Our Intermediate Victory Dinner held at the Ambassador Hotel on Saturday 16th January was a tremendous success. There was a great turn out with 120 seated for dinner and the ladies were dressed to kill. The room was decked out in the Dillons colours with a slideshow of the team in action projected on a screen. As a magnificent centre piece, our hard fought trophy's gleamed in front of the stage.   Derek Connolly was our MC for the night and did a fantastic job.  Our first speaker was Yvonne Brady, Secretary of our Club and she welcomed our President Con Aherne, Jack Corcoran, President of Brian Dillons H&F Club and their secretary Alan O'Sullivan who was our second speaker. Alan congratulated our Intermediates on their sucessful season and said that it was no more than we deserved and hoped that we would have more silverware in 2016.

Following a magnificent meal, our next speaker was our Captain Caroline who commented on the fabulous style on show and said it beats boots and helmets on the pitch any day.  Caroline said she was very proud to be Captain of the team and that she'd take her hat off to each and every player.  Coach Linda was next to speak and she thanked all the supporters for attending the event and expressed her pride for what we had achieved in 2015. She said over four years, the players had worked extrememly hard, never complained and went on to win the Minor Championship and that the transition to Intermediate Champions was facinating to watch.  2014 set the foundation for our success she remarked and she spoke about the importance of the entire panel of players and it was not just about the starting fifteen. Linda thanked the mentors and paid particular tribute to Thomas Farrell and Kieran O'Sullivan for their support. She said coaching this team to the County Championship was as important to her as winning any of her All Ireland Medals. She finished by asking the question "Why do coaches coach?" and she replied "After four years I have my answer.".....Touching Moments. Our next speaker was our guest of honour Eamonn Ryan, a legend of Cork GAA. Eamonn told some wonderful stories of coaching young kids over the past thirty years and stressed the importance of being healthy and happy and achieving your potential both in sport and in your personal life.  He spoke about the importance of attitude, which he described as being a little word but of huge importance.  He concluded by saying "all the strength you need is within you, don't be waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel, go down the tunnel and turn it on yourself". Our squad were then called to the stage where they were presented with their County Medals by Eamonn.  Next up was yours truly who recounted the highs and lows of the season which were documented in a book presented by Anna to the entire squad. This book was sponsored by Paul Mills and Murjoy and by Jim Doherty of JD Scaffolding. Words of thanks were expressed to all as our success was a collective effort. Our Committee, Donie Lyons and parents, particularly those who went beyond the call of duty when asked. President Con Aherne was next up to make a presentation to the Player of the Match in the County Final. It was outlined that there was an injustice in the County Final as we felt the Player of the Match should have been our Shauna Walsh who was outstanding in goal.. Shauna received her award to tremendous applause. The most important award of the night was our Player of the Year which was sponsored by Thomas Farrell. Linda outlined that the criteria for the award was attendance at training, respect for players and mentors and performance.  The award went to Amanda Dorgan to rapturous applause. All the players were on the stage in their glad rags looking like a scene from America's Next Top Model and the audience had an opportunity to take some memorable photos.  For a finale the players made presentations to all the mentors which was a lovely touch.  Following the formalities there was great fun had to the tunes being played by DJ Paul Twohig and it was great to see all the players cherish the Story of 2015 book with each player autographing each others copy............hopefully a cherished possession for years to come.