Darren strikes gold

Olympic bronze medal winner Darren Sutherland was on Monday night unveiled as the 2008 Meath Chronicle / Cusack Hotels sports personality-of-the-year at a packed invitation-only awards night at Knightsbrook Hotel. The second annual gala event, which last year saw 2007 Aintree Grand National-winning trainer Gordon Elliott scoop the inaugural award, was, once again, a hugely successful occasion. Although Sutherland was unable to attend the event, the award was accepted on his behalf by his father, Tony, who was accompanied by his wife Linda and daughter Nicole . Interviewed by master of ceremonies Micheal O Muircheartaigh, Tony Sutherland explained that he was delighted to accept the accolade on behalf of his son who was unable to attend due to his training schedule. 'Darren is training hard for his next fight which will take place in Manchester on Friday 6th March and his manager was unwilling to have his preparations interupted,' stated a proud father. 'I can understand that everyone is disappointed that he"s not here to accept the award, but it"s a great honour for him and for our family. 'This award means so much to all of us and I know that Darren will be waiting for news from me about the outcome because he was genuinely disappointed that ha had to miss this event,' he added. Darren Sutherland won his bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics last August. he had qualified for the semi-finals with victories over Alfonso Blanco Porro from Venezuela and Kassel Nabil from Algeria, but he was out of luck when he came up against James Degale (Britain). He received a tremendous reception when he returned to Navan after the Olympic Games and he attended the function at Knightsbrook to receive the monthly award. 'Darren"s next goal is to win a world title, hopefully he will achieve that and he might get another chance to win this award again, he would have loved to have made it here tonight,' concluded his father. The awards were expanded this year to include an 'outstanding achievement" category which was voted on by Meath Chronicle readers with Castletown horse trainer Noel Meade flashing past the post in first place ahead of Gary Rogers, Colm Gilcreest, Brian Carroll and Tom Sheridan, Navan O"Mahonys and Meath camogie team. 'I"m thrilled to have won this award, it"s great to be honoured for your achievements by your own,' stated Meade. Former Meath manager Sean Boylan was inducted into the Hall of Fame. 'I wasn"t expecting this, but I"m delighted to be the first recipient of this honour,' Boylan commented.