This article is from page 31 of the 2007-04-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
NEWMARKET Celtic have saluted a local stalwart that has been with the club through good times and bad.
For years Paddy Shanagher spent every moment of his spare time tak- ing care of the old Newmarket Celtic pitch with great care and commit- ment in all sorts of weather.
Every club has people like Paddy. Men who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition for their efforts.
He could often be seen early morn- ing or late at night working away pre-
paring for the fixtures for the coming weekend.
With the famous old hill there was always was hard work to be done. This job was often carried out in poor weather conditions making it near impossible. But Paddy never failed to deliver a top class job.
And when the work was done, Paddy could be seen on the sidelines cheering on Newmarket teams from schoolboys up to juniors.
Last Sunday was a day to remem- ber for the club and for Paddy in par- ticular. Goalkeeping legend Packie Bonner and FAI Chief Executive
John Delaney were in town to of- ficially open the newly developed McDonough Park. It marked New- market’s return home and none were prouder than Paddy.
The old place has been given a facelift. The famous hill so long a eraveyard for the ambition of visiting teams down the years is gone.
In its place are two full size pitches and a training area. The clubhouse, which was opened 17 years ago, has also been fully refurbished. In total €300,000 was invested in the pro- eau beauentee
Some things don’t change though.
Paddy is still as committed as ever to his role with the club.
Club member Brian Cronin paid tribute to Paddy,
“Because of everything he has done, the former players and com- mittee of Newmarket Celtic are in- debted to Paddy Shanagher’s com- mitment down the years.”