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.
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 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.
Daniel with his award and some of the Saval
senior players after training
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 Daval chairman
Eamon Lennon. The presentation was made by
Joe McGrane, Key Accounts Manager, InBev Ireland.
Daniel with some of the senior players
