Noel for Christmas
Denis Griffin
How quickly time flies and once again the Christmas Blitz imposes itself on the domestic arrangements of practically every family in the parish. If uneaten dinners are a yardstick of success, then I suppose that the Blitz leaves all other tournaments cold. While it is generally accepted that Christmas is a time for the young adult participation, whether in a playing or spectator capacity remains an integral part of the Blitz.
The Organistional ability of Donal O'Connor is well recognised and documented in past programmes. But in the person of Noel Spring St. Mary's Basketball Club had an outstanding secretary for fifteen years. If his importance to the Blitz is largely unknown to the general public, it is because he assumed the role of a successful television producer - always churning out excellent programmes, yet never appearing before the camera himself.
His involvement with the Blitz since its inception was always total. He spent long hours writing out teams, score sheets, etc. and doing the hundred and one other necessary things for the successful running of the tournament. If Donal O'Connor is the theoretical genius behind the tournament. Noel Spring was the practical secretary. Both men complemented the work of each other and the instant success of their efforts is obvious to all.
In wishing Noel the very best in his chosen vocation, I am only expressing the wish of everybody in Castleisland. His work for the community will not be forgotten and as Donal O'Connor says "We'll certainly collar him for some other job".
Denis Griffin wrote this article for the Christmas Blitz programme in 1982