Hall of Fame for Andy Redican
Hall of Fame for Andy Redican
The Jim Lynch Hall of Fame Award is sponsored by the Leitrim Supporters in Dublin in honour of one of its founding members, and former county player of the 50/60’s Jim Lynch.
This award means a lot to the supporters in Dublin, & to the recipients who are recognized for a lifetime of service and contribution to the GAA. The award also means a lot to the Lynch family.
A native of Fenagh, Andrew Redican moved to Drumkeerin to take up a teaching post in Drumkeerin Vocational School over 40 years ago and since then, has dedicated many of those years to GAA matters in Drumkeerin, Leitrim and Connacht. He first got involved as a coach and games organiser in his Vocational School, acted as a mentor with the County Vocational team and held the position of Chairperson of Leitrim and Connacht Vocational School Boards.
In 1972, Andy was very proud to see Leitrim reach the All-Ireland Vocational Schools Final, having defeated Kerry in the Semi-Final. The Drumkeerin club had lapsed for a number of years in the early 1970’s, but in 1974 was reformed, with Andy Redican playing key roles. Over the years he held the posts of Chairperson, Secretary, P.R.O., Oifigeach Gaeilge; he coached many underage teams to county titles; he managed adult teams, he was a delegate to both Senior and Bord na nÓg boards and co-ordinated Senior Scór and Scór na nÓg; he even tried his hand at refereeing and was a member of the County Board Executive until very recently. He also had the distinction of playing with three different clubs, Fenagh, Taras in London and Drumkeerin.
Andrew was very unselfish with his time and expertise. He chaired the commission that examined the state of football in Leitrim, including Bord na nÓg. He also compiled and produced the history of Leitrim GAA in the 70’s for Scéal Liatroma.
Andy’s contribution to Leitrim GAA was recognized, when he won the Leitrim GAA Club Person of the Year in 1988. Twenty Three years later he is now inducted in to the Jim Lynch Hall of Fame.
It is said – ‘Leaders are needed and everyone who can provide leadership must be prevailed upon to do so’.
Comhghairdeas, Andy!
07-Feb-12 by Eamonn Duignan
