Gordon Elliott scoops Meath Sportsperson of the Year award again
Summerhill man Gordon Elliott scooped the Meath Sportsperson of the Year award at Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim last night.
There was a standing ovation from the 200 guests at the 13th annual Meath Chronicle-promoted Meath Sports Awards which this year were sponsored for the first time by north Meath business Briody Bedding.
Martin Briody of Briody Bedding announced the results shortly before 11pm last night and for Elliott, like his famous double-winning Aintree Grand National hero Tiger Roll it was also two-in-a-row for the Summerhill man who highlighted his roots in an on-stage interview with MC Evanne Ni Chuilinn.
Gordon Elliott and Keith Donoghue at the awards last night
"I'm a Summerhill man and I'm delighted to win this award, but I have to pay tribute to my staff," he commented.
"Horseracing is an important part of the community in Meath and nationally, I don't think it gets the recognition it deserves sometimes.
"I employ 70 people and you have the likes of Gavin Cromwell who is here toight, Ger Lyons, who is a monthly winner, Noel Meade, Tony Martin and many other trainers all making a contribution to local communities," he added.
THE WINNER OF THE 2019 MEATH SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR IS ANNOUNCED BY SPONSOR MARTIN BRIODY OF BRIODY BEDDING AND CELTIC MEDIA GROUP CEO FRANK MULRENNAN
Updating the guests on Tiger Rol, a horse he described as a household name at this stage, he said that the intention is that the Tiger will be heading back to Aintree to have another go at winning the big race for a third time.
"This is my third award and I'm appreciative to the Meath Chronicle, recognition in your own locality is important and it's great to see so many people honoured here tonight," he added.
Gordon won the inaugural award in 2007 after he landed the Aintree Grand National with Silver Birch, he won the overall award again for 2018 after Tiger Roll stormed home at Aintree and the Tiger repeated the feat again 12 months ago for which the trainer was recongnised again.
Gordon was a monthly winner in 2014 and 2016 and 2017 and the Outstanding Achievement winner in 2015.
Sandra McCann (left) or Celtic Media Group with MC Evanne Ni Chuilinn and Mary McGuigan (Celtic Media Group) at the awards last night.
A look at how some of the other monthly and category winners last night fared in other years at the Meath Sports Awards.
Keith Donoghue was a nominee for the Young Sportsperson of the Year in 2010
Donal Keogan was an outstanding achievement nominee in 2012
Jack Regan was a nominee for young sportsperson of the year in 2012 and a monthly winner in 2014 and an outstanding achievement nominee in 2017
Natalya Coyle was sportsperson of the year in 2016 and a monthly winner in 2012, 2013, and outstanding achievement nominee in 2017
Colin Keane was a monthly winner in 2014 and 2017 and 2018.
Cian Carey was an outstanding achievement nominee in 2016 and 2018; a monthly winner in 2017
Nick Fitzgerald was a monthly winner in 2017
Gavin Cromwell was a monthly winner in 2018.
Eamonn Murray was a monthly winner in 2018.
Ger Lyons was a monthly winner in 2011 and 2013.
Andy McEntee was a monthly winner in 2016
Brian Carroll was an outstanding achievement nominee in 2008 with Tom Sheridan.
FIRST-TIMERS LAST NIGHT
Navan AC woman Mary Watters with her monthly award at Knightsbrook last night
The following award winners were there for the first time last night Na Fianna camogie team; Alan Murphy, Mary Watters, Gary McConnell, Ray Moloney, Shane Aston and Gavin Kennedy.
REPRESENTED
Ray Moloney was unable to attend and his award was accepted by Craig Macken of Navan RFC.
Ger Lyons and Colin Keane were also unable to atttend and they were represented by Andrew Duff.
Andy McEntee was unable to attend and his award was accepted by Meath GAA Co Board secretary Mairead Delaney.
MONTHLY WINNERS HONOURED LAST NIGHT
January - Gavin Kennedy (Ashbourne RFC)
February - Shane Aston (Trim AC)
March - Ger Lyons (horseracing)
March - Andy McEntee (GAA)
March - Keith Donoghue (horseracing)
March - Gavin Cromwell (horseracing)
April - Ray Moloney (Navan RFC)
April - Gordon Elliott (horseracing)
May - Eamonn Murray (GAA)
June - Nick Fitzgerald (GAA)
July - Donal Keogan (GAA)
August - Colin Keane (horseracing)
September - Brian Carroll & Gary McConnell (handball)
October - Cian Carey (motorsport)
November - Mary Watters (athletics)
December - Alan Murphy (Trim Celtic).
OTHER AWARDS
Team of the Year - Na Fianna Camogie (voted by Meath Chronicle readers)
Accepted by Pierse Treacy and sponsored by David Buchanan of Navan Dental
Outstanding Achievement
Male - Jack Regan (voted by Meath Chronicle readers).
Accepted by Jack Regan and sponsored by Navan Town Centre.
Female - Natalya Coyle (voted by Meath Chronicle readers)
Accepted by Ray and Ros Coyle and sponsiored by ARC Cinemas, Navan.
Young Sportsperson of the Year - Keane Barry (Darts) selected by Meath Chronicle Sports
Accepted by Neil and Vivienne Barry and sponsored by Meath Local Sports Partnership
OVERALL ROLL OF HONOUR
2007 - Gordon Elliott
2008 - Darren Sutherland
2009 - Johnny Murtagh
2010 - Damien McGrane
2011 - Nina Carberry
2012 - Cian O'Connor
2013 - Barry Geraghty
2014 - Devin Toner
2015 - Gary Rogers
2016 - Natalya Coyle
2017 - Robbie Power
2018 - Gordon Elliott
2019 - Gordon Elliott
WATCH THE AWARDS
INTRODUCTION - JUST BEFORE THE START EVANNE NI CHUILINN AND CONALL COLLIER
PART ONE
YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AND CATEGORY AWARD WINNERS
PART TWO
MONTHLY WINNERS JANUARY - JUNE
PART THREE
MONTHLY WINNERS - JULY - DECEMBER