Naomh Comhghall GAC reflect on superb year

Niamh Callon and Siobhan Poulter receive their special recognition award from Danny McLarnon (Coiste Banaiste Aontroma), Paddy Quinn (Naomh Comhghall Chair), and Colm Walsh (South West Antrim GAA Chair).

Guests enjoyed a champagne reception to the sounds of jigs and reels from local folk group Rarin’ to Go, before heading in for dinner.

To help them relax into the evening Malachy McCollum led guests in an icebreaker game of Heads or Tails, before grace was offered by Rev Sean Emerson PP and dinner served.

After appetites were satisfied Naomh Comhghall PRO John Hart compered the presentations, inviting Club Chair Paddy Quinn to address the guests. In his address he expressed his thanks to all those who had contributed through volunteering, coaching and fundraising through-out the year and said he was proud that St Comgalls was a club at the heart of the community.

Cliodhna Crossan was awarded most improved u16 girl.

Paddy Quinn then invited the guest speakers of the evening, Antrim County Board member Danny McLarnon, and South West Chairman Colm Walsh.

Both speakers offered their admiration for what St Comgalls had achieved in the short number of years since their revival and said they were confident that the structures the club had in place would lead to more success.

Thanking the speakers for the kind remarks Paddy Quinn then offered Mrs Walsh a bouquet arrangement as a token of appreciation.

The presentation party was then called upon to hand-out the trophies. There were two new accolades this year, with the Chairmans Award going to Oisin McAuley, whilst Siobhan Poulter (coach), Caitlin Martin and Niamh Callan got a special recognition for participating in an All-Ireland Camogie Final with neighbouring club Tir Na n’Og. Caitlin Martin was successful once more sharing u16 girls with Player of the Year with Fiona Poulter, and Cliondha Crossan was awarded Most Improved.

Ritchie Leahy presents Fiona Poulter for u16 Player of the Year.

At u16 Boys level player of the Year was Ruairi Griffen, and Most Improved was Paul Flanagan, whilst the Minor Boys most improved was Stephen Sloan, and Player of the Year was jointly awarded to the Cooke twins Patrick and Ruairi.

With volunteerism one of the watch-words of the evening, Club Person of the Year went to Ritchie Leahy recognised for his enthusiasm in both fundraising and coaching role in juvenile coaching structures.

At senior level the ladies most improved went to Lena Roberts, and Player of the Year named Sorcha Lynch. In the mens squad Players’ Player recognised the efforts of speedster Paddy O’Connor and Player of the Year was announced as Paddy Quinn Jr.

Raising club funds was next on the agenda, with a raffle generously supported and sponsored, and after John Hart had thanked everyone for coming along and drew formal proceedings to a close, guests danced the night away to Suckin’ Diesel.