Mayo man Joe Reapy has received a national recognition: It was a proud occasion for Davitts GAA Club when Reapy, one of their real stalwarts, was presented with the Connacht Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2025 award by Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, at a celebration night in Croke Park.

Joe has given sterling service to the club and has been PRO for over 30 years. He was a member of the Davitts team that won Mayo honours in 1984 and 1985 but was a year too old for the team that made it three in a row in 1986.

“Ballindine and Irishtown and the parish of Kilvine is a very tightly knit community and the GAA is the centre of that. We celebrated our 50th anniversary last year and I spent two years working on the book that was published a few weeks ago.

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It is full of reports and photos from over the years and also has 28 articles written by people within the club,” said Joe.
“I love the quote that we included by former President, Mary McAleese, about Michael Davitt: ‘May those who drink the water never forget the debt they owe to those who dug the well.’

“The day we won the Connacht Intermediate Final in 2012 is one of my fondest memories and getting to play in the final in Croke Park. It is the beauty of the GAA that it is volunteer-based. The jerseys have to be washed, the sandwiches and tea have to be made, teams have to be coached, and everyone does their bit. There’s a place for everyone.

Unwavering commitment

Jarlath Burns, in his address to the gathering in Croke Park, said Joe's lifelong dedication to Davitts GAA was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the club's success and legacy.

“Joe has left an indelible mark on the Davitts community. As the club PRO, Joe's efforts to document and promote Davitts have been extraordinary. His comprehensive match reports and encyclopaedic knowledge of games, events, and club history make him an invaluable resource.

“One of his standout contributions was the creation of a historical gallery in the clubhouse. This initiative not only enhanced the clubhouse but also served as a permanent tribute to the individuals and moments that shaped Davitts.

“Another monumental task Joe undertook was the compilation of the club's history in a commemorative book. True to his meticulous nature, Joe dedicated 18 months to this project, ensuring it was a masterpiece worthy of the club's golden jubilee. The result is a book that not only celebrated Davitts milestones - but also preserved its heritage for generations to come,” said the GAA President.

The ceremony was broadcast live on TG4 and a film crew from the production company spent several hours shooting material around the Davitts Clubhouse and grounds some days earlier when interviewing Joe ahead of the awards night.

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