Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods: A legacy of good business

Special thanks to Declan Woods, Sherry FitzGerald, sponsor of our Community & Sports Awards...

A familiar face in local auctioneering for over three decades, and just as well-known on the sidelines and stands at matches, Declan Woods has always seen the value in supporting both community and local sports.

As such he is proud and delighted to once again be associated with the The Anglo-Celt Community and Sports Awards 2025 in partnership with Mannok and Kingspan, his second year of involvement, as proud sponsor of the prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’ prize.

The awards are fast becoming a cherished annual event, celebrating individual achievements and groups who contribute to the social fabric and athletic vitality of the area.

Through his work at county and Ulster GAA - a past treasurer and now new Vice President at provincial level - Mr Woods acknowledges the voluntary efforts of everyday heroes who each day strive to make a positive difference in their communities and local sports clubs too.

Last year’s ‘Hall of Fame’ winner was Ulster Senior Football Championship captain Stephen King, the public face of a team most commonly associated with Cavan football, and admired by onlookers and sporting enthusiasts throughout the land.

“The ‘Hall of Fame’ award, by its very nature, is an acknowledgment of those who have created themselves an indelible legacy within their community and their field of pursuit,” says Mr Woods.

Starting out in the late 1990s, Mr Woods quickly made a name for himself with his commanding presence and deep knowledge of the property industry. His reputation for trustworthiness and earnest enthusiasm to do right by both property buyers and sellers has earned him a long list of loyal clients from across the region.

His decision to sponsor the ‘Hall of Fame’ award stems Mr Woods’ deep sense of gratitude and furthermore a desire to uplift the next generation of local leaders - both in the community or the field of play, whatever code that might be.

This year’s ‘Hall of Fame’ award winner is legendary Arva attacker James Brady, and Mr Woods congratulated him on his honourable achievements.

Mr Woods says Brady was one of the “finest players of his generation” in what was a “golden era” for Cavan football. Within that, Brady still “stood out”.

“‘Hall of Fame’ recipients, by their very nature, have paved the way for all those who came after in their chosen pursuits. They have and continue to inspire the next generation and the generations after that. In this instance, with this year’s winner, the same must be said.”

Playing with UCD, Brady picked up an impressive haul of four Sigerson Cup medals during his time with Grangegorman campus club (1955-60 ); and in time would be remembered for these exploits by his inclusion to a shortlist of 60 players for the competition ‘Team of the Century’ by Croke Park.

The Cormore Gaels man, a club since lost to the annals of time, Brady is regarded as one of the top full forwards in the country at his pomp, winning an Ulster Senior medal with Cavan in 1962. On that day Brady scored a goal after making his way into the small square unmarked as the underdog Breffni men routed a dominant Down side to claim their 30th Ulster title overall. It was the county’s first since 1955 and ended a six-year drought, the longest Cavan had gone without a provincial since 1915.

While Brady is highly regarded for his exploits on the pitch, Mr Woods said his contributions off it are just as notable.

“James’ successes on the field are well heralded and rightly so, less so perhaps is the immeasurable contribution to his community,” says Mr Woods.

“But that is a measure of the man, and the person we now proudly inducted into our ‘Hall of Fame’.”

SERVICES

Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods operates a multi-disciplinary agency dealing with all aspects of the property industry including:

- Residential and Commercial Sales

- Acquisition and disposal of Development Land

- Valuations

- Agricultural Sales and Lettings

- Residential Sales and Lettings

- Property Management

- Rent Reviews

“The philosophy at Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods is meticulous attention to detail, quality personal service and total professionalism, which we regard as essential requirements for a modern approach to estate agency business,” says Mr Woods

Since joining the Sherry FitzGerald Countrywide network, Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods has been able to achieve a higher profile and greater market access for all their clients.

AWARDS

No stranger to awards, Sherry FitzGerald Declan Woods has received numerous accolades over the years.

He was the recipient of an Anglo-Celt Cavan Business & Tourism Professional Services Gold Award in 2018; the Sherry FitzGerald Principal Customer Service of the Year Award, also 2018; The Michael O’Leary Award in 2020; and in 2021 Declan Woods won the prestigious Sherry FitzGerald Countrywide Member of the Year accolade.

Declan is also a board member of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), a certified member of MIPAV, TRV, MMCEPI and TEGOVA (REV).