VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Ciaran McBrien. Pic: Michael McLaughlin
Mike Finnerty
WELL-KNOWN Charlestown GAA clubman Ciaran McBrien has been named as the winner of the ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award at The Mayo News/O’Neills Club Stars next month.
Ciaran, who is a former manager of the Charlestown senior football team, has been a tireless worker in the East Mayo club for many years.
He is a familiar face around Fr O’Hara Park on match days, and has served the local GAA club as an officer, underage coach and general ‘fixer’ since making the short journey to Charlestown from his native Ballaghaderreen.
The unassuming McBrien was the manager when Charlestown won the 2009 Mayo senior football championship title, and was that year’s Club Stars ‘Manager of the Year’.
The ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award is being dedicated to the memory of the late Seán Staunton, the former editor of The Mayo News, who passed away two years ago.
Seán was well-known for his volunteer work in many different walks of life, and was a great believer in the power and spirit of community development and the importance of the role of the GAA volunteer in rural Ireland.
Ciaran McBrien will be presented with his award at The Mayo News/O’Neills Club Stars banquet (which is being held in association with AIB) in Knockranny House Hotel, Westport on Saturday, December 10.
All proceeds from this year’s Club Stars ceremony are being donated to the Western Care Association. Tickets are currently on sale from The Mayo News office on (098) 25311.
LEE KEEGAN TO BE RECOGNISED
MEANWHILE, Lee Keegan’s distinction in becoming the first Mayo player to be named ‘Footballer of the Year’ will also be recognised at this year’s Club Stars awards.
The Westport defender will be presented with a ‘Special Achievement’ award in his hometown on Saturday, December 10 to also mark the fact that he won his fourth All Star award this year.
Keegan also picked up his Mayo Intermediate championship medal with Westport last month and played a key role as the West Mayo club were crowned provincial champions last Sunday.
“Lee Keegan is a fantastic football and a wonderful ambassador for Westport and Mayo,” said Club Stars judge John Casey. “It’s only right and fitting that his record-breaking achievements be recognised on the biggest night of the Mayo GAA year.”
Lee Keegan and Ciaran McBrien to be honoured at Club Stars
