VINCENT McGlew, better known as 'Mr Loughinisland', was thoroughly overwhelmed after he picked up the first-ever Volunteer Award at The Irish News’ School, Club and Volunteer Awards bash at Belfast’s Wellington Park Hotel last Friday.
“Words fail me at this time,” said Vincent, whose association with Loughinisland GAC stretches back to 1966.
After reading the club’s submission, sent in by club secretary Gerry Morgan, the judging panel was bowled over by Vincent’s contribution to Gaelic Games in the parish.
“Vincent has been involved in the club’s committee since 21 – serving as secretary for over 25 years and chairman on two different occasions,” read the judges’ statement.
“He is the club’s county board representative and to this day still looks after the playing field, acts as linesman and umpire, manages the club lotto, opens the clubrooms, looks after the footballs and jerseys.
“He is known as Mr Loughinisland within the club.”
The 72-year-old Loughinisland native was keen to stress that he was accepting the prestigious award on behalf of all the hard-working volunteers at the club.
“It was our club secretary Gerry Morgan who told me that he had received an email from the Irish News to say that I had been short-listed for this award,” Vincent explained.
“Little did I realise then that I would collect it.
“Gerry, our club secretary, took upon himself to send in the entry. He didn’t even consult me. Some of it is true; some of it he’s expanded a wee bit on! I’m so delighted. And so delighted for the club as well.
“I became secretary of the club in 1966 when I was a 21-year-old. Now I’m the age of 72 and I’ve been involved in the club in various roles for most of my life.
“I have been chairman on a couple of occasions. But I don’t think chairman was my vocation. I was secretary for a number of years and at the moment I’m the county board representative for the club."
Vincent was a key member of the famous Loughinisland team that won the senior county championship for the first time in 1975 and he was also part of the management team when the club annexed their second county title in 1989, their last success at senior level.
Vincent has also helped develop countless youth teams over the years at the club and since he retired he became groundsman.
“It is beyond my wildest dreams to have won this award,” he said.
“I’m not the only one in the club. There are other people that deserve this award who have done a lot of work behind the scenes.
“So on their behalf I accept this award.”
He takes immense pride in ensuring the club’s pitch is in the best possible condition all year round.
“When the boys and girls are coming out onto the pitch and enjoying themselves playing football, it gives me a great sense of achievement,” said Vincent.
“Now, we’re not by any means the best pitch in Down but when you see the boys and girls in the parish coming out onto good ground they can enjoy their game. It’s not like when I was playing, where we had a rented farmer’s field.”
Vincent also felt a great sense of place with his parish.
“In my book, Loughinisland is where I come from. I do it for the club. I do it to keep the name of Loughinisland up there as do others in the club as well.
“It’s not for thanks or anything, it’s just to make sure we have a GAA club in the parish.”
He also paid tribute to his wife, Margaret and his grandchildren.
“My family will be delighted that I have won this award, as my wife, Margaret, is very supportive of all the work that I do for the club, and of course my grandchildren.”
Asked what he would be doing if there was no GAA club in Loughinisland, Vincent quipped: “I’d probably be in the garden.”
