Football

Antrim stalwart Seamus O'Hare to be honoured by Croke Park

Seamus O'Hare was "chuffed" to receive a letter from Croke Park to inform him he was on the President's list for his contribution to the GAA. The special event will take place on Friday night
Seamus O'Hare was "chuffed" to receive a letter from Croke Park to inform him he was on the President's list for his contribution to the GAA. The special event will take place on Friday night Seamus O'Hare was "chuffed" to receive a letter from Croke Park to inform him he was on the President's list for his contribution to the GAA. The special event will take place on Friday night

ANTRIM native Seamus O’Hare says he is “honoured and humbled” after being included on the GAA President’s list for services to the association.

The well-known St John’s, Belfast clubman will attend a special presentation event in the Croke Park Hotel this Friday where he will be among those honoured by President Aogán Farrell.

“I got a letter from Croke Park on behalf of the President saying I’d been chosen for a President’s awarded,” confirmed Seamus.

“I have to say I’m very chuffed about it. I’m still in shock. I’ve been knocking about in the GAA for 58 years now.

“I’ve done many jobs in the GAA. I feel it’s an honour for myself, my family and St John’s, and an honour for the county.”

Seamus was introduced to St John’s by Patsy Donnelly – father of current county chairman Collie – and has held numerous roles during almost six decades of involvement.

He was part of Tommy Hall’s U21 backroom team that won the All-Ireland title in 1969 before holding the secretary and chairman roles at the west Belfast club. He was also chairman of the south Antrim board and refereed for over 50 years.

In more recent times, Seamus was an integral member of Mickey Culbert’s backroom team of the Antrim senior footballers in the mid-noughties and has been working the turnstiles for the Ulster Council. He is also a steward at Croke Park.

“I’ve held all these different roles over the years and done them willingly because it is my passion,” Seamus added. “I’ve made many friends through the GAA and I’ll continue to do so.”

Antrim county chairman and club-mate Collie Donnelly said: “Seamus is the epitome of the volunteer spirit of the GAA and I’m delighted he is being recognised for his unstinting service to our games. It is so well deserved and everyone that knows Seamus is delighted for him.”