Third round of 'Pride of the Parish' nominees announced
Welcome to week three of our brand-new feature celebrating the true heartbeat of County Galway. The response to our callout for the Pride of the Parish initiative—brought to you by the Connacht Tribune in association with Husqvarna—has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Today, we are officially handing the stage over to the real heroes across our pages in print and online at GalwayLive.ie. 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!
Christy O Loughlin - Loughrea Hurling Club
Loughrea Hurling Club would like to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution of Christy O’Loughlin, a true club stalwart whose dedication has spanned more than three decades.
Christy has been involved with the club since the 1990s, giving his time and energy in so many different roles — as a coach, team manager, club officer and fundraiser. For the past 30 years, he has also been the dedicated caretaker of our pitch, ensuring that it is always ready for training, matches and visiting teams.
Christy is much more than a caretaker. He is one of the first faces visiting clubs and teams see, always offering a warm welcome and going above and beyond to accommodate them. He is equally generous with his time and support to all Loughrea coaches.
The success and reputation of Loughrea Hurling Club would not be what it is today without Christy’s tireless work, commitment and passion. We are truly grateful for everything he has done and continues to do for the club.
Fiona Stankard - Cappattaggle
Every club needs that one special person who is always there, and for us, that person is our amazing Fiona Stankard we call her the Chief Whip.
From Under 8s right through to Senior A hurling, she is there supporting our players, coaches, volunteers and families.
Come rain, hail or sunshine, you can always count on her. Whether she is organising fundraisers, making endless cups of tea and sandwiches for volunteers, helping with facility upgrades, or simply lending a listening ear, she never hesitates to get stuck in.
She has a kind word and sound advice for anyone who is feeling down and has a wonderful way of lifting people’s spirits. Her positivity, energy and commitment are truly infectious.
She gives her time, heart and soul to our club and asks for nothing in return. She is the person who keeps everyone moving, smiling and believing. We are incredibly lucky to have her. Our one and only Chief Whip!
Clarrie Quinn -Liam Mellows
Clarrie Quinn is a true unsung hero of Liam Mellows GAA Club and someone who has given a lifetime of service to his club. Now in his 80s, Clarrie was a player in his younger years and has held various officer roles throughout his long association with the club.
Today, Clarrie continues to be at the heart of club life, and has been a mainstay of the weekly Lotto since its inception. This includes running the draw every Saturday, collecting tickets and ensuring prize money reaches the winners, Clarrie continues to be a key part of the team that drives and manages this fundraiser week after week.
But his contribution goes far beyond the Lotto. Whether there is a job to be done, something to organise or a helping hand needed around the club, Clarrie can be counted on. Clarrie is the ultimate club volunteer, a gentleman and the very definition of a true unsung hero in the community.