Bradley scoops top award

Antrim football manager Liam Bradley

Antrim football manager Liam Bradley has been named as the Quinn Insurance Ulster GAA Writers' Association's Personality of the Year.

The Glenullin native, who guided the Saffrons to a long overdue Ulster final appearance this summer, received his award at the Association's annual banquet which took place in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Ballyconnell on Friday night.

The Footballer of the Year accolade went to Kevin Hughes who enjoyed a superb year for Tyrone before going on to help Ulster win their 29th Inter-provincial title.

Antrim's Neil McManus was named Hurler of the Year, while Donegal's Michael Murphy received the Young Achiever of the Year award.

Cavan's World Handball champion Paul Brady predictably claimed the Handballer of the Year award.

"We endeavoured to recognise excellence in the various sectors of the GAA and I think we achieved this through these annual awards," said writers' chairman Jerry Quinn.

The annual individual awards presented in the various categories at the Ulster Writers' banquet were:

Football: Kevin Hughes (Tyrone)
Hurling: Neil McManus (Antrim)
2009 Personality: Liam Bradley (Antrim)
Services to GAA: Bernie Mullan (Derry)
Handball: Paul Brady (Cavan)
Camogie: Grainne McGoldrick (Derry)
Ladies Footballer: Colette Little (Fermanagh)
Refereeing: Pat McEnaney (Monaghan)
Communications: Fergal McCormack (Warrenpoint)
Young Achiever: Michael Murphy (Donegal)