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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A sparkling list is unveiled
THE latest sparkling array of sport high-achievers to be named Western People Sports Stars are unveiled today and they number among the very best over the 40-year history of the awards according to sports reporter, Michael Gallagher.
“Every year brings its own special list of stars and every year we’re amazed by the quality of sportspeople produced here in Mayo,” he added.
“This year in association with our sponsors, The McWilliam Park Hotel, we’ve recognised 16 individuals and teams and we’re very proud to announce such a superb list in today’s paper. They come from all across Mayo and from many different sporting disciplines. Of course, as with any list, everyone has their own opinions and personal favorites, but the quality of this year’s winners cannot be denied.
“We've winners who have competed with the very best on the national and international stages, individuals and teams who have worked so hard to reach so high,” he concluded.
* The awards will be presented at a gala function in the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris on Friday February 19. Much sought-after tickets for the event will be on sale shortly and all enquiries should be directed to 09660913 or 096-60919.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Billy Horan
(Ballinrobe)
DECADES of utter and gentlemanly devotion to the sporting life of his native place makes Billy a profoundly deserving recipient of this award. The Ballinrobe native has proudly represented his GAA club, his divisional board and his county throughout a rich and dedicated life, while also bringing games to life by his wonderfully rich style of reportage.
He has been at the centre of all that’s good in Ballinrobe for a lifetime and has become known far and wide for his courtesy, hard work and dedication. Billy is renowned for his caring, clear, humorous and common-sense recording of GAA matches throughout Mayo. His wonderful use of words has ensured that magical moments on the pitch are recalled long after they would otherwise have slipped to the recess of the mind.
His devotion to the purple and gold of Ballinrobe is well-known but that has never once colored his attitude as he filled high office for South-Mayo and later Mayo. Billy Horan has a huge amount to offer Mayo sport in the coming years, but there is no doubt that he has already achieved more than any of us could imagine. Billy is a unique and precious talent in the sporting life of his highly-cherished community.
HALL OF FAME
Joe Corcoran
(Ardnaree)
ALIFETIME of sporting excellence is honoured as this highly decorated star takes his place in the Hall of Fame. His nickname gives it away. The words ‘Jinkin Joe’ tells us a lot about the man that is Joe Corcoran. His style, his skill, his movement and his swerve are all incorporated in those two utterances, but no syllables, no verbs could quite capture the former Ardnaree ace properly.
Arguably the most gifted of all Mayo forwards, the man from the Moy was deadly accurate, hugely stylish and supremely talented. He played most of his football in the sixties, long before the daring deeds of footballers were beamed into every sitting room in the country, but Joe’s skill and style was talked about in every parish in the land.
He worked very hard on his game and it showed in the amazing scoring returns for club and county. He was supreme when he donned the Green and Red jersey and his scoring exploits are now the stuff of legend. He believed that with a huge collective effort Mayo had every right to win Sam Maguire. He sent tremors through the opposition whenever the ball came his way and he longed for the day when Mayo would climb the Hogan Stand on the third Sunday in September. Unfortunately that never occurred during Joe’s days with the county but that took nothing away from the Sarsfields man.
He was a star, a shining star and was known far and wide for his ability on the ball. The Cuchulainn Awards preceded the AllStars and in 1967 Joe was named in the half-forward line alongside Galway’s Cyril Dunne.
He was always a loyal son of Ardnaree. There were many occasions when Joe’s wonderful talents were courted by other clubs but he remained true to the Green and Gold.
Joe Corcoran’s heart is steeped in a rich love for Ardnaree and Mayo football and the dream of sparkling silverware remains as strong now as it did when he jinked his way past one despairing defender after another. Also an extremely talented golfer, Joe Corcoran’s exploits will never be forgotten as long as great sporting deeds are recalled.
SPORTS PERSONALITY
Ted Durcan
(Westport)
THE excitement, colour, tension and elation of horse racing enthralls millions all across the world. In 2009 a jockey from Westport raced to some mind-blowing success in the sport of silks and turf.
The man from Clew Bay’s shore has hit the headlines since he took up station at Paddy Rudkin’s Blue Stables in Dubai during the 1997/’98 season. He’s been supremely successful thanks to his tremendous skills, but will always remember the 2009 season for some superb victories.
