Wicklow’s best and brightest!

Over 400 people attend awards

Over 400 people packed into the Arklow Bay Hotel to witness the finest athletes in Wicklow GAA being honoured for their exploits and efforts over the last 12 months.

For one man, Aughrim's Liam O'Loughlin, was shocked to discover that his lifetime of hard work and commitment within Wicklow GAA had earned him entry to the very prestigious Wicklow Gaa Hall of Fame and the former County Chairman takes his completely deserving place alongside the county's finest.

For others, like Coolboy Handball Club, decades of fostering and encouragement were rewarded when they picked up their special award along with Dunlavin's Helen Kearney.

For new County Chairman Martin Coleman the event presented a chance to honour the players of the county while also doubling as an invaluable PR exercise.

“It was a brilliant night,” said Martin. “We had over 400 people attending and the atmosphere was unreal. We all knew who the main award winners were but Liam O'Loughlin's Hall of Fame award was a closely guarded secret.

“He hadn't a clue and he's always be at these nights and it wasn't until Jimmy Dunne started to reveal various aspects of who the award winner was that it finally clicked with him.

“This year is the ninth awards and they are getting bigger and better every year. I know from our own player John Flynn that the awards mean an awful lot to the players themselves and it's nice to be able to honour other sports as well,” he added.

The full compliment of awards winners at the 2012 Garden County GAA All Star awards in the Arklow Bay Hotel. With the award winners are President of the GAA Liam O’Neill, Chairman of the Wicklow County Board Martin Coleman and Brian Brennan from the...

Sponsor Brian Brennan, Michael Lennon on behalf of the Coolboy Handball Club who were awarded the special sports award, GAA President Liam O'Neill and Wicklow GAA Chairman Martin Coleman at the 2012 Garden GAA sports awards. The Coolboy club brought...

Sponsor Brian Brennan, Paddy O'Brien, Kilmacanogue, club person of the year, GAA President Liam O'Neill and Wicklow GAA Chairman Martin Coleman at the 2012 Garden GAA Sports Awards in the Arklow Bay Hotel.

David Flynn and Jasmine O’Keeffe.

Gerry and Trina Walsh.