The hours are now being counted down to the big Donegal Sports Star Awards function in the Mount Errigal Hotel tonight.
The Donegal Sports Star Awards Committee who are preparing for their 37th annual presentation function in the Mount Errigal Hotel on Friday, January 25th. Included at front are May Logue (Assistant Secretary); Patrick McLaughlin (Treasurer); Neil Martin (Chairperson) and Grace Boyle (Secretary). Back from left – Myles Sweeney, Gerry Davenport, Paul Callaghan, Bartley McGlynn, Niall Blaney, Seamus Curran and Paul McDaid
It’s the 37th successive year of the awards ceremony and there is not seat left in the house as the organizing committee confirmed yesterday that all tickets for the Donegal County Council sponsored event are now sold.
Due to the huge numbers attending all guests are asked to be in the hotel early as the meal starts at 7.30 sharp to allow for the large number of awards that will be presented afterwards.
The news of the full house reflects the popularity of the awards, which recognizes achievements in a huge number of sports across the county in 2012.
The organizers also take a trip down memory lane and reflect on successes of yesteryear like the Hall of Fame, which this time goes to boxer Eamonn Coyle who will no doubt be especially pleased that he will receive his award from our special guest Billy Walsh.
The huge amount of voluntary work put in men and women in every part of the county is marked by the Award of Appreciation and the Special Recognition honour.
All the nominees coming to tonight achieved in 2012 and that is a core principle of the Donegal Sports Star Awards to encourage participation first and foremost. And that is especially true when it comes to primary and secondary schools where there is an equal emphasis on the level of participation and success.
The Mayor of Donegal Cllr Frank McBrearty will make the school presentations while also in attendance will be Deputy Mayor Martin Farren, County Manager Seamus Neely and the local authority’s Director of Finance Garry Martin.
Irish Olympic Boxing Coach Billy Walsh is the special guest for the awards tonight. Last year the county produced a number of outstanding individual sporting performers. Those names are candidates for the top honour tonight in the Mount Errigal Hotel and the speculation has intensified with just hours to go now until the identity of the ‘2012 Overall Donegal Sports Star Award Winner’ is announced.