Ballyskenach natives were joined by members of other clubs from throughout the area including supporters of Roscrea and Killavilla clubs. Guest of Honour at the dance was Offaly hurling star, Joachim Kelly who presented the county medals to the victorious minor hurling team of '91.
Master of Ceremonies for the night was Shinrone man, John Campion who entertained the audience with his sharp wit at various intervals. Following the presentation of minor medals, presentations were made by minor Captain Denis Doughan to the minor team selectors Paddy McLoughlin, Peter Boyce and Denis Mulally.
Accepting the gift, Paddy McLoughlin said that he would like to thank the minors who had given such a tremendous effort in the previous year. Emphasising that the club was very small, Paddy remembered that for one of their matches last year they could only barely field 15 men.
Paddy hoped that the junior team would take inspiration from the minors victory and be successful in '92. Thanking all who attended for their support throughout the years, Paddy extended a particular thank you to the committee for the presentation.
Presentations were also made to the five club members who were members of the Roscrea Vocational School's team which won the All- Ireland in 1991. They are Denis Doughan, John Dooley, Padraig McLoughlin and Liam and Tomas O'Toole. A presentation was also made to Donal Franks, a Leinster U-21 medalist with Offaly in 1991.
On behalf of the parents, Colm Lawlor made presentations to a number of people who worked hard for Ballyskenach over the years. Presentations were made to Paddy McLoughlin, Denis Mulally and Peter Boyce. Colm extended a special thank you to club chairman, Peter Boyce who said that he hoped the club would win another couple of Offaly titles in the next few years.
In his absence, Colm thanked Seamus Dennison who aided the club in the physical training area. Another man who has given tremendous service to the club for years is Frank Kennedy, pointed out Colm adding that Frank had kept the club together.
Colm made a special appeal to parents of young people to encourage their children to partake in hurling from an early age. ’If you can get your children into the field there are people to train them and we can make this club even better,’ added Colm.
Thanking people who were involved at underage level, presentations were made to Jack Dooley and Billy Flynn. Billy extended his congratulations to the minors and thanked the parents for the presentations.
A letter from the Lord Abbot of Mount St Joseph Abbey, Dom Colmcille O'Toole was read to the audience by John Campion. The Abbot extended his congratulations to the minor team and all who had helped them reach victory. He reminded all that the monks were with them in spirit and in prayer and added that they were very proud of the club.
Tony Cassidy, Chairman of Offaly Bord na nOg congratulated the minor team and said that it was important that these young players should remain in the area. He appealed to employers to take this into consideration as otherwise communities like, Ballyskenach would cease to exist.
Mr Cassidy thanked the four minors who had represented , Offaly at minor level. He also extended his thanks to Jack Dooley, who was successful in always getting the team to the venue on time, and Billy Flynn.
Bouquets of flowers were also presented to Maura McLoughlin, Moira Boyce and Maureen Mullally the wives of the minor team selectors and to Ann Kelly, wife of Joachim Kelly.
Thanking Ballyskenach for the invitation, Joachim Kelly said that it was great to see such a small club win a minor championship. He felt that the club should be aiming to win a senior title in the future and compared Ballyskenach to Lusmagh, which is not a much bigger area.
Club chairman, Peter Boyce made a presentation to Joachim and thanked him for attending. Denis Doughan, minor captain said that '91 had been a great year for Ballyskenach and emphasised that they would be back next year to capture the Junior Championship. He thanked the minor selectors for all that they had done for the club.
Concluding the formal part of the night, John Campion extended thanks to Jack Douglas for sponsorship. He also reminded people that a native of Ballyskenach, Paddy Kirwan was lining out, for Birr on the following Sunday in the All-Ireland club hurling final. Thanks were also extended to the hotel staff and management for the wonderful meal.
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