Outgoing president, Stanley Turkington acted as MC with the ever popular
Frank Shields filling the role of guest speaker. Incoming president, John
Beatty proposed the toast to the IRFU with the president elect of the Ulster
Branch, Laurence Caldwell replying. The latter reiterated the importance of
the club game and congratulated Dungannon on winning the Ulster League and
Cup double. George Gallagher,
who will be v/president next season, proposed
the toast to the guests bidding a warm welcome to everyone. He made special
mention of Ballymena, Ballynahinch and Harlequins who are now all back in
Division IB. George is certainly looking forward to a host of local derby
games in the All Ireland League. In between, long serving Secretary, Derek
Clements read out the list of Club awards and there was a special memento
presented to Clubhouse Manager, Harold Walker who has just completed 20
years in post. Billy Boles, who has served several positions in the Club
over the years, was made an Honorary Life member. At the close of the
evening Mr Turkington thanked everyone for attending saying how honoured he
had been to serve in the post during such a successful season.
Club awards were presented as follows: Clubman of the Year (Roy Saunders
Cup) – George Devlin. 1st XV Honours – Michael Rainey. Club Honours – Darren
Simpson. Most Improved Young Player – Conor Gaston.
Youth player of the Year – Daniel Maxwell. Leading points scorer – Michael
Lawton (254 points). Top try scorer – Conor Gaston (19 tries).
Congratulations to Craig Gilroy who won the Phoenix Gas ‘Academy Player of
the Year’ at the Ulster Rugby Awards on Tuesday night. Craig’s playing
career certainly took off this season when he became the first player to
score a try at the new Aviva stadium. He followed that up with a debut for
Ulster and in his few appearances at that level registered a total of eight
tries. Other Dungannon players who were nominees on the night included U20
international, Paddy Jackson and School’s international, Peter Nelson.
Dungannon Rugby Club and Cancer Research NI have linked up in a fund raising
venture in the form of an auction which takes place this coming Saturday.
Lots of interesting items go under the hammer at the Clubhouse and the event
begins at 2 pm. Please note that admission is per catalogue at a cost of
£2. Viewing takes place on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
