Football

Rostrevor clubman PJ Farrell named Clubman of the Year at Irish News awards

Val Murphy, of St Bronagh’s Rostrevor, Denise Hayward, Volunteer Now Chief Executive, with Clubman of the year PJ Farrell, Virginia Farrell, and Colm Fearon, all of St Bronagh’s, Rostrevor.
Val Murphy, of St Bronagh’s Rostrevor, Denise Hayward, Volunteer Now Chief Executive, with Clubman of the year PJ Farrell, Virginia Farrell, and Colm Fearon, all of St Bronagh’s, Rostrevor. Val Murphy, of St Bronagh’s Rostrevor, Denise Hayward, Volunteer Now Chief Executive, with Clubman of the year PJ Farrell, Virginia Farrell, and Colm Fearon, all of St Bronagh’s, Rostrevor.

“We had a game against Downpatrick the other night and PJ had the field in pristine condition – grass cut, edges trimmed.

He did the scoreboard, helped out with the shop, took the flags in and locked up after everybody was away. The next morning he was down early doing the dressingrooms, washing them out and clearing them out.”

Rostrevor clubman Val Murphy explains why he nominated PJ Farrell for the Club Volunteer award

ST BRONAGH’S stalwart PJ Farrell was recognised for his lifetime of dedication to the Rostrevor club at the Irish News Club and Volunteer awards last week.

The 72-year-old was the deserving winner of the Club Volunteer award and he dedicated to the other volunteers at the county Down club.

“The people make the GAA so special,” said PJ at the Wellington Park Hotel.

“They volunteer and they don’t look for anything back, they just do it for the love of the games and the love of the community. That’s what it’s all about, it’s a community thing and Rostrevor is a community thing.

“There’s hundreds involved with the club and every one of them could have got this award.”

PJ didn’t make it to senior level as a footballer, but he remained a GAA man to the core and became immersed in Scor, drama and ceile dancing as well as a host of other duties.

“I look after the pitch and cut the grass with a few other boys – I’m not on my own. I might give the orders but I don’t do it all myself!” said PJ whose children are all keen footballers - son Sean represented Down at senior level, Patrick played at minor and daughter Rosaleen lined-out for Rostrevor ladies.

“I enjoy it, if you didn’t enjoy it you wouldn’t do it. You have good mates in the club and if you’re ever stuck for a bit of help you’ve no problem getting it.”

Club colleague Val Murphy described PJ as “unique” and explained why he had nominated him for the award.

“He has put a lifetime of work into the club from keeping the mini-bus at home to taking children and schools to away matches, looking after Petit Park, cutting the grass, doing the scoreboard, arranging the shop, selling lotto tickets, selling Down draw tickets…,” said Val.

“We had a game against Downpatrick and he had the field in pristine condition – Petit Park is one of the most picturesque grounds in Ireland – did the scoreboard, helped out with the shop, got the flags in and locked up after everybody was away. The next morning he was down early doing the dressingrooms, washing them out and clearing them out.

“Anything that has to be done, PJ is the man to go to, him and his wife Virginia and the family as well. He was never a footballer, but he’s a GAA man to the hilt which is the important thing.

“There are men like PJ in other clubs, but he is unique.”

Val’s entry impressed The Irish News judges who were blown away by PJ’s “huge commitment” to St Bronagh’s who were Down intermediate champions and Ulster finalists this year.

“The judges were extremely impressed by the huge commitment of this volunteer over the course of the last 45 years to their club, county and province across every aspect of activity; from grounds upkeep, scoreboard management and sales, to Scór and drama.

“He also puts a lot of miles on the clock stewarding at both local games and county level matches across Ulster and is even an official steward at Croke Park!”