Syls celebrate 2011 in style
Dublin Chairman Andy Kettle of Fingal Ravens gave us a little tour of Fingal football and memories of Sylvesters greats of other years (a little reminder to me that we should do more to know the characters around us). He also tickled at the hornets nest of 'payments' within the Association and suggested that we should ensure we have our say by expressing our opinion on the subject . I'm sure we'll be back to this one.
Piller Caffrey, sans cap, challenged us to win the Senior Championship (and Footballer of the Year Nigel Dunne acknowledged the challenge). Piller also welcomed Benny Bannigan to the top table - tongue in cheek (of course he knows that Brendan and Francine are two more of our hard working unsung heroes).
Eddie Sullivan welcomed our guests and also dropped in the good news that Dublin hurling legend Tommy Noughton is going to help us with our hurling in the coming year. Eddie gave special mention to all the volunteers who coach, organise, fund raise, support and cajole to make the club what it is today.
Brian Murphy of the Malahide Branch of Bank of Ireland who generously sponsored this event for the third year congratulated the club on our contribution to Malahide and we thank Brian (and Gabrial Bannigan) and Bank of Ireland for their great support.
Tom Kirrane was his usual gracious self in accepting a much deserved Hall of Fame award while Mel wasn't stuck for words when accepting the Club Person of the Year Award (very nicely introduced by Leonard O'Carroll). Leah Harold was a very charming Ladies Player of the Year. Martin Ormande, Hurler of the Year and Nigel Dunne, Footballer of the Year (any chance he might be Hurler of the Year next year) both thanked the lads for the warm welcome they received into Sylvesters. What about Graham Morris, nominated for three and winner of two awards.
Take a look through John's presentation to see all the nominees and winners and congratulations to all of you.
Special word of thanks to Francine Shelly, Eddie Sullivan, Gabrial Bannigan, Leonard O'Carroll and the Executive Committee Ger O'Flynn, Claude, Ciarans Keohane and Meehan, Ernie Brenner, Shay Byrne and Blanaid for all their efforts.
There was a great buzz in the Grande, very good humored, I think everyone who was there would agree it was a really good club night and no doubt the start of another big year - Up the Dubs - Syls Abú
John Keenans presentation
Pictures from the Crows Nest
And a few pictures around the room