Sligo GAA say thanks to frontline SUH staff
SLIGO GAA has acknowledged the enormous contribution of local healthcare professionals in caring for the community throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The County Board got involved in the ‘Your County, Your Colours, Your Support’ initiative and last week made a presentation of a framed
Sligo jersey to Sligo University Hospital.
The ‘Your County, Your Colours, Your Support’ initiative stemmed from an idea by Galway Bay FM sports commentator Tommy Devane, a former Galway inter-county player.
His original idea was that each County Board would present their county jersey, along with a short message of thanks, to a local hospital or care facility of choice.
Sligo GAA went to Sligo University Hospital, The Mall and the presentation to frontline workers was made by chairman Seán Carroll to Grainne McCann (General Manager, SUH) and a group of her colleagues.
“We are delighted to join this unique and very thoughtful initiative.”
“The GAA community extends to every parish and village in Sligo and there is no part of the county that has not felt the effects of the pandemic in some way, directly or indirectly,” he stated.
“The greatest ongoing burden however has fallen on those working in the health system. Every day for almost 14 months now, they have focused solely on caring for those taken ill by the pandemic, and their families, doing everything they can to bring people through to health and to keep us safe and well.” Carroll, a member of CooleraStrandhill and in his first year as County Board chairman, continued: “Many of those involved are members of our association and of our sister association the LGFA (Ladies Gaelic Football Association).” “We are immensely proud of their work and that of all their colleagues.”
“We are therefore honoured to present a small token of acknowledgement and appreciation for their selfless commitment on behalf of all of us in the Sligo GAA community.” “We hope that the sight of this
jersey on display in the hospital will remain as a symbol of that appreciation for many years to come.”
Grainne McCann, General Manager at Sligo University Hospital, extended her appreciation to Seán Carroll and Sligo GAA for this gesture.
She said: “These have, of course, been incredibly challenging times and we are genuinely appreciative of this initiative.”
“There are many staff who are active participants in Gaelic Games and many more again that are passionate supporters.”
“This gesture to take the time to say ‘thank you’ will give a boost to morale and spirits throughout the hospital. The sight of a sports jersey brings a ray of hope and a reminder of better days to come again.”
Also attending the handover of the framed jersey was Sligo GAA secretary Bernardine McGauran.
The SUH staff in attendance included physiotherapists Enda Kivlehan and Shane Gallagher, who are well-known for their involvement with CoolaneyMullinabreena and Eastern Harps respectively.
THIRD LEVEL: Members of a successful IT Sligo Senior Gaelic football squad pictured with then GAA president Seán Kelly.
IN TUNE: An Eastern Harps second XV squad from the Noughties.