Tinryland/Bennekerry honoured at civic reception for All-Ireland win

BENNEKERRY/Tinryland’s historic win in the AIB All-Ireland Intermediate Championship final was honoured with a civic reception last Thursday night in Visual.

Players, the management team, parents and supporters gathered for the special occasion to mark an extraordinary year for the ladies’ team, culminating in them being crowned All-Ireland champions. Not only evoking the pride of their own communities, the ladies’ win was also celebrated throughout Carlow with the jubilant scenes in Croke Park on that incredible day echoed right across the county.

MC for the civic reception was Fiona Byrne, senior executive officer at Carlow County Council, who welcomed everyone and congratulated the team on their great win. Among those in attendance was minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, deputy Catherine Callaghan and several local councillors.

Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council cllr Fergal Browne welcomed everyone to the special occasion and spoke of the great pride and joy felt by all following their success.

“Already in the history books as the first Carlow team to make it to a national women’s football final, Bennekerry/Tinryland made headlines in GAA headquarters by overcoming the challenge of Annaghdown, who had previously secured an All-Ireland title at this grade in 2016. This victory has sparked immense pride across the county,” said cllr Browne.

“This victory not only highlights the extraordinary talent of the Bennekerry/Tinryland Ladies Football Club but also serves as a reminder of the vital role sports play in uniting and uplifting communities.

“Carlow County Council congratulates the team, management and supporters for their phenomenal achievement and looks forward to continuing to nurture and celebrate sporting excellence in Co Carlow,” he said.

Cllr Browne acknowledged team manager Chris Townsend and coaches Conor Byrne, Alison Miller and Niall Barrett. He also offered a special thanks to all who made donations to the club to get this team to Croke Park.

“It is an honour for me as cathaoirleach to acknowledge your great progress over the last few years, culminating in this All-Ireland win, and I wish yourselves, the players, your management team, the Carlow LGFA community and all your families the very best for now and into the future,” he concluded.

Yvonne Bullen Cranny, chair of Bennekerry/Tinryland LGFC, also spoke and congratulated the team on their phenomenal success.

Team captain Shannon Cotter also addressed the gathering, while presentations were made to the coaching staff from the team as well as a plaque from cllr Browne to mark the occasion.

One name that was very much part of the occasion was that of the late Amanda Kinsella. An integral part of the team right through the juvenile grades, Amanda was also fondly remembered on this special night.