Setanta O’hAilpin has been awarded the inaugural Lend Lease GIANT Footprint Community Award for 2012.
 
The award is dedicated to the player who has made an outstanding contribution to the local Greater Western Sydney and ACT Communities and was presented by GIANTS number one ticket holder Melissa Doyle at the Kevin Sheedy Medal dinner. GIANTS Chief Operating Officer Richard Griffith said that O’hAilpin was an outstanding character and a deserving recipient of the inaugural community award.
 
“Setanta demonstrated a commitment to the community over and above what would normally be expected at an AFL club,” Griffith said.
 
“Clearly it was a frustrating year given his long term ACL injury but his character shone through his wiliness to work with disadvantaged groups, hospital visits and working with local clubs and charities.
 
“His willingness to travel around the state and accept any request that the club may have asked of him was always met.
 
“He’s a fine citizen and an excellent ambassador for both the club and the AFL,” he said.
 
Griffith said that the GIANTS had made significant inroads in to the Greater Western Sydney and ACT Communities in the club’s inaugural year and that the playing group held an integral role in the club’s community work.
 
“Our work in the community is pivotal to our club build.
 
“The club has done an outstanding job in its first year in engaging with a wide range of community stakeholders including our partners.
 
“The club’s commitment to work within the community and support charities is an important way of demonstrating to the broader community that we are more than just a football club.
 
“Our players have been outstanding.
 
“They have never questioned any player appearance and in fact most of our players have gone above the requirements of the club to engage in some charities and organizations that they have a personal affinity with.
 
“Our players’ work in the community has been well recognized because we have received nothing but glowing reports and congratulations back in to the club every time that our players go out in the community,” Griffith said.