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TENNENTS/UGAAWA MERIT AWARD FOR APRIL 2005
April produced some stunning displays and results that made life rather difficult when it came to selecting the Tennent’s Merit Award winner but, in the end, the gong went for Monaghan sharpshooter THOMAS FREEMAN.
It was a historic month for the Oriel County as the boys battled their way to the final of Division Two in the Allianz National Football Leagues, leaving themselves on the brink of history, which was achieved in May. Thomas Freeman was central to all that.
A late point in their last round of the league against Longford sneaked Monaghan into the semi-finals. It was Paul Finlay, who snatched that score, but prior to the clincher Thomas Freeman had done a huge amount of work, including scoring 1-4. He also hit 1-4 in the defeat of favourites Derry in the semis.
The Magheracloone 24-year-old has been described as a provider and a finisher. A real team player who prefers corner-forward but has featured at half-forward and full-forward. He is thrilled with this award.
“I just can’t believe that I am the winner. That is just marvellous,” was his shock reaction on being told the good news.
At club level, Thomas has won one Monaghan SFC medal, two SFL awards plus minor championship and league trophies. He now holds a National Football League Div.2 medal and a Dr McKenna Cup award from his county activity to date.
Stephen McDonnell had a cracker for Armagh against Mayo in the Division One NFL semi-final also in April, while Conor Laverty starred for Down in their path to the All-Ireland Under-21 Football final. In handball, Paul Brady took the All-Ireland 40x20 Senior Singles Championship title back from Cork’s Tony Healy but, overall, the two performances of Thomas Freeman earns the Tennent’s/UGAAWA Merit Award for April.
At a presentation, made by Bass Regional Sales Manager Seamus Horisk in The Triangle at the Bass Brewery in Belfast, Thomas received a Sports Voucher from Tennent’s, training gear, etc. from Pro*Star Sport, specially designed cuff links compliments of Omeath firm Cloicín and an engraved Belleek China vase. He will also receive two tickets to the GAA Writers’ banquet in Bundoran on November 18 plus overnight accommodation.
