COMHGHAIRDEAS – PRESIDENT’S AWARD
On Wednesday night last J
John Curtis ( Ballyhogue GAA Club) was chosen as one of the recipients of the 2011 GAA President’s Awards in light of his outstanding voluntary contribution to the GAA over a prolonged period. The ceremony took place in Páirc An Chróicigh.
These awards are organised and presented on an annual basis to honour those who go above and beyond the call of duty in their commitment and dedication to their chosen field within the wider GAA family.
There are not too many people in Ireland who can look back on over fifty years of service (and who continue to serve it) to the Gaelic Athletic Association.
John Curtis has worked diligently at committee level for club, district and county; had a distinguished club playing career; was heavily involved in developing his club’s playing facilities and currently acts as Secretary to the Wexford Sean Gael committee having taken up this post in 1998.
John played most of his football and hurling in defence and during his career he won County Junior Football titles in 1955 and 1961 before winning a Senior Football medal in 1962. He was also on the Ballyhogue hurling side which clinched the Enniscorthy District title in 1956.
Before John’s playing days had elapsed, he was already working on the club’s committee. He serves on the same committee to this day and the club are lucky and grateful to avail of his wisdom and advice having worked in all facets of the organisation.
He was an efficient club Secretary for all of 17 years which coincided with the most successful era of the club when Ballyhogue dominated Wexford football and won many senior titles.
John also spent a term as Enniscorthy District Chairman before he was elected as County Chairman for a three year spell (1973-1975). He has also served a term as President of the Wexford County Board (2008 and 2009). In 2010 John was honoured to become the President of the Enniscorthy District Committee.
Ballyhogue were ahead of their time in many respects during the early 1970’s when they began work to develop playing facilities. John was deeply involved in this work with other hard-working clubmen such as Mickey Byrne, Peter Byrne and Nick Doyle. They achieved their aim and Ballyhogue’s pitch was opened in 1973. There have been subsequent developments as the years went on and John was also instrumental in the building of the sports complex in the early 1980s.
John’s father Bill was a former treasurer of Wexford County Board, as well as being a noted footballer (he won a senior football medal in the 1930s) and respected referee in his day.
John was born and bred in Garrenstackle, Bree where he continues to farm with his wife Mary (a good Laois lady) and their children Liam, John, Noel, Veronica and Catherine
Everyone associated with Wexford GAA congratulate John on being recognised as one of the true volunteers of the association.
Gnáthamh na h-oibre an t-eolas
