Stars Shine at San Francisco GAA Dinner Dance
Under a grand tent at Páirc na nGael, the San Francisco GAA community gathered in full western attire for its annual Dinner Dance. The evening blended cowboy boots, country tunes, and the unmistakable spirit of Irish camaraderie. This year’s Wild West-themed celebration was one of the liveliest in recent memory with line dancing, laughter, and a sea of cowboy hats that added color to the autumn night.
The evening also honored the standout players, volunteers, and lifelong supporters whose dedication made the 2025 season memorable.
Club Persons of the Year
San Francisco GAA Chairperson, Seamus Collins, awards Claire Colleran Club Person of the Year award for the Fog City Harps. Photo by William Wayland
Recognizing the people who are the heart and soul of their clubs, the Club Person of the Year awards were presented to:
Claire Colleran, Fog City Harps Ladies Football
Brian Coyle, Pearse Óg Hurling
Leanne Duncan, Clan na Gael Ladies Football
Olive Ennis, San Francisco Youth GAA
Jesse Gammons, St. Joseph’s Hurling
Aidan Heavey, Éire Óg Football
Paul Keaveney, Sean Treacy’s Football
Pascal Lyons, Tipperary Hurling
Ciaran McAlinden, Ulster Football
Ger McCarthy, Na Fianna Hurling
Saoirse McCormack, Cú Chulainn Camogie
Jack Sweeney, Joseph Mary Plunketts Hurling
Each honoree was celebrated for their ability to build community in addition to their accomplishments on the pitch.
Players of the Year
San Francisco GAA Chairperson, Seamus Collins, awards Hannah O’Connell with Club Person of the Year award for the Fog City Harps. Photo by William Wayland
The Players of the Year awards recognized those who stood out with their skill, determination, and sportsmanship over the 2025 season:
Ryan Bradley, Ulster Football
Barry Cahalane, Éire Óg Football
Jack Coyne, Sean Treacy’s Football
Jack Doyle, Na Fianna Hurling
Caitlin Duke, Clan na Gael Ladies Football
Emma Keaveney and Eoin McLoughlin, SFYGAA Young Players of the Year
Erin Manning, Fog City Harps Ladies Football Senior
Hannah O’Connell, Cú Chulainn Camogie
Forrest Paige, Joseph Mary Plunketts Hurling
Sam Quirke, Tipperary Hurling
Lily Rogers, Fog City Harps Ladies Football Junior
Liam Sidebottom, St. Joseph’s Hurling
Éanna Slattery, Pearse Óg Hurling
These athletes represented the best of San Francisco GAA with their passion, teamwork, and pride in their clubs.
San Francisco GAA Hall of Fame Inductees
Kevin Murray accepted the Hall of Fame induction award from SFGAA Chairperson, Seamus Collins, on behalf of his late mother, Carmel Murray. Photo by William Wayland
The highlight of the night came with the Hall of Fame inductions. The SFGAA honored those individuals whose lifetime dedication to Gaelic Games in San Francisco has left a lasting mark:
Carmel Murray
Sean Speirs
Jim Kehoe
Their commitment, generosity, and love for the games have helped to shape the GAA community in the Bay Area for decades.
Special Recognition Awards
San Francisco GAA Chairperson, Seamus Collins, awards Eoin “Bomber” Liston of the Kerry Football Club with a special recognition award. Photo by William Wayland
Special presentations were also made to three visitors from Ireland. The SFGAA recognized their contributions to All-Ireland Championships at home and their time spent connecting with the San Francisco GAA community here:
These awards remind the community of the strong ties that bind the GAA family across oceans.
As the night wound down and the final tunes of country and Irish music led by Christy O’Connell lingered in the tent, one thing was clear: San Francisco GAA continues to thrive thanks to the dedication, passion, and spirit of its members. The western theme may have been a first—but the sense of community, pride, and celebration is timeless.
