The McGovern family from Burren in county Down are presented with a President’s Award at Croke Park last Friday night. In total, 11 awards were presented by GAA president Seán Ó hOráin at the special banquet to Gaels judged to have made an inspirational impact on their code, their club and their community. The McGoverns are steeped in Gaelic games, with nine boys all representing St Mary’s, Burren with distinction from underage through to senior level, with five of them going on to represent Down at senior level. Two of the other four brothers also represented Down at different levels. Daughters Susan, Marie and Bríd were their supporters in chief, fiercely committed to the exploits of club and county and who have seen their own children and grandchildren make a massive contribution to Burren and Down both on and off the field. Also honoured last Friday night was Jimmy McElhatton from Carrickmore in Tyrone, who has been a cornerstone of his club for five decades and has served with distinction as a player, referee, coach, administrator and volunteer.
Presidents’ Awards 2020: Nick Fitzgerald (Leinster), Jimmy McElhatton (Ulster), Breda Fitzgibbon (Munster), John McAndrew (Connacht), Marian McCarthy (Camogie), Peter Dennehy (Handball), Maggie Skelton (Ladies’ football), Hugh Rudden (Education), Pat Gorham (International), Con Ó Dónaill (An Gaeilge), the McGovern family (Dermot Early family award)
