Adult Presentation Night
Saturday evening saw our Senior Players, Committee and Friends attend the Annual Adult Awards in the Clubrooms.
We welcomed Parish Priest Fr Ciaran Dallat PP as our special guest and Ladies Player Eimear Murray was Compere for the ceremonies.
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 the successes within our Club at all levels with the Ladies taking Centre Stage this year in winning the Down Ladies Junior League finishing unbeaten in the league being the highlight of the season. The Ladies were unfortunate to be knocked out of the Championship in the Quarter Final stage. Seamus praised the dedication and commitment of Jim Carvill manager, Rory Deegan coach and the entire squad of players.
The Senior Men secured their place in Division One after promotion last year. Under new management this year with Jody Gormley at the helm and Frank McLeigh assisting, there has been a marked improvement this year with a top four finish. The Senior men were also knocked out of their respective Championship. Just as with the Ladies, Seamus praised the dedication and commitment of Jody Gormley manager, Frank McLeigh assistant, all the backroom team and the players for all their efforts throughout the season.
Seamus also gave special mention to our Jubilee Celebrations group who ran a very successful night in the Club commemorating the great Down Team of 1994 who were victorious in winning the Anglo Celt Cup and the Sam Maguire Cup. He praised all those involved with the running of the event which included fitting tributes to the Late Eamonn Burns RIP and those who lost their lives in the Heights Bar.
Guest Compere Eimear Murray took the mic and began the awards ceremonies with great wit and humour keeping the crowd well entertained throughout.
The First award of the evening was The Down Ladies Junior League Winners Cup presented by Fr Dallat to Senior Ladies Captain, Emma Gordon.
Young Ladies Player of the Year was presented by Minor co-Manager, Brendan Kearney to Megan Jennings.
Ladies Sportsperson of the Year was presented by Senior Ladies Manager, Jim Carvill to Maria Gilchrist.
Ladies Player of the Year was presented by Senior Ladies Manager, Jim Carvill to Emma Gordon.
Eimear moved proceedings on to the Senior Men.
The Dominic Rice Memorial Cup for Young Player of the Year – Oisin Savage (Oisin unable to attend)
The Bobby “Bishop” Madine Cup for Sportsperson of the Year – Aidan Nixon Presented by Jody Gormley
The Vincent Rogan Memorial Cup for Reserve Player of the Year – Aidan Nixon Presented by Paul Rogan
The Hugh O Toole Cup for Senior Player of the Year – Aaron McClements Presented by Conor O Toole and Jody Gormley
The John Johnston Memorial Cup for Clubperson of the Year – Alan Molloy Presented by Michael Johnston
The Murray Family Cup – Hall of Fame Inductee – Patsy Toman Presented by Vincent McGlew.
Eimear finished off proceedings by inviting everyone into the Lounge where Fr Dallat provided the entertainment for the rest of the evening.
Congratulations and well done to all our award winners and teams on a successful 2019 season.
