Na Fianna celebrate in style
- Mar 06,2012
Na Fianna Ladies Celebrate
Hugely Successful Year
Pat Quill, Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, Sean Mc Mullin, Iar-Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan Laigheann, invited guests, Na Fianna members and the Na Fianna Senior Ladies Gaelic Football players, managers, officials and supporters gathered in The Harcourt Hotel on Saturday 3rd March to celebrate a hugely successful year in 2011.
2011 will be remembered as the most successful year in the club's history with the Senior Ladies football team winning the Dublin Cup, League and Club Championship along with the Leinster Senior Club Championship. The team then went on to defeat a highly fancied Donoughmore from Cork in the semi-final before eventually losing out to Carnacon from Mayo in the Senior All Ireland Club Final.
The MC on the night was Eamonn O'Donnell, who is steeped in the club's history having managed the side when they won their previous title in 2009, and Eamonn ensured that the night ran very smoothly. Eamonn welcomed all guests on the night and they were treated to a very enjoyable meal before the presentation proceedings began. Des Doolan, Na Fianna Chairman, welcomed all guests in attendance and had a very special welcome for the guests of honour, the Ladies Senior Team.
Des Doolan said, "This has been a very proud year for the club. It is a year that will live long in the memories for all our members. It is fitting that we have such a large number of people turning out tonight to celebrate the achievements of the senior ladies. I would also like to thank all club members for the fantastic support they have shown to the ladies team and all teams throughout the year."
Des also thanked the teams sponsors, The Duke and DTwo, for supporting the ladies through what are hard times for all clubs and businesses alike.
Sean Mc Mullin also spoke briefly about the success of this team and this was followed by an encouraging speech by Pat Quill.
Pat Quill said, "This is a night that all players, their families, friends and all club members can be very proud of. It takes much hard work and dedication for a club to reach the pinnacle of Ladies Gaelic Football and the team achieved that this year.
"It is very disappointing to lose an All Ireland Final but when you look at the presentation table here full with medals and trophies you realise that it was a memorable year and it should encourage all players to want to go that step further next year to become All Ireland Champions."
Pat, Sean and Maureen then presented the medals to the panel and this was followed by a rousing speech from inspirational club member Senan Connell on the importance of the club and the pride involved before he announced Alma O'Donnell as the winner of the Player of The Year and the One to Watch Award went to Muireann O'Gorman. These were voted on by all players and management and the players involved were delighted to have been recognised by team mates.
Lorraine O'Sullivan, Captain, also spoke on the night and thanked everybody including the club, supporters, management and sponsors for making 2011 one to remember. Lorraine spoke about the pride they have wearing the Na Fianna Jersey and how they are now looking forward to this year.
Lorraine O'Sullivan said, "This team has worked tirelessly throughout the season and we have achieved more than we could have imagined this time last year but we are now hungry for more success and look forward to getting back to the playing pitch in the coming weeks.
"To have so many people here to help us celebrate tonight is amazing and we would like to thank everyone for their support not only tonight but throughout the year when we needed them most."
Lorraine and Vice Captain, Bernie Finlay made a presentation to the management team and also a special presentation was made to Colum Cronin from the club by the girls for the outstanding assistance and support he gave them throughout the year and it was a small token to show their appreciation.
All that was left for MC Eamonn was to thank all guests for attending, team sponsors, the Harcourt Hotel for a fabulous meal, GAApics.com for the photography, the organising committee and the souvenir programme sponsors who contributed on the night. All guest then partied into the night in the private function room to ensure it was a night that will stay with them forever.
