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Weekly Notes - 21st February 2007The title 'Dinner Dance' as applied to clubs' annual celebrations is somewhat misleading. Almost invariably on such occasions, a not inconsiderable amount of the evening's time is devoted to post-prandial presentations in which the particular contributions of individuals to the club's profile during the year are acknowledged. For the enjoyment of patrons it is important that a balance be found between giving due recognition to those being honoured and avoiding the tedium that such presentations have the potential to generate. M.C, Gerry Walshe, succeeded admirably in squaring these conflicting interests with the effect that the presentation ceremony's contribution to the evening was a positive one.It has been traditional on these nights to honour the achievements of past teams. This year the club hosted the Intermediate Championship winners of 1985 - hopefully the recounting of their deeds will inspire the members of our present team, many of whom were in attendance, in their endeavours to emulate the '85 team's success. Having been introduced to the gathering, the members of the team were each presented with a memento, of this the 21st anniversary of their victory, by President Des Mitchell. The club is extremely proud of having in its playing ranks three members viz. Darren Hayden, Craig Smullen and Paddy Taylor, of the Wicklow Vocational team which garnered All-Ireland honours in 2006. Teacher, Mary Kenny, who looked after the boys' welfare in St. David's presented them with tokens of the club's regard. The next slot on the agenda was given over to saluting the more noteworthy contributions among the 2006 wearers of the blue and white in football, hurling and ladies football. INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALLPlayer of the Year was, not for the first time, James Leonard. Never one to let the team down, he had a very significant input in every game. His fielding was a joy to watchPlayers' Player was Darren Hayden. A great ball carrier whose clever angled running and shimmying often had defenders of the gain line floundering in his wake. JUNIOR BPlayer of the Year was Gary Doyle. Gary's progress through the season bordered on the spectacular.Players' Player was Seán Horan. A tenacious defender with an 'out of the ordinary' anticipation. He is also an intelligent distributor of the ball. It was a disappointment to us all that he failed to get game time with Wicklow in the V.S. championship. Seán and Darren were adjudged theoutstanding players among the minors MINOR HURLINGPlayer of the Year was Craig Smullen, an effective player who is never less than wholehearted. Uses his speed to great effect in his ball carrying excursions.Players' Player was Paul Gaskin, a reliable corner-back with a highly developed positional sense. His speed has proven useful in tight situations. He was captain of the St. David's team which won the school's first ever Leinster Hurling Championship. JUNIOR LADIESPlayer of the Year: Deirdre Walshe who is a quiet, unassuming but highly dependable back. Her huge contribution is only fully appreciated by her fellow defenders.Players' Player: Laurie Ahern, a most skilful player who is a prolific scoring forward. Angle is no inhibition in her ability to hit the target and some of her goals could grace any arena. MINOR LADIESPlayer of the Year: Emily HannayPlayers' Player: Lorna Fusciardi Both players would also have been in contention for these awards at Junior level. Emily, who plays representative soccer, is the ultimate utility player; an outstanding full-back on the minor team, she is a high scoring forward with the juniors. Lorna has, for many years, been the midfield engine on both the junior and minor teams. She plays at half-forward on the county team. The presentation module finished with the ceremonial opening, by the Cathaoirleach, of the Club Person of the Year envelope. His disclosure of the name of the recipient drew no gasps of surprise from the audience. The odds on the accolade going to Oliver Leonard - he had been similarly honoured by the Coiste Chondae at its awards night in the Arklow Bay - had been extremely short. For all that, the announcement brought the crowd to its feet in sustained applause. A tribute, one can say without reservation, that was fully deserved The Intermediates are in action on Wednesday (to-night) at 7.30pm in Roundwood in the replay of the 2006 League semi-final. Bheadh fáilte for your support. |
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