Carmen Gaels reflect back on a successful twelve months

First order of business was to pay tribute to two club men who were part of Tyrone’s historic All Ireland win. Jonathan and Cormac Monroe brought both their family and their club name to Croke Park on All Ireland Day. A presentation made to them by Club Chairman, Padraig McCallan was a token of the clubs’ appreciation for their achievement.

Next on the agenda was the delayed Minor Championship of 2020. Having been interrupted by the global pandemic this group of lads were forced to wait until 2021 to complete their League and Championship double. It was worth the wait with victory only secured in the Championship Final after extra time and penalties against Omagh at Clanabogan Park. With most supporters forced by restrictions to watch online it was an extremely tense affair but in the end the Kevin Mc Cartan Cup returned to its native parish amidst a wave of emotion on the Drumragh pitch.

The same panel of players was not finished with 2021 just yet and progressed seamlessly into U19 managing to win the League Knock Out competition at this level.

The Minor ladies matched and outdone the achievements of the boys in 2021. Not only did they capture the League and Championship double but went on to win the Ulster Minor Club Championship to cap of a truly historic year for themselves, their families and the club. The heartfelt scenes at Trillick following the final whistle will remain long in the memories of all in attendance.

Moving up the ranks, to Senior level, the ladies ended an eight-year drought in championship success by recapturing the Jarlath Kerr Cup for the first time since 2013. With two proud records hanging in the balance the teaam managed to both retain the club position at the top of the Senior Championship roll of honour and keep its six-in-a-row record intact after victory over St Macartans at Galbally.

The captain of this panel, Eimear Mc arrity, was the recipient of the Mickey Toal Shield which she received from Vice Chairman and MC for the night Gavan McElroy. A special word to the management of the Seniors who found time not only to manage this team but guided the Minor girls to county and Ulster success.

2021 also proved to be a very successful year for the Senior men. Despite defeat in the championship they were able to set that disappointment aside to capture the league title. This was just reward for a very consistent league campaign in which a large panel of players contributed to the winning of the Division One title for the first time since 2013.

Victory over Errigal Ciaran at Dunmoyle proved to be a fitting close to the season and again it was clear for all to see what this meant to the players, management and supporters.

Culture was also foremost in the thoughts of the club this year and due to the sterling efforts of the Culture Committee the Joe Mc Donagh Silver Award was won by the club. Lawrence Kelly received the award on behalf of the Culture Committee.

As always a special place in club celebrations was reserved for honouring our Club President for 2022. Like previous Club Presidents, this recipient needed no introduction to club members.

This year the club had the pleasure of paying tribute to Christina Mc Elduff a person who has been deeply involved in club matters for many decades now. Her involvement has been one underpinned by hard work and commitment to the club. Club Chairman Padraig Mc Callan and outgoing President, Frank McElroy, presented Christina with her Presidents Medal. Linda Daly, daughter of club legend Frank Donnelly, presented her with the much coveted Frank Donnelly Cup.

Both Christina and Linda received flowers from event organiser Pauline Loughran and Secretary Paula Cuddy respectively.

During the course of the night Chairman Padraig McCallan and Secretary Paula Cuddy were on hand to present league and championship medals to the various teams. Outgoing President Frank Mc Elroy presented the respective captains with the silverware captured during the season. The night was also an opportunity to pay tribute to the various management teams.

These jobs are becoming increasingly difficult given the demands of the modern game. Life is put on hold for the good of the club. In many years when we have had no tangible success thanks can be missed out but this year the club was glad to get the opportunity to pay its respects to the volunteering spirit of all the managers.

All in attendance were also treated to short video presentations on each team by PRO Maurice Mc Philips which greatly added to the energy and atmosphere of the night. New President, Christina Mc Elduff, was also honoured with a video presentation which illustrated her family’s involvement in the club since its foundation and her own contribution since she stepped into that timeline of commitment.

All these presentations can be viewed on the club Facebook page. Thanks is due also to Padraig Mc Philips and Sean Grogan for their roles in coordinating the smooth running of the event.