PICTURES: East Limerick Gaels awards celebrate GAA stars on and off the pitch

IT’S the first East Limerick Gaels awards following the passing of its founder, Cllr Eddie Wade.

His idea was to honour men and women to acknowledge the lifelong, voluntary, and dedicated service given by Gaels in the East Limerick Division who have contributed so much to the GAA in countless capacities — often quietly, faithfully, and without seeking recognition. 

The late Cllr Wade formed the Old Time Gaels of East Limerick in 2003 to celebrate these volunteers while they were alive and not pay tribute after they passed. The South Liberties clubman was joined on this journey 23 years ago by Ger O’Connell, secretary (Pallasgreen), Seamus Walsh (Ahane), Tom O’Brien (Doon), Tony Hickey (Murroe/Boher), Michael Clarke (Cappamore), and John Cooney (South Liberties). 

Early in 2024, the East Board and the Old Time Gaels came together to amalgamate their respective awards nights,  combining efforts to further enhance this special occasion. 

Mr O’Connell said it was a poignant night in the Millennium Centre in Caherconlish on January 2 last as it is was the first presentation night since Cllr Wade’s passing on February 15, 2025. 

“Eddie was one of life’s great characters - GAA man, TD, councillor but a man who was a champion for the underdog. He never missed an All-Ireland final in both hurling and football in 60 years. 

“His legacy will live on in the annals of East and Limerick GAA,” said Mr O’Connell. A special tribute was afforded to Cllr Wade with a video of images of his life played to the sound of Frank Sinatra’s I Did it My Way. 

Cllr Wade’s two sisters Rita Higgins and Breda Flood were given a special memento, along with his two friends John Cooney and Seamus Walsh. 

Following the awards, East Board Limerick GAA received a special video, shot in Croke Park, from GAA President Jarlath Burns on the  awards and what they mean to the recipients. He also paid tribute to Eddie Wade's contributions. 

Mr O’Connell meanwhile, said the awards recognise with gratitude and pride those who have played vital roles, whether in administration, fundraising, field maintenance, refereeing, or on the field of play.

“They are all united by a shared love for our games and our community,” said Mr O’Connell. 

A member of each of the thirteen clubs in the division were honoured - Sean Óg Herbert, Ahane; Bernard Greene, Ballybricken-Bohermore; Pat Fitzgerald, Caherline-Caherconlish; Liam Creamer, Cappamore; Gerdie McGrath, Doon; John Dineen, Fedamore; Larry O’Grady, Kilteely-Dromkeen; Michael Quirke, Knockane; Jim Lynch,  Murroe-Boher; Ann -Marie O’Brien, Oola; Breda McGuinness, Pallasgreen and Dermot Kelly, South Liberties.

Other accolades presented were the Referees Award, in memory of the late and great Jimmy Butler Coffey (Cappamore), to Gerry McNamara, Kilteely- Dromkeen. 

The Tom O’Brien Personality Award to Kathleen O’Dwyer (Cappamore) for her lifelong commitment to her club and to the GAA.

A posthumous award was presented in memory of the late Dave Fitzpatrick, South Liberties, who sadly left this world much too soon, but left an outstanding legacy to his club and community. 

A special recognition award was given to Josh Ryan of Oola for his prowess on the football field with both his club Oola, and Limerick, winning Division 4 football league title and narrow runners-up to Kildare in the Tailteann Cup final.

The Eddie Wade Hall of Fame Award, in memory of their founder, was presented to Mary Fitzgerald, of the Woodlands House Hotel, for her extraordinary support of the GAA in Limerick and beyond. Despite her well-known links to Adare she is a proud Ballybricken-Bohermore woman.

“We congratulate all the recipients, their families, club representatives, guests, and express our deep gratitude to the Millennium Centre staff for their continued hospitality and excellent service. 

“Our sincere thanks also go to our main sponsor, St Ailbe’s Credit Union, for their loyal support, and to Matt O’Callaghan, our MC, for the evening, whose knowledge and enthusiasm for the GAA is unmatched,” said Mr O’Connell, who paid a special thank you to Marie Therese Tierney for her wonderful and angelic voice. 

The singer opened and closed proceedings on a wonderful night where the great clubs of East Limerick came together as one.

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