St Mary’s Aghagallon held their Annual Dinner and Awards Night on Friday in Edenmore Golf Club, Magheralin to celebrate the successes both on and off the field in 2023. The first presentations were to the U23 team who were successful in winning the SW Antrim U23 Shield, a competition which provided additional football in the autumn months for around 30 of our players and was very beneficial for the development of this group.
The Brendan Campbell award for Club Person of the Year, which was jointly awarded to John Walsh and Bronagh McCavigan for their commitment and leadership in establishing the successful GAA for All, All Stars programme in Aghagallon, one of the greatest initiatives to have been introduced in the club. John and Bronagh weren’t able to attend the evening, so their award was accepted on their behalf by the All Star Coaches in attendance.
The Agnes Hannon award for “Going the Extra Mile” was awarded to Sinead Walsh for her contributions to the club, from organising last year’s Gala Ball, our annual funday, working in the club shop, cleaning the clubrooms and again organising this year’s Dinner Dance.
Onto the playing awards, first up was the Reserve Player of the Year 2023, Jonny Harbinson. (Accepted on his behalf by Kieran Hamill) The Tallon Cup – Senior Players Player of the Year 2023 was awarded to Jonny Hannon, voted by the Senior Players, Jonny came up with some big scores and performances throughout the season. The Paddy Barnes Senior Player of the Year trophy was awarded to Paudy Gowdy for his top performances during the season.
Senior Manager Pete McGrath spoke about his experience to date in Aghagallon, the talent that he has seen within the clubs underage ranks, the progress of the senior team and his aspirations with the Club in 2024. Chairperson Columb Walsh spoke about 2023 and how we as a club are continuing to grow and develop and how the support of all our members is needed to develop the facilities St Mary’s Aghagallon need to cater for our increasing membership and generations to follow.
He encouraged everyone to consider joining Cairde Achadh Galláin to help build the financial foundation for future development. He acknowledged the continuing support of Hannon Transport to the club and how important that support was to St. Mary’s. Columb made special presentations to Sinead Walsh for organising the Annual dinner and to Teresa Hannon in recognition of the support she gave to the Senior panel during the year.
Bert Trowlen’s work throughout the year was acknowledged, particularly promoting the GAA for All and for being with us on the night. The staff at Edenmore Golf & Country Club are thanked for their hospitality during the evening. Everyone in St Mary’s Aghagallon GAC will look forward to a successful 20
