Trophies and medals galore...
Birr Town held their first awards night in 3 years last Wednesday evening before a packed Marian Hall , where parents , players and Club officials came together to celebrate our wonderful young players who represent the Club week in , week out with great skill, determination and dedication. With players from under 8 to u15 , both boys and girls , in attendance to receive their hard earned medals. Also for the first time in a number of years the Club had reaped the reward of an academy, under the supervision of James Butler, for girls which led to the u12 girls claiming a league title at their very first attempt and runners up in the Europa League, we also had an u10 girls team claim a medal in the shield. We were able to field 4 girls teams in total. Not to be outdone the boys weighed in with medals for the u9s ,u11s u13s u14s and u15s Shield , Plate and Europa League Competitions. Each team also had a player of the year trophy for each team as selected on the night. But by far the most prodigious Award of the night was saved for last.
For the first time ever the Club had the honour of presenting the Eamonn Pardy underage Memorial Cup. Eamonn was a well respected and admired member of Birr Town, travelling with his older brothers to many of the games played in the 70s as a fledgling club. His love for the Club grew from this and it became a passion he carried for the rest of his life. At that time youth football was the earliest opportunity a player had to represent his Club and Eamonn did so with great distinction, showing great skill , dedication and a will to win and to drive the club forward. A highly respected player at all codes , winning medals at all grades in the GAA , an All Ireland in Community Games and even tried his hand at Rugby. Unfortunately the recession in the 80s saw Eamonns involment in the Club curtailed as he , like many others had to emigrate. However upon returning his love for the Club was rekindled and he again threw himself into the club. Eamonn coached teams at underage to great success and then went on to coach at senior level. At both grades he excelled, winning a lot of trophies and driving the club forward to newer heights. Players who played under him loved and respected him at the same time and never wanted to disappoint him, they always gave their all for the WEDGER as he was always affectionately known. Eamonn also moved into the boardroom serving as a valued committee member for many years. When Eamonns family donated the Cup it felt as if he would always be present and always and forever part of the Club, where he always belonged. With the first recipient being announced on Wednesday, it was only fitting that DIARMUID LIFFEY should receive it as he embodies all that Eamonn embodied in the Club, dedication, determination, an excellent attitude, a will to lead and learn, a team player, a love for the game and above all the sport. Diarmuid is a worthy winner and sets the bar high for all future winners to meet and pass. Well done to him . To the Pardy Family , Mary, Shane, Jacella and Craig, Thank you for this trophy, we hope, no WE PROMISE, that as long as the Club exists so will Eamonns memory and presence.
