VIDEO: Stars honoured at Anglo-Celt Sports Awards bash

Paul Fitzpatrick

The great and good of Cavan sport descended on the Cavan Crystal Hotel last night (Friday) for the second annual Anglo-Celt Sports Awards – and the big news was that Leona Maguire is the overall winner for 2015.

The golfing superstar, currently ranked no 1 in the world, was the unanimous choice of the judging panel. She was represented on the night by proud Dad Declan, who outlined to MC Damien O’Reilly of RTE the extraordinary commitment it takes to reach the top.

“It’s no different than Ceire Smith or Paul Brady or any of the other sports stars here, it takes massive commitment and sacrifice to succeed at a high level,” said Declan.

Leona (21) is currently based at Duke Univeristy in North Carolina and sent this video message:

Meanwhile, Ballyjamesduff soccer sensation Jake Doyle-Hayes was the winner of the Young Sports Star of the Year award. The Aston Villa midfielder was represented by his father Jim.

Also honoured on the night were the Cavan Ladies Board (Outstanding Achievement Award), with chairperson Carol Kiernan making a rousing speech in accepting the trophy.

The Readers’ Choice award went to the Virginia U16 rugby team which won the Ulster Cup last May, with Cavan footballing legend Jim McDonnell scooping the Hall of Fame award.

Full coverage in Wednesday’s paper.