The Annual Social of Mullagh GAA Club took place on recently in The Lough Rea Hotel, Loughrea.
 
The occasion was well attended with the club delighted to have in attendance the newly elected Chairman of the Galway hurling board Joe Byrne. Fr Mannion CC of Killoran said prayers before and after meals.
 
Tony Raftery newly elected Chairman of the Mullagh GAA Club welcomed everyone to the club's 42nd Annual Social and thanked the staff of the Lough Rea hotel and Shaughnessy family for their hospitality. He spoke firstly about his predecessor Joe Cahalan who had stepped down as Chairman of the club at the recent AGM after 10 years of service in the role. Joe he said served in a very dedicated fashion and oversaw many great changes at the club.
 
He paid tribute to all of those who gave their voluntary time and effort to the club during the year. He especially mentioned senior manager Padraig Donohue and selectors Francis Keane, Eamonn Larkin, Tommie Coen and Pete Finnerty for their enormous effort in 2009 bringing the Senior team from the relegation battles in 2008 to a County Semi Final in 2009.  It was a wonderful achievement he said. He thanked the officers, committee, lotto committee, all managers and trainers of all teams for their commitment during the year. He thanked the Galway Rural Development employed at Mullagh Beg ensuring the grounds and facilities remain well kept. He thanked the clubs sponsors Bernard & Jackie Whyte, Dessie O'Brien and all sponsors who support the club and continue to support the club so generously.
 
He said the evening could not go by without mentioning the fact that the club secretary Francis Keane was not present due to the recent death of his father Tommy. Tommy Keane he said was Vice President of the club for many years and his passing is a great loss to the club and community alike. The Mullagh GAA Club and the aforementioned Galway Rural Development were just two of the many organisations Tommy devoted himself to. He was a unique man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
 
He called on County hurling board Chairman Joe Byrne to say a few words. Joe thanked the club for their kind invitation for the evening. He spoke of the sense of community spirit and togetherness that is evident in Mullagh. He complemented the club on their facilities, pitches and lighting and thanked the club for providing their facilities to County teams.
 
He spoke about the input of the club's County Board Delegate Davey Glennon and the invaluable work of Stevie Cahalan as the County Hurling Board Vice Chairman for the third year running. He especially mentioned Francis Keane's great work as a dedicated club secretary of the club. He wished the club all the best in 2010 especially the Senior team and wished everyone an enjoyable evening.
 
He then presented trophies to the following players who represented the club at County level during the year:
 
Intermediate: Donal Reilly and Alan Whyte
Senior:  Eric Ward
Awards in recognition of Davey Glennon's part in the County Minor All Ireland and also in recognition of his Man of the Match display on the day of the All Ireland Minor Final in Croke Park were presented to Davey's father Davey Snr.
 
Trophies were presented to those hurlers who excelled for the club during 2009:
 
• Presentation of Young Hurler of the Year was made to Stephen Kelly sponsored by Bernard and Jackie Whyte • Presentation of the Aidan Kearns Cup to U-21 Hurler of the Year for 2009 was made to Cathal Hardiman by Stevie Cahalan • Club Person of the Year for 2009 was a unanimous decision and was given to Francis Keane. Michael Treacy accepted the Attie Daly Cup on Francis' behalf from Noel Daly. •
 Johnny Rafferty was chosen as Senior Hurler of the Year for 2009 and that award is sponsored by Dessie O'Brien. There was a standing ovation when Joe Cahalan was presented with a glass piece to mark his 10 years as Chairman and an involvement in the Mullagh GAA Club which spanned 47 years.
 
DJ Phelim Shaughnessy provided entertainment and a very enjoyable night was had by all.
 
The club wishes to extent Deepest Sympathy to the Keane family on the death of Tommy Keane (Corballymor) deeply regretted by his beloved wife and best friend Caroline, and devoted children Francis, Catherine, Brendan and Anthony. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.
 
Lotto
Results Sunday 28th February: Numbers Drawn 8,21,22, and 23
No Match 3   but there were 5 Lucky Dips: Padraig Donohue, Noel Corcoran, Brendan Flynn Patricia Manning and Eugene Duffy
Sellers Prize:  Pat Kennedy
The Lorro will take place Sunday 7th March next in The Spinning Wheel with a Jackpot of €8,100
Lotto available from Committee Members or Bernard & Jackie Whytes Shop Mullagh. Tweet

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