Clane clubman named Leinster Leader Pride of the Parish

Following an amazing response to our ‘Pride of the Parish’ competition, the Leinster Leader can now reveal the winner as Fintan Doran of Clane GAA.

Fintan received the news with a phone call on his way home from work and the stunned winner said: “Wow, that's amazing. Thank you very much, thank you. A complete shock, it really is a complete shock because I have no doubt there were worthy competitors from all over the county.”

Fintan saw off stiff competition from the other 12 entries to come out on top of the online vote, which closed on Thursday, October 29 on the Leinster Leader website.

Fintan added that the nomination was a complete surprise and the first he heard of it was when someone sent him a photograph of the nomination piece in the Leinster Leader newspaper and said congratulations.

“It came as a complete surprise. Then over the next few hours and the couple of days after I had a lot of people wishing me the best of luck. I was wondering if I deserve it? But I love the club, I love being involved in the club and I love what the club offers to the kids and teenagers and young men and women that are playing, so it's an easy task for me to get involved for that reason,” Fintan explained.

The Pride of the Parish winner of course has massive family connections to the club now with his two sons (Jack and Charlie) winning the Minor Hurling Championship ‘A’ for Clane last week against Naas, as well as his daughters who have played for the Clane LGFA and camogie teams. The boys were a part of the Kildare team which won the Leinster Minor Football Championship in 2026.

Fintan moved to Clane from the south of the county in 1993 and got involved with the club in 2001 and he says it has been “all go ever since.”

Fintan concluded, “I don't do much more than anybody else who is deeply involved in the club, we just do whatever it might be, let it be a clean up day or let it be a fun day or let it be a fundraising event. Whatever it is, we all pull together, we all get involved.

“Why I was picked out I have no clue, I'm sure there are many, many others within the club that are equally as involved as myself and you know especially all those people that get involved with the really younger players and develop them and bring them all the way up, they deserve special recognition as well.”

The nomination citation in the Leinster Leader said: “Every successful GAA club relies on unsung heroes working behind the scenes, and Fintan represents the very beating heart of our volunteer community. Week in and week out, he goes far beyond expectations to keep Clane GAA running smoothly. His standard answer when asked to do anything is “100% I'll do that.”

“Whether it is ensuring the Club functions both on the grounds and in the Club House, opening and running our members lounge on a voluntary basis, stepping up to tackle crucial tasks without hesitation, or bringing warmth and dedication to every corner of the club, Fintan's selflessness touches every player, member and sup-porter.

“Fintan never asks for recognition or praise, yet his tireless work ethic holds the fabric of our community together. Fintan embodies the true spirit of loyalty and passion that makes Clane GAA so special, and he is thoroughly deserving of the Pride of the Parish award.”

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsor: Brady Family Ham

This celebration of local passion wouldn't be possible without partners who champion our community heritage. A massive shout-out and heartfelt thank you to our main sponsor, Brady Family Ham. As a proud local business, Brady Family Ham truly understands the dedication driving our local clubs. Their support allows us to shine a bright light on the backbone of Kildare sports.