Clann na nGael
Player of the Year - 1994
Our "Player of the Year" for 1994 has had a long and distinguished career in the Clann colours, his consistency down through the years being a major factor in the club’s supremacy in Roscommon and Connacht football. Although Clann na nGael was defeated at an early stage of this year’s championship, his displays were up to his usual, excellent standard.
Following in the footsteps of three brothers who all had outstanding careers in the Clann jersey, he first made his mark at under-age level, winning an Under-16 County Medal in 1978. He went on to win an Under-21 Medal in 1983, by which time he was already featuring on the Clann senior team. Although much of his early football was played in a defensive role, it was as a mid-filder that he established his position on the senior side and his consisten high level of performance is reflected in the fact that he was an ever-present in each of Clann’s eight successive County Final appearances from 1984 to 1991. His leadership qualities were evident when he became the only Clann player to captain the team to a 3 In-A-Row of County Titles in 1988, ’89 and’90. He also captained the side to All-Ireland 7 A-Side success in 1989 when his last minute pointed free ensured a dramatic victory over host club, Kilmacud Crokes.
His performances were rewarded when he won the prestigious Carrolls/Athlone Gaelic Games " Sports Star of the Year" award for the 1988-’89 season and also when he received the recognition of the county selectors. To date he has won eleven County Senior Medals and seven Connaught Club Medals.
His loyalty and dedication to the club have always been unstinting and though based in Naas, Co. Kildare, he is still as enthusiastic in the Clann cause as when he first donned the club’s jersey. The 1994 "Player of the Year" is ...
Paul McManus