MAYOBRIDGE NOTES
Former Down County Chairman, Sean Rooney got quite a shock on Saturday evening when he ventured into a packed Mayobridge Social Club because unknown to him the club had organised a special tribute night in recognition of his contribution over the years not just to Mayobridge but to the County. Fear an ti for the evening was new Down County Chairman John Devaney and other guests included members of the County Board, South Down Board and Ulster GAA secretary Brian McEvoy. Mr. Devaney highlighted Sean’s playing achievements including the fact that he along with another handful of Mayobridge players hold a unique record as they possess winners medals in all four divisions of Down football. When Sean decided to hang up the boot’s he turned his talents to coaching the underage players and in 1998 was joint manager of the U-16 team that won the County championship.
Sean became Chairman of the club in 1999. As a player he had lost several times in the semi-final of the Down senior championship so he was delighted to have the honour of being Chairman when the ‘Bridge won the Senior Championship in 1999, the first time in 80 years that the Frank O’Hare Cup had returned to the village of its birthplace.
Sean then went on to serve on the South Down Board and then in 2014 he took over the role of Down County Chairman from Seamus Walsh and during his five years tenure he has served his county with pride and proved to be an outstanding Chairman which earned him fulsome praise both within and without the county. Sean has been at the forefront of the potential development of an ambitious new centre of excellence at Ballykinlar. The plans for which include four full size pitches, spectator seating, a multi-use games area, car parking, changing rooms and offices.
Despite his many tasks as County Chairman Mr Devaney stated that Seanremained a dedicated Bridge man, helping out in any way he could, quietly doing various jobs around the club and always on hand with sound advice from his long experience in administrative work. He never looked for or sought reward for his work, the epitome of a true clubman.
At the conclusion of the evening, Gerard Keenan, Vice Chairperson presented Sean with a framed photograph as Down Chairman and a gift on behalf of the Committee. Thomas O’Hare Club Secretary and Gerard Keenan also presented Mairead, Sean’s wife with a bouquet of flowers and after a lovely supper buffet a celebratory cake was presented to Sean. Finally the club extended best wishes and safe journey to Sean on his forthcoming trip to Australia in the New Year to visit his son Niall.
Sean Rooney and his wife Mairead with Gerard Keenan (Vice-Chairman) and Thomas O’Hare (Secretary)
The club would like to extend thanks to all who helped to make this a memorable night, the organising committee, the special guests, Mayobridgeplayers past and present, the ladies who helped with the catering, anyone else who helped in any way and finally a big thank you to new Down County Chairman John Devaney who proved to be an outstanding compere.
A huge Congratulations to our Ceili Dancers who are now through to the Ulster Scór na nÓg Final after winning their semi-final in Banbridge on Saturday
The Annual “King of the Board” darts competition will be held in the Social Club on Saturday 28th December at 4.00.pm.
Mayobridge GAC would like to wish all its players, members, supporters and sponsors, a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
Lotto numbers for Monday 16th December were: 2, 6, 7, 18. No jackpot winner. There were nine match three winners, Gary Toner X 2 (Klubfunder), John Morgan (House Draw), Liam Williams (House Draw), Philip Boyle (House Draw), Louise Doyle (O’Hare’s Eurospar), Sparky McClorey (Gary O’Hare), Romy Burden (Veronica Kennedy), Paul Magone (Kate Cunningham), Brendan Grant (Seamus Grant). Jackpot now £10.200.
Promoters Draw Winner: Mayobridge Pharmacy.
