The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Seamus Kilgannon hosted a reception in County Hall for the County Sligo Ladies Team, to honour the achievement in winning the Connacht Title and reaching the All Ireland semi-final.
Sligo Ladies Team Honoured by Council
Sligo Ladies Team Honoured by Council
In his address the Cathaoirleach said
‘Any person who attains to the level of a Provincial Champion in any discipline should feel extremely proud of their achievement. This success did not happen over-night, it is the result of years of hard work and intense preparation and training. We can only hazard a guess at the sacrifices made by the members of the squad to achieve the level of fitness required to compete so well at this level.
Special team
Anyone who has witnessed their performances throughout the year will have seen their outstanding team-work and enormous sense of pride in representing their county. It is very few people have that honour, and it should instil memories that will stay with you for the rest of your lives. The achievement of being crowned Connacht Champions in successive years marks this team out as very special, but it also serves to inspire the next generation of young footballers who follow your careers with great interest. Some neighbouring counties may have greater populations and a wider club base to choose from, but they would find it hard to match the spirit, skill and ambition of the Sligo Ladies Team.
Valued contribution
I think it is fair to say that your success in Connacht was noted and admired well beyond the sporting arena, it was the subject of discussions in households all over the county. To progress to the level you have demanded a contribution from each and every member of the squad, not just the starting team. That is the nature of the modern game, and everyone made a valued contribution along this wonderful journey. While our focus this evening is on the players who have delivered this success, they will be the first to acknowledge the role played by Team Manager Paddy Henry, his coaching staff, management committee, and the network of volunteers, families, friends, sponsors and supporters who were with you every step of the way.
Greater achievements
In this year when Sligo celebrates its status as ‘European Capital of Volunteering’ we publicly salute the many, many people across our communities who have worked so hard to support this team, and will continue to do so in the future. Given the resolve and spirit of this team, I very much doubt if you will rest on your laurels, but will use the wonderful memories of 2017 as a stepping stone to even greater achievements in the future.’
The reception was preceded by a minute’s silence in memory of the late Mairead Davey.