Newmarket GAA Club celebrated their fantastic and historic county Premier Intermediate Football Championship victory of 2011 with a memorable social at the Charleville Park Hotel on Saturday night.

Unfortunately, from the outset the event was tinged with a cloud of sadness due to the untimely passing of the late Paddy Culloty (Ballydesmond), father in law of Club Chairman, Victor Lane and father of tireless and superlative committee member Eileen Lane. The absence of Victor, Eileen, Billy and Liz was most unfortunate because as a family and household the Lane’s have contributed immeasurably to the affairs of Newmarket GAA Club for a number of years and would be as worthy and deserving in joining and celebrating the feats and achievements of the club as anybody else lucky enough to be present on the night. The club would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Lane family and Club Vice Chairman, Barry O’Leary fittingly started proceedings with a minutes silence as a mark of respect.

Formalities commenced with words from Fr. Herlihy, P.P. before invited guest Bob Ryan, Cork County Board Chairman addressed the large attendance. Sean Browne of the clubs main sponsor Newmarket Motors reflected on the tremendous victory before making presentations on behalf of the club.

The first presentations went to club players who were married in the past twelve months, John O’Keeffe, John Dugdale and David O’Flynn. Team coach Danny Culloty, Danny Hourigan and Donal O’Sullivan received recognition for their exploits with the Premier Intermediate Football team while Bart Daly was acknowledged for his achievement in winning an All Ireland medal with the Cork Junior football team in 2011.

Team captain Barry O’Leary was presented with his county winners medal by Club President Con Collins alongside the Billy Long Cup before going on to introduce the panel of twenty seven players who received warm applause and approval as they individually collected their priceless silverware from the Club President. Barry called on fellow players David O’Flynn, Denys O’Brien and Mark Murphy to make presentations on behalf of the panel of players. Danny Culloty, Danny Hourigan and Donal O’Sullivan were once again commended and recognized while the absent Eileen Lane was graciously appreciated by the players for her magnificent input. Colin O’Sullivan and Denys O’Brien were acknowledged by their fellow players before Denys O’Brien spoke and thanked all the families of the players.

The formalities concluded with one final presentation to the Clubman of the Year which was awarded to team captain, Club Vice Chairman, trainer, coach, dual player of renown, and hard working committee member for several years, the legendary and heroic Barry O’Leary. Barry received a worthy ovation on collecting his honour from Con Collins.

The musical entertainment was provided by outstanding band The Celt as the assembled crowd enjoyed the night to the maximum into the early hours.

The club would like to thank the staff and management of the Charleville Park Hotel for their service and hospitality and especially the hoards of individuals and businesses who supplied an array of fantastic and much appreciated spot prizes. Thanks also to the Social Committee of Victor Lane, Kieran Lehane, Denis Collins, Barry O’Leary and to Eileen Lane and Denis Collins for organizing the bus, for their input and contribution to a memorable night.