Community Games honour volunteers Bunyan and McCarthy
Margaret Dineen
KERRY Community Games recognised the major contribution of two of its greatest volunteers, John Bunyan and Denis McCarthy, who were honoured with a Special Recognition and Hall of Fame award respectively at its annual awards night last Friday at the River Island Hotel in Castleisland.
MC for the awards, Patsy O’Connell, informed the attendance that John Bunyan was a great support to Community Games over the years as Athletics Judge and Zone Judge in the County Athletics Finals, as well as great assistance in Mosney, Athlone and Limerick. John had great influence on many children who have passed through Community Games.
Hall of Famer Denis Mc- Carthy was honoured for his years of service to Community Games. Denis is from Kenmare and was on the County Executive from 1993 to 1999 with Kit Horan and Margaret Culloty. John held positions of County Development Officer, vice-chairperson and acting chairperson.
County Development Officer, Owen Stack (St Brendan’s/Oakpark) was a deserving winner of the Paud O’Leary Memorial Trophy (2018 Adult Volunteer Award) by Mags and Antoinette O’Leary for his contribution to Kerry Community Games over the years.
The Martin Culloty Memorial Cup was presented by Maire Culloty to JJ Crowley of Spa/ Fenit/Barrow for Field Events. JJ told the attendees that this award means a lot to him personally because he had known Martin Culloty for many years. He also told areas to stick at it and that small areas can win if they keep putting the effort in.
County Secretary Margaret Culloty presented the Youth Awards with Ciara Hudson of Moyvane/Knockanure winning the Overall Youth Award. Well done also to Kianan O’Doherty of Spa Muckross and Laura Fitzmaurice of Castleisland for their contribution to their areas.
Wonderful entertainment was provided by Community Games county gold medal winner Aoise O’Donoghue of Glenflesk who sang two songs, and the night was also treated to wonderful music by the National U-12 gold medal winners from Duagh Lyre – the O’Regan brothers - Daibheid on drums and Oisin on guitar - worthy winners surely of their national gold medals.
National U-12 bronze medal winner Lucy Johnson kept everyone entertained with her recitation of an extract from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which was greatly enjoyed by the attentive audience.
Guest of Honour was Deputy Mayor John Joe Culloty who told the attendees that “not everyone can win but everyone can enjoy the participation”. He said that Community Games is a great outlet for children and makes a difference to lives. He stated that the standard of the children performing was exceptional and that work done by areas, committees and the organisation must be acknowledged.
The full list of awards presented to areas for their achievements on the night were:
Special Recognition: John Bunyan
Hall of Fame: Denis McCarthy
Athletics: 1st Spa Fenit Barrow (accepted by JJ Crowley); 2nd Kenmare (accepted by Ger McCarthy); 3rd Listowel (accepted by Kevin Lynch).
Cultural Events: Valentia (award accepted by Sally Murphy and Gearoid King)
Swimming: St Brendan’s/ Oakpark (award accepted by Catherine O’Mahony)
Owen White Award (Most improved Area): Firies (Award presented by John Joe Culloty)
Merit Athletics: Lixnaw (Award accepted by Patricia Hannon)
Merit Participation: Glenbeigh/Glencar (Award accepted by John Joe Quirke)
Field Events (Martin Culloty Memorial Cup): Spa Fenit Barrow (Awards presented by Maire Culloty and accepted by JJ Crowley.
PR Awards: 1st Duagh Lyre; 2nd Ballymacelligott; 3rd Glenflesk. Awards prented by PRO Radio Nelius Collins and PRO Press Margaret Dineen.
Youth Awards: 1st Ciara Hudson (Moyvane/Knockanure); 2nd Kianan O’Doherty (Spa Muckross); 3rd Laura Fitzmaurice (Castleisland). Award presented by Margaret Culloty (County Secretary).
Paud O’Leary Memorial Trophy (2017 Adult Volunteer): Owen Stack (St Brendan’s/Oakpark) (Award presented by Margaret and Antoinette O’Leary).
Best Overall Areas: 1st Kenmare; 2nd Duagh/Lyre; 3rd Fossa. Award presented by County Chairperson Sean O’Sullivan.
A huge thanks to all who were involved in making the annual awards night such a success and well done to all the areas and volunteers who worked so hard during the year.