This years dinner held at The Elk saw chairman Gerard Weir praise the youth of the club for their commitment and achievements over the past year . The club may not have won any silverware but many of our players have seen success at county level with Cathy Carey winning at All Ireland Camogie and the players from St Ergnat’s under14 who helped St Benedict’s win an Ulster Colleges Championship for the first time in the schools history.
Our senior men and ladies preformed well narrowly missing out on championship success this season . The minor team who had worked hard all year with a dedicated panel and good attendance at training were denied a well deserved victory in the championship . The youth of the club are gaining in confidence from under 16 down to under 12 level and with our future development programme which will kick of in 2008 should see our U8/U10 gain the fundamental skills to equip them for the future . Our players have shown pride , hunger and respect when wearing our colours , the club is growing in numbers and there is a positive spirit which will carry us through to success in 2008 .
The chairman then wished everyone a safe , happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year before handing over to Sean Laverty for this years player awards.
Senior player of the year went to Ryan Boyd presented to him by team manager Michael Hughes
Senior Ladies player of the year went to Cathy Carey presented to her by Shelly Mc Coy , Cathy also won an All Ireland B Minor Camogie medal for Antrim in Newry .
Minor Player for 2007 went to Ciaran kelly and this was presented Ian Carey .
Hugh Carey received Reserve player of the year for 2007 presented to him by Benny Devlin.
Most improved Senior player of 2007 went to Ryan Doyle .
Laura Mc Cann received recognition for most improved U16 player of 2007 presented to her by Cathy Carey.
Emer Kelly received Under 16 girl of the year 2007 and this was presented by Cathy Carey.
Under 16 boys player of the year was presented by team manager Patrick Lennard to Seamus Redmond .
Raymond Graffin received a presentation from chairman Gerard Weir in recognition to his 37 years in the GAA and his contribution to refereeing . In his acceptance speech Raymond commented how Gaelic games have changed and asked for more parents and new comer’s to get involved especially with under age training , show them your support and don’t sit watching when coaches need assistance , adding that as a referee it was disappointing not to have a sideline at all matches which supports decision making and the game .
