Clarkes win the Club of Year title
Dungannon Clarke footballer Niall McNulty INTT2612-189JS
Stevenson Park, home to Dungannon Rugby Club, witnessed one of the most debated points in local sports - Which is the top club. Organised by Dungannon Ladies Hockey Club with support from Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, It’s a Knockout brought together teams from across local sports to compete for 2012 Sports Team of Year title.
With strong representation from the various clubs - soccer’s Augher Stars and Dungannon Swifts, cycling’s Clogher Valley Wheelers, GAA’s Clarkes and Edendork, and Dungannon’s Golf, Clarkes, Hockey, Rugby, Motor, Tennis, Swimming and Royal School, competition was always going to be tough, no quarter asked for or given.
Under the umpiring of Ronan Mullan of Cromore Castles, Rodeo Bull, Demolition, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Hamster Wheel and Human Table Football challenged all the clubs in head-to-head battles combining teamwork, co-ordination, strength and pure skills over a demanding three-hour schedule.
With intermittent showers, footwork was always going to be an issue, but with strong encouragement from supporters who braved the elements the competition ebbed and flowed - the result in the balance right up to the final game, the Assault Course.
For many participants memories will last long; Vicky Boyle of Royal School dispatched four males with ease from Rock ‘n’ Roll. Likewise, Shirley Stafford rolled back the years to go undefeated throughout Demolition, a unique feat in a game generally dominated by male competitors.
Susan McQueen of Dungannon Ladies Hockey Club underlined the value of local sports in all areas.
“With so many attractions readily available that require very little effort or commitment, it was a fantastic response to see representatives from twelve clubs turn-up and compete on a cold and damp Saturday evening”.
After three hours of intense competition an experienced Dungannon Clarkes GAA team held off a strong challenge from a youthful Augher Stars FC, with Dungannon Rugby Club finishing a close third.
At the awards ceremony held after the event hockey club president Valerie Boyd invited Niall McNulty of Dungannon Clarkes to receive the Hockey Club Perpetual Cup. Niall thanked all the competing teams for their endeavours over the event and spoke of the pride of his team members to be the first winners.
David Mulligan, hockey club vice-chairman, thanked all the teams who had braved the elements to showcase all their talents to the many spectators young and old who had came along.
Very often sports stars will hit the headlines for reasons other than sport, however, as David pointed out: “Occasions such as this reflects not only all that is good in sport, competition, teamwork, skills and endeavour, but can also provide a platform for friendships that will last long after the boots are hung up”.
On a word of caution, however, he did advise Niall “not to rest on his laurels for already several of the competing teams were planning for next year when the Club of the Year title will be up for grabs again”.
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Weather for Dungannon
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 10 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: South east
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