Whole lotto love for Dave!

Popular coach wins €20k

DAVE BARRY is the quintessential GAA clubman serving for decades as a leading member as player, coach, mentor and public face of Bray Emmets.

He is one of the club’s senior ladies football coaches, has graced the dance floor in ‘Bray Emmets Strictly Come Dancing’ and has raised thousands over the years for the club. Dave has also served on many volunteer committees in the club.

So, it is little wonder that when it was announced that Dave had won the club’s lottery of €20,000 recently, there was a general chorus of, ‘it couldn’t happen to a nicer person.’

Even the newest members of Bray Emmets Academy Training (4-8-year-olds) gave him a great reception when he emerged for their latest Saturday morning session in the beautiful facilities of Coláiste Réithín.

Since Dave retired as a teacher in the town, he has expanded his portfolio to include increased recruitment in this crucial sector.

The move to the new school was initiated to ensure participation rates within the Academy would continue to grow through the winter months and the results have been remarkably successful with participation rates escalating from 120 to over 180 children.

This incredible 50 per cent increase in participation would not be possible without the energy of head coach, Willie Braine, the great number of volunteer coaches, including Dave and the support of Coláiste Réithín, who have been incredibly generous in allowing the Academy utilise their brand new indoor and outdoor facilities. Another positive is the sight of parents jumping and giving a hand and getting involved in the fun!

This month the Academy is introducing the ‘Emmets #250 Club’ which is seeking unparalleled heights of numbers by having 250 children enjoying fun-filled coaching games on Saturdays with each participant receiving a once off ‘Emmets #250 Club’ wristband and entry into a draw for a week’s free Bray Emmets Easter Camp.

Academy training takes place every Saturday morning at Coláiste Réithín, details on times for 2014/2013, 2012 and 2011 age groups are available on Facebook and Twitter or from club coach Willie Braine who can be reached at 086 0266506.

Bray Emmets would sincerely like to thank Terry Mulcahy (Principle Coláiste Réithín) for all their support and use of their excellent facilities.

Photos: Barbara Flynn Bray Emmets Academy 2014 players celebrate with Dave Barry after his club lotto win of €20,000: John Furlong, sponsor Jamie Quiney of Eco Warmer Homes, Ciaran Barnes, Gary Prunty, Dave Barry, Willie Braine, Óisín Ó hAnnaidh, Paul Humphries, and Colin Clarke. Bray Emmets Academy sponsor Jamie Quiney of Eco Warmer Homes, Ciaran Barnes, assistant secretary, Gary Prunty, juvenille Chairperson, Dave Barry, and Willie Braine, club coach.