Community Games awards in Castleisland

KERRY Community Games stalwart Patsy O’Connell was honoured for his contribution to Kerry Community Games over the years when he was the very deserving winner of the Paud O’Leary Memorial Trophy for the 2017 Volunteer Award at the annual awards last Friday at the River Island Hotel in Castleisland.

Over 165 guests attended a most enjoyable night, which gives due recognition to the county’s areas for their hard work and dedication over the year.

Guest of Honour was Kerry Community Games founding member Christy Murray and Patsy O’Connell was the MC.

Executive Board members were on hand to welcome guests and present prizes, while the success of the night was largely due to County Secretary Margaret Culloty’s great organisation skills.

There was four special presentations made to volunteers Christy Murray, Micheal Herlihy, Andy Keane and Seamus McCarthy who have given great assistance over the years and whom deserved recognition.

The Martin Culloty Memorial Cup was presented by Eileen Culloty to Castleisland for Field Events.

Cora O’Mahony of Ballybunion won the Overall Youth Award. Aoife Doyle of Beaufort and Megan O’Connor of Milltown/Listry were also recognised for their contribution to their areas.

Entertainment was provided by Community Games national and county winners Saoirse Bennett of Fossa and national U-12 pewter medal winners from Milltown / Listry Molly Carey, Luisne Corcoran and Aoibhe Horan. County U-16 gold medal winner Jack Graney of Killarney recited an extract from ‘The Field’.

Areas also got a chance to see participants from their areas on a big screen. This promotion is important for Community Games to inform the public that Community Games is much more than athletics – we have a huge number of activities varying from sports, athletics to cultural events.

President Brian Lewis, who recently passed away, was also remembered. Brian will be missed by all at Community Games for his assistance over the years and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family.

AREA AWARD WINNERS

Athletics: 1st Listowel; 2nd Kenmare; 3rd Spa Fenit/Barrow Cultural Events: Milltown/Listry Swimming: St Brendans/Oakpark Owen White Award (Most Improved Area): Keel/Kiltallagh Merit Athletics: Ballyduff

Merit Par ticipation: Beaufor t Field Events (Mar tin Culloty Memorial Cup): Castleisland

PR Awards: 1st Duagh/Lyre; 2nd Spa Muckross; 3rd Ballydonoghue

Special Presentation: Christy Murray; Micheal Herlihy; Andy Keane; & Seamus McCar thy

Youth Awards: 1st Cora O’Mahony (Ballybunion); 2nd Aoife Doyle (Beaufor t); 3rd Megan O’Connor (Milltown/Listry).

Paud O’Leary Memorial Trophy (2017 Adult Volunteer): Patsy O’Connell (Abbeydorney)

Best Overall Areas: 1st Kenmare; 2nd Duagh/Lyre; 3rd Fossa

Cassandra Myers, County Youth Officer, with winners Megan O’Connor, Cora O’Mahony and Aoife Doyle at the County Community Games annual awards night in Castleisland

Margaret Dineen, County PRO, with PR winners Claire Creyton, Liz Twomey and Bernie Courtney at the County Community Games annual awards night in Castleisland