Keeping up the tradition once again, both teams and countless members of the club came together to celebrate their achievements on Friday, February 1st in The Dropping Well, which was this year’s venue for the Ranelagh Gaels’ Annual Awards Night.

Festivities kicked off at 7 PM with the attendees treated to a wonderful meal and an entertaining awards ceremony.

The men’s Team received their County Medals from proud President and Manager, Liam O’Hagan.

By this time, the attentive gathering of adult players, Juvenile coaches and parents were engrossed in the soundings of the aforementioned Mr. O’Hagan.

Five (possibly six) awards, honouring the achievement and commitment of volunteers and players from all sectors of the club, were given out on the night.

The deserving winners were:
Men’s player of the year – Dave Whelan
Women’s player of the year – Eimear O’Mahony
Boys coach of the year – Joe Davitt
Girls coach of the year – Paul Keane
Club person of the year – Lee Dillon
And last but by no means least, Injury of the year – Sean Reidy……. and his knee!

Juvenile Secretary Bríd Quigley and Secretary Louise Donohue

Dave and Eimear were the bookies (and crowds) favourites for the adult players’ awards going into the evening, and were commendable recipients of Player of the Year.

Joe (and his team of coaches) picked up Boys Team Coach of the Year for his ceaseless commitment and regular success with the Under 11 boys. Joe also plays with the men’s team, gives up his precious time to coach with The Academy and also has been instrumental in the clubs progression and development over the years. A worthy winner if ever there was one!

Paul picked up the Girls Team Coach of the Year. Paul’s tireless enthusiasm and perpetual popularity with the U14 girls’ team (and their parents) was befittingly rewarded on the night.

Trophies, awards and medals

Both Joe and Paul would have been laudable winners of Club Person of the Year, but this year Lee Dillon triumphed. Lee’s unflagging efforts ensure that the juvenile members of the club have the safest and secure environment and conditions in which to flourish. Lee will be missed when she steps down as Ranelagh Gaels Club Children’s Officer later this year.

A huge number of individual coaches and groups were nominated.
There were some lovely citations from parents and it’s clear from them that so many Academy members and juvenile players look forward to training and matches and leave with a bounce in their step, already anticipating the next day.

Men’s Player of the Year Dave Whelan

This is a testament to all of the coaches hard work and dedication and for that, we, as a club, are extremely fortunate and grateful.

Well done to all of the recipients of awards and everyone involved with the Club.

Guests enjoying the awards night

Guests at the awards nigh t

Junior 2 Football Championship medal

Brendan Madden accepting Boys Coach of the Year on behalf of Joe Davitt

Host Graham O’Toole with Club Secretary Louise Donohue