Clann na nGael
Player of the Year - 2004
The year 2004 was a disappointing one at senior level, with a first-round championship defeat, followed by a fall at the first hurdle in the losers’ chase. Some signs of hope emerged, however, to suggest that our flagship-team can again aspire to seriously compete for championship honours. One of these was the impression made by a defender who only made his senior debut this year but whose consistent high-quality performances confirmed him as one of the foundation-stones on which future success will hopefully be built.
Some players thrive on adversity and the recipient of our award is certainly one of these. No challenge proved too great for him during the year gone by as he inspired his defensive colleagues with his determined and forceful style of play. A Garda by profession, he policed the edge of the Clann square with exemplary vigilance, and brave was the opponent who would loiter with intent on his beat.
Our award-winner’s family is one that is steeped in sporting tradition. His sister Áine represented Ireland with distinction at the 2003 Special Olympics, winning three gold and two silver medals, while another sister, Marian, and several of his brothers have worn the Clann colours with pride. His family is also one of Ireland’s leading political dynasties, with one brother, John, a serving county-councillor, and another, Denis, a T.D. His late father, Liam, represented our constituency with honour as a T.D. and later as Cathaoirleach of the Seanad up to the time of his tragic and untimely death. His family can take great pride in his memory and also in the displays which ensure that a worthy winner of our "Senior Player of the Year" award for the year 2004 is his son….
Liam Óg Naughten