Fab four to be honoured at Mayo League awards night

Four men across clubs in the county town and surrounding areas will be awarded with the highest distinctions in soccer at the upcoming Mayo Football League Presentation Dinner later this month.

The Club Person of the Year for 2024 is Gerry McDonnell from Snugboro United. Gerry has been a member of the club committee from day one and is the only original member to be still sitting on the committee 28 years later.

Gerry is the treasurer of the club since for years and has steered the club from playing its early days on a loaned pitch from St Mary’s changing in the back of a lorry trailer to playing in their own facilities with main pitch, training pitch, clubhouse and recently added Astroturf. To this day he continues to be the man that steers the club in the right direction. He is an integral part of the day to day running of the club and is a deserving winner of this year’s Club Person of the Year The Henry Downes Service To Football Awards were introduced in 2012 to honour the memory of Henry Downes who served as chairman of the Mayo League from 1959 to 1989 and left a lasting legacy in the county. The awards are given out to people who have also are leaving a lasting contribution to football in Mayo.

There are two recipients this year, one being Damien Joyce from Manulla. Damien is a true community man and he has worked tirelessly for Manulla FC for more than 25 years and continues to do so. His contributions to the club never cease and he has worked in all areas to ensure consistency in keeping the standards of football in Manulla at a high calibre.

A coach, an administrator, a committee member, an affiliate of numerous sub-committees, manager of various teams, academy leader, senior football liaison officer, groundsman, pitch facilitator and fundraiser are only a few of the roles that Damien has assisted in. He is the definition of a true club individual and he has had a lasting impact on both the developments of the club over the past 25 years and the community of Manulla itself.

There is always one stand out individual in each club who ultimately dedicates their lives to the sport and dons their colours with great pride and Damien Joyce is ‘Mr Manulla’. His name will continue to be echoed on and off the field of play for years to come as he continues to dedicate his life and inspire and instill his knowledge on to the future generations of the game.

The second Service to Football Award goes to Anthony McDonnell from Castlebar Town. Anthony has been a cornerstone of Castlebar Town FC, dedicating his life to the club since it was founded in 1974. His involvement spans all aspects of the organisation, from administrative duties to grassroots coaching both boys and girls age groups.

His commitment is evident in his hands-on approach; he has coached teams at various levels providing guidance and mentorship to young athletes since the club was called Barcastle, Castlebar United to now called Castlebar Town FC.

Beyond coaching, Anthony has been instrumental in organising events and initiatives that promote community. engagement and inclusivity within the club.

Through his tireless efforts, he has not only contributed to the development of countless young athletes but has also helped cultivate a strong sense of community around Castlebar Town FC.

Anthony McDonnell’s legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and an enduring love for the sport that continues to inspire future generations.

The 2024 Hall of Fame recipient is Castlebar Celtic’s Pat Gavin a man who has been synonymous with Mayo Football for a long number of years. From his playing days he moved on to be part of the different committees which ran the county town club.

He featured in prominent roles on the committee from been the chairman of the youth section of the club and then when the two sections of the club amalgamated he became treasurer, a post he holds to this day.

He, along with Leo Tierney, coached and managed the Mayo Kennedy Cup team in 2002, also taking the team to the Foyle Cup in Derry the following year and managed numerous underage sides within the club.

He is probably best known for his fundraising efforts where he set up the club’s online lotto back in 2015 and for his weekly sales, which are legendry around the Castlebar area.

He also played a big role in raising funds and developing their full size Astroturf pitch.

His long involvement with the club and with the game in general makes him a worthy choice to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.