12th MBNA Kick Fada

Monday, September 12, 2011

The 12th MBNA Kick Fada was a terrific success on Saturday last, 10th September.  Strong winds prevented the standing records from 2001 of Kildare's Mark Herbert (73m) and Dublin's Suzanne Hughes (52m). St Ultan's player, Irene Munnelly, won the women's event with a 37 m kick and Shane Duffy of Magheracloone Club in Monaghan won the men's even with a kick of 60m. Paul Hearty, Armagh came second and Paul Flood from Kildare came third in the men's event. Kim Flood from Dublin took second place in the Women's event and Grainne Nulty from Meath took third place following a tense kick off for the 3rd place. There was strong competition in both events this year with 24 men competing and 16 ladies. The Wicklow ladies team was very well represented and Bray Emmets wishes them the very best of luck in the All Ireland Final against New York on Sunday week.

Cathaoirleach of Bray Emmets, Frances Stephenson, thanked sponsor, MBNA, for their valued partnership over the past 12 years and recognised the contribution they have made to developing Bray Emmets, particularly at juvenile level. She made a presentation to Suzanne Holmes, Communication Director of MBNA Ireland. Frances also paid a special tribute to her fellow club members, who she said there were too many to mention individually, who worked so hard to make the day a success. "They demonstrate all that is good in the ethos of the GAA - fantastic team spirit and true volunteerism", she said.

Many other events took place in Emmet Park on Saturday, which added greatly to the festive atmosphere. There was an exhibition Peil Abú match, along with the traditional mini Hurling All Ireland. Many other under age matches took place along with underage kick Fada events. As an active member of the GAA Social Initiative a lunch was hosted and the Arklow Geraldine Ballymoney Social Initiative group attended along with invited guests from neighbouring clubs around Bray.

Joan O'Sullivan presented the Bray Emmets club with her father's medals at the Kick Fada. Joan's father, Tony Byrne, played for Bray Emmets from the late 1920's to mid 1940's. All in Bray Emmets were very touched by this generous presentation. Tony's great granddaughter, Gracie O'Sullivan plays under 10 for Bray Emmets.

We were delighted with the turn out on the day. Representatives from the county board were present along with The Chairman of GAA Leinster Council, Martin Skelly who paid his first visit to Bray since becoming Leinster Chairman.