AWARDS NIGHT AT RUGBY CLUB FOR SOCIAL SHOTS CLICK HERE
Ballinasloe rugby club held its annual awards night at a well attended clubhouse on Friday night last. This was the culmination of a power packed season for the club where some trophies were brought home to Graigueawoneen as well as new reputations being established while others were further enhanced.
All presentations were overseen by club President, John Doolan, in the company of the main sponsor, Keith Spain, of Spain’s Funeral Directors as each team was introduced by their manager.
First up for their medals was the ladies U15 squad who, in their first season of action, captured both the provincial league and cup trophies. Theirs was a very successful season in deed.
Next to be called was the boys U13 squad who emulated the ladies by winning the provincial league and cup double. As well as receiving their medals there were special awards handed out for the most improved players over the season with the honours going to Padraig Flanagan and Robert Shiels.
The U14 awards went to Jack Dempsey for being the most improved player and Oisin Carrick for player of the year.
The U15s had a very competitive season and only lost out in the league after a semi-final replay defeat to eventual winners, Galweigans. Ryan Keighrey emerged as their most improved player while Jack Canning was chosen as their player of the year.
The U17s had a long season, battling for honours right to the finish. They lost out in the league semi-final to Galweigans while beaten only at the death by Buccaneers in the Cup final at the Sportsground. Ciaran Cogavin was their most improved player and Geoffrey Conway took player of the year honours.
There were special awards for two young men who this season donned the international shirt for the first time; Peter Claffey was selected for the Irish U18s Schools’ team and Marc Kelly played for the Irish U19s.
And then to the adults’ section of the night. Alan Wade took player of the year in the Development Squad. There were three special awards here. Geraldine Kelly received an award for her many seasons of dedicated work for the club, having filled the offices of treasurer, secretary and president as well as being highly involved in the hospitality side of events. Sean Brennan received one for the unheralded but dedicated seasons he has represented the club as senior rep at the Connacht Branch. He has spent much of his free time advising club team managers’ and mentors on changing Branch laws and policies. He has also been Connacht Junior Inter Provincial team manager for the last three seasons and is the Branch’s Asst. Junior Sec. for next season. The third presentation went to John Hayes in recognition of his being chosen as the Connacht Junior Club Player of the Year for the 1913/14 season as well as captaining the province against Leinster and Munster in the Junior Inter-Pro Series. The first team’s player of the year award went to Niall Staunton for his highly consistent level of performances in a season that saw the club qualify for the All Ireland Junior Cup in the new season. Liam Courtney, Club PRO