Volunteers take centre stage at inaugural awards
Unsung heroes were recognised at the first Argyll and Bute Dalriada Rugby Volunteer Awards held in Ardrishaig Public Hall on Friday, writes Fiona Scott.
Argyll and Bute rugby development officer Andrew Johnston organised the inaugural event, with winners nominated by their clubs and others mentioned and recognised for their efforts.
Mid Argyll RFC took four honours on the night, with Stu and Simone Charnock winning the Mini Rugby Award, while Lewis Macfarlane and Lee Buckley were recognised for the work done to revive the club and re-enter the regional league.
Caitlin Fowler, from Oban Lorne, won the award for Services to Youth (female) award, while Willie Malone, also from the Oban club, was named the Match Official category winner in recognition of his almost three decades of refereeing. Corrie Louw was recognised for his work with the Oban Women’s team over the last few years.
Chris Doxsey Campbeltown won from the
Services to Youth (male) award, while Heather Duncan from Mull Rugby accepted an award on behalf of James Greig in the Unsung Hero category.
Andrew Johnston was pleased he had succeeded in getting his idea over the line and thrilled with the amazing oak barrel top awards supplied by Oak and Black in Edinburgh.
He said: “Volunteers are the life blood of our clubs. Without them our clubs would not function and our children would not be enjoying the number of opportunities they get to play our game.
“I thank all our volunteers across all our clubs for the effort and time they put in.”
Winners from the evening will be put forward to the Scottish Rugby Community Recognition Awards - Glasgow North later this month.