Gradam Brian MacCraith was established to celebrate the new community partnership between DCU and CLG Na Fianna. This consists of a specially commissioned trophy crafted by local silversmith Séamus Gill and is named in recognition of Brian MacCraith, past-President of DCU, who had an important role in developing this partnership.

It is presented to a young Na Fianna member (<19 yr), remarkable for their enthusiasm for club activity, volunteerism with initiatives of fundraising or community outreach, leadership by example, or assisting others without seeking limelight.

We were delighted to receive 45 submissions, all of which were considered carefully by the Gradam Brian McCraith committee.

We are pleased to now announce that the inaugural Gradam Brian McCraith recipient is Eddie Mongey.

Eddie emerged from minor ranks last year having played and football and hurling all the way from nursery. He graduated through the Young Referee ranks, where he distinguished himself by his calm, competent performance and pleasant demeanour. Our referee co-ordinators received regular unsolicited praise from other clubs to which Eddie brought the same qualities when refereeing away from home. Eddie was exceptional in his commitment to vulnerable members of our wider community who were strictly housebound during the particularly restrictive first wave of pandemic in March-May 2020. He is a regular contributor, alongside his family, to many club fundraising initiatives, including the Christmas Tree collection, and is always a welcoming, smiling presence, working in the bar or around the club.

Like all the nominees, Eddie epitomises all that is best about the spirit of Na Fianna and is a worthy inaugural recipient. Comhghairdeas!