Ulster GAA President’s Awards
On Friday 19th November, the annual Quinn Insurance Ulster GAA Writers Awards banquet was held at the Slieve Russel Hotel, Cavan.
Among the awards on the evening were the Ulster GAA President’s Awards, selected by Uachatarán Chomairle Uladh Aogán Ó Fearghail.
Gilly McIlhatton of John Mitchell’s Belfast was honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award. Gilly has given a lifetime of service at Club, Divisional Board and County level. He has filled many roles including club and county team coach, bus driver, organiser, stewarding as well as conducting various pieces of historical research.
Paul McCormack of Keady Lamh Dhearg was recognised for his promotional work for the GAA in the education sector. Paul is a teacher at St Patricks Grammar School Armagh where he coaches his school teams and organises hurling for Ulster Colleges. Paul has also played hurling for his club, County, Province and Country. He is certainly a role model for young Keady and Armagh hurlers.
The award for ‘Outstanding GAA Achievement’ was given to Paul Brady from Mullahoran, County Cavan. Paul is the current All-Ireland and World Handball champion, and is acknowledged as the world number 1, setting records for All Ireland titles on the way. He is also a noteworthy footballer and has represented his County over the years.
Ronan McMahon from St Peter’s Warrenpoint was presented with the ‘Young GAA Official’ award for services as PRO for Down GAA. Ronan has made exiting use of modern technologies, and is a committed Irish language enthusiast who combines this with his PR work. Ronan also has a key role in the organisation of the GAA’s National Congress which was held in Down in 2010.
In the other awards, Danny Hughes (Down) was awarded with the coveted Ulster footballer of the year award, while Antrim’s Liam Watson scooped the Hurler of the Year.
Donegal’s Yvonne McMonagle was named Ladies Footballer of the year, while Antrim pair Rhona Torney and Aisling Reilly picked up Camogie and Handball awards.
Pictured are (L-R): Cavan GAA Chairman Tom Reilly (collecting the award on behalf of Paul Brady), Paul McCormack, Uachatarán Chomairle Uladh Aogán Ó Fearghail, Ronan McMahon and Gilly McIlhatton.
