London honours for Kerry’s finest

ANNUAL AWARDS IN CROWN MORAN

THE presentation of the Kerry Person of the Year award to Ballinskelligs native Vincent Harty last weekend is long overdue according to chairman of the Kerry Association London, Dan ny Tim O’Sullivan.

On Friday last at the special Kerry Association London Gala dinner dance at the Crown Hotel in Cricklewood, Mr Harty was presented with the well-deserved award for his huge contribution to the life of people in both Kerry and London. Mr Harty was presented with the Dennis Reidy Memorial trophy in honour of his achievements in London over the past 60 years.

“He is a life-time friend of mine, and he should have got this years ago. He is one of the greatest men of our times,” said Danny Tim O’Sullivan this week.

A huge crowd from at home and abroad gathered in London for the special occasion, including key GAA figures which included newly appointed Kerry senior manager, Peter Keane, and Kerry County Board Chairman Tim Murphy. Also in attendance was Mayor of Kerry Cllr Norma Foley and Cllrs John Francis Flynn and Niall Kelleher.

This year was extra special for Danny Tim as it is his last year in the role as chairman. As well as that, just over a year ago the well-known Kerry man was unable to attend the annual gala night as he battled for his life following an aneurysm. However on Friday last he was in attendance with Mr Harty to celebrate his wonderful achievement.

The Kerry London Association also presented Killorglin rower Monika Dukarska with the Christy Kissane Memorial Trophy for the Kerry Young Person of the Year Award, which is traditionally presented to sporting figures.

This year went to one of Kerry’s finest; the Killorglin rower has put Kerry rowing on the international map. She was also in attendance at the gala dinner to collect the accolade.

ABOVE: Vincent Harty, Kerry London Person of the Year, with his family: Dee Cahillane, Sheila Dixon, Niamh Harty, Breda Harty, Orla Harty. Second row: Ed, Meabh and Ella Hevens; Hayley and Ashleigh Nugget; Junior Price; and Tara and Brendan Dixon. Back from left: Tom and Mike Cantillon and Tiernan Dixon.

Vincent Harty, Kerry London Person of the Year, with his wife, Breda, and (front from left); London Rose, Liz Shanahan; Tara Cronin, secretary. Second row from left: Cllr John Francis Flynn; Danny Tim O’Sullivan, chairman; Cllr Norma Foley, Mayor of Kerry; Sorcha Rochford, Boston Rose; Tim Murphy, Chairman Kerry GAA Board; Peter Keane, Kerry senior team manager; Sheila Dixon; Noel O’Sullivan. Back from left: Cllr Niall Kelleher; John Breen, Kerry County Council; Gerry Rochford; and Denis Nolan.

All photos Michelle Cooper Galvin. Vincent Harty, Kerry London Person of the Year (third from left), receiving his award from Liz Shanahan, former Person of the Year, and the Dennis Reidy Memorial Trophy from Ellen Reidy. With (from left) Noel O’Sullivan; Danny Tim O’Sullivan, chairman; and Tara Cronin Secretary at the Kerry Association London at the Gala Dinner in the Clayton Crown Hotel, Cricklewood Broadway on Friday.

Vincent Harty, Kerry London Person of the Year (centre); with Donal Martin Griffin, Danny Tim and Daniel O’Sullivan; and Dermot Galvin.

Kerry Manager Peter Keane with his wife, Siobhan

RIGHT: Margaret, Jerry and Tara Cronin, Killarney and London

Deirdre O’Brien, Kells, and Dr Catherine Hallahan