The 2019 Leitrim Sports Star awards took place at Lough Rynn Castle on Saturday night.
Carrick AC hurdler Gerard O’Donnell was named the overall sports star of the year for his national title success and international profile with Ireland over the last 12 months.
He spoke to Ocean FM Sport’s Austin O’Callaghan on Saturday night:
Leitrim’s Lory Meagher Cup winning hurlers were named Team of the Year, while Glencar/Manorhamilton GAA club’s momentous jubilee year, which included regaining the Fenagh Cup, was acknowledged when it received the Club of the Year award.
Leitrim dual GAA player Colm Moreton received the senior individual award for his exploits with the county’s hurlers and Leitrim Gaels, while athlete Allannah McGuinnes received the juvenile award.
Drumkeerin’s Junior Hazlett was a popular winner of the Volunteer of the Year award while the Flo Beo swimming trio of Eileen & Heather Maxwell and Toni McGlynn, who swam the length of the River Shannon for charity, received a Special Achievement award.
Kinlough triathlete Mark McGowan and Aughnasheelin youngster Francis Flynn both received Unsung Hero awards.
The special guest of the night was Donegal’s global endurance athletie Jason Black. His personal and sporting insights on the night drew warm praise from the assembled guests.
Now in their 10th year, the Leitrim Sports Star Awards acknowledge individuals, sports clubs, teams, teachers and community volunteers for their outstanding contributions to and achievements in sport and recreation in Leitrim. The awards night is organised by Leitrim Sports Partnership.
The full list of Leirim Sports Star Award winners is as follows:
| AWARD | WINNER |
|---|---|
| Leitrim Sports Person of the Year | Gerard O'Donnell (Carrick AC) |
| Team of the Year | Leitrim hurlers |
| Juvenile Team of the Year | Manor Rangers boys U16 soccer team |
| Club of the Year | Glencar/Manorhamilton GAA Club |
| Sports Individual senior | Colm Moreton |
| Sports Individual Junior | Alannah McGuinness (Carrick AC) |
| Coach of the Year | Terry Hyland (Leitrim senior football manager) |
| Unsung Hero Awards | Francis Flynn (Aughnasheelin GAA) & Mark McGowan (Ironman triathlon) |
| Volunteer of the Year | James 'Junior' Hazlett (Drumkeerin GAA Club) |
| Primary School Teacher of the Year | Edel McCartin (Drumeela NS) |
| Secondary School Teacher of the Year | Anthony McDonald (St Claire's CS, Manorhamilton) |
| Special Achievement Award | Flo Beo Swimmers |
| Hall of Fame | Mickey Martin |
