There's not two many that can say they're given as much to Naomh Ultan as the Byrnes of Bruckless, a family that has been core to the club since the very beginning!
We're thrilled to have "Soup" joining us for this challenge, proudly representing his parents, Jimmy and Lily. It's particularly special as his father, Jimmy, holds the esteemed position of joint President at CLG Naomh Ultan and has done so for many years.
Upon the establishment of the club in 1974, Jimmy and his brother Eugene Byrne were tasked with rallying all interested individuals in the Bruckless area, a directive set forth during one of the initial committee meetings. They certainly rose to the occasion, evidenced by the significant representation from the area in the club's inaugural team, which took to the field in April 1975 against Glenfin. Jimmy was selector on that side while his brother played in the half back line.
Indeed, the Byrne family's involvement didn't stop there. Both Jimmy and Eugene remained actively engaged in various teams during the formative years and continued to serve as dedicated committee members, making substantial contributions to Naomh Ultan especially during the developments of Páirc Naomh Ultan.
During the 1990s, Aaron emerged as a formidable force within the club's underage teams. Renowned for his stylish forward play and blistering pace, it was only a matter of time before he made his mark on the senior side. By 2002, Aaron had achieved that, showcasing his talent and dedication. Even in his youth, he proved to be a pivotal member of the Intermediate A Championship-winning squad that year.
Soup ended up in Mayo for a number of years, playing soccer and Gaelic with clubs in Castlebar before returning home in 2013. It wasn't long before he was making his impact again in the black and amber jersey as he was full forward in the team that captured the Junior B Championship that year.
The following year, he swiftly reintegrated into the senior side. Despite experiencing setbacks with the team's loss in the Junior A Championship and Division 4 Playoff, Aaron and his teammates bounced back triumphantly in 2015. Clinching both the league title and the Junior A Championship, Aaron played a pivotal role in the team's success. In a crucial replayed match, he scored an invaluable 1-2 to propel his team across the finish line!
Soup, now residing in Killybegs, showcases his football prowess on the soccer field, where he proves to be just as, if not more, impactful! We're delighted to have him onboard with this fundraiser given his family's connection with the club. Best of luck Aaron, if you're pace is anything like what it is on the field you'll fly down the road!
