With the U20 Provincial Football competitions complete, Dublin’s Lorcan O’Dell and Tom Gray receive awards
Dublin U20 football manager Tom Gray led his charges to a second consecutive Leinster title at the beginning of the month. That was before the current Coronavirus crisis gripped the nation and put the breaks on all competitions with no current end in sight.
Dublin were scheduled to continue their campaign with an All Ireland Semi Final with Tyrone on March 17th. But they’re going to have to wait a while longer to continue their championship.
That being said, in times like this there are always reasons to be cheerful. And the Eirgrid provinvial players and managers awards have been announced.
Dublin’s Lorcan O’Dell picked up the honour of the Leinster Player of the Province. O’Dell, the Templeogue Synge Street footballer played a massive role in Dublin’s campaign. And for his performance in their 0-18 to 0-08 he was awarded the player of the match honour.
Tom Gray picked up the Leinster Manager of the Province award, which he now holds for two consecutive years. In a still relatively new competition, Dublin are the first side to retain the provincial crown. And it’s Gray’s qualities that has steered the Dubs consistently in both campaigns. Let’s hope when the All Ireland competition is rescheduled both Gray and O’Dell continue to bring more glory to the county.
Around the provinces
In the other provinces, Tyrone’s Cormac Monroe has been presented the Ulster players honour. Monroe was pivotal in Tyrone’s defence in this year’s competition seeing them 1-11 to 0-09 victors over Dongel in the Ulster decider. And like Tom Gray, Tyrone manager Paul Devlin led Tyrone to their second consecutive provincial crown. So it’s only fitting that he pick up Ulster Manager of the Province award.
In Connacht, Galway’s Cathal Sweeney picks of the player honour. His performance in their 4-13 to 0-05 decider victory over Roscommon saw him pick up player of the match. And his manager Donal O’Fatharta, who only took on the role at the start of the year, lead his side to back to back Connacht titles. There could be no other manager more deserving.
Ruaidhri Ó Beagloaich, Kerry’s sharp shooting forward, get the nod in Munster, after his side dethroned Cork in the provincial decider. O’Beagloaich scored 0-05 as Kerry came four points down to secure the silverware. And manager John Sugrue was the man that guided the Kingdom to glory, earning himself Munster Manager of the Province.
