The Bunratty Castle Hotel was the place to be on Friday last for the Clubs victory banquet celebrating the Junior C and Junior A teams success of 2016. Not to forget the U14 team who also represented Clare at Feile for the 15th time but alas the late hours meant these lads were well tucked up in bed dreaming of the hurling year to come. The hotel was awash with style akin to ascot on Derby day with some of the hurlers pulling out all the stops in joining the ladies for the best dressed accolade.

The night kicked off at 7:30 with a Mulled wine reception before MC for the night, our own Syl O'Connor introduced the two winning teams lead in by Captains Martin Conlon and Stiofan Fitzpatrick. Upwards on 230 supporters enjoyed the meal while entertainment was provided in the form of a "reeling in the years" format of old match clips mixed with photos from matches throughout 2016. Following the meal Syl thanked the hotel staff and Chef for all their help in organising the event, a superb meal, and a warm environment before introducing the guest of honour to present the Junior C team medals - Club stalwart Johnny Moroney. Johnny who was twice named club man of the year has filled the role of management at all levels in the clubs as well as being instrumental in the development of O'Garney park and other club facilities. He was the chef to the Junior C team for 2016 which was vital in their quest for glory. Moroney commented that seeing the Bridge winning the Junior C for the first time was a very proud occassion for him and he thanked the management and players for their committment. He also urged all players to join the newly created CPA (Club Players Association) so players get the respect they deserve.

Moroney was ably assisted in the presentation by Deirdre Flannery & Bernie Conlon and following the team picture manager Jude Kearney had a few words with Syl where he spoke of his huge pride in the boys who bounced back from defeat in 2015, nearly left it behind them in the drawn game in 2016 but pure heart got them over the line in the replay.

Next up was the raffle with some great prizes sponsored by local businesses:

Durty Nellies, Bunratty Manor, Gallagher's, Shannon Golf Club, Bunratty Castle hotel, Ministers X Shop, Aidan King & The Old Lodge, Christy & Ann Murray.

Kate Lynch assisted Syl in running the raffle which inclued an anecdote from Mikey Whyte on the county championship winning point he scored in Tulla in 1977 when the Bridge won their first county Senior final. According to Mikey he was as far away as Bodyke when he struck the ball but local historians have confirmed he was 20 yards out and a gust of wind was needed to get the ball above the cross bar.

Next up was the Junior A presentation where guest of honour were Christy (Cra) Murray and Pat Chaplin. Both men have been synonymous with Bridge teams as players in the 70s/80s and club administration and management ever since. Emma Fitzpatrick and Orla Liddane were on hand to ensure the presentation went to plan and the slide show presentation of  all the players in their younger days went down a treat. Thanks to Sham Carr for his help in putting this together and we wish him well in the next few weeks as he looks to start taking some baby pictures of his own.

Speaking to Junior A manager Alan Whyte who is now the club U21A manager - Whyte spoke of the pain the team experienced in 2015 losing the county final to Clonlara and that their goal when they started training the first week of January in 2016 was to go one step further. The team was aging with the majority being over 36 but the wise heads and strong heart stood for everything. He spoke of how numbers were low at times based on the small panel with 17 players fit to play in the Semi Final but when the odds were stacked against them they came out on top - "Thats what we are all about in the Bridge" he said afterwards.

Syl welcomed county board secretary Pat Fitz before introducing club chairman Paddy Meehan who congratulated both teams for their committment to the club jersey and in getting their just reward. He paid tribute to Dominic Murphy (Snr) and Dom (Junior) for the fantastic support Shannon Precision Engineering has given to the club since it came on board as sponsor almost 25 years ago. In fact this is one of the longest known sponsorship partnerships in the GAA which is a credit to Dominic and very much appreciated by all who wear the jersey. Meehan thanked all who have signed up for the clubs fundraiser to build a state of the art indoor arena ensuring the future have sufficient facilities to develop their skills as well as providing a amenity for the nearby school. To wrap up Meehan spoke of how the project will commence in early 2018 and said "We will build it if you support it".

Syl wrapped the proceedings up with a special thanks the contribution from local publican Jack & Deirdre Gleeson, to Kevin Phelan who put huge work into organising the event along with invited guests for attending, all players that sold tickets, group leaders that coordinated sales teams, Bernie, Carol, Deirdre, Emma , Kate, Orla, Martin, Tommy, Sham, Stiofán & Darragh Keogh for their work for the huge efforts put in to the night. Thanks also to photographers Paddy Higgins and Tom Culbert who captured the night in all its style and glory.

All that was left for the good folk of the Bridge and beyond was to hit the dance floor to the sound of Deuces Wild followed by a disco into the late hours ... and by god they did that!

Some photos of the night available here

Míle buíochas le gach a bhí i láthair.