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Post date: Jan 20, 2012 12:11:40 AM
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Just over 270 people made their way to the Galway Bay Hotel on Saturday January 14th to celebrate the presentation of County and Connacht medals to the 2011 Intermediate hurling panel. Apart from special guest Joe Byrne, Chairman of the Galway Hurling Board, it was very much a local night. The evening started early with a mulled wine reception and formal and family photographs. Thanks to all the players who came early so we were able to get the important formal photos done on time and whole affair run to schedule. Indeed by seven, there were a whole host of familiar faces milling around the reception area. Against all odds, all were seated at 8.15 to hear club president, John O'Connor, welcome all the guests.
After an enjoyable dinner, formal proceedings got underway with an address from Chairman Kenneth Fox who introduced Hurling Board Chairman Joe Byrne, who gave a light hearted take on clubs, teams and players. Kenneth Fox introduced Tim Bohan, whose role as main sponsor of the club is the least of what he has contributed compared to that as a player, an officer, a coach, a manager and a trustee among other things.
Tim was the person asked to present the players with their medals and opened that task with some well chosen reflective remarks on people, the past and our future. He asked Caoimh Davoren to assist him in introducing the individual players.
Of course, each player in turn waited with trepidation for the next nugget Caoimh might reveal about them. In a tour de force Caoimh delighted the audience by mixing sincere respect, facetousness and straighforward slagging through the 29 players who were presented with medals on the night. (Unfortunately, Colm Power was unable to obtain a sufficient release from his Army duties to attend.). The last to receive his presentation was captain Richard Devaney, who responded with his usual a plomb on behalf of the players and led a presentation to the management team. The management team of Fergal, Tom and Brid each spoke in turn and made an extensive list of thank you's to all who contributed their success throughout the year. Thanks to Sean Lydon who had arranged for the whole proceedings to be videoed live and projected on the big screen so that all could have a good view. This worked really well for everyone. The final act of the night was the showing of the decisive goal in the County Final to the final whistle as commentated by Radio na nGaeltachta. The goal. Niall's point and the final whistle itself were all greeted with loud cheers.
There was still plenty of time left to dance to Vinnie Mongan and the disco after and for those with the energy a sing-song in the residents bar afterwards.
Thanks to the organisers on the social committee, Kathy, Michael, Maureen, Tom, Caroline, Caoimh, Brid, Kenneth and Sean. Thanks to Philip Smith for taking the photos. To the Galway Bay, especially Niamh beforehand and Willie on the night. To our speakers one and all for their preparation and performances. Thanks everyone for a great night!
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