Limerick recipients dancing on air at mayoral honour
THE COUNCIL chamber was as packed to capacity as Croke Park on All-Ireland final day for a mayoral reception honouring Ger O’Connell, Pauline Hynan and Hospital-Herbertstown GAA Club.
Mayor Gerald Mitchell said it was a privilege to celebrate Ger, Pauline and the members of the double-winning GAA teams as they are central to their communities and help keep communities together.
Hospital-Herbertstown GAA Club was acknowledged as it is the 40th anniversary of their county junior hurling and football titles in 1983.
Pauline was recognised for her lifetime spent fostering and sharing a love and knowledge of dance, in particular, her voluntary contribution to Scór and the many successes she has enjoyed with Cappamore GAA and Camogie Club.
Ger received one of the highest honours the mayor can bestow in recognition and appreciation of his voluntary contribution to Pallasgreen GAA Club and his tremendous contribution as kit man to the all-conquering Limerick senior hurling team.
Mayor Mitchell recalled there was a record attendance of 3,600 at the junior hurling final between Hospital-Herbertstown and Ardagh in 1983. He said Pauline is an extraordinary individual, a beacon of talent, passion and dedication to her community.
Turning to Ger, Mayor Mitchell said one often wonders, looking at Limerick winning All-Ireland after All-Ireland - how does it all work?
“The players perform on the field - we can all see that - but what about the background. I'm reliably informed that there is one man who keeps it all glued together.
“Indeed, he has kept the show on the road for 17 years. That man is Ger O'Connell,” said Mayor Mitchell, who added that he is “one of our own” as he is a council employee.
Pauline, Ger and Liam Garvey, on behalf of Hospital-Herbertstown GAA, all gave moving speeches at their appreciation of the accolade.
Ger turned the tables on the mayor as he presented him with his own personal commemorative Limerick GAA style licence plate as he is not seeking re-election and Limerick completed the four-in-a-row during his term of office.