Ryan McCauley and Alannah Daly, at the Ringtown hurling club dinner dance in the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Dooley is guest of honour at fantastic Ringtown Dinner Dance

The Ringtown GAA Dinner Dance at the Mullingar Park Hotel last Saturday night was a great success, with over 230 people attending for what proved a memorable occasion.

The club had former Offaly star Joe Dooley as their guest of honour and he contributed greatly to a wonderful night. Dooley was on hand to present the winning medals. Well-known GAA commentator and scribe, Paul Doolin was MC and he was fantastic. He knew everyone really well and his contribution was very much appreciated by the club and those in attendance.

Raharney’s Brendan Shaw, the new Secretary of the Westmeath GAA County Committee, also attended and gave an excellent speech to the packed gathering.

The Intermediate Hurling Championship medals and the Junior B medals were presented.

The Ringtown management team of Nigel Mannion, Gary Tracey and Vinny Lambe, who all hail from Tullamore, along with Ringtown’s own Gerry Quinn, James Flynn and Frankie Boyhan, were honoured for their contribution.

The 2022 victory was Ringtown’s first IHC title in 20 years and they won their first junior title in many decades to make it a fantastic year. Eddie Blacoe, the past junior captain, was present on the night, providing a lovely link with the past and present.

Mark Cunningham received the Player of The Year award having scored an impressive total of 4-30 in the intermediate championship.

Ringtown Chairman Eamonn Doyle addressed the gathering, acknowledging all associated with the club’s successful year in 2022 and paying tribute to the resolve of the players.

Joe Dooley spoke very well and made special reference to David Kilcoyne, former Ringtown and Westmeath hurling star. He relived memories of an All Star trip on which David was part of the travelling party and it was a fitting memory for the occasion.

Dooley also touched on the significance of having David Kilcoyne still involved in the club as the only All Star Westmeath has ever produced in hurling. He remains an inspiration to all players in the club and his selection on the All Star side of 1986 shows what can be achieved.

David also won All-Ireland senior ‘B’ and Walsh Cup medals with the county in 1985, ‘91 and ‘82 respectively.