On Sunday 27th Oct., St Marys held their Annual Awards night at the splendid surroundings of the Seagoe Hotel Portadown. This was an Awards night with a difference for St Marys as this was a special night for the whole club when all the children from our underage sections were present with family and friends. This made the night a special night and one the children involved will remember for a long time.
The night began when Columb Walsh introduced our special guests of honour, when we were introduced to An Uachtaran Jarlath Burns, Andy Mc Entee manager Antrim Senior Football manager, Emma Kelly Antrim LGFA, former Antrim player and Manager and Aimee Mackin LGFA Armagh player. A formidable collection of guests and a reflection of the growing nature of our club. Our special guests took time to mingle with guests and have a relaxing chat with adults and children alike.
With the Seagoe staff serving up a delicious meal for all our guests it was time to enjoy the meal and catch up with family and friends and the young people were looking forward to the rest of the evening. To keep the itinerary light hearted one of our compares for the night was the hilarious Orla Hamill and she introduced a humorous take on ‘Play your Cards Right’. One of our young guests, Hannah Mooney excelled and won herself a voucher.
It was time now to put the spotlight on all our youth sections of the club when all the boys teams from U 12 through to U 18 were called to the platform for special photos with our special guests. An Uachtaran and Andy Mc Entee did the honours for the boys. Our LGFA section were next in the spotlight as the U 12 to U 16 teams had the pleasure of representing their teams with the special guests. Amongst all our young stars were the girls U 14 team who excelled this year and were the clubs first girls team in the club to win an LGFA Championship. The young stars on the night were presented with their Championship medals by An Uachtaran Jarlath, Emma Kelly and Aimee Mackin. A new and popular section in our inclusive club we have the G4MO’s section, newly formed this year led by Allison and Claire. This group of ladies have had a fantastic first year and were enthusiastic in making their way to the platform to meet An Uachtaran who warmly welcomed them.
The club has developed a fantastic ‘All Stars’ section with upwards of 40 children training and taking part in many representative activities including playing at Croke Park. The joy and excitement for all the children and many dedicated coaches was a pleasure for the audience to watch as they all made their way to the platform for a very special photo with An Uactharan and guests. The Club were awarded a special Inclusivity award by Disability Sport NI for all the work put in during the year. Zara Mc Cavigan held aloft the coveted framed Certificate.
In Camogie we had the U 12 team gathered to take a bow underlining all the hard work they have done during the year and this section of the club is making great progress. Continuing with senior camogie, Meabh Lenehan was a worthy recipient of the ‘POY’ award and played her part in the team reaching the semi-final of the Championship. Award presented by An Uachtaran and Chris Drain.
Now to Scor, the sections are unending. Una Mc Stravick is the epitome of Scor at St Marys and she led her band of young artists to the platform for their spot in the light with An Uactharan. Our Scor section are never far away from Ulster medals and this year they are novelty act Ulster Champions. Jarlath donned a St Marys bobble hat and took up a dramatic stance whilst recalling his Scor days with his club Silverbridge.
In the mens senior football section there was great excitement on the presentation of these awards. A popular Johnny Hannon received the PPOY trophy and this was some reward for Johnny who led the line for St Marys this year. The famous Paddy Barnes trophy was then awarded to another great servant for the year, Kieran Hamill, POY for 2024. Kieran had a great year after battling back from injury to play a major part in the teams defensive set up. Awards presented by An Uachtaran and Andy Mc Entee. Andy along with An Uachtaran made a presentation to the clubs County players who played on the team this year, Luke Mulholland, Ruarai Mc Cann, Eunan Walsh and Adam Loughran.
The individual Club awards were next giving recognition to individuals who have given their time and energy far and beyond the call of duty. The ‘Brendan Campbell’ Club Person of the Year award went to the dedicated Neill Mc Stravick for his work with the LGFA section of the club. Joe O’Neill won the Agnes Hannon ‘Extra Mile Award’ for all his hard work with the training in the childrens section of the club and his leading role in organising the Cul Camp in the summer. Club Secretary Kevin Kenny was presented with the Clubs recent ‘Club Maith’ award in recognition for his input in this work.
After a wonderful night of awards and craic ably directed by Columb Walsh Chair, Colin Loughran and Orla Hamill, when almost everyone in the room met with An Uachtaran and the special guests. Special mention to Una Mc Stravick and Bert Trowlen. Time to rock and roll and stretch them dancing legs. Late night music and dancing went on into the night with ‘Soulmates’ to cap off a truly wonderful night when all ages came together as one.
Aghadh Gallain Abu, go raibh maith agaibh.
To view berts pics click on the link below