Bonner wows sports audience in Tullamore

 07 Dec 2018

Republic of Ireland legend Packie Bonner was the guest of honour at a recent sports volunteer evening hosted by Offaly Sports Partnership.

In his keynote address he wowed the 100+ audience with stories of his sporting journey and all the people who played a significant role along the way. He spoke of the various volunteers from different sporting backgrounds who were being recognised on the night and their wonderful contribution to sport in Offaly. He likened them to influential people who had a positive impact on his sporting life and life in general. 

Dr Una May from Sport Ireland also spoke on the night. She spoke about the importance of grassroots sports and her own family involvement in sport. She also expressed her own personal experiences including when she played sport herself and her experiences through her work with Sport Ireland. These included the ugly side of sport with her work on anti-doping and the positive side talking about the promotion of participation in sport.

The night was organised to showcase and promote sport in the County and also along with the help of national governing bodies and sports club in the County recognise the invaluable contributions of volunteers from different sporting backgrounds around the County. 

There were twelve recipients of recognition awards on the night which were nominated by their National Governing Body: -

•    Athletics – Mick Gillespie
•    Badminton – Judy Bryant
•    Camogie – Carmel Carroll
•    Canoeing – Frankie Cunningham
•    Community Games – Mona O’ Reilly
•    Cycling – Seamus Buckley
•    Gaa – Pat Teehan
•    Hockey – Catherine Longworth
•    Rugby – Dave Wilkie
•    Rowing – Ciaran Brady
•    Pitch and Putt – Joe McGrath
•    Soccer – Chris Hand
•    Special Recognition Award – Donal Conway 

Following the presentation of recognition awards Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council Cllr Danny Owens made a special presentation to Tullamore native Donal Conway to recognise his achievement in being appointed President of the FAI.

ENDS
Note to Editor: If you have any queries feel free to contact Offaly Sports Partnerships at sports@offalycoco.ie or 057 93 57463.

Agree