First batch of 'Pride of the Parish' nominees announced

Long before the referee blows the opening whistle and long after the final whistle blows, an irreplaceable force is at work in every corner of the county.

From early-morning pitch maintenance and kit prep to running local lotto draws and coordinating matchday logistics, our GAA, LGFA, and Camogie clubs rely entirely on the selflessness of their supporters.

They are the constant presence in the clubhouse, the drivers ensuring players make training, and the steady hands keeping everyday operations afloat.

Without their quiet dedication, parish life simply wouldn't function.Over the coming weeks, we will be showcasing these inspiring nominees and laying out the stories behind their unwavering dedication.

You will get to read about their impact, their passion, and precisely why they embody the spirit of their local area.Once all of our stellar nominees have been featured, the power shifts directly to you. We will open a county-wide public poll to let our readers decide who should be crowned the ultimate overall winner.

The overall winner will secure a fantastic prize package, including multi-use vouchers and a relaxing hotel getaway for two, along with a bespoke commemorative plaque to be displayed proudly on their clubhouse wall. Pick up your paper, head online, and join us in honoring the extraordinary people who give so much to our clubs. The spotlight is finally on them!

Michael Mahon – Beagh

On behalf of Beagh GAA club, we would like to nominate Michael Mahon, who is our unsung hero and our Pride of the Parish as he goes above and beyond for our club and our community.

Michael has been involved in our club lotto, working tirelessly selling tickets in pubs in the locality, especially when it was all paper based. During Covid, Michael made it his mission to keep the lotto alive for our club. He made sure the draws were held, despite the pubs being closed.

Michael has taken part in many of the Scór Sinsear na Gaillimhe competitions. He represented our club and was part of the winning team for the second time in a row (2024 & 2025).

Throughout the years, Michael has been involved with the development of the club. He has supported our fundraiser events, that we host each year. Michael wears out club colours with pride.

While going above and beyond for our club, and supporting our club, Michael has huge community involvement and is part of the Beagh IFA Branch, that is based in our parish.

Aidan Burke – Glenamaddy​

Aidan Burke is a true stalwart of Glenamaddy GAA. Someone who goes above and beyond for our club. Much of Aidan’s work happens quietly behind the scenes, but his contribution is immense and hugely appreciated by everyone involved with the club.

He takes great pride in looking after our pitch and premises, ensuring that our facilities are maintained to the highest possible standard. He gives countless hours of his time, often without recognition, and works tirelessly to ensure that the club is ready for players, teams, supporters and the wider community.

Aidan’s commitment to Glenamaddy GAA runs deep, with a strong family history and longstanding connection to the club. His dedication, reliability and willingness to help wherever needed make him an invaluable member of our GAA Club

Glenamaddy GAA is incredibly lucky to have someone like Aidan, whose hard work and loyalty capture the true spirit of our club.​

Gerry Seale – Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe GAA Club, nominate Gerry Seale - our current Club Secretary, for The Pride of The Parish recognition award. Over the years - Gerry has worked tirelessly in various roles within our club.

Gerry started out as a player with the then Ballinasloe Hurling Club and St Grellan's Football Club in the early 70's, although more recognised for his hurling prowess, Gerry was part of the St Grellan's Football Minor Team that won the championship in 1974.

After his playing days, he coached hurling at all levels in underage up to and including intermediate level. Following on from the amalgamation of Ballinasloe Hurling Club, St Grellan's Football Club and Ballinasloe LGFA under the one Club, along with the procurement and development of Club Grounds at the Curragh, Ballinasloe, Gerry has had multi-faceted roles within the club and now serves as Club Secretary - a role he has held since 2018.

He has liaised with county boards over the years as Club Delegate and has never been found wanting when any job needs doing.

When our Club started Bingo as a means of revenue and Gerry was and still is to the fore in that committee - calling out the numbers in the Emerald Ballroom every Tuesday night.

He is an encyclopaedia of all things GAA and knows the rules better than anybody.

He is known and respected in every club in Co Galway.

He is and has been a Corner Stone of this club and it's safe to say that we would not be where we are without Gerry Seale.

Larry Cunningham Glinsk

Larry Cunningham has been a truly fantastic volunteer and a hugely valuedmember of both Glinsk GAA and Glinsk LGFA throughout the years.Larry has taken on many roles within the clubs, from committee member totrainer and manager of both men’s and women’s teams.

He has also served for many years as the club-s County Board representative, while taking on a number of roles at county level over the years.Larry is a historian of all things Glinsk GAA and has written numerous books, making him a fountain of knowledge on the history of our clubs and community.

We are delighted to nominate Larry for this award and feel he would be a very deserving recipient in recognition of his lifelong dedication, voluntary service and everything he continues to do for the clubs in Glinsk and for the wider community.