Cushendun Emmet’s Awards night

RORY McQuillan, manager of Cushendun Robert Emmet’s senior side, could not separate the contributions of two outstanding players when selecting the club’s senior Player of the Year for 2023. So, he divided the spoils for the Emmet’s annual Presentation Dinner held in Cushendall Golf Club. Honoured were tigerish tackling corner back Sean Hamilton and the ever mobile smart finishing midfielder Conor McHugh. “Both players are very dedicated players and their performances proved vital in our win of the Division Two league title,” said Rory, whose back-up reserve team supremo faced a similar dual dilemma in selecting the second-string team’s Player of the Year. Eugene also split the silverware with Aidan McSparran and Michael McHugh. They were key contributors in the winning of the McCaughan Cup.

Emmet’s chairperson Helen Magee (front left) with committee members and guests at the club’s presentation dinner in Cushendall Glof Club. Included are John and Marjorie Wilson of Wilsons of Rathkenny, Fr Paddy Delargy, Dr John McSparran, club president Denis O’Hara

The Players’ Player award for the McQuillan Shield went to senior team skipper Jack McKay.The Club Person of the Year also had a tied outcome – of Liam Mulholland and the Emmet’s busy referee Paul McSparran.

The Wilson Cup for dedication to the club was presented by the Club’s main sponsor, Wilson Motors of Rathkenny by John Wilson to John O’Hara.

The main players were well represented by such star turns as the inimitable ace marksman Conlaoith ‘ Loaf ‘ McNeill, outstanding centre backs Donal O’Hara and ‘Most Improved’ player Sean McKay, rock steady wing backs Sean Hamilton and Jack McKay, tight tackling play anywhere Thomas Scally.

Missing from the impressively attended gathering was ex-county player Conor McHugh, presently on holiday in Australia where he linked up with two other absentees, the Kilgore brothers – Harry and David.

***Dr John McSparran presents the McCaughan Cup to team captain Conor O’Hara at the Emmet’s awards dinner in Cushendall Golf Club***

Soon, Rory McQuillan starts his tough training routine for the new season,and the enthusiasm of the young tigers hoping to clinch places in the senior side was palpable during the gala evening. There are places to be filled, such as gaps up front left by news of retirement by classy front men – ‘Wee’ Dominic McQuillan and Conrad McDonnell.

Both plundered spectacular scores during last season, none more so than a drop-shpt goal by McDonnell.

Also, there is uncertainty of having the gifted wingers, Kilgore brothers back from Down Under.

Manager Rory also awaits the medical recovery of craggy centre full back Aidan Corbett- and news of back-damaged goalkeeper supreme Gareth McGee..

Waiting on the wings for full time recognition are such youngsters as Aidan McSparran, Colm McKeegen and Pearse McKeegan,

Club sponsors John and Marjorie Wilson of Wilsons of Rathkenny Motors with Senior Hurling team manager Ruairi McQuillan and team captain Jack McKay at the club’s awards dinner in Cushendall Golf Club

Lady Chairperson Helen Magee processed a clockwork running programme. “We enjoyed an excellent turnout of players. Also in attendance was our ever present main sponsor John Wilson of Wilson Motors, Rathkenny and his wife Margerie.”

The top guest list included former club players, Fr Noel McHenry and one-time St MacNissi’s College President – Fr Paddy Delargy, who is a Trustee of the Emmet’s along with Dr John McSparran.

Pearl McQuillan presents the McQuillan Shield to Hurler of the Year Jack McKay

Long serving Committee member, Mrs Pearl McQuillan highlighted the unique honorary squad member in Oscar-winning film actor James Martin.

“During our weekly Quiz night in Randal McDonnell’s we presented James with a club jersey – numbered 23. Since he was a youngster he has been attending our charity Quiz along with his parents Ivan and Suzanne. Not many hurling clubs can boast of having an Oscar winner in their ranks.”