Peter Joe Fitzmaurice of Kilmore GAA club and Michael and Ann Naughton of, St. Coman’s GAA Club have been honoured in the 2021 GAA President Awards.
“The GAA stands on the shoulders of the People we are fortunate to be able to call our own” said GAA President John Horan.
“Ultimately, the strength of the Association is down to the resilience, dedication and inspiration of the volunteers who make it happen, week after week, year after year.”
“These awards give us an opportunity to single out a group who are not motivated by recognition, but who have made an invaluable contribution to our Association and are worthy of this acknowledgement and are great ambassadors for the tens of thousands like them all across the GAA” added Horan.
Connacht Recipient - Peter Joe Fitzmaurice, Kilmore GAA, Roscommon
Peter Joe was born in September 1930 and has given outstanding service to the Association.
Kilmore GAA club was reformed in 1972 and Peter Joe became vice-chairperson in its inaugural year and has been involved in the club ever since.
On the field, Kilmore have won the County Junior championship in 1975, Intermediate championship in 1981 and Roscommon senior championship in 1983 and Peter Joe Fitzmaurice has been an ever constant and was a selector on all three occasions.
Peter Joe has held many roles within the club including Vice-Chairperson, Treasurer, assistant Treasurer and is President of Kilmore GAA for over 20 years. Peter Joe also served as a selector on many underage teams down the years.
He was a crucial part of the club drive back in 1979 when Kilmore acquired new ground and developed the current pitch and facilities which were opened in 1982.
He has also given over 20 years of service to Roscommon GAA as a loyal gate collector on gates for club & County games.
Handball Recipients – Michael & Ann Naughton, St. Coman’s GAA Club – Roscommon
Michael and Ann Naughton have served their club, county and province in a coaching and administrative capacity since 1980.
Michael and Ann coached both boys and girls in St Coman's, Roscommon, over this period and were particularly influential in promoting and developing girls and ladies handball at the club.
An incredible haul of honours followed and titles in Féile na Gael, Community Games, Tailteann Games, All-Ireland 40x20 & 60x30, Girls Team of 10, World Championships, USHA Nationals, 40x20 and 1-wall Nationals were brought back to the club and county during their time.
Ann served as Team manager to official Irish teams at various World Championships. Michael has served as club and county PRO.
Michael won a number of Masters titles in both 40x20 and 60x30 and had a long-playing career. He continues his promotional work for handball through the Roscommon GAA History Committee and is still coaching at the St Coman's Handball Club.
Both have been lifelong devotees to Handball and have given a lifetime of invaluable service to the game.
