SPORTS AWARDS A HUGE SUCCESS
THE inaugural Sligo Champion Sports Awards took place on Thursday in a packed Radisson Blu hotel. Winners from all age groups and an array of sporting disciplines brought friends and family along to see them pick up their awards. Niall Quinn, who was meant to be special guest had to pull out and instead he was aptly replaced by Republic of Ireland legend Paul McGrath. The large crowd erupted with cheers when the Dublin defender arrived to a standing ovation.
MC for the afternoon event, which was sponsored by Callan Tansey solicitors, was Austin O’Callaghan, well known in sporting and broadcasting circles. Also present was Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Hubert Keaney and Mayor of Sligo Municipal District, Cllr Marie Casserly.
The winners were presented with a special engraved award for the various categories. The first player to pick up an award was Conor Griffin, who received the Men’s Senior Sportsperson of the Year. As a surprise, Paul McGrath also presented Conor with his first international Cap for Ireland, with the Calry man saying it was a huge honour to play for his country. Triathlete Laura Tighe, Women’s Senior Sportsperson of the Year, spoke to Austin about overcoming her recent collar bone fracture and keeping the dream of reaching Tokyo 2020 alive. Shane Flanagan, captain of the Co Sligo Golf Club, Senior Men’s Team of the Year, said it was an extremely poignant year for them, winning the AIG Cup, while also losing teammate and close friend Mark Rooney. Angela Doohan of the extremely successful St Nathy’s ladies team, praised her fellow teammates for their commitment, which was shown on the pitch, last year they won all four senior titles. Barry Convey, Summerhill College coach, Juvenile men’s Team of the Year said winning the school’s first Connacht championship in 31 years made it an unforgettable year, highlighting the hard work from his group of players. Sophie McDonagh, captain of the Ursuline College U14 girls, said it was hard work at training that won them the FAI Schools championship. The school deservedly won the Juvenile Women’s Team of the Year. There were large cheers when the tireless Dermot McDermott went up on stage to collect the Coach of the Year. Thomas Connolly and Margaret Carr were joint winners of the Sports Disability Award. Thomas recounting the Special Olympics in Los Angeles, telling Austin it was ‘ very hot’.