GAA Site
TENNENT'S/UGAAWA
MONTHLY MERIT AWARD
February 2008
Neill McManus, aged 19, has been awarded the Tennent's / UGAAWA Merit Award
for February 2008. The Cushendall clubman was presented with his award by
Terry McCourt , Key Account Manager InBev Ireland at a reception in the
Ulster Brewery.
© Houston
Green Photography
NEIL McMANUS likes doing things on the double and, no doubt, he is hoping that winning the Tennent’s/Ulster GAA Writers’ Merit Award for February is the forerunner to collecting the award again.
McManus (19), after storming displays with Antrim senior hurlers during February, has been selected for the honour in spite of claims from other players such as Monaghan midfield football star Eoin Lennon and Derry dual performer Mark Lynch.
“This is great news and I’m delighted with the honour,” enthused teenager Neil. “It is always nice to win individual awards but the whole Antrim team has been playing well and there are other Antrim players who must also have been in the running for the award.”
At just 19, Cushendall clubman McManus has packed a lot into his hurling life to date. He has won two county Senior Hurling Championship medals, two Antrim minor medals and two Ulster minor county medals. He has also collected two Bank of Ireland College Allstar awards, an Ulster Club Senior Hurling Championship honour and a Walsh Cup medal.
“Things have been good to me so far and long may it continue,” says Neil.
He began hurling life as a centre-back winning his college Allstar awards in the No.6 position with St MacNissi’s, Garron Tower. That’s where he played with Antrim minors, as well, but since joining the senior side he has been employed at midfield or centre-forward with great results.
“I don’t mind where I play as long as I’m in the team,” stresses the UUJ engineering undergraduate.
Neil was presented with his Tennent’s/UGAAWA Merit Award at a reception in the Ulster Brewery on Wednesday, March 5 when he received a Tennent’s Sports voucher, an engraved Belleek China vase, specially designed silver cuff links from Omeath jeweller Gareth Mallon and training gear from O’Neill’s International Sportswear. He will also receive two complimentary tickets and overnight accommodation for the Ulster GAA Writers’ 2008 banquet
The presentation was made by Terry McCourt, Key Account Manager InBev Ireland.
