McGrath wishes St Vincent’s well

DUBLIN Bay North TD Finian McGrath (Ind) has wished the St Vincent’s GAA team all the best ahead of their All-Ireland Club Final against Castlebar Mitchels on St Patrick’s Day.

Deputy McGrath, a member of the club, has many friends playing and coaching at St Vincent’s and praised the management team and squad for their hard work and efforts in getting to the final.

“It was a long and tough campaign but this great Northside club got through and made it to the final,” he said.

Deputy McGrath, a regular sponsor of the underage teams at St Vincent’s, also paid tribute to all of the mentors, coaches, players and parents of all of the other teams at the Marino-based club.

“This is their final too and voluntary efforts should never be forgotten and I commend them all,

? he added.

Clontarf ward councillor Damian O’Farrell (Ind) said excitement is growing in Marino ahead of the big match in Croke Park on March 17.

“There is a blast of blue and white locally with flags and bunting,

? he said.

“As St Vincent’s have progressed through the competition each time, I’ve looked for permission on behalf of the club to hang flags on street poles.

“Not only did Dublin City Council have no objection, they actually welcomed the colour the flags brought and wished them well.

?

Cllr O’Farrell said locals were looking forward to the supporters’ ‘march’ to Croke Park prior to the throw-in.

“The

‘march’ has a great community feel about it and begins at the clubhouse with face painting and takes in Charlemont Estate and Philipsburgh Avenue heading towards Luke Kelly Bridge and Croke Park,

? he added.

“Everyone is welcome and residents along the route are being encouraged to do their best to show the blue and white with flags and bunting.

?

Meanwhile, AIB, sponsor of both the GAA and Camogie Club Championships, recently honoured 11 club players from camogie, hurling and football at

‘TheToughest provincial club player’ awards. The recipients were voted for by national and regional GAA media and the criteria focused on their overall performance in their club games throughout 2013.

St Vincent’s star Tomas Quinn was the football winner for Leinster.

?¢ Tomas (Mossy) Quinn pictured with his award. PHOTO: DAVID MAHER/SPORTSFILE