Newmarket GAA Club held a victory social at the Hi Land function room on Friday evening last were pride of place went to the under 21 football team that retained the Duhallow championship in 2008 and also created history by reaching the County final where they finished runners up to St. Finbarr’s.

Club chairman Liam Lehane called on Parish Priest Fr. David Herlihy to address the gathering and he remarked on the very important role the GAA club holds within every community and the positive impact it generates from all those involved in club activities. Liam Lehane praised the successful winning team on their achievements and the mentors associated with the team, especially outgoing team manager Paul Murphy for his great service to both club and division for many years now. He also paid tribute to the outgoing club committee on their tremendous efforts regarding development of the clubs grounds and the revenue generated in the process. He wished all the clubs teams success for the year ahead.

Tony McAuliffe, Development Officer with the Duhallow Board, also paid tribute to the under 21 side and also to the clubs other teams during the year who performed admirably, backboned by a very young panel of players. He thanked the club for the use of their facilities when required by the board and also the Newmarket players and mentors who represented Duhallow during the year.

Paul Murphy spoke on behalf of the mentors of the under 21 team and thanked fellow selectors Pat O’Brien, Pat Flanagan and Ben O’Keeffe and the panel of players for their major commitment and dedication during a long playing season.

Sean Browne spoke on behalf of the clubs main sponsors Newmarket Motors also paying tribute to the team and the club for the provision of excellent facilities.

Under 21 Team captain Timothy Murphy introduced the panel of players as they were presented with their medals by Jerry Browne and then made a presentation to Paul Murphy on behalf of the players.

Club Treasurer Neilie McCarthy announced the Clubperson of the year for 2008 and the worthy recipient was Mary Stack who served as chairperson for the previous two years, which oversaw major redevelopment and fundraising with Mary’s drive and enthusiasm central to such a successful period in the history of the club. She received her award and a bouquet of flowers from Club President Con Collins who reflected on Mary’s incredible input to the club. Mary paid tribute to the outgoing dedicated committee without whom she said nothing would have been achieved. She thanked the under 21 team for the wonderful entertainment they have provided for all down through the years and wished the club every success for the coming year.

Happy Hearts provided the musical entertainment for the remainder of a very enjoyable night.