Meath Ladies Presentation Dinner Dance

January 30, 2012

Meath's Fiona Mahon
For the first time since 2006 Meath Ladies hosted a Presentation Dinner Dance in the superb facilities of Trim GFC. Joined by the Ladies Gaelic Football Association's President Pat Quill, Meath Ladies presented medals to the under 16, minor and senior county teams.

The under 16 team awarded most improved player to Moynalvey's Ciara Donohue, while Boardsmill's Laura Dempsey took U16 player of the year. In the minor category the player's themselves chose their player of the year - the superb Emma Troy from Boardsmill. Minor captain Kellie Allen made a special presentation to Jenny Rispin and Eamon Murray to thank them for all their hard work with the team, both of whom have been with the same group of players since they won the U16 All Ireland in 2008.

The Senior County team were presented with their National League and Leinster Championship runner up medals and the gathering were brought back to the highs and lows of 2011 with a super DVD created by the senior manager Paula Cunningham. The Senior Team were awarded with four awards; the Golden Boot Award for top scorer went to St. Ultan's player Elaine Duffy with a super total of 4-39. The Top Defender Award went to Navan O'Mahonys player Aedin Murray. The Score of the Year went to Geraldine Doherty from St Ultans for her points scored in the Leinster semi final, which sensationally defeated the defending All Ireland Champs and knocked them out of the Leinster final. The Senior County Player of the Year went to Fiona Mahon from Seneschalstown. Last year's Meath Captain Grainne Nulty thanked Paula and all her management team for all the hard work that they had put into the team into 2011 and is hoping for better things in 2012.

Pat Quill spoke to those present, saying how delighted he was to be visiting the Royal County and congratulated all of the players on their achievements. He also thanked the Meath County Board for all their hard work.

Meath Ladies Chairperson, Aisling Clery then presented Fiona Mahon and Irene Munnelly, 2011 All Star Nominees, with a presentation to acknowledge this huge achievement.

The evening then moved on to the presentation of the Club awards. Junior B Player of the Year went to Cliona Smith from St. Colmcilles. Junior A Player of the Year went to Emma McGill from Ratoath. Intermediate Championship Player of the Year was a deserved accolade for Vivienne McCormack from Clann na nGael. Emma Troy from Boardsmill added to her Minor Player's Player of the Year when she scooped the Senior Championship Player of the Year Award. Club Team of the Year was no surprise, going to Oldcastle's Intermediate Team. Oldcastle reached the Leinster Intermediate Club Final in 2011 after defeating Clann na nGael in the Intermediate Final replay. The final club award was for Club of the Year. This was not an easy choice as so many clubs have developed very well in the last year. For the work, development and commitment shown, Dee Rangers were chosen as Meath Ladies Club of the Year and Dee Rangers Captain Shauna Rowe proudly stepped up to collect the shield.

The Inaugural Hall of Fame award went to the first ever Chairperson of the Meath Ladies County Board in 1976 - Ms Kitty Carroll. Kitty was presented her award by Aisling Clery and Mary O'Regan. Many of her family were present to see the Navan O'Mahonys lady collect the accolade.

There was one final surprise award - the Outstanding Contribution to Meath Ladies in 2011. The Committee kept this award secret and could not pick just one person for the award so shared it between two hugely committed members of Meath Ladies - Kellie Allen and Jenny Rispin. Both of these Senior County Players showed huge commitment to ladies football in 2011 - sacrificing other sports to dedicate their time to ladies football.

The night ended with Meath Ladies Chairperson, Aisling Clery, thanking everyone for coming and congratulating all of the nominees and award winners. Clery thanked Pat Quill for coming to the event and for presenting the players with their awards. She also thanked all of the many sponsors for 2011 and hoped for their continued support in 2012. Clery thanked her Executive Committee, all the management teams and Trim GFC for providing such wonderful service. Clery ended the night thanking everyone for attending, wished them a safe journey home. The 2012 season kicks off next Sunday, 5th February, when Meath do battle with Tyrone. Venue and time is still to be confirmed.

Award Winners
Meath U16 Most Improved Player Ciara Donohue (Moynalvey)
Meath U16 Player of the Year Laura Dempsey (Boardsmill)
Meath Minor Players' Player of the Year Emma Troy (Boardsmill)
Meath Senior Golden Boot Award 2011 Elaine Duffy (St. Ultans)
Meath Top Defender Award 2011 Aedin Murray (Navan O'Mahonys)
Meath Score of the Year 2011 Geraldine Doherty (St. Ultans)
Meath Senior Player of the Year 2011 Fiona Mahon (Seneschalstown)

Senior Club Championship
Player of the Year
Emma Troy (Boardsmill)
Intermediate Club Championship Player of the Year Vivienne McCormack (Clann na nGael)

Junior A Championship
Player of the Year Emma McGill (Ratoath)

Junior B Championship
Player of the Year Cliona Smith (St. Colmcilles)
Club Team of the Year 2011 Oldcastle Intermediate Team
Club of the Year 2011 Dee Rangers

Hall of Fame Award 2011
Kitty Carroll (Navan O'Mahonys)

Outstanding Contribution to Meath Ladies in 2011
Kellie Allen (Oldcastle)
Jenny Rispin (Summerhill)

Most Read Stories