'Strong legacy' - Mayo club make presentation to a stalwart

COMMUNITY NOTES: CLAREMORRIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (SEPTEMBER 3 EDITION)

Claremorris Soccer Club made a presentation to Tom O’Dea at half time in their men’s junior side’s recent win over Crossmolina.

The presentation was in recognition of Tom’s many years of service and dedication as a volunteer and coach with the club.

Tom held a number of roles and was always generous with his time. He began his involvement as a coach of boys’ teams in 2006-‘07 and also coached one of the first girls’ teams in the club at that time.

In 2010, while continuing to coach, Tom joined the committee and spent nine years as club secretary before stepping down, leaving a strong legacy.

Tom built a great rapport with local businesses who continue to provide support. He also had a great relationship with other clubs within the region and is still very well thought of within the game. Tom has been, and still is, one of the main supporters of the 50/50 initiative and is responsible for recruiting many of the current volunteers, and is always on hand to help out where needed.

The presentation was made by another great club servant, Tony Gleeson, with committee members in attendance.

The 50/50 runs weekly and is a main source of fundraising for the club. The club recently announced a sponsorship scheme where businesses are invited to display an advertising sign at Concannon Park and there has been a great response to date. The good news is that there are some spaces remaining. The signs are visible at matches and to those passing by the ground (which is on the N60 Castlebar to Roscommon road) and are captured in action photographs from the club’s games, which frequently appear in local newspapers and on social media.