In Pictures: Acknowledging the contribution of retired teachers to Gaelic games

An eclectic group of sports teachers were gathered together in Pier 1 on Friday to receive recognition awards for service to the GAA and to their students during their teaching careers. Click on the arrows to see Siobhan McGowan's photos from the evening:

A spokesperson said: “All 14 are recently retired and no doubt all 14 have many years of volunteer effort left in them to carry on the excellent work they have put into developing the love of participation in sport and in particular in participation Gaelic games.”

All this work was done on a voluntary basis and in particular over the winter months when school games come to the fore. 

Of course all were former colleagues in sport who had during their years brought the County Vocational Schools teams to the pinnacle of success at All-Ireland level on a number of occasions.

“Their endeavour over the past 50 years helped lay the foundation upon which the ongoing success in which Donegal GAA has thrived,” continued the spokesperson.

“A diverse group of teachers, some former county players, some former  county managers and coaches, some former county administrators, some all-ireland medallists, and some former club referees,  all were leaders within their schools in fostering a love of our national games.

“In their own time each one developed all those in their charge to be the best they could be in playing our gaelic sports

“Their recognition is overdue.”