Each year the Clann na nGael Club honours one of its players by awarding that individual the annual 'Player of the Year Award' in recognition of his contribution to the club.

This year's recipient of the award fills handsomely all of the requirements for the award as seen by the Club, and has done so consistently for many years.

The club has, in many respects, just come to the end of an era with the great six year unbeaten run in Connaught at an end, and it is probably fitting that this year's 'Player of the Year Award' goes to a man who has battled from the very start to help get the Clann na nGael Club to where it is today. This player has been through all of Clann's ups and downs of the past fifteen years or more, back to the start of Clann's great run which began with the winning of the 1976 Senior County Title.

During that period he has served the club continuously with distinction holding down a regular key position in the heart of the defence and time and time again has proved his worth to the club with sparkling displays in key matches. There is absolutely no doubt that without this man's immense contribution Clann na nGael would not be a shadow of the club it is today.

In his football career to date he has collected a wealth of medals and trophies. He is the holder of:

• an All-Ireland 7-aside Medal;

• a record 7 Connaught Club Football Championship Medals;

• a record 12 Senior County Championship Medals;

• a record 10 Roscommon Senior League (O'Rourke Cup) Titles;

• 2 County Cup Medals;

• 2 Minor County Championships;

• 1 Under-13 County Championship;

coupled with 4 Senior Connaught Championships won with Roscommon from 1977 to 1980.

His dedication to the game, which is second to none, is a fitting example for all players in the club, and it should be the aim of every young player to follow in his footsteps.

It is easy for a club to hail one of its own a hero, but the real test of a man's calibre is to be found in the view others hold of him. On this score, there is no question about the respect this man has gained for himself, and indeed the club, not just throughout the county, but equally so throughout Connaught and indeed all of Ireland. Unquestionably a dedicated footballer, this year's recipient of the 'Clann na nGael Player of the Year Award' is an ambassador not only for the game but also for this great club of ours.

Mike Keegan

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