Limerick's Sporting Heroes To Be Honoured Today

Grand Slam Champions Garryowen F.C. and Fastnet Race winner Ger O'Rourke will receive the highest accolade that the Local Authority can award to an individual, group or organisation.

In a spectacular 2006/7 season for Garryowen F.C., the Dooradoyle-based club won an unprecedented Grand Slam, picking up the AIB League and Cup, as well as Munster Senior and Junior Cups.

Limerick based property developer Ger O'Rourke last month became the first Irish overall winner of the 608-mile Rolex Fastnet Yacht Race. The Western Yacht Club member and his crew were awarded the Fastnet Challenge Cup and a Rolex Yachtmaster timepiece following their win in one of toughest offshore sailing races in the world.

Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Chairperson of Limerick County Council said, "Limerick County Council is delighted to hold a Civic Reception for Ger O'Rourke and Garryowen F.C. in recognition of their significant and momentous achievements."

"Limerick and its sports men and women are known the world over and have been a source of pride for the County for many years. The successes of Garryowen F.C. and Ger O'Rourke further enhance Limerick's proud sporting tradition and ability to compete at the top level nationally and internationally", added the Cathaoirleach.

Commenting on the Mr. O'Rourke's Fastnet win, Cllr. Sheehan said, "Winning the tough event is, for sailors, like an Irish success in the rugby or soccer World Cup. Ger's victory in the toughest of weather conditions resulted in a new page of sporting history being written. For the first time in the history of the Fastnet Yacht Race, which began in 1925, the name of an Irish boat is on that famous British trophy."

"The victory is especially significant considering Ger's 50 ft. Cookson yacht was only given clearance to compete 48 hours before the event began. It must also be noted that of the three hundred boats that started the race, less than 60 finished", explained the Cathaoirleach.

Cllr. Sheahan, meanwhile, paid tribute to Garryowen's contribution to local rugby and the part played by the club in profiling Limerick’s proud sporting tradition at national level.

He said, "The 2006/7 senior team included no fewer than 11 players from the club's Rugby Academy, which is a testament to Limerick rugby and the club's role in developing the best in young talent."

"Garryowen's management, coaching staff, players and supporters are a credit to their club and continue to be wonderful ambassadors for Limerick", concluded Cllr. Sheahan.

Today's Civic Reception takes place at 4.30pm in County Hall.

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:
- Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Chairperson of Limerick County Council (087-2926333) is available for interview and further comment.
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

Mark Dunphy
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County Clare
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