Irish international guest of honour at Mayo rugby club's awards

FRIDAY, May 23, will be a special night of celebration for Claremorris Colts Rugby Football Club as underage and youths player Aoife Heaney will be honoured as the club’s first Irish international player at its 16th annual awards banquet at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris.

Aoife, from Garrymore, is a student at Mount St. Michael’s Secondary School, Claremorris, and starred as full back and on the wing at the recent Six Nations Under 18s Championship Festival, with wins over Scotland, England, Italy and a draw against Wales, only to lose out to championship winners France.

Well known sports broadcaster and journalist Liam Horan is MC, and another great night’s entertainment is assured, with an all-ages disco following the three course meal and the trophy presentations.

The awards, sponsored by CBE, will be presented to all teenage and senior teams with crystal trophies for Player of the Year, Most Improved Player and ‘Hail, Rain or Shine’ Player of the Year. The prize draw will once again feature a number of highly attractive rugby related gifts and merchandise, all up for grabs.

Established in 2009, Claremorris Colts RFC promotes rugby union football in a fun, safe and friendly environment to children, youths and adults in Claremorris and surrounding areas. From humble beginnings, the club now has over 300 members playing mini, youth and junior rugby in the various Connacht branch sanctioned competitions, and with great success, which will once again be acknowledged on the night.

The awards event is a part of the club’s ongoing fundraising programme to improve facilities at Colts Park playing and training pitches, located at the Old Racecourse Grounds at Claremount.

In the build-up to the gala night, Fergal Byrne, chairman, Claremorris Colts RFC, said: “At the end of another successful season, we have lots to celebrate at our 16th annual awards dinner, which we will proudly honour Aoife Heaney, who earned the club’s first Irish international caps at last month’s Six Nations Under 18s tournament.

“Since our formation we have served and developed a need for the sport in the south Mayo region and we have recorded noted achievements with Connacht League and Cups as well as having a number of players on the youth and senior Connacht squads and Irish development team.

“Success on the fields of play will be acknowledged and it will be a great social occasion for the players, coaches, parents and club sponsors, who have all contributed significantly since our formation sixteen years ago. All are welcome to attend and join the celebrations.”

The awards, at the McWilliam Park Hotel, on May 23 commence at 6.30 p.m.

Tickets at €50 for adults and €20 for Under 15s are now on sale online through https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JHDQMrtbs/.

The dress code is casual.