Sportsindoor         bbermingham@corkcity.ie    www.bbermingham.com

Ladies & Gentlemen

I am delighted to represent the City of Cork as Deputy Lord Mayor, at this, the 39^th, annual presentation of awards, to your Sport Star Personalities for 2001.

Many thanks, for your invitation to attend.

May I thank you, Pat [Mc Auliffe] from RTE, for acting as MC [master of ceremonies] to night and indeed may I thank all the Media in Cork who are so very good in sport coverage and publicity to all sporting bodies.

I note, a very nice message, from Mr. Billy George of the Irish Examiner, in your booklet, highlighting Billy’s great commitment and reflecting the very close connection between the media and sport in Cork.

The year 1963, was a historic year, in many ways 

February 2^nd saw the founding of the Cork Indoor Sports Association

April 30^th the first awards ceremony to the personalities of the nine member associations.

July - the granting to President Kennedy the Freedom of Cork City.

Cork’s Lord Mayor, Sean Casey did the honors in the granting of “the freeman” to President Kennedy, as he did your presentations.

 I note from my briefing notes that the presentations this year has doubled to 18 - [Call out sports]

 I understand there are 425 clubs with 15,500 members – very impressive indeed.

The City of Cork is very thankful to you.

Your original aims, included

1.  An annual awards, - and you have been so successful in this.

2.  The appointment of a minister for sport. This ranks as a major achievement.

3.  Improved facilities for indoor sports. The scene in Cork has changed so magnificently, thanks to your efforts, but we cannot be complacement.

4.  Funds for sports that do not have wide public appeal- well campaigning on this issue continues.

It is appropriate here to thank on your behalf, Mr Harry Foley, Managing Director of Hilser Brothers Jewelers on the Grand Parade.

Hilsers are your continuous sponsors since 1975. These years must surely be a record Sponsorship.

Likewise I would like to thank, the City of Cork VEC and County Cork VEC for their continuous support for small clubs and organizations.

Your Association then, has been very successful in achieving your aims.

Cork Corporation

As Deputy Lord Mayor and current Chairperson of the Recreation, Sports and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee [SPC] I am pleased that Cork Corporation within its means, has facilitate sport in Cork City down the years, with the provision of playing pitches, recreation halls, swimming polls and so on.

I am delighted with the appointment of Larry O’Reilly as Sports Office with Cork Corporation approximately 6 weeks ago.

With the sports officer’s appointment and the SPC in place, albeit awaiting the appointment of a director of services, Cork Corporation’s level and quality of communication and responding to your needs will increase.

Already Larry has met with many people and his presence here tonight gives him, an ideal opportunity to network.

Whereas this buoyant economy is negative in the context of young people purchasing homes, it is very positive in the provision of sporting facilities.

Your association & clubs should reap the benefits.

I look forward to the Sporting officer, developing not only his role, but assisting and developing sporting facilities with you as well.

Participation

May I thank and congratulate all who participated in indoor sports over the years.

Participation is, in itself, so beneficial with its training, meeting people and contesting - all elements contributing to the individual’s personal development. – and just like the Cork Rose there are so many contestants, but just one winner.

To you, the 2001 Sport Stars Personalities may I congratulate you? I know that many of you have received your award, for outstanding loyal service to your chosen sport.

Special Olympics

Only a few days ago I attended another awards celebration in the Indoor-bowling center - the Coliseum - as the first stepping-stone to the Special Olympics in 2003.

I understand that Ireland, is the first country to host the games outside the United States – this is a major achievement.

Ireland is now gearing up for this hugh event.

We are thrilled with the honor, and challenged by the enormity of the occasion.

Its organization – the heats, transportation, accommodation, backup, the total lead up, the Olympics themselves, and the post tidying up operation- will tax everyone involved.

Thousands of people will come to Ireland and we as a community are ready to play our part in ensuring the success of the Special Olympics in Ireland 2003.

Volunteer

Sport at every level, is alive and kicking in Ireland.

In this the year of THE VOLUNTEER

No praise from civic leaders can be high enough for the enormous good and value added,

Your voluntary efforts are making to our community.

May I wish you - all the members of Cork Indoor Sports Association? 

Great and continuing success in the years ahead?

Your contribution to INDOOR SPORT is greatly appreciated by all. -Thank You

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