Mullinahone.net

Congratulations this week to Walty Scott of Kyleaglanna. On Sunday night last, in Bru Boru, Cashel, Walty was assumed into the ranks of the 232 Sean Gael of county Tipperary.

The idea of the “Sean Gael” in Tipperary was first mooted six years ago by former referee John Moloney R.I.P. “Sean Gael” is an honour bestowed on the wider GAA membership to acknowledge the recipients service to the GAA over a lifetime. To qualify for the award, one must be first of all, at least 70 years of age.

Among the 32 honoured on Sunday night were: John Donovan, Kilsheelin and William O Grady, Killenaule. Other heroes honoured were former county hurlers Matt Hassett, Mick Burns and Liam Devaney. In this time, Walty would certainly have travelled to shout on that trio in the early 1960’s.

Another blast from the past receiving an award was footballer, Patsy Dawson of Emly, while from mid Tipp, we had former Tipperary full back Mick Maher, former grounds man of Semple Stadium, Jimmy Purcell and footballer Sean Mockler of Loughmore. In the company of such heroes, our Walty was himself a hero.

To mark how important an event the “Sean Gael” awards are they were presented in Cashel by none other than President of the GAA Nicky Brennan. The President spoke glowingly of the calibre of GAA men who were receiving the awards. Walty was accompanied to the presentation by his daughter Sally and his grandson Shane.

There are now two members of the “Sean Gael” in Mullinahone. The other of course is John Vaughan of Grove who is a neighbour of Walty’s. The whole idea of honouring people of a certain age for a lifetime of service was borrowed from county Wexford, a number of years ago and adopted by the late John Moloney and others.

With all induction of last Sunday night’s winners into their ranks, 232 people have been honoured with the award in the six years of the award. We congratulate all the winners but special congratulations to our own Walty as he takes his deserved place among many of his own heroes.