The Gaels of South Down gathered in Clonduff Clubrooms on Friday 28th November for the the Annual Awards. The Clubrooms were beautifully decked out for Christmas – the remark was made ‘You’d think you were in a posh hotel’ – many thanks to the hard-working Social Club Sub Committee; Clonduff musicians – Paul and Thomas Kelly, Mary Catherine and Eoin Murray – entertained the guests as they arrived and to get the proceedings under way, Christina McConville travelled from Dublin to sing Amhrán na bhFiann accompanied by Paul Kelly. Clonduffians Alastair McGilligan and Mark Copeland were recognised as the successful managers of the All Ireland winning Camogie and Ladies Football teams respectively. Fionnuala Carr also received recognition for her Soaring Star – her third in total.
Full list of recipients on the night were:
Juvenile Referees – Michael Moore (CPN), Gerard McVeigh (Atticall), Kevin Faloon (Bosco)
Senior Referees – Paul Faloon (Drumgath), Ronan Barry (Tullylish), Neil Cousins (An Riocht)
Players of the Year – Conleth O’Hare (Mayobridge), Benny Coulter (Mayobridge), Ross McGarry (CPN)
Chairman’s Awards – CPN, Atticall, Clann na Banna
Down Camogie – Alastair and Fionnuala (Clonduff), Karen Tinnelly (Ballyholland)
Down Ladies – Mark (Clonduff), Aileen Pyres (Annaclone)
Hall of Fame – Donal McCormack (CPN)
The sumptuous meal was prepared and served by The Downshire Arms, Hilltown and ‘Big O’ provided the after-dinner entertainment and had some people rolling in the aisles!
