Vikki Wall scoops top prize at Meath Chronicle Sports Awards

Meath Ladies' Vikki Wall was crowned the 2021 Meath Chronicle Sports Person of the Year at a star-studded event held in the Knightsbrook Hotel and Golf Resort in Trim on Friday night.

Wall was nominated for the overall award along with Athboy's Jamie McGrath, who became the first Meath man to earn a competitive senior international cap for the Republic of Ireland soccer team, and Kerrie Leonard, the Drumree Paralympian who reached the last eight of the archery competition in Tokyo last summer.

Wall's inspirational performances for Meath not only boosted Eamonn Murray's side to NFL Div 2 and All-Ireland SFC glory, but her attitude, personality and commitment to her game has given Ladies Football throughout the country a massive boost.

Such is Vikki's massive hunger for success and determination to improve that both herself and Young Sports Person of the Year nominee Emma Duggan were at training in Dunganny before attending the awards in Knightsbrook.

The Dunboyne girls spoke on stage about their commitment and the hunger of all the Meath players to continue to be successful.

While delighted to accept the Overall Sports Person of the Year award Vikki tried to play down her contribution, accepting that the success of the Meath Ladies is a team effort and without the hard work and dedication of the players and the coaches then individual awards would not be possible.

There was also more success for the Meath Ladies as they picked up the 2021 Meath Chronicle Team of the Year accolade, edging out the other nominees, Meath SFC champions Wolfe Tones and the 2021 All-Ireland MFC winning Meath team.

There was consolation for the Meath minors with Ballinabrackey's Conor Ennis claiming the Young Sports Person of the Year award ahead of Emma Duggan and Bettystown's Evan Ferguson who has made a huge impact since moving to Premier League side Brighton.

Conor was stunned to pick up the award and acknowledged that he never thought he would win ahead of such an 'outstanding footballer' like Emma Duggan and a 'real talented man' like Evan Ferguson.

The tigerish, tenacious corner-back was a leading light in Meath's successful All-Ireland minor campaign and while he is obviously a real leader on the field he admitted to being 'speechless' when revealed as the Young Sports Person of the Year.

Colin Keane, who was unable to attend because he was riding in Dundalk, picked up the 2021 Meath Chronicle Outstanding Achievement award after his record breaking season which saw ride 141 winners to claim the champion flat jockey title. Keane saw off Gordon Elliott and Andrew Coscoran to claim the award.

After a hugely entertaining chat with Meath legend Sean Boylan, Joe Cassells and David Beggy on stage, MC Fergal Lynch announced the latest inductee into the Meath Chronicle Sport Hall of Fame as Meath's 1988 All-Ireland SFC winning captain Joe Cassells.

There was also a special presentation made to former Sports Editor Conall Collier to acknowledge his 34 years service to the Meath Chronicle.

The Meath Chronicle wish to thanks our sponsors Meath County Council, Devenish and Bective Stud for their support of the awards and also Knightsbrook Hotel and Golf Resort for hosting the event, back live and in-person after last year's awards were held online.

Full report and photographs from Friday's awards in Tuesday's Meath Chronicle