There was a standing ovation for Fermanagh and Western legend Joe Keenan who was inducted into the Fermanagh and Western Hall of Fame at a function in the Killyhevlin Hotel last Friday night.
And Keenan described the award as ‘another proud moment in my career’, the former Ennsikillen Rangers and Enniskillen Santos man having won all there is to win as a Junior player with the ‘Gers while he was also named as the Fermanagh and Western’s Player of the Century in 2007.
“I was a very proud man on Friday night and it was another proud moment in my career to go along with the medals that I won and the Player of the Century award. It was a really great night and I want to thank the Fermanagh and Western for giving me this award. I was also delighted to have my family, close friends and former team-mates there on the night, that meant a lot to me,” said Keenan.
In a playing career that has spanned over 40 years Keenan’s medal haul includes a Junior Cup, six Mercer Leagues and seven Mulhern Cups and he became the first player to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame in the seven years since its inception.
There was also three Merit Awards presented on the night with Lisbellaw United clubman Kenny Forde, former Strathroy Harps player and manager Seamus Fanthorpe and Dunbreen Rovers stalwart John Crawford all recognised.
Kenny Forde is a one club man having given a lifetime of dedication to Lisbellaw helping out in whatever way he could.
He was involved with Lisbellaw Reserves as manager or assistant manager for over 30 years working alongside the likes of Enda Love and Robert Fitzpatrick and behind the scenes he played a big role in helping the club secure the purchase and development of their current home at Drumad.
And even to this day Kenny still acts as kit man for every team at the club and is lining pitches on a weekly basis.
Fanthorpe’s super achievements in steering Strathroy Harps to the very top of the Junior game also saw him presented a Merit Award, leading Harps to back to back Junior Cups as well as league and cup titles.
And John Crawford’s 50 years service to Dunbreen Rovers, fulfilling countless roles within the club were also recognised with a Merit Award on the night.