Laois County Council have confirmed that a Civic Reception is being held to honour the contribution of Seamus Dooley, a man who has made a massive contribution to the basketball community both locally and further afield.
Dooley was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Basketball Ireland earlier this year – and now Laois County Council are affording the Portlaoise man a civic reception in the council chamber later this month.
The reception will take place on Thursday week, July 27, at 7.30pm where Seamus will be joined by family and friends and honoured at a function chaired by Cathaoirleach Paschal McEvoy.
The idea of a civic reception for Dooley was proposed by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald at the May meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District and got widespread backing from her fellow councillors.
“He has worked tirelessly and he has been acknowledged by Basketball Ireland. He’s always in good humour and in good form no matter what age group he is with,” said Cllr Fitzgerald at the time when speaking on her motion.
“Seamus Dooley as we all know is Mr Basketball in Portlaoise,” said Cllr Willie Aird. “He has done huge work to make St Mary’s Hall their home.
Cllr Caroline Dwane-Stanley and Cllr Marie Tuohy added their support to the motion while Cllr Barry Walsh, who is the chairman of the Portlaoise Municipal District, said that “Shay Dooley is the life and soul of the Portlaoise Panthers”.
“I have played basketball against him and I’ve coached teams against him. It is incredible to see the work that he does and he treats all teams the same and includes everyone regardless of ability.”
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