Awards: Senior Club Footballer of the Year
December 23, 2011
Cathal O'Dwyer and Dunshaughlin had plenty to be happy with in 2011.
Padraig Howard, Ray Maloney, Cathal O'Dwyer, Michael Byrne, Adrian Kenny and Darragh Smyth make the shortlist.
Duleek/Bellewstown might have been in a relegation playoff but certainly no blame could be put on the shoulders of Padraig Howard. The defender showed the form which saw him earn a place on the Meath squad a couple of years ago and is one of the best markers in club football.
Dunshaughlin came so close to Keegan Cup glory before losing out to Summerhill in a final replay. Two of the mainstays of their side in 2011 were Ray Maloney and Cathal O'Dwyer. Maloney was a silky forward when the village earned a three in a row nearly a decade ago but now he fills the engine room at midfield. His positional sense and fielding ability made him a crucial part of the Dunshaughlin side.
Teammate Cathal O'Dwyer scored for fun on the way to the decider and was arguably the most consistent club forward in the season past.
O'Mahony's newcomer Darragh Smyth looked like the missing link for the Brews Hill side in their quest to regain the county title. Outstanding when the Meath U21s defeated Dublin in March, Smyth took that form in the SFC and looked every part a senior county footballer.
Champions Summerhill supply Michael Byrne and Adrian Kenny to our list of nominees. Byrne excelled at midfield alongside Shane Gillespie and put in a powerhouse display in the replayed final.
Adrian Kenny was man-of-the-match in that replay with a brilliant tally of six points proving crucial as the 'Hill ended a 25-year wait. Kenny, who made an appearance in the 2001 All-Ireland SFC final, was back as a forward this year after a long spell in the backs. He looked fresh and certainly had the run of the Dunshaughlin defence on final day.
So, who have we gone for? Congratulations to Cathal O'Dwyer who is our choice. Consistency, accuracy and that little bit of class marked the Dunshaughlin man out for us in 2011.
We'll be back on the day after St Stephen's with our choice of Best Intermediate Club Hurler.
Our previous award winners
Awards: Best Junior Championship Player
Awards: Best Meath star in a club management role
Awards: Minor Footballer of the Year
Awards: Best comeback in a championship match
Awards: Best togged out team at adult level
Awards: Best display in a ladies football final
Awards: Most medals won Tweet
