Cowboys Award Shortlist 2018

It’s that time of year once again where we reflect on our clubs 3 teams 2018 seasons and reward those individuals who have shone through in all different aspects of the each team. All awards are voted on by club members (players, coaches & associate members) so each winner will be decided by their peers.
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The shortlists are drawn up by a combination of Head Coach & Co-Ordinators as well as Board Members for the Clubman of the Year award. 

​Rookie of the Year
Sponsored by Jo Buchanan

​This award is always keenly contested as all the newbies vie for their chance to shine despite only joining the team and learning the game this year. This year we have quite a number of rookies eligible for this which include graduates from our youth programme. Quite a number of rookies have really made an impact for the senior team this year and this award really could go to quite a few of the guys listed. 

​Caolain Brady (WR) | Chris McKernan (FB/OL) | Chris McLaughlin (CB/LB) | Conall Kerr (DL) | David McMichael (CB) | Dylan Flanagan (RB) | Ivan Chapman (LB/S) | Jamie Wilson (RB) | Joe Marley (DT) | Joe Jordan (LB) | Marty Dixon (K) | Matthew Alexander (S) | Matthew Kelly (CB/S) | Modestas Gargasas (DE) | Peadar McMahon (OL) | Scott Buchanan (OL) | Scott Chapman (LB/CB)

​Clubman of the Year
Sponsored by summerisland

​This award is one of extreme sentimental value and goes to the person who has been most active around the club and helping the club push forward in any way, whether that be through coaching, volunteering or helping in any aspect of the three Cowboy teams. 

Christian Cowan, Board Member
Christian O’Neill, Photographer
David McMichael, Board Member
Greg Loughran, Senior Head Coach / Board Member
Jason Duddy, Board Member
Jo Buchanan, Club President
Manny Bell, Youth Head Coach / Board Member
Mark Beattie, Senior Coach
Scott Buchanan, Board Member
Sean Byrne, Club Vice President

Balls of Steel Award
Sponsored by summerisland

​This award is one of the newer awards to the Cowboys list and is awarded to the player who has shown the most steel during 2018, whether it be from playing both ways when injuries have kicked in, to showing the biggest mettle of any player. This award is usually the most interesting as the winner could come from anywhere.

Conrad Smith (TE)
Ivan Chapman (LB/S)
James Loughran (C)
Jo Buchanan (LB)
Jonny Doyle-Martin (OG)
Marty Dixon (K)
Scott Chapman (LB/CB)

Terry Lynch Offensive Lineman of the Year
Sponsored by Bernadette Loughran

​Another of the more recent awards, named after the legendary Cowboy Terry Lynch. This is awarded to the best offensive lineman throughout 2018, always keenly contested between the “big uglies” up front and this award always provides some internal, friendly competition between the hogs. 

Chris McKernan (OG)
James Loughran (C)
Jonny Doyle-Martin (OG)
Jonny Magee (OG)
Manny Bell (OT)
Peadar McMahon (OG)
Scott Buchanan (OT)

Offensive MVP
Sponsored by Call A Cab

​This award is for the best offensive player throughout 2018 and is award of distinction throughout the club with some of the best players to wear orange & navy lifting this award throughout the years. 

Andy Herron (RB)
Anton Nulty (WR)
Ben Fallon (WR)
Conrad Smith (TE)
James Loughran (C)
Jonny Doyle-Martin (OG)
Luis Alberto (WR)

​Defensive MVP
Sponsored by Goldstar Coaches

​This award if for the best defensive player through 2018 and is one of the more shared about awards in the clubs history. Quite a few rookie players have stepped up and taken this award before, will a rookie take it this year?

Connor Fearon (SS)
Gareth McShane (LB)
Jason Duddy (DE)
Jo Buchanan (LB)
Joe Marley (DT)
Lawrence Ruddock (FS)
Modestas Gargasas (DE)
Sean Byrne (DT)
Thomas Pollock (CB)

Overall MVP
Sponsored by The DMs

This is the showpiece trophy from the awards night, the overall most outstanding player to wear Cowboys uniform throughout 2018. This is awarded to the player that performed the best, most consistent and showed the values that are imperative to being a Cowboy in 2018. 

Andy Herron (RB)
Jonny Doyle-Martin (OG)
Jo Buchanan (LB)
Joe Marley (DT)
Marty Dixon (K)
Modestas Gargasas (DE)
Luis Alberto (WR)
Jason Duddy (DE)

And now the Flag Team Shortlist:

Flag Defensive MVP
Sponsored by Phoenix Homes UK
David McMichael
Gavin McConnell
Jo Buchanan
Lawrence Ruddock
Matthew Kelly
Scott Buchanan
Thomas Pollock
 
Flag Offensive MVP
Sponsored by Phoenix Homes UK
Andy Herron
Ben Fallon
Christian Cowan
Conrad Smith
Jamie Wilson
Niall Quinn
Peter Loughran
 
Most Improved Player
Sponsored by Phoenix Homes UK
David McMichael
Jamie Wilson
Matthew Kelly
Scott Buchanan