Juvenile Presentation Day
Saturday afternoon saw our Youth Players, Parents, Committee and Friends attend the Annual Juvenile Presentations “A Celebration of Football” in the Clubrooms.
In the Chairman’s welcome speech, Seamus Fay thanked, congratulated and recognized all our Volunteers – without whom the Club would not function. Seamus went on to mention that this was a Celebration of Football for all our young Club Members right through from our newest team at U6 level to our future Senior Stars. He thanked all the parents for making the huge effort throughout the year in transporting the young players to training, games and blitz events. He praised all the coaches at every level for their enthusiasm, preparations and delivery of training to develop all our young members into not just footballers, but into the best individuals they can be throughout life.
Each of our young players from U6 to U12 boys and girls were presented with a medal for all their efforts throughout the season from Senior Men’s player and current Down panelist, Sean Cochrane and Senior Ladies Captain, Emma Gordon.
The older age groups from U14 boys to Minor boys and girls were mesmerized by Double All Ireland Winner, Club Member and Coach, Gary Mason, as he gave a short talk on his experiences as a player coming up through the ranks in Loughinisland and then with his journey with the Down Teams of the 1990’s winning two All Ireland Titles. Gary brought along his 2 medals for the young players to view and stressed that with hard work and commitment primarily through club football, anything can be achieved.
Team managers were asked to speak a little about their team before presenting the awards for their age groups and teams.
Award recipients from U14 upwards were:
U14 Boys Sportsperson of the Year – Cian Brennan
U14 Boys Player of the Year – Dan Smyth
U16 Boys Sportsperson of the Year – Shea Curran
U16 Boys Player of the Year Joint – Oisin Savage & Darragh Valentine
Minor Boys Young Player of the Year (Dominic Rice Memorial Cup) – Oisin Savage
Minor Girls Sportsperson of the Year – Caroline Kennedy
Minor Girls Best Newcomer of the Year – Leah Magee
Minor Girls Player of the Year – Orla Mason
The U16 Boys were presented with their East Down A League Runners up medals and U16 A Championship Winners Medals and Cup as well as the Sam Toman Memorial Cup that the lads won back in March to kick their season off with silverware.
The Minor girls were also presented with the Minor B League Shield – and creating another piece of history in the Club with the first ever minor girls team to field for Loughinisland Ladies.
Thanks to all involved in the organization of this hugely successful day in the Club and to The Stick at Brennans for provision of lunch for all those in attendance.
Congratulations and well done to all our young award winners and teams on a very successful 2019 season.
