The O’Donovan Rossa CLG members were out in force on Friday evening for a glittering night of celebration in the Balmoral Hotel in Belfast.
The event was primarily organised to celebrate the Rossa Camogie Club’s 40th Anniversary with past and present players, mentors, families and friends coming together for a night of nostalgia, toasting the successes of the club since formation in 1985. The club was formerly known as the St Teresa’s Camogie Club but amalgamated with O’Donovan Rossa CLG and started on a new path which would eventually lead to All Ireland successes.
The evening was also an opportunity for Rossa to acknowledge the Hurlers winning the Division 1 League earlier in the season and to applaud the success of the Rossa Footballers on winning the South Antrim McDermott Cup Final.
Another highlight of the evening was recognising the success of the Rossa Ladies Gaelic Footballers who had a very successful season, lifting both the County Antrim Junior League and Championship and narrowly missing out on an Ulster Junior Club Championship title in a very closely contested final in Claudy.
Trophies for all winning teams were on display for team photographs.
Keynote speaker of the night was All Star Camogie Legend, Jane Adams. Jane spoke emotionally of her playing career with Rossa, the lifelong friends she has made and how she and her family continue to support her fellow camogs. Jane paid a moving tribute to her mother Bernie Adams who died earlier this year. One of life’s larger then life characters with a heart of gold and a love for her family and Rossa.
Jane offered words of encouragement to the young Gaels of Rossa, whatever their chosen sport within the club. Hard work, training, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, forming lifelong friendships would all enrich their sporting experience. Jane received a well deserved round of applause from the audience who rose to their feet for a standing ovation. It was a truly inspiring keynote speech from Jane, a much admired and acclaimed camog and respected Rossa club member.
A Special Recognition Award for Lifetime Service to Camogie, was presented to one of Rossa’s longest serving players, coach and all round hard working volunteer. A standing ovation and resounding round of applause was given to Margaret Armstrong. A very worthy recipient. The Armstrong family is renowned within the Rossa club and were proud of Margaret’s special recognition.
The organisers also acknowledged the Humans of Camogie Award received by committee member and volunteer Margaret Flynn in a ceremony at Croke Park earlier this year. Jane Adams presented a framed picture of Margaret receiving the award at a special ceremony to acknowledge the work of club volunteers throughout the country
The evening continued with music and dancing with everyone joining in the celebrations and giving appreciation to the organising group and the management and staff of the hotel for a great night out.
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