This article is from page 104 of the 2009-12-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 104 JPG
GAA 125 year. What better way to celebrate Michael Cusack, who founded the GAA back in 1884 than by bringing an All-Ireland title to his home county.
It’s why this was a lavish affair from the moment a Tulla piper led captain Ciaran O’Doherty into the Liam McCarthy Suite with Munster and All-Ireland trophies in hand.
“It’s an honour to be here tonight in your company representing the views of the people of Clare. I salute you all and your marvellous achievement,’
said county board chairman, Michael O’Neill by way of introduction.
Others had plenty to say too, like broadcasting legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh, who also had a year to remember when clocking up 60 years commentating for RTE.
“I was passing through Ennis and decided to spend the night in the West County Hotel,’ O Muirc- heartaigh revealed. “I thought it was a big wedding but then when I saw my good friend Pat O’Donnell I re- alised something special was taking place. Before I knew it he had a ticket out of his pocket and I accepted his
invitation gratefully. ;
“We all need each other,’ added O Muircheartaigh. “The players need WM aLomnar-Nercbexesee (ole LMmNeloaTmoLeOMNeloMeCOlelete ty board. John Minogue spoke of the players from the year before carrying the hurleys this year — everyone com- ing together and working together. Everyone rallied together and that brought success.”
“In the early ‘90s apparently the county board got in touch with Pope John Paul IT saying they wanted to get rid of me and they were very success- ful,” said Bishop Willie Walsh when presenting the medals. “It worked
because Clare won the All-Ireland the following year,” he joked. “Compliments have to be paid to the whole team here tonight. The panel, the backroom team everyone was magnificent. In Thurles we saw an exhibition by these extraordinary hurlers. Galway hit back with goals but we showed great heart like no other team would have,” he added. “On behalf of the players I would like to thank the great men behind me, without them we would certainly not be here. They are John Minogue, Cyril Lyons, Sean O’Halloran and Alan Dunne,” said team captain Ci-
aran O’Doherty.
“T would like to thank ye all for coming to all the games during the year. The events at the homecoming in Ennis after the all Ireland really capped it all off,’ added O’Doherty.