LEINSTER COUNCIL chairman Seamus Howlin saluted Carlow GAA for the manner in which they recognised their top achievers at the county board's 20th annual awards presentation function in the Lord Bagenal on Saturday.

The Wexford native however, acknowledged that behind every award-winner were at least ten others who could have merited the honour also.

'We in he GAA are very proud at what Carlow has achieved in hurling over the last few years; not easy with only seven senior clubs, and now you face a huge challenge to reach the high spots.'

He admired the character of he hurlers who did not rest on their laurels after their first Ring Cup win but returned with renewed vigour to repeat it.

Seamus felt that drawing Laois in the Leinster championship presented Carlow with a great opportunity of doing something. 'But it's a huge step up and which you will have to do things even better than previously. Don't waste the opportunity for your time will go by very quickly.'

He remarked at the spirit in Mount Leinster Rangers reaching, and in, the Club final, while also noting Carlow's draw with Laois in the under 21 hurling championship. That will be a big challenge too, but you must maintain that level to achieve.'

Referring to the service award to communications committee chairman Eddie Forde, the provincial chairman felt the association frequently take those behind the scenes for granted, and to that he added his thanks for the duration of Seán Campion's service as a Leinster Council delegate for Carlow.

Seamus also urged Carlow clubs to support the Centre of Excellence project and assured Carlow of Leinster's help, and he asked clubs to see that those out of work be encouraged into club work, which would assist them mentally and be good for the community.

He feared that the real value of life is often shelved when people get too much money rather than looking after children and the community, closing by saying that clubs, the heart of the association, have shown the way in financial planning and development. 'It is a credit to them, they are the strength of our association.'

Carlow chairman Pat Deering looked on '09 as a special year for the GAA in the county, with the 125th exhibition and the Ring Cup win, and the thanked their sponsors and the work of the Friends of Carlow who made an invaluable contribution to see that Carlow can deliver on the field.

Hurling manager Kevin Ryan told the award-winners of the great achievement to be honoured by their peers, adding that their performances rub off on others in their own efforts to improve.

He acknowledged the contributions of people past and what they have left to the present generation, and the great work of those in schools to secure the future of the GAA, often taken for granted.

Referring to the hurling team he stated that success breeds success and their target was to remain in Division 2 and do well in the championships, ' and hopefully to become serious contenders - it's all about making the team that bit better every year.'

Communications committee chairman Eddie Forde hailed those who won awards and gave exceptional service to the association, and he made special mention of the Myshall Camogie Club which won ten county senior titles in succession.

Football team's manager Luke Dempsey put the senior team's target as reaching the Leinster semi-final, 'and we have the players cable of achieving that.'

Speaking on behalf of the winners top hurler James Hickey was proud of his club Rangers winning 23 of their 28 matches in '09, going through the senior championship and the Ring Cup undefeated.

The county board ' took a chance' in appointing Kevin Ryan but he raised the game to a new level in the county.

Looking to 2010 James recalled in ' 92 Paddy Quirke and company causing a great buzz and he felt the present team is doing the same.

He credited the county board with putting the structures for improvement in place which resulted in hurling been taken to a new level. 'Now, if all the players buy into the drive we'll not be too far away from any county.' He thanked the clubs on behalf of the winners for the honour conferred. 'It has been a dream for all of us,' adding his congratulation to Hall of Fame winner Billy Canavan 'who leaves a legacy which will not be forgotten,' concluding by thanking everyone who made the presentation function possible.

- PAUL DONAGHY