NEW HAVEN GAELIC FOOTBALL & HURLING CLUB

42ND ANNUAL BANQUET

 

Each year at the NHGF&HC’s Annual Awards Banquet we come together to celebrate our Irish heritage and the remarkable individuals who have helped build, sustain and enrich the Club over the decades.

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Over the years we have celebrated:

 

The Builders and Pioneers – Members who helped establish our Club or guided it through challenging times.

 

Cultural Champions – Members who started or led our Drama Group, bringing Irish theatre to life on our stage.

 

Festival Leaders – Members who have chaired our Connecticut Irish Festival or managed major components like the Feis.

 

Skilled Contributors – Members who have used their professional expertise to improve our facilities.

 

Dedicated Volunteers – Members who have served on our Executive Board, organized dinners or always showed up when help was needed.

 

Sports Advocates – Members who revived our Irish football programs, developed youth programs or coached the next generation in our traditional games.

 

Everyday Heroes – Members whose consistent dedication exemplify the spirit of community service.

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Our honorees represent the full spectrum of club life and community service and we are happy to announce that Catherine Staunton and Kerry Martens have been named the 2026 Irish Woman & Man of the Year. The Player of the year will be announced at a later date.

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Catherine Staunton has served as secretary of the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club for the past decade. For the past ten years she has demonstrated outstanding organizational skills and steadfast support for our mission. Her commitment and behind-the-scenes efforts have been instrumental in fostering collaboration, maintaining strong communication and guiding our organization toward continued success.

 

Kerry Martens has served on the Executive Board as both IACC Vice President and Secretary and has helped obtain entertainment for many Club functions. He also continues a tradition his father initiated—the Club’s annual Lobster Dinner. As an Assistant Scoutmaster and Committee Member of East Haven’s Eagle Scout Troop 401, Kerry coordinated an Eagle Scout Service Project at the Club- upgrading lighting in the bathrooms and hall, painting exterior doors and railings, and installing a Blink camera doorbell at the handicapped entrance, enhancing both the appearance and security of the Club.

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All three honorees will be celebrated at the NHGF&HC’s 42nd Annual Awards Banquet to be held at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven on Saturday evening, November 21, 2026.

 

We encourage all members and friends to join us as we gather for dinner, dancing, and the joy of being together as an extended Irish family. Your presence helps make the evening special. 

 

COME BE A PART OF THE TRADITION

 

 

More information to follow...