Sean Tracey’s mark 40 yearswith gala dinner

A big crowd was in attendance and the special guest was Humphrey Kelleher who praised all the players, supporters and officials who had kept hurling afloat in Lurgan through what he described as “difficult times”.

Kelleher, who played hurling for Waterford, was instrumental in creating a new beginning for the game in Dubln which in recent years has prospered to become a growing powerbase.

He stressed that a town the size of Lurgan, ‘could provide many avenues for young sports people’ and suggested that more youngsters could be encouraged to get involved in the game.

Humphrey said, “Sean Treacy’s have kept the game of hurling afloat in Lurgan for many years, their players, supporters and hard working committee have been a credit to the sport.

“The struggle is always to bring in more young players and I have no doubt that Treacys will endeavour to keep the focus on the youth in future years.”

From humble roots Sean Treacy’s have been at the forefront of hurling in North Armagh for over four decades, their Chairman Cathal Austin said, “It has been difficult at times but the hard work will continue in a town where gaelic football and many other sports are very popular.

“Sean Treacy’s will always have to struggle to keep our heads above water, but we have a lot of dedicated coaches at the club. We have people from other areas who have settled here and their input has ben fantastic.”

At last weekends dinner many Treacy’s members and players were thanked for their support over the years, no more so than club stalwart Vincent Magee who received a standing ovation before taking the microphone to make one of his trademark speeches.

Also at the celebrations Raymond Daly received the Senior Player of the Year Award while Brendan McKinley and Jim Blaney received lifetime honorary awards.