Successful eve of Championship corporate lunch hosted by Club Kildare

Thu, 17 Apr, 2025 - 15:36

Kildare Nationalist reporter

As Kenny Rogers might sing, “On a Warm Summer’s Evening”, on Friday last just under 400 guests from GAA, business and community life in Kildare assembled in Lawlor’s Hotel in Naas for the 3rd Annual Club Kildare Corporate Lunch in support of Kildare GAA.

Unlike the previous two events, which were held on the eve of the Allianz Leagues, this year’s event was held on the eve of the football and hurling championships. From the moment MC, Pat Costello, formerly of this parish, threw the ball in for what he described as Kildare’s version of “Up for the Match”, guests were treated to an afternoon of a fine food, fine GAA banter, an auction conducted by bubbly and enthusiastic guest Auctioneer, Eamon O’Flaherty of Sherry Fitzgerald Brady O’Flaherty Auctioneers in Maynooth and a Raffle for prizes ranging from Newbridge Silverware and Brown Thomas Vouchers to Jerseys and Golf Four Balls.

Bill O'Brien, Michael Duignan and Eamon Flaherty

In his warm address of welcome, Kildare GAA Club Chairman, Mick Mullen, thanked everyone for their attendance and support saying their contributions had made a real difference to the county. He paid tribute to the Organising Committee which included TJ Malone, Chairman Club Kildare, Colm Farrell, Vice Chair, Ollie Ryan, Secretary, Sara Holden as well as Co Treasurer, Alan Dunney, Co Secretary, Christine Murray and Head of Communications, Lorraine Woulfe.

Guests included former players at club and county level, former managers, and a few current ones, as well as maybe future ones judging by some of the questions from the floor.

Brian Flanagan and Brian Dowling, Kildare’s senior football and hurling managers were also present and in extensive interviews with MC, Costello, gave their thoughts on their League campaigns and on preparations and hopes for their respective upcoming championships.

Central to the afternoon was The Panel Discussion with John Heslin, who recently retired as Westmeath County footballer, Anthony Daly, who captained Clare to All Irelands in 1995 and 1997, and All Ireland winning Meath captain, Graham Geraghty. Jovial host, Michael Duignan, the former Offaly All Ireland winning hurler and Co Board Chairman, expertly put the panellists through their paces and he was helped by an abundance of questions from the floor. The variety of issues thrown at the panel were each responded with expert knowledge, personal stories and a fair bit of banter throughout the afternoon and evening.

Guests were sent home full of enthusiasm for the months of GAA activities that lie ahead.