But it’s actually a ‘double top’ for the club as Head Groundsman, David McClure, has been announced as the 2010 winner of the IOG’s Northern Ireland Football Groundsman of the Year Award.
Along with the divisional winners and finalists, as premier League winner and overall winner David received his Award during the Irish Cup Final at Windsor Park, Belfast where David is the main man at aground that is also the venue for the Northern Ireland national team.
Championship Division One and Two awards went to Graham Davidson of Loughgall FC and Keith Berry from PSNI FC.
In these times of financial constraints, it was pleasing to note a general high level of pitch standards still being maintained throughout the senior divisions by groundstaff who, in the main, are volunteers.
The IOG is also delighted at the continued support of Clive Richardson Ltd, which again sponsored this year’s event. The company has been involved with Croke Park and, more recently, been a major influence in the construction of the new pitch at the Aviva Stadium. Clive’s organisation is generously providing the competition winners with a free verti-drain aeration operation.
The IOG also thanks Nick Gill from Horta Soils for his continued support, also Peter Bovard and Barry Strain for judging the finalists. The shortlist is derived from a season-long set of scores returned each week by the match referee, and with this in mind thanks also go to the IFA’s Craig Stanfield and the Referee’s Association.
Published: 22/11/2010
