An Charraig Mhór President 2013

Following the official opening of An Charraig Mhór's new playing surface on Sunday April 21st a special function was held in honour of Pat Kelly Club President for 2013.

After everyone enjoyed a beautiful buffet, Club PRO Gavan Mc Elroy paid tribute to Pat Kelly club President for 2013. Speaking to the large crowd in attendance he outlined Pat's contribution to the Carrickmore club.

'Pat's first involvement with the club was as an underage player in the mid to late fifties. As an underage player he was a member of a very gifted group of players who captured the Juvenile Championship in 1955 and the Minor Championship in both 1956 and 1957.History would go on to prove that it was in this era that the foundation was laid for the glorious decade that was to become the 60's when we brought the O'Neill Cup to Quinn's corners 3 times - 1961, 1966 and 1969.

Pat played senior football for the club from 1956 - 1962. He was a young player in '58 when the senior team reached the Championship final and added a championship medal to his underage collection when we bridged a 12 year gap in 1961.

He served as committee members throughout the sixties becoming Club Treasurer 1971. Succeeding Jimmy (Hughie) Mc Callan he was treasurer when Pairc Colmcille was opened and along with a large group of dedicated clubmen established a home for our club which has developed into what we look upon today. It is fitting that today when we officially open our new playing surface that we have the chance to pay tribute to one of those who had a hand in putting the Pairc Colmcille in place back in 1971.

Indeed in that era it was 'all hands to the pump' with Pat, other committee members and willing volunteers turning up in the evenings and weekends to gather stones, dig drains and level clay. Everything else was put on hold for the love of the club. As we enter an era when many are beginning to describe our games as a 'product' it would do well to remember the selfless efforts of the likes of Pat Kelly who brought us to where we are today.
Pat's first term as Chairman ran from 1980 - 1982. During this tenure we reached a championship final, produced an award winning history of our club and won the honour of Club of the Year. Pat's progressive hand can be seen in all of these achievements. Not content with this he led the club in an ambitious project to build the first covered stand in Tyrone - only the fifth in the Ulster at that time.

Another stand would follow shortly after with integrated changing rooms, kitchen and a tunnel. A tunnel which every player since has been proud to emerge from in the colours of our club. Today stands are the norm at club grounds - In 1981 they were not!

Pats involvement continued throughout the 80's and he returned to the chair in 1990 for another two years. As we entered a new decade he was there to guide the club to our first U-21 championship victory and a first Division One League title since 1979.

It has generally accepted that league victories and structures put in place for the senior team in this phase of our development were a vital stepping stone to bringing 3 more Senior Championship titles to the club by the end of the 90's.

As we all know commitment like that shown by Pat steps well outside the confines of individual sacrifice. In the background his wife Eileen was ever supportive and in fact like many others organised family life around meetings, matches and all the other assorted club activities which then as now are demanding and time consuming.

Today we get the opportunity to thank Eileen and Pats children for their support and encouragement. We are confident that Pat has passed on his love of our association to them and his grandchildren'.

Concluding Gavan stated that 'Pat Kelly has been a constant in our club. One who did not seek notoriety or personal praise. He is indeed the epitome of what constitutes a true clubman - an example to us all. Throughout it all he has retained his sense of humour and optimistic outlook on our club fortunes'.

A power point presentation followed Gavan's speech showing Pat's involvement in the club from 1955 to the present and official business was wrapped up by the man himself.

In his speech Pat thanked last years Chairman Dermot Loughran and the committee for nominating him as President for 2103. He said that it was a huge honour for him considering the names of the men and women who went before him and also taking into consideration the names of others within the club who would have deserved it as much if not more than him. He went on to thanks his wife and family for their unwavering support. He also encouraged everyone there to respect the role of the committee and to take time to consider the amount of dedication it takes at committee level to make everything run smoothly in a club. Summing up he stated that a huge debt of gratitude is owed to all those he worked tirelessly over the years both on and off the field. It was not the work of one person but of many which made us and kept us the club that we are, concluded Pat.

At this point Rose Donnelly, wife of club legend Frank came forward to present the Frank Donnelly Perpetual Cup to Pat Kelly.
Chairman Turlough Mc Garrity ended the days' official business by thanking everyone who helped out with the function for the President and by wishing Pat all the best in his new position.

The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who travelled some distance to be there and all those who helped prepare and serve the food. Special thanks to Club Secretary Pat Nugent who choreographed the days' proceedings in her usual efficient manner. Tweet

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