Cumann Pheadair Naofa Warrenpoint held its Annual Reunion at The Whistledown Hotel on Saturday 27 February 2016. A large gathering of Cumann Pheadair Naofa members and friends came together to celebrate a great year for the club.
Fear-a- Tí for the evening was the very capable and articulate Rónán McMahon, who welcomed guest speaker Ross Carr and stated that Cumann Pheadair Naofa were honoured to have the past double All Ireland winner at the Annual Cumann Pheadair Naofa Reunion. He also welcomed Down County Assistant Secretary Jarlath Tinnelly.
Patrons at the Annual Reunion were particularly delighted to welcome and salute the players and management of the U-21 and Reserve Football teams who were special guests at the reunion. The U-21 team, captained by Miceal O’Hare, who captured the County Championship B received the cup and medals from Down County Assistant Secretary Jarlath Tinnelly. Jarlath also presented reserve captain Stephen Monaghan with the All County Reserve League cup, a great achievement for the reserve footballers.
In an inspirational speech, GAA great Ross Carr from the Clonduff club thanked the club for their invite and began praised Cumann Pheadair Naofa for their hard work throughout the previous year, also stating that football, especially had come a long way in Warrenpoint and that in past years, wearing the Warrenpoint jersey and taking to the field was a hard task. Ross spoke fondly of his memories of growing up and spending time in Warrenpoint and off the GAA friends he had made. Ross spoke specifically to the young players in the club and told them of the proudest day of his footballing career which was when he was called up to play for Clonduff Seniors. Ross reminded the young players of the need for continued dedication, commitment and hard work all year round. Addressing the players from all codes, he highlighted their unique contribution to the Club and the enjoyment they bring to Club members and supporters week in and week out when they represent the Club in the blue and white jersey.
In a wide ranging and comprehensive address, Club Chairman Eugene Gallagher stated that he was honoured to be appointed chairman of his much loved club and they we can look back on the past twelve months with much pride, as we continue on our forward journey, of having fun and operating as TEAM Cumann Pheadair Naofa, Warrenpoint, at the heart of the local community for whole of family, for the whole of life.
Eugene spoke passionately about all sections of club and also touched on aspects of the clun which still require development. Eugene highlighted the great Club Maith success and thanked outgoing Chairman Feargal McCormack for his work on this area. Eugene continued by highlighting our core mission statement for the club and, “The emphasis being on volunteerism, community participation, games development and people development.” He appealed for people to continue to get involved in the club, that there was a role for everyone. Eugene paid special recognition to Ruairi McCormack who has represented the club in the All Ireland Scón na nÓg final.
Eugene thanked the main club sponsor, The Whistledown Hotel for their cooperation and assistance in the preparation of the Annual Reunion and expressed gratitude to Social Committee chairperson, Aisling McGivern and her team for their coordination of the Annual Reunion.
An excellent souvenir programme for the event was edited and produced by Mícheál Moore which illustrated in words and photographs the breadth of activities organised by Cumann Pheadair Naofa over the past 12 months and highlighting the successes both on and off the field.
Daniel Bird was a very popular recipient of the Chairman’s Club Person of the Year Award for his outstanding contribution to the Club with particular reference to his dedicated role on both the senior and football and his sterling commitment to the development of underage football.
Club Treasurer Donal McCormack received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to Cumann Pheadair Naofa for many years as a past Chairman, Secretary and now treasurer as well as his roles on County Committee. Eugene described Donal as a long serving committee member and a volunteer of exceptional commitment to Cumann Pheadair Naofa.
Special Recognition Awards were made to Club officers whose voluntary work made a unique difference to the delivery of Club activities.
- Seamus Homer Murphy was a deserving recipient of a Special Recognition Award for his development of the Social Initiative Committee and his organisation of the numerous trips for members.
- Francie Mackin was a deserving recipient of a Special recognition Award for his years of dedication to fundraising through the lotto
Following a very successful year in maintaining division 1, last year’s minor and U21 player of the year Cormac McCartan picked up the Senior Footballer of the Year Award and was also the popular recipient of the Senior Football Players’ Player of the Year Award. Cumann Pheadair Naofa reserve captain, Stephen Monaghan was the deserving recipient of the Reserve Football Player of the Year Award. Aaron Magee was also awarded the U21 player of the Year award following an excellent season playing at both U21 and Senior level.
The Senior Hurling Player of the Year was James O’Hare and club stalwart Conor Keenan was honoured as Senior Hurling Players’ Player of the Year.
It was a momentous evening for Paddy Murdock who won The Patrick Dinsmore Minor Footballer of the Year Award and was also awarded with a special recognition award following his Ulster Colleges All Star with The Abbey CBS. James McParland was the worthy recipient of the Hurling Minor Player of the Year,
