bmcguigan

TENNENT’S/UGAAWA MARCH MERIT 2004

March ’04 was a strange month in GAA circles with a pot pourri of games. Fancied teams fell by the wayside and unfancied ones came to the fore. There was sadness in GAA circles, as well, but through it all came Tyrone senior footballers to maintain their high profile.
And nobody did more for the Red Hands to achieve their aim than play-maker BRIAN McGUIGAN who, in his usual quiet way, shone throughout. The Ardboe joiner nailed together another impressive list of performances against Mayo, Westmeath and Cork and earns our nomination for the Tennent’s/UGAAWA Merit Award for March.
Allstar Brian (24) may not hit many scores but he is usually involved in the lead up to most goals and points that are chalked up by his eager colleagues. He usually manages at least one point during a match.
McGuigan made his senior debut as a substitute against Armagh in 2000 and has been a permanent fixture in the Tyrone team ever since. He has collected a minor and two under-21 medals at Ulster level with the county. He has added two National League awards plus the ultimate – an Ulster and All-Ireland senior trophy, creamed off with an Allstar award last year.
At club level with O’Donovan Rossa Ardboe, Brian has won minor, under-21 and senior honours so the cabinet is getting pretty full.
“This Monthly Merit Award is a great addition to the list,” enthuses Brian. “I’m delighted to be the winner for March. It’s a great honour.”
Brian, who plays a little golf when he has the time, edged out Antrim hurler Karl McKeegan, St Patrick’s (Dungannon) score-grabber Paul Forker and Fermanagh’s Stevie Maguire for the award that was presented to the winner by Brian Houston, Tennent’s Sponsorship Manager, at a reception in the Ulster Brewery on Wednesday, April 7.
He received a sports voucher from Tennent’s Ireland, sports gear from Pro*Star Sport, an engraved Belleek China vase and cuff links from Omeath firm Cloicín. He also gets two tickets for the Ulster GAA Writers’ banquet in Bundoran, plus overnight accommodation, next October.