lent unstinting service to the Duhallow Divisional Board over the past 25 years, serving as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Development Officer, PRO and respected referee. At Rebel Óg, Seán is current Chairman to the North Cork Region.
The recipient took delight on accepting the award and spoke of his memories associated with the club.
“I came to Castlecor in 1969, the farmers were approachable and I got involved in GAA affairs. The club endured tough times but it changed on the arrival of Fr. Kelleher in 1974”, said Seán.
“A pitch was purchased thanks to the help of funding from various sources and the contributions from local volunteers. That allowed the club to go from strength to strength culminating on a first Junior Hurling Championship in 1978”.
And over the subsequent decades, the club has been busy on adding numerous honours and improving its facilities to compliment its excellent playing surface. In 2009, Kilbrin opened a new clubhouse complete with dressing rooms, meeting rooms and a spacious upstairs area, fitted with state of the art gym equipment.
“Back in 1974, there used to be a card drive in the Hall, the proceeds would fund three sliothars and one football for the year. Players would tog off in the back of cars, that’s a far cry from the current GAA Complex”, said Seán.
“Importantly, there is great pride in Kilbrin club and the developments over the years in the pitch and complex sees Kilbrin boosts its own home.”