U14 PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Faye Callaghan
MINOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Eva Moran
U16 PLAYER RECOGNITION
Emma McVey
SENIOR LADIES AWARD
Sarah Hargan
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Jock Grogan has, for the last 28 years, been a member of the county executive committee — starting in 1998 as development officer and serving three periods as county chairman spanning over 10 years. When not in the chair, he’s worked as adviser and county representative at both Ulster and national level.
He’s also served two terms as Derry representative on the Ulster fixtures committee, a position he still holds today.
He managed the senior Ballinascreen ladies to the junior final in 2008, refereed for over 22 years, and officiated at many a county final.
But above all, Jock is the most enthusiastic supporter of every Derry team — from under-14s right through to seniors. If there’s a Derry side playing, you’ll find him pitch-side, giving vocal support all the way through. A true Derry man through and through.
LONG SERVICE AWARD
Mary Jo Boyle
As Derry ladies celebrates 30 years of ladies Gaelic football, it’s only fitting that we recognise someone who’s been there every step of the way.
Mary Jo — or MJ — has been involved in every one of those years as either a club player, county player, interprovincial player, club management, county management and, most recently, county chair.
Although hailing from The Loup, MJ joined her then local club Glen, where she won multiple county championship titles and two Ulster Intermediate titles, leading her club into an Intermediate All-Ireland final. She also represented Ulster at the inter-provincials, where she claimed player of the tournament — no small feat!
After retiring from playing, she stepped into county management and helped guide Derry to their first ever All-Ireland final in 2008. When she later moved to Lavey — with no ladies team at all — she didn’t give up; she built one from scratch.
Ladies football in Derry will always be in a better place because of her. MJ epitomises everything that’s great about this sport and is a truly deserving recipient of this award.
PICTURES BY DAVE MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Faye Callaghan, Derry LGFA U14 Player of the Year
Jessica Falls, Junior B Championship Player of the Year
Jessica Falls chats to MC Kim Kelly, Editor of Local Women magazine
Jock Grogan, Lifetime Achievement Award
Guests at the Ballyness event
