Down Ladies Awards Night 2003 - 23/11/03

By: P.j. Cunningham

Clonduff social club was the venue on Friday night for the Down Ladies annual awards night. This event saw one of the largest turnouts in recent years descend upon Clonduff pairc to celebrate the 2003 season. MC for the night came in the shape of our County chairman Paul Kelly and after he had belted out a few Bing Crosby numbers he proceeded to thank everyone for their continued support both on and off the field of play, especially our county managers, the county board, Clonduff for the use of their facilities, our referee’s, photographers, journalists and all those who work so hard behind the scenes. The Ladies game in Down is still fairly much in its infancy but great strides have been made in recent years and with more clubs now taking the steps into the ladies arena, the game in Down will continue to go from strength to strength.

The night in itself was special to many clubs. Clonduff, our hosts for the night were double winners in the junior division, they also took their first venture in to Ulster beating Termon (Donegal) before falling unluckily to Faughanvale (Derry), truly a great year for the Hilltown girls. Downpatrick cleaned up at intermediate level finally picking up the intermediate Ch’ship after three attempts in as many years, they performed strongly in Ulster but fell to a great Glen side at the Q/F stage. Castlewellan the senior Ch’ship and league winners got the biggest cheer of the night. The town girls were truly deserved of their success in 2003, the winning feeling is definitely catching and they will be looking to emulate this achievement again in 2004.

Bryansford and Castlewellan were the dominant forces at U-16 level and they will be back again next season competing for the top honours. At U-13 level Saval made sure their first year in ladies football was a successful one as they beat close neighbours Burren in a great final.

A special award was presented to Eugene O’Hare (Dromara) for the magnificent achievement of officiating at this years All-Ireland ladies final.

A great night’s craic was had by all and here’s hoping that 2004 will be even better for ladies football
in Down and beyond.

All Clubs please note that the Down Ladies AGM is on Thursday 4th December at 7:30pm in the Theraforth Inn. Please make sure your club is represented.

The 2003 roll of honour is as follows:

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