Cushendall win prestigious Bank of Ireland Ulster GAA Community Support Award

ANTRIM club, Ruairí Óg CLG Cushendall, have collected the Bank of Ireland Ulster GAA Community Support Award in recognition of their work during the past year.
The Award has been created to recognise the outstanding contribution of GAA clubs in their communities, where many go over and above their normal day-to-day activities to promote outreach, equality, diversity and inclusivity.
There was a fantastic response from clubs across the province to the call for nominations and it was a difficult decision-making process for the judging panel from Ulster GAA and Bank of Ireland’s Community Teams.
One winner was selected from each county in Ulster to win £250 of O’Neill’s Sports equipment vouchers, with Ruairí Óg CLG, being chosen as the overall winner, receiving an additional £1,000 of O’Neill’s Sports vouchers.
William Thompson, Head of Branch Banking, Bank of Ireland UK, said: “We are proud to sponsor the Ulster GAA Community Support Award which recognises the important role that clubs play in their communities that goes beyond operational activities to enrich family and community life.
“On behalf of Bank of Ireland, I would like to congratulate all the shortlisted clubs who have been recognised for their impressive efforts, with special congratulations to Ruairí Óg Cushendall who were very worthy winners having delivered a significant and holistic programme of activity in partnership with the local community.”
Ulster GAA President, Ciaran McLaughlin, added: “GAA clubs are very often at the centre of all activities in their communities. The Bank of Ireland Community Support award is one way of acknowledging and rewarding our clubs and their volunteers for the tremendous role they play in positively influencing the wellbeing of those in their local area.
“In recognising their exceptional impact, I congratulate Ruairí Óg Cushendall in winning the overall provincial award and commend them for the excellent range of initiatives they continue to undertake to engage their members and the wider Cushendall community.”
Clódagh Níc Alastair, Ruairí Óg Cushendall club secretary, said: Ruairí Óg Cushendall are delighted to receive this award from Bank of Ireland and Ulster GAA. This recognition is testament to the community ethos within Cushendall and is just reward for our hard-working volunteers who continually give up their time to provide for the wider community. We are very proud of the collective effort by all involved and this recognition is very much welcome by all members of our club.”

The full list of county winners in the Bank of Ireland Ulster GAA Community Support Award:
Antrim – Ruairí Óg Cushendall
Armagh – Clan na Gael, Lurgan
Cavan – East Cavan Gaels
Derry – Ballerin Sarsfields
Donegal – Naomh Conaill, Glenties
Down – John Mitchel’s, Ballygalget
Fermanagh – St Patrick’s Donagh
Monaghan – Oram Sarsfields
Tyrone – Dungannon Thomas Clarkes