Tracey and Keenan recognised with prestigious awards

THE late Noel Tracey, who played a massive role in Tyrone Ladies Football before his untimely death last year, has been posthumously honoured by the LGFA.

The Kildress stalwart has been named as Coach of the year in the annual LGFA volunteer of the year awards.

Noel had helped guide the fortunes of the Wolfe Tones at underage level in boys and girls football. A few short weeks before he passed away last August, he played a major role as his beloved side won a national Feile title. The Tracey family are stepped in the very grain of Kildress Wolfe Tones and Noel’s Brother Dessie was one of many who paid tribute to him.

“Noel was our go-to man in the family, he had the answers that we could never find,” Dessie said. “He loved Kildress, he played his part on the pitch then went on to youth management of underage teams.

“He helped his two daughters become the best they can be and really was one of the best about. He never had a bad word to say to anyone took and took it all in his stride.”

“He became our club referee and did as much as he could for the love of the game.”

Meanwhile, respected Gortin St Patrick’s and Badoney Ladies stalwart Margaret Keenan has been chosen as Ulster Club Volunteer for 2022 by GAA President Larry McCarthy.

Keenan, who recently stepped down as club secretary after 37 years in the role, will receive her award in Croke Park at the official President’s Awards ceremony on Friday night.

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on TG4 at 7.30pm on a special night for Keenan’s family and the wider Gortin community.

A statement from the club expressed appreciation to Margaret: “This award is just reward for the loyalty and dedication she has shown to the GAA family since she took up her role back in 1985.

“Margaret has been a true stalwart of this club for the last 37 years and she continues to serve on the club executive committee and as secretary of the Hearings Committee in Tyrone as well.”