The Donegal Sports Star Awards for 2022 were launched this evening in the Mount Errigal Hotel.
The Donegal Sports Star Award winners of 1982 were also celebrated on the night on the 40th anniversary of their wins.
Former Finn Harps manager and newly appointed Galway United assistant manager Ollie Horgan was the special guest for the event while Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Blaney and Chief Executive John McLaughlin were in attendance on behalf of the events sponsors Donegal County Council.
Donegal Sports Star Awards Chairperson Grace Boyle addressed those in attendance on the night.
“I want to welcome you all here to the Mount Errigal Hotel for the launch of the 2022 Donegal Sports Star Awards,” she said.
“And I can tell you the committee is very much looking forward to hosting the first live function in three years here in this hotel on Friday, January 27th. Covid meant we had to do the 2020 and 2021 Awards virtually and while we were delighted to have done that nothing can beat the in-person presentations of the Donegal Sports Star Awards.
“I want to extend a very warm welcome to the Donegal Sports Star Award winners of 1982 who are with us this evening to mark the 40th anniversary of their achievements that year.
“There were 20 winners in 1982. Sadly six of those winners have passed away in the interim Sylvia Kearon 1994 (Badminton), Sammy Fisher 2002 (Motorsport), Eamon Harvey 2004 (Motorsport), Brendan Dalton 2004 (Canoeing), Hugo Duggan in 2020 (Athletics) and John Campbell just last October.
“John Campbell was the Overall winner in 1982 for his achievements in Clay Pigeon Shooting. I would like everyone to take a moment to remember these six 1982 Donegal Sports Star Award winners.
“I want to extend a very special welcome to their families and friends who have joined us for this 40th anniversary event.
“I also want to welcome the Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Blaney and Chief Executive John McLaughlin who are representing our exclusive sponsors Donegal County Council. The Council gives us all the supports needed to host events like this launch as well as the presentation function at the end of the month for the 2022 winners.
“I also want to extend a big welcome to Ollie Horgan who is our Special Guest this evening to formally launch the 2022 Donegal Sports Star Awards. For nine years he was manager of Finn Harps and boy did he give the Donegal soccer followers so many memorable moments.
“He was the master of the play-offs and the Houdini acts in keeping Harps in the Premier Division on one the lowest budgets in League of Ireland football. Ollie gave his heart and soul to Finn Harps and that is something ladies and gentlemen that deserves a round of applause. Finally, I want to wish Ollie every success in his role as Assistant-Manager at Galway Utd.
“This launch and bringing the 1982 winners here this evening doesn’t happen without a lot of behind the scenes work. I want to thank my committee for making contact with the winners and the families of the deceased so that we can honour them all this evening.
“Tickets for the 2022 Donegal Sports Star Awards are available now from the Mount Errigal Hotel reception. Phone number is 9106700.
“Finally congratulations again to the 1982 winners and I hope you enjoy the evening.”
Watch all the reaction from the night below:
Grace Boyle, Chairperson of the Donegal Sports Star Awards:
Ollie Horgan, special guest on the night:
Martin McHugh, winner of the 1982 GAA award:
