Jim Lynch Hall of Fame Award – Gerry Mahon
Last Saturday night was a very enjoyable night as the Annual Awards were presented to the 2008 winners. The function held in the Bush Hotel was very well attended and great night was had by all. Eighteen awards were presented on the night and one of the main awards was the Jm Lynch Hall of Fame which was presented to long term serving member Gerry Mahon. Below is the citation as read by Eamonn Duignan on the night, included also is a copy of the letter received from Uachtaráin Nickey Brennan
The Jim Lynch Hall of Fame Award is sponsored by the Leitrim Supporters in Dublin in honour of one of its founding members, & former county player of the 50/60s Jim Lynch.
This award means a lot to the supporters in Dublin, to the recipients who are recognized for a lifetime of service & contribution to the GAA. The award also means a lot to the Lynch family.
Jims wife Mary passed away on Christmas eve so I would like to especially welcome Jim/Martina attending tonight in what is a difficult time for the family.
The Award Winner
A native of Aughnasheelin, with whom he won a Leitrim Junior Championship, Gerry has been associated with the Sean OHeslins Club, Ballinamore for many years. Indeed he has made a significant contribution to Ballinamore football, having trained countless underage players who went on to become club and county players as well as having won numerous Cumann Na mBunscoil and Mini Seven Competitions with the Ballinamore Boys National School.
Gerry also has a great interest in Hurling and was Chairman of the Leitrim Hurling Board in the late 60s and early seventies, and promoted the game throughout the county. During that time Leitrim won the Connacht junior hurling championship twice in 1969 & 1970 and lost the 1970 All-Ireland final to Meath.
Gerry was not only an administrator and involved himself in all aspects of the GAA. Gerry was an umpire in the 1977 All Ireland Minor Final.
A selector with the Leitrim footballers some decades ago, Gerry also had to don the county jersey on one occasion when transport difficulties left the side short at the official opening of the Ballicargy GAA Club Grounds.The history books do not record how well he played.
Gerry has held a number of positions on Leitrim County Board, including Connacht Council delegate, Oifigeach na Gaeilge, County Chairman (1982-1984), Gerry is one of 3 Ballinamore men to hold that position, He also served a 23 year stint as Central Council Delegate, a record in itself as only one other man the late Leo McAlinden from Cloone had served a longer term in that position.
During his long involvement with the GAA, Gerry has lent his diverse talents to all aspects of the work of the Association, he is busy at present guiding the Sean OHeslin Scór na n-Óg Question Time team – no doubt he will continue to serve the GAA well in many capacities in the future.
I would like to read out the following letter of congratulations from GAA President Nicky Brennan.
19-Jan-09 by Brendan Doyle – PRO
