By Paul O’Donovan
Well-known Westmeath Gael, Ned Flynn, was honoured for a lifetime dedicated to the GAA, when he received a President’s Award at a function held in Croke Park, last week.
Ned, a lifelong member of Castlepollard Hurling Club and Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall Football Club, richly deserved this award for all his dedication, commitment and service to Gaelic games. Ned is a prime example of a committed volunteer to the GAA, who seeks nothing in return for his efforts, time and energy spent promoting the games, encouraging young people to play, organising games and working hard behind the scenes in his local club. Ned became secretary of his club at the age of just 18, and he went on to become Chairperson, County Board delegate and Secretary of the Westmeath Minor/Juvenile board. Ned is renowned for his work with the youth – not least in the transportation of underage players from venue to venue – and for his encouragement, ensuring game time for so many children down through the years.
Ned was presented with his President’s award by President of the GAA, Aogán Ó Fearghail, at a function to honour the unsung heroes of the GAA, last Friday night in Croke Park, an event which was shown live on TG4.
A short video of Ned in Castlepollard Hurling Club was broadcast, during which Ned explained his love of the GAA over the years.
“Once you get into the GAA, it is very hard to get out,” said Ned. “I became Secretary when just 18 and took up various roles over the years. Our club is based in a very small place in Castlepollard, which is my hurling club, while Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall is my football club. The GAA is the community and the community is the GAA. I got involved in the GAA about 50 years ago, when I was living with my uncle and he brought me to all the games. Then I got involved in club meetings and it all just went from there,” said Ned.
Ned is well able to recall the successes his clubs have had to date, both in football and hurling, and he remembers them all with great fondness.
Ned, who despite recovering from a very serious illness recently, continues to work with the youth and juvenile members of the clubs. “You get 100% from the young members,” said Ned, who also went on to thank all those who were responsible for honouring him with his very prestigious award. “It is nice to be recognised. I am absolutely delighted and chuffed about it and I would just like to thank all those who are responsible for me receiving this President’s award,” said Ned.
