All-Ireland winning Galway GAA captain makes rare appearance presenting awards
A total of 27 awardees from clubs were recognised on the night showcasing the best in local GAA
It’s hard to believe it has been 46 years since he delivered one of the most iconic speeches in not only GAA but Irish history - with a little help from a visitor in Galway the year before.
But Joe Connolly was once again before a microphone making a rare guest appearance to hand out Laochra Gael medals for local clubs in nearby Tipperary.
The Castlegar clubman, who turned 70 last month, still looking as happy as the young captain who climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Liam MacCarthy for the first time for Galway in 57 years back in 1980.
Taking inspiration from Pope John Paul II’s trip to Ballybrit in 1979, he threw his own Cashel mix on his words telling Croke Park on the day: “People of Galway, we love you”.
Laochra Gael made a welcome return to the Tipperary GAA calendar this year having last taken place in 2022.
The presentations provided an opportunity to recognise and honour people from across the county who have made a lifetime contribution to the GAA through their dedication, commitment and voluntary service at club, divisional and county level.
The 19th Laochra Gael Presentations took place on Sunday November 8 in The Dome at FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles.
A total of 27 awardees from clubs throughout Tipperary were recognised for their outstanding service to the Association.
The full list of winners is as follows:
Mick Duff (Killea), Tom Hassett (Moyne Templetuohy), Michéal Egan (Gortnahoe Glengoole), Liam Ó Donnchú (Thurles Sarsfields), Larry Kavanagh (Thurles Gaels), TJ Egan (Borrisokane), Seán Ryan (Ballinahinch), Liam Greene (Moneygall), Anne Maher (Borris-Ileigh), Gilbert Williams (Kilruane MacDonaghs), Catherine Gleeson (Kiladangan and Moycarkey Borris), Matt Lillis (Nenagh Éire Óg), Paddy O’Brien (Toomevara), Michael Ryan (Solohead), John Martin (Emly), Noel Browne (Galtee Rovers St Pecauns), PJ Caplis (Sean Treacys), Stephen O’Brien (Rosegreen), Albert Curran (CJ Kickhams Mullinahone), Patsy Ryan (Ardfinnan), Michael O’Keeffe (Marfield), Colm O’Flaherty (Cahir), Hugo Browne (Killenaule), Tadhg Howard (Cahir), Billy Carroll (St Mary’s), John Joe Nugent (Newcastle) and Joe Kennedy (Carrick Davins).