White’s Cross GAA recently celebrated their successes in 2008 with a most enjoyable dinner dance in the Vienna Woods Hotel. Guest of honour on the night was local hero Elaine Harte, winner of her fourth consecutive All Ireland medal in 2008, accompanied by her husband John Doyle. Complimenting Elaine on her exploits in his chairperson’s address, Pat Reid also singled out Elaine for praise on winning her first All-Star and Munster Council Ladies Footballer of the Year awards in 2008.
Other guests attending on the night included Secretary of the Seandún Divisional Board, Donal O’ Connor and his wife; Fr. Ted Sheehan C.C. and club vice-president.
In her speech, Elaine recounted her debut to football, at the behest of her father Tom who was involved with many White’s Cross teams over the years. On this particular day Tom had Elaine line out on a White’s Cross under-age team to fill a vacant position – kitted out in yellow wellingtons she recalled! Her efforts on the day warranted an investment in a pair of football boots and thus began the footballing career of one of Cork Ladies greatest! Elaine presented medals to those involved in the Championship and McSwiney Cup successes of 2008.
Later in the evening the draw took place for the Friends’ of White’s Cross GAA Fundraising Draw. The first prize of 2,000 euro went to Sandra O Donovan, formerly of Lisnahorna, White’s Cross. The second prize of 1,000 euro went to Joe Galvin of Ballymacelligott, Tralee and the third prize of 500 euro to Theresa Ring, Kilcully, White’s Cross. The fourth and fifth prizes were both kindly sponsored by the Fitzpatrick’s Vienna Woods Hotel, and were won by Ger and Ann Brady, Lisnahorna, and Larry Bracken, Ballyphilip, respectively. White’s Cross GAA is greatly appreciative of all who supported this draw, and made it a most worthwhile fundraising initiative.