Fintan Ginnity honoured at Croke Park event

Former Meath GAA Co Committee chairman Fintan Ginnty received a 2011 President's Award at a special function at Croke Park last week where 16 recipients were honoured. The annual winners were honoured as long-standing GAA volunteers who have served the Association with distinction in their chosen field over a prolonged period. Ginnity was chairman of Coiste na Mí for 20 years from 1986 to 2005 during which the Meath football team enjoyed unprecedented success with the legendary Sean Boylan at the helm. There were many fine achievements off the pitch under Ginnity also. He was the driving force behind redevelopment of Páirc Tailteann and he was also instrumental in the purchase of Dunganny for development as a centre of excellence. Ginnity has had a lifetime of involvement with the GAA and apart from his lengthy spell as chairman, he also served as Minor Board secretary and Central Council representative. Also present at the event were members of the Drumbaragh and Gaeil Colmcille clubs. Joe Smith, Frankie Lynch, Brendan Caffrey and Johnny Connolly represented Drumbaragh while Willie Newman and Jim Deignan attended from Gaeil Colmcille The recipients were selected by GAA president Christy Cooney from across all strands of the Association. "This scheme is about honouring and acknowledging those who work so hard on our behalf for such long periods of time to ensure that we have vibrant clubs and activity all over the country," stated Cooney. "This commitment is not played out in the limelight and does not generate headlines, but it is the sort of dedication that makes the GAA what it is. "I congratulate all of our 2011 winners and laud their efforts over so many years," he added. There was also a Family Acknowledgement Award, to be known as the Dermot Earley Family Award to presented in acknowledgement of outstanding family contribution to the GAA. The inaugural award was to the Earley family. The banquet, supported by AIB Bank, was televised by TG4 and the recipients were introduced to the crowd at Croke Park on St Patrick's Day during the All-Ireland club championship finals.