Smith ‘humbled’ by reaction to his All-Star win
Enda Smith is presented with his PwC All-Star award by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Larry McCarthy. Pic. Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
A hero’s welcome awaited the county’s 12th All-Star recipient when he arrived home to Boyle on Sunday afternoon.
Boyle and Roscommon player Enda Smith, who has become the toast of the county, says he is ‘humbled’ by the reaction to his selection on this year’s All-Star football team at a ceremony, which was broadcast live on Friday night on RTÉ from the RDS in Dublin.
Smith follows in the footsteps of Roscommon greats like the late Dermot Earley, Harry Keegan and Tony McManus in becoming an All-Star, which is one of the most coveted individual awards in the GAA. He is the county’s first All-Star recipient since Francie Grehan in 2001.
“I’m really humbled by all the messages I’ve received. People are just genuinely delighted. I got a few videos of children’s’ reactions when they were watching it. They were delighted. That’s the sort of stuff that will stay with you,” he told the Roscommon Herald.
He was given a hero’s welcome when he returned to a special homecoming in the Abbey Park, Boyle, on Sunday afternoon.
“It’s great for the club, a first one for Boyle. There’s a great buzz around the place. A lot of people were down there which was great to see.
“To be honest, it hasn’t sunk in properly yet. I’m just taking it all in. The last few days have been mad. I haven’t looked at everyone’s messages yet. I’m still trying to trawl through those kinds of things.
“Players like Dermot Earley and Tony McManus, and a few more — they are the greats. When you talk about Roscommon, it’s those sorts of players that are on the (All-Star) list. So, to be among them is just lovely.
“I’ve received a few messages from Tony McManus, Paul Earley, Francie Grehan, and a few of the lads. For me, that’s unbelievable to hear from them. I wouldn’t have seen many of those lads playing in the eighties, but I know all about them. You’d still be in awe when you meet them. For the current team, they’ve set the bar for what we want to do as a team,” he said.
Senator Eugene Murphy has this week paid tribute to Enda and he also congratulated Sarah Keane from Elphin on winning The All-Ireland Scòr Sinsir competition.
"I am delighted for Enda and the Smith family. This award is truly deserved and a great shot in the arm for Roscommon football. Enda gives it all on the football team and he is hugely respected by Roscommon people," he said.
Senator Murphy also had special praise for Sarah Keane from Elphin on her All-Ireland Scòr success. “Sarah is a brilliant young lady and I am delighted that she has landed the top award. My congratulations also to Elphin GAA and others involved in supporting and encouraging Sarah. This is truly a great honour for Sarah and family. People like Sarah and Enda are bringing great pride to our county and are to be highly commended,” said Senator Murphy.
