O’Connor presents medals to Clare stars

THREE-time All-Star winner, Wexford’s All-Ireland star Claire O’Connor was the special guest at the Clare camogie medal presentation function, which was held in conjunction with the Strictly Come Dancing event at the West County Hotel on Saturday night.

 

The Clare camogie senior panel joined forces with the senior hurlers for the Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser. During the event, which attracted a very big attendance, the members of the senior team, winners of the Munster senior title after a 66-year break, were presented with their medals by the Wexford star and by Munster Council chairman, Eamonn Browne.

The Rathnure player won All-Ireland honours with the Slaneysiders in 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012. She congratulated Clare on their successes during 2012, as did the provincial council chairman.

The players were introduced by Clare PRO Bríd McNamara and she acknowledged the team’s supporters.

The former Clare chairperson, Orla Considine, paid tribute to the girls for their efforts and also to the team management, before making a presentation to the members of the management team, John Carmody (manager), Peter Casey, Flan McInerney and Tricia O’Grady. Fiona Lafferty replied on behalf of the players.

Newly elected chairman of Clare camogie, Michael O’Regan, made a presentation to the special guest, Claire O’Connor.

The Wexford star also presented the members of the Clare minor panel with their medals after their success in the Munster shield. Suzy O’Shea and Sinéad Tuohy received both senior and minor medals on the night.

Claire O’Connor also joined RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey, senior hurling team manager Davy Fitzgerald and Clarecastle’s Fergie O’Loughlin as judges for Strictly Come Dancing.

Comedian Alan Short warmed up the large crowd, before Naomi Carroll and Tony Kelly got the entertainment underway.
Following a dance-off, Kate Lynch (Kilkishen) and Enda Barrett, captain of the all-conquering Newmarket senior hurling team in 2012, were named the overall winners.