Rugby legends to be honoured in Cong

CONNACHT Rugby legends Pat Lam and John Muldoon are to be honoured by the people of Cong.

The CHOFA (Cong Hands of Fame Award) is a special honour that Cong awards to those who have made a unique contribution to Irish life. This year’s awards will be sponsored by Ballinrobe RFC and Ryan’s Hotel, Cong.

A mould of their hands was cast in clay at the Sportsgrounds in Galway and was overseen by Cong festival committee members Paddy Rock and Ray McHugh.

Renowned sculptor Mark Rode will now put the finishing touches to them by casting them in bronze. They will be displayed in the Cong Hands of Fame Wall alongside those of former recipients Ryan Tubridy, 2014 Rose of Tralee winner Maria Walsh, Daniel O’Donnell and Big Tom.

Chairman of Cong Festival committee Pat Luskin said: “We are delighted to have both of these icons of rugby as part of our Hands of Fame Wall.”

He said: “Both men had championed their sport to the highest standard and it is only right and fitting that the village honours them in this way.”

A special unveiling ceremony of their hands will take place at the wall of fame in Cong on Tuesday, May 23. at 7.30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with both guests in Ryan's Hotel.