McGrane proves a popular winner

Kells golfer Damien McGrane saw off strong opposition to win the Meath Chronicle / Cusack Hotels 2010 Sportsperson-of-the-Year award at Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim on Friday night. McGrane was one of 11 contenders for the coveted title, now in its fourth year and proved to be a popular winner when master of ceremonies Michéal †Muircheartaigh announced the result. Each of the monthly nominees received an award produced especially for the occasion by Beauparc woodturner Seamus Cassidy with a unique piece presented to the overall winner also. McGrane took the monthly accolade for October, but was unable to attend Friday night's function due to his participation in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. However, the Kells man was represented by his parents Ronnie and Attracta along with Gerry and Pauline McGrane. Gerry, his uncle and logistics co-ordinator, accepted the monthly award and the overall trophy on his behalf. “Damien is obviously disappointed that he can't be here for this big occasion, but I will be sending him a text now about this latest success,†Gerry McGrane told the master of ceremonies. “He is in action in Abu Dhabi at the moment, thankfully he made the cut again today and I know he would have enjoyed this occasion here tonight,†he added. McGrane earned his monthly nomination for October after a storming performance in the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama where he finished second to Graeme McDowell. The Kells golfer enjoyed a number of top 10 finished last year with the Australian Open in September, the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in August, the Nordea Scandinavian Masters in July and the Estoril Open de Portugal in June featuring among his best results. Next up for the globe-trekking Meath man is the Volvo Golf Champions at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain from Thursday of this week. Previous winners of the Meath Chronicle / Cusack Hotels annual award, now in its fourth year, include Gordon Elliott, the late Darren Sutherland and Johnny Murtagh who took the accolade 12 months ago. Murtagh was one of the contenders on Friday night following his marvellous year which produced a victory in the Irish Derby at The Curragh last June with the Aidan O'Brien-trained Cape Blanco. The Bohermeen man sustained a bad fall in the opening race at the Kildare track, but that didn't diminish his determination to win the big race on the flat calendar for a fourth time. Also in contention was cyclist Mark Cassidy who took the May accolade for his achievements in the FBD Insurance Rás which produced a stage win and he also managed a victory in the King of the Mountains category. Cian O'Connor's exploits at London Olympia where he enjoyed victories with Splendor and Umberto gave him the nod for December. There were two nominees from Moynalvey with Devin Toner and Liam Harnan as the winners for November and September respectively. Toner was represented by his parents Peter and Anne as he was playing for Leinster in Paris on Friday night. Harnan was interrogated by †Muircheartaigh along with Meath manager Seamus McEneaney and the duo agreed that winning the Sam Maguire Cup would be a nice addition to retaining the Leinster SFC Delaney Cup in 2011. Meath Co Committee chairman Barney Allen brought the Delaney Cup to the event and it was proudly displayed on the stage. Meath footballer Graham Reilly was the July winner as he helped Meath to that Leinster SFC final victory. John Floody's excellent year on the showjumping circuit with Larkhill Cruiser was rewarded with a nomination for April while Andrew Lynch's victories at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse during March 2010 gained recognition for the young Ashbourne jockey. Star of the Sea athlete Colin Costello took the laurels for February after a scintillating performance at the All-Ireland indoor 1500 metres and Navan boxer Christopher Blaney, a youth nominee 12 months ago, was the January contender. From January to December annually, a monthly winner was selected by the Meath Chronicle , but only 11 of the 12 nominees for 2010 were considered in the final selection process. Dunshaughlin-based racehorse trainer Edward Lynam, who was the August nominee following his success with Sole Power in the group one Nunthorpe Stakes at York, indicated that he was not prepared to let his name go forward and was withdrawn by permission of the stewards.