Two County Roscommon residents are to receive special GAA Awards for their services to Gaelic Games at the Gradaim an Uachtaráin Banquet in Croke Park this evening.
Liam Bracken will receive an award for his dedication to Kilbride GAA Club and Vincent Brennan will receive an Award for his dedication to Handball and particularly that of Ballaghaderreen Handball Club.
The awards, organised with the support of club championship sponsors AIB and broadcast by TG4 are staged annually by the GAA and provide the GAA President with an opportunity to acknowledge outstanding commitment and long service across the club, and county network from people whose highly valued contribution may not be recognised on the national stage.
The awards are made on a province and code basis and there are also Gaeilge and International Awards in addition to the presentation of the Annual Dermot Earley Family Award.
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail, who will present the awards at tonight’s event, said: “I’m delighted to present these awards this evening to incredible members of the GAA, members whose tireless dedication and commitment help make the GAA what it is, the length and breadth of the country and indeed around the world.
“A club family as wide and diverse as ours would not be possible without the enthusiasm of so many people who take great pride and satisfaction in being involved in what is a movement of like-minded people.
“Tonight’s recipients serve as an example to the legions of volunteer members who power the GAA. These people follow in the footsteps of those who did this before them and who influence the generation that will come after them. I laud each and every one of them.
“I would like to acknowledge AIB and Denis O’Callaghan, Head of Branch Banking AIB, for their ongoing support of these awards.
“Their involvement this evening is another tangible example of their support of both our club and county activity and this relationship will be the fore in the coming weeks and months with our club and inter-county championships commanding our attention.
“Míle buíochas also to TG4 and to Pól Ó Gallchóir for their assistance in helping us to bring these awards to the widest audience possible.”
The Awards will be shown live on TG4 this evening at 7:30pm.