The fantastic achievements of Ulster clubs and their individuals were honoured in style at the Gaelic Life Ulster Club All Stars on Monday January 21st.
It is testament to the high esteem in which the awards, now in their second year, are held by the GAA community in the province that so many chose to brave the elements to make it to Cookstown’s Glenavon Hotel for the event.
It was Rossa defender Natalie McGuinness who was named as Gaelic Life Ulster Club Camogie Player of the Year, beating off stiff competition from Slaughtneil’s Louise Dougan and Ballycran’s Catherine McGourty to take the title, which last year was claimed by Loughgiel’s Emma Connolly.
While McGuinness may not attract the same level of headlines as some of her attacking colleagues, her job in keeping the key players for the opposition quiet is just as important to the Rossa cause. She is strong and athletic, with the sort of game-reading skills that make her a fine option at centre-back. Despite having only recently entered her 20s, she has cemented her position in the side and is a mainstay of the team, having lined out in the All-Ireland club final as a 16 year-old, and has since added an hefty medal haul which includes triumphs at county, provincial and All-Ireland level.
Unfortunately club commitments ahead of their upcoming All-Ireland campaign prevented Natalie from attending on the night, so the award was collected on her behalf by her father Francis.
Gaelic Life would like to congratulate all award winners, as well as the wider GAA community in Ulster who once again gave the awards their full support with over 12,000 online votes having been registered.
We would also thank our sponsors, Belleek Living, Lairdesign and Murphy’s Gaelic Gloves, as well as the Ulster GAA, Ulster Camogie and Ulster Ladies GAA for their ongoing support for this venture. We have no doubt that, just like the players present on Monday night, the most glorious days are still ahead.
Further reaction from the night, as well as a wide selection of photos, will be included in this Thursday’s edition of Gaelic Life, with information also available through the website at www.gaeliclife.com
