A memorable night of celebration for Longford Community Games

Longford Community Games celebrated in style in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Saturday March, 2 as almost three hundred people from across the county attended a gala event to recognise volunteers and offer congratulations to the children who captured Gold Medals at National Community Games since the return to Community Games post Covid.

A lot of work went into organising the return of this awards event, but it was agreed by all, that the rewards were definitely reaped through the wonderful celebrations that were shared by the children, young people and adults alike. Thanks very much to Shirley, Susie and Joseph for their work in organising the awards.

Thirteen adults received special Adult Area Volunteer Awards in appreciation for the hard work and dedication they put into their area and affording all children the opportunity to take part in Community Games.

Longford Community Games Chairperson Joseph Fox conveyed to the guests his pride in Longford’s participation at Community Games and outlined how Longford was the strongest county for participation per head of population.

PICTURES | Longford Community Games recognises dedication of volunteers at gala awards

Mr Fox reminded the guests that this was all down to team work and how the dedication and efforts from all the areas and the county committee were coming to fruition.

Mr Fox thanked the many guests in attendance, including Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Colm Murray, Deputy Joe Flaherty and Senator Micheál Carrigy, and all of the councillors who attended on the night. Mr Fox paid special mention to outgoing councillor Gerry Warnock and thanked Cllr Warnock for his support to Longford Community Games over the years and wished him well for the future.

It has to be said that one of the highlights of the night was the attendance of a very special guest, the former president Patsy Kenny who joined us for the celebration of the young children’s achievements.

Special mention must also go to Edward McGoey and the Rustic Inn staff who served up a delicious meal on the night and were professional and courteous at all times and great credit must also go to Connie and Paddy who provided lively entertainment on the night.

The final highlight of the night was the announcement of the overall awards.

A special achievement award was awarded to Tadhg Fitzgerald, Ballymahon/Forgney Community Games for his outstanding achievement at Community Games by winning a National Gold Medal three years in succession, a record that has yet to be beaten.

The McDonald Cup for the most national medals won in 2023 was awarded to Ballymahon/Forgney Community Games.

The overall Adult Volunteer Award was awarded to Karen Hough, Killoe Community Games.

The overall Small Area Award was awarded to Newtowncashel Community Games.

The overall Large Area Award was awarded to Clonguish Community Games.

And last but not least, the North Leinster Cup was presented to a very delighted Mark Leonard who celebrated into the night along with his fellow volunteer Pat Horkan, who was awarded a very special recognition plaque for his contribution to Community Games at local, county, regional and national level.

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Pat was a key figure in helping County Chairperson Joseph Fox secure the upcoming National Indoor Soccer Finals which will be held in Kenagh Community Centre on May 25. Congratulations to all involved.

A sincere thank you also, from all at Longford Community Games to Alan Walsh and the Team at Longford Leader Live who always celebrate the great achievements of the children who participate in Community Games.

The awards were as follows:-

2021 GOLD MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Aisling Scanlon (U16 50m Backstroke)
Keela Flanagan (U14 Girls 50m Freestyle)
Senan McWeeney (U14 50m Boys Butterfly)
Julia Warchol (U14 50m Girls Breaststroke)
Michael McCann (U10 Modelmaking)
Tadhg Fitzgerald (U12 Modelmaking)

2022 GOLD MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
U12 Mixed Distance Relay Team
John Fitzpatrick
El Nathan Okoh
Setanta Smith
Timothy Sheridan

U12 Girls Gaelic Team
Taylyn Hoban
Madison Mulrennan
Sophia Carey
Cara Dorr
Aoibhe Sudderland
Alisha Manning
Sarah Connelly
Cait Dolan
Erin O'Malley
Emily McVeigh
Isobel Gacquin
Sophie McKeon
Caoimhe Madden
Aoibhe Barden
Holly Brady
Georgia Brady

Rionagh McCormack (U16 Girls 50m Breaststroke)
Ashley Weafer (U14 Boys 50m Freestyle)
Tadhg Fitzgerald (U12 Boys Modelmaking)
Michael McCann (U10 Boys Modelmaking)
Grace Kiernan (U10 Girls Modelmaking)
Niamh Lawlor (U14 Girls Modelmaking)
Joe Rooney (U8 Boys 80m race)
Emma Brennan (U14 800m race)

2023 GOLD MEDAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
U16 Draughts Team
Jack McGee
Riain O'Hanlon
Conor Molloy
Conor Burke
Ronan Molloy
Caolán O'Hanlon

Darragh Flanagan (U14 Boys 50m Swimming)
Senan McWeeney (U16 Boys 50m Swimming)
Niamh Lawlor (U16 Girls Modelmaking)
Tadhg Fitzgerald (U14 Boys Modelmaking)

U13 Boys indoor Soccer Team
Oisín Kiernan
Darragh Murphy
Donncha Mc Keon
Fionn Mc Cormack Crowe
Cian Lawlor
James Hilton
Ryan Connolly

Also read: Longford to forefront as Cairn Community Games to benefit from €3 million investment

ADULT VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Ballymahon/Forgney – Edel Bracken
Carrickedmond – Edel Flanagan
Clonbroney – Isla Duffy
Clonguish – Jennifer Manning
Colmcille – Christine Collins
Drumlish/Ballinamuck – Grainne McNamee
Edgeworthstown – Bridie Halpin
Granard – Gerard Egan
Kenagh – Declan Donohoe
Killoe – Karen Hough
Legan/Ballycloughan – Annmarie Donoghue
Longford South – Mairead Reilly
Newtowncashel – Linda Ferguson

YOUTH VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Granard – Zara Drake
Kenagh – Neasa Donohoe
Killoe – Rebecca Moorehand
Legan/Ballycloughan - Alana Coughlan
Longford South – Caitlin Bannister