A LIFETIME OF SERVICE Mayo News columnist Seán Rice is pictured after receiving the Gaelic Writers’ Association Lifetime Achievement award at the Gaelic Writers’ Association Awards, which took place at the Iveagh Garden Hotel in Dublin last Friday evening. Pic: Sportsfile
Michael Gallagher
ONE of Ireland’s longest-serving GAA writers was honoured by the Gaelic Writers’ Association last Friday night when Seán Rice was presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement award’ at a gala function in Dublin.
Seán (84) was recognised for his contribution to The Mayo News and years of diligent and uncompromising reporting of GAA affairs in Mayo going as far back as the 1950s.
“Everyone at The Mayo News is absolutely delighted that Seán was recognised for his years of sterling service to GAA journalism and loyalty to our newspaper,” said Mike Finnerty, Sports Editor of The Mayo News.
“Seán is a writer of great substance and wonderful style. He’s always been an uncompromising journalist who built a reputation for reporting on GAA affairs in Mayo and beyond without fear or favour.
“He’s a man who always has had the courage of his convictions.
“Readers of The Mayo News will know Seán is also a columnist with a beautiful turn of phrase and a keen analytical eye, whose legendary stamina, energy and imagination mean he is still writing as well as ever.
“He’s also a fountain of knowledge - and a vital and precious link between The Mayo News and great Mayo teams of 1950 and 1951.
“Seàn provides a bridge for our readers between those great teams and the teams of the present day. And his analysis and opinions on current Mayo GAA matters are as sharp and insightful as ever.
“All of his colleagues here in The Mayo News regard Seán as a loyal and trusted friend, a valued and supremely talented member of our team, and a man who continues to put us all to shame with his ability to meet deadlines!” added Mike.
“Most of all, Seàn is the best colleague anyone could ask for. His work ethic and positive outlook on life is second-to-none.
“We would like to congratulate Seán, and thank his wife Pauline, for all her support and encouragement for Seán down through the years.”
