CALLUM McIlwaine and Iarlaith Donaghy were last night announced as the Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Players of the Year following an online vote facilitated by The Irish News.
Callum, a student at St Killian's College, Garron Tower , was the recipient of the season's first Hurler of the Month award back in October following three impressive displays in the Danske Bank MacNamee Cup.
The diminutive midfield dynamo had played centre half-forward in winning the 2018 MacNamee title and he then captained the squad that narrowly lost the final last Hallowe'en to neighbours Cross and Passion, Ballycastle.
The Oisin's (Glenariffe) club player displayed excellent leadership qualities allied with a huge work rate that saw him cover every blade of grass, sweeping balls in the backline, fielding poc-outs, winning breaking ball, and having the engine to drive forward to pick off key scores as well. Callum scored 1-8 in the three games during October and almost single-handedly kept St Killian's in with a chance of winning the final against Cross and Passion who were a stronger overall team.
By contrast, footballer of the year Iarlaith Donaghy picked up his monthly award for February, the last award given before the shutdown, after being a key member of the St Pius X, Magherafelt team that reached their first Danske Bank MacLarnon Cup final in 11 years.
Like Callum, Iarlaith captained his team and he turned in Player of the Match performances from centre-half back in both the quarter-final against St Columb's, Derry and then the semi-final against Loreto College, Milford a fortnight later.
In both games he organised his defence brilliantly and drove forward to set up scores for the attack, even taking a point against St Columb's.
This is the Lissan club player's fourth season in MacLarnon Cup panels for St Pius X and he takes a leadership role even at training sessions when he regularly takes the warm-ups allowing the mentors time to set up their drills.
Players are initially nominated by the coach of opposing teams for a monthly award and this year's five monthly award winners then went against each other in an online poll run over the past couple of weeks by the Irish News.
All 10 Monthly Award winners had shown tremendous leadership qualities to gain their awards and Callum and Iarlaith then topped the voting for their codes.
Oonagh Murtagh, Head of South Business Centre at Danske Bank, said: "I'm delighted to announce the 2020 Players of the Year, Callum and Iarlaith – an achievement that should be cherished as they grow and develop in their sporting fields.
"The Player of the Month, and overall Player of the Year, initiative is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the incredible skill across the province and across all age groups of players. The high standards of all nominees this year has blown me away – any one of the nominees would have been a worthy overall winner. It's great to be able to recognise the effort and skill of all of these players, as well as the dedication shown by their coaches, families, clubs and teammates. Congratulations to you all."
John Brolly, Irish News Marketing Manager commented: "Congratulations to both Callum & Iarlaith on becoming Danske Banke & Irish News Ulster Schools hurling & footballer of the year. It was a hotly contested competition with a very significant level of votes making it very tight right up to the very end.
"The Irish News were delighted to be a partner with Danske Bank & Ulster Schools on such an exciting and engaging initiative. I would also like to acknowledge every player that has pulled on a jersey to represent their school across all competitions as the most important thing is that we take part."
Hurling winner:
Name: Callum McIlwaine
Club: Oisin CLG, Glenariffe
School: St Killian's, Garron Tower
Football winner:
Name: Iarlaith Donaghy
Club: St Michael's GAC, Lissan
School:St Pius X, Magherafelt
