Published: Wednesday, 12th May, 2010 5:00pm

Stephen Burke chosen as Buccs player of the year

STEPHEN BURKE was named 'Athlone Springs Hotel Buccaneers Senior Player of the Year 2009/10' at the club's Annual Awards function held at the Athlone Springs Hotel last Friday. Back row forward Burke, who hails from The Downs area of Co. Westmeath, proved a highly popular winner of this much coveted honour. Also well known in GAA circles, Stephen returned to the club after " timing out down under" last year and proved a key acquisition. His never-say-die attitude and will to "go where angels fear to thread" on the field of battle were key components in Buccaneers' successful climb up the league table. Indeed, this observer felt that he was often the "heartbeat of the side" with a wonderful work ethic, and is a worthy winner of this accolade.

The full list of 'Athlone Springs Hotel Buccaneers Player of the Year 2009/10' award winners is as follows:

Senior: Stephen Burke; U-21: Rory Byrne; Reserves: Paul Galvin; Thirds Richard Curley; U-19: Brendan Fagan; U-17: Aidan Connaughton.

The specially-commissioned Athlone Crystal awards were presented at a pleasant, sociable event by Paul O'Meara, Managing Director, Athlone Springs Hotel, who spoke of the enjoyment he got from supporting Buccs. He is proud that the Athlone Springs Hotel is Buccaneers' title sponsor and he believes that support such as this in the local community is the way to go in the current climate.

However, it is a two-way street and he urged club members to support the excellent amenities of the hotel, especially it's Zen Leisure centre. Club President Ray Duffy spoke on the club's behalf, acknowledging the generous support of the Athlone Springs Hotel. He urged the club to strive for higher goals on the playing fields and to build on the progress made this season when a dozen Buccaneers players wore the green of Ireland.

Presentations of Athlone Crystal were made to the following internationals on the night:

Ireland Schools U-18: Daniel Qualter.

Ireland U-18: Callum Boland.

Ireland U-18: Jack Carty.

Irish Colleges: Paul Harte.

Irish Colleges: Padraig De Burca.

Irish Colleges: Gavin Kelly.

Irish Colleges: Conor Lavelle.

Irish Colleges: Brendan Mcmanus.

The following were also capped by Ireland:

Ireland U-19: Mark Dolan

Ireland A: Keith Matthews

Ireland A: Frank Murphy

Ireland Senior: Sean Cronin.

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