Nine outstanding volunteer coaches have been selected as finalists in the Translink Ulster GAA Coach of the Year Awards.
Representing their respective counties, the finalists were selected following public nominations submitted by club members across Ulster.
A panel of experts including All-Ireland winning Armagh manager, Joe Kernan, Ulster GAA PRO Michael Geoghegan and Irish News Sports Columnist Neil Loughran, whittled the entries down to the final nine.
An online public vote is now open to decide who the overall winner will be. As well as the title ‘Coach of the Year’, the person who tops the poll will receive free coach travel for their team and specially commissioned Coach of the Year gear.
Encouraging people across the province to get behind the finalists and have their say, Translink’s Gerry Darcy said:
“This is the second time we have partnered with UIster GAA on these awards and the standard of entries was outstanding again. It is incredible to hear about the level of passion, dedication and commitment volunteer coaches show to their clubs. One of the common themes across the nominations was leadership – coaches who give their time so freely to their clubs are exemplary leaders in their communities and we are delighted to help recognise their efforts.
“Selecting an overall winner will be no easy task – so we need as many people as possible to help decide. Whatever your club or county colours, be sure to go online and cast your vote!”
Michael Geoghegan, Ulster PRO added:
“Once again, we have seen a superb response to our Translink Coach of The Year award. The role of the volunteer GAA coach is essential in the development of our players, from underage right through to adult level. We are delighted to recognise the shortlisted coaches from across the nine counties and wish them all well for the voting process.”
Commenting on the shortlist, Joe Kernan remarked:
“The judges were highly impressed with the great work of all of the county finalists. I would encourage all clubs and counties to go online and show their support by voting for the person they feel is most deserving of receiving this award.”
Voting closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 27th November. The winner will be announced on Sunday 2nd December.
The finalists are:
Antrim – Padraig Hall, Gort na Mona
Armagh – Barry Flynn, Carrickcruppen GAA
Cavan – Ray Maguire, Laragh United
Derry – Gregory McCormick, St Mary’s GAC Slaughtmanus
Donegal – Claire Doherty, Buncrana CLG
Down – Sean Gallagher, Newry Shamrocks GAC
Fermanagh – Paul McGrath, Belcoo GAA
Monaghan – Brendan McNally, Emyvale GAA
Tyrone – Eilish O’Neill, Beragh Red Knights GAA
Padraig Hall-The Antrim Nominee
Pádraig Hall from Gort na Móna has been nominated for the Ulster GAA Coach of the Year award as the nominee from Antrim. Pádraig’s been involved in the Gort na Mona club for most of his life and in recent years he’s helped to develop the Gort na Mona girls football and he has also been involved in the county set-up at U13/U14 levels.
Outside the GAA he’s a teacher in Coláiste Feirste, and he was involved in setting up Glór na Móna, an Irish language community group in the Upper Springfield.
A Gort na Mona parent wrote:
Gort na Móna is a club situated in an area of multiple deprivation. 5 years ago it did not have an underage girls programme. In 2018 (7 girls made the Antrim U13 team & 5 made the U14 Antrim team) and the girl’s participation rates are thriving . Pádraig Hall is a true Gael and he has galvanized a whole community and transformed lives literally for these young girls. Pádraig has created a culture of aspiration and purpose. He has created opportunities on and off the field through team building weekends, drug and alcohol awareness sessions, leadership courses, as well as visits to Derry, Donegal, Antrim, and Down & Louth to seek out challenging opposition and create links. Pádraig oozes integrity and passion. His positivity is infectious and phrases like “everybody is a good player “and “ don’t look for leaders, be the leader “. are prevalent in his sessions and messages. Pádraig represents everything that is good about coaching and his thorough preparation and planning of sessions has set the standard for others that come behind. Pádraig is not just a role model, he is a true hero maker. He is reflective and always trying to improve his coaching through innovative approaches to sessions and guest coaches. The coach of the year should be positive, passionate, humble, reflective and a true life changer! That is Pádraig Hall-
As Antrim Gaels we should get behind Padraig Hall and acknowledge the big contribution he has made as a Gort na Mona and Antrim coach. Success for Padraig Hall would surely inspire coaches throughout Antrim and would be a fitting reward to this dedicated Gael.
To vote for Padraig Hall click on the link or go to:
www.ulster.gaa.ie/coachoftheyearaward.
Voting closes at 11.59 on Tuesday 27th November so vote now.
Padraig Hall working with Antrim U13 & U14 girls. The Gort na Mona man is regarded as one of Antrim’s brightest coaches