Limerick Services to Sport 2013 recipient Jacqueline O’Connor

Limerick Service to Sport Awards recognises Athea

 “Unsung Hero” Jacqueline O’Connor

 Last Friday night in the Castletroy Park Hotel, saw Athea person Jacqueline O’ Connor join the very unique group of people from Limerick city and county to accept the prodigious award for “Limerick’s Service to Sport.”  This 2013 award, which celebrates it’s 30 years in existence, honours those who work behind the scenes in sport, in other words the “Unsung Heroes”. Jacqueline was presented with a beautiful sculptured Cuchulainn statue in the company of her family and members of the GAA/Coiste na nÓg. Since Jacqueline became involved in Athea GAA and Athea Coiste na nÓg she has devoted more than 4,000 hours of her time for the benefit of children in the underage football in Athea.

Jacqueline works tirelessly in her role as assistant secretary, PRO and Children’s Officer in the club, but is always on hand to help in a multitude of other roles in Coiste na nÓg. She has organised the Summer Cúl Camps, as well as being the driving force in giving the children the opportunity to visit and play in Croke Park, the Gaelic Grounds, Páirc Uí Rinn in Cork, Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney and U.L. Each year not alone does Jacqueline host football blitzes for visiting clubs in Athea, but prepares treats, sandwiches and bakes cakes for everyone in a most homely and welcoming atmosphere.

Jacqueline is instrumental in fundraising for the club in the area of organising bag packing, table quizzes and the annual club calendar now in its fourth year. Athea Coiste na nÓg who now cater for children from under 6 to under 16 are proud to wear the Athea jersey which are all washed, folded and aired by Jacqueline for every match. Jacqueline also was the driving force in acquiring new jerseys, togs and socks for each child so that Athea could be represented with pride on the playing field. Jacqueline’s promotion of the club has been phenomenal through local media, website, annual calendar and local community events. Presently Jacqueline is secretary for both the Senior GAA and Coiste na nÓg clubs where she works tirelessly and selflessly.

The club would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jacqueline on this most deservedly 2013 Service to Sport Award and to pay tribute to her outstanding contribution to Athea Coiste na nÓg.

Jacqueline O’Connor pictured with her family accepting her Limerick Services to Sport Award 2013 from Neasa O’Donnell at the Castletroy Park Hotel on Friday night last.