Eoghan O'Connor and Martin O'Brien honoured with Rebel Óg Hall of Fame awards

At the recent Rebel Óg award banquet at the Clayton Hotel, Silversprings, two special presentations were made.

Two of their officers, who have worked tirelessly for Rebel Óg for many years, were honoured with Hall of Fame awards. The worthy recipients were Eoghan O’Connor, treasurer, and Martin O’Brien, assistant treasurer.

The awards ceremony was their last event as officers and it was a worthy way for them to step down from their respective roles.

Michael Evans, chairman of the judging panel, announced the two as Hall of Fame inductees and the reaction in the room, including a standing ovation, showed the high esteem the two are held in across Cork and further afield.

In announcing their award Mr Evans said: “Every month for the last 14 years I have witnessed the award winners arrive for the monthly ceremony. There is one common thread that runs through all the recipients and that is the very latent connection between the players and their coaches.

“The coaches show they have a great vision, a passion, and a purpose for what they do. As a consequence the players respond to that passion with a willingness to work hard, to bring their best effort to training every day so as to be well prepared for the challenges they face on the playing fields and the handball courts of the county and further afield.

“In a club or school setting, we are all focused on our own fixtures, but yet we have volunteers who are not just thinking about one club or school, but must consider the fixtures of every club in the county, then to that add referees. Venues, weather issues, replays and in Rebel Óg upwards of 8,000 fixtures a season.”

In announcing Mr O’Connor, a former primary school principal, as one of the recipients he added: “He has dedicated himself to others for the betterment of his students and local community. Sciath na Scol has benefited in no small way from his selfless dedication.

“He has played a pivotal role in the unfolding story of his club, Erin’s Own, acting in various roles, including club delegate to the county minor and senior boards.

“He has served on the Cork County Board executive as Children’s Officer as well as treasurer of Rebel Óg and is currently chairperson of the County Demographics Committee as well as being a county minor and U21 selector.”

In introducing Mr O’Brien as the other recipient, Mr Evans said: “He is one of those people who never look for the limelight, he just works away behind the scenes with no drama.

“After his playing career with Castlemartyr, it is notable he began his administrative career as his club’s minor secretary, highlighting the commitment both men have to promoting our games among young people.

“He was a county junior selector in 1994 and an Imokilly football selector in 1995. Martin was PRO for the County Minor Board from 1997 until the formation of Rebel Óg and his commitment continued in the treasurer and assistant treasurer roles.

“Both of tonight’s Hall of Fame recipients have collectively given more than 100 years of voluntary service to their clubs and county and we thank them and salute them for their magnificent service,” concluded Mr Evans.