Winners delighted at their awards
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Thursday March 11 2010
TALENTED sportstars and dedicated community workers gathered at the 20th annual Mallow Sports and Leisure Awards at Springfort Hall last Friday night.
"These awards are a chance to shine a light once a year on the great work being carried out in our community," said Liam Ware, chairman of the Sport and Leisure Council. And, indeed, the wards night glittered with shining lights.
Some of the award winners spoke to The Corkman after the ceremony about what winning the award meant to them.
On behalf of Mallow Ladies Rugby Under 19 team, Captain Mary Kate Flynn was quick to honour coach Mervyn Shorten for guiding the team to victory in 2009 in the Munster League cup (the Under 17s, meanwhile, are waiting to play the final of the Munster League Cup on March 13).
Local solcitor and GAA club chairman Frank Nyhan described his award as a 'tremendous' honour on behalf of the club. During Frank's time as chairman, Mallow GAA brokered a deal with Castlelands Construction to exchange its lands for the new, state of the art sports complex at Carrigoon, which is now the envy of sports clubs the length and breadth of the country. "I would regard this as a tremedous honour and I am very appreciative," said Mr Nyhan.
Patrician Academy student James Murphy won an award for getting six distinctions and two honours at the Royal Irish Academy of Music Exams for piano playing. Describing his 'shock' at being nominated, James said "when the names were being called out I did not expect to win at all. I am really delighted.
"It is nice to be awarded by my home town," added James.
Mallow Red Cross chairman Trevor Flaherty also voiced his delight at winning an award. Chairman for the last four years, Trevoe has spearheaded many vital fundraising projects for the society.
Representing Majestic Pitch and Putt Club, Trevor O'Donovan picked up an award for his remarkable sporting achievements in 2009, winnning both county and national titles. Trevor said the award was "a great win" for his club.
And full-forward Eimear McGrath voiced her delight at winning an award on behalf of St Mary's Junior B Football team. The long hours spent training paid off in 2009 and they won the Munster final while coming very close to All-Ireland victory.
She also gave special thanks to trainers Jerry O'Sullivan, Fr Liam Kelleher and Mairead Lucey for all of their 'time and effort' with the squad.
- LOUISE MCCARTHY
