Club Stars Charity Banquet

Countdown is now on for club players as Club Stars banquet date confirmed

Mike Finnerty

THE second annual Mayo News/O’Neills Club Stars banquet – in association with AIB – will be held on Friday, November 24 at Breaffy House Resort.
All the proceeds from the gala presentation night, which honours the cream of Mayo’s club footballers, will go to the Mayo Cancer Support Association and the West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation.
Speaking last week at the launch of this year’s banquet, John Feerick, General Manager of The Mayo News said: “We’re really looking forward to this year’s event. Last year’s banquet was a resounding success and raised thousands of euros for both Western Care and the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. “This year we’re really confident that the people of Mayo will turn out in force again. It’s not often you get a great night’s entertainment, meet some local GAA stars, and help charity all at the same time.”
Thirty of the county’s best footballers will be nominated for Club Stars awards this year. Twenty-five of the nominees will be drawn from this year’s Mayo Senior Championship with five ‘wild cards’ being selected from the Mayo Intermediate Championship.
All thirty players will be invited to attend the Club Stars banquet with the 2006 team and five replacements being announced on the night.
“I think this year’s Club Stars format is top class,” said Eamonn Clarke, one of the three selectors.
“Having thirty nominees in Breaffy House there on the night will really add to the drama and suspense. There has been an awful lot of top class football played in both the senior and intermediate championship this year so selecting a Club Stars team is going to be very difficult. But I think the cream will rise to the top on the night.”
AIB, sponsors of the All-Ireland Club Championships have also come on board this year as one of the title sponsors. “We’re delighted to be involved,” said Jack King, Regional Manager of AIB.
“AIB has always been a supporter of club football and hurling and the Club Stars concept is a great idea for two great causes. Charity will be the real winner on November 24.”
The names of the thirty players nominated will be published in The Mayo News on Wednesday, November 1.
Among the guests at the Club Stars banquet will be Maurice Sheridan, captain of the Salthill-Knocknacarra team that won last year’s AIB All-Ireland club football title.
A five course meal, live entertainment, an auction and raffle are just some of the attractions lined up for the night at Breaffy House.
Tickets for the banquet cost €50 and are available from The Mayo News on (098) 25311 or e-mail clubstars@mayonews.ie