Team prize a perfect fillip for the Blues
WITH 21 Louth senior titles in the trophy cabinet at Newfoundwell Newtown Blues know a thing or two about shaking off formidable opponents and they had six to contend with for the Team of the Year going at the Drogheda Independent Coca-Cola Sports Awards at the Westcourt Hotel on Saturday.
Ronan Phillips’ men recovered from a disastrous start to the year that saw them lose their opening five league games to lift the famous Joe Ward Cup in mid-October - ironically winning their five Championship clashes in a row in the process.
A host of that panel went on to lift the Louth U-21 title five weeks later to cap a fine year for the club. And they had to beat some very worthy contenders to the punch on Saturday night.
In fact, all three Louth championship winners were up for the award.
Glen Emmets had a magnificent year, overcoming Glyde Rangers in a thrilling Louth JFC decider, as well as retaining their Division 2 league status.
Glyde were slight favourites for glory that day and O’Connell’s also made light of the underdogs tag when defeating Division 1 opponents Clan na Gael 1-11 to 0-8 in the Louth IFC final.
O’Connell’s Leinster ambitions were ended by Meath champions Curraha and they too were up for the team award after securing senior football for the first time in their 114-year history with an outstanding display to beat St Michael’s 1-17 to 1-7 in the decider.
The all-conquering Ardee St Mary’s minors completed the quintet of GAA clubs. They amassed 6-21 in one of the best-ever displays in a Louth MFC final to see off plucky Geraldines before going on to complete a championship and league double.
But it wasn’t all about the GAA as Louth’s ladies athletics team were rewarded with a nomination for their second-place finish in the National League Division 1 Final, which earned them promotion, joining the big guns in the Premier ranks for 2018.
And eventual Young Sport Star winner Padraig McGroggan was in line for a double as his St Mary’s DS Drogheda team got the nod for their All-Ireland U-19 ‘B’ success.
But it was the Blues who topped the poll and their manager Ronan Phillips collected the award amidst rapturous applause from a 30-strong Blues crew.
In a short acceptance speech he said it was a huge honour to guide his home-town club to glory and said the Team of the Year award was a lovely bonus.