Remarks at the GAA/GPA All-Star Awards
National Convention Centre, Dublin, 21st October 2011
I’m delighted to be here for my final All-Stars awards ceremony as President.
Along with millions of Irish people at home and abroad I have been privileged to witness each one of you enthrall lovers of our national sports in amazing spectacles of sheer brilliance and nerve wracking excitement. What we did not see were the gruelling training sessions or the relentless pressures of balancing work, family and sport. What drives you is love of Gaelic games, pride in club or county and an ambition to give your best so your team can be the best.
An All Star award marks you out as a leading exemplar in this, the best amateur sports organisation in the world, an association rooted in voluntary community service and cultural pride. Warmest congratulations to each of you and thank you for putting your formidable abilities at the service of our national games. May I thank the GAA for the highest order of courtesy and kindness these past fourteen years – impossible ever to repay. I hope you enjoy the evening.
Go raibh mile maith agaibh go léir.