DHughes

TENNENT'S/UGAAWA MONTHLY MERIT AWARD
January 2008

Saval Chairman, Edmund Lennon (centre), receiving the the UGAAWA / Tennent's Merit Award for January on behalf of the sharp shooting Down attacker, Daniel Hughes, from Joe McGrane, Key Accounts Manager InBev Ireland [left] and Sean McMahon, GAA Writers chairman.
© Houston Green Photography

The Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup lit up the dull days and nights of January 2008 and so did DANIEL HUGHES, the sharpshooting Down attacker, who had a big say in the Mourne County winning the trophy, the first award for Down in many years.

For his performances in five matches during last month, the Saval 25-year-old was a unanimous winner of our Tennent’s Monthly Merit Award as he edged out a number of other potential candidates.

The Newry-based accountant got his figures right as he notched up 2-11 from the left half-forward spot with his three first-half points against Derry of vital importance. They helped Down to an interval lead of 0-6 to 0-1 and eventually a winning tally of 1-12 to 1-6. He hit three of Down’s first four points.

For that night’s display, Daniel collected the Man of the Match Award, as well as, his winner’s medal.

“I’m absolutely delighted with these personal awards,” enthused Daniel when told of his Tennent’s Merit honour. “I have been six years in the Down panel and these are the first awards I have got.

“Getting the Tennent’s Award from the Ulster GAA Writers is fantastic and I’m already looking forward to the annual banquet later this year. I hear that it is a great night in Bundoran. Other players have told me about it.”

Hughes had opposition for the February award from Martin McCreesh, who played a leading role, with some great scores, in helping St Patrick’s, Rock (Tyrone) to the All-Ireland Junior Football final, and Antrim hurler Liam Watson who totted up impressive scorelines in the Saffrons’ trip to the Walsh Cup final.

In outpointing them all, Daniel Hughes receives a Tennent’s Ireland Sports Voucher, an engraved Belleek China vase and specially designed silver cuff links from Omeath jeweller Gareth Mallon. He will also receive two tickets for our 2008 banquet plus overnight accommodation

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Hughes was not available to attend the presentation function but receiving the award on his behalf was Saval chairman, Eamon Lennon. The presentation was made by Joe McGrane, Key Accounts Manager, InBev Ireland.

Saval Chairman, Edmund Lennon (centre), receiving the the UGAAWA / Tennent's Merit Award for January on behalf of Daniel Hughes from Joe McGrane[right] Key Accounts Manager InBev Ireland, at a lunch in the Ulster Brewery. Also included from left are Seamus Walsh, County Secretary, Kevin Bell, County Chairman, and Anne Lennon, Treasurer.
© Houston Green Photography