Poignant night as top players are honoured
THE Wexford Football League celebrated another successful campaign at its end of season awards night in the Horse and Hound in Ballinaboola on Saturday.
It was also a poignant occasion, with late League Administrator Pat Whitty, who passed away in February, very much at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
M.C. Liam Spratt read out a touching tribute on behalf of the league committee and the crowd rose to their feet as one for a standing ovation as a special award was presented to Pat’s son, Jason, who thanked the football family for their support.
The Horse and Hound Pat Whitty special merit award was presented to Richard Butler for his years of dedication to New Ross Celtic, while League Secretary Gertrude Rowlands was honoured with a long-service award.
Terry Cooke of Wexford Youths accepted a special award on behalf of the club, to mark their wonderful achievement of winning the SSE Airtricity First Division last season.
Noel Jordan of the Carlow League presented the player of the year awards to the shining stars in each division, with midfield maestro James Carty of champions Shamrock Rovers collecting the Premier Division prize.
The full list of award winners is as follows - Premier Division: James Carty (Shamrock Rovers); Division 1: Dermot Flood (Wexford Bohs); Division 2: Paul Doyle (St. Cormac’s); Division 2A: Jamie O’Grady (Stoney Rovers); Division 3: Noel Roche (Bree United); Division 3A: Aaron Collier (Bunclody); Division 4: Kyle Mann (Wexford Albion); Division 4A: Mark Sinnott (Corach Ramblers); Division 5: Norman Carr (Bree United). U-19: James Fitzgerald (Bunclody A.F.C.); Youth Premier Division: James Fitzgerald (Bunclody A.F.C.); Youth Division 1: Connal Flood (Cloughbawn); Youth Division 2: Mark Rossiter (St. Leonards); Youth Division 3: Craig Parker (Curracloe); Youth Division 4: Kevin Roberts (New Ross Town).