Midland Warriors celebrate season to remember at awards night
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Midland Warriors director of rugby Eddie Egan makes a presentation to Michael Blighe (left).Image 2 of 4
Cormac Lohan (left) receives a presentation from Midland Warriors RFC director of rugby Eddie Egan.Image 3 of 4
Midland Warriors RFC youths coordinator John Walsh speaking at the recent awards function in Moate.Image 4 of 4
Midland Warriors award winners. Back row (L–R): Ruby Kelly, Ellie Bastic, Aodhan Cullen, Matthew Marsh, Kalium Buckley, Sean Molloy, Eddie Finn, Aaron Clavin, John Mitchell, Megan Heavin, Faye Robinson. Front row (L–R): Cara McLaughlin, Maciek Pietka, PJ Geoghegan, Dara Fox, Oran Hanniffy, Evan Costello, Cillian Walsh, Michael Finan, Cormac Murray, Alannah Daly, Isabel Kane Belmour, Bronwyn Ryan Keyes. Missing from photo: Keelan Hennessy.Midland Warriors RFC brought the curtain down on a landmark season with their annual Youth Awards Night, held at the Grand Hotel in Moate recently.
The event celebrated a year of unprecedented growth for the club, both on and off the pitch, with over 200 players, coaches, and families in attendance.
The night marked a significant milestone for the Warriors, as the club fielded more youth teams than ever before and continued to build on its strong community presence. Youth Coordinator John Walsh, who acted as MC, opened the evening by welcoming the large crowd and thanking all in attendance for their commitment to youth rugby.
“This night is about recognising every young player who wore the Warriors jersey this season,” Walsh said, to enthusiastic applause. He also shared a major update, announcing that full planning permission had been secured for the club’s long-awaited new development. “It’s all systems go for September,” he added, drawing a rousing response from the room.
Director of rugby Eddie Egan followed by expressing gratitude to the club’s volunteer coaches and referees for their dedication throughout the season. Special thanks were extended to Cormac Lohan, Michael Blighe, Damien Ryan and Roger Quinn, who were each presented with personalised gear bags in recognition of their efforts.
A wide range of players were acknowledged for their performances and contributions throughout the season, and a group photo was taken of the award winners.
The following Sunday, the club’s Minis section celebrated their end-of-season family day at the historic Showgrounds. Players from U8 to U12 showcased their skills one last time before the club transitions to its new home on the Dublin Road.
The day concluded with the U12 awards ceremony, which marks the final stage of Mini rugby before players move into the Youth ranks.
Girls U12 awards - Players’ Player of the Year: Ruby Collis. Player of the Year: Riona Lohan. Spirit of Rugby: Megan Ross. Most Improved Player: Indee Rickard.
Boys U12 awards - Players’ Player of the Year: Odhran Cullen. Player of the Year: Hugh Lohan. Spirit of Rugby: Rian Murray. Most Improved Player: Hugo Moro.
The young players proudly posed in their new Warriors t-shirts, sponsored by John McDonnell Carpentry, David McGuinness Planning, and Tom O’Shaughnessy.