‘GAA thrives on the passion of its volunteers...’ Tyrone stalwart Mickey McGoldrick honoured at Ulster GAA President’s Awards
TYRONE Gael Mickey McGoldrick was honoured at the Ulster GAA President’s Awards his for a Lifetime of Service to the GAA.Originally from Dromore, Mickey moved to the Eskra parish many years ago and immediately became deeply involved in the local community. His contribution to the Eskra Emmetts club has spanned decades, with involvement at every level from player, to committee member and as club chairman.And his dedication to the Association went far beyond his club activity. He is a former vice-chairperson of the Tyrone County Board and was involved in the upkeep and maintenance of the Centre of Excellence in Garvaghey for many years.Mickey was also a member of the Tyrone backroom team under the management of Mickey Harte during the glory years of the 2000s, during which the Red Hands won three Sam Maguires including their first-ever in 2003.A former chairperson of the National Feile committee, he guided the committee through some very successful years in this role and his involvement with the Ulster Council has seen him work alongside many presidents. The late Oliver Galligan described Mickey as one of the hardest working volunteers he had ever met and it was his ingenuity and creativity in designing makeshift outdoor desks that allowed the media to cover Gaelic Games during the lockdown season of 2020. Mickey is currently chairperson of the Ulster Referees’ Committee and Ulster President Michael Geoghegan said the trademark levels of professionalism and pride the Tyrone native brought to the role were “second to none”.“His family, his club and the Gaels of Tyrone and Ulster must be extremely proud of him and the great work he does,” added Geoghegan.“The GAA was built on and continues to thrive on the passion of its volunteers and that passion for the Association is something Mickey has consistently demonstrated throughout the years.”Donegal's Finbarr Roarty was named Ulster Player of the Year. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN (MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN COPYRIGHT / ) On a night of celebration for Gaels across Ulster, other award recipients were:Footballer of the Year Finbarr Roarty (Donegal)Hurler of the Year Matthew Conlan (Down)Antrim and Fermanagh retiring county secretaries Frankie Quinn and Tom Boyle.Communications Award Paula Magee (Down)Special Recognition Awards Michael Lynch (St Patrick’s GAC, Lisburn)Gerry Doherty (Ulster LGFA)Sheila Kearney (Camogie)Fiachra O’Duill (Handball)Carrickmacross Rounders ClubSeamus McAleenan (Services to the GAA through Education), Tempo Maguires GAC (Club Gaeilge Na mBliana)Thomas Clarkes GAC, Dungannon (Inclusion, Diversity & Equality award)Beragh Red Knights (Healthy Club, in association with Ulster Independent Clinic)Cuchulainn Cavan (Sustainable Club)Caroline McGrath and Anthony Harkin (Coaching Awards)Tir na nOg Portadown (Community Engagement)As well as the individual awards and the work off the field, the Ulster president also highlighted the many national successes on the field in 2025. All-Ireland winning teams Tyrone U20 All-Ireland winners and U17 All-Ireland winnersAllianz Football League Division 2 winners MonaghanAllianz Hurling League Division 2 winners DownU20 B Hurling Championship winners DownU20 C Hurling Championship winners ArmaghVery National Camogie League Division 1B winners AntrimAIB All-Ireland Club Junior Camogie Championship winners Bridini Oga, Glenravel AIB All-Ireland Club Junior B Camogie Championship winners CarrickmoreTG4 All-Ireland Ladies’ Intermediate Football Championship winners Tyrone LGFAAIB All-Ireland Club Ladies’ Intermediate Football Championship winners Knockbride, Cavan