The magical jockey won the oldest classic in horse racing, the Ladbrokes St Ledger on 14/1 shot Mastery beating the much-fancied and hot favourite, Kite Wood, ridden by Frankie Dettori. The race illustrated all that makes Durcan a special talent. He drove out his horse and battled his way to a magnificent victory over the 9/4 shot. Later in the season Ted once again stunned the racing world when he was on board the winner of the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, 16/1 shot Sahpresa. The Westport man rode the French-trained filly to a magical victory over another short-priced favourite, the 6/5 fancy, Ghanaati.
The Mayo magician kept Sahpresa traveling sweetly behind the early leaders before quickening in the closing stages and pulling away to a length and a half victory. Ted went on to win two group 3 races and in total rode a superb 94 winners in England. The man from Altamont Street was also massively successful on the track in Dubai and was victorious in five of the highly prestigious Dubai Carnival Races, one of them for Irish trainer Joanne Morgan.
Ted is a special talent, a man at the top of his sport, a wizard of the saddle and the coming season promises to bring great success to the man who grew up in the shadow of Croagh Patrick dreaming of riding winners in front of thousands of screaming fans.
MERIT AWARD
Alex Duffy
(Knockmore)
AS the venues slip off the tongue it becomes obvious that Alex Duffy has enjoyed a season filled with success and spine-tingling achievements. Hickstead, Athens, the RDS, Belfast, Lisbon and Norway are just some of the venues where the young Knockmore star has exhibited his tremendous horsemanship.
The year began with stunning successes on the Sunshine Tour in Portugal and continued at shows all across the continent, culminating in him being named Irish Young Rider of The Year just a few weeks ago.
Whether it was as an individual or as part of the Irish team Alex was superb. He showed maturity and strength far beyond his years and impressed all who cherish the sport. There were many sparkling moments for the young rider throughout his amazing season but his success at the European Young Rider Championships and two first places at the RDS in Dublin ensured that the Knockmore horseman enjoyed his best season to date.
The coming year promises to be just as exhilerating for Alex, but he’ll always remember his 2009 adventures with great joy.
IVAN NEILL YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR
Micheal Schlingermann
(Kiltimagh)
MICHEAL may still be in the infancy of his sporting career but it remains to be seen if he’ll ever have a year like 2009. The Kiltimagh youth excelled for his native club and his county as they raced for provincial and national glory before he stepped into the white heat of League of Ireland soccer and was a proud member of the Sligo Rovers squad in the FAI Cup Final.
The teenager has played in the back line and between the sticks for Kiltimagh as they swept to the Mayo and Connacht Junior titles as well as the county league and East Mayo championship. The young man produced sizzling displays for the Blue and White, never failing to deliver his best as they won one thrilling encounter after another.
He starred for the Kiltimagh minors as they were crowned Division 1 league winners and was man-of-the-match in the county minor championship final against Castlebar Mitchels.
Micheal enjoyed a stunning season with the Mayo minor team as they won the provincial title and came within a kick of a ball of the All-Ireland crown. He produced an outstanding display in the All-Ireland semi-final when his breathtaking saves rightly earned him the man-of-the-match accolade.
His athleticism and application were remarkable all year on the GAA pitches and he has carved a niche for himself in the minds of Green and Red football followers.
On the soccer pitch he was equally prominent and made his League of Ireland debut for Sligo Rovers against Bohemians in Dalymount Park in a match televised live on RTE. He impressed many with his displays for the Bit O’ Red and was sub-goalkeeper for the westerners in the FAI Cup Final against Fingal.
The young man from Kiltimagh has enjoyed an amazing year, a year which has taken him to unbelievable highs and he’s a very deserving winner of the Ivan Neill Young Sportsperson of The Year Award.
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Lakehill Tug-’o-War Club
DESCRIBING Lakehill’s achievements in 2009 as amazing seems hardly appropriate. The Knockmore-based club not only cemented their status as champions of Ireland, they also proved to the best, the very best in Europe.
Tug-Of-War is a highly technical, tough, uncompromising sport which requires huge dedication, skill and strength and the Lakehill boys have proven themselves at the very highest level.
In only their fifth season in existence the men in blue went to the two Irish championships in June determined to take on and defeat the very best.
