Kilbeggan Shamrocks dinner dance a resounding success
Last Saturday night’s Kilbeggan Shamrocks GAA dinner dance in the Tullamore Court Hotel was a resounding success. There was plenty of glitz and glamour on show on what was a fantastic night of celebration for Kilbeggan Shamrocks.
About 250 guests attended the event which commenced with a drinks’ reception. That was followed by a delicious three-course meal, the presentation of Westmeath JFC medals and music by The Lols and a disco to end the night. The event was hosted by the hilarious Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories fame.
In between, there was a brilliant performance by the club’s county Scór Sinsir Novelty Act champions; one of Rory O’Connor’s trademark sketches where his GAA know-it-all alter ego ‘Eugene’ indulged in a bit of light-hearted banter with some club players; and the presentation of Player of the Year awards.
There was also a special presentation to three championship centurions Mel Kiernan, Alan Fennell and Shaun Pidgeon, who have made a staggering 115, 140 and 149 appearances respectively over the last two decades. Speeches were given by club chairman Adrian Carroll, JFC-winning manager Niall O’Brien and Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall.
In his address, Adrian thanked everyone from players, management and club committee members to supporters and sponsors. He also announced that the club’s Mothers & Others team have been chosen to take part in a blitz in New York in October which comes on the back of them taking part in a national blitz in Dublin last year.
Niall O’Brien announced the winners of the Player of the Year accolades. The Player of the Year Award went to Conor Delaney who enjoyed a magnificent season and has been a massive addition to the club since joining from his native Stradbally in 2019. There was a lovely photo taken afterwards of Conor with Westmeath County Council chairperson Liam McDaniel, the club’s first-ever Player of the Year Award recipient way back in 1976.
Martin Ward scooped the Most Improved Player of the Year Award, while the Young Player of the Year winner was goalkeeper Joey O’Neill. All in all, it was a marvellous occasion enjoyed by all.
*See this week's Westmeath Independent for more photos.