Rovers host awards night
SLIGO Rovers legend Joseph Ndo and Tony Quinn, one of Rovers’ longest serving volunteers, were among those honoured at the club’s gala awards night at the Clayton Hotel on Friday.
Ndo, a legend of Irish soccer and one of the most acclaimed players to grace the Showgrounds, was entered into the Rovers Hall of Fame.
He joined Sligo Rovers for the 2010 season and played a pivotal role in a golden era for the club, including a league title, a Setanta Cup and three FAI Cup successes.
Tony Quinn was honoured with ‘ The Spirit of Sligo Rovers award. Tony has worked in various capacities since he first joined the Club Board in 1972, including Chairman and Vice- Chairman. He has played a leading role in many major fund-raising initiatives , and was one of the founding member of the 500 Club.
His commitment, loyalty, generosity and vast experience have been an invaluable resource to the club for many seasons.
Kyle Callan McFadden was awarded with the ‘Senior Player of the Year’ award, Regan Donelon is ‘Young Player of the Year’, Shay Doherty is ‘Under 19 Player of the Year’, Niall Morahan is ‘Under 17 Play of the Year’ and Padraig Scanlon was a ‘Special Merit Award’ winner.
Chairman Martin Heraghty paid tribute to those who helped the club beat relegation this year.
“Some weeks ago when we discussed holding this event I have to admit we did have certain reservations. Thankfully ‘we kept the faith’ and it turned out to be the right decision.
“Our new manager Gerard Lyttle was given the task of charting out our survival. He brought a renewed impetus and fresh approach to what then was a daunting challenge. Approaching the final round of the league we took the decision that we had to throw everything we had, and more, at retaining our Premier division status. When the transfer window opened, Gerard re- structured and strengthened the team.
“Without going into all the nerve wracking games that followed, the record shows we took 18 points in the last round of the League as against 12 in the second round and only 9 in the first round. Those stats speak for themselves.
“Gerard, his coaching staff and of course the team showed great commitment and application go on that run of only one defeat in 12 games; a run which ultimately saved our season and kept us in the Premier Division.
“In what was a difficult season a really encouraging and positive feature for the club was the fantastic performances of our underage teams. The under 19s, under 17s and the under 15s did the Club proud reaching the final stages of national competitions. This has increased the Club’s profile and seen quite a few of our underage players also gaining international recognition. Great credit is due to the coaching staff, players and all associated with the teams on what has been achieved this year.
“We can now look forward with renewed hope and ambition to next season. Of course we will need to take stock of where we are as a club, learn lessons from the season past and refocus on driving the club to achieve the success we all want.”
Cathoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Seamus Kilgannon paid tribute to the Rovers volunteers: “Sligo Rovers have been an outstanding model of volunteerism throughout its history, and particularly in time of adversity, your supporters and the wider community have remained steadfast and loyal. The dedicated volunteers on the Management Committee carry the burden of responsibility and weight of expectation, and they do so with great commitment and professionalism. To the manager, players, committee and volunteers -you have guided the Rovers ship through difficult waters this season, but you brought her safely into port, to plan with optimism and conviction for the 2018 voyage.”