Nobody could match the Mayo men for their determination, strength, perseverance and style and in the 720kilo event in Leitrim they swept all before them to capture the Irish title on June 14. Two weeks later the Lakehill men were in Bonniconlon for the Irish 680kilo championships. They performed superbly to reach the final where they faced the reigning world champions, Boley from Wexford. The Mayo men were determined to show everyone how good they were and when the final pull ended, Lakehill were champions.
Their next adventure took them to the European Championships in Holland where Lakehill competed with 44 clubs from all across the continent. The Mayo men were superb and won a silver medal in the team competition, but the best was yet to come. With six of the Lakehill warriors on the Irish team of eight, they proudly carried the hopes and dreams of their country.
Wins over Germany, Sweden, England, Wales, Belgium, Italy and world champions, Italy, took them into the final and with one massive effort the Lakehill men guided Ireland to the European title with a magnificent victory over Germany. It most certainly is fair to say that style, dedication, strength and skill ensured that 2009 was more than amazing for the men from Lakehill.
GAELIC FOOTBALL
David Tiernan
(Charlestown)
THE midfielder has been a driving force with his club for a decade but in 2009 he became the central figure as the Sarsfields swept all before them to capture all the top silverware available in Mayo football. Ciaran McBrien’s men deservedly played their way to the championship and league double with a collection of sparkling, stylish and sprightly displays as Tiernan ruled the their central cathedral.
The veteran midfielder showed tremendous skill, great strength, wonderful imagination and a drive and determination which nobody could match.
He drove his team forward time and time again. When Charlestown were in front he battled to keep them there and when they were in arrears he moved mountains to drag them back into contention.
The Green and White played fine football all season as they progressed through their various competitions but the petrol in the tank was always Tiernan. He helped his side through some very tight, tense encounters and always led from the front in his usual ebullient manner.
He was excellent all season but when county final day arrived he stepped onto an even higher level, driving his team forward time and time again as they finally got the Moclair Cup back into their possession. David has always been at the forefront of his club’s football fables but in 2009 he enjoyed a season that will long be recalled when daring deeds are discussed.
The veteran midfielder may be in the autumn of his career but there’s no doubting his importance to the county champions.
SHOWJUMPING
Cameron Hanley
(Claremorris)
THE Claremorris star enjoyed a stunning season in 2009 as he challenged and defeated some of the best the world had to offer. His superb displays in the saddle ensured that the Mayo man deservedly received the Show Jumper of The Year Award from the Irish Show Jumpers’ Club at the end of the season.
Cameron has always possessed huge talent and it came flowing out in 2009 as he jumped to new heights throughout Ireland and Europe in individual and international competitions. His skill, style and dedication ensured that Hanley became a feared and respected opponent wherever he competed.
Placed individual fourth in the European Show Jumping Championships at Windsor in England last August, riding Sevil Sabanci’s ‘SIEC Livello’. Cameron also recorded an enviable number of wins and top ten places at shows throughout Europe, as well as making various Nations’ Cup team appearances for Ireland, in what was one of his best years to date.
He was named leading rider at the world-famous show in Vienna and Cameron’s memorable double-clear at Hickstead sealed victory for his country at that prestigious meeting as he cemented his standing as Ireland’s leading international competitor. The horseman from Claremorris is enjoying a superb period in a career that has achieved and promises great things.
TABLE TENNIS
Ballina Table Tennis Club
TO win a national title is very special but to win the championship of another country is an achievement that very few have ever achieved. The fact that the young ladies of Ballina Table Tennis Club have captured British League titles for the past two years ensures that they have written their names proudly in the sporting history of Mayo and Ireland.
In 2008 they began their epic tale when taking part in the British Junior Leagues, which attract top internationals from six nations. The Ballina stars performed very well, winning the Division 1 championship in their first season, but the best was yet to come.
In 2009 they created their own type of history when sweeping all others aside to win the Premiership crown and cement their sparkling status on the table-tennis stage in these islands.
The last time a team from Ireland won this prestigious league was in the 1998/99 season, but on that occasion it was the Irish national team who captured the crown, making the Ballina club’s achievement all the more noteworthy.
The knock-on effect of this great victory is clear to be seen locally as the sport of table tennis is going from strength to strength throughout Mayo with the young Ballina stars passing on their skills to another generation of aspiring champions.
SOCCER
Tom O’Connor
(Ballina Town)
TWO decades of waiting came to an end late in 2009 when Tom O’Connor raised the Tom Kelly Cup into the sky and Ballina Town were once again crowned champions of Mayo. The Blue and White had always been among Mayo’s best football teams, but winning the ultimate prize had proved beyond them.
In recent years the Moy men had come within touching distance of the title only to come up short in the final run-in. That all changed in 2009.
The Ballina men were determined to prove once and for all that they were the best in the land of the Yew tree. Their captain, Tom O’Connor led from the front and from the opening rounds of the Super League it became obvious that the Moy boys were on the verge of greatness.
They played superb football, moving the ball quickly, smartly and decisively and goals flowed as they made the early running. Tight, tough challenges were overcome and as the race entered the final straight O’Connor’s men were well-positioned.
On other occasions the Ballina men had been undone on the run-in, but they had learned from their mistakes and with their skipper driving them forward they went into their match with Fahy Rovers knowing that just a point would give them the long-awaited title.
A flurry of goals secured the crown and when the final whistle blew O’Connor and his men celebrated on their very own Pete Murray pitch.
Tom O’Connor led his men superbly throughout a memorable season while also performing at the very top of his game. His strength, skill and style were major factors in his side securing their own piece of history.
The men from the Moy have a team brimful with talent, but there’s little doubt they also have a very special leader.
HURLING
Conor Ryan
(Westport)
Hurling is a game of dynamism, an illumination of style, adventure, courage, skill, touch and determination. The clash of the ash, the speed of the game and the passion of the men between the white lines makes it a spectacle without measure. Hurling is a bristling, buoyant ballet and Conor Ryan exhibits many of the traits which make it special.
The Westport man cuts a dash on the pitch. He surges forward on attack, dashes to the rescue when his team are under pressure and plays with his heart on his sleeve.
He exudes huge confidence and never backs from a challenge. The Westport ace exhibits all that‘s good in Mayo hurling right now. The Green and Red are playing with a swagger, they‘re enjoying themselves, they‘re pushing back the boundaries and are most definitely aiming for ever greater achievements.
Conor is a superb hurler. He plays with great skill, mighty ambition and a huge will to win. He has the respect of team mate and opponent alike. He‘s known far and wide for his talent, his dedication and his style. The Westport ash-warrior is at the top of his game right now, but he‘s determined to bring even greater days to his club and his county in the coming years.
ATHLETICS
Caoimhe King
(Westport AC)
THERE’S a shining star on the shores of Clew Bay. Caoimhe King has been winning titles and breaking records throughout 2009 and a career at the very top of her sport awaits.
Ten years have passed since the then seven-year-old joined Westport Athletic Club and in the intervening decade she has developed into the top triple-jumper of her in age in Ireland and Britain and has her sights firmly set on making her mark at the World Junior Championships in a few months time.
The amazing youngster had an incredible run of results in 2009. During the indoor season she won the All-Ireland U-20 title with a new Irish record. Then, while still only 16, she won silver at the Irish Senior championship while breaking the national junior record again. Caoimhe then went on to win the All-Ireland U-18 title before taking a bronze in the British 3As in Birmingham.
During the outdoor season she won gold at the Irish Schools, the All-Ireland U-18 championship, the Celtic Games and the Munster championship while also breaking numerous records along the way. Caoimhe competed well in the European Youth Olympics in Finland and amazingly showed how multi-talented she is by running the second leg for Ireland’s 4 x 100m relay team as they won the bronze medal.
The young Westport star has had a wonderful 2009 and a bright future beckons her forward.
LADIES SOCCER
Aileen Gilroy
(Killala FC)
ATREMENDOUS season on the soccer pitches ensured that Aileen Gilroy’s name has echoed through Mayo and national sport. The young lady from NorthMayo has excelled for her school, club, county and country thanks to displays of the highest quality.
The teenager guided her school, St Patrick’s Lacken Cross, to the Connacht and All-Ireland U16A titles following a campaign where she exhibited her vast array of skills.
She was central to Killala FC’s wonderful season as they won the Mayo league and cup double while also going all the way to the All-Ireland final.
She scored 26 goals as the coastal girls won the Mayo Premier League without dropping a point and was also highly prominent as they captured the Mayo U16 Girls Cup but it was in the national competition where she really excelled.
She was outstanding throughout the WFAI U16 Cup but shone like a beacon in the quarter-final in Dublin against St Francis. Aileen scored a hat-trick in the 3-3 draw and when the goalkeeper was injured she went in goal for the penalty shoot-out. Amazingly Aileen saved two of the spot-kicks before stepping up to slot home the winner herself. She scored ten goals in total in the run to the final.
The Killala starlet starred for Connacht in the Gaynor Cup competition in Limerick, but it was with her country that she really excelled.
Aileen played nine times for the Republic of Ireland U17 team in 2009. In March she was highly impressive when she played three times for her country in the Algarve. In September she excelled in two matches against Italy in Dublin before traveling to Slovenia where she lined out against Turkey, Denmark and the hosts. Her final international of the season took place in November when she wore the Green against England in Dublin.
There’s little doubt that Aileen has enjoyed a stellar season and there’s also no disguising the fact that she has a stunning future stretching out in front of her.
BOXING
Brian Fitzpatrick
(Ballina BC)
A DOZEN seasons of effort finally bore fruit for the Moyside boxer when he captured the All-Ireland title in December. The young Greenhills man had soldiered bravely through numerous campaigns and his dream of capturing national honors never dimmed, not for a moment.
On two occasions he had come within touching distance of the ultimate accolade but had fallen at the final hurdle both times. That didn’t deter him however, and when the 2009 campaign began he was back again for another shot at the title. Training in Ballina and Dublin, where he was temporarily based, ensured that he was in great shape when the Irish intermediate championships came around and the Ballina boxer was determined to give it one almighty effort.
Impressive wins in the opening two contests brought him to the semi-final where he faced Crumlin’s Mark Carlyle, but there was no stopping the Mayo man and he secured a place in the final with an impressive win.
In the 81kg final Brian faced another Dublin boxer, Michael Frayne from St Mary‘s, and all the years of waiting and wondering came to an end when the Moy man showed all his boxing ability to punch his way to the Irish title.
Winning the national crown had been a long-cherished ambition and the Ballina contingent celebrated like never before.
HANDBALL
Stephen Cooney
(Ballaghaderreen)
TO win one national title is the dream of many but to capture numerous national titles in one season is just incredible. Stephen Cooney was always a special talent, excelling at many sports but since he has dedicated himself to handball he has made tremendous progress and achieved great things.
Numerous national titles have made their way to his sideboard as his reputation grows with very passing competition but the 2009 season unveiled even greater riches.
Six Irish titles were captured by the highly talented young man and these included the 40 x 20 minor doubles, 60 x 30 minor singles, 60 x 30 minor doubles, minor hardball championship, U-18 one-wall championship and the senior club title. Stephen’s quiet determination and self-motivation makes him the star that he is.
He has a deep love of the sport and is heavily involved in the running of his local club. Stephen also loves to assist with juvenile coaching at the club every weekend.
The young man from Ballaghaderreen is a shining star in the sport and is an inspiration to a new generation of handball players throughout Mayo.
GOLF
Jonathan Doherty
(Ballina GC)
VIEWED by many as the best young prospect for years, Jonathan Doherty enjoyed a stellar season on the golf course in 2009. His technique and ball-striking ability is superb and he used these qualities to great effect in a campaign that stretched the boundaries of golf in Mayo.
Jonathan may be only 13-years-old but he more than held his own in male competitions throughout the year. In fact, the teenager beat all-comers to win the Mens Matchplay crown at Ballina Golf Club while also being an integral part of Ballina team which won the Senior Mens Connacht Shield for the first time since 1962.
Jonathan was superb in all competitions and has built up a huge reputation for one so young. He guided St Muredach’s College to the Connacht colleges team title and capped an amazing year by winning the individual Connacht U-13 title.
The young Ballina star works extremely hard on his game and is pushing back the boundaries with every passing competition. He’s one of the best prospects in the Irish game and is a member of the Irish U-14 team who are being groomed for further stardom.
Jonathan may be at the opening chapters of his sporting life, but there’s little doubt he’s about to write a tale of great golfing success.
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