The inaugural Waterford Rising GAA Dinner was held recently in Croke Park to raise funds for the grassroots development of Waterford GAA.
The evening, which was hosted by RTE sporting commentator Marty Morrissey, saw two of Waterford’s finest sons and GAA fanatics, Dan Mulhall, former Ambassador to the US and renowned business man John Moloney, former MD of Glanbia, honoured with Special Recognition Awards by Mayor of Waterford, Cllr John O’Leary.
Marty was also joined on stage by Chair of the Waterford GAA Commercial Group Seamus Kilgannon, Waterford County Board Chairman Sean Michael O’Regan and Ger Ryan, Chairman of the Munster Council, all of whom said they were overwhelmed by the support of the business community for this high profile event.
Organised by the Waterford GAA Commercial Group, Waterford Chamber and Deise in Dublin, the event saw over 250 people sit back after a sumptuous meal, which featured Waterford producers Dawn Meats, Blue Butterfly Coffee and Anchor Irish Spirits, to hear from Waterford Senior Hurling Manager Davy Fitzgerald.
Hilarity followed as Marty was joined by GAA legends Ken McGrath, Paul Flynn, Kevin Moran and Michelle Ryan, who all spoke passionately about under age development of the GAA, while also regaling the crowd with tales of yore.
Throughout the evening, music was provided by Waterford native David Flynn and concluded with an incredible performance by David and the Mount Sion Choir.
As guests left looking forward to the championship, armed with a flavour of Waterford Gift Bags, including a day at Tramore Races, Legacy Irish Cider, Blue Butterfly Coffee, Lismore Food Company biscuits, Flahavans products and more, it was agreed that the passion for Waterford GAA is alive and well and the future is bright.
