Special wordsfor Patfrom Kilkenny boss Cody

FRIDAY night’s East Kerry GAA All-Stars Banquet at The Gleneagle was a celebration of all that is great about the GAA in the east of the county, and there was no little praise on the night for the work of long term hurling proponent Pat Del aney.

Originally from Kilkenny, Pat was honoured for his many years contributing to the board and, of course, to hurling, through the St Pats branch.

But it was particularly indicative of the esteem Pat is held in both inside and outside of the county that the greatest hurling manager in history, Kilkenny legend Brian Cody, saw fit to address a letter to Pat, congratulating him on his many great achievements.

“I’m told you are being very deservedly honoured by the East Kerry Board tonight for your long and outstanding contribution to the board itself and of course to St Pats Hurling Club,” the Kilkenny manager said. “Of course, while immersing yourself in the promotion of hurling in the Kingdom, you continued to stay completely loyal to your roots and supported the black-and-amber with real passion.

“Being an Emeralds man it must have been very satisfying for you to see Derek Lyng and Aidan Fogarty having such great success with Kilkenny. Unfortunately, last year was not a particularly good one for the Cats and there is a huge challenge there for us this year, but you can be certain that we will do everything in our power to be fiercely competitive again.”

On behalf of Kilkenny GAA, Mr Cody congratulated Pat on his award, topping off what was a hugely enjoyable night for the Kilkenny native and GAA stalwart.

Full coverage of the East Kerry All Stars - supported by The Kerryman and The Aquilla Club – can be found on pages 51-54.

(left) Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin East Kerry Board Hurling Officer Gary O’Halloran presents a special award to Pat Delaney in honour of his service to the board and to hurling life in Kerry with Johnny Brosnan Vice Chairman EKB, Bridget Delaney and EKB Chairman Tim Ryan at the East...