Navan O'Mahonys host successful Presentation Night

February 24, 2013

O'Mahony's Shane Crosby
Navan O'Mahonys held a very successful Presentation Night and Dinner Dance on Friday night in the Clubhouse. Guests were treated to a four course meal and presentation followed by music from Twister.

Over 200 guests attended the night in the well presented blue and white decorated hall. Club secretary Karen Fox MC'd the event with Conor Tormey (County Board Chairman) in attendance as the special guest on the night. With the Keegan Cup, the Feis Cup and the Ladies Division 2 Championship Cup at the top table, the success of the Club in 2012 was celebrated by all.

Tormey presented the Navan O'Mahonys Senior Footballers with their Senior Football Championship and Feis Cup Medals, having spoken of the club's success in the year and the club's contribution to the county teams and smooth running of affairs within the county.

Aisling Clery, as chairperson of Meath Ladies County Board, presented Navan O'Mahonys Ladies Footballers with their Division 2 League Winners medals and the Intermediate Football Championship Runner Up medals. She spoke of the great success and improvements made by O'Mahonys Ladies in 2012 and wished the club well in the future and in Division 1 Football in 2013.

There were many individual awards up for grabs on the night. Firstly, the Timmy Creavin Award for Most Dedicated Footballer was presented to O'Mahonys stalwart full back Niall McKeigue. The award was presented to Niall by John Creavin, brother of the late Timmy, to a standing ovation from the crowd. Having suffered from bad breaks to his arm in a league match early in the 2012 season, Niall showed true grit and determination to return to strength to take to the field in the latter stages of the championship for O'Mahonys, making a huge contribution to O'Mahonys Keegan Cup victory, from storming up the field to find the back of the net in the SFC quarter final against Simonstown to keeping the opposition at bay. Niall is a truly deserving recipient of this award.

The Footballer of the Year Award went to dual star and wearer of the number 6 jersey Shane Crosby. Shane controlled the half back line throughout the year and never hesitates to get behind the ball and do whatever it takes to prevent the opposition going forward. Shane's dedication, skill and consistency throughout the year was invaluable throughout the Club's 2012 successes. Sponsor of the Footballer of the Year Award Louis Kinsella presented the award to Shane Crosby on the night.

The Hurler of the Year Award, the Martin Smith Perpetual Shield went to dual player and Meath Hurler Cormac Reilly. Although the hurlers did not have much success in 2012, getting knocked out by eventual winners Kiltale in the championship, Cormac was a tower of strength for the hurlers throughout their campaign.

The Ladies Footballer of the Year Award, presented by Edel Sherlock-Kinsella, went to the versatile Kathy Butler. Kathy has been playing with the club for the last number of years and quickly became a permanent fixture in the starting lineup and has also represented the Meath Ladies Juniors. In what was a very successful year for the ladies adult footballers, Kathy captained the ladies to their Division 2 League title. Kathy played an instrumental role in the ladies league victory and successful championship campaign which saw the ladies senior footballers reach the intermediate championship final. Kathy usually plays in the half back line but has been known to play in any position on the pitch and was a popular choice for the Ladies Footballer of the Year.

Ladies Chairperson Ciara O'Brien made a special presentation to Meath Junior All-Ireland Camogie Winner Elizabeth Brennan, to recognise her achievement in gaining All-Ireland success. Lizzie is a dual player for O'Mahonys and has played with the Meath Camogie team for a number of years. Her All-Ireland medal is just reward for the hard work and commitment Lizzie puts into her sport.

Another important feature of the night was the presentation of the Mary O'Reilly-Staunton and the Navan O'Mahonys Education Bursaries. Mary O'Reilly Staunton was a member of the club and wife of Tom Staunton, who passed away prematurely from non-hodgkin lymphoma. She had spent her life working in education and her family felt it fitting that her legacy should be carried on in supporting others in their education. The family have sponsored the Mary O'Reilly-Staunton Bursary for 2012, 2013 and 2014 for those who are in third level education. The executive of the club also believe that it is fitting that the club support their members in education, and put forward the Navan O'Mahonys Football and Hurling Education Bursary, also for those in third level education.

Many applicants were interviewed for the bursaries. However, there could only be two recipients in 2013. Laura Coyle, a member of the Ladies Football team, was in receipt of the Mary O'Reilly-Staunton Education Bursary. Laura is currently a first year student in UCD, studying Social Science. Laura is a popular, dedicated member of the Ladies team and shows great determination and interest in her chosen area of study. Laura was presented with her bursary by Jennifer and Harry Purcell, niece and nephew of Mary O'Reilly-Staunton and Tom Staunton.

The Navan O'Mahonys Education Bursary was awarded to Vinnie Moore, a prominent member of the O'Mahonys hurling teams. Vinnie is currently studying Arts in Maynooth. Vinnie has come up through the underage ranks in O'Mahonys and now forms part of the Senior Hurling Team. Vinnie also previously contributed to the Junior Hurlers 2011 Championship success. Padraic O'Brien, club chairman, presented Vinnie with his Bursary.

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