Club Stars get their rewardsSTARS twinkled brightly on Friday night when almost 400 people joined in celebrating The Mayo News/O’Neills Club Stars Team of the year in the Knockranny Hotel, Westport, the proceeds of which went to Mayo Cystic Fibrosis.
In its sixth year this unique event in Mayo — which rewards leading performances in the club championships throughout the season — is now the highlight of the GAA social calendar.
From thirty nominations already published, the fifteen Club Stars and the Player of the Year were announced in a glow of suspense, and the occasion was enhanced by the eloquence of special guest Peter Canavan, the humour of Liam Horan, master of ceremonies, and the efficiency of Mayo News sports editor Mike Finnerty.
As ever the midnight oil was burnt before the final Club Stars selection was completed. But in the end unanimity prevailed.
For the goalkeeping spot it was a straight fight between Ciaran Naughton and Noel Gibbons, and it was difficult to separate them. Bravery and alertness were essential attributes of each. But Naughton’s clean sheet was enhanced by a brilliant save in the final.
Tenacity was the hallmark of Ballintubber’s Gary Loftus at corner-back throughout the championship. He had a close rival in Eoin Reilly of the Mitchels, whose game has grown with him out of the minor ranks. But time and again the spirited tackling of Loftus stood between Ballintubber and defeat.
Few will argue with the selection of Alan Feeney at full-back. The Castlebar man has had a year of steady achievement in this vital central position. His chief rival for the honour was Cathal Hallinan of Ballintubber. But Feeney was given the nod for his coolness under pressure, and attacking flair.
Nor has any back rivalled the consistent excellence of Richie Feeney at left corner. His unrelenting work rate for Castlebar has been well established. Complementary characteristics include composure under pressure, a rare ability to dispossess an opponent cleanly, and a flair for quick counter-attacks.
In an internet poll conducted by The Mayo News, Feeney was voted ‘Player of the Year’. It was an accolade with which few would disagree as the standing ovation at the function testified. It’s a mystery how the county selectors have overlooked him so long.
He is not a big man . . . but he has a big heart. That mainly is what edged Donal Newcombe ahead of his challengers for the right wing back position. The final was not the real showpiece of his talent. Not that he underperformed, but his lightening thrusts down the right wing of the field were not as frequent. Throughout the campaign the Mitchels’ man was reliable and fiercely determined.
There were two main contenders for the centre-back position. Brendan Prendergast was instrumental in steering Tourmakeady to their county intermediate success, while John Feeney captained Ballintubber in a year to be remembered by every GAA follower in the parish. There wasn’t much between them, but the jury pointed to the solid leadership displayed by the Ballintubber man throughout the campaign. No flamboyance, no spectacular feats, just a solid, exemplary performance from a worthy captain.
Trevor Howley features regularly among The Mayo News Club Stars. And once again the Knockmore man justified selection with a season of strong running and hard grafting. His versatility is a huge asset, but because they are rarely allowed to settle in one position, the full potential of flexible players is not always realised. At left wing back where he is afforded a chance to use his speed and strength Howley was at his best.
From four nominations for midfield Jason Gibbons and Donal Vaughan were given the nod. But apart from James Moran of Burrishoole and Kiltimagh’s Tomas Morley, the competition was not hectic. Gibbons has grown confidently into midfield and is muscling for recognition by the Mayo senior selectors. Resourceful and strong, with notable emphasis on support play, he has been a steady influence in Ballintubber’s march to the county title.
Better known as a corner or wing back for the county, Donal Vaughan made noteworthy contributions to Ballinrobe’s championship season from midfield, a position that allows him more scope to parade his array of skills. Speed and mobility carry him to all corners of the pitch. He is a big star in the making and the first Ballinrobe player to win a place on a Club Stars team.
Think of Crossmolina and names like Nallen, McDonald and McGuinness spring to mind. Well there’s a new young player down there nudging for recognition, and he played well enough all year to win the right half-forward slot on the Club Stars team. It is Ian Rowland’s first award and perhaps the first of many if 2010 is any indication.
Six Club Stars events, and five-times winner Alan Dillon — that’s the measure of the man chosen at centre forward. What more needs to be said.
Ballintubber will claim that team-work transcended any individual accomplishments throughout the season, and of course every member of the team contributed. But without Dillon’s adroit guidance they would not have got there. He has been their fulcrum, their chief architect, their leader.
Beside him at left-half was a young man who baulked at no obstacle. When Ballintubber were under pressure Alan Plunkett was at his best, fighting back bravely. When the opportunity arose he didn’t leave it to someone else to score, but took on the responsibility himself . . . and some of his points came from the most difficult of angles. Those qualities were enough to copperfasten his selection.
Neil Douglas had plenty of competition for the right corner berth. But for the second year in a row he was chosen for his sharpness around the goalmouth.
He is not the biggest of forwards, but the Castlebar Mitchels’ man has a huge appetite for work. His speed and proficiency with each foot — a vanishing art — invariably caught defences flat-flooted throughout the championship.
Aidan O’Shea’s power, which has caused so much pandemonium among defences, was without equal throughout the championship. The Breaffy man didn’t occupy all of the time in that position, starting on occasions at midfield, other times at centre forward. But whenever he moved to spearhead the attack you waited for things to happen. And usually they did.
The final spot on the Club Stars side went to a man who had few peers at corner forward this season. Equally at home in either corner, Damien Munnelly has been an inspiration to Knockmore in their advance to the semi-finals. His ability to read moves, to eke out chances, and to bring his forwards into play were highlights of his invaluable contributions.
The five replacements, Cathal Hallinan, Brendan Prendergast, James Moran, Kevin Dolan and Paul Mulligan were serious contenders for places but were narrowly edged out for one reason or another.
Just a thought …THE column is taking a break for a few weeks, but hopes to be back in harness for the Allianz League. In the meantime we extend good wishes to every reader for a happy Christmas and a bright, prosperous New Year.
