Denis Hurley, Sarsfields ‘Hall of Fame ‘ winner with Cllr Deirdre O’Brien, County Mayor and Cllr Deirdre Forde, Lord Mayor and members of his family at the Rebel Óg annual awards, banquet sponsored by the Clayton Hotel Silversprings. Picture: Eddie O’Hare
It was a night of celebrations at Clayton Hotel, Silversprings as the annual Rebel Og awards banquet was recently.
Underage players across hurling, football, camogie, ladies football and handball were all honoured for their achievements in 2022, with a presentation made to all the monthly winners to mark their success.
More than 330 people attended the banquet as they got the chance to put away hurleys and footballs to relax and enjoy the occasion.
Two specials presentations are made on the night as well as a guest of honour to keep all present entertained.
MCs on the night were Ger McCarthy from The Echo and Colm O’Sullivan from RedFM, both media partners, who opened the proceedings by calling on Tracy Newman, general manager of the Clayton Hotel, Silversprings, sponsors of the overall and monthly awards, who welcomed all to the banquet.
The first person to be honoured was the Hall of Fame recipient, with Kevin Cummins of Cummins Sports, as the award sponsor.
Like the overall winner they don’t know until their name is announced who they are and the applause from around the room showed just how popular a choice Denis Hurley from Sars was.
In his speech announcing the winner, Michael Evans, chairperson of the judging panel, said: “This award highlights the culture which lies at the very heart of our association. It gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the ethos of volunteerism that underpins every aspect of our activities.
Peter Watson, right, vice-chairman Rebel Óg making a presentation to Nicola Cullinane, deputy marketing manager, The Echo and Eoghan O’Connor, treasurer Rebel Óg making a presentation to Norina O’Callaghan, sales and marketing manager, Clayton Hotel for their work behind the scenes for the monthly and annual Rebel Óg awards. Picture; Eddie O’Hare
“It is really incredible to think Denis began volunteering with his club in 1950 at the tender old age of 17 when he acted as club secretary. On the playing front he won two senior County hurling championship medals in 1951 and 1957.
“He played minor hurling for Cork and also played senior in the National League.
“In the Inter-county arena, our recipient was a Cork hurling selector with various Cork teams from 1966 to 1997. During his period as a selector Cork won four senior All-Ireland hurling titles, eight Munster championships and one National League title.”
The other award on the night was the Douglas minor sides who were named overall winner for the year from the monthly recipients. They were picked for winning the Premier 1 minor double, an achievement last done 20 years ago and they were all the first club to do so since Rebel Og was formed.
The night was rounded off with a Q&A with former Cork star Eoin Cadogan, who as well as recalling his playing days with the county, also had some advice for the young players present around nutrition and other parts of training.
A great night was had, with all looking forward to next year’s event already.
