NAOMH COLUMBA stalwart Paddy ‘Beag’ Gillespie is to be honoured by the GAA at a function in Croke Park next month.
The colourful Glencolmcille man will be the recipient of a President’s Award from the President of the GAA, Aogán Ó Fearghaíl, in recognition of his work for the GAA in his home parish, on Friday, March 11.
A proud Gaeilgeoir, Paddy ‘Beag’ is the heart and soul of his beloved Naomh Columba.
Paddy ‘Beag’ Gillespie
He was instrumental in helping to bring the national finals of Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta to Pairc na nGael with the Glen venue undergoing a huge transformation in the lead up to the 2008 competition.
Born in 1943 in Downhill, County Derry, the family moved to Glencolmcille soon after and Paddy ‘Beag’ attended Cashel National School.
He played for Kilcar in the 1963 Donegal SFC final loss to Sean MacCumhaills before he emigrated to London. There, he played for Tír Chonaill Gaels and Round Towers.
He won a Great Britain Championship with Round Towers in 1965 and returned home to Glen in 1969.
Naomh Columba were on the rise by then and he was involved as the club reached three successive junior finals in 1972, ’73 and ’74. They lost to St Naul’s and Termon before defeating Cloughaneely in ’74, with Paddy ‘Beag’ as manager.
Paddy ‘Beag’ served as Chairman and Secretary of the Naomh Columba club and was a selector in 1990 when they last won the Donegal SFC.
Paddy ‘Beag’ has been actively involved in the Scór scene and in 1971 won an Ulster Scór title with the Naomh Columba quiz team while Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta has been a huge part of his association with the club, something that will now be recognised at the highest level.
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