There was real sense of energy, optimism and determination in the room at the Wexford GAA Supporters Club (Dublin branch) inaugural ‘Purple & Gold Ball’ which took place in the Stillorgan Park Hotel on Saturday night.
There was a great mix of Wexford exiles and people who had travelled up from Wexford for the event including some of leading lights in Wexford GAA, Business and other sports. In an entertaining and novel approach, South East Radio’s Alan Corcoran, interviewed from the stage a number of guests. This included Wexford County Chairman, Diarmuid Devereaux, chairman of the Hurling Advisory Committee, Liam Griffin, Wexford Senior Hurling boss Liam Dunne and Senior Football manager Aidan O’Brien. Another special guest who Alan spoke with was Champion horse trainer and proud Wexfordman, Jim Bolger. Another notable guest, was Wexford’s All Star nominated full back Tomás Waters. Tomás of course suffered a debilitating injury playing for the senior hurlers against Clare in July and was only released from hospital earlier in the week and is still receiving ongoing treatment. Tomás as outlined by Liam Dunne, is a model for any young player and we all wish him a full and speedy recovery and a return to the Wexford hurling set up.
One of the highlights of the night undoubtedly was the stirring rendition by the Mayor of Wexford, George Lawlor of Tom William’s ballad about Nickey Rackard, ‘Cuchulainn’s Son.’ George held the room in rapt attention in a fitting tribute to the great man and Wexford’s hurling golden age.
However it was not all about nostalgia and it was exciting to hear from Diarmuid Devereaux about the success of the ‘Hurling 365 Club School link’ programme. While Liam Dunne whetted appetites for 2014 as he outlined how training was progressing.
The chairman of the Dublin branch of the Supporters Club, Justin Prendergast was delighted how the night went and announced plans to make the ‘Purple and Gold Ball’ an annual event in the Wexford calendar. He thanked all those who attended but especially Diarmuid Devereaux, Liam Griffin, Jim Bolger, Bobby Geoff (Chairman of Coiste na nÓg), Mayor George Lawlor, Adrian Doyle (acting Wexford County Council manager), Alan Keyes of Glen Fuels, Tom Doyle, Arthur Quinn of the Wexford Supporters club, Oulartman and Provost of Trinity College Dublin, Patrick Prendergast, and Brendan Hickey.
The club are determined to make the ‘Purple & Gold Ball’ a must attend event in the Wexford social and sporting calendar and will be announcing details of the 2014 event in the coming weeks.
For more information contact Joe Carroll, email [email protected]
