The “Valuing the Volunteer” section of the Red Hand View from tonight’s Tyrone match focused on Club member Charlie Quinn.
Charlie is a familiar character around Clanabogan and he has tirelessly and selflessly devoted his life to the GAA, mainly through his voluntary services to the Drumragh Sarsfields club. Charlie began his playing career with Tattysallagh in 1967 before they amalgamated with Tattyreagh in 1972 to form Drumragh. He played with the Senior team for a number of years and finished out his playing career on the Club’s Reserve side. Since then Charlie has taken up different roles within the Club and is always on hand when anything is needed doing. In 2000, after completing various committee roles, Charlie was made Chairman of the Club, a true testament to the high regard in which he is held and he carried out this role very successfully for 7 years. Married to Maggie for 38 years and residing with his family in the heart of Clanabogan, Charlie has now made Clanabogan Park his official second home. Without people like Charlie, the GAA would not be what it is today and Charlie’s face can be seen regularly in the Irish News’ Club Volunteer Awards Campaign.
Q1. Charlie, what role do you currently carry out within your club?
As well as being proudly made Club President in 2010, at present I am the Club’s Head Groundsman. I have played a pivotal role in our new Development here at Clanabogan, from construction of the stand and new turnstiles to daily maintenance and ground preparations pre tarring in the final stage of this project. We have come a long way from changing behind the ditch in Bradley’s Home to this magnificent facility here in Clanabogan and I am very proud to be part of it.
Q2. What would be you earliest GAA memory from both a Club and County perspective?
My earliest Club memories would be travelling around Tyrone to all the tournaments and festivals, crowded in the back of PJ Collin’s transit van. My favourite was the carnival in Aughabrack where we participated in a 7 –A-Side tournament each year. There was always great craic and comradery but still a very competitive edge to the games.
My earliest County memories would be the 1970’s travelling to games in Dungannon or Clones. My favourite players around that time were Eugene McKenna and Patsy Kerlin, 2 great Tyrone legends. On one of our early visits to Croke Park, we had to engage the services of an AA man to retrieve an engine part we lost on the motorway that nearly scuppered our big matchday plans. Thankfully though we made it there and back in one piece.
Q3. What would you say were your most memorable days following Drumragh and the O’Neill County?
Drumragh winning the Junior Championship in 1999 against Stewartstown in Pomeroy was a very memorable day for myself and everyone involved with Drumragh. My son Gavin was playing on that team so that made it a bit more special. It was a wonderful day for the Club and we had a great team at that time, a collective mix of youth and experience. I’m hoping there’ll be more memorable days like that in the years ahead for us.
Tyrone’s first All Ireland title in 2003 was a fantastic day and one I was lucky enough to witness in Croke Park along with my great Club friends. It truly was a day to remember and one that will stay with me forever. The sea of red and white carpeting the Croke Park stadium was a sight to behold.
Q4. What would you say makes the GAA so special for you?
The volunteer ethos of the GAA is what makes it so special. Ordinary people giving freely of their time and skills day in, day out, to ensure the progress and success of their own Club. Our Club in Clanabogan is at the heart of the Parish and provides a great source of Community and Family spirit. Many families would be lost without their local GAA clubs and they provide a great sense of direction and security for the children.
Q5. How do you think Tyrone will fair out in this year’s National League?
With the way Tyrone have been playing this year so far in the McKenna Cup campaign, I think they’ll at least make the Semi Final stages, if not the Final. They have been impressive at times and the younger lads seem to be fitting in well, showing great prospect for the future. It’s good to see new players coming on board and being given a chance to earn their place on the squad. There seems to be a new urgency about the team which can only be good for their progression.
