GALLERY: Bundoran GAA club Realt na Mara honour past and present stars

Realt na Mara GAA club reached back into its rich and storied past to pay homage to two of its stars of yester years, one of them sadly deceased, at their presentation celebrations in the Great Northern Hotel where stars of the present, in particular their Division 2 winning side, were also recognised.

Held at the Great Northern Hotel the club inducted Bishop Emeritus Liam McDaid and the late Brendan McHugh into their Hall of Fame.

Alan Boyd, treasurer Donegal GAA was the special guest. Mr Boyd congratulated the club on their success on and off the field, referencing the erection of their new stand, their contribution to Donegal GAA in general and the promotion success of their senior team, who won the Division 2 title in 2018. 

He said it was generally agreed that Bundoran's meeting with Ardara in Ardara in the championship was one of the most memorable games of the year.

Michael Daly, who was MC for the evening, summarised the careers of both Hall of Fame recipients before club chairman Brian McEniff made special presentations to Lila McHugh and Bishop Emeritus McDaid.

Brendan McHugh, who was just 48 when he died in 1990, had a stellar club career, winning six championships with St Joseph's and went on to manage that side to a county title. He also won junior and intermediate championship medals with Bundoran and capped all that with a senior medal with Bundoran in 1979 after the St Joseph's era ended.

He played for Donegal in the National Football League having earlier played minor and senior (in the one day) for Sligo.

During a five year stint in the USA he played for Clann na Gael in Toronto, for Cavan when they were in New York and he played for New York against Offaly in Offaly in 1964.

On Friday night Brendan's eldest son, Michael, returned thanks on behalf of the McHugh family for the  honour bestowed by the club. He spoke passionately about the rich legacy his late father had passed on to his family.

It was, he said, a very proud night for the McHugh family who warmly welcomed the tribute to "Big Ben", a man who he said was fearless in life and on the football field. "His memory lives on and we cherish the gesture tonight by his club; he would have been very proud of this," he said.

The second Hall of Fame inductee, Bishop Emeritus Liam McDaid won three club senior championship medals with St Joseph’s in 1965, '68 and '70.

He won a juvenile championship with Bundoran in 1959 and minor championships in 1961 and 1963 and a Junior championship in 1966 with Bundoran. In 1968 he played in the first leg victory by St Joseph's in the unofficial All Ireland club final. For Maynooth University he won an inter varsities title playing at full back. 

"Bishop Liam", as he is fondly referred to in his native Bundoran, spoke eloquently on receipt of the honour and paid a very special tribute to Brian McEniff who he said had achieved the ultimate, bringing Donegal to and winning and All Ireland title.

Playing colleagues of Liam and the late Brendan from St Joseph's and Bundoran sides of that era were among the many who attended Friday night's function on what was a wonderful night for the Real na Mara GAA club.

The senior squad, led by their captain, Shane McGowan, were presented with their Division 2 medals by Alan Boyd.

Oisin Walsh, son of Geraldine and Pat Walsh, was named as the senior reserve player of the year while Michael (Mikey) McEniff, son of John and Joan McEniff was named senior player of the year. 

A special award for services to the club was presented to the hugely popular Ned O'Donnell and as he received his presentation the room erupted in delight, the loud applause and cheers underlining his popularity. 

Club chairman, Brian McEniff,  spoke at the conclusion of the evening, thanking all who attended, those who had worked for the club, recognising those at every level, from lotto sellers to coaches for their great efforts. He spoke fondly of his great friends the late Brendan McHugh and Bishop McDaid and said he was delighted that both were honoured. He picked out a number of the younger club members who were attending the night with their families and hailed their exploits.