RTE's Robbie Irwin to host gala sports awards night
RENOWNED sports presenter Robbie Irwin has been confirmed as MC, for the second year running, for the upcoming Westmeath Independent/Hodson Bay Hotel Sports Awards. The event, which honours and brings together some of the area's most well-known and successful sports people, takes place on Friday, January 27, at the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.
A familiar voice on the Irish airwaves, Robbie works with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, and has presented and produced at almost all of the big sporting occasions in Ireland and abroad over many years. One of the best known voices in Irish broadcasting, his professionalism and dedication have earned him the prestigious national Media Award for Sport. Currently, Robbie produces the popular weekly Saturday Sport Show on RTÉ.
He also presents sports on Drivetime on RTÉ Radio 1 and, for over seven years, was presenter of 2FM's Sportsbag. He has also worked on all major sporting events including the World Cup, the Olympic Games, the Sunday Game and the Champions League. The Westmeath Independent/Hodson Bay Hotel Sports Awards ceremony will take place on a gala night in the acclaimed Hodson Bay Hotel on Friday, January 27 (7.30pm).
The ceremony will see all of the twelve monthly award winners presented with their awards, in what set to be a wonderful occasion for local sport.The overall Sports Star of the Year will be revealed on the night, while Fr Michael Cremin will be presented with the 2011 Hall of Fame Award. Readers also have the chance to vote for the Readers' Choice award. Votes can be cast using the coupon on this page or via the Westmeath Independent website.
Simply log on to www.westmeathindependent.ie/sportsstar/ and follow the instructions there. Tickets for the prestigious event are also currently on sale from the Westmeath Independent offices in Sean Costello Street, Athlone, and are priced at €45. For every five tickets purchased, you receive one free ticket, while for every ten tickets bought, you receive two free tickets. For further information on tickets to the event, you can contact the Westmeath Independent at 090 6434300, or simply call into the Westmeath Independent offices in Sean Costello Street, Athlone.
Those attending the event will also be treated to the exciting sounds of one of the Midlands' best known and popular music groups, with The Lols confirmed to perform on the night. Bursting onto the music scene two years ago, The Lols, who hail from Moate and surrounding areas, are quickly making their mark on the Irish music industry. Their high-energy live shows have earned rave reviews locally and further afield. Playing a mix of chart, rock and reliable crowd pleasers, The Lols have the unique talent of filling the dance floor.
Musically, The Lols have a wide and diverse background and these influences merge to ensure The Lols bring something different to their performance and put their own stamp on songs. In 2009, The Lols won the Corporate/Party Band of the Year by Irish Entertainment Awards. Both the overall sports star winner and the readers' choice award will be chosen from among the 12 monthly winners who are listed below. January - Chloe Joyce, Brendan Gibbons and Alex Condron (Swimming) February - Senan Kilbride (Gaelic Football) March - Pat Fox (Hockey) April - Robert Henshaw (Rugby) May - Joe Woods (Soccer) June - Joe Ward (Boxing) July - Paul Dalton, Michael Glynn, John Michael Gannon (Special Olympics) August - Sean Dempsey (Angling) September - Mark Rohan (Paracycling) October - Laura Walsh, Michelle Malone, Laura Brennan (Ladies Gaelic football) November - Charlie McMickan (Golf) December - Dessie Dolan (Gaelic Football).