League to honour dedication of four football stalwarts
Christy Rowland of Glenhest Rovers is the Mayo Football League's Hall of Fame recipient for 2023.
The Mayo Football League’s annual presentation dinner is to take place in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport on Saturday, January 20 and last week the names of some of those to be honoured on the night were revealed.
The 2023 Hall of Fame recipient is Christy Rowland, someone who has been synonymous with Mayo Football for a long number of years. A mainstay of Glenhest Rovers through thick and thin, from his playing days as a teak tough full-back to team manager to treasurer, he also served for a number of years as chairman of the Mayo Schoolboys/Girls and Youths League and chairman of the Connacht FA Underage Committee.
Meanwhile, two men are to receive Service to Football awards, which are named in memory of Henry Downes who served as chairman of the Mayo League from 1959 to 1989.
Brian Wallace, who is chairman of S&F United FC, is one of the recipients. Brian has been involved with the club since he was a schoolboy player. Going on to feature for United at adult level, he would also fulfil roles as coach and manager of various teams and as well as his current role as chairman, is also the man responsible for keeping the pitch and facilities in such good condition as groundskeeper.
The second Service to Football award goes to Pat Naughton from Castlebar Celtic. From coaching teams, involved in Community Games, acting as players’ liaison officer, helping in all weathers with the club lotto flag day, church gate collections and the gate on match days, and also serving as club registrar, Pat has been a fantastic person behind the scenes, especially since the introduction of FAI Connect when he helped register over 600 players from 32 different countries.
The Club Person of the Year award will be presented to John Boyle, a crucial member of Ballyglass FC for whom he still lines out at Masters level.
