Bol-Chumann Honors Heroes at Prizegiving Night 2024
Image By Gretta Cormican
Bol-Chumann na hÉireann held its Annual Prizegiving Ceremony and Dinner on November 23, 2024, at The Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway. The evening, hosted by Hon. Sec. Michéal Ó Ceallachain, included prominent figures like Chairman William Murphy, Hon. Treasurer James O’Driscoll, and Cllrs. Albert Deasy and Deirdre Kelly, representing Cork City and County. Pat O’Hagan from Bol-Chumann Ard Mhaca, alongside his wife Marie, also attended.
Key awards celebrated outstanding achievements in road bowling. Geraldine Curtin received Most Improved Female Player of the Year for her consecutive county wins. James O’Donovan was named Male Player of the Year for his gold medal in Germany. The Personality of the Year award honoured Jimmy Hennessy, Castletown Bowling Club President and lifelong sport contributor.
A poignant moment recognized the late Pat McCarthy, posthumously inducted into two Halls of Fame for his decades of dedication to road bowling and sports journalism. His daughter Deirdre accepted the award with heartfelt reflections.
Cllrs. Kelly and Deasy praised Bol-Chumann’s role in preserving rural culture, with Deasy emphasizing the sport’s heritage and impact on rural life. The evening concluded with music by The Music Makers, uniting attendees in celebration.