Murlough awards night

Murlough awards night

5 June 2019

MURLOUGH AC’s annual awards night took place on Saturday night when members enjoyed the celebrations in the beautiful Burrendale Hotel. 

The seven awards this year were given to truly deserving recipients.

The first award was for best female newcomer, which went to Charisse Poland. 

Since joining the club, she has really taken to running, competing in numerous races in a short period. She also completed her first marathon in Dublin last year. Doing this all with such a magic smile on her face.

The best male newcomer went to Kieran McShane. Since Joining the club there has been no stopping this guy. 

He has been competing in many races and gaining notable podium places. Kieran also completed his first marathon in Dublin last year and was one of the first MAC runners home too. 

The best female off road runner went to the deserving Pat Shields. Pat has really taken to the off road running and has been one of the great advocates of the cross country series last year.

Along with Michael Power, she has been instrumental in recruiting MAC members to participate.

The best male off road runner went to Michael Power. He is a true MAC member having served on the committee for several years and been the mastermind of getting our club represented at the cross country races over the last few years.

The most improved female runner award went to Donna Baker. Donna seems to be at every run there is in the country over the last year, which I guess is partly down to her improvement, that along with the commitment she has shown to the ‘winterval’ training. She has seen her times dramatically improve, with numerous PBs in the last year, a testament to the effort she has put into her running.

The most improved male runner award went to Tony Nellis. 

He first joined the club approximately seven years ago. Tony left for a while then came back to running over the past few years and came back with such commitment. He has been a true advocate of what you can achieve when you focus on your training, and get involved with the ‘wintervals’ too.

The Stephen Smyth Award for most inspirational runner went to the late Darren Hogg. His wife Patricia accepted the award on his behalf. Darren joined the club several years ago and soon got hooked into all aspects of running and the overall benefits that come with being a runner and a member of MAC. 

That positive transformation was clearly seen by his family and friends, as like us all, his house soon became adorned with finisher medals and tee-shirts. Darren is remembered for his quick wit and cheeky smile and for having a genuine concern and encouragement for those that he came into contact with. 

He was a true ambassador for the club. This award was created in memory of Stephen Smyth, who always showed such inspiration and guidance to many a runner in the club, by what he said and how he acted, he was a true inspiration. 

The club person of the year went to Declan McCormick. This award is extra special as it was voted for by members of the club. 

He was nominated by many club members as he is a fantastic coach who ensures the training sessions he organises are well prepared and inclusive.

Declan has demonstrated time and again his unwavering dedication to the club and his fellow MAC members. He supports everyone in the club and is a true gentleman who is dedicated to Murlough AC, as well as his own personal running achievements. A well-deserved award for Declan.

The party went on into the wee small hours with music from Maggies Roadshow which surely did not disappoint.

Thanks to her for the fabulous entertainment.

A special thank you goes to committee members Norah Walsh and Brendan Laverty, who organised the event with such attention to detail to make sure everyone had a great night.

In fact, their special comedy prizes are always a great laugh. Comedy prizes went to Marty Rawlinson, Norah Walsh, Jenny and Jimmy Barbour, Kevin Murray, Reg Candau, Margaret Rowntree, Tony Nellis, Declan McCormick and Eddie Murnin.

As always, the awards night was certainly a night to remember.