Seamus is given a Civic Reception by Waterford City and County Council

The achievements of local man Seamus Power in 2016, the highlight which was no doubt getting to represent Ireland at this year’s Olympic Games at Rio De Jinerio in Brazil was recognised recently when he was given a civic reception at the Civic Offices in Dungarvan by the members of Waterford City and County Council with its Mayor Cllr. Adam Wyse officiating.

Seamus made history on the night as he became the first person to be given a Civic Reception in Dungarvan since the amalgamation of the City and County Councils in June 2014.

At the reception Cllr Adam Wyse made reference to the controversies surrounding the inclusion of gold at the games for the first time in about 100 years and the decision of some of the games most high profile players to stay away citing the Zika Virus for not travelling.

Cllr. Damien Geoghegan who proposed that Seamus be given such a reception reflected on Seamus’ career to date.

“It was a very proud moment for all Waterford people to see you step forward and take your place and represent your country at the greatest sporting event on the planet” Cllr Geoghegan told Seamus and those present.

Cllr James Tobin who seconded the motion to give Seamus a civic reception wished Seamus success in his career and told Seamus that Waterford people would have special memories of the Rio 2016 games for “the right reasons”.

A number of other Councillor’s spoke including Independent Laurence ‘Cha’ O’Neill who said he enjoyed following Seamus’ progress and described him as an ambassador for Waterford. Cllr. O’Neill told those present that his Grandfather who was a two time Mayor of Waterford City and he hailed from Touraneena. “They must be doing something right in Touraneena” Cllr O’Neill said.

Seamus thanked those in attendance and said that the reception was unexpected, but that he appreciated it.

Seamus received his early education at Saint Mary’s Touraneena National School and upon completion of his education there moved to Saint Augustine’s College.

After his Leaving Cert he won a scholarship to East Tennessee State University where he graduated with a first class honours degree in accounting.

Before picking golf as his chosen sport to pursue a career in, he was also a very good hurler, footballer, handballer and racquetball player, winning honours in all games, and could have proved to be just as successful in any of them as he is currently at golf.