Canon Hayes awards

The award was presented by Olympic gold medallist Ronnie Delany to the successful Wexford side.  It was a memorable year for the Model County as they won their first All-Ireland Camogie title in 32 years under the stewardship of Stellah Sinnott.  Sinnott only took charge of the side at the beginning of the season and guided them to the final of the National League where they were beaten by reigning league and All-Ireland Champions Cork.  Wexford then returned the favour the following week when they defeated Cork by ten points in the first round of the championship.  Wexford went on to qualify for the semi final of the All-Ireland where they easily defeated Galway before a thrilling victory over Cork in the Final at Croke Park.  This stopped a great Cork side from completing a three-in-a-row.  Wexford took the award ahead of European gold medal boxer Katie Taylor and the Irish U-18 Basketball Team.

 The Canon Hayes Awards are recognised as being the most prestigious of their kind in the country and this year’s awards were presented by sporting icon and 1956 Olympic Gold Medalist, Ronnie Delany.
The Local Award was won by U20 Rugby International, Tommy O’Donnell from Cahir who plays his club rugby with Clanwilliam RFC.
British Seniors Amateur Golf Champion, Arthur Pierse, from Tipperary Town took the County Award.
The Outstanding Achievement Award went to European and World Boxing Champion, Katie Taylor.
The Mick Doyle Golden Memory Award went to Offaly’s Seamus Darby in recognition of his last minute goal for Offaly in the 1982 All-Ireland Final, that shattered Kerry’s 5-in-a-row dream. 
The Banquet was addressed by Mr. Ossie Kilkenny, Chairman of the Irish Sports Council and by Guest of Honour, Mr. Ronnie Delany along with Mr. Martin Quinn, Chairman of the Awards Committee and Mr. Ruaidhri Devitt, Chairman of the Canon Hayes Recreation Centre Management Committee.
Also in attendance at the Banquet were Liz Howard, President of the Camogie Association, Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, John Delany, CEO of the FAI, Brian Cody. 

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