In Pictures: Definitely not blow-ins as Gaels of east Limerick are honoured

GAA volunteers who work quietly in the background got their moment in the limelight just before Christmas in recognition of their tireless contributions to their local clubs.

The Old Time Gaels of East Limerick was founded in 2003 to acknowledge Gaels in the division who have given lifelong, voluntary and dedicated service to the GAA in various capacities over the years.

Many worked in administration, fundraising, field maintenance, refereeing and endless other important chores. Others have excelled on the field of play and brought honour to their clubs, division and county.

Early last year the East Board and the Old Time Gaels of East Limerick came together to amalgamate the awards night and enhance the occasion. The Millennium Centre in Caherconlish hosted the first East Limerick Gaels event to celebrate dedicated volunteers in the East Division.

In Pictures: South Liberties GAA Club hosts successful road hurling event

It was newly-elected Limerick GAA chairman Seamus McNamara’s first official function and he brought along the Liam MacCarthy and Mick Mackey Cups to enhance the occasion even further.

It was an emotional and poignant one for some of the recipients and especially for Eddie Wade, a founding member, who is recovering from illness. A lovely tribute was relayed on the big screen by his good friend and outgoing county chairman John Cregan.

Among the presentations was the referees’ award in memory of the late and great Jimmy Butler Coffey, of Cappamore, which went to Philip Dee of Murroe-Boher. The talented and decorated Murroe -Boher and Limerick hurler Tony Hickey received the prestigious Tom O’Brien personality award, dedicated to the memory of the late Doon man.

A lifetime achievement award was presented to Pauline McCarthy of Ballybricken-Bohermore for her outstanding contribution to her club and county. Colin Ryan, of Pallasgreen, took home the outstanding achievement award for his exploits during 2021 winning the famed All-Ireland Poc Fada.

In Pictures: Out & About at the inaugural Dylan McCarthy Poc Fada

The main award of the night – the hall of fame award - went to the legendary Eddie Wade of South Liberties, a man who has done it all and is one of the GAA’s most colourful and well-known characters.

The deserved honour is in recognition of his long and dedicated service to the GAA not alone to his club South Liberties, East Limerick, Limerick but to the GAA in general.

The committee, chaired by Cappamore’s, Ger Lonergan, thanked main sponsor St Ailbe’s Credit Union and the Millennium Centre for hosting the event.