THE EAST Limerick GAA awards celebrated 21 years of honouring men and women who keep the heart of the Gaelic Games beating strong in east Limerick. From the inception of the Old Time Gaels of East Limerick in 2003, the committee’s focus has been on those who work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, in roles that are vital but unheralded. These include administrators, fundraisers, field caretakers, referees, and countless other thankless tasks until now. The 2024 recipients received their awards at a ceremony in the Millennium Centre, Caherconlish at the end of December. Matt O’Callaghan, himself an previous award recipient, was the MC on the night. Posthumous awards for Niamh Berkery, Cappamore GAA and Emma McGuire, St Ailbes LGFA were accepted by family members. Sharlene Mawdsley, Sarah Lavin, Róisín Ní Ríain and Tiarnan O’Donnell received Sporting Excellence Awards for their success in the Olympics and Paralympics respectively. Outstanding Contribution to Community Initiatives Award went to St Ailbes Credit Union. Outstanding Achievement Award recognised Val Murnane, Pat Donnelly, Declan Nash, Michael Weekes, of the 1984 All-Ireland winning Limerick minor hurling team. Hall Of Fame Award deservedly went to Vera (Mackey) Mulcahy, Ahane and Limerick Camogie. The Special Achievement Award was shared by St Ailbes LGFA and the Doon senior hurling team. Donal Anderson, Doon GAA, was chosen for the Tom O’Brien Personality Award while the Special Recognition Award went to Liam Cronin, Cappamore GAA. A member of every club in the east is also honoured every year: Ahane, Eamonn Meskell; Ballybricken-Bohermore, Kevin Ryan; Caherline-Caherconlish, Pat McCarthy; Cappamore, Liam O’Brien; Doon, John Cummins; Fedamore, Pat O’Callaghan; Kilteely-Dromkeen, Paddy Hartnett; Knockane, Mick O’Connell; Murroe-Boher, Ignatius Walsh; Oola, Pius O’Grady; Pallasgreen, John Gammell and South Liberties, John Ryan. The Old Time Gaels of East Limerick was founded in 2003 by a committee led by chairman Eddie
PICTURE: GAA awards shine a spotlight on those working in the background in Limerick